A specially crafted mix of 45’s and dubs on the Cuss Cuss riddim.
In episode 219, Kahlil Wonda listed Cuss Cuss as one of his all-time top 5 riddims. Inspiration along with listener requests have manifested in this mix for the true fans. Starting with the original Lloyd Robinson cut produced by Harry J and regarded as an original Studio One version. This mix spans all the decades since.
We caught up with Diego Herrera, the Reggae/Caribbean Music Curator and Programmer for Pandora Media. He curates the popular New Reggae Now playlist.
Diego is entrenched within the culture and has been for a long time. As you may know, we’ve been working with Pandora to help push reggae music. Our podcast is featured on Pandora and we curate playlists on Pandora as well.
We had a very interesting, informative conversation. You will love it. We loved it! Diego works in the ecosystem touching the artists, labels, and the distribution channel. We pull back the curtain and shed some light on what happens on the back end at digital streaming services.
We all use these platforms to listen to content, but how do they really work? What are the inner workings? We learn about that plus get Diego’s refreshing perspective on new reggae now and the state of the culture. He comes from a very knowledgeable point of view. Of course, after the main segment, we present the Buzzworthy, Tastemaker, and SoundClash update segments.
Buzzworthy
Buju Banton denounces mask-wearing.
David Rodigan and Cedella Marley receive Jamaican Order of Distinction honors.
Barrington Levy in the studio with DJ Kahled.
The Tastemaker
Official music video for Koffee’s “Pressure” Remix featuring Buju Banton.
Soundclash Update
Downbeat pays epic tribute to fallen reggae icon Bunny “Striker” Lee on LP International’s Real Talk IG Live Show.
A review of The Journey Chosen by Spragga Benz, the new album. Nick from the Jamaican State of Mind podcast links up to defend Spragga, his favorite artist.
Buzzworthy
Koffee becomes Mastercard’s brand ambassador for Jamaica.
Buju Banton featured on FIFA 21, performs for launch.
SoundChat Radio launches a new website with a premium subscription model.
We discuss the reggae industry’s focus on vanity metrics such as social media likes and YouTube views versus actionable metrics such as engagement and sales.
Reggae/dancehall fans find ways to get new music for free (YouTube, mixtapes, sound system audio, email blasts, SoundCloud, etc). The reggae media primarily reports on vanity metrics. Fans form opinions based on the opinions of others if they have to. They also find reasons to justify why they did not buy the new album(s).
Conversely, fans of other genres are known for taking action by collecting (buying) albums, whether digital or hard copy. They collect the new albums of the artists they like and then form their own opinions about the music. We break down the reasons for this disparity.
Buzzworthy
Kahlil Wonda reviews Tarrus Riley’s new album, “Healing.”
Reactions to the passing of celebrated Reggae icon and trailblazer, Toots Hibbert.