Keni Burke - Risin' to the Top / You're the Best (12 Inch Mix)

Keni Burke – Risin' to the Top / You're the Best (12 Inch Mix) | Soul, Boogie, Disco & Funk 12 Inch Vinyl

Cat No: PR65013P
Label: RCA
Genre: Soul, Boogie, Disco, Funk
Disc Colour: Black
Format: 12 Inch Vinyl

Description:

Two essential Keni Burke classics come together on this official remastered RCA 12 inch vinyl reissue, pairing the timeless 'Risin' to the Top' with the extended 12 inch mix of 'You're the Best'. A landmark pairing of early-'80s Soul, Boogie, Disco and Funk, this release brings together two enduring favourites for DJs, collectors and sample spotters alike.

Originally released in 1982, 'Risin' to the Top' became Keni Burke's signature recording and a firm favourite across the soul, jazz-funk, rare groove and jazz-dance scenes. Burke's smooth lead vocal sits over dreamy electric piano, warm chords and one of the era's most recognisable basslines, creating a laid-back groove that has remained influential for decades.

The impact of 'Risin' to the Top' extends far beyond the original record. Its instantly recognisable groove has been sampled and reinterpreted extensively across hip-hop and R&B, with artists including Doug E. Fresh, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige and Slum Village drawing from the track. Its influence has helped establish the record as an important bridge between early-'80s soul and later generations of sample-based music.

On the flip, 'You're the Best (12 Inch Mix)' takes things into more energetic Boogie and Jazz-Funk territory. Originally released in 1981, the track combines a groove-heavy synth bassline, cosmic keys and Burke's infectious soulful vocals, with electronic instrumentation pushed to the forefront while retaining plenty of funk at its core.

The extended 12 inch version has remained a favourite among Boogie, Jazz-Funk and rare groove DJs, offering a more uptempo counterpart to the laid-back soul of the A-side. Together, the two tracks showcase different sides of Keni Burke's early-'80s sound while sharing the same combination of musicianship, groove and soulful songwriting.

The release also received a 10/10 review from DJ Mag, further underlining the enduring appeal of this classic pairing.

Perfect for DJs and collectors into Keni Burke vinyl, Boogie, Soul, Funk, Jazz-Funk, rare groove and classic early-'80s dance music. Combining a hugely influential sample source with a sought-after 12 inch Boogie favourite, Risin' to the Top / You're the Best is an essential addition to any Soul and Funk vinyl collection.

Tracklist:

A1 - Risin' to the Top
B1 - You're the Best (12 Inch Mix)

Why Buy This Vinyl?

• Official remastered reissue pairing two essential Keni Burke Soul and Boogie classics.
• 'Risin' to the Top' features one of the most recognisable basslines in early-'80s Soul and has become a hugely influential sample source.
• Includes the sought-after 12 Inch Mix of 'You're the Best', packed with synth bass, cosmic keys and infectious Boogie grooves.
• A favourite across rare groove, Jazz-Funk, Soul, Boogie and sample-based hip-hop culture.
• Ideal for collectors searching for Keni Burke vinyl, classic Boogie, Soul, Funk, rare groove and essential 1980s 12 inch vinyl.