Words by Kali Madden
Deejay Theory brings us a world-premiere today in his Essential Business mixtape hosted by Brooklyn recording artist Blakkamoore. The tape is the first official mix from Theory since Dancehall By Day, his top-rated 2017 contribution to the LargeUp Mix Series. Long-time readers of LargeUp will of course know Theory for holding down this very column for years.
The title of the mix, presented by brands Ridgeline Farms, Sunlove Grown and Redwood Roots. references how cannabis farms have been allowed to operate as essential businesses during the time of Covid-19 restrictions. Essential Business is infused with the exponentially rich sounds of roots music, a testament to the essentialism of reggae as a complementary ingredient embedded in the farming of ganja. While Theory and Blakkamoore provide the musical vibes, the connection with California’s cannabis culture creates a harmonious depiction of what makes Northern California’s lands just so majestic.
The mix opens with a medley of choice soundbytes from some all-time classics before evolving into “Gunstown” by Verse Simmonds. That track’s bass-heavy riddim is also the bed for some exclusive toasting from host, Blakkamoore. Remixes abound as Theory puts his spin on Shabba Ranks’ “Heart of a Lion,” Cham’s “Ghetto Story,” Genius T’s remix of Kabaka Pyramid’s “Can’t Breathe” and more straight fire. “It’s just a necessary link up for us as we celebrate the natural connection between ganja, sunshine, music, roots and culture,” Theory said of the mix. “In the midst of a very challenging year, this one is for California and all our essential workers.”
Stream Essential Business here, and check out the full tracklist below:
Full Tracklist
Healing of the Nation Medley (Intro)
Blakkamoore – Essential Business Theme
Verse Simmonds – Gunstown
Dillon Francis ft. Bunji Garlin – Light it Up
Shabba Ranx – Heart of a Lion (Deejay Theory remix)
Tropkillaz – Ziriguidum
Charly Black – High Grade (Deejay Theory edit)
Blakkamoore – Altitude (Deejay Theory edit)
Free Nationals ft. Chronixx – Eternal Light
Daniel Caesar ft. Koffee – Cyanide (Deejay Theory edit)
Protoje – A Vibe
Bascom X – Burn the Cannabis
Israel Vibration – Cool and Calm
Cham – Ghetto Story (Deejay Theory remix)
Blakkamoore – Nice Green (Deejay Theory edit)
Lost City ft. Ward 21 – Sicko
Kabaka Pyramid – Can’t Breathe (Genius T remix)
Pressure – Ghetto Life (Deejay Theory edit)
Runkus, Jesse Royal, Munga, Kabaka – 5G’s
Collie Buddz – Come Around (Deejay Theory edit)
Collie Buddz – Brighter Days (Deejay Theory edit)
Jigsy King – Gimme the Weed (Deejay Theory edit)
Blakkamoore – Ready mi Gone (dub)
Mavado – Weed and Hennessy
Anthony B, Gappy Ranks, Blakkamoore – Watch Out (Deejay Theory edit)
Vybz Kartel – Marie (Shocktraderz remix)
Agent Sasco, Bounty Killer, Kabaka- Loco (remix)
Sade – Sweetest Taboo
Red Eye Hifi ft. Lady Ice – Kung Fu
Kush Arora – River of Memories Riddim
Tippa Lee – Deejay Theory Special
Josey Wales – It Haffi Bun
Wild Life – Ganja Yard
Fyakin – Steamin
Dre Island – Never Run Dry
Lutan Fyah – Spliff Tail
Busy Signal – Spliff Tail
Busy Signal – High Grade
Billy Boyo – One Spliff a Day
Eek a Mouse – Smuggling
Alborosie – Herb Dub
Samory I – Rasta Nuh Gangsta (Dub Mix)
Sizzla – Give me a Try (dub)
Anthony B ft. Lutan Fyah – Keep on Trying