As we move into 2021, #MixtapeMondays toasts to a brand new year of music discovery and playlist upgrades. But first, we take a look back. This week’s selections pay tribute to the dearly departed Garnet Silk and the late musician Drew Keys, as well as the enduring longevity of living dancehall lion, I-Octane. Listen, download and stream!
Lion Twin Music x Garnett Silk – Garnett Silk Mixtape
Asfa and Yacob Charles aka Lion Twin Music are no strangers to foundation reggae. The twin brothers grew up in the sound business, as the sons of one of Trinidad’s original sound system selectors, Lion King of Lion King Muzik. Known for their own forward contributions to Trinidad’s growing roots reggae productivity as selectors, producers and founders of the Dread Radio app, the pair have released tribute mixes to some of reggae’s standout voices: Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B and now Garnett Silk. A regular presence on #Mixtape Mondays, you may have also caught their contribution to the LargeUp Mix Series, entitled Trinidad Roots. Their latest, Garnett Silk Mixtape, features some of the singer’s best work including “Zion In a Vision,” “Watch Over Our Shoulders,” and “Oh Me, Oh My” — a signature collection of the best of Garnett. Stay connected with Lion Twin Music as they host “The Pull Up,” a new YouTube series covering the best of artistes contributions on famous riddims. Listen to the Garnett Silk Mixtape here:
Flexing in steady turn-up style, Holland-based dancehall ambassador DJ Madbwoy‘s first mix of the year doesn’t disappoint. The mix is a flawless delivery of I-Octane’s versatile catalogue. This one is 38 minutes of Octane’s high-performance glow featuring favorites such as “Lowe Mi,” “Puff It,” and “What a Way Wi Shatting.” This one is a must-listen for dancehall diehards that respect Octane for his undeniable longevity. Listen to I-Octane Mixtape here:
In December, we processed some sad news as our beloved friend Andrew Stoch, better known as Drew Keys, made an untimely transition. A musical savant and professionally-trained jazz musician, Keys was a familiar face on stage as the keyboardist for Jo Mersa Marley, Common Kings, Shaggy and Cham. He also produced and performed on records for Akae Beka, Chronixx, Bounty Killer, Protoje and many more. His last and final work, released August 28, 2020, is a transcendent dub album, entitled A New Beginning, a record Keys said he made as a way to escape “all the evil,wickedness, and corruption on earth.” As a tribute to this irreplaceable genius, Jah Mikey One, a close friend and colleague of Keys’, dedicated his December 23rd Sound Chat Radio show to the music Keys loved and loved making. The one hour and 43 minute compilation features Keys’ original riddim compositions and productions such as Chronixx featuring Kabaka Pyramid’s “Same Prayer,” Akae Beka’s “Nurtured Frequency,” and more roots reggae greatness. Stream the tribute show here:
