Mixpak FM 046 is a Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2013 special delivered by Hot 97’s D-Life. One of New York’s top soca selectors, D-Life is a Massive B family member and host on Miami’s Mixx96, alongside being Alison Hinds’ tour DJ. Safe to say he knows all about fete. Read our Q&A with D-Life below for the full lowdown on his mix that runs through everything he thinks will be tearing down the house of bacchanal at carnival this coming week.
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Mixpak FM 046: D-Life
Tell us about the tracks in this mix…
The tracks in this mix in my opinion are the ones I think are gonna be playing after Carnival is over and will make their mark abroad.
What do you think is the biggest track for T&T carnival this year? In any category
Definitely ‘Fantastic Friday’ by the Legend Super Blue.
Were you surprised by any of this year’s contenders?
Yes, the return of Super Blue.
Are there any young soca artists we should be looking out for?
There’s a few of them that are producing good tracks but within the past 3 years there have been 3 that have dropped bombs: Kerwin DuBois, Hypersound, Kes.
What do you look for in a soca hit?
That beat, that melody, that hook, you just know it when you hear it
You’re Alison Hinds’ DJ – what do you think is key to being a successful soca DJ?
Not labeling yourself as only a soca DJ. I’ve been blessed to be able to travel and bring my style of DJing across the globe. When I was approached to DJ for one of the most recognized soca artist I felt honored & humbled Alison is a true professional and we’re able to exchange ideas and it tells when we’re on stage, you get a show!
What do you always take to carnival with you?
My vitamins, cause you need it to keep up lol
What’s your DJ history – where did you start and where have you played since?
I started at a very young age my first party DJing by myself was in a basement party I was 13 and my uncle who was a DJ trusted me to play for these grown folks by myself the party turned out great but I blew an amp and the little money I made went to fixing it (my uncle still has that amp). Since then I’ve played all across the US, Canada, Caribbean, Europe and Africa and it has lead to a lot of opportunities one of which I’m truly proud of was the inking the deal with Penalty Records (Universal) to do the first ever Soca mix CD and DVD combo (DLIFE Extreme Soca Vol1) for and American label which to this day is one of the most successful Caribbean Cd’s on Amazon.com.
How did you get involved with Massive B & Hot 97?
I’ve been knowing Bobby & Jabba for a while from playing along side them at Miami Carnival Socavivor and being on Mixx96 in Miami. At a party in Brooklyn at the Elite Ark one night I just asked them for the opportunity to get on Hot97 with them to showcase there soca segment and the rest is history.
Does soca still get a good airing on Hot 97?
It does but not as much as it should.
Where should people in check in NY for a good soca scene?
There’s different places you can go locally but every Sunday I’m at Fire Sundays with the entire Massive B team at the Buzz Night Club 103 Empire Blvd in Brooklyn.
Mixpak FM 046: D-Life Tracklist
WETTIN – KERWIN DUBOIS
DRINKIN RUM – MACHEL MONTANO
INDIAN GYAL – DRUPATEE & MACHEL MONTANO
BADDY – ALISON HINDS
FETER – BENJAI
WHININ QUEEN – DENISE BELFON
MORE IRON – ALISON HINDS
NO GETAWAY – BLAXX
A LITTLE WINE – PATRICE ROBERTS
PLAY D MAS – SHAL MARSHALL
25/8 – LYRIKAL
SHE READY – MACHEL MONTANO
WE WANT DRINKS – KING BUBBA & LIL RICK
WAISTLINE ENERGY – LIL RICK
WUK UP WORKOUT – ALISON HINDS
CYAN BOTHER WE – LIL RICK & BENJAI
CAN’T LEAVE WE OUT – SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER
FANTASTIC FRIDAY – SUPER BLUE
ENERGY HIGH – MACHEL MONTANO
