Words by LargeUp Crew—
There’s less than 20 days until Christmas so if you haven’t already started crossing out items on your holiday shopping list, it’s time to get going. To help you in your quest, we’ve put together a rundown of LargeUp-recommended gift ideas featuring some of our favorite recent finds, from bikinis to music to rum. Put on some Christmas tunes, start scrolling through the list, and get to shopping.
10. Robin Clare + Latonya Style’s Stylish Moves Zine
We’ve been fans of artist Robin Clare‘s work for a while, especially her “Dancing Words” series, art which actually doubles as step-by-step instructions for popular dancehall steps. And we dig choreographer Latonya Style, too—she’s one of the main people behind Dance JA, the first dancehall-driven professional dance studio. The pair have come together to produce Stylish Moves, a zine combining Latonya’s steps and Robin’s art (ahead of an upcoming book which will tackle the entire canon of dancehall choreography). We dug it so much we’ve procured a few for the LargeUp store. Head there to buy your copy.
9. A Case of Susie’s Hot Sauce
One of the toughest things about leaving any Caribbean island—for us, at least—is letting go of the local hot sauce you’ve diligently dressed your fish and everything else with during your stay. If you’ve visited Antigua, you may have suffered through withdrawal from Susie’s, the island’s award winning peppa. Fortunately, now when you’re supply runs out, Susie’s now has an e-commerce site where you can re-up on Susie’s Original, Calypso and Burning Desire hot sauces, by the caseload ($45 for 12 5-oz bottles). And for the cricket enthusiast on your list, Susie’s Master Blaster sauce is also available in a cricket bat ($17).
What better to give during the holidays than something that not only looks cool but also pays karmic dividends? That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Alpha Boys School T-shirt. Each tee, which bears the new Alpha Boys logo designed by artist Michael Thompson, is hand printed by students at the famed Jamaican school, so your purchase not only helps support the school through the proceeds from the sale but also by contributing to the boys’ educational and vocational training. Read more about Alpha Boys School and the Alpha Wear clothing line (including profiles of notable alums like Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, above) here, and cop yours in the LargeUp/Okayplayer store.
7. Bang! Swimwear’s Beatbox
Even if your winter plans don’t involve a tropical vacation (yet!), the designs of Jamaican model Nell Robinson and London fashion buyer Ann Marie Clarke will have you stockpiling their swimwear no matter where you live. Their 2013/2014 collections features studded silver embellishments, cheetah prints, and our favorite, this neon pink bikini with silver beading and a halter neckline (£60—about $98 in US dollars— for the individual top and bottom) guaranteed to flatter any shape and size. You can mix and match separates influenced by music and various instruments, or go for some of their chic one-pieces with a unique touch of handmade prints and textures. Browse the rest of the Bang! collection to hint at the ideal stocking-stuffer for you too here.
6. Cruzan Velvet Cinn Rum Cream and 5-Year
We’ll gladly accept a bottle of rum cream any time of year (we’re kind of fanatics when it comes to this stuff) but the Caribbean’s answer to eggnog definitely appeals most come holiday time. Cruzan, which recently discontinued its old standby of a rum cream, has recently re-entered the market with Velvet Cinn, ($19.99 at your local liquor store, or here) which combines its rum with horchata and cinnamon. Its among several new bottles introduced this year by St. Croix-based Cruzan recently (see also Cruzan Estate Diamond Light Rum) but you’ve got the rest of the year to drink that stuff. Tis the season for rum cream.
France’s Only Roots label has partnered with Addis Pablo and Suns of Dub to reissue classic 12″ titles from Addis’ father Augustus Pablo’s Rockers label. Among the gems back in print are Sister Erica’s “One in the Spirit” (b/w Augustus Pablo’s “Islington Rock’) and Norris Reid’s “Give Jah the Praises” (b/w Rockers All Stars’ “Binghi Satta” and Augustus Pablo’s “Silent Satta”). Cop them individually (€11.49) or in sets of four (€41.49) or six (€59.99) from the Only Roots store but check back with LargeUp soon—we’ll soon have copies available at a favorable exchange (for the non EU-ians out there) and domestic (U.S.) shipping rates.
Whether you’re in Jamaica, West Indies, or Jamaica, Queens, it’s definitely hoodie season. Our go-to hoodie right now is this comfy, black one with the logo from one of our favorite record companies, the legendary Wackie’s. The Bronx-based imprint founded by Lloyd “Bullwackies” Barnes is the most iconic of all US-based reggae labels, and for good reason—early ’80s classics like Horace Andy’s Dance Hall Style and The Love Joys’ “All I Can Say” have an otherworldy sound like no other. (See our rundown of the most essential Wackies tunes here). Cop your Wackies hoodie ($45) in the LargeUp/Okayplayer store.
3. Angostura Cask Collection No. 1
Angostura‘s 1919 and 1824 blends are old favorites, but we’re always up to try something new from Trinidad’s top (well, only) rum distiller. The first in their Cask Collection of limited-edition rums, No. 1 does not disappoint. A blend of eight to 10 year old rums, it has the smooth flavor we’ve come to expect from Angostura but a distinctive bite courtesy of an aging process involving reused bourbon casks. Don’t get used to it, though: only 9,600 bottles are being produced—request it at your local liquor store, or hunt down a bottle online. They should set you back about $60, or just under £40 for you British rumhounds.
Sting, the dancehall festival to end all dancehall festivals, is celebrating three decades this year with a 30th anniversary blowout including Sizzla, Ninjaman, Elephant Man, Tommy Lee and the return of Super Cat. As every year, the show happens on Boxing Day, Dec. 26, so if you’re lucky enough to receive a gift of tickets (costs range from $30-$300) to Sting—and you’re not already in Jamaica— you’ll have to hop on a plane Christmas Day to get there. (Fortunately, that’s one of the cheapest days of the season to travel). For those of us who can’t get to Portmore for Boxing Day, Sting is being offered on Pay-Per-View through various cable providers as well as a live stream on the Internet.
1. Stay at the Blue Wave Guest House (Caye Caulker, Belize)
If 1,200-thread cotton sheets are part of your travel requirements, the Blue Wave Guesthouse might not be the place for you. But if tropical summercamp vibes (impromptu parties, spur-of-the-moment pick-up soccer games) and a location 20 feet from the ocean, spitting distance from some of Belize’s best food, and close proximity to the world’s second-largest largest coral reef suits your tastes (not to mention super affordable rates and hammocks—did we mention the hammocks?) this might be the move for that last-minute vacation. Even better it’s located on super-friendly, hard-to-reach Caye Caulker—the mandatory 45-minute boat ride from Belize City is part of the fun. Holler at Julian (501-206-0114) for up-to-date rates and availability—or just book here)
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