VARIOUS — Back To The Old Scool Part III

Various – Back To The Old Scool Part III opens the Z Records 12-inch vinyl series with four fresh disco-rap reinterpretations that lean into the label’s celebration of vintage dancefloor energy. Catalogued as ZEDD12428 and arriving on 12 October 2026, the record continues the “Back To The Old School” saga, following Part II (ZEDD12413) and promising the same blend of uptempo disco grooves and early-80s hip-hop swagger. Within Z Records’ 2026 output, this EP sits after the “Mixed To The Maxxx” parts one and two (ZEDDLP064, ZEDDLP064X) and the deep-house compilation “The Garage Sound Of Deepest Crouch End” (ZEDD12423). The label’s recent focus on re-imagined classics makes this release a natural companion to those projects, extending the label’s dialogue between past and present dance music. Side A launches with Eddie Cheeba’s “Lookin’ Good (Smelling Great mix)”. The track’s uptempo disco feel, driven by a bright clav stab and a jabbing synth line, creates a vibrant entry point that balances rap verses with sung hooks, setting a lively tone for the set. The second cut, B-Boys’ “Rock The House (Magic Funk mix)”, drops a breakbeat foundation beneath one of the most infectious basslines in the catalogue, delivering a groove that feels both nostalgic and forward-moving. Flipping the record, B-Boys return with the “Roller Rink mix” of “Rock The House”. This mid-tempo version reinterprets a beloved 90s R&B jam, offering a smoother floor-filler that contrasts the high-energy A-side while maintaining the original’s melodic charm. The final cut, Maximus Three’s “Maximus Party (Maximus Boogie mix)”, leans heavily into classic disco-rap aesthetics, pairing a fat “Good Times”-style bass with synth textures that sit under the confident raps of TJ Swann and Pee Wee Mel, rounding out the EP with a full-bodied party anthem. In the context of the series, Part III deepens the label’s exploration of disco-rap, a niche that has resurfaced in contemporary underground sets. While the earlier “Back To The Old School” installments introduced the concept, this third volume refines the formula, showcasing how remixers like Dave “Love” Lee can translate vintage material into club-ready statements. For DJs, the record offers clear utility: the A-side tracks provide high-energy openers or peak-time lifts, while the B-side “Roller Rink mix” works as a transitional piece for late-night grooves. The “Maximus Boogie mix” supplies a solid closing vibe, its thick bass and rap interplay ideal for winding down a set with a nod to retro party culture. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive curation of four distinct remixes that together map a small but potent slice of disco-rap history. The release is pressed on a standard 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of the earlier parts of the series and the label’s other 2026 offerings. Various – Back To The Old Scool Part III, Z Records, catalog ZEDD12428, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Eddie Cheeba – Lookin' Good (Smelling Great mix) A2. B-Boys – Rock The House (Magic Funk mix) B1. B-Boys – Rock The House (Roller Rink mix) B2. Maximus Three – Maximus Party (Maximus Boogie mix)