Just Bee – Mpondo 1957 – Track of the Week
With the final track off the Summer EP 2020 (and what a summer it has been, especially here in the USA), Just Bee makes a sonic statement about the frenetic, unifying powers of uplifting future bass…
Mikey Majestic Crucial Selection
"Ace Ninety Skank" aka "S90 Skank" is my hit pick. This record was the first Big Youth 45 I brought. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it. The tune was recorded in the mid-seventies for Keith…
MouseFX In Jamaica
The MouseFX In Jamaica EP is a triumphant cultural continuation, finding the leading voice of Cantonese reggae in the genre’s home country. Paired with producer Skunga Kong (son of singer I Kong,…
Jinja Cat Crucial Selection
From my collection I've picked this 7", which is my hot little copy of the "Living Dangerously" riddim. Produced by Paul 'Jah Screw ' Love, for Time 1 International records. Despite the lack of album…
Run It Red x Echo Chamber – compilation
The Echo Chamber x Run It Red compilation, focused on dubwise, jungle, and amen-laden sonics in between, comes in deep and allows for ample exploration throughout its seventeen tracks. A seemingly…
Salaam Remi and Super Cat – Push Time – Track of the Week
Wild Apache/Louder than Life, 2020 Super Cat is one of the great 70s-80s dancehall dons, renowned for his phenomenal live and recorded work with the equally legendary but now deceased Nicodemus.…
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…