We couldn’t agree more when Benz of Hot City describes the duo’s eventual collaboration as “the Hot City vibe.” Few artists ever define a unique sound, much less one that lasts, but so far Hot City is winning on both fronts; expertly treading rave/house lines that supply just the right amount of dancefloor cheese. Check out this short interview they did with Converse about how they met and their upcoming work with New Order’s Bernard Sumner.

Back in August we tipped you on an Andy Butler project with San Francisco’s Jason Kendig (a.k.a. DJ Kendig of Honey Soundystem), and now we have the latest from Butler and Hercules & Love Affair bandmate Kim Ann Foxman. Butler’s label, MR. INTL, will release the tracks “Creature” and “What You Need” on Beatport November 1, but you can preview the release right now. Each track highlights both Foxman’s and Butler’s rigorous attention to the sonic emulation of house music’s golden age with lush production and seductive vocals from Foxman. The release will also feature remixes from Chicago mainstay James Curd and UK band Faze Action. Check the Soundcloud player below to listen.

A man who has been described as “the most exquisite vocalist in reggae,” Jamaican-born Gregory “Cool Ruler” Isaacs passed away today in London after a year-long battle with lung cancer. The 59-year-old singer left behind a legacy of pioneering hit songs from the ’70s and ’80s, music which was noted for its early infusion of traditional reggae with dancehall. Isaacs continued writing and releasing music well into his later years, and created an astonishing discography of over 500 records bearing his name, many of which were original studio albums. Christopher Chin, the CEO of his longstanding label, VP Records, says of the legendary artist, “He devoted his entire life to music and his memory will forever live on with us—through his music and the legacy he leaves behind.” Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

After days, weeks, months, years (!) of ongoing hullabaloo, Bryant Rutledge and Antaeus Roy (a.k.a. Low Limit and Lando Kal, respectively, Lazer Sword, collectively) have finally finished their debut opus, a 15-song full-length LP entitled Lazer Sword. That record will be available in digital and physical formats on November 2 via Innovative Leisure, but right now, you can stream the whole thing over on FACT. So, head over here, and treat your ears to a taste of futuristic hip-hop infused with bass-heavy dance beats, spacey soundscapes, and vocal contributions from lyrical luminaries like Turf Talk and M. Sayyid.