Tag Archives: New York

Irish and Chin Solidifies Media Presence

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World-renowned Dancehall promoters Irish and Chin have done it again, this time landing a weekly 6-hour block of airtime on radio, canvassing the Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Together, with streaming live on their website www.irishandchin.com and other affiliates, Sound Chat Radio reaches thousands of listeners every Monday between 7-10pm EST and Tuesday from 5-8pm EST.

Sound Chat Radio went live in August 2011 and is the initiative of Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne, one half of the company’s dynamic promotions duo — the other being Gilbert Murchison. Hosted by ‘Chin’, the shows thus far have scored prominent, exclusive guests, including major sound system players, legends and influential figures such as Bass Odyssey, Kilimanjaro, Black Kat, David Rodigan, Geefus, Tony Matterhorn, Downbeat, Fire Links, Black Scorpio, Jazzy T, King Jammy’s among others.

Meanwhile, top music personalities such as Cham, Lady Saw, Tifa, Elephant Man, Romain Virgo, I-Octane, Chris Martin, Lady G, Konshens, among others, have been hosted within the shows’ special interview feature called Chat Release. Other features of the shows include Singles Spotlight and Riddim Review, where newly released Dancehall/Reggae songs and rhythms as well as albums are highlighted, giving an opportunity to established as well as upcoming singers, deejays, producers to share their projects with Sound Chat Radio’s growing global audience.

Critical and controversial discussions are also a main feature of the shows’ objective such as those concerning the present state of the music. The opinions and overall experiences of Reggae/Dancehall’s industry stalwarts Donovan Germaine and Cleveland ‘Clevie’ Browne have been among the guests that continue to ensure that its programming is lively, constructive and valuable.

Sound Chat Radio has already become one of the top Caribbean programme on stations such as Red Hot and Road Block Radio. According to ‘Chin’, “It only made sense for us to further develop our media presence in order to truly capture and capitalize on what was already a huge fan following and still growing demand for the company via our branded events and promotions. So, extending to radio was a no brainer.”

Irishandchin.com has over 70 thousand registered users, earning the promoters an enviable database reach. Adding to this is their other major promotion of bringing top rated Jamaican plays to the Tri-State’s Jamaican Diaspora. Their next venture is “The Politician”, starring ‘Delcita’, ‘Shebada’, Michael ‘Stringbean’ Nicholson and Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, written by Paul O. Beale, which is set for May 26th and 27th in Hartford, Connecticut and Queens, New York respectively.

The Irish and Chin brand is this year celebrating 15 years, during most of which they garnered respect for their heavily branded World Clash global sound system competition, as well as management of the Japanese sound system Mighty Crown who to date stands as the only sound system to have had major corporate contracts with multi-million dollar brands such as 5 sold out Nike shoe endorsements, 1 limited edition signature sneaker deal with Clae, a high end luxury footwear line based in California, and their latest being a partnership with the hugely popular Clarks.

CONTACT:

http://www.irishandchin.com

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BASS

Bass Odyssey vs. Black Kat For The World Title

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by News, reggae • Tags: , , , , , , ,

Despite international visibility and fame, there is an age old debate that resonates among clash fans of which sound rules Jamaica’s countryside — Bass Odyssey or Black Kat. Hailing from the remote Jamaican territories of Saint Ann and Christiana, far from the city life of Dancehall hotbed Kingston, respectively Bass Odyssey and Black Kat have been battling over the title of Jamaica’s top country sound for years.

Now, before thousands of clash revelers at both World Clash New York R.E.S.E.T. on Saturday, April 7 (w/Fire Links, Tony Matterhorn, Poison Dart, Earth Ruler and David Rodigan) and World Clash Jamaica R.E.S.E.T. on Easter Monday, April 9 (w/Kilamanjaro, Black Blunt, Heavy Hammer, Rootsman and Code Red), these powerhouse sounds will settle the score. While the stages in New York and Jamaica will serve as battlefields, the ultimate proving ground for Bass Odyssey and Black Kat will clearly be in their homeland in front of loyal supporters at Pier One.

Jamaican Sound System Black Kat

Black Kat with Panther (left) Winners of Death Before Dishonor clash.

