Jamaican Slang EditorialTHE Blog for Jamaican Slang, Patois, Reggae, Rastafari, Real T’ing dem and Jamaica

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Yea, I know mixtapes aren’t really around anymore, but I grew up with the word and always “copping” new mixtapes. Besides, at this point I am not really ready to say digital mix…it took a while just to get comfortable with mix cd, so “gi mi a bligh”!!

I was put on to DJ 100dBs by a friend in New York who always goes to the events sponsored by 100dBs’ bredren, Theory Events (All of the parties are “fyah”, but especially the reggae parties, so if you are in NYC, make your way to Leopard Lounge to hear the young master in action). So, 100dBs made a mixtape dedicated to Ganja and the Ganja holiday, 4-20!

Basically, Ganja Tunes is the perfect mix for anyone that just wants to “cool out” and wants to hear a collection of reggae spanning three decades. Most of the songs are well known to reggae aficionados, but can be appreciated by all.  The songs that most people will recognize are Pass the Kutchie (The Mighty Diamonds) and Legalize It (Peter Tosh), but just about everything on this mixtape is classic. And everything is focused around Ganja (I mean the mix IS Called Ganja Tunes). Here are my 3 favorite tracks:

1) Morgan Heritage - Give We a License

2) John Holt - Police in Helicopter

3) Barrington Levy - Sensimilea

As far as learning Jamaican Slang, this is not really the mixtape that is going to take your Patois to the next level, but it will certainly educate you on just about every word used for weed. Although this mixtape was mixed around the theme of 4-20, you can really listen to it anytime of the year. It’s great to listen to when you are cooling out, having a house party, at the beach with your bredren or taking things to a higher level! By the way, the DJing on this mix is actually good and 100dBs does a great job of focusing on the music and not sound effects. Go download this mix now and check for more from 100dBs! Big up 100dBs, Ashir and the whole Theory Events family!

Click here to download Ganja Tunes.

Nobody can deny that Jamaica is the capital of reggae music and the heart and soul of the reggae movement, but reggae has spread its seed around the world, just like a Rasta! I love reggae and some of my favorite artists of all time and of late are NOT from Jamaica. Here are the Top 5 Reggae Artists NOT from Jamaica.

1) Steele Pulse (England): The guys are legendary and that is why they are #1.If you have checked out Steel Pulse, you must! Check out: Bodyguard, Blue Dance Raid, and Prodigal Son.

2) Alpha Blondy (Senegal): You might know him if you are restricted to just listening to English or JAMAICAN, but this guy is legendary, especially in the French speaking world. The thing is, he can and does sing in Jamaican Patois. Yea!!!

3) Gentleman (Germany): I might catch a bit of push back from people about this selection, but this guy has made some hit tracks on classic riddims. Not only that, he sings in Patois and has out performed Jamaican artists on some riddims. Don’t believe me?? Check out: Intoxication and Dem Gone.

4) Collie Buddz (Bermuda): Hey, the list says, artists that you would never know. When Collie Buddz came out, nuff people thought he was Jamaican. Actually, Collie Buddz was born in the U.S., but he grew up in Jamaica. His tracks have been classics and he actually has a solid album. Check out

5) Maxi Priest (England): Alright, fiyah pon I-man, but yes, Maxi makes the list. Some of his songs are more reggae pop, but the guy has some classic songs. My favorite is Wild World.

There might be some others that you would imagine to make this list, but either they are not famous enough, speak with a very distinct accent or were born in Jamaica and grew up elsewhere. Kymani Marley is definitely one of those cases and his dad is the late great, Bob Marley!

I would love to hear your input and see who you think makes the Top 5.