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.
There’s such a thing as an instant classic, and this Buju Banton new album is that. Listen to our in-depth analysis of every track.
We also talked about record sales and chart performance. The album got close to 3000 sales in its first week. That includes all physical copies, digital downloads as well as streams. What is a “stream?” What is the stream worth? A stream is a fraction of a sale. So you need a certain amount of streams, whether it be songs or the entire album, in order for it to equal one sale.
It was actually a strong debut compared to other releases from Jamaican artists. We look at the fact that Vybz Kartel released his album on the same day as Buju. His album, “Of Dons and Divas,” sold a little less than half that of “Upside Down 2020.” Koffee’s “Rapture,” EP which won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album had less than 600 first week sales.
We have had episodes about Billboard, sales, and what it means for Jamaican reggae artists. Music is actually the marketing tool for touring, merchandise sales, etc. In that case, Buju is in good hands with Roc Nation. I’m sure they’ll exploit this album very well.
The Buju Banton new album, “Upside Down 2020” debuted in the number two position on the Billboard reggae chart. Also, on the Itunes chart for reggae music, it debuted at number two. At the time, Bob Marley held the number one slot on both of those charts. Vybz Kartel’s “Of Dons and Divas” debuted at the number six position on both charts.
Last week’s episode, we didn’t get to go into this segment at all. As a result, there were a few things that I wanted to make sure that we mentioned.
Firstly, the Dré Island album, a debut album that features Popcaan on the “We Pray” single. The name of the album is “Now I Rise.” I bumped it or a good little while when it first came out. He’s doing press for the album right now. Go look for “Now I Rise” from Dre Island. Very good music.
If you’re a fan of Chronixx or Damian Marley, you’ll definitely love Dre Island. He’s very talented in his own right. He has a song out with Tory Lanez. So he has crossover songs as well.
Secondly, there’s an awesome release from Grammy nominee, Etana. An album entitled “Gemini,” which debuted on June 19th, distributed by Kojak WorldWide. That album is official. Very good production. “Gemini” brings a strong balance of dancehall, reggae, and lovers’ rock. There is some roots reggae flavor as well.
Kabaka Pyramid has a feature on there. Nomadz has a feature on there along with an artist known as Yhasha. This may be her best album to date. It’s definitely one of my favorites. Every song has a good vibe. I would add the whole album to my quarantine playlist. Take my recommendation. This is good, solid music.
Thirdly, we have to talk about Koffee. Her new single entitled “Pressure” is an inspirational song for the times. She speaks to the ghetto youths, but she’s also talking to every man. Every one of us is under pressure, if not now, at some point. It’s that type of message that can help to pull you through that kind of a situation. So I love it. She’s singing. She’s deejaying. It’s message music. A music video for that is also out.
In addition, Koffee is on “Bigger Love,” John Legend’s new album, released June 19. The song that features coffee is “Don’t Walk Away.” This song a breakup love song duet between the two of them. The curious thing is, so far, Koffee’s material hasn’t been love songs. There’s Justin Bieber’s, “I don’t care” remix where she appears alongside Chronixx. That would be the first but is more pop dance.
“Don’t Walk Away” is more of an R&B style song. Definitely check that out. And of course, if you’re a John Legend fan, we talked about him earlier with this feature on the budget album. He’s got a big project out right now.
Finally, we’ve got a new song from Anthony B entitled “Black and Proud.” This is not a protest or a revolutionary song a la “Fire Pon Rome.” He’s not telling you who needs to get burnt up in the fire. It’s a revolutionary song along the lines of just making this simple statement. I’m black and I’m proud.
If you follow the news you know that saying “Black Lives Matter” is offensive to many people. So saying things like “black power” or “black and proud” is also going against the grain. These are the messages that we want to hear from our reggae artists, especially our cultural artists. And Anthony B is known for being that guy.
This one is on the new World Rebirth rhythm produced by Reggae Vibes Music. It’s a brand new song released on July 8th. Anthony B’s “Black and Proud.” Please check it out. It’s awesome. Good reggae music. Good for the heart, the soul, and the brain.
We also gave a very concise recap of some recent sound system, soundclash live online events. In conclusion, we announced next week’s special guest will be Walshy Fire of Major Lazor.
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Buzzworthy – Shaggy, Rayvon, and Spice appear on The Bachelor.
The Tastemaker – Full review of Lila Ike’s debut EP, The Experience.
Soundclash Update – Latest from the Soundclash.com/Walshy Fire Quarantine Clash tournament.
Main Topic – Top 5 Singjays (a performer who is a combination of singer and deejay.)
Kahlil Wonda:
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AGARD recaps Walshy Fire’s exclusive New York City album release party. The new album, Abeng, is available now on all digital platforms.
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What recent releases will you be rocking this Summer? Email: reggaeloverpodcast at gmail dot com.
![Kabaka Pyramid - Kontraband. DIGITAL RELEASE [Ghetto Youths International, Bebble Rock Records].](https://highlanda.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/kontraband.jpg)
I only heard 3 of the songs before the album’s release so this is a fresh, new experience. The album is reminiscent of Chronixx’s “Chronology” in its diverse representation of modern reggae music.
Hip-Hop influences are evident throughout but do not detract from the roots vibe. You can choose to bob your head and/or skank to the beats. Kabaka spits bars of knowledge with a cool, collected delivery. At times, he sing-jays on the riddims in perfect melody.
‘Kontraband’ is a strong debut for Kabaka Pyramid and it bolsters his global appeal. The Damian and Stephen Marley executive-produced album features Akon and Stonebwoy out of Africa. Jr. Gong joins Kabaka to illustrate the story on the title track.
Pressure Buss Pipes from the U.S. Virgin Islands sings the hook on “Make Way,” the opening song of the album. Fellow reggae revivalist Protoje makes his mark with a succinct verse on “Everywhere I Go.” Kabaka teams with Chronixx on the mesmerizing and memorable “Blessed Is The Man.”
Kabaka doesn’t only chant a lyrical onslaught on Babylon. He considers the divine essence of black queens on “Natural Woman.” He opens up about affairs of the heart on “Kaught Up,” and “All I Need,” which features Nattali Rize. The different vibes on ‘Kontraband’ balance out. If you ranked this entry as one of 2019’s top reggae releases, I would say that’s accurate.
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This is a special edition of Blackfyre Ent’s Madhouse Fridays at Club Fate, 601 Silks Run # 2499, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.
I-Octane is celebrating his third full-length album “Love & Life!” Preview songs from the album “Love & Life,” including “Up to We”, “Pretty Loud (feat. J Boog)”, “Let Me Love You” and many more. Shaggy, Demarco, Yanique the Curvy Diva, Ginjah, and Romain Virgo have features on the album.
Check out “Love & Life” by I-Octane on Amazon Music, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and more. Stream ad-free from your desktop or mobile device, or buy CD’s and MP3s now.
Below is a selection of photos from what was a memorable night for Atlanta reggae lovers.
Best Pictures From the 2017 Bob Marley Tribute and Moments You May have Missed on February 12, 2017 by Rico Vibes of Dareggaescene.com and Bronson Blair of 2BKaribbean.com.
A special #RocksteadyATL commemorative tribute to Bob Marley, this 2nd annual event had many memorable moments. Big ups to all the patrons and participants!
Special thanks to Anne Hugus Photography out of NYC.
More photos..
Reggae Vibes Music presents the Reggae Vibes Riddim featuring 15 all new one drop productions from Reggae Vibes Music / Warriors Musick Productions. The Riddim features a new song from reggae legend Sizzla, strong entries from Lutan Fyah, Jah Mason, and Fantan Mojah along with emerging singers Devano, Deego, Dreama, Shane Hoosong and more.
Reggae Vibes Riddim artwork
Sizzla Kalonji bolsters the riddim with “Greatest Mother,” a song in which he channels his inner synthesizer while bringing forth words of appreciation reminiscent of the vibe on his popular “Thank You Mama.” Kana Stone performs a festival ready anthem for reggae music with a simple, yet passionate delivery on “Love the Reggae.”
Ginjah delivers a fresh marijuana ballad with a catchy refrain on “All This Time.” In a love song about his island nation entitled “So In Love,” Guche London pledges allegiance to Jamaica convincingly. Turbulence infuses his voice with the melodic notes of the riddim in the most soulful way as he sings of a love written in the stars on “For Me.”
Harlem, New York Hip Hop artist Charlie Clips combines with Delus on “They Don’t Know,” the most natural-sounding combination between rapper and singer over a one-drop reggae riddim. This joint is laced with conscious lyrics which would resonate with real hip hop heads and hardcore reggae enthusiasts alike.
The official release date is November 6th, but the Reggae Vibes Riddim will be available for Preorder on iTunes on October 23, 2015.
