Buy DJ Rap’s New CD and Enter to Win M-Audio Gear

Charissa Saverio, also known as DJ Rap, has been the undisputed queen of the hardcore and drum and bass turntables for the last eight years. A label owner, producer, recording artist and world-renowned DJ, East London's DJ Rap stands alongside the likes of DJs Hype, Grooverider and LTJ Bukem as one of the few—and only female—pioneers of drum and bass.

Her new release, “Touching Bass,” is a special 2-CD mix compilation. The “drum & bass” disc includes cuts by Uberzone, Bushwacka, and Dylan Rhymes, while “breaks” features Priza f/Demolition Man, Danny C, and many more. The discs also include a demo version of Ableton Live, the revolutionary remixing software program that enables you to create your own grooves.

Purchasing the CD also gives you the chance to win some of the M-Audio gear DJ Rap uses to create her furious breakbeats and signature melodies. The Grand Prize Winner will receive an Oxygen8 USB keyboard/controller signed and customized by DJ Rap, Live 2.0 sequencing software, ArKaos VJ 2.2 video synthesizer software, M-Audio’s Studio Pack professional gear bag, three ProSessions Sound and Loop Library CDs, and an autographed DJ Rap poster. The four runners-up will receive M-Audio’s Sonica USB audio interface, Studio Pack gear bag, and a signed DJ Rap poster.

DJ Rap got her start in 1990, after putting together her debut single entitled “Ambience: The Adored” with producer Jeff B. The combination of a guerilla campaign at pirate radio and the support of legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold in Ibiza helped the record break the national chart in the UK with sales exceeding 40,000 copies. Two more successful singles followed.

Around the same time, her urge to DJ began to take shape. After cutting her teeth at Rave FM, she graduated to a regular slot at Fantasy—widely regarded as London's leading house and techno pirate station at the time. After snagging increasingly high profile gigs, she returned to the producer’s chair. Successful early collaborations precipitated her decision to produce, engineer and release her own material. In 1994, DJ Rap established her own label, Proper Talent.

The breadth of her projects with Proper Talent paved the way for a major record deal. She signed with Sony's Higher Ground imprint in 1997, also home to Leftfield and Grooverider. “Learning Curve,” her self-penned and produced debut for Sony, was released to widespread critical acclaim in 1998, fusing pop sensibilities with an underground production ethic. “Touching Bass” is her first full-length album since “Learning Curve,” and is a Surge! Recordings release.

In addition to the Oxygen8, DJ Rap also uses Propellerhead Reason, M-Audio’s Duo audio interface, Studiophile SP-5B studio monitors, and SP-8S subwoofer.

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