Ticklah

Summer Jams

Music, Videos

Playing catch-up a bit here after my hiatus and thought I’d drop a bunch of jams I’ve been listening to this summer in one post, plus some new shit that’s hitting my radar this week. Let’s start above with DJ Khaled’s self-proclaimed song and video of the year “Staying Alive.” I see a lot of folks calling this “mid,” but I can’t front I’ve been singing it nonstop since it dropped. The video is fun, too (Drake nails the “doctor walk” lol). Yo Khaled—Westcheddar did!

For those who don’t eff with that mainstream heat, here’s an underground smoker I’ve been listening to steadily for the past few weeks. This one’s for the buddhaheads out there who love a good daytime burn, courtesy of Philly rapper lojii and his crony Zeroh, with production by mejiwahn. Twist.

As we continue on with the buddha anthems, here’s a new roots reggae joint from Mikey General and producer Victor Axelrod aka Ticklah titled “It Choose Me.” This is some classic sounding shit right here—Mikey General’s the man and Ticklah doesn’t miss.

Another gem for the stoners. Are we sensing a theme here, yet? Leisure might be a band from New Zealand, but on the “Mesmerised (Sumac Dub Remix)” they catch the island vibes lovely.

Speaking of island vibes, this might be the song of the summer at the Westcheddar headquarters. The whole family fux with it. Pay attention.

And finally, to put a bow on the Caribbean flavor—my man Matisyahu dropped a heater a few months back that’s still in rotation, “Mama Please Don’t Worry.” And his son LAIVY just released his debut single “Beauty and the Beast” which is fire, too. Congrats, young King!

That’s it for now. Sike! I got one more for ya. Her name is Ice Spice, straight out of the BX. Rumor has it that her father is a well-known Bronx rapper from back in the day, but I’ve yet to see confirmation on who that is. I’ll update when I find out. For now, peep her spit that ill drill skill on “Munch,” which already got the co-sign from Drake. See how we just came full circle? You gotta love it.

Okay, now I’m really out. Enjoy the summer my Westcheddar brethren. Peace!!

Whatcha Doing (To Me)

Music

Dope re-work by Ticklah of a Charles Bradley favorite. More info below via Daptone Records…

Originally a stand-out album track from Charles Bradley’s “Changes” long player – then titled “You Think I Don’t Know (But I Know)” – Axelrod & Co. artfully transform the Soul groover into an early ’70s reggae stroller, with Charles’ signature plaintive vocals providing a beautiful juxtaposition to the lighthearted bounce of the Inversion’s Island beat. Thankfully CB was able to hear this version before he passed, to which he said “Ooooooo! I LOVE IT!” We think you will too!

Soul Meets Reggae

Music

Here are a couple random reggae joints I’ve been bumping recently, both with soulful roots. Vibe out above to The Far East’s cover of Little Ann’s gem “Deep Shadows,” and a Ticklah-produced reworking of Bob & Gene’s “I Can Be Cool” below. Nothing that new, just some shit I’ve been meaning to share. Enjoy.

Wild Belle x Ticklah!

Music

I was waiting to hear some new Wild Belle shit since they dropped their awesome debut album a couple years ago, and it’s finally started to come around. They popped up on the Major Lazer album earlier this year, and then they released a dope new single, “Giving Up On You,” a couple months ago. But I actually prefer this new Ticklah remix of “Giving Up On You” to the original. Ticklah is one of the dopest dub reggae producers on the planet, and he laces WB lovely right here. Can’t wait to hear more collabos from these two. Press play ASAP.