‘Work’ gets a make over after 20 years

House icons Masters At Work dropped something special with 2001’s ‘WORK’, an unforgettable mix of boisterous soca rhythms, full-force house energy and a swaggering, sassy topline courtesy of Denise Belfon. Over twenty years later and this classic soca anthem is taking over dancefloors in 2023 with a fresh version of the track from Kevin McKay, the producer/DJ behind ‘Gimme Gimme’ and a reimagined take on Missy Elliott’s ‘Work It’ which hit #1 at Beatport in 2021. Listen HERE.

‘WORK’ is already making a phenomenal impact, having so far peaked at #2 on Beatport’s all-genre chart. It’s only been stopped by ‘Rumble’, the latest smash from Fred again.. – a big result for an underdog track released on Kevin McKay’s own Glasgow Underground label. Nonetheless, it hit #1 on the the Tech House chart at both Beatport and Traxsource, aided by support from big hitters such as Fatboy Slim, John Summit, Bob Sinclar, David Guetta, Mau P, TSHA, Oliver Heldens andDom Dolla, and airplay at Radio 1 (Danny Howard), 1Xtra (Jeremiah), KISS (DJ S.K.T), Apple Music 1 (NAINA), plus recent playlist adds to Capital Dance and Kiss Dance.

Taking inspiration from classic rhythm bangers like ‘Jingo’ and ‘Give It Up’ by The Goodmen, Kevin created a monster rhythm for Denise Belfon’s original ‘WORK’ vocal, creating an irresistible heavyweight club anthem. The idea emerged earlier this year when Kevin McKay and Armând were playing at Night Tales in Hackney. Armand mixed the ‘WORK’ a cappellawith a pulsating house cut and the dancefloor erupted.  Inspired by the reaction, Kevin made his own edit and, after months of searching for who owned the track’s rights, tracked down its producer and co-writer Pupa Nas T (real name Anasta Hackett). He immediately admired how Kevin had given ‘WORK’ an invigorating new lease of life.