Stellar war sounds Bass Odyssey and Black Kat are synonymous with high power sound clash. Rising to prominence in the early 90′s, the sounds have cemented them selves as fixtures in the sound clash arena, generating scores of victories, a worldwide fan base and the utmost respect from fellow members of the fraternity. Known for craftily defeating legions of sounds over time, Bass Odyssey and Black Kat remain the most feared players in game. Most of today’s modern day sound systems don’t feel that they can properly reach the big leagues without facing off against these clash leaders.

It’s no secret that Bass Odyssey and Black Kat are not just dynamic sounds, but also powerhouse brands. Their names carry weight, allowing them to periodically interchange and showcase team players without losing their position or credibility. Regardless of who plays the sounds, one can almost always anticipate high caliber, strategic sound clash entertainment. Bass Odyssey also excels in juggling. Boasting the role of teacher, some of today’s most prominent sound men admit to learning or studying the tactics and careers of Bass Odyssey and Black Kat front men. Historically, one of the most heralded and praised duos in the sound clash industry consisted of DJ Mark and the late, great Squingy of Bass Odyssey.

Champion JA Sound System BASS ODYSSEY

Squingy (RIP) and DJ Mark with the UK Cup Clash trophy

Tied with 7 World Clash victories (along with “The Far East Rulers” Mighty Crown), Bass Odyssey and Black Kat are set to come head to head on two World Clash stages in April 2012. There is intense energy among fans centered on these highly anticipated face offs. Whenever, these two giants are billed for the same event, only “helter skelter” can erupt. While Bass Odyssey boldly attacks contenders with a fusion of well structured speeches and sharp music selections, Black Kat’s team often dons smiles and sneakily strikes opponents with witty warnings and well-known dub plate anthems.

No matter one’s position on who will take home the coveted World Clash R.E.S.E.T. trophies, fans are certain that Bass Odyssey and Black Kat’s showdown will be forever written in the pages of Dancehall history. For R.E.S.E.T. New York, limited tickets are available online and in select retail outlets. R.E.S.E.T. Jamaica tickets will be available at the gate only.

Which sound system will bring home the World Clash title?

For more information please visit http://www.irishandchin.com/

 

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Sadiki and Delly Ranx – New Album “Fi Di Dancehall” In Stores Now

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by News, reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Photograph of Singer, Songwriter, Producer Sadiki
Image via Wikipedia

The perfect mixture of uptempo beats, smooth laid back dancehall grooves, and a seemingly endless supply of lyrics, are the major elements of “Fi Di Dancehall”.

Since the release of his New York & South Florida Reggae Chart #2 album “Lifeline”, in October of 2010, Sadiki’s dancehall fans have been left with an unfilled appetite. So Sadiki decided to “fill di gap”. He brought the idea of doing a collaborative album to the Ace DJ and producer Delly Ranx. Ranx immediately agreed. The outcome is 12 authentic Jamaican tracks, which showcase the harsh DJ vocals of Delly Ranx and the smooth, laid back (and sometimes in-between), singing vocals of Sadiki. The first single from the album “Jamaican Queen”, is already gaining massive airplay worldwide and has in fact entered the BBC World Reggae Beat Chart.

Although collaborative, singer/DJ albums have been done with great success by reggae luminaries such as Chakademus and Pliers as well as Tanto Metro and Devonte, this is the first which showcases the production and engineering talents of each artist. Focus tracks include “Jamaican Queen”, “Hero”, “Toppa Toppa”, the instant ladies anthem “Girlfriend”, and the club joint “Dancing Forever”. “Fi Di Dancehall”, features production from Delly Ranx, Sadiki, Lloyd Campbell & Jason Sterling & I Paul Gauntlet, Arif Cooper, Taranchyla & Froggy of Mad Spider Entertainment. “Fi Di Dancehall” will be released on Digital format in Japan on 1.11.11 and will be released worldwide in digital format on 2.8.11.

