By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Ibiza, Spain. The White Isle has long been the epicenter of global dance music, a place where legends are forged and musical boundaries are perpetually tested. This summer, the narrative has been dominated by the monumental residency of Carl Cox at [UNVRS] Ibiza. While Cox is synonymous with the thundering pulse of techno and the "three-deck wizardry" that defined an era, his recent performances have showcased a more nuanced, historical approach to the craft. This was never more evident than on the evening of September 13th, when the Oldham-born icon prepared to share the booth with another titan of the industry, Louie Vega. Before the two masters took to the stage for a highly anticipated back-to-back (B2B) set, Cox took a moment to pull back the curtain on the records that shaped his musical DNA, spotlighting a selection of all-time favorite disco tracks that remain the bedrock of his contemporary sound.
The anticipation surrounding the B2B set with Louie Vega was palpable. Vega, one half of the legendary Masters at Work duo and a cornerstone of the New York house and disco scene, represents a specific lineage of soulful, rhythmic complexity that complements Cox’s own high-energy delivery. To prepare the audience for this collision of styles, Cox took to social media to share a glimpse into his personal vinyl collection. In a video that quickly captured the attention of the global dance community, Cox emphasized a desire to "switch things up," digging deep into his crates to unearth the vintage gems that fueled his passion for DJing decades ago. This move was not merely a nostalgic exercise but a strategic curation designed to bridge the gap between the golden age of disco and the modern, high-tech environment of [UNVRS].
Among the records highlighted by Cox was the 1977 classic "Don’t Cost You Nothin’" by Ashford & Simpson. The track, written and produced by the husband-and-wife powerhouse Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, is a masterclass in sophisticated soul-disco. Its inclusion in Cox’s pre-set spotlight serves as a reminder of the genre’s importance in establishing the groove-based foundations of modern electronic music. For Cox, these records are more than just tools for a set; they are historical artifacts that carry the energy of the New York and London underground scenes of the late 70s. By reintroducing these sounds to a modern Ibiza audience, Cox is effectively educating a new generation of clubbers on the lineage of the music they consume.
Another standout mentioned in the spotlight was Patrice Rushen’s 1982 smash "Forget Me Nots." Known for its iconic, driving bassline and Rushen’s crystalline vocals, the track is a quintessential example of the post-disco era’s transition into funk and early R&B-infused dance music. The bassline alone has been sampled countless times—most famously in Will Smith’s "Men in Black"—but in the hands of a selector like Carl Cox, the original 12-inch version regains its status as a peak-time dancefloor weapon. These selections provided a roadmap for what attendees could expect during the B2B session with Louie Vega: a set characterized by organic instrumentation, soulful melodies, and an unwavering commitment to the "groove."
The [UNVRS] residency has been a landmark chapter in Carl Cox’s storied career. Since its inception earlier this summer, the residency has functioned as a rotating gallery of electronic music’s elite. Cox has utilized the platform to engage in a series of B2B performances that have defied easy categorization. From the techno-heavy exchanges with Joseph Capriati and Nicole Moudaber to the more melodic explorations with WhoMadeWho, the residency has showcased Cox’s versatility. Notably, the announcement of an all-night-long B2B set with David Guetta earlier in the season sent shockwaves through the industry, signaling a rare collaboration between two of the most influential, yet stylistically distinct, figures in the history of the genre. Other collaborators, including The Martinez Brothers, Chris Stussy, and Dennis Cruz, have added layers of house, minimal, and tech-house to the residency’s diverse sonic palette.
Beyond the DJ booth, 2024 has been a year of profound personal and professional recognition for Carl Cox. Earlier this year, he was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) as part of the King’s Birthday Honours list. This prestigious accolade was granted in recognition of his extensive services to music, marking a significant moment where the British establishment officially acknowledged the cultural impact of electronic dance music and Cox’s role as its global ambassador. The award is particularly poignant given Cox’s humble beginnings. Born in Oldham and raised in a working-class environment, Cox’s journey to the pinnacle of the music world is a testament to the transformative power of the UK’s club culture.
Adding to this royal narrative, Cox recently visited Buckingham Palace for an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust. The visit was a full-circle moment for the DJ, who was a grantee of the Trust at the age of 24. During those early, formative years, the support from the organization helped provide the resources necessary for a young, aspiring artist to navigate the nascent professional music industry. His presence at the Palace alongside King Charles III underscored the narrative of a self-made pioneer who has never forgotten his roots, even as he headlines the world’s largest stages.
In the most recent DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll for 2025, Cox maintained a strong presence at No. 25. While rankings often fluctuate based on trends, Cox’s consistent placement near the top of the list reflects a longevity that is almost unparalleled in the fast-moving world of electronic music. His appeal spans generations; he is as revered by the "original ravers" of the late 80s as he is by the Gen Z attendees filling the dancefloors of Ibiza today. This cross-generational appeal is largely due to his refusal to remain stagnant. Whether he is performing a "Hybrid Live" set featuring hardware and drum machines or digging into a crate of 70s disco vinyl, Cox remains a student of the craft, always looking for new ways to communicate through sound.
The [UNVRS] Ibiza residency is now entering its final stretch, with the closing party scheduled for October 4th. This summer has been more than just a series of parties; it has been a statement of intent for the venue itself. Formerly the site of the legendary Privilege, the transformation into [UNVRS] has been met with high expectations. By securing Carl Cox as a cornerstone of its programming, the venue has established itself as a premier destination for those seeking a high-production experience that doesn’t sacrifice musical integrity. The B2B sets have been the highlight of this strategy, offering unique, one-off musical conversations that cannot be heard anywhere else.
As the set with Louie Vega proved, the "Cox and Friends" format is a celebration of the community and history that define dance music. By spotlighting Ashford & Simpson and Patrice Rushen, Cox reminded the world that the future of the dancefloor is inextricably linked to its past. The disco records he treasures are the blueprints for the house and techno that follow, and in the hands of a master, they sound as vital today as they did four decades ago. As the sun begins to set on the 2024 Ibiza season, the echoes of these disco classics, blended with the forward-thinking production of [UNVRS], will undoubtedly linger as a highlight of a summer defined by one man’s enduring love for the beat. With only a few weeks remaining before the residency concludes, the global dance community looks toward October 4th, anticipating a finale that will likely be as historic as the season that preceded it.
