As chill as this dojo is, we all need a holiday once in a while, and thankfully Ninjette Brooke was kind enough to step in during my break to make sure that the vibes kept flowing. Let’s pick up exactly where we left off and launch back into some of the best new music that has this summer thriving.
There’s no better style than tropical tunage to get things going, and no better man than Viceroy to kick-start this sun-drenched playlist. Now you’d be forgiven for anticipating the lyrics of Nicki Minaj to enter after hearing the first few chords of ‘The Life’, but thankfully it’s the sweet vocals of Penguin Prison that greet us in this 2014 anthem from Mr “Summertime All the Time”. This is the quintessential track for any beach party this year, no questions asked, but would you have expected anything less when these two names combine? I may have been on a break for a little while, but Oliver Nelson is a man who never stops pumping out one tropical gem after the next. His fiendish disco frenzy continues with his latest remix of ‘Busy Baby’, complete with those trademark slapping drums that never fail to induce some serious head bopping. Long Beach duo LBCK are another group geared up for a big summer this year, and they’re firing things up with a remix of a burning classic from Mariah Carey. The perfect combo of soul, funk and warm groove make for one hell of a start to their campaign, and it’s one we’ll watch with eager eyes.
It just wouldn’t be a summer playlist without a good showing of some Norwegian talent, and once again Bearson demonstrates that he has it in spades with another mind-blowing remix. We knew this brand of mellow house would make him blow up very soon, and we’re sure it won’t be too much longer at all before he reaches the heights he deserves. Not to be outdone, fellow countryman Matoma is another Scandinavian superstar who wields a nu-disco vibe to be revered. No stranger to a golden hip-hop acapella, his latest slice of paradise is seamless in its treatment of those untouchable lyrics, and will ensure they’re enjoyed for countless years to come. While we’re talking about stunning revivals, this Damian Marley cover from EFIX will take things to a whole new level of chill. With amazing control and pace, every minute of this delightful journey will take you to a completely new place, and is truly a marvel in musical construction. That guitar and violin partnership is absolutely mesmerizing. Rounding out this wrap-up is the latest bootleg magic from DJ AA, which hits all the right notes in its use of Sam Smith together with some dance-floor heat from 1up.
Whether you’re gunning for a holiday or just the weekend, this playlist will set the mood right to get you there. Peace out.
