Reggae Vault Classics 12 – The 1980s through 2000s and back

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by Podcasts, reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

This is an episode of the syndicated Reggae Vault Classics podcast produced by Kahlil Wonda of Highlanda Sound featuring classic reggae music in a DJ mixed format with no talking.

The mix starts out in the 1980s digital age with the legendary Tempo riddim and Anthoy Red Rose’s hit from King Jammy‘s with the same title (Tempo). Jr Reid, Pad Anthony and Nicodemus follow and then a few 1990s versions of the Tempo riddim are featured with Junior Tucker, Garnett Silk, Buju Banton, Capleton, and Merciless.

During the next 15 minutes or so, you will hear primarily conscious reggae from the 90s and early 2000s. Highlights include 5 Lucianos in a row, early Jah Cure and early Sizzla, plus Leroy Gibbons singing Dennis Brown‘s early Studio One classic on the Babatunde riddim, Created By The Father.

If you are not familiar with Freddie McGregor‘s music, definitely study Reggae Vault Classics episodes 11 and 12 for some classic Freddie featured in these mixes. The finale is in the lover’s mood with Beres Hammond, Jack Radicks by request, and Sanchez.

Listen now. We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections and mixing. Please send your comments, feedback, and requests to kahlil.wonda@gmail.com or feel free to comment here. If you like what you hear please subscribe to get automatic updates when new shows are added.

“ACCESS THE PODCAST”

Playlist

1 Tempo – Anthony Red Rose
2 Anthem – Junior Reid
3 In Deh – Pad Anthony
4 The Plane Land – Nicodemus
5 Lock Me Up – Junior Tucker
6 Complaint – Buju Banton featuring Garnett Silk
7 Dis The Trinity – Capleton
8 Greedy For More – Merciless
9 Thank You (Oh Lord) – Chevelle Franklin and Lady G
10 Hurry Up and Come – Cocoa Tea
11 I’m Not Sure – Sizzla
12 Never Dis The Man – Sanchez
13 Were All In This Thing Together – Luciano, Louie Culture, Terror Fabulous
14 Jah Blessing – Luciano featuring Sizzla
15 Give Praises – Luciano
16 Peace My Brethrin Peace – Luciano
17 Punchline – Luciano
18 La, la, la – Beres Hammond
19 Got This Feeling – Jah Cure
20 Spread Jah Love – Jah Cure
21 Lost Ones – Shooks
22 Who I Am – Capleton
23 Created By The Father – Leroy Gibbons
24 Declaration of Rights – Freddie McGregor
25 Declaration Dub – Freddie McGregor
26 Everyday Is A Holiday – Freddie Mcgregor
27 Holiday Dub – Freddie McGregor
28 Why You wanna Hurt Me – Dennis Brown
29 In The Streets – Courtney Melody
30 Bun Down Saddam – Anthony B
31 Double Trouble – Beres Hammond
32 Love Is Guaranteed – Jack Radicks featuring Reggie Stepper
33 Rearrange My Life – Sanchez

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Dancehall Now 19 – Spring 2009 New Releases

by Hip Hop, Podcasts, reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Buju Banton performing at New York's Apollo th...
Image via Wikipedia

This is the latest episode of the syndicated Dancehall Now podcast produced by Highlanda Sound System for March 27, 2009 featuring the very latest dancehall music in a full stereo radio broadcast format.

Dancehall Now is in keeping with Highlanda Sound’s stated mission to entertain and promote reggae music world wide. This show may contain language that may be considered by some to be offensive. Views expressed by artists and guests on this show are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Highlanda Sound.

Featured artists this week include Mavado, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Damian Marley, The Game, Tarrus Riley, Beenie Man, Erup, Jay-Z, Screechie Don, MIA, I-Wayne, Marcia Griffiths, Busy Signal, Bragga, Buju Banton, Junior Reid, Assassin, Ding Dong, Anthony Cruz, Bounty Killer, Laden, Macka Diamond, Unicorn, Million Stylez, Prodigal Son, and Gramps Morgan.

