More than two decades have passed since the film 'Wild Style' changed the life of Hideaki Ishii for good. Today, as DJ Krush, he is the brightest star of Japanese hip-hop, always at the cutting edge of the genre, with a turntable style that knows no limits. As his output shows, he is able to bring together jazz, breakbeats, Asian influences and the best international underground rhyming talent.

www.mmjp.or.jp/sus/krush

Dizzy Dustin, Young Einstein and Andy Cooper take alternative hip-hop to their own turf. This trio from California uses an old school sound mixed with an irrepressible sense of humour to make the classic bass lines and the wild horn sections which garnish their beats sound totally up to date and original. The fresh sound of Long Beach.

www.uglyduckling.us

Uwe Shmidt's maverick spirit and a fascination for Latin music has led to him playing a key role in the history of electronic music. The latest is "Yellow Fever!" a tribute to the legendary Yellow Magic Orchestra, in an electronic cumbia, bolero and cha-cha-cha style. Pure magic.

www.essayrecordings.com

They changed the face of urban music forever in 1993 with their intelligent jazz and rap fusion "Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)". A statement of intent that they followed up soon afterwards with "Blowout Comb", and an entire career based on keeping the flame of old school hip-hop alive using originality, inspiration and soul. After getting back together last year, the New York trio are as good as ever. A true classic.

digableplanets.org

Rhys Evans and Alastair Douglas are the highest profile duo on today's British dance scene. How did they do it? Thanks to an extensive repertoire of hits, based on pop sensibility, fantastic production, their early '90s spirit and a bag of tricks which includes electro, acid, trance and a whole lot more. Seen live, they are a whirlwind.

www.themfa.com

The Dutch electronic scene would not have been the same without their contribution since the early eighties. This long experience is giving results today in a series entitled "Cult Copy". Classically-inspired techno on the Rush Hour label.

www.rushhour.nl

Surrounded by analogue artillery, theremins and with a wish to pay tribute to the electronic sound of the sixties, Mister Furia and Professor Manso have become the Spanish group which currently has the highest international profile. Yesterday's pop, electrified for tomorrow.

www.thepinkertones.com