Dre_Skull

Mixpak Records

Mixpak Records is a Brooklyn-based independent record label, founded in 2009 by record producer Dre Skull. The label operates across a range of genres, from dancehall to underground club music, experimental electronic, rap and leftfield pop. Mixpak has released music by Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Palmistry, Murlo, and Jubilee, among others.[1]

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History

Mixpak was started by producer and musician Dre Skull in 2009 as a multi-genre label encompassing music from across the world. The label's early years saw releases spanning dancehall, synth pop, UK funky house, punk, and more.[2]

In 2011, following a trip to Jamaica, Mixpak released its first full-length album: Kingston Story by Vybz Kartel, featuring the singles “Yuh Love”, “Go Go Wine”, and “Half on a Baby”. The album reached number seven on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and received coverage in outlets such as Pitchfork and the New York Times.[3][4][5]

Subsequent releases on Mixpak struck a balance between dancehall riddims and releases from emerging electronic and experimental artists such as Jubilee, Dubbel Dutch, and Murlo.

In 2012, Mixpak began working with Vybz Kartel’s then protege Popcaan and subsequently signed him to a multi album deal.[6]

On June 10, 2014, Mixpak released Popcaan’s debut album, Where We Come From. The release entered the Billboard Reggae Chart at number two and spawned the singles “Everything Nice” and “Love Yuh Bad”.[7] The album received critical acclaim across the board and in 2016 “Love Yuh Bad” was sampled by Drake on “Too Good” feat. Rihanna.[8]

In 2016, Mixpak won Red Bull Culture Clash in London, defeating Wiz Khalifa, UKG Allstars and Wiley's Eskimo Dance for the trophy. The surprise victory catapulted Mixpak to greater visibility and led to them being ranked among the top labels of the year by many.[9][10] They continued to release acclaimed full-length albums by Palmistry, Jubilee, and Gaika as well as EPs by Murlo and Wildlife![11] Jubilee's album was ranked among the best electronic releases of the year by Billboard and Pitchfork.[12][13]

Mixpak released Popcaan's second album Forever on July 20, 2018. It was preceded by the singles "Body So Good", "Wine For Me" and "Firm And Strong".[14]

As well as releasing records, Mixpak throws a series of parties in New York City and hosts a monthly show on Red Bull Radio. They have a recording studio complex in Brooklyn, New York.

Discography

Releases

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Roster


References

  1. "About Mixpak". Mixpak Records. Mixpak. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  2. "Releases". Mixpak. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  3. Finney, Tim. "Review: Vybz Kartel - Kingston Story". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  4. Kenner, Rob (16 June 2011). "Vybz Kartel Expands his Dancehall brand". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  5. "Mixpak Interview Series: Popcaan". Mixpak. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  6. "Chart History: Popcaan". Billboard. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  7. "Too Good". Whosampled. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  8. [mixmag.net/feature/the-top-20-record-labels-of-2016/92 "Best Labels of 2016"]. Mixmag. Retrieved 11 September 2017. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  9. "The Best Labels of 2016". Fact Magazine. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  10. "Releases". Mixpak Records. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  11. "10 Best Dance/Electronic Albums of 2016". Billboard. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
  12. "The 20 Best Electronic Albums of 2016". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 September 2017.

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