Words by Jamie Rodigan
Welcome back to Selector’s Choice, our weekly spotlight on what our favorite DJs are holding in their record bags and hard drives right now. This week, we head to the U.K. to check in with Jamie Rodigan, an up-and-coming selector and producer out of London with a royal reggae bloodline (his father is David Rodigan and his brother Oliver is the producer known as Cadenza).
Greetings Large Up family. This is Jamie Rodigan checking in from London, U.K. with my current top bubblers. I’m presently in the studio finishing up my new dancehall E.P., which will be dropping soon. Until then, catch me every Sunday night live on Bang Radio from 2200 – 0100 GMT.
Don Andre—Tom Cruise
Electro-bashy dons Orange Hill Productions on the beat give this dancefloor smasher from newcomer Don Andre an infectious vibe. The song is gathering momentum with dancers performing the ‘Tom Cruise’ routine in parties from London to Kingston.
Cadenza feat. Stylo G + Busy Signal—Foundation
UK meets Jamaica on this re-fix of the Studio One classic ‘Real Rock’. The track was recently debuted on BBC 1Xtra and is getting support from top DJs and selectors. Produced by Cadenza, it’s set to be a big song for Notting Hill Carnival this summer.
Randy Valentine—Wake The Town
Originally hailing from Jamaica but now living in London, Randy Valentine has come to the forefront of British reggae with his unique voice and flow. This track features on his new EP, Still Pushing, produced by Joe Ariwa, son of Mad Professor. Randy issues a warning to the snakes and backbiters without apology.
Vybz Kartel—Dancehall
Still as popular behind bars as he was outside of them, Vybz Kartel once again proves why he is the dancehall hero. Check out the video featuring European dance crew Blackout (among others) in Jamaica.
Dre Island—Way Up
Dre performed this as his final song at his debut London performance for Riddim Up Live! last November and raised the roof. Produced by Anju Blaxx, the punchy hook carries a revolutionary vibe and will have you chanting ‘Way Up’ whenever you hear it.
Protoje feat. Jesse Royal and Sevana—Sudden Flight
This record instantly caught my attention. It features two of my favourite artists at the moment, Protoje and Jesse Royal, and samples one of my all-time favourite rub-a-dub songs Gunshot by Anthony Johnson. Newcomer Sevana is the cherry on top making this a sure-fire scorcher in the dance! Pam Pam!!!