MUSIC: Chuka's Choons 

 

Music has always been a big part of my life.  My late father was obsessed with it, particularly funk and jazz, and I have inherited his obsession.  I have gone through various phases when the obsession focussed on a particular genre: ‘R n’B’ in my early secondary school years; moving on to ‘ragga’ (a form of reggae with a harder edge); through to ‘jungle’ (which morphed into ‘drum and bass’ in later years); and then on to ‘US house’ and ‘UK garage’ at university.  I acquired some decks, a mixer and an amp at uni and started to play out at parties there. I still do very, very occasionally.  I also wrote on occasion for the now defunct music magazine Touch whilst a student. Today, music is still as important to me as ever.
 
Funky President – James Brown
A James Brown classic – funky but politically aware, too.

Funkin’ for Jamaica – Tom Browne
If you play this track at a party, the dance floor will be jumping regardless of the generation of people shaking a leg: it’s so upbeat and feel-good.
 
I Feel For You – Chaka Khan
For a period when we were little, my sister and I used to watch the video of a Chaka Khan live concert my Dad had bought whilst we waited for our parents to wake up on a Saturday morning – and we’ve been fans of her ever since.  Incidentally, when people (usually Southerners) mispronounce my first name, they call me Chaka. (It’s Chuka!)

Find a Way – Tribe Called Quest
Like so many who grew up in my area, I listened to gangsta rap, though I would never condone the lyrics.  Groups like TCQ have always offered something different: intelligent rap that does not rely on misogyny, swearing and bling to make a point.

Me Myself and I – De La Soul
These guys were revolutionary, and were criticised because they refused to follow the gangsta rap play book (much like TCQ).  They fused poetry, quirky lines, jazz and natty samples throughout their music.  They now have a cult following as a result – and it’s richly deserved!
 
Good Life – Inner City
Even if this group have US roots, their sound encapsulates what London is all about for me: a fusion of cultures.  I loved the video for this 1988 track: it was so budget, but so classy too: the main vocalist was followed round the streets of our great capital city, singing as she went.  Awesome.

Too Young To Die – Jamiroquai (Grant Nelson Remix)
When I play out, if the dance floor is not really up to much, I drop this remix and everyone starts to party. I got to know Grant Nelson back in the late 1990s and very briefly met Jamiroquai around the same period. The pairing led to a smashing dance floor tune.

To Be in Love – Masters at Work feat. India
This is my favourite US house track of all time.  Little Louie Vega and Kenny Dope Gonzalez who make up the DJ / producer duo ‘Masters At Work’ have knocked out tune after tune over the years and I’ve heard them play in Miami, Ibiza and London – and they never disappoint.

Too Late – MJ Cole feat. Carroll Thompson
The UK garage scene killed itself in the early Noughties because it allowed MCs to take over, which produced a more aggressive, less melodic sound and violence on the dance floor. Most of us who were there at the start of the UK garage scene in the mid-1990s (when it was frequented by a mature, happy, party crowd) have moved onto funky house nowadays. This MJ Cole track encapsulates the best of the scene from that happier time.

Beautiful Day – U2
A slightly oddball track given the rest of my playlist but I have always had a soft spot for it: it’s inspiring and uplifting. Best played on a Monday morning when you are maybe not so keen to head off to work: listen to this and you’ll have a spring in your step.  It’s also kinda handy when you’ve just won your seat – it reflects the way you feel perfectly!

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You can download the mixtape HERE
 
Chuka Umunna is the Member of Parliament for Streatham and Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ed Miliband.

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