Diplo and Switch Wield Major Lazer at Bar Marmont

Drew Tewksbury

Diplo unveils Major Lazer, a new Jamaica inspired collaboration with Switch at Bar Marmont

The walls of Bar Marmont swelled with the deep sounds of dub and dancehall at the unveiling of mixmasher Diplo and London house dj Switch's new project, Major Lazer. As Diplo's first original recording in a while, the Philly native offered up his signature style clash after industry types mingled over cocktails, diminutive snacks, and yes, a caricature artist.

Drew Tewksbury

When Diplo stepped up to the tables, the thick bass of Major Lazer poured across the crowded dancefloor. The record expands on Diplo's musical tourism -- his previous efforts with M.I.A and Bonde Du Role introduced many to baile funk -- and dips from the well of Jamaican music old and new. The record was recorded in Jamaica with some local stars including Vybz Kartel, but also infuses the stylings of indie-dance-popstress Santigold.

Drew Tewksbury

Who you lookin' at, Spankrock?

Indie-nasty-rapper and Diplo's Philly cohort Spankrock lurked in the crowd, sometimes sipping from a drink and/or nodding his head. 4/20 may have passed, but the Bar Marmont got a taste of the sound (not the smoke) of Jamaican culture.