A Deep Dive into Jersey Club’s Roots with UNIIQU3
Echoing through the hits of Lil Uzi Vert, Drake and Bad Bunny, there’s a striking sound breathing life into the charts born from the Producers and DJs of Newark. This beat is Jersey Club, a genre that exploded from the local underground party scene into a global phenomenon. Its fast-paced, bounce-infused beats are a testament to the city’s vibrant energy and innovative Producers and DJs who remix mainstream hits with hyper-energetic bass and breakneck transitions.
In the second episode of Serato’s Hometown Sounds, we dive into the world of Jersey Club, guided by one of the genre’s stars UNIIQU3. This instalment is a journey back to the origins of this spirited music style. Through a deep dive of UNIIQU3’s creative process, we witness the transformation of Rah Digga’s 2003 club hit “Party & Bullshit 2003” – produced by Just Blaze – into a track that pulsates with the distinct flavor of Jersey Club, thanks to the innovative capabilities of Serato Sample.
Global Stages, Local Roots: UNIIQU3’S Story
Known for her fierce and innovative style, UNIIQU3 is a Producer/DJ, and Artist who has tapped the raw, kinetic energy of Newark’s underground music scene and catapulted it onto the global stage. Her tracks are infectious, characterized by rapid tempos, heart-pounding bass, and a clever use of samples that transform familiar tunes into dance floor anthems.
UNIIQU3’s story unfolds with her rich narration and is complemented by flowing, dynamic visuals that trace her evolution from a classical ballet dancer at Garden State Ballet School in Newark to a seminal figure in the Jersey Club movement. The episode features key figures in the scene, including DJ Tameil from the Brick Bandits, DJ Taj, DJ Jayhood as well as music legends Rah Digga, and Just Blaze. Their insights and stories weave a narrative of Jersey Club’s evolution and profound influence, illustrating the genre’s rise from New Jersey’s streets to global prominence.
UNIIQU3 & Rah Digga: Sampling Classics with Serato Sample
Central to this narrative is Serato Sample, a tool that revolutionizes the traditional sampling process. This episode highlights how UNIIQU3 uses Sample to isolate stems from Rah Digga’s track, shaping them into a powerful homage to her musical roots and Jersey Club’s unmistakable beats. The technical process is visual and intimate, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how contemporary Jersey Club tracks are crafted, from stem isolation to melody composition. In Manhattan’s esteemed Cutting Room Studios, UNIIQU3 and Rah Digga vibe to her new interpretation “Party & Bullshit 2003” using Serato Stems in real-time. She expertly manipulates the tracks, crafting a fresh Jersey Club beat that has both Jersey natives connecting in a moment that’s as touching as it is iconic.
The climax of the episode is a live performance at a PBNJ event where UNIIQU3 unveils her new song, connecting her past with her current influence on the Jersey Club scene. This moment not only celebrates her artistic journey, but also highlights the game changing power of Serato Sample.
For the Culture
Hometown Sounds transcends the typical music documentary by exploring the cultural landscapes that birth and sustain niche genres like Jersey Club. Places like Newark aren’t just backdrops for music videos; they are living, breathing sources of inspiration that resonate in every beat of Jersey Club music. Through UNIIQU3’s story and the contributions of the scene’s pioneers, the latest episode paints a vivid picture of a genre that permeates everyday life in Newark and beyond, embodying a culture that pulses in the most unexpected places.
This episode is a testament to the power of heritage and innovation in music production, spotlighting how tools like Serato Sample are not only driving the sounds we dance to, but are preserving the soul of music scenes as vibrant and enduring as Jersey Club.
Inspired by what you saw in Hometown Sounds? Master the art of sampling with Serato Sample.