Expansion Records

If you are building a collection of Modern Soul and Jazz-Funk, EX7029 is a cornerstone release. Keni Burke is one of the most respected musicians in the industry—originally a member of The Five Stairsteps ("O-o-h Child"), he evolved into a premier bassist and solo artist who defined the "sophisticated groove" of the early 1980s. This 2018 Expansion release captures Keni at his peak, pairing two tracks that are absolute "royalty" on the UK soul scene. The Product: Keni Burke – Risin’ To The Top / Keep On Singing Label: Expansion / RCA Format: 7" Vinyl Single (45 RPM) Catalog Number: EX7029 Release Year: 2018 Side A: Risin’ To The Top Arguably one of the most iconic basslines in the history of music. Taken from his 1982 album Changes, this track is a masterclass in laid-back, mid-tempo soul. Keni’s smooth-as-silk vocals and that hypnotic, bubbling bassline created a "vibe" that has never been duplicated. It is the ultimate "Two-Step" anthem. Side B: Keep On Singing A faster, more rhythmic soul dancer. While the A-side gets the glory, "Keep On Singing" showcases Keni’s ability to combine high-level musicianship with a catchy, uplifting hook. It is a favorite for DJs looking to lift the energy of a set while maintaining a sophisticated atmosphere. Fascinating Collector’s Facts & Figures 1. The "Most Sampled" Bassline "Risin’ To The Top" is a cornerstone of Hip-Hop and R&B history. The Figure: It has been sampled by over 100 artists, most notably by The Notorious B.I.G. ("Love No Ho"), Mary J. Blige ("Love No Limit"), and Pete Rock & CL Smooth ("Take You There"). The Impact: Because of its sampling history, original 1982 pressings were often heavily used and worn out by Hip-Hop DJs. EX7029 provides a pristine, audiophile-grade 45 for collectors who want the clean, original sound. 2. The 36-Year Wait for a 7-Inch While "Risin’ To The Top" was a massive club hit, it was strangely never given a widespread commercial 7-inch release in the UK in 1982. The Scarcity: Most DJs had to play it from the Changes LP or the 12-inch. Expansion’s release marked one of the first times this track was available on a high-fidelity, standalone 7-inch single with the original RCA aesthetic. 3. The "Bass-Player's Soul" Keni Burke wasn't just a singer; he was a first-call session bassist for everyone from Sly & The Family Stone to Curtis Mayfield. The Detail: You can hear the "musician's musician" touch in the production of EX7029. The separation of instruments and the clarity of the rhythm section are hallmarks of Keni’s self-produced work. 4. The RCA "Black Label" Expansion took great care to recreate the RCA Victor look for this release. The Detail: The record features the iconic "Nipper the Dog" logo and the silver-on-black text design characteristic of early 80s RCA pressings. Technical Specs for Collectors Mastering: Expansion utilized the original RCA/Sony masters. The 45 RPM cut is noted for its "warmth"—the bass frequencies on "Risin’ To The Top" are incredibly deep and clear, avoiding the "muddy" sound found on many bootlegs. Tempo: Side A sits at roughly 94 BPM, the "Gold Standard" for the UK's Two-Step dance culture. Collector's Tip: "Risin’ To The Top" is a perfect "bridge" record. It sits comfortably between late 70s Disco and mid 80s R&B. If you are playing a set that includes The Jones Girls or The Gap Band, this record is your secret weapon for maintaining a perfect floor.