Mix: Genius – #CauseMiBlack

Named after Assassin‘s impassioned chorus in Kendrick Lamar’s “The Blacker The Berry,” the title #CauseMiBlack? refers to Genius’ Jamaican heritage. “I identify as a Jamaican-American,” explains Genius. “But what’s interesting is that when people see you on the street, they don’t see your real identity, your real heritage. People on the street don’t see me as a Jamaican-American: I’m just simply seen and thus treated as ‘black.'”

Genius explains the theory behind the mix: “It’s a time machine from the 1970’s to today. The mix demonstrates that this issue is decades old and it’s not just an issue in this country but a worldwide epidemic, as proven by the Miriam Makeba track about Apartheid in South Africa. When I approached this mix, I was so careful when picking each song, It conveys how I feel when I look at the news and see what they’re doing to young black n*ggas. I have all these emotions. I had to switch from the normal mix to represent how I’m feeling about the current issues. Many of the tracks are angry, but I included a few tracks that pose a peaceful solution to racism. The flow of the mixtape mimics my reaction to the news. It starts off with massive artists that demonstrate how powerful black people can be, segues into songs that address police brutality, and finish with tracks that provide a road map for change.” GENIUS’ knack for knowing how to choose records and sequence them has been a driving force in his career and this expertly curated mix demonstrates that skill set.

DJ Genius grew up in rural Jamaica, but he quickly established himself as a major tastemaker after moving to Atlanta in his early teens, hosting early mixtapes for Migos and K Camp. In recent months, Genius has grown into a notable recording artist on his own, expressing his unique point-of-view while continuing to cultivate a burgeoning Eastside Atlanta music scene. On June 17th, Genius released A Eastside Story: Deluxe Edition LP, a collaborative project with Atlanta newcomer Felipe. Prior to the LP’s release, Genius released “Never Satisfied,” a collaboration with fellow Eastsider Scotty ATL, via2DopeBoyz, and “Ego Trippin‘,” a lavish-life Beat Attikz-produced anthem featuring Felipe and K-Noe. “Ego Trippin'” followed the XXL premiere of the epic, 45-track “Gucci’s Home” mix, released on the day of Gucci Mane’s release from prison. In May, VIBE debuted Genius’ “Movie 2.0,” which features Que and frequent collaborator K Camp, while HipHopDX shared the “Make It Work“ video, in which Genius and Felipe mob out on a liquor store run. The LP also includes features from Hoodrich Pablo Juan, Mr. 2-17,K-Noe, Rich Espy, T-Hood, Coca Vango, and Two-9. A Eastside Story: Deluxe Edition is available to purchase on iTunes and stream on Spotify.