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I Octane New York City Press Conference and Meet & Greet

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I-OCTANE PRESS CONFERENCE AND MEET & GREET

WHEN:Wednesday, January 26, 2011

TIME: 6:30 – 8pm Press Conference (Media Only)

8pm – 10pm Meet & Greet (Open to the Public)

PLACE: Negril Village Restaurant’s Rhum Lounge, 70 West 3rd Street, New York, NY

RSVP: media@triple7entllc.com or 201-981-6960
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The Celebrity Status Boat Ride

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by events, Hip Hop, News, reggae, Uncategorized • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The line outside courtesy of Haitianbeatz.com

As Synco Powers, Vlad Calixte (aka Haitian V.), and I walked up to Pier 40 I thought to myself, “this crowd can’t be for one boat ride!”  However, to my amazement, all of those people were there for DJ Stakz “Celebrity Status Bday Bash Boat Ride”.  Try saying that ten times fast.  DJ Stakz‘ annual boat ride did not disappoint.  Not only did it not disappoint, it was the best boat ride of the summer so far.  The event was promoted by Team HKNY and Hi-Profyle Entertainment.  In case you didn’t know, HKNY and Hi-Profyle are at the forefront of Haitian-American events in the New York area.  They have sold out venues such as Club Amazura, the Hammerstein Ballroom, and countless other venues throughout the area.  So DJ Stakz’ birthday event was no different.

As the boat left the dock a little after 2am you could feel the anticipation throughout the vessel.  There were two sound systems set up on the three level boat.  On the lowest level there were DJs playing strictly Kompa and Zouk.  On the third level there was a mixture of R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca, and Kompa.  The variety was amazing.  As DJ Stakz proclaimed later in the night, this was truly “an international boat ride.”  I spent most of my time on the third level.  The night started off with Ontrack Disco playing R&B to warm up the many ladies on board.  As the drinks were flowing and the crowd loosened up, Ontrack Disco transitioned into late 80′s Lover’s Rock reggae.  Artists such as Papa San, Shabba Ranks, and Beres Hammond were helping to build up the vibe.  As the energy built, SNL Boyz Synco and Ontrack went into a vibrant soca set.  The party had officially gotten on its way.

Ontrack Disco & Synco Powers warming up the crowd

Next up was the birthday boy himself, DJ Stakz.  I must say that Stakz definitely knew exactly how to control the crowd.  He played a Kompa set that turned the boat upside down.  The crowd seemed to sing out throughout the entire set.  Haiti pride was definitely overflowing on the Hudson River.  Every time DJ Stakz solicited for a response from the crowd they responded with  great exuberance.  It was truly a sight to see.  As DJ Stakz’ set was reaching its end, Hot 97′s Mr. Cee was preparing to come in next.  At this point I leaned over to Ontrack and said “I don’t know how Cee is going to follow that set.”  Ontrack simply replied with one word, “watch.”  I didn’t expect to see what happened next.  DJ Stakz introduced Mr. Cee and stayed on the microphone.  Mr. Cee went into a Kompa set that had the crowd in an even more intense frenzy!  After the incredible Kompa set, Mr. Cee went into a machine gun paced Hip Hop set that would not let the crowd rest for a second.  At this point I forgot about anything outside of that boat.  I didn’t think about a drink, a seat, a bathroom break, only vibes.

DJ Stakz & Hot 97's Mr. Cee

I was surprised when the boat arrived at the dock.  I lost track of time and I could tell that my sentiment was shared by many on the boat.  Hi-Profyle and Team HKNY are set to overload Times Square on August 27th with “Kompa Rehab vs Zouk Therapy 2: The Broadway Edition”.

Your Man on the Street

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by events, Fashion, Hip Hop, reggae, Soca, Uncategorized • Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
New York
Image by HeySandra via Flickr

Well the summer season is upon us and, needless to say, there are many different things going on.  Up until this point, this blog has dealt with mostly three different categories.  The Atlanta reggae scene, the worldwide reggae scene, and Highlanda Sound System.  Well I am here to add yet another category, the New York scene.  While I will be concentrating on mostly Caribbean topics, I will be covering an array of things.  It will be a true representation of what’s happening in New York from a Caribbean-American’s point of view.

