MN2S is not just a booking agency. Starting in 1999, Dave Elkabas, Sharron Elkabas and Tim Burnett set up their own label Milk n 2 Sugars Recordings, kicking off a house music phenomenon that would see the release of over 150 records from a who’s-who of dance music’s finest. DJ Spen, Robert Owens, Jon Cutler, Groove Assassin, Soul Central, Hardsoul… the list goes on. In 2013, MN2S Recordings evolved into a label services business offering its expertise, experience and industry contacts to similarly innovative labels across the dance music scene.
The passion that powered MN2S Recordings has helped us develop our label services and management division into a label group that now comprises over 250 imprints. Here’s a selection of five classic releases that defined the MN2S sound.
MN2S – Things We Used To Do
Here it is, the track that kicked it all off: MN2S001. Filter sweeps, uplifting strings, and a powerful, driving 4/4 beat – this one has it all. A huge seller, ‘Things We Used To Do’ was licensed thirteen times, announcing the arrival of a dominant force on the house music scene.
DJ Spen & Robert Owens – A Greater Love
Soulful, smooth, seductive… it’s ‘A Greater Love’. This revitalising piece of dancefloor devotion features the vocal talents of revered house vocalists Robert Owens and Vanessa Freeman, with keyboard contributions from Mike Patto and slick production from long-time MN2S affiliate DJ Spen.
Jon Cutler – Runnin’
This was part of a three-single deal made with veteran producer Jon Cutler. It was the first time that MN2S chose to make a hit rather than just sign and release tracks that had already been made: we invited Jon into the studio with a conga player and some incredible vocalists, and out of these sessions came three massive stompers that were seriously popular. The biggest of the three was ‘Runnin’’, with Pete Simpson on vocal duties.
Rick Wade – Jazzometry
Deep house titan Rick Wade is a Detroit legend, spending two decades turning out eclectic grooves that use minimal elements to maximum effect. This immersive cut, one of the final releases on MN2S Recordings, showcases a deeper and darker side to the label’s sound.
Timmy Vegas, The Universe Band, Jennifer Wallace, DJ Spen, Grant Nelson – Can’t Make It Thru Another Day
“Fantastic!” – Frankie Knuckles. “Brilliant!” – Louie Vega. “Great soulful house!” – Danny Rampling. Trust those in the know. This instant summer anthem stormed clubs across the dance music world on it’s release in 2009. With impeccable production from Soul Central house connoisseur Timmy Vegas, instrumental contributions from the Universe Band and the ecstatic vocals of gospel talent Jennifer Wallace, “Can’t Make It Thru Another Day” became a firm favourite with house DJs of the highest calibre.