Words by DJ Theory
Booyakasha!!! For this week’s edition of Mixtape Mondays we’re steppin back into the 90’s, crossing over to the UK, gearing up in NYC and crackin’ jokes in Trinidad.
Emynd, Hot Steppin’ (via Crossfaded Bacon): The Philly bredren Emynd just posted a new mix to his label and blog 1st & 15th’s mixcast (a series I did a guest mix for a couple months back) and it’s nothing but straight early 90’s reggae and dancehall murderation. As far as I’m concerned, there’s never enough ’90’s dancehall to be had, and dude goes in on 37 tracks of essential and classic cuts reminding us why that era was so untouchable. Emynd states, “this is likely the first volume in what will hopefully be a long-running series of mixes exploring early dancehall and reggae tunes.” Watchyanow!!! Tracklist, stream and download here.
Shystie, Blue Magic: The lovely and foul mouthed UK sweetheart Shystie is back with somewhat of an unofficial follow up to her You’re Welcome mixtape which dropped a few months ago (you can still grab it here). With long running times for each track, high quality mp3s and no continuous blends, Blue Magic is more compilation than mixtape. But don’t tune out DJs… Shystie has a pretty broad range, covering rap, grime, 2 step, dancehall, R&B and UK funky with reggae influences (one of my favs easily being the UK funky anthem “Pull It” (Ill Blu remix) from ’09), mostly under the 100 bpm side of things. Definitely make sure you peep the “Limb By Limb” remix, a flip (produced by Fireworkz) of Cutty Ranks’ iconic original with official features from Bounty Killer and UK artists Ghetts, Trilla, 3.2.1 and English Frank. Download here.
Splurt, The Stunner Summer Dancehall Mix (via Stunner Of The Month): Don’t split yet, cuz NYC’s undisputed don of gadgets Splurt is now broadcasting live in mixtape form with a gang of late summer heat. When not uncovering expensive toys, posting in depth youchube tutorials and getting the world hip to his Splurt Technology and Zillionz brands, he can be found cranking out some wicked dancehall mixes on the side. According to Stunner Of The Month, which released the mix, “symptoms of listening include randomly daggering strangers and stunting too hard.” Nuff said. Tracklist, stream and download here
DJ Spy, Soca Titan Vol. 1: Here at Mixtape Mondays we’re always game to end the week’s post with some soca vibes. Occupying that position this week is Asylum Radio’s DJ Spy, with his Soca Titan Vol. 1, hosted by Trinidad’s Buhwamoder Latchmanerpersadsingh. In addition to having one of the longest and most difficult to pronounce name in Caribbean music, Buhwamoder is definitely a jokester, responsible for the Trini Slap Chop spoof that has racked up more than 1 million views. All kidding aside though, Soca Titan is a no-brainer for soca fans, with big tunes from soca’s commander-in-chief Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, Benjai, Lyrikal and more. Download here.