Right Click the file and select “Save As…” to download the entire mp3 file or just click to listen to the audio stream now. We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections. Please send music, press information, comments, feedback, and requests to kahlil.wonda@gmail.com or feel free to comment here. If you like what you hear please subscribe to get automatic updates when new shows are added.

Direct MP3 Download Link (click link to download)

Playlist

1 So Blessed (Remix) – Mavado/Busta Rhymes
2 Enemy – Wyclef Jean/Damian Marley/The Game
3 Back Bitter (Remix) – Tarrus Riley
4 Trample Dem – Erup/Nature
5 You Have It – Beenie Man
6 New York New York – Erup
7 Brooklyn We Go Hard (Remix) – Jay-Z/Screechie Don/MIA
8 Book Of Life – I-Wayne (live)
9 Automatic – Marcia Griffiths/Busy Signal
10 Dagga Dat – Bragga
11 Buy Love – Buju Banton
12 Some Say – Junior Reid
13 Wanna Be Gangsta – AK
14 Child Molester – Assassin
15 Man A Galis – Ding Dong
16 Different From Fi Dem – Anthony Cruz
17 Mama’s Love – Bounty Killer
18 Really Rate Me – Laden
19 Think Pon Mi – Macka Diamond/Unicorn
20 Everyday – Million Stylez
21 Head Caan Hot So – Prodigal
22 Wash The Tears – Gramps Morgan

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Ninjaman Remanded in Custody

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Desmond ‘Ninjaman’ Ballentine, was yesterday remanded in custody when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court to answer to charges of murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

After being sought by police in connection with the murder of Ricardo ‘Ricky Trooper’ Johnson at his Marl Road residence last week Monday. Ninjaman turned himself in to the police last week Wednesday.

According to police report, Ninjaman was among three men who drove up in a grey vehicle and shot Johnson as he swept his yard. When police declared him as a person of interest in the murder, the deejay embarked on a media campaign and declared his innocence saying he had retired from a life of crime.

Ninjaman has been in custody ever since and will return to court on April 7.

Efforts are being made by the police force to nab the other two men who are suspected of chasing and shooting Johnson to death.

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Empire ISIS’ break out album “Brand New Style”

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Dubbed one of Canada‘s Break Out Artists of 2009 and having 11 Award Nominations for her debut LP “Sound The Trumpets”. Empire ISIS returns to begin 2009 with her Sophomore Album “Brand New Style” .

Empire ISIS – Music Video – Won’t Surrender

Click To View

CTV Montreal Interview – Jan 17, 2009

“Brand New Style” is Empire ISIS’ break out album that reflects the life and places Empire ISIS has been as well as the cultures that have inspired her. From Jamaica to Latin America, Casablanca to New York City, if you listen closely you will hear the Dancehall influence and Reggae vibes, the pounding New York style bass lines and Empire ISIS brand of World Pop. This Boss Lady attitude coursing through her veins connected to you through these stories, digested from her time running the streets from Buenos Aires to Bogota, Kingston to London. Some may find it strange or hard to understand, but for Empire ISIS “Brand New Style” is the code she lives by. Vision, Power and Dedication are the tools and foundation that charge her engine. Empire ISIS has grown to a Four Star General of International Gangstress music. Meaning that any barrier, wall or obstacle you encounter is welcomed as a chance to prove you are a warrior ready to defend your program.

Album iTunes Purchase Link

www.empireisis.com

www.myspace.com/empireisis

Facebook Group – Empire ISIS

Click on cover for FREE mix tape.

mixtape2_120_120

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Mary J. Blige to Star in Tyler Perry Film

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Mary J. Blige to Star in Tyler Perry Film

Tyler Perry isn’t playing any games this time. He’s hit up the lovely, Mary J. Blige to tear up the big screen in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”. The filmmaker has cast the No More Drama hitmaker opposite Oscar-nominee Taraji P. Henson in the movie adapted from one of his early plays. The movie is slated for a September 2009 release.
Source: Bossip

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Reggae Vault Classics 11 – Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor and friends

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Freddie McGregor

Freddie McGregor (via last.fm)

This is the latest episode of the syndicated Reggae Vault Classics podcast produced by Kahlil Wonda of Highlanda Sound for the week of March 23, 2009 featuring classic reggae music in a DJ mixed format with no talking.

Episode 11 is like a concert with Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor headlining and sharing the stage. Those reggae giants sing 10 out of the 26 songs on the playlist. They invite a few other singers to come up and perform too including Gregory Isaacs, Sanchez, Lukie D, Thriller U, Garnett Silk, Leroy Smart, Linval Thompson, Wayne Wonder, and Half Pint. Deejay performers include Buju Banton, Merciless, and Simpleton. My favorite highlight from this show is the mix out of Sancho’s “Biltmore Ballroom” era smash hit, Chase Vampire, into Freddie McGregor’s Loving Pauper. The 6 selections that follow make you wanna grab a dance partner and take it to the floor for some wining and grinding (water pumping, cool and deadly, rent a tile, etc.)

Right Click the file and select “Save As…” to download the entire mp3 file or just click to listen to the audio stream now. We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections and mixing. Please send your comments, feedback, and requests to podcast@highlanda.net or feel free to comment here. If you like what you hear please subscribe to get automatic updates when new shows are added.

Direct mp3 Download Link (right click and “save as”)

Playlist

1 No More Will I Roam – Dennis Brown
2 True Love Will Never Die – Conrad Crystal
3 Push Come To Shove – Freddie McGregor
4 Not Because I Smile – Gregory Isaacs
5 Look How Me Sexy – Linval Thompson
6 Time To Say Goodbye – Wayne Wonder
7 Sitting In the Backseat – Glen Ricks
8 Some A Talk Friend – Leroy Smart
9 Substitute Lover – Half Pint
10 Breaking Up – Freddie McGregor
11 Undying Love – Freddie McGregor
12 Do You? – Wayne Wonder
13 Fussing And Fighting – Garnett Silk
14 If Loving Was A Crime – Buju Banton
15 Turn It Up – Lukie D
16 I’ve Been Missing – Thriller U
17 Mr. Old Nail – Simpleton
18 Mr. War War – Merciless
19 Chase Vampire – Sancho
20 Loving Pauper – Freddie McGregor
21 Danger In Your Eyes – Freddie McGregor
22 Slow Down Woman – Dennis Brown
23 Shine On – Dennis Brown
24 Come On Little Girl – Freddie McGregor
25 Love By The Score – Dennis Brown
26 Chemistry – Sanchez

Media files Reggae_Vault_Classics_11.mp3 (MP3 Format Sound, 55.9 MB)

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Amy Winehouse ditches Soul for Reggae

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Amy Winehouse at Bowery Ballroom 18
Image via Wikipedia

(March 23) – Amy Winehouse recorded a lot of music during her Caribbean holiday — but you may not hear any of it.

According to The Sun, the ‘Rehab‘ singer changed her style from soul to reggae, and music executives aren’t happy.
“Amy was very productive during her stay in St Lucia. She wrote a hell of a lot of songs, but the majority of them just aren’t hitting the mark,” a source says.
“She seems to have ditched her trademark vintage soul sound and is now heavily influenced by reggae.   Her bosses don’t think it’s a wise move to change her style so sharply and have told her that,” the source adds.

The troubled star’s lyrics are also causing some heads to turn.
“The lyrics are very dark indeed,” an insider tells the British tabloid.

The focus of her music seems to be her split from her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil.
“In the past, she’s written frequently about broken hearts and boyfriends, but this time round she’s delving into harrowing terrain,” the insider says.

Whatever Amy does next is crucial to her career.
“If she puts out a record that is in any way half-baked, that could severely damage her long-term prospects, so everyone’s focus at the minute is getting it right, even if that means telling Amy some things she probably won’t want to hear.

Personally, I always thought she had a  good voice and wondered what she would sound like over some rubadub riddims. 

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Sizzla Kalonji Acoustic Freestyle

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by reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Sizzla, reggaeartist
Image via Wikipedia

Wicked footage of Sizzla singing along as he strums the guitar – Sweet sweet music!  Video by Drop De Bass Records also features Jazzy T of Renaissance Disco, and makes me wanna run for my Bob Marley “Talking Blues” CD! (Found this while blog surfing at Condron.us. Enjoy.

SIZZLA KALONJI FREE STYLE #1 Video by DROP DI BASS RECORDS – MySpace Video.

SIZZLA KALONJI FREE STYLE #1+1 Video by DROP DI BASS RECORDS – MySpace Video.

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Dancehall Now Episode 18 – The Ladies of Dancehall Now Edition

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by reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Dancehall Now
Image by highlanda via Flickr

This is the latest episode of the syndicated Dancehall Now podcast produced by Highlanda Sound System for the week of March 16, 2009 featuring the very latest dancehall music in a radio broadcast format.

Episode 18 is the Ladies of Dancehall Now edition and its all about the female artists that are representing in the business for 2009.  Artists featured include Lady Saw, Ce’Cile, Tanya Stephens, Spice, Macka Diamond, JC Lodge, Marcia Griffiths, D’Angel, and Patra to name a few.

Dancehall Now is in keeping with Highlanda Sound’s stated mission to entertain and promote reggae music world wide. This show may contain language that may be considered by some to be offensive. Views expressed by artists and guests on this show are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Highlanda Sound.

Right Click the file and select “Save As…” to download the entire mp3 file or just click to listen to the audio stream now.  We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections.  Please send your comments, feedback, and requests to podcast@highlanda.net or feel free to comment here.  If you like what you hear please subscribe to get automatic updates when new shows are added.

Direct mp3 Download (right click and “save as”)

Playlist

1   Bad Mon Goin Cry – Lady Saw
2   Better Know Yourself – Shema
3   Love Of A Lifetime – Alaine
4   Keep It To Yourself – Queen Ifrica
5   Holla (Independent Ladies) – Ce’Cile
6   Bossy Ladies – Raine Seville
7   Automatic – Marcia Griffiths/Busy Signal
8   Blessing – Etana/Albarosie
9   Ramping Shop – Vybz Kartel/Spice
10  Wibble Wabble – Macka Diamond/Unicorn
11  The One – Selena Serrano
12  Destiny – J.C. Lodge
13  Mek Dem Talk – Tanya Stephens
14  Burning – Shermaine
15  Broken Melody – Tessanne Chin
16  Kinston State of Mind – Cherine Anderson
17  Bubble Like Soup (Soca Remix) – Timberlee/Oscar B
18  Man Next Door – John Holt/Nikki Burt
19  Natural High – Sasha
20  Push Over – D’Angel
21  All Night Long – Traeydonya/Patra
22  How Could I Leave – Althea Hewitt

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Serani’s ‘No Games’ Music Video Debuts

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Here’s the official full music video from Serani for his smash hit single No Games on the Unfinished Business riddim.  If you have not heard the remix to this song which feature Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan make sure you check out Dancehall Now Episode 17 for a listen (track 11).  Also look out for a new album from Serani to drop sometime this year.

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UB40 Love Songs Tour and Labour of Love IV

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UB40

Like Bob Marley before them and Matisyahu today, UB40 has the rare distinction of a reggae band that attracts fans beyond those who already love dub, reggae, or dancehall music. With 54 UK hit singles and over 70 million albums sold, they are truly kings of modern reggae.

UB40 is heading to the United States with its 2009 Labour of Love Tour, before returning to Europe and the UK later in the year. UB40’s US tour begins on April 10 in Snoqualmie, Washington, and runs until May 8 in Glenside, Pennsylvania, including live reggae shows in 18 cities. Most of the tour venues are on the US West Coast, including shows on April 13 in Portland, Oregon, and on April 21 in Solana Beach, California. The tour will also take UB40 up to Canada for a show on April 11 in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

UB40 is also booked to headline South Florida’s SunFest, to be held April 29 to May 3 in downtown West Palm Beach. Other bands in the lineup include Slightly Stoopid, 311, The Steve Miller Band, and others.

The penultimate US tour date will be a May 7 show in Times Square, New York City.

They are also performing at the Epsom Downs Racecourse on Thursday 30th July, as the grand finale of the 2009 Epsom Live! series of events, which feature a live outdoor concert after the last race.

Nick Blofeld, the Epsom Downs Racecourse’s Managing Director, praised their 2006 show at the same venue: “The atmosphere was fantastic with young and old enjoying UB40 perform their classic hits as the sun set across The Downs after watching some thrilling racing around the unique Derby course.”

UB40 is particularly popular in the UK, with their most recent release, Love Songs, reaching #3 on the UK Album Charts. Love Songs is a 2009 issue of digitally remastered hits from the band’s past reggae albums. The 20 tracks on Love Songs are UB40’s favorite lovers sounds, including the hit singles I Got You Babe and (I Can’t Help) Falling In love With You. The album includes other UB40 favorites such as Please Don’t Make Me Cry, Homely Girl, Breakfast In Bed, and I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight.

The full track list includes:

  1. (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You
  2. I Got You Babe
  3. Kiss And Say Goodbye
  4. You’re Always Pulling Me Down
  5. Don’t Break My Heart
  6. Please Don’t Make Me Cry
  7. I Love It When You Smile
  8. Homely Girl
  9. Where Did I Go Wrong
  10. Come Back Darling
  11. Impossible Love
  12. Dream A Lie
  13. Tears From My Eyes
  14. Breakfast In Bed
  15. I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
  16. Bring Me Your Cup
  17. I’ll Be There
  18. Gotta Tell Someone
  19. Here I Am (Come And Take Me)
  20. I Would Do For You

UB40 formed in Britain’s West Midlands in 1978, eventually gaining global popularity as one of the world’s foremost reggae bands, delighting existing reggae fans and drawing new listeners to the genre with reggae hits such as (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You and Kingston Town. The original reggae band’s line up included Ali Campbell, his brother Robin Campbell, James (Jimmy) Brown, Norman Hassan, Earl Falconer, Brian Travers, Mickey Virtue, and Astro.

UB40 truly took off in the beginning of 1980, when the reggae band was invited to tour with The Pretenders. Drawing on their roots in Jamaican music, UB40 joined the Two Tone sound that had grown from Caribbean ska, rock steady and reggae and was then becoming popular in nearby Coventry. UB40 has released dozens of studio and live albums, their most famous song, 1988’s Red Red Wine, the original Labour of Love album, became a global hit, topping the Hot 100 chart.

UB40’s 8-member band lineup has remained active for over 30 years, drawing on their Irish, Scottish, English, Yemeni and Jamaican heritage for a truly global sound. Founder and former lead singer Ali Campbell left UB40 last year, and Mickey Virtue left UB40 shortly thereafter. Fortunately, they managed to finish the Twentyfourseven album just in time to keep the original line up. Ali and Mickey Virtue were replaced with Duncan Campbell and Tony Mullings. Other members of the UB40 lineup include drummer James Brown, guitarist/vocalist Robin Campbell, bassist/vocalist Earl Falconer, percussionist/vocalist Norman Hassan, saxophonist Brian Travers, and vocalist/trumpeter Astro.

