Reggae Mix USA

Audio Mixer: Jabba.
Photographer: Matthew Hanlon.
Satellite radio host, Miami party regular, and all-around charismatic guy Jabba presents this collection of island sounds with "reggae" on the cover, although they could have just as easily gone with simply "dancehall." No Marley, Tosh, Big Youth, or other roots music here, just the electronic-based, club-oriented strain of reggae that's generated massive hits like Mr. Vegas' "Heads High," Gyptian's "Hold You (Hold Yuh)," and even Snow's 1992 hit "Informer." All three of those land here, along with big tunes like Wayne Wonder's smooth "No Letting Go" and Tony Matterhorn's sex-infused "Dutty Wine," plus a strong second line of lesser-known cuts such as Beenie Man's ridiculously fun, super-salacious "She's Horny." The Vybz Kartel cut isn't an obvious one, meaning dancehall's king rebel isn't properly represented, but this is a "party mix" and not a "primer." On the party level, Jabba's selections are choice, making this an enticing intro to dancehall that doubles as a weekend-ready mix. ~ David Jeffries