After a few months in deep freeze, New York/New Jersey legend Tony Humphries' label Tony Records is hitting the charts again. As part of the annual WMC rush, Tony has released "Free to Be Free" by the Blak Beat Niks in a package of five mixes, including two by Humphries' acclaimed "Italian Connection", Tony Loreto and Jacko.

This marks a bit of a comeback for Chicago producer Big Ed as well. Now one half of the Blak Beat Niks (the other being Sean McCabe from Cardiff, Wales), Big Ed (aka H.E. Matthews) is one of those guys that keep coming up in other conversations. Mike Dunn, Ron Carroll and other Chicago House friends and family mention him often in connection with events in the 1990s (his best known track is probably 1996's "Do Me a Favor" featuring Dana on Cajual). He doesn't disappoint with this track. Spoken word takes the forefront over a layered background chorus with hot and swinging disco grooves. The Minimal Dub is another highlight, with a wicked, bouncy bassline and deeper than deep vocals.

You can hear samples, buy and support at Tony Records' newly remodelled website here.