An in-depth conversation with Steve “Urchin” Wilson, a part of Sean Paul’s management for the past 18 + years.

by Interviews, Podcasts, Pop Music, reggae, Reggae Lover Podcast, Soca • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We discussed how Steve has been pushing the culture in nightlife and through his work in the recording industry. He shares how he got started in the business, and his thoughts on Jamaica getting more hardcore about honoring reggae icons. We touched on strategies for harnessing the economic potential of reggae, the Sean Paul success formula, and much more.

An in-depth conversation with Steve "Urchin" Wilson, a part of Sean Paul's management for the past 18 + years.

Steve “Urchin” Wilson Bio

After getting his start at Bob Marley’s legendary Tuff Gong record label as a marketing exec, Steve spent 10 years cross-training in every imaginable area in the entertainment industry including a stint as studio manager for the GeeJam Studios where he oversaw studio sessions for The Roots, Common, The Gorillaz, No Doubt & The Jungle Brothers amongst others.
In 2001 this Jamaican trailblazer signed on to help pilot the dizzying career of multi-platinum Grammy winner Sean Paul.

He spent the last 15 years traveling to over 100 countries and presiding over logistics, booking, touring, promotion & recording for the Dancehall superstar.

While honing his role as a reggae ambassador Wilson simultaneously plotted to bring EDM & house music to his Homebase of Kingston via his Brand New Machine party series that saw super DJs like Diplo, Bob Sinclar, CongoRock & Toddla T spin in Jamaica for the first time. He has gone on to export the BNM party concept to Montego Bay, Cayman, London & New York City.

Steve is also partners in FSOR Music (Future Sound Of Reggae) a boutique label that has featured releases from Mink Jo, Transdub Massiv, Naomi Cowan, Jesse Royal & Craigy T amongst others.

Most recently he was one of the local partners of the initial staging of the critically acclaimed Tmrwtday Culture Festival in Negril, Jamaica.

The Tastemaker

Soundclash Update

  • Tek 9 defeats the Polish sound system, Splendid in the first round of the No Jing-Bang Online Clash Tournament.
  • Irish and Chin announced the new date for World Clash 21 will be May 2, 2021.

The Caribbean-American experience with Brian Cox of The Vault: Classic Music Reviews Podcast

by Hip Hop, History, Interviews, Podcasts, reggae, Reggae Lover Podcast, Soca, Soul/R&B • Tags: , , , , ,

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews podcast host, Brian Cox gave us an education on the island of Grenada. 

Brian shared his unique perspective as a first-generation American of Caribbean descent. He described the soundtrack of Grenada, and how music has changed there over time. We learned about the music and food you would encounter at a typical Grenadian party.  

The Vault Classic Music Reviews podcast host, Brian Cox quoted on Reggae Lover podcast.

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews is a top-rated music commentary podcast. The co-hosts, hip-hop fans that grew up in the 90s, review classic hip-hop, R&B, and reggae albums 20 + years after their release. They break these albums down to see if they stood the test of time. Listeners get a perspective on classics from a fresh point of view. The Vault: Classic Music Reviews also includes guest interviews, round table discussions, and artist catalog debates.

Night Life Buzz

by Party Pics, Podcasts, reggae, Reggae Lover Podcast • Tags: , , , , , , ,

Special guest, MC, is the founder of Nitelifebuzz.com, a top-rated nightlife website.

Night Life Buzz (Nitelifebuzz)

The NiteLifeBuzz media-house provides events photography and promotion services around the world. They publish some of the best quality photos of nightlife, and Caribbean parties. Our conversation fits this season’s emerging industry insider theme.


As the proprietor and owner of NiteLifeBuzz.com, MC does many things within the industry. He knows a lot of people and has tremendous insight, especially when it comes to New York City. We talked about partying in Jamaica, reggae music, and much more.


We had a great conversation covering a bit of history in New York and in Jamaica. This had us reminiscing about former online hangouts, DancehallReggae.com and Highlanda.com. We also drifted back to party life and island excursions when “outside” was open.


Buzzworthy

  • Buju Banton as the musical guest on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Performs his song “The World Is Changing.”
  • Popcaan debuts album, “The Fixtape.” First week sales.

