Words by DJ Theory
We back in the Spring of things over here at #MixtapeMondays with three breezy new mixes. Although it’s currently raining with snow still on the ground here in the Northeast, I’m certain that balmier weather is around the corner, and thankfully I have mixes like these to hold me over until then.
DJ Anonymous, Heavy Warmup Vol. 3 (via DJ Ayres): Known for killing the game with heaps of successful mixtapes over the years whether solo or with his crew The Rub, NYC’s DJ Ayres now has a fresh new mix series for all of you. Heavy Warmup is essentially Ayres soliciting some of his favorite DJs (dude knows a few folks…) to put down some early evening heat in mixtape form. For volume 3 Helsinki, Finland’s DJ Anonymous (member of the mighty Top Billin collective and all around music boss) steps in on reggae duty and does full justice to some late 80’s digital dancehall, lovers and spring reggae selections. Some of my personal favorite cuts from the pre 2000’s reggae era are featured here, with no drops or excessive sound effects cluttering the mix, just pure sweet warmup vibes! I’m familiar with Anonymous’ work on more of a disco/re-edit tip, but behind most every music lover lies indeed a reggae lover, and Anonymous proves that to be true with Heavy Warmup Volume 3. Tracklist, info and download here
Upliftment International, Spring Dropz Vol. 4 (via Seen): Germany’s Upliftment International lives up to it’s name with “Spring Dropz Vol 4”, roughly an hour of new roots tunes designed to induce not just a feeling of Spring, but also a feeling of “good.” I dare you to put on this mix and vex about your car payments. Just press play and the let the tunes do work. Solid selection throughout, a couple standouts for me would be Don Corleone’s “The Message” riddim and Gappy Ranks & Delly Ranx phenomenal new collab. To our peoples in Germany, catch Upliftment Intl with LargeUp UK correspondant Gabriel Heatwave this Friday April 8 at Fly High in Leipzig, Germany and download “Spring Dropz Vol 4” here
Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi: Courtney John “Love Is” mixtape (via 45shootout): Living in the Bay Area has led me to two very clear things: a general admiration for reggae music, and Jah Warrior Shelter is a bad, baddd champion sound not to be taken lightly. With roots originally stemming from NYC via founder/selector/artist Rocker Tee, JWS is now over 20 years deep in the game and inarguably one of the driving forces behind reggae music and events in Northern California. With a slew of mix CD’s under their belt, their most recent offering is an i-fficial combination with esteemed roots/lovers artist Courtney John. “Love Is” features 31 tracks sewn tightly by JWS’s DJ I-vier and will surely nice up your headphones or your early evening send off before the club. A no-brainer download for Courtney John fans and those who appreciate some lovers in their rock. Tracklist, info and download here.