Neapolitan DJ and producer Lello Di Franco, better known as L.D.F. (pictured throughout), steps forward with World Beats Vol.1, the opening chapter in a new vinyl and digital series built around rhythm, sampling and club-minded edits. Released yesterday on February 19, 2026 on vinyl via World Beats, this first volume sets the tone for a project rooted in digging culture and reshaping older material for contemporary dancefloors.
The concept is direct. L.D.F. pulls from forgotten and classic cuts in his personal vinyl collection, then rebuilds them through a modern house framework. The goal is to carve out a deeper, more hypnotic mood on the dancefloor without losing the raw edge that defines edit culture.
You can hear that balance immediately in the EP’s sequencing, which moves between percussive drive and soulful lift.
“Te Deseo (I Want You)”
“Te Deseo (I Want You)” sees L.D.F. link up with Jesse Bru, blending Latin-leaning vocal fragments with tight drum programming and filtered bass weight. It rides that line between peak-time functionality and emotional release. “Housenation,” a collaboration with Berlin-based DJ Merci, leans into stripped grooves and steady low-end pressure, built for heads-down moments when the room locks into a single pulse.
“Slave To The Beat”
On his solo cut “Slave To The Beat,” L.D.F. doubles down on rhythmic emphasis. The track strips things back to core drum elements and looping vocal hooks, keeping the arrangement focused and DJ-friendly. “Fire Drums” continues that approach with layered percussion and rolling energy that feels designed for long blends.
The standout collaboration for many will be “Summer Of 85,” created with Chicago edit master Rahaan. Rahaan’s influence is clear in the way the track handles disco-informed samples and looping structures. The groove feels loose yet controlled, allowing the record to breathe while maintaining steady floor momentum. It bridges Chicago edit heritage with a European club sensibility without feeling forced.
Why It All Matters Right Now
What makes World Beats Vol.1 effective is its cohesion. Even with contributors from different cities and backgrounds, the project maintains a unified direction. Jesse Bru, Rahaan and DJ Merci each bring their own perspective, yet the EP stays anchored in L.D.F.’s vision of rhythm-forward house built from crate-digging instincts.
This is the first installment of what appears to be an ongoing series, and it positions World Beats as a label focused on vinyl culture, collaboration and functional club records. For DJs who value tight edits, steady percussion and global house influence, World Beats Vol.1 delivers a solid foundation.
World Beats Vol.1 is available on vinyl and digital formats. Pre-orders and purchase details are available via Basic Frame Distribution.
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