Despite an earlier press release from the band, indicating that Ali Campbell was leaving to pursue a solo career, the lead singer released a statement indicating that he had “been deeply unhappy with administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years.” He did soften his tone with closing well-wishes, concluding: “I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me and I wish them all the best.”

UB40’s new lineup is currently working on the next studio album Labour of Love IV, scheduled to be released in October 2009. The band’s official website reports that it’s all “business as usual,” and that “despite rumors to the contrary,” the band is moving forward making new music; the Labour of Love IV album release will be followed by a UK/European arena tour in November and December 2009.

SOURCE: music.dubandreggae.com

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Reggae Vault Classics 10

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by reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

This is the latest episode of the syndicated Reggae Vault Classics podcast produced by Kahlil Wonda of Highlanda Sound for the week of March 17, 2009 featuring classic reggae music in a DJ mixed format with no talking.

This episode starts with two of the biggest dancehall riddims ever with 6 tunes on the General followed by the 1990’s own Kette Drum riddim.  Kette Drum is so prolific I could have mixed an entire 30 minute show with just Kette Drum alone, but decided to select 6 of the biggest songs on the riddim instead.  About 15 minutes in, I enter the freestyle part of the mix with classics from Sluggy Ranks, Barrington Levy, Johnny Osborne, and Dennis Brown.  D. Brown’s late 1970’s recording, ‘My Time,’ is followed up by Brooklyn, New York’s Don One label’s late 1990’s Dennis Brown vault classic entitled ‘Believe In Yourself’ on the Ballistic Affair riddim – one of the last works recorded by the late great Crown Prince of Reggae.  Any true Highlanda fan knows something is missing if there’s no Studio One in the mix so next comes Horace Andy with ‘Mr. Bassie’ – Studio 1st mega hit.  Freddie McGregor‘s version of Junior Byle’s original ‘Curly Lox’ blends right in and then the B side dub version is featured as well, before Freddie closes out Reggae Vault Classics # 10 with ‘I See It In You.’

Right Click the file and select “Save As…” to download the entire mp3 file or just click to listen to the audio stream now.  We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections and mixing.  Please send your comments, feedback, and requests to podcast@highlanda.net or feel free to comment here.  If you like what you hear please subscribe to get automatic updates when new shows are added.

Direct mp3 Download (right click and “save as”)

Playlist

1   Lionheart – Garnett Silk
2   All Over Me – Little John
3   Heal the World – Wayne Wonder
4   One Day – Tony Rebel
5   Massa God World – Buju Banton
6   Coppershot – Bounty Killer
7   Holy Mount Zion – Cocoa Tea
8   Flag Flown High – Cocoa Tea/Shabba Ranks
9   Kette Drum – Beenie Man/Determine
10  Jah Jah – Terror Fabulous
11  Give Them A Bligh – Mad Cobra
12  How Long – Spragga Benz
13  Coming Of The Lord – Sluggy Ranks
14  Sensimilia – Barrington Levy
15  Little Soundboy – Johnny Osborne
16  My Time – Dennis Brown
17  Believe In Yourself – Dennis Brown
18  Mr. Bassie – Horace Andy
19  Curly Lox – Freddie McGregor
20  Curly Lox Dub – Freddie McGregor
21  I See It In You – Freddie McGregor

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Ziggy Marley Will Release First Children’s Reggae Album May 5

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Tuff Gong Worldwide will release Ziggy Marley’s third solo album, Family Time, on May 5. Marley produced the album with legendary producer Don Was. The album will feature a variety of family and friends including Rita Marley (Ziggy’s mother), Cedella Marley (sister), Judah Marley (daughter), Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Toots Hibberts, Elizabeth Mitchell, Laurie Berkner, Paula Fuga and two stories narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis.

