Tenor Saw – Roll is Called – Track of the Week
7” Powerhouse (1984) In 1984 a diminutive 18 year old named Clive Bright approached producer George Phang at Dynamic Sounds, wanting to cut a tune. ‘Him was next to tears. Him say no one wanted to…
LQ Crucial Selection
"Step in the Arena" by Gang Starr is the first track that really got me hooked on hip hop. The first time I heard it I was mesmerised by the breakbeats and jazz samples. Guru's lyrics and delivery…
The Shady Lady Mix for NiceUp – Take Up Space
NiceUp Crew · Take Up Space by The Shady Lady The Shady Lady AKA Carrie has been rocking dancefloors and airwaves all over Aotearoa since 2003, with her fresh blend of skank-based selections ranging…
Maxine & Jahnet – One Light Four Wheel
There’s certainly no lack of transportation-focused reggae tunes, from the vintage “Mini Bus Driver” by Junior Reid to the modern “Bike Rider” by Mungo’s Hi Fi (ft. Pupajim). Given that, it’s safe to…
King Fire (ft. Steady Ranks) – Herb For Real – Track of the Week
Over a banger of a beat, King Fire and Steady Ranks arguably outshine Capleton, Determine, Tony Rebel, and even Sizzla on an obscure riddim from an equally unknown label, Stargate Records. A…
Death By Dub – Guillotine Track of the Week
As taut as the murderous device, Death By Dub’s “Guillotine” is horn-led yet groove-driven, a timeless slab of instrumental dub. Death By Dub is effectively an American super group – featuring…
Johnny Clarke, Revolutionaries and Scientist – Bad Days Are Going Away / Bad Days Dub – Track of the Week
(Weed Beat/Greensleeves) We live in the strangest of times. An invisible enemy attacks our species, kills our weak, stifles our communities, and delivers an after-taste of racism, downward economic…
Rise & Shine Rockers – At The Dub Market, Best of Summer 2019 – 20
6FtSTIX aka STIX of Rise & Shine Rockers and Majestic Roots Sound System was formally introduced to sound system culture back in 2011. Experiencing Aba-Shanti-I at the junction of Southern &…
Lisa Dainjah – Grand Finale – Track of the Week
The B-side to the Yami Bolo-led Head A Go Roll 12”, this fierce deejay cut showcases the mic stylings of the veteran Lisa Dainjah. Over a hard-hitting bubbler of a riddim – dominated by the broad…
Jesse Royal – Natty Pablo – Track of the Week
Eschewing much of the rootikal framework of his debut Lily of da Valley, in 2020 Jesse Royal simply slays with wisdom atop a hypnotizing hip-hop-infused beat. Ostensibly the second single off his…
Solo Banton Australasian Tour – 20 – 29 Mar 2020
Due to COVID-19, international travel restrictions and unprecedented lock downs around the world, the Solo Banton tour is postponed. Sydney: Friday 20 March @ Secret Warehouse Location (Foreign Dub…
Solo Banton interview with The Groove Thief
Just before touching down for his debut Australasia tour, veteran UK vocalist Solo Banton kindly took the time to speak with The Groove Thief. TGT: This is your first time in Australia and New…