The Records I Couldn’t Let Go #8 – Black Magic – Freedom (Make It Funky)

A vinyl disc floats in the darkness, quietly beginning to spin, gently vibrating the air. The stylus traces a path, transforming into a constellation of sound that expands throughout the room, creating a universe just for me. Yet, that scene has now faded into the depths of memory.

Among the thousands of records I have collected, some remain, echoing eternally. Tonight, I want to share one special record with you.

1. Resonance and Form—The Texture of Sound in This Record
The breath of an era told through its jacket, the tactile sensation of the grooves etched into the vinyl, and the world that unfolds the moment the needle drops. I will explore the beauty and resonance of this record in depth.

2. The Coordinates of Memory—The Intersection Between This Record and Me
When, where, and how did I first encounter this record? And why could I never bring myself to part with it? Beyond my personal experience, I will reflect on the magnetic pull that music exerts over memory.

3. The Context of Sound—How This Record Lives Within a DJ Set
At what moment should this record be played within a mix? How does it resonate with the temperature of the dance floor and intertwine with other tracks to create new narratives?

Resonance and Form—The Texture of Sound in This Record

■Sound

I want to focus on “Color 1-On And On Strong Vocal Mix,” a version that holds a special place in my heart.

In 1996, when house music was dominating dance floors and club culture was at its peak, Black Magic – Freedom (Make It Funky) was released. This track was introduced through Strictly Rhythm, a prestigious New York label that shaped the golden era of house music, and it brought fresh energy to the scene at the time.

The minimalist design of the record jacket is striking. Its simplicity is a direct reflection of the era’s aesthetic. As soon as the needle drops, a 13-minute and 35-second journey begins. The record is defined by its deep, groovy bassline, its funky yet refined rhythm section, and the powerful chorus exclaiming “Freedom!”, which envelops the entire dancefloor. The muted trumpet phrases add a distinctive richness to the track, captivating the listener.

This masterpiece was produced by house music pioneers Lil’ Louis and Louie Vega. While Lil’ Louis is widely known for genre-defining tracks like “French Kiss” and “The Original Video Clash,” “Freedom (Make It Funky)” highlights his ability to seamlessly incorporate elements of soul and funk, showcasing his musical versatility. His dynamic range as an artist continues to inspire DJs and listeners alike.

Decades after its release, this record remains beloved by house music fans and DJs alike. The reason? The timeless groove and undeniable quality of its production.

The Coordinates of Memory—The Intersection Between This Record and Me

I first purchased this record when I had just started my journey as a house DJ.

I knew I loved music, but at the time, I had very little knowledge of house music. Still, something about this track made me instinctively feel “this is amazing.” That intuition remains unchanged to this day.

Even by today’s standards, the bassline is outstanding. While the mix slightly suppresses the low frequencies by modern standards, it still functions perfectly as deep house—it’s groovy yet showcases an expressive bass performance that adds a unique charm.

Back then, countless tracks tried to capture the atmosphere of this song, and I bought many of them. Yet, most of those records have since been let go. Only this one remains.

One particularly memorable moment was when I recorded a DJ mix featuring this track on MD (MiniDisc) and took it with me to an office in Nakameguro.

It was the early 2000s. I was still a student with no DJ career to speak of and had no opportunities to play in clubs. However, I decided to take the initiative and personally deliver my mix to the organizer of a major club circuit event.

I can barely remember what other tracks were on that MD, but “Freedom” remains unforgettable.

Looking back, that encounter led to a long-lasting connection with the organizer, one that continues to this day. Life is full of surprises.

When it comes to Lil’ Louis,

■ The Original Video Clash

■ French Kiss

these iconic, groundbreaking tracks are probably what first come to mind—and I absolutely love them. However, what truly impresses me about Freedom is how it leans more towards pop music while still functioning as a house track deeply rooted in the spirit of soul and funk.

I’ve always been drawn to the dynamic range of his music, and over time, I, too, have aspired to become an artist and individual capable of expressing such a wide spectrum of sound and emotion.

The Context of Sound—How This Record Lives Within a DJ Set

I first included this track in a DJ mix over 20 years ago. Most of that setlist is lost to time, but this record has never faded from my memory.

You can immerse yourself in the “Freedom!” chorus for its full length or carefully match its key to transition smoothly into the next track. Alternatively, throw in a completely different key and create a bold contrast.

For a Strictly Rhythm-inspired mix, pairing it with

Hardrive – Deep Inside (Low Steppa Remix)
delivers a **deep yet electrifying groove.**
Alternatively, contrasting this track with a bass-light composition like

Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey
allows you to **shape the groove dynamically.**
To fully emphasize “Freedom”‘s emotional impact, you could insert a kick-free track like

Osunlade – Envision (Ame Acoustic Remix)

before transitioning into a heavy-hitting house track, creating a dramatic build-up.

More than 20 years ago, as a student, I entrusted my future to this record. Even today, it remains a dancefloor essential.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading until the end.

In your life, too, there may be sounds you can never let go of—
timeless melodies that shine vividly within the depths of memory, like stars in the night sky.

May those eternal echoes gently illuminate your tomorrow.

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