Words by Kali Madden
Black Lives Matter is the first thing I’d like to say this week. For me, music is a crucial piece of the protest. As we represent African culture and bring to life the work of black artists, composers and musicians, it’s important to say that I stand for this historic moment in America, by first recognizing the inequitable structures within America’s systems and the work that needs to be done. In solidarity with the movement, it’s my mission to amplify the voices of Black artists and honor the inevitable liberation of all black people. The mixes highlighted this week each represent the moment in their own exquisite way. The music provides a blueprint for the revolution and the songs bless us with the messages we need in these times of truth and overstanding.
LargeUp Premiere: Rampage Sound Global – I Give Thanks
Large up massive and LA based tastemaker DJ Rampage Global takes us on a journey of gratitude with his latest release, I Give Thanks. With the mix coming in at an auspicious time of 1 hour and 22 minutes, DJ Rampage shows us he is a master of the mystical. The vibe begins with Estelle’s “Light’s Out,” a dreamy tune to inspire to inspire the giving of thanks and continues with more profound lyrical interpretations such as Chronixx’s “Eternal,” Kabaka Pyramid’s “Meaning of Life,” and Akae Beka’s “One Mind.” Reset and restore into a gracious mindset with I Give Thanks, here:
Lukie Wyniger – Till My Time Come
Peng Peng. Swiss DJ Lukie Wyniger aka Uncle Peng Peng, brings us a dancehall x Afrobeats compilation to hot up the summer. The mix starts with drops from Popcaan and Masicka, a solid introduction to Wyniger, a radio host on Swiss station SRF3. An upbeat swing of dancehall and Afrobeat, Till My Time Come features fire summer singles “Underdog” by Alicia Keys feat. Chronixx and Protoje, a drop from Jahmiel on “Shepherd,” followed by Mavado on the “Soul Survivor” riddim compiled with big Afrobeats tunes such as, “Like Tu Danz,” by Juls, Kida Kudz, Ms Banks & Pa Salieu; “G Love” by Krept & Konan with WizKid, mixed with Intence’s “Tears Dem Dry,” and more niceness. Listen to Till My Time Come,” here:
Zions Gate Sound – Reggae Defendas June 2020 Reggae Mixtape
Seattle-based DJ Element resides in the epicenter of some of the movement’s most profound protests. Seattle’s Autonomous Zone has made news in the past few weeks as the locals there have set a controversial scene of a society without police. Element made his contribution with two recent mixes. The first is a four-and-a-half hour roots reggae compilation titled #BlackLivesMatter (Revolution Soundtrack) now hosted on his Soundcloud and this week’s feature Reggae Defendas June 2020 Reggae Mixtape. The mix begins with Chronixx’s Nyabinghi-fused “Dela Move,” an ode to doing good, and continues with righteous tunes such as “Stronger” by Black Uhuru and Agent Sasco and “Together We Stand,” by Richie Spice. Listen to Reggae Defendas June 2020 Reggae Mixtape here:
Wishing everyone all the best as we continue to spread global love to ignite the revolution and fan the flames of intolerance for hatred through music. Blessed love!