The Tastemaker

  • Rising reggae star Lila Iké NPR Tiny Desk (home) concert.
  • Protoje – Like Royalty ft. Popcaan

This season, we have a few bonus episodes coming your way. Check whatever platform that you listen to us on. We’ll definitely have great new content for you. Until next time, stay safe. Make sure you find some good reggae music to keep your nerves calm and your mind focused on where it needs to be.

Tessellated Interview

by Hip Hop, Podcasts, reggae, Reggae Lover Podcast, Soul/R&B • Tags: , , , , , ,

We sat down for an interview with Tessellated, the Billboard chart-topping, Emmy-nominated Jamaican artist who blew up in 2017 with the hit single, Pine and Ginger.

During our Interview with Tessellated we uncovered:

  • What were his early musical influences?
  • From where does he draw his inspiration?
  • Who is he listening to right now?
  • What’s next on the horizon musically?
  • How did he get to #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts?
  • How did he earn the 2020 Emmy nomination?
  • How would he describe his lyrical and production styles?
  • The fusion of Afrobeat and Dancehall on new single, No Ansa feat. Crayon from Nigeria.
Tessellated Interview
Interview with Tessellated on the Reggae Lover podcast. Click to Play.

Tessellated Bio:


With Jamaican influence on international music inescapable in the current era, a new wave of exciting artists is emerging from the Caribbean island. One artist leading the charge for this global assault on the music industry is Tessellated, a multi-talented 23-year-old artist/producer from Kingston who burst onto the scene in 2017 with his bona fide Caribbean hit
collaboration – Pine & Ginger.


Citing influences from many genres, a unique blend of styles and sounds shapes the backdrop for Tessellated’s musical endeavor. Through this, he aims to push forward a fusion of Jamaica’s roots presented alongside other world genres. With this original style, Tessellated has now carved out a lane of his own already garnering support from music
industry heavyweights such as Camila Cabello, Lily Allen, Diplo, Major Lazer, Jorja Smith, and more.

Continuing the trend of breaking boundaries, last year Tessellated picked up a huge sync deal for his track ‘I Learnt Some Jazz Today’, a fusion of jazz, dancehall & hip hop, with Apple for their film ‘Bounce’ created for the release of their new AirPods. After its release, the song saw massive support worldwide, racking up several million plays in a matter of
months and going #1 on the Jazz Billboard Chart, a first for a Jamaican artiste.

Since then, Tessellated has signed with Sony/ATV Publishing and is currently gearing up to release his first solo project.

Naro from The Fix JA

by Interviews, Podcasts, reggae, Reggae Lover Podcast • Tags: , , ,

The Fix JA podcast has been a dominant force in media for quite some time now. The three co-hosts, Naro, Ari, and Javi, have dynamic chemistry and synergy.


The Fix JA features the best of the best of the Jamaican dancehall and reggae scene. They cover what’s hot and bubbling in Kingston from an objective point-of-view. The co-hosts interact with guests in a unique, honest, and real way.


We had the privilege of speaking with Naro, one of the dynamic hosts of The Fix JA, formerly Nightly Fix. From his base on the island of Jamaica, Naro keyed us into many aspects of the culture. If you have yet to check out The Fix, please do so as soon as you finish this episode.


Listen to Reggae Lover Podcast episode 205 – The Fix JA to learn:

  • Do Jamaican youth respect dancehall icons and history?
  • Are young people in Jamaica building sound systems any more?
  • What is the importance of quality media platforms and voices covering our music?
  • Why and how did The Fix JA podcast get started?
  • How did Naro, Javi, and Ari became the co-hosts and develop their chemistry?
  • How does Naro handle the controversy that surrounds him?
  • How does The Fix JA crew get the toughest dancehall personalities to be vulnerable?
  • Why is it important to give upcoming artists an outlet?
  • How does one stay up on the latest dancehall music?
  • What is the state of the Jamaican entertainment industry in this COVID19 era?
  • Why do people around the world have more reverence for reggae than people in Jamaica

It was a dope conversation. We look forward to linking up more in the future. As mentioned in the intro to this episode, we had to scrap the other segments for this week. Look out for more essential content curation in addition to some bonus episodes.

