Words by Kali Madden
As the days get shorter and shorter this season, we’re sensing a lot of change on the horizon. This week on Mixtape Mondays, we’re feeling mixes infused with messages of unity and love, giving us the vibes we need to continue pushing through to the end of 2020. Get your speakers ready for some exquisite reggae/dancehall greatness.
Unity Sound x Umojah Sound System – Royal Mix Volume Two
Speaking of unity, Japan- and Florida-based Unity Sound links up with East Africa’s Umojah Sound System for over two hours of royal roots reggae music. Mixed by DJ Crossfire for Unity Sound and Selekta Sir Henry for Umojah, the compilation is a showcase of new roots music sprinkled with a few old-school hits. Side A by DJ Crossfire features an intro prayer from Kenzo and gets sweeter as the vibe goes on with songs such as Black Am I’s “King of Kings,” Addis Pablo’s “Singing Lion,” Akae Beka’s “Black Carbon” featuring Chronixx, and more regal tunes. Side B begins at the 1:07 mark with a thanksgiving to the Most High beginning with Salma Queen’s “Africa Rising.” The compilation continues with more majestic tunes such as Thorpido’s “Roots,” and Selekta Henry dubplate specials from Jah Defender and King Tappa. Spark your inner warrior with Royal Mix Volume Two here:
All the freshness from Coppershot Music! For everyone missing packed crowds and hi-fi sound systems, this freestyle juggling gives us all those vibes. Mixed by longtime Coppershot selector Marc Chin, the mix has over three hours of multi-genre goodness. Kicking off with Buju Banton featuring John Legend on “Memories,” the intro sets us up for a smooth ride through some of today’s most-loved reggae tunes such as Chris Martin’s “Little Green Apples” and Busy Signal’s “Reggae Make You Rock,” building into dancehall and soca tunes such as Popcaan’s “When Mi Party,” Vybz Kartel featuring Demarco’s “Google” and Shal Marshall’s “Splinters.” At around the two hour mark, the mix takes us back to the ’90s with tunes like Beenie Man’s “Big Up and Trust” and the Orgasm Riddim with Mr Lexx’s “Full Hundred,” and Capleton’s “Crazy Look.” Enjoy a world of vibes with Marc Chin’s freestyle mix here:
Boom! From Antigua’s all-female sound, this one kicks with tons of God-blessed Omega Energy. Mixed by Sista SoulJahs an Antiguan trio of empresses featuring MC Steppa, Antiguan Sound Girl and DJ Xtacy, the compilation showcases reggae’s top releases from female artists in recent years. Featuring drops and specials from reggae empresses Naomi Cowan and Sevana, the mix exalts all queens with powerful songs such as Jane Macgizmo’s “Babylon,” Jah9’s “Avocado,” Lila Ike’s “Where I’m Coming From,” Koffee’s “Burning,” and more all-female fire. A soundtrack for today’s contemporary reggae woman, providing the peace of mind we need in these times. Stream Modern Girl Afro Mix here: