Mixtape Mondays: DJ Willy Wonka, DJ Rinse, DJ 7, Fifty Kaliba Sound

Words by Kali Madden

When you’ve lost track of what day it is, a good mix can bring you right back to reality. This week’s Mixtape Mondays selections give us bearings from Belize to California, as listening to good music emerges as the only way we have to travel the world.

DJ Willy Wonka – Island Gyal Fitness Vol. 3

They don’t call him the DJ with the golden ticket for nothing. Los Angeles-based, Belize-bred DJ Willy Wonka‘s Island Gyal Fitness Vol. 3 is a mix of world sounds for ladies looking to stay fit at home. Blending some of the Caribbean’s most loved dance genres including Afrosoca and reggaeton as well as baile funk. the Island Gyal Fitness series is a complete fitness experience with merchandise to match! This edition kicks off with Nicki Minaj’s “Megatron”and features more global tunes such as the “Baila Baila Baila” remix by Ozuna ft. Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Farruka and Anuel AA. Listen to Island Gyal Fitness Vol. 3 here:

DJ Rinse – You Kno Di Vibes Mixtape

DJ Rinse, otherwise known as Cashflow Rinse and The Mixtape Prince, gives us a great one for the quarantine turn up. Known for an ongoing series of endless mixes, Rinse brings us a high-energy compilation that’s truly up to the time. You Kno Di Vibes Mixtape presents us with Tommy Lee Sparta’s “Under Vibes,” ZiZi’s “Current,” Rygin King’s “Ruption” and more big 2020 dancehall tunes. Fresh out of Kingston, pree You Kno di Vibes here:

DJ 7 – Upstairs 2020 Dancehall Mix

Upstairs and inside is where you can find most of us these days. Not to worry if you’re feeling stir crazy, Northern California’s DJ 7 drops a one hour and 17 minute compilation of upful tunes on his Upstairs 2020 Dancehall Mix. The tape begins with Jahvillani’s “Upstairs,” and takes us on a steady ride with works from Alkaline, Aidonia,  Iwaata, Teejay and more. Bere riddims and 45s! Listen to DJ 7’s Upstairs 2020 Dancehall Mix here:

Fifty Kaliba Sound – Global Medz Vol. 5

Steady on the medi. Fifty Kaliba grounds us with his latest mix Global Medz Vol. 5, a modern medley of today’s roots reggae tunes. With notions of world peace and reflection, the tape provides us with some pertinent spiritual guidance for the times. Global Medz Vol. 5 features upful tunes such as “Note to Self,” by Jah 9 ft. Chronixx, “40 Days and 40 Nights” by Salaam Remi ft. Stephen Marley and “Blaze It,” by Sizzla and Pressure Busspipe, as well as an appearance from Yaadcore on Fifty Kaliba’s “Ready Now” special. Ease into your new week with Globl Medz Vol. 5 here:

Sending everyone our best wishes for wellness and safety during this unprecedented time. Health and strength to all! Check back here next week for more Mixtape Mondays selections.