Mr G: 20 Timeless Cuts
Few producers command the same level of respect and enduring presence in the underground dance music scene as Mr G. For close to thirty years, Colin McBean has consistently delivered across the spectrum – from deep house and tech house to blistering techno. Never one to follow trends, Mr G remains a stalwart of the British underground, and is respected across the board for his unshakable authenticity and deep passion for music.
His live sets are the stuff of legend—raw, improvised and fiercely energetic. Away from the stage, he's a dedicated digger and musical purist, a man who lives and breathes music in its many forms. Yet, despite a lengthy and influential career, he's often still cited as one of the scene's most underrated figures, revered primarily by those with a genuine appreciation for the culture. In keeping with our previous deep dives into the work of Ricardo Villalobos and Mathew Jonson, we now turn our attention to the inimitable Mr G. It only felt right to spotlight 20 standout tracks from his vast discography. Putting this list together was no easy feat—a genuine labour of love that took us through raw, peak-time belters and deeper, introspective gems. Mr G's catalogue is a veritable goldmine, packed with hidden treasures and timeless weapons.
Inevitably, some heavy-hitters might have slipped through the cracks, but that’s part of the joy: rediscovering old favourites and unearthing tracks we might not have clocked otherwise.
The process was as enjoyable as it was enlightening, and we hope it gives you as much pleasure listening as it did us compiling. Presented in chronological order, here are 20 essential Mr G cuts as selected by the Nightclubber crew. And Colin, if you’re reading this (and we’d love if you are!) — we really can't wait to catch you and that iconic bucket hat
back on a dancefloor soon…
G. Flame & Mr. G - Sounds Of The Underground [1998]
WhileG’s collaborations with Cisco Ferreira (aka G Flame) are most often associated with the techno-forward sound of The Advent, the duo also released a string of tracks that lean more towards Panorama Bar than peak-time Berghain. The aptly titled ‘Sounds of the Underground’ is a perfect example—released nearly three decades ago, it delivers a timeless house groove that still holds its own today. A classy, forward-looking cut that hinted at the brilliance to come.
G Flame & Mr. G - Dumped [1999]
‘Tension’ is a word often used to describe Mr G’s tracks—and with good reason. Few producers match his ability to build peak-time energy without tipping into excess. This one has all the trademarks: tough drums, driving rhythms, and those unmistakably ominous snares and synths. But it’s the restraint that really stands out—G keeps the pressure high without ever going over the edge. Sleek, sexy music for those who know.
Mr G - Space Bassed [Rekids, 2010]
Matt ‘Radio Slave’ Edwards has long been known for his sharp A&R instincts, steering one of Berlin’s most respected imprints with unwavering focus. Still, even he must have been thrilled when MR G handed in tracks of this calibre. I remember receiving this on promo over 15 years ago, and it still hits just as hard today—timeless, groove-heavy brilliance. It arrived after a relatively quiet spell for G, during which he fittingly titled the album Still Here. With music like this, we’re very glad he is.
Mr G - Get on Down [Rekids, 2010]
2010 was a strange moment for dance music. Electrohouse was dominating the charts, while on the other end, ketamine-laced minimal was having its brief heyday. But MR G has never been one to chase trends—or, we imagine, pay them much mind. (Indeed, this brilliant XLR8R interview from the time of this release alludes to this and more). Get on Down is a testament to that. A deep house gem from a true deep house stalwart, it landed around the same time as underrated classics like Jef K’s remix of ‘In My System’. Neither got the fanfare they deserved—but what brilliance they both delivered.
Mr G - Sunday Blues [Bass Culture, 2010]
D’Julz’s Bass Culture is another label MR G has kept close ties with over the years—and rightly so. As a long-standing Rex Club resident, D’Julz shares G’s taste for refined, heads-down grooves. This particular track features a sax line that feels familiar—though we can’t quite place it—bringing a distinctly French, effortlessly classy touch to the mix. No surprise, then, that Monsieur D’Julz was quick to sign it for his label. Simply magnIfique.
Mr G - Daily Prayer [Phoenix G, 2011]
One of G’s most recognisable tracks, this one revolves around a vocal that—if we had to guess—might be sampled from Aretha Franklin. But that’s just one element of an irresistibly rich cocktail. Hypnotic and deeply soulful, it taps into the spirit of gospel in a way that classic house so often does. A truly timeless gem.
Mr. G - 2000 and One [Phoenix G, 2011]
The B-side to ‘Daily Prayer’ may have been somewhat overshadowed by its more well-known counterpart, but it’s a standout in its own right — one I’ve always held close. Once again, it’s the piano that anchors its brilliance, a reminder that Mr McBean is a producer of serious distinction. Never content to sit still, the track builds with each passing minute, growing more intense, more groovy, and more irresistible. An absolute bomb.
Mr G - Consequences [Phoenix G, 2011]
An enchanting track that draws you inward with its quiet power. Around the 50-second mark, when the bass rolls in, it’s impossible not to close your eyes and surrender to its captivating sounds. As is his forte, this one is never predictable either, and just as you think you’ve figured it all out, it takes on an entirely new direction. Another true masterpiece I find myself returning to time and again.
Mr. G - Mangoes In Season [Phoenix G, 2013]
James Brown may be one of the most sampled voices in music history, but few producers flip his vocals quite like Mr G. Here, he uses them with razor-sharp precision, ramping up the tension against a backdrop of unrelenting rhythms and weighty, driving drums. “Get up!” rarely sounded so commanding.
