Words by DJ Theory—
Spring vibes are in full effect here at Mixtape Mondays, with breezy new mixes from Boston, DC and London coasting us right into April. A heap of genres and backgrounds make their way in this week—you’re just gonna need to get in there and uncover the goods for yourself. Come down, selecta…
Frank The Butcher & DJ 7l, Shoot To Kill (via Stussy): This 90’s throwback gem from Boston heavyweights and cratedigger extraordinaires Frank The Butcher and DJ 7L, in conjunction with streetwear don dadas Stussy, belongs in your iWhatever immediately. Focusing strickly on hip hop-meets-reggae throwback classics and blends, some of my personal favorites make their way onto this appropriately titled hour-long boomshot, featuring essential rewinds from Johnny Osbourne, Buju, Louie Rankin, Screechy Dan, Capleton, Mega Banton, BDP, Smif N Wessun, Shabba, Supercat, plus some exclusive 7L remixes. Lace up the Timbs, dust off the camo jacket, grab a pack of Phillies and bang this. Direct download here, more info and tracklist here.
Hipsters Don’t Dance, World Carnival 2 (via HDD): Our London city folks at Hipsters Don’t Dance stay busy with the parties, blogging and mixes, and their new effort in the mix department does not disappoint. This one reflects both on LargeUp and our friends at OkayAfrica,with a cross-section of tunes bridging the Caribbean and African diasporas. We should also mention that HDD member Kazabon‘s family is from Trinidad, and Hootie Who is from Nigeria, so not only are their musical influences repped but their background as well. Seven months after their first World Carnival mix, HDD are back with a sequel that sheds light on some lesser-known territories, gives you a look into their London dances, and keeps it tropical and funky throughout. Stream below; track list and download here
Spyda The DJ, 2012 Groovy Soca Mix (via Cutlass & Cane): Repping our nation’s capital and always coming correct with the mixes, Spyda The DJ returns to Mixtape Mondays with another 100% soca sureshot. This one is all on the groovy side of things, with a stacked list of fete-ready anthems for 2012. If you need to catch up with some new soca, Spyda’s got your back as always. Stream below, get the track list and download here.