Please visit ReggaeLover.com to catch up on past shows. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Behind The Scenes with former Island Jamaica manager Neil Robertson

by Hip Hop, Podcasts, reggae, Reggae Lover Podcast • Tags: , , , , ,

A look behind the scenes with Neil Robertson, a music industry exec. from the golden era of reggae and hip-hop.

Behind the Scenes, Reggae Lover podcast episode artwork.

Neil Robertson worked behind the scenes as an A&R for Island Records. He was also a label manager and marketer for Island Jamaica. Neil was in the boardrooms and studios working with Beenie Man and Luciano. Later, as an artist manager, he toured with some of the best in the business, made deals, negotiated, and influenced.

Born and raised in NYC, Neil currently curates the music program at Alley Cat Amateur Theatre at The Beekman Hotel. He also handles DJ programming at The Seaport District/Pier 17 for Howard Hughes Corp and Pier A Harbor House for HPH Hospitality.

Behind the Scenes Highlights

  • A&R for Island Records, Gee Street, and Richard Branson’s re-entry into the music business, V2.
  • Worked on RZA’s “Bobby Digital In Stereo GOLD,” “Wu-Tang Forever,” and Gravediggaz “The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel.”
  • Worked on DJ Premier’s “Afu-Ra Body Of The Life Force.”
  • Helped usher in a new era of Reggae and re-establish Island as the premiere Reggae label in the world.
  • Launched the careers of Beenie Man (Slam/Maestro), and Luciano (Where There Is Life, The Messenger).
  • Launched Sizzla’s “Praise Ye Jah” as an independent release.
  • Gold single for the Senseless soundtrack “Movin On Up” featuring Prince Be, John Forte, and Ky-mani Marley.
  • Toured the extensively in the hip hop world as a manager for Afu-Ra.
  • Toured the world establishing Ky-mani Marley, Specialist Dillon, Rootz Underground, and Jesse Royal.
  • Produced the “I&I Survived” album with the infamous punk rock band, the Bad Brains.
  • Production work on Stone Love’s classic album, “Champion Sound Vol. 1.
  • Managed Tessanne Chin (winner of The Voice) and Jesse Royal.
  • Consulted VP Records, producing live events including Puma events at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
  • Produced 4 shows during the 2012 Olympics with AEG at the O2 Indigo.
  • Currently, curates and DJs live events at Alley Cat Amateur Theatre.

Tastemaker

  • Hezron – Resilient. Music for the soundtrack of the revolution.
  • Kabaka Pyramid’s new single Energy on the Divine Majesty Riddim. Great follow up to Babylon Fallin, which was a tastemaker selection a couple of weeks ago.
  • Divine Majesty riddim compilation. Features Kabaka Pyramid, Chronic Law, T’Jean, Royal Blu, Runkus, and more. On Israel records, produced by Sonovik.

Soundclash Update

  • Team Torment Locked and Loaded
  • Once again, Poison Dart @SoundManLinkUp

Changes We’ve Been Going Through

by Hip Hop, Podcasts, Pop Music, reggae, Reggae Lover Podcast, Reviews, Soul/R&B • Tags: , ,

Popular reggae artists have pushed the sonic envelope recently. The reception by reggae lovers has varied.

There are different perspectives on why this is, and if its the right direction for the music. We analyze perspectives and presumed motives in the context of the current revolution and in general terms.


Listen to this episode to hear:

  • Reactions to Chronixx saying there is no match for Sizzla in a clash.
  • Reactions to Chronixx’s song “Cool As The Breeze/Friday.”
  • “Who would be the next best Jamaican versus battle?
  • A Taste of Sumfest: Who were the best performers?
  • Should artists give a different performance online versus in-person?
  • Is the reggae revival over?
    

Tastemaker Segment:

  • Jada Kingdom – Win (Single and Video).
  • Buju Baton – Blessed (Official Music Video).
  • Poison Dart @ Sound Man Link Up.
  • Team Torment “Locked and Loaded.”