Words by Deejay Theory—
Mixtape Mondays touches down this week with a heavy roundup of vibes from the UK. A mixed bag of dancehall classics and throwbacks combine with funky house to make for a well-rounded UK rave from start to finish. Get involved below.
The DJ Pipes, Version Scew: Sick mix from a silent killer in dancehall live and uncut from Sheffield. The big man Toddla T hipped me to DJ Pipes and this mix, as someone who helped introduced him to the dancehall years back. Following Teezy’s endorsement the mix sell awwf, with Pipes flexing all original 7″ versions from the golden era of dancehall, plus a few modern riddims with huge support from his trusty space echo RE-20 and custom dub siren. This mix is dripping in dusty analog vibes and a perfect setting to start the week or pre-party. Stream and download below.
DJ Samrai, Don’t Mix That Vol. 35: It wouldn’t be a UK special without some straight funky vibes. The man like DJ Samrai from Swing Ting passes through with this tuff mix of uptempo directions, with some help from Mr. Fox toasting the mic and hosting the occasion proper. Chef’ed up for the crew at Don’t Watch That (shout to Just Jam and Tim & Barry same way), the mix carefully sways between UK Funky, Afrobeat, Dancehall riddims and more in a soundsystem style… skanking business right out the gate. Stream below, tracklist here.
Smutlee, Funky Reggae Party: Big re-up from the homie Smutlee of his original funky bashment throwback mix from 2008. This was a very good time for dancehall, with party tunes running the dance in all styles and energies, with plenty of flossy Busy Signal classics in the rotation, which is usually enough for me. Throw in some UK Funky bits and of course some exclusive Smutlee blends and edits in there and it’s a wrap. Reminisce on raves past with this one. Stream and download below, tracklist here.