Monkey Shoulder Celebrates

A party in the Bronx on August 11th, 1973 is widely considered to be the birthplace of Hip-Hop. The genre has since touched every corner of our world and evolved into one of the most significant cultural forces today.

Monkey Shoulder has been mixing it up with Hip-Hop legends such as Jazzy Jeff, Skitz, Nu Mark, Craze, Mr Thing & DJ Turne over the years, so naturally we want to support this epic celebration in Monkey Shoulder style by bringing 4 incredible livestream mixes throughout the month of August.

For the past two decades, Skratch Bastid has been rocking parties and wowing crowds all over the globe, becoming one of the world's best-known and most-loved DJs.

Known for his electric stage presence, technical prowess and versatile selections that span the complete musical spectrum—from hip-hop to house, disco to dancehall, reggae to funk and back again — Bastid is a true crowd favourite with an unrivaled ability to create unforgettable moments with music.

“Celebrating an artform that changed my life is an easy thing to do when you live it everyday. Hip-hop was birthed out of DJs re-purposing grooves, extending them and rearranging them manually, creating something new.

This approach is something I carry into all of my sets, but this year it feels a little more appropriate to represent the DJ's side of the culture. It started with the DJ, and it's up to me and my colleagues to continue to be creative and represent that live remixing culture that has changed the world.

Cheers to 50, and to many more.” - Skratch Bastid

DJ SARAH LOVE has performed worldwide as a solo artist in over 30 countries across five continents at world famous clubs, festivals, arenas and on radio in a career spanning over 20 years. She has shared stages with DJ icons such as Grandmaster Flash and Jazzy Jeff, and supported music stars including, Mary J Blige, Wu-Tang Clan and The Roots.

Sarah is the only female in the history of the MOBO Awards to be nominated 'BEST DJ' — a recognition she has received twice.

She was headhunted by BBC Radio to present the 'Friday Night Hip Hop Mix Show' and their 'Weekend Wake-Up Show', where she received global prestige as one of the few female specialists in radio worldwide at the time, and the first woman to have a nationwide broadcast Hip Hop show in the UK. Sarah has interviewed the biggest names in Hip Hop.

From Waka Flocka Flame right through to DJ Premier. While living in New York she co-hosted NYC's 'Squeeze Radio Show' on WKCR — formerly known as the legendary 'Stretch & Bobbito Show'. She's also co-hosted the 'Triple J Hip Hop show with Maya Jupiter' on Australia's national broadcaster, ABC.

MTV Europe appointed Sarah their official female VJ for the MTV Base Network, broadcasting to over 60 countries and she helped launch MTV Africa.

“They never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far! I'm so proud of Hip Hop and honoured to be part of our worldwide community!

It blows my mind how much of Hip Hop culture was created literally by children, to reaching 50 years of influencing global culture, truly representing the people with constant elevation and innovation. I love Hip Hop.” - DJ SARAH LOVE

The rise and rise of Jaguar Skills has been well documented. Honing his craft and love of music for the last 20 years Jag has remained true to his school and kept a mysterious edge to his character; with details of his real name, age and home town etc..

“I don't think anyone thought, when hip-hop began, that it would be around 50 years later. But here it is.

It's mainstream and powerful. It was the music that changed the course of my life, and I still keep the DIY ethos of Hip-Hop close to my heart.

Taking something and rearranging it, to make something new, is what Hip-Hop, to me, was all about.” - Jaguar Skills

DJ Nu-Mark ignited his career as a member and producer of the legendary Hip-Hop group Jurassic 5 while simultaneously releasing Kanye West's debut production on Correct Records.

Solo acclaim occurred for Nu with the drop of his celebrated Blend Crafters EP which featured his timeless cover of John Lennon's “Imagine” and featured production for MF Doom. Nu-Mark has also judged numerous DJ competitions including Red Bull Music Thre3style with Jazzy Jeff, DJ Craze and Skratch Bastid.

Hot Plate Records is Nu's label where he has released production collaborations, including his Run For Cover LP in 2021 featuring Full Crate, Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, Jungle Fire, The Traffic and more. Some of his artist collaborations include; Aloe Blacc, DJ Shadow, Charles Bradley, Quantic, Del The Funky Homosapien, Diamond D, Murs and Slimkid3 (Pharcyde).

Many people know Nu-Mark from his “Zodiac Tracks” social media series pays homage to pivotal artists by mixing them in their respective astrological sign. After millions of views, Nu teamed up with Method Man (Wu-Tang Clan) on an exclusive song called “Zodiac Killah”. Nu is a natural selector and selective on where he performs. This is an event worth witnessing!

“All I ever wanted to be is as good as Mix Master Ice from U.T.F.O. He was the DJ and they were the group that made me practice long hours in my bedroom hoping that one day I could build the confidence to be a fluent and respected artist.

All I ever wanted was to contribute to the strongest genre ever. I call Hip-Hop the strongest genre because it incorporates all genres using the infinite instrument, the turntable.

Here's to 50 years of Hip-Hop!” - DJ Nu-Mark aka Uncle Nu

We go way back - Just like old friends, we click every time we come together. Having worked with great DJs and producers over the last 10 years, we've firmly established ourselves in the mix.

In May 2020, we set ourselves up on Mixcloud (aka #MonkeyMixes) and have since been working with many friends, DJs and producers to compile a collection of exclusive mixes for the world to enjoy.

This allowed Monkey Shoulder to support artists who experienced gig cancelations & empty calendars, as well as providing a platform to promote emerging talent. Since our launch our listeners have been tuning in from 109+ countries & clocking up over 33 years of continuous play.

There's no doubt we'll continue to bring great music, great drinks and great people together and to always Make It Monkey.

Monkey Shoulder was originally created to make perfect whisky cocktails and has been getting in the mix ever since.

Get a lovely whiff of zesty orange, vanilla, honey and spiced oak before tasting mellow vanilla with spicy hints as you enjoy a cheeky sip. Never one to stay quiet at a party, the smooth, malty and fruity character is bold enough to stand out in a drink, but balanced enough not to take it over.

“Richness and vibrancy combine with fruity aromas and mellow vanilla notes, making it perfect for mixing”