Some of you are probably wondering who is Crisis Don.  Well I am one of the co-founders of Highlanda Sound System, along with Kahlil Wonda and Super PEC.  I have lived in New York City most of my life and I have a deep appreciation for the city.  You will find out more about my sensibilities as I delve into various topics.  And what are some of those topics you ask?  Well there are parties, clubs, lounges, promoters, artists, music, fashion, dining out, and just hanging out, to name a few.  So check in from time to time to see what we are doing and what you should be doing.  You won’t have to wait long for my first post.

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Chino Nominated For IRAWMA Award

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Reggae and Dancehall artiste Chino has scored yet another achievement. The artiste who has accumulated a number of awards including those at the EMEs, Youth View Awards and Magnum Stone Love Awards in recent months, has again been nominated, this time for an IRAWMA award.

Chino, whose correct name is Daniel McGregor, was nominated in the category ‘Most Improved Entertainer’ at this year’s 29th International Reggae & World Music Awards, (IRAWMA). Chino says, “When I heard I couldn’t help but smile. I feel really blessed for people to appreciate my work. I’ve been in the music industry for as long as I can remember; some people may remember me as ‘Cappachino’ an’ dem time deh a lot of people refused to even give a second glance no matter how good a song was. But nothing beats persistence, and I stuck with it. It’s been a long journey, an’ as we say ‘from mawnin wi a hustle an’ put we all in’. It’s not just a song. It’s my life; so I’m really appreciative to the fans, the media, the selectors and everybody both here and overseas for showing love.”

The singjay who is known for hits ranging from From Mawnin’, Protected, Ruff It Up, Pon Yuh Head, and more, will attend the event staged by Martin’s International & Associates on Sunday, May 2 at the York College Performing Arts Center in New York. This year’s IRAWMA ceremony is dedicated to the People of Haiti and Health Awareness.

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Buju Banton Nominated For Three 2010 International Reggae and World Music Awards

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Gargamel Music, Inc. is thrilled to announce that Jamaican music icon, Buju Banton, has been nominated for a trio of  2010 International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA): Recording Artist Of The Year, Best Album for Rasta Got Soul and Best Crossover Song for “Can’ t Be My Lover,” his recent hit collabo with R&B star, John Legend.

Banton and the Gargamel Music family sincerely thank IRAWMA founder Mr. Martin Ephraim, the entire IRAWMA staff, and of course, the fans for the love and continued support at this time. The 29th Annual International Reggae & World Music Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 2nd at York College Performing Arts Center in Jamaica (Queens), New York.

In other Buju Banton music news, the one-off single,  “Time And A Place”  (John John) on the scorching Coming In From The Cold riddim has skyrocketed to #1 on both the New York Top 30 Reggae Chart and South Florida Top 25 Reggae Chart. The album Rasta Got Soul is currently #2 on both the New York Top 20 Albums Chart and the South Florida Top 15 Albums Chart. The new “Optimistic Soul” single (plus bonus instrumental) will be released digitally on March 23rd.

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Jamrock Reggaefest with Beres Hammond & Friends Saturday – July 18, 2009 in NY

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Jamrock Reggaefest

Musical legends Frankie Paul and John Holt join Beres Hammond on stage at the 12th Annual JAMROCK Reggae Fest! Come seeFrankie “Dancehall” Paul, the father of Rock Steady, John Holt along with the originator of Lover’s Rock, Beres Hammond, all on one stage. Newly added acts are Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill and Lenya Wilks along with Natural Blacks. This classic lineup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with phenomenal performances at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York, on Saturday, July 18, 2009. Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster, Reggaefest.com and various locations through out the tri-state area with ticket prices starting at just $49.99!

Kenyatta Hill is the son of the late Joseph Hill, front man of Culture, the legendary vocal trio whose 1977 record “Two Sevens Clash” helped define the roots reggae genre. In August 2006, while on tour in Berlin, Germany, Joseph Hill suddenly fell ill and passed away. Kenyatta has since carried the torch successfully performing as the front man for Culture and paying tribute to his father with every performance.

Natural Blacks, the Guyanese-born roots singer has made a persistent stance in reggae with songs like “Far from Reality” and “Never Leave You Lonely.” His style and personality has made him a favorite among some of the top record producers and fans in Jamaica, and throughout the Caribbean.

