Mighty Crown: Reggae's Sound System of Japan

In observance of VIBE's 2nd Global Issue (with Alicia Keys on the cover), showcasing the best music in the world, we bring to you the super sound system collective Mighty Crown from Yokohama, Japan. The crew of five DJs (and more member affiliates) are not only reggae spinning legends but are also style icons and creators with their own brand that collabs with Nike, New Era and various other well respected streetwear lines and individuals. The two most visual members of the 20-year-old band are brothers, Masta Simon and Sami T. Below, Exclusive Access caught up with the fellas in Atlanta while in town for a Bryan-Michael Cox (hitmaking R&B songwriter) event at The W Hotel's Drinkshop.

To get a better idea of what Mighty Crown does, view the way they control the club scene crowd at a party in London late last year. These dudes know just the right tunes to get the people going.

During the tragic aftermath of the earthquake/tsunami disaster in Japan in early 2011, Mighty Crown traveled to Queens, New York's, York College to perform for a fundraiser where the proceeds went to the victims of the horrific event. Understanding that this was all for the love of the people, Mighty Crown showed their true sound boy strength by hitting the audience with classic after classic cuts.

Here we find Mighty Crown going head up against the legendary sound clash titan, David Rodigan in Harford, Connecticut. Going tune for bass heavy tune, the two have a showdown for the ages when youth challenges wisdom as Rodigan (with over 40 years of spin time) warns the M.C. brothers with, "There's an old Jamaican saying, 'The older the moon, the brighter it shines." Regardless of the age and experience difference, Mighty Crown toughs it out with the rugged dub plates of a serious sound clash master.