Voicemail rides high with 'Clap It Up'... new videos coming

Jamaican dancehall duo Voicemail, which comprises Craig Jackson and Kevin Blair, has hit pay dirt with the single Clap it Up which is featured on the Washroom Entertainment label's Poolside rhythm project.

Clap it Up has been creating waves on the dancehall circuit. The single has crept up two places to number eight on the Entertainment Report (ER) Top 10 Singles chart which airs on Television Jamaica (TVJ).

In a release to the media, Jackson revealed that the duo plans to release a video to capitalise on the momentum of the song's success.

'We are getting ready to shoot the video for Clap it Up within the next two weeks. The song has been doing well and the fans seem to love this track. We have other videos in the pipeline so the fans can look out for them," said Jackson.

New Music: Vybz Kartel ft. Gaza Slim - Reperation [Jul 2012] [Adidjahiem Records]

Check out the latest Dancehall Tune from Vybz Kartel featuring Gaza Slim produced by Adidjahiem Records!! It's also the Song a local DJ got suspended for playing it!! Read more about the topic!!

Laza Morgan takes it 'One by One'

After his two big hits, One By One that sat atop many a chart and This Girl that was a part of the soundtrack for the Step Up 3D blockbuster, Laza Morgan is gearing up to leave his mark yet again on the international market with his latest release titled Gimme Little.

He has high hopes for the song which he describes as being a mixture of R&B and hip hop with a reggae undertone.

But where does the formula for the song's overall success lie?

"I always put that in the hands of Jah. I always create music with an open mind and heart. But so far the fans have been giving it a crazy response," said Laza Morgan.

Irate fans bottle Dancehall Queen stage when crowd favourite did not make top three

A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with a bottle-throwing incident that marred the annual staging of the popular Red Label Wine Dancehall Queen in Montego Bay, yesterday morning.

Another woman was seen with a swelling between her eyes reportedly from being hit in the face by one of the bottles.

The detainees, said to be from Glendevon in Montego Bay, were held shortly after the melee, which was triggered when the winner was announced as Sherine Scarlett of Portmore, St Catherine.

Irate fans became disruptive as crowd favourite and Montego Bay native, Keja 'Tall Up' Christie, was edged out of the top three. Christie ended the competition in fourth place.

Briggy Benz driven by passion

SINCE his formal introduction to the dancehall music in 1999, Briggy Benz is intent on making a name for himself.

Briggy Benz, whose real name is Raymond Grant, was brought to the fore when he recorded and collaborated with mentor and uncle, Spragga Benz, on a single titled Gi Wi Dem. The track — on Ward 21's When the Smoke Clear riddim — also had his Red Square stable mates.

Since recording his musical initiation, he subsequently recorded for producers such as Renaissance Disco, Don Corleon, Snow Cone and most recently Delly Ranx and Kruger.

General Degree to release new album

GENERAL Degree is slated to released his eighth album Snapple Dapple Volume 1 at the end of summer. The album - which comprises 15-tracks - is the deejay's latest since Generally Speaking in 2004.

"This album shows how much I have improved. I have reinvented and modernised myself as the musical style has changed with time," said the artiste, whose real name is Cardiff Butt.

The deejay was quick to add that although his musical style has changed, he intends to do quality music and that is sometimes aired on the airwaves.

"The music hasn't change too positively since the 1990s. That was the best era for dancehall. Now an artiste or producer only needs to have his money for their song to top the charts," Degree said.

Sean Paul salutes Alia

THE courageous fourth-place finish in the 100-metre breaststroke by Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson at the Olympics in London yesterday, had reggae and dancehall artiste Sean Paul in tears.

"I was so proud of her, tears come to my eyes," he told the Jamaica Observer. "It was tears of joy because I know what it takes to participate at that level. I