My Mixtape: Kloé Dean's 10 tracks that get her on her feet

A visionary storyteller, choreographer, movement director, and performing artist, Kloé Dean’s whole world is rooted in hip-hop, funk and street dance.

So when Dean tells you these 10 tracks will get you up on your feet, you can expect to be up, or down, and grooving before you even realise it. 

When she joined us to curate and lead a special dance battle as part of Little Simz’ Meltdown we asked Dean to pick out some songs that are bound to get her moving, and she didn’t disappoint. Here she serves up sounds from Timbaland, Omar, Amaarae, Alewya and more, as well as her reasons for their inclusion below, which you can read as you listen, or once you’ve finally danced yourself out. 

‘hey now’ – Kendrick Lamar (feat. dody6) 

One of my favourite rappers and favourite tracks on his album GNX. It gets me doing the slickest footwork. It’s giving ‘I mean business’, but with the most saucy laid back energy. My favourite line is ‘I’m way too important… to ever let you slide on me again’.

‘When The Moving Stops’ – Planet Giza 

An incredible Montreal based trio who I’ve been following for a while now. If you haven’t… you better jump on! Their mix of rap and melodic vocals on top of the bass line on this song is just too much. The secret track at the end is such a gift too… so stay locked in. 

‘CH3RRY’ – Timbaland (with N3WYRKLA)

This track is giving breakbeat energy which allows me to live my best b-girl life (I secretly want to be a b-girl which, for all the non-dancers, is a term for a female breakdancer). It is empowering and energising, and Timbaland is just the GOAT.

‘Marching Band’ – Yussef Dayes (feat. Masego)

This song puts me in a salsa mood instantly. I just want to grab someone, anyone, and dance. Masego’s silky vocals and Yussef Dayes’ percussion are a match made in rhythm heaven. Beautiful, smooth, and completely irresistible. Thank me later.

‘Reachin’ 2 Much’ – Anderson .Paak (feat. Lalah Hathaway)

This song! The first section is such a wonderful but ease of a build to what the track becomes when it drops. It journeys through a punctuated entrance which guides you into a funky juxtaposition of politely telling someone ‘you’re doing too much’. It makes me want to lock and get into all my funk social grooves. 

‘iBiZA’ – IAMDDB 

This gets me into my house dance bag. It’s euphoric and creates a feeling of moving freely. Nothing more nothing less.

‘Princess Going Digital’ – Amaarae 

This is my getting ready track. Dancing in the mirror, feeling myself, hyping up myself before heading out. It gives me room to hit some shapes but also add a little wine down to the floor …. Wouiiiii!

‘Sossaup’ – KAYTRAMINÉ (feat. Aminé, KAYTRANADA, Amaarae)

This song has all the sauce so you have to bring the sauce for the movement to it. It’s one that gets my hips and feet moving consistently. I literally float around the room listening to this.

‘It’s So’ – Omar 

This track! I need to oil up my knees for this one as we are about to get low. Omar’s vocals with the instrumentation is just a marriage made in heaven. If this doesn’t get you on your feet, I don’t know what could.

‘Spirit_X’ – Alewya 

This one is for all my drum and bass lovers. It’s an absolute vibe. Alewya literally instructs you on what to do on this track, so listen, follow and let loose!