Mixtape Mondays: Raka Rich, Broken Silence, A-Team, Rampage Sound Global

Words by DJ Theory

Welcome back to another edition of Mixtape Mondays, your weekly source for Caribbean-inspired mixtapes hunted and gathered from around the globe.

Raka Rich, El Flow Californiano: Raka Rich of Los Rakas just released a short but very sweet solo mixtape in anticipation of the group’s upcoming debut EP, Chancletas y Camisetas Bordadas. For those unfamiliar, Los Rakas is a Panama-bred, Oakland-based duo consisting of Rich and his cousin Raka Dun that are quickly becoming recognized in various circles for their “Panabay” crossover sound. With fresh production and infectious hooks and lyrics (mostly en Espanol), Los Rakas draw clear inspiration from–but are far from limited to–dancehall and Bay Area rap. They’re bringing something new and exciting, and we will definitely continue to ride with them along their path to success. Stream the mix, which features a tight remix of Rakas’ breakout hit “Abrazame,” a freestyle over Drake’s “Successful” and the 808-driven, Beastie Boys-sampling “Bien Ribetiao” here and purchase here.

Broken Silence Sound, Get Real 2011 Roots Mix: Speaking of Northern California, Broken Silence Sound (Dans-One & Mikey C) are back with a “new”—well, a re-issue of a previous mix due to the peoples requests—roots and culture mix. Dans One blends it up in fine style, giving you a healthy dose of new roots riddims and singles, including some lesser-known voices like Fyahkin, Hyah Slyce, Torch and Zamunda. Year after year, Broken Sound continue to turn the California massive on to new music and breakthrough artists. Tracklist and download here

A-Team, The Runway Album: NYC’s Max Castor (formerly of VP Records) has a new creative venture in the A-Team, in the good company of fellow producer Rellee Hayden. The A-Team’s debut release The Runway is stacked with A-list dancehall artists like Beenie Man and Vegas and what will surely become some future big tunes. LargeUp is pleased to give you one of the first looks into a team that will surely be churning out some big forwards this year. Download here, and support The Runway Album when it officially drops on June 14th.

Rampage Sound Global, Most Wanted Dancehall Vol 4: DJ Rampage, founder of Rampage Sound Global, comes with a solid segment of dancehall shellings on Most Wanted Vol. 4. Although its a few months old, we’re always down to show love where it’s due here at LargeUp and Rampage Sound Global definitely get a salute for steadily repping NYC, Belize and Japan. Other RSG members include Japan’s DJ Yos, and New York City OG Fat Fingaz. We should also mention that Rampage is Ms. Lauryn Hill’s DJ, and was recently spotted live on Jimmy Fallon during her very well-received performance during Marley week. Download Most Wanted Dancehall Vol 4 here.