Frankie Paul is often referred to as Jamaica’s Stevie Wonder, and not just because of his visual impairment; like Wonder, he was a talented multi-instrumentalist with a tremendous vocal range. He was also extraordinarily prolific; part of the first wave of dancehall artists, he started his recording career in earnest during the early ’80s, and has since flooded the market with product, releasing countless singles and well over 30 albums. Fans can look forward to hits like “Tidal Wave,” “Sara” and “Slow Down.“

John Holt has delivered timeless reggae classics like “Police in Helicopter,” “Stick by Me,” and “Ali Baba.” The former lead singer of the Parogons still stands head and shoulders above the rest as one of Jamaica’s sweetest singers and enduring songwriters. He has voiced and penned so many of the country’s classics that in a way, Holt has defined the island’s sound.

Known to many as the “Otis Redding of Reggae,” Beres Hammond has been writing, producing and pouring out his smoky-sweet voice over soulful reggae riddims for over three decades. From his early days as the lead singer of the ’70s funk-reggae infused band Zap Pow, Beres has consistently produced hits and number one singles. As the cornerstone to Lover’s Rock, he has inspired the next generation of reggae soul singers and international superstars like Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys. Fans can look forward to hearing timeless classics like “Tempted to Touch,” and “Rock Away,” as well as material from his latest album, A Moment in Time.

Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster, Reggaefest.com and at various  Tri-State area ticket locations. Log on to www.reggaefest.com for more information and location details.
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Irie Jamboree – North America’s Premier Reggae Festival

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Sean Paul, Queen Ifrica, Freddie McGregor, Mr. Vegas, Assassin, Laden, Tony Rebel, Spice and Chino are among the reggae/dancehall acts confirmed for Irie Jamboree – North America’s premier reggae festival organizers announced recently. The event takes place on Labor Day Sunday, September 6, 2009 in Queens, New York.

Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio, co-producers of the event said that “Sean Paul’s appearance will help the festival attract not only traditional reggae/dancehall lovers but mainstream fans who have now embraced music from the islands. He has established himself as the top artiste from the Caribbean and has consistently demonstrated his ability to score international hit songs, having done so with Deport Them, Hot Gal Today, Gimmie the Light, Get Busy, Like Glue, Temperature, We Be Burning, Baby Boy and Come Over” Clarke noted. The Grammy winning artiste recently landed his 13th entry on Billboard‘s R&B Hip Hop Singles charts, with So Fine, the first single from his forthcoming album.

Cultural artist Queen Ifrica, who was in New York recently to promote her new disc “Montego Bay” is also confirmed for Irie Jamboree 2k9. With a growing fans base and hits like Daddy, Lioness on the Rise, Keep It To Yourself and Below The Waist getting significant airplay in North America and Europe, the Fyah Muma is primed and ready to blaze the stage with another commanding set. Also gracing the Jamboree stage will be Big Ship recording artiste Freddie McGregor who will shear the stage with his son Chino and label mate Laden, who garnered the spotlight with “Time to Shine.”

Mr. Vegas, who recently electrified reggae lovers in France and who is enjoying another phenomenal year with his brand new chart hit So Blessed and favorites like Hot Wuk, Tek Wey Youself, Heads High and We Nuh Want Nuh Friend From Dem will grace the Jamboree stage once again along with Assassin and Spice.

One significant change that will be instituted by Team Irie Jamboree this year, is the moving of the event to an outdoor facility at York College on Guy R Brewer, located a few miles from Roy Wilkins Park, home of the event for the past six years.

“We really believe that we have found a home at York,” said Steven Williams, CEO of Black Emperor Entertainment, co-producers of the event.

“Roy Wilkins has been a great venue for us however we could not ignored complaints from patrons about the lack of substantial park which is the main reason for the move” Williams said.

York College has a municipal park in close proximity and is just minutes from the NY Subway and Long Island Railroad which will greatly improve accessibility for many patrons who use mass transit to get and from the event annually.

“Our goal is to make the whole Irie Jamboree experience a memorable one for patrons and with this calculated move, we are one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal” Williams reiterated.

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