Ming & FS started collaborating in 1996, after meeting at a party. Ming played in guitar bands in high school, eventually getting into breaks and jungle while attending Miami University's program for audio engineering. FS's background is rooted in hiphop and jazz; he began DJing at age 10 and eventually produced beats for artists like Coolio and Brandy. The duo signed to San Francisco-based Om Records in 1998 (and also put out the "Bar Mitzvah Breaks" 12-inch series, which found its way into the sets of Mix Master Mike, Z-Trip, and DJ Craze). Their 1999 full-length release on Om, Hell's Kitchen, was well received, and set them up to do remixes for Puff Daddy, Craig David, and Suzanne Vega.
On their most recent release, Human Condition, Ming & FS once again explore their self-described "junkyard" sound--an amalgamation of all beats raw and funky with a predominantly jungle/hiphop style. That's good and all, but the live format is where the duo's skills are fully represented. With shows featuring DJs who produce their own music, much of the excitement comes from hearing which records are thrown into the mix. Regardless of what is packed into their crates this time around, I know that unless both Ming & FS are prevented from reaching their instruments, they will unleash fury on the dance floor like a junkyard dog. NICOLAE WHITE
Ming & FS w/Reid Speed, Fri Sept 27 at I-Spy, 1921 Fifth Ave, 621-7187, 10 pm, 21+, $12.
