Reggae and rap are two sides of the same coin, and the history of hip-hop is deep with sounds borrowed from Jamaica. This is something we’ve consistently highlighted here on LargeUp, notably in this classic feature exploring the phenomenon of reggae samples in rap tracks. DJ Gravy and Corey Chase‘s Double Barrel mixtape brings this connection to the fore, blending classic hip-hop tracks with classic reggae songs sampled on those very same tracks.
Named for the 1971 single by Dave and Ansell Collins that was the first reggae song to top the UK charts— and later sampled by Special Ed for his 1988 classic “I’m the Magnificent”— Double Barrel features hip-hop staples from Nas, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mos Def and Talib Kweli, BDP, Ghostface, and the Diplomats. Experts in both genres, Corey Chase and DJ Gravy blend these tracks with classic reggae artists like Super Cat, Max Romeo, John Holt, Super Beagle, Sanchez and Toots and the Maytals. If hearing Mad Lion‘s “Take It Easy” ever sent you to the record store looking for some Yami Bolo, then this is the mix you’ve been waiting for.
With original artwork from Spliffington and endorsements from sampled artists King Yellowman, Sister Nancy, Beres Hammond and Junior Reid, as well as legendary Jamaican reggae selector Rory StoneLove, Rashad Smith and Collie Buddz, one thing is certain: nuh likkle sound bwoy ting dis!
Run tune and download below, or download a tracked version here.
*All scratches by Corey Chase
