This week’s Mixtape Mondays selections are brought to you by new contributor Selector — as in the fashion label and web store known for its selection of reggae and dancehall-inspired streetwear and other gear. Instead of brand-new mixes, he puts us up on a handful of mixtapes from the last few months you might have overlooked. Run tune, Selector…
Deska Sound System, Vozes Brasileiras, Vol. 1
This is the latest mixtape from Deska Sound System out of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Mixed by Ruffah, this is the first release in a series of mixes, each of which features four singers over five riddims. It boasts some incredible artists: Junior Dread, Monkey Jhayam, Likkle Jota and Adonai, all voicing original lyrics over the Party Time, Billie Jean, Revolution, Answer and Chase Vampire riddims. These guys are all super talented, and I really love listening to great chunes in Portuguese. I’ve had this on heavy rotation since they released it. Good vibes.
DJ Prestige (Flea Market Funk), Ride the Rhythm
Classic selections from DJ Prestige, a very active DJ outta Greenville, Jersey City, NJ. He also runs the dope music blog Flea Market Funk, focused on DJ culture and vinyl, where he shares a lot of heat. Prestige collects and spins an eclectic range of genres including funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop and reggae. I always love his reggae mixes. This one is all 45s, recorded in one live take, featuring 19 classics by the likes of Mighty Dellinger, Horace Andy & The Peace Setters, Lone Ranger, King Stitt and Hopeton Lewis. Dedicated to reggae scholar Paul LaBrusciano aka Paulie Roots. RIP.
Bramma Shanti, New Roots Vibrations Vol. 2
Our final selection on this week’s Mixtape Mondays is the latest mix from Bramma Shanti, a roots reggae selector selector and engineer based in Jamaica. Check it for a great selection of the latest roots music from a mix of legends and the new generation of modern roots reggae performers. Featured artists include Fari Di Future, Samory I, Spiritual, Pentateuch, Glen Washington, Mikey General, Iba Mahr and Ken Boothe. New Roots Vibrations Vol. 2 is released in conjunction with KingstonToLA who do great work to promote Caribbean culture here in Los Angeles. Bless up!