Rub A Dub Style by Lucci: A 1998 Time Capsule of Breaks and Hard House Vibes
Man, if you’ve ever craved an album that just slaps in all the right ways, Rub A Dub Style by Lucci is one of those hidden gems that feels like it was made for late-night drives or losing yourself on a packed dance floor. Released back in ‘98 under Cutting Traxx, this thing hits hard with its combo of Breaks and Hard House energy. And let me tell ya, it’s not trying to be fancy—it’s raw, unapologetic, and straight-up fun.
The guy behind the magic? Dave “Lucci” Carlucci. Dude wore so many hats making this record—he produced it, engineered it, even presented it. You can tell he poured his soul into this project. With Amado & Aldo Marin as executive producers keeping things tight, the whole vibe feels personal yet explosive. It’s like they knew exactly what club-goers needed at the time but didn’t even realize it yet.
Now, let’s talk tracks because there are some absolute bangers here. First up, “Rub-A-Dub Style (Tweekin’ Club Mix)”—this one sticks with me every damn time. The beat drops, and suddenly you’re transported to some underground rave where everyone’s moving in sync without even thinking about it. That pulsing bassline? Insane. It’s got this gritty edge that makes your chest rattle, but there’s also this sneaky melody weaving through that keeps you hooked. I remember hearing this track for the first time and thinking, “Whoa, wait…is my heart racing from dancing or the music itself?” Yeah, it’s THAT kind of song.
Then there’s “Rub-A-Dub Style (Lucci’s Hard Hard Mix)”, which honestly might as well come with a warning label. This version takes no prisoners—it’s relentless, pounding, and completely unhinged in the best way possible. If Tweekin’ Club Mix is the warm-up, this is the main event. Every kick drum feels like a punch to the gut (in a good way), and the layers build so perfectly that by the halfway point, you’re practically levitating. Like, how does someone make something sound chaotic and controlled at the same time? That’s Lucci’s genius right there.
Looking back now, it’s wild to think this album came out over two decades ago. In today’s world of polished EDM drops and cookie-cutter beats, Rub A Dub Style feels refreshingly untamed. It reminds us that electronic music doesn’t need to follow rules to move people—it just needs heart and guts.
And hey, isn’t it kinda funny how something called “Hard House” ended up being such a soft spot for me? Go figure.
