Marinate.

This coming Sunday (March 1) I will have the privilege of playing Marinate in Philadelphia alongside longtime colleagues & friends Kenny Meez of Federation Sound & Rob Paine of Solomonic Sound.

This is the longest running Reggae club night in Philadelphia, starting way back in 2000 at the now defunct Filo's, and after a few venue changes over the years, now calls the new Philly hotspot the Barbary home.

I hope to see all my Philadelphia/NJ/DE/NY massive in the building (it's only $5 at the door, can't beat that), and make sure whenever you're in Philly on a Sunday night and feel for some vibes, check out Marinate at the Barbary.

Again, THIS SUNDAY it's KENNY MEEZ, ROB PAINE, and dOUBLE L at the Barbary.

*the Barbary is located at 951 Frankford Av (@Delaware Av: Market-Frankford El to Girard Av.)

*CLASSIC* Joyride

Definitive '90s classic dancehall right here. So much heat on one riddim and high crossover appeal.

I knew I was getting old when I heard this run at some Southwest Philly Jamaican after-hours spot about 3 years ago and only me and maybe two other people were grooving to it. These kids don't know!!

DOWNLOAD

Overdrive

Dave Kelly's "Overdrive" was a slept-on riddim from the summer of 2007.

It has a smooth flow, reminiscent of the "Joyride" riddim released a decade earlier. Usual roster here: Baby Cham, Pinchers, Assassin, etc.

Don't really know why it didn't buss, I'm feelin it and I don't think all the thuggy-thuggy stuff or the daggering tracks were out like that at the time.
DOWNLOAD

*the moral of this story, stop snitchin*
BABY CHAM "WHA DEM FEEL LIKE":

*CLASSIC* Weh Ya Say Star

Classic dancehall track pon di "Starburst" riddim by Spragga Benz.

DOWNLOAD

VIDEO:

*CARNIVAL!* Band of D' Year

Big big tune from 2005/06 right here. Trinidad's dynamic duo of Patrice Roberts & Machel Montano deliver a timeless party classic.

DOWNLOAD

PS. *disclaimer* I know that these aren't the most exclusive tracks available. This, also, isn't a Soca blog. I'm just keeping in the spirit of the season with some of my favorite tracks.
Thank you & enjoy the music.
-L

*CARNIVAL!* Party Time

The first time I heard this track was on an old DJ Rondon Soca mix that I picked up at the Odunde Festival in Philadelphia.

I was blown away. Maximus Dan has a real tough delivery.

This was the track I kept pulling up on my discman over & over & over...

DOWNLOAD

*CARNIVAL!* Jump!

Carnival classic from Barbados' own Rupee.

Whenever I hear this track I think about the last time I was at the Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway. So much fun!

DOWNLOAD

Dem Time Deh.

Great hardcore dancehall riddim from 2006. Production by Leftside (aka Dr. Evil) & Esco.

This riddim possesses all of the elements I look for: groove, extreme low end, and melodic toughness.

Usual suspects here, but all tracks have an intense delivery. Tremendous crossover appeal here, straight bashment. A lot of newer tracks I hear lately are nothing but mediocre; they'll bang for a month then everyone is onto the next thing. I'll stop now before I go off on a huge rant.

Enjoy the music people. Longevity is key.

DOWNLOAD

"DEM TIME DEH" RIDDIM MEDLEY:

CARNIVAL!

It is carnival time again! Seeing that my bro El Professor is doin it big right now in Trinidad, I'm gonna share our Soca mix series, Home For Carnival, with y'all today to help get inna spirit (I'll post some Soca singles within the week to help keep the vibe goin).

Together, El Professor & I are G13 Intn'l. We specialize in Caribbean music from every region, non-discriminatory. We are always researching distinct music from each individual island in search of one complete, universal sound.

The Home For Carnival series has been released on a somewhat regularity since 2006. Currently there are 4 volumes and a 5th is in store for 2009. Links for the first 4 volumes are below:

HOME FOR CARNIVAL
HOME FOR CARNIVAL 2
HOME FOR CARNIVAL 3
HOME FOR CARNIVAL 4

These are some of the tightest Soca mixes available anywhere. Trust me, if you enjoy Soca, you'll enjoy these downloads.

Loving You

"Loving You" by Nina Sky & Notch (of Born Jamericans) from Black Chiney's "Dr. Bird" riddim is yet another great Lover's tune on my list of favorites.

It was originally voiced on Don Corleon's "Drop Leaf" riddim.

DOWNLOAD