There are albums that feel like a collection of tracks, and then there are albums that feel like they were built around a clear idea from the very beginning. ENiGMA Dubz’s Mixtape 3: #Bars is transcendently built beat by beat around a clear vision: passion for UK MC culture. Following the success of his Beatport chart-topping 2023 release Mixtape 1: #Heaters and the viral, radio-supported Mixtape 2: #Vibes in 2024, ENiGMA Dubz returns with the third installment of the series, once again showcasing that every voice has its moment with his mastery across UK garage, dubstep, grime, and drum & bass.
A New Chapter in the Mixtape Series
Once rooted firmly in the UK’s underground, the garage & grime sound has experienced a fresh wave of global attention thanks to digital platforms and fabulous tastemaking producers, finding enthusiastic audiences from Bristol to Brooklyn.
Released on July 17, Mixtape 3: #Bars is nothing less than a love letter to UK MC culture. Across 11 tracks, ENiGMA brings together an exceptional lineup of vocalists including Emz, Dread MC, Slay, Logan_olm, Limmz, Duppy, ILLAMAN, Trilla Jarmaine Trilloski, Beluga Ice, and Crazy D. Each guest and track gets the space to shine, bringing a distinct energy and personality that keeps the project feeling fresh from the first beat to the last.
“There’s an energy you get from hearing an MC spraying over a cold beat that is unmatched
for me, hearing the character in the voices and the different flows from different artists just
gets me gassed.” – ENiGMA Dubz
Production Meets Personality
ENiGMA Dubz clearly understands that the right MC can transform a track, and every vocalist brings something distinct to the project. Each artist feels intentionally placed, adding their own character, rhythm, and perspective to the production. These collaborations that ENiGMA Dubz showcases matter because MC culture has always been central to the identity of UK underground music. The relationship between producer and vocalist is built on energy, timing, and chemistry. #Bars captures that meaningful connection consistently throughout the mix.
Reflecting on his early experiences with UK music culture, ENiGMA Dubz recalls, “I’ll never forget DJing at a mate’s house party when I was 15 and playing the original Forward Riddim by Lethal Bizzle (aka Pow). It literally shut the party down from the madness it caused and I had to run from the house with the decks in my arms and my best mate running alongside with the speakers. Just seeing the power the music had and the energy was life changing for me, legit.”
11 Tracks, One Clear Vision
One of the mixtape’s greatest strengths is how intentional it feels. Every beat is built to serve the vocalist and their unique style, while still carrying ENiGMA’s unmistakable mark. The transition between tracks feels complimentary, creating a project that stays cohesive despite covering a lot of musical ground!
The sound design deserves its own moment in the spotlight. Every layer feels carefully placed, resulting in mixes that are both powerful and remarkably clean. The low end has weight without overwhelming the rest of the arrangement, while the vocals sit confidently without sacrificing the detail happening underneath. The anthemic UKG-meets-speed-garage cut Hold It Down with Emz has already been doing the rounds and will definitely be exploding across clubs and festivals alike throughout the summer and beyond!
More than a year in the making, the care behind the project is obvious! Mixtape 3: #Bars is a confident celebration of UK bass music and the MCs who continue to push it forward. ENiGMA Dubz builds a mixtape that feels focused, expertly crafted, and packed with replay value. This will be on repeat for us over here at the Hawk Headquarters for the foreseeable future!
Find Mixtape 3: #Bars on your favorite streaming platform HERE or listen below!
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