Hawk I is a top-ranking reggae selector in the Wellington scene. He began playing records at house and outdoor parties in Christchurch, mainly among drum n bass circles. Through this he developed a preference for the Amen break and indeed the whole jungle sound. The break-downs and samples in jungle then drew Hawk I to reggae and dancehall.
Having a strong appreciation for live elements in DJ sets, Hawk I works with numerous MCs from around Aotearoa to push the sound further. Always one to mix things up, a typical set from him crosses multiple genres ranging from jungle, drum n bass, dancehall, dubstep, reggae, hip-hop and dub.
No matter what musical style he plays, Hawk I always tries to go with the vibe of the crowd, saying ‘…if I’m playing dancehall and the people aren’t feeling it and the selector before me was playing dubstep and everyone was loving it, then I’ve got no problems getting that selector back up and going back to back with them, it’s all about the people in the dance.’
During his study towards a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Education, Hawk I carried out a double research paper investigating the relationship between reggae music and environmental values. This led on to music journalism, interviewing and reviewing artists, gigs, and albums.
This top ten is a collection of what Hawk I has been playing out at some of his recent gigs including Jungle Beats, BBQ on the Pa, Wake the Town and on Radio Active 89FM. The South Island massive can catch him in May when he returns to play and party with the Psy Pirates at Shroom Doom.
Big up to Hawk I for his Top Ten Track selections for April 2010.
1. Nas & Damain Jr Gong Marley – As We Enter – (unrealsed, album due for release in April)
2. Beenie Man – Real Badman – Stage Time Riddim (Birch Records)
3. Top Cat & Tenor Fly – Mr Undertaker (Remarc Remix) (Street Life Recordings – Champion Deejay)
4. Rebel MC & Top Cat – Police In Helicopter (Ray Keith 2004 Remix) (Congo Natty Records)
5. Matty G feat Juakali – 80’s Crush (Take You Back, Argon Records)
6. Dutty Rub Riddim – Firehouse Crew (Downtown Records)
7. The Melodians – Irie Feeling
8. I Jah Man Levi – Jah Heavy Load (Haile I Hymn, Chapter One)
9. Rodney P – The Nice Up (The Future)
10. Lutan Fyah & Promoe – Gunz (mixed by DJ Large for No Monkey Busines)