Mr. G - Whant it [Holic Trax, 2013]
For reasons of his own, MR G tends to keep his releases close, rarely straying far from his own Phoenix G imprint. But when he does, it’s usually with trusted allies. This cut, released on Tomoki Tamura’s underrated Holic Trax — a label well worth diving into — is a case in point. Centred around a sultry vocal, it’s a refined analogue burner that wouldn’t feel out of place alongside some of Italojohnson’s finest work. By the time that piano line comes in, there’s little doubt you’ll be reaching for the lasers.
Mr G - Komorebi [Holic Trax] [2013]
Taken from the Jumon EP and again released via Tamura’s Holic Trax, ‘Komorebi’ is inspired material. Deeper than a well, it sees our protagonist take a similarly restrained approach, with lush synths and a dreamy string sequence weaving seamlessly through his signature drum work and rhythmic flair.
Mr G - Let Down [Bass Culture, 2013]
Much like ourselves, G’s fans aren’t shy when it comes to singing his praises. The YouTube comments under this one are pure, unfiltered enthusiasm: “NOTHING WILL EVER CARRY YOU ACROSS THE DANCEFLOOR LIKE THIS TRACK DOES!”, “WOW! This is still being made today! Screw that electro house crap, this is the real smoove deal! Glad to see the ol skool cats are keeping it real! Thanks Mr. G!”, “Fuckkk I been looking for this track since November 2013 when Margaret Dygas played it at Hoppetosse... Finally my mind is at rest. Biggest tune”, and “this EP is wtf... like this moment in the club when you stop dancing for a moment to hold your head and ask yourself what the actual fuck is going on in here. shit gets you fucked up.”
When you’re inspiring that kind of reaction, you know you’re onto something special.
Mr G - Got That Swing [Bass Culture, 2014]
A personal favourite. Unlike some producers, MR G doesn’t reserve all his best material for his own label — instead, he spreads the love, which keeps every release feeling like an event. This one, released on D’Julz’s Bass Culture, is another absolute bomb. It’s got that unmistakable swing, and the vocal snippet is pure gold—but truthfully, the brilliance is there from the very first beat. A solid 10/10 and an all-round house classic.
Mr G - Mac (Daddy) R.I.P (Mango Boys Hurting Dub) [Phoenix G, 2014]
A track that highlights G’s deep house sensibilities, this one wouldn’t feel out of place in the catalogue of kindred spirits like Theo Parrish or Moodymann — two US producers who’ve clearly played a role in shaping his sound. It’s heads-down, late-night material from an artist who’s made a career out of delivering this kind of expertly crafted depth.
Mr G - Lights (G's Out Dub) [Phoenix G, 2017]
By this stage, you’ve probably noticed that any record featuring that signature giant G on is going to be something of a banger…and this one doesn’t let the side down one bit. Utterly exceptional stuff. Again!
Mr. G - Guidance (Reprise) (Len Faki Hardspace Mix) [LF RMX label, 2018]
Alright, we’re bending the rules a little here — because while the original is brilliant, we can’t resist giving this one a nod too. ‘Guidance’ is remixed by long-time Berghain favourite Len Faki, it’s a version MR G himself surely rated. Driven by a fierce, acid-tinged bassline, this is peak-time weaponry of the highest order—one that almost certainly earned McBean’s seal of approval.
Mr G - New Normal [2021]
Remember the pandemic? As surreal as it feels in hindsight, it was a time when many of us were grappling with what the so-called ‘new normal’ even meant. G’s album from that period (appropriately named ‘New Normal’) and this title track in particular, dives into the emotional undercurrents of that moment: isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty. ‘New Normal’ builds around a looped, exasperated sigh, set against a skeletal house rhythm and floating, abstract keys. The result is a haunting, uneasy atmosphere that vividly evokes the disorientation of those months.
Mr. G - You Feel Mi [Phoenix G, 2021]
This is unmistakably a MR G production—so steeped in his trademark sound that even without a name attached, you’d likely know exactly who’s behind it. But don’t mistake familiarity for predictability: this track brims with tension, punchy vocal samples, and an uncompromising focus on the dancefloor. It’s everything you’d want from a G cut. And for another essential take, make sure to check out the excellent remix by Kai Alcé, which brings its own distinct energy to the original.
Mr G - When Ya Bad [Phoenix G, 2024]
This one is completely unhinged, in the best possible way. This one starts off like a classic G groove, steady and familiar, before suddenly veering into wild, unexpected territory. We won’t spoil the surprise by explaining how or why; it’s best experienced firsthand. The kind of track that hits just right during that euphoric ‘coming up’ moment.
Mr G - 4am NYC Downlow (TS Version)
If you’ve ever found yourself at Glastonbury’s NYC Downlow, you’ll know it’s one of the best club spaces anywhere. I’m not entirely sure who TS is here (or whether it’s simply an alias MR G cooked up himself?) but this version of ‘4am NYC Downlow’ more than lives up to its name. And honestly, what more needs to be said?
Mr.G - Dust in the system : Tokyo dub plate [Phoenix G, 2025]
While G may have hit a particularly rich vein of form a decade or so ago, calling it a “purple patch” almost does him a disservice—he’s rarely gone more than a couple of years without releasing something truly essential. And how many producers can honestly claim that? So here’s a nod to one of his more recent gems, the outstanding Dust in the System: Tokyo Dub Plate. And if you’re craving more G in your life—and let’s be honest, who isn’t?—we highly recommend his ambient mix for Resident Advisor, which offers a deeper glimpse into his musical world. This has been a joy to put together, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Over and out!
Keep up with Mr G via Instagram
