Heartical: A Lovers Rock Valentine’s Day

Words by DJ Gravy

In honor of the Hallmark holiday, we had to bring you a roundup of (relatively recent) lovers tunes today (and check out last year’s V-Day post for some more bedroom heat). No long talking! It’s dutty love time.

Gappy Ranks, “Heaven In Her Eyes”

Gappy Ranks recently appeared as the first face to grace our Rookie of The Year series and is pretty much the biggest reggae artist to crossover from the UK to the world since Bitty Mclean. The live version of this tune is pretty serious too.

Courtney John, “Lucky Man”

I wasn’t familiar with Courtney John until recently but for this tune alone, he deserves some ratings. The vintage throwback style video doesn’t skimp out either—possibly one of the best I’ve seen by a non-major Reggae artist in a minute. Good work!

Gyptian, “Hold Yuh”

Cyaan leave this tune out! I played it before ever hearing any other DJ spin it and it was crazy to see the reactions from people who definitely didn’t know it yet. I remember noticing that females of every race were getting really excited when this came on. Wow, I love playing music that crowds react to when they’re hearing it for the first time. If you’re one of the parties responsible for the more than 8 million views registered on Youtube for this clip, there’s also a video remake with Nicki Minaj’s remix version.

Ricky Blaze, “You and I”

I’d be exiled outta Brooklyn if I left this out! For reals, this tune makes ladies get butterfl-i-ies, from Flatbush to wherever pop radio stations around the world are playing it. And after all, he produced the beat that brought both him and Gyptian into the pop circuit.

Los Rakas feat. Faviola, “Abrazame”

Los Rakas, a Panamanian group outta the Bay Area, have really made waves recently. This flip of “Hold Yuh” definitely helped them cross over. Look out, cause you will be seeing more of these guys on LargeUp.

Alaine feat. Tarrus Riley, “Forever More”

A sweet one, courtesy of Alaine and recent LargeUp webisode subject Tarrus Riley.

Natalie Storm, “Feel Up”

Not quite a lovers’ tune here, but Badda Badda Gal Natalie Storm brings nuff sexy throwback vibes.

Screechy Dan and Red Fox, “Fall in Love”

Living legends Screechy Dan and Red Fox are still bringing the heat, years after their classic combination on “Pose Off.” This is a tune that deserves some love cause you can spin this kinda tune at any party and get results…

Vybz Kartel, “Yuh Love”

Produced by Brooklyn-based Dre Skull, is not one of Vybz Kartel’s biggest tunes, but still gets a cult-ish reaction in the club like, Whoa.

Vybz Kartel, “Slow Motion”

Sometimes while spinning in dark clubs, I can’t see if people in the crowd are dancing or even moving. Then I see what it is: SLOW WINE!

Duane Stephenson feat. Gramps Morgan, “Rescue Me”

Duane Stephenson and Gramps from Morgan Heritage profess their love for the same chick, Michael ‘n McCartney style, on this highlight from Stephenson’s recent Black Gold LP.

Busy Signal, “Tempted to Touch”

The ever-versatile Busy Signal “retouches” Beres Hammond’s classic 1992 original.