Fredrik Lager aka Freddie Cruger & Red Astaire first got in contact with hip-hop when he started out as a break dancer in the early 80's. His electric boogie dancing brother was collecting records at that time, which introduced Freddie to the world of black dance music. Around 85-86 he worked weekends at a legendary import record store in Stockholm called Space (special job cleaning the toilet). At this time he started buying more and more records, mostly electro and rap records but also disco and funk 12"/7" classics. One thing led to another and he soon bought his first drum machine and turntables in 88 (according to himself the best investment he's ever done). Around 91 he met up with Mad Mats (Raw Fusion/Jugglin') and started to hang out in Mats studio in downtown Stockholm. This started a friendship and working relationship, which is still going strong today. Around 92 he bought his first sampler and released his first 12" vinyl in 94 under the name Chimney Heads (only 100 copies printed). But since then he's worked with numerous artists like China Moses (DeDe Bridgewaters daughter), Bob Powers (Tribe Called Quest, The Roots), Rappadon, Baz Baz, La Nata (France), ADL, Desmond Foster, Linn, Swing Fly, Anthony David, Bas-1 and many more. The characteristic style off Freddies productions are a blend off old school hip-hop and b-boy grooves mixed up with dirty funk, soul, reggae, latin and disco rhythms. He's currently signed to Jugglin' Records (sub-label to Raw Fusion Recordings) but he also releases music on Swedish Brandy, GAMM (as the notorious Red Astaire) and his own Home Grown label. Besides this he's also travelling the world as a renowned DJ spinning everything from future to old-school funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, disco and latin.

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