The first person to encourage me to learn how to DJ was my friend in college, Jamie Hodge.  He recorded under the alias Born Under A Rhyming Planet (B.U.A.R.P.) on Plus 8, but he was just as into rare funk and soul 45s and hip-hop 12s.  Jamie also taught me the basics of music production and sampling, and I helped out on this record a little when he was writing it:

Sensorama – Harz (Born Under A Rhyming Planet Remix) (Right Click “Save Target As”)

While we’re at it, here is another standout from that Sensorama remix EP from the always great David Moufang:

Sensorama – Echtzeit (Move D Remix) (Right Click “Save Target As”)

Around 1997, Jamie Hodge introduced me to HIS mentor from when he was getting started in Chicago, Danny Wang.  Danny was very generous and gave me all of the Balihu records to date.  These have gone on to be much sought-after records by disco and house collectors and DJs, and they are some of my most prized records.  I love this one:

Daniel Wang – In The Street (Right Click “Save Target As”)
Balihu (1995)

Once you get past the obvious classics like Follow Me and Beautiful People, this may be my favorite vocal house record of all time.

Masters at Work feat India – To Be In Love (Tiefschwarz remix) (right click “save target as”)
Club Tools (1999)

Sugarbear – Don’t Scandalise Mine (right click “save target as”)
Champion 7″ (1989)

Klein & MBO – Dirty Talk (right click “save target as”)
Atlantic (1983)