Mixtape Mondays: DJ Autograph, Secure Dem, Fire 4 Hire

Words by DJ Theory

When it comes to Caribbean music in North America, New York City, Toronto and California’s Bay Area are definitely three of the primary zones of activity. This week we’ve got three mixes from DJs representing all three of those places, each connecting the dots between the Caribbean and the Diaspora in their own ways.

DJ Autograph, Dancehall Mix 11.19.11: NYC veteran DJ and LargeUp team member DJ Autograph just went in rugged neva smoove style on a raw, uncut bashment mix. Recorded live in one take, this one covers a mess of new tunes and riddims from opening with the Sean Paul-produced Material Riddim, Ward 21’s upcoming Monkey Barrel riddim, more diss tracks from Bounty and Beenie, the essential “Call Mi A Yardie” remix with Kardinal Offishall, and closing with Busy Signal’s new bomb “Bounce” from the Equinoxx Music camp. This should work well for a quick transport to a dance in JA at 4am. Stream and download below, full tracklist here.

Dancehall Mix 11.19.11 by DJ Autograph

Secure Dem Sound, African Soul Exchange: Northern California’s Secure Dem (DJ’s Relic Secure and Khai Sharreiff) have come with a strong new mix, covering some critical ground in the reggae meets soul department. With Toussiant playing host and offering his buttery and diverse vocals throughout the mix, you’ll find many of his originals and exclusives here, plus some unlikely but welcome extras from the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Otis Redding and, going even further back, Mr. Robert Johnson. Pepper that with some secure one-drop from some more modern voices in reggae music and you have the recipe for a rather enjoyable mix. It will cost you an e-mail address, but consider making an exception for the good stuff. Download here.

Fire 4 Hire, Hey Rudie Vol. 3: Toronto’s DJ Safari from Fire 4 Hire dropped this one a little while back, a mix for the rude boys and girls that successfully merges a mix of hip-hop, grime, dancehall, moombahton, electro and, obviously, ska. This edition isn’t intended to be a ska mix, but is meant to connect the dots between reggae/soundsystem culture and its influence on a wide palette of modern music. Bits from folks like The Weeknd, Kingdom, James Blake, Katy B, Donaeo, moombahton innovators Sabo, Nadastrom and Sonora and Amy Winehouse all make their way in to enjoy each other’s company. Stream below for free admission to the melting pot—no checkered boots necessary. Tracklist and more info here.