Soul/Reggae soloist Kelly Love Jones with Larry “Stagga’ Lee Henzel” Eaglin of WRFG 89.3 FM Atlanta
Hostesses Warrior Queen Martine and Diana Valentine of WRFG 89.3 FM Atlanta with Kahlil Wonda of Highlanda Sound
Ras Kofi on stage with Permaculture
Of course for a full review and more pictures visit our partner RedCarpetShelley.com.
The lieutenant turned pastor converted the patrons that came out to the 2015 Rainforest Seafood Festival in Montego Bay last Wednesday night. With heavy rain pouring down the massive crowd cheered, danced and applauded as Lt. Stitchie delivered an entertaining, inspirational and humorous set.
When he arrived at the event, Lt. Stitchie and his team were advised that the time allotted to him initially would be reduced to 20 minutes due to the late start. With this in mind Stitchie had no choice but to shorten his performance, something the audience was clearly not happy about.
Stitchie took them on a musical journey, teasing them by doing snippets of some of his biggest hits; “wear yu size”, “natty dread”, “great ambition and more. The lieutenant also did some of his more recent releases, tracks like “man a pastor”, which had the crowd laughing at the comical story lines, “fast and pray” and “Lord Almighty” which captivated them. He also did some new exclusive pieces written specifically for the event.
At the end of his set the veteran Dancehall artist was flooded with requests to make additional appearances in Montego Bay (the city where he got some of his biggest breaks and made some of his biggest changes in music).
Etana – I Rise – Artwork
Congratulations to Etana on the release of her 4th studio album ‘I Rise‘ which is quite simply a masterpiece – the best work thus far from this talented singer. Etana’s captivating vocals shine as listeners are taken on a journey to musical heaven.
Songs like “Emancipation,” “I Rise,” and “Stepping Out of Babylon” rally the righteous troops. There is encouragement offered in “On My Way,” while the social commentary laden “How Long” poses serious questions to the powers that be about their disregard for the underprivileged.
The sweet melodies of Etana’s powerful voice mesmerize with sultry delivery on “Love Song,” and reassuring confidence on “By Your Side.” On the black women’s anthem “Jamaican Woman,” we are reminded that the meaning of Etana’s name itself is the strong one, while “Selassie Is The Chapel.” and “Jah Jah,” are food for the soul.
All 15 tracks were produced to perfection by the living legend Clive Hunt together with internationally acclaimed instrumentalists including the great Sly and Robbie. I Rise would not disappoint as a gift for this holiday season and is an essential pick for and reggae collection.
I am happy that this place is finally open – beautiful setting, courteous staff, artistic decor, trendy clientele, potent cocktails and other delectable menu items. Check out Studio No. 7 located at 393 Marietta Street, NW Atlanta, Georgia.
Creative Hour from 5pm-7pm at Studio No 7 (Tues. – Fri.)
Kahlil Wonda and Chronixx backstage at The Atrium
(Stone Mountain, GA)
I arrived at the almost-sold-out venue just after Chronixx entered the stage – approximately 2:30 a.m. There was a sea of people congregated to see the world’s current top reggae act live in person, but this was no ordinary Atlanta reggae concert crowd. I saw diversity! Every race and age group seemed to be represented and Chronixx was apparently poised to back up all the hype that has surrounded his name for the past year and a half.
The backing band was sonically flawless all night long, delivering the bass lines and melodic accompaniment that Chronixx demands on the road. He only performs with his Zinc Fence crew and together they are a killer performance team – a musical force to be reckoned with. This time around they created a synergy that lasted for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes on stage at the Atrium.
2013’s Reggae artist of the year, credited with being the catalyst of the present Reggae revival controlled the crowd like a veteran, injecting more energy and understanding into the audience with relevant speech in between musical sets.
Chronixx offered singles from the “Dread and Terrible” EP and all were graciously received by the Atlanta onlookers. To the delight of fans, he served up songs that helped solidify his title as leader on the new school such as “Odd Ras (Nah Follow Nobody),” “Behind Curtain,” and “Smile Jamaica.” He infused Bob Marley and Super Cat lyrics as a part of the whole package, which all came off very well. After returning for an encore set, Mr. McNaughton finally closed out and bid the Atlanta people farewell.
Even though for many reasons (which I will not list right now) the Atrium is far from being my favorite concert venue, I will give the “Dread and Terrible” tour’s Atlanta show extremely high ratings. This was one of the best performances I have seen here in a very long time (think 1990s). Kudos to the promotion team of Pak Entertainment and Webba Promo. For Chronixx, the future is bright, and reggae is in good hands.
Highlanda Sound 