Words by Kali Madden
This week on #MixtapeMondays, we have three mixes each of which showcases a different one of our favorite genres: dancehall, soca and roots reggae. These recently-released works give us a well-rounded rotation for all lovers of the culture, and an upful start your week.
VP Records x Reggae Boyz Sound – Di 6ixtape – New 2021 Dancehall
VP Records and Reggae Boyz Sound team up to bring us the best of the 6ix. Dancehall fans worldwide are well familiar with Jamaica’s 6ix, an infamous group of dancehall artists known for breakout artists Chronic Law and Daddy1, as well as Squash, the 6ix Boss. The mix features several 6ix artists including Bobby 6ix and even Vybz Kartel. Opening with Chronic Law’s “Hilltop Badness,” Di 6ixtape features Squash’s “Lavish,” a “Topshelf Badness” dub from Travalaunch, a “Custom” dub from Daddy1, and more fire. Mixed to precision and with over 31k spins to its credit already, stream Di 6ixtape here:
DJ Adam 2MV – Flight 2MV 2021
With Carnival mostly online this year, soca fans have been feeling tabanca since the last road march in 2020. DJ Adam 2MV has curated his own soca remedy with Flight 2MV. “As we look forward to the next Carnival that we can enjoy with each other physically, Flight 2MV ensures that soca music lives on,” says DJ Adam. The two-hour-and-thirty-six-minute trip takes off with a DJ Adam “All Now” dub intro special from Rome. The flight continues to Trinidad, St. Vincent and even Jamaica with big tunes such as Runi Jay’s “Man Doh Dey,” Skinny Fabulous’ “Big Woman,” Konshens’ “Soda” and more of 2021’s bacchanal anthems. Take flight and stream the vibes here:
Up Cut Sound – The February Message
San Francisco-based DJ James Last aka Up Cut Sound brings us a message of oneness with The February Message. The mix is an annual delivery from Up Cut, showcasing the best in roots reggae, and Rastafari-oriented music. The mix begins with “Amun Ra” by Monkey Marc, Fyah Roiall, Jah Izrehl and Sos Dynamikz, and continues with more conscious vibes such as Blvk H3ro and Wayne J‘s “The Ruler,” Alborosie‘s “Ready” featuring Jo Mersa Marley, Pressure‘s “Earth Rightful,” Gappy Ranks‘ “I Can,” and even Jada Kingdom and Skillibeng‘s “Tek It,” among other message-driven music. Tune in to the frequencies here: