LargeUp Mix Series, Vol. 4: Jamie Rodigan’s “British Invasion” Mixtape

As the son of iconic British selector and radio presenter David Rodigan, Jamie Rodigan grew up immersed in London’s reggae culture. As a DJ and producer (he makes up one half of the newly formed CRTCLSSX with Alex Horn, son of Trevor Horn), he’s now contributing to that culture on a variety of fronts.

With Notting Hill Carnival a week away, we tapped Jamie to present a mix featuring the latest bashment sounds out of the U.K. On his British Invasion mix, he connects with host Don Andre, whose “Tom Cruise” is one of the biggest dancehall anthems out of London in years.

The set begins with a timely dubplate version of Andre’s latest single “Jog,” recorded in tribute to man of the moment, Usain Bolt. Also featured are new sounds from current U.K. reggae/dancehall stalwarts Randy Valentine, Gappy Ranks, Stylo G and Lisa Mercedez, as well as bashment-inspired sounds from London rappers J Hus, Krept and Konan and Chipmunk. Listen to the mix here, and read on for a brief interview with Mr. Rodigan.

LargeUp: What would you like listeners to get from this mix? Is this meant as a sampling of what’s happening now in U.K. bashment, or is it based on your personal tastes?

Jamie Rodigan: I wanted to give the listeners a snapshot of what is hot right now in the UK. I tried to be as neutral as I could but I definitely slipped in a few personal favourites.

LU: Don Andre, who’s just had a hit in Jamaica with “Tom Cruise,” is the host. What does he bring to the table for the dancehall scene in England?

JR: Don brings an exciting mix of Jamaican slang with a British twist. He flies the flag for the U.K. abroad, and has proven that U.K. acts can successfully make it in JA.

LU: In spite of the U.K. theme, the mix starts with Don Andre’s timely tribute to Usain Bolt. At what point, did you know you had to start the mix with Bolt?

JR: It just happened naturally. Don sent me the track during the Olympics so it only seemed right to begin the mix with a fitting tribute.

LU: Speaking of the dancehall scene in England, you literally grew up in it. Your father is David Rodigan. Can you tell us a little about and how he’s shaped you as a DJ?

JR: I think the main thing my father showed me was the importance of a strong work ethic and having an open ear when it comes to music. I grew up listening to a lot of Reggae and Dancehall in my youth so this inevitably has influenced my musical tastes and how I play as a DJ.

LU: What are some of your earliest recollections of Notting Hill Carnival? Have you been going your whole life?

JR: Yes, I’ve been going from a fairly young age. My earliest recollections of Notting Hill Carnival are the Kiss FM stage at Horniman’s Pleasance in the mid 90’s. I remember seeing Busta Rhymes and the Flipmode Squad perform alongside acts like Soul II Soul and Beenie Man. It was an exciting time for music!

LU: What are your recommendations for Notting Hill 2016?

JR: Try and see as much of the real Carnival. Take a walk along the Carnival route with the floats and the mas bands. You can usually find my friends and I on the corner of Westbourne Park Road and Clydesdale Road taking in King Tubbys. I think they have one of the most weightiest sounds at Carnival and their selection is always on point! As for parties, I’m really looking forward to playing at Indigo O2 for Dancehall vs Soca. Special guests include Baby Cham, Destra and Willy Chin so it’s set to be a very special night