“Growing up music was an important part of my childhood,” Marley says. “I see it being just as important in my children and all children’s growth and development. Music helps children to grow with open minds and open hearts and this is my message. This record represents my daily family life and is inspired by my three-year-old daughter Judah and baby Gideon. It was a joy to make and opened up new avenues in my creativity. Family Time is for all families and especially the world family.”


SOURCE: skopemag.com

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Review: Mavado’s “Mr Brooks: A Better Tomorrow

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For many dancehall reggae stars, breaking out of Jamaica’s local sound clash scene to the glitzy glossed over stages in America is dream achieved by very few. Most recall Sean Paul’s ascension to fame, where he was able to blow smoke in the face of censorship and sneak his pro-pot patois onto radio waves, and become the sound of Spring Break ‘03. But for every radio friendly star that ascends from the island to pop status, there are artists who carry the genre, encapsulating dancehall’s 80s vibes and mixing it with contemporary flair, skewing the border between “culture” jams and a hardcore tunes.

On his sophomore effort, Mr. Brooks, Mavado accomplishes that feat by carefully walking the line between conscious topics such as enlightenment (”Don’t Worry”) and detailing intensely ferocious moments of violence (”Nah Bleach Wid Cream”). By weaving illicit, raunchy sex tales (”Ina Di Car Back”), he also sordidly covers dancehall’s favorite topic, with the same tenacity that helped him become a breakout star with his debut album, 2007’s Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks.

Segueing his signature ballad introductions into triumphant, fevered chats, Mr. Brooks finds Mavado effortlessly riding a collection of riddims that can be sonically disturbing to those unfamiliar with real dancehall’s uniquely stripped down sound. On the album’s stand out track, “So Special” he takes the “Unfinished Business” riddim (which lifts the refrain of producer’s Dave Kelly’s famed “Showtime” track) to new heights, crafting a cut that demands a flurry of rewinds after the conclusion of the first verse.

Though it is unlikely that Mavado will be dominating the primetime radio stations anytime soon like Sean Paul did, the vivid illustrations of roots, reality and culture heard in Mr. Brooks, are poignant enough to be on par with some of modern dancehall’s most diverse offerings and should be played on a sound set of any size.

Track Listing

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YouTube – On Da Road #1 Takes In And Reviews ‘Intimate’

by reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Catch this video blog review of Mixx Promotions and Highlanda.net’s ‘Intimate’ event that took place at The Bentley’s last week Friday by Ganster J and the Dancehall Link crew.  Also look for new picture galleries to be posted very soon.

YouTube – On Da Road #1.

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We Will Always Love Big Poppa

by History, reggae • Tags: , , , , , , ,

The Notorious B.I.G. still packs a big impact

It starts with the flow. Distinctive, effortless, raw, unmistakable, and not to be fucked with—a legendary combination. There was no missing Biggie on a track, until we were missing Biggie on the tracks. Then there were the raps: “Live from Bedford-Stuyvesant…” and it just goes from there. And then there were the albums. His debut, Ready To Die (Bad Boy, 1994)? Classic. His second album, Life After Death (Bad Boy, 1997)? Classic. His third and fourth posthumous “Let’s-make-Puff-some-cash” albums? Um, okay. Not quite classic, but damn! Did you hear B.I.G. and Eminem on “Dead Wrong”? How $^%#&* dope was that?!?

Still, if you’re too young to (legally) sip champagne when you’re thirsty, there’s a good chance that saying you love Biggie is a little like Michael Jordan fans saying they love Bill Russell. You’ve heard about how great he was—but do you really understand? Ånd basing everything you know about Biggie Smalls solely on his biopic Notorious (Fox Searchlight, 2009) doesn’t exactly cut it either. In order to say you love Christopher Wallace, you need to feel the power of his presence, see all that he contributed to the culture and understand what made other people love him so much. In other words…it’s 2009, folks, get your YouTube on! Or just keep reading. ’Cause if you don’t know, now… you can just press play.

Writer: Chris Yuscavage

Click here for the full story.

