Mixtape Editions
Interviewer: Sabine, thank you for joining us today! Let’s dive straight in. CCJ Studios has just launched the Mixtape Editions, a collection of books that fuse the world of Jamaican music with striking visual art. Can you give us a bit of background on the series and what it aims to achieve?
Sabine Coulson (SC): Thank you for having me! The Mixtape Editions are a unique exploration of Jamaican music and the iconic imagery that has shaped its evolution. When you look at the world of Jamaican music — reggae, dancehall, dub, and beyond — the artwork accompanying the music is as important as the sound itself. From mixtape covers and promotional materials to the designs seen on CDs and album covers, these visuals tell stories of identity, culture, and resistance.
The Mixtape Editions seek to encapsulate that aesthetic through the medium of books. It's a celebration of the intersection between music and visual art. Each edition is designed to evoke the same energy that comes with a dancehall mixtape or a reggae album cover — bold, dynamic, and full of layers of meaning. The intention is to preserve and elevate the visual language of Jamaican music culture, while also giving a deeper understanding of the artists and their craft.
Interviewer: The Mixtape Editions project is an ambitious fusion of art, music, and literature. What do you feel makes Jamaican music's visual culture so compelling?
Sabine Coulson (SC): Jamaican music has always been more than just sound — it’s a complete cultural experience. The artwork associated with Jamaican music, particularly in the dancehall and reggae scenes, is a crucial form of self-expression. These visuals reflect the artist’s identity, the message behind their music, and the socio-political context of the time. Whether it’s the vibrant colors, the bold typography, or the symbolism, every element of these covers plays a role in conveying an artist’s persona and their cultural relevance.
What’s compelling about Jamaican music’s visual culture is how it mirrors the rawness and energy of the music itself. It's always been about rebellion, individuality, and community. The art is often loud and unapologetic, in the same way that the music is. Through the Mixtape Editions, we wanted to capture that same intensity and authenticity.
Interviewer: One of the most anticipated drops in this series is Cobramatic: Pictorial Representation of Individualism in the Stage Name. Could you tell us more about this edition and what inspired its focus on Mad Cobra?
Sabine Coulson (SC): Yes! Cobramatic: Pictorial Representation of Individualism in the Stage Name is very special because it focuses on one of the most iconic figures in Jamaican dancehall music, Mad Cobra. Known for his aggressive yet charismatic style, Cobra’s stage name is a perfect example of how an artist’s identity can be shaped through the power of their name and the visuals they craft around it.
Mad Cobra’s name alone carries so much meaning: "Cobra" evokes danger, power, and aggression — qualities that Mad Cobra brought to the stage in abundance. It also speaks to the ability of Jamaican artists to reinvent themselves through their stage names, often taking on personas that represent their boldness or rebellious nature.
This edition looks at how the stage name, as a concept, plays a key role in creating an artist’s persona, and how that persona is amplified through visual imagery. We’ve worked to visually represent Cobra’s individualism through striking, symbolic artwork that emphasizes both his serpent-inspired name and the persona that he created in the 90s and beyond.
Interviewer: Mad Cobra is a fascinating choice. His influence on Jamaican music, particularly in the 90s, is undeniable. How does the book reflect his personal journey and the evolution of his stage name?
Sabine Coulson (SC): Mad Cobra’s journey is one of transformation, and that’s something we wanted to explore in depth. When he first emerged on the scene, his image and music were rebellious, aggressive, and unapologetic. Over the years, however, he’s evolved into a more multifaceted artist, shifting between different styles and sounds while maintaining his distinct identity.
The stage name "Mad Cobra" is a perfect metaphor for his evolution. A cobra is dangerous and poised, but it also sheds its skin — symbolizing reinvention. The books reflect this transformation by using cover art that plays on these themes of aggression and change, from the serpent imagery to more abstract, fluid representations of identity.
The artwork explores both Cobra’s early years — with the raw, gritty designs that reflect his initial rise in the dancehall scene — and his more recent works, which show a more introspective and evolving artist. We also tie in elements from his music, like the themes of social commentary and individuality, which have always been central to his lyrics.
Interviewer: The concept of "individualism" is crucial in Jamaican music, where the stage name often reflects the artist's entire brand and persona. How do you think Cobra’s stage name stands out in the context of Jamaican music?
Sabine Coulson (SC): Cobra’s stage name is one of the most powerful examples of individualism in Jamaican music. The name "Mad Cobra" immediately tells you everything you need to know about his persona: he’s fierce, dangerous, and unafraid to make an impact. His name is a brand in itself, and it speaks to a broader trend in Jamaican music where the stage name becomes synonymous with the artist’s entire identity.
What makes Cobra stand out, however, is the consistency with which he has built that persona over time. In Jamaican music, artists often reinvent themselves with each album or mixtape, but Cobra has always kept his core identity intact. The name "Mad Cobra" has remained a symbol of resilience, strength, and unapologetic authenticity — values that resonate deeply in Jamaican culture.
Through his stage name, Cobra has crafted a legacy that extends beyond just the music. It’s in the visual imagery, the album covers, the flyers, and the posters — all of these elements are part of what has made his name so iconic.
Interviewer: It’s clear that Cobra’s name is more than just a moniker — it’s a reflection of his cultural impact. What do you hope readers take away from Cobra: Pictorial Representation of Individualism in the Stage Name?
Sabine Coulson (SC): I hope readers come away with a deeper understanding of how Jamaican artists use their stage names to craft and maintain their identities. The power of the stage name in Jamaican music is often overlooked, but it’s a crucial part of how these artists communicate with their audience.
With Cobra, we’re encouraging people to think about the way artists brand themselves, not just through their music but through every visual element they present. From the cover art to the fonts, colors, and symbols, each aspect contributes to how an artist is perceived in the public eye.
Ultimately, I want people to appreciate the intersection of visual art and music, and how Jamaican artists, like Mad Cobra, have used that intersection to tell their stories in powerful and lasting ways.
Interviewer: Thank you, Sabine, for sharing these insights. The Mixtape Editions sound like a remarkable collection that will give readers a new perspective on Jamaican music and its culture.
Sabine Coulson (SC): Thank you! We’re incredibly excited about the project and hope that the Mixtape Editions will inspire a greater appreciation for the rich visual and sonic culture of Jamaica. Stay tuned — there’s so much more to come!
“The Mixtape Editions are a unique celebration of Jamaican music and its visual culture, and Cobra: Pictorial Representation of Individualism in the Stage Name promises to be a must-read for fans of Mad Cobra, as well as anyone interested in the creative forces shaping Jamaican music today.”