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Caribbean Beat Blog

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by reggae • Tags: , , , , , , ,
West Indian-American Carnival 2008 - Brooklyn, NY
Image by David Berkowitz via Flickr

I found this fascinating quote today:

There was a fair outcry both before and after Caribbean Week was moved from NYC to DC and amalgamated with the first annual Caribbean Tourism Summit. And it seems organisers listened.Caroline.neisha, Caribbean Beat Blog, Mar 2009

You should read the whole article.

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Cherine Anderson’s EP Release Making Waves

by reggae • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
"Coming Over Tonight" Cherine Anders...
The wait is over…The Introduction ARRIVES!

Singer-Songwriter Cherine Anderson releases her EP, The Introduction-Dubstyle, via
Dancehall Soul Productions/Zlink Entertainment.

The East Kingston, Jamaica soulstress started 2009 with a bang by performing at three Barack Obama Inaugural Balls, performing at the World Special Olympics in Idaho, and is currently on tour supporting her first official release, The Introduction-Dubstyle EP. After spending the last seven months touring the US, Australia and Europe with the likes of Sly & Robbie, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Slightly Stoopid and Pepper, it’s clear that Anderson has been working hard and entertaining many fans with her infectious Dancehall Soul sound.

The Introduction-Dubstyle, available on iTunes, is a perfect combination of dancehall, soul and lover’s rock. The nine track EP boasts outstanding production from Grammy Award winning producers Sly & Robbie, hit makers David Norland (Madonna, Janet Jackson), Christopher Birch, Gussie Clarke and legendary mixing engineer Errol Brown (Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley), among others. The multi-faceted Anderson plays triple duty on the project, performing, writing on all nine songs and co-producing several tracks.

Anderson’s vocals are remarkable from song to song. Her powerful voice soars on anthems like “Shine On Jamaica” and the female anthem “Talk if Yuh Talking”. With lyrics cutting particular hard on the inspiring “Shine On Jamaica”, Anderson speaks to the realities of young black girls in the harsh inner city.

“two inches taller than di pram weh she a push har baby inna/
love di streets but she cyaan spell har baby father name/
a bleach out har face fi lighten har pain- ghetto reality”
-“Shine On Jamaica”

Her writing is thought provoking without being preachy.  The talent combines intellect with soulfulness, but never loses that feminine touch. Her youth is exposed on the sassy “Tuff Enuff” where she flirts with the boys and at the same time empowers the sisters.
In between her signature flirtatious giggles she asks,

“baby talk is cheap/only action speaks/words go skin deep so how bad do you want me?”
-“Tuff Enuff”

This reggaeton/dancehall flavored track picks up the tempo and will definitely make you move your feet, while chart-topping hits “Coming Over Tonight” and “Kingston State of Mind” should find favor with the hardcore roots lovers. Fans of the ‘King Tubbys’ dub-era will appreciate the extended drum and bass mixes on several cuts. The Introduction-Dubstyle is definitely an album for all ages.

Shortly after its online release, The Introduction-Dubstyle is already receiving rave reviews. According to CDBABY.COM, Anderson’s EP “…is strong throughout. It’s really great music that respects the traditions of reggae’s past, yet sounds totally modern.” As one of the most popular online retail sites for independent music, CDBABY.COM selected Anderson’s EP as their Editor’s Pick and will honored her debut project as their featured Editor’s Pick on their website on February 20.

Fans, friends and supporters of Cherine can get their copy of The Introduction-Dubstyle at the below mentioned sites. REMEMBER to log in and leave your review/comments. Support independent music and artists.

iTUNES
www.cdbaby.com/cherine
www.digstation.com

Contact: Cherine Management & Booking
Zlink Entertainment, Inc.
1121 N. Bethlehem Pk., Ste. 60-292
Springhouse PA 19477
215.628.3109 USA
876.396.6849 JAMAICA
www.myspace.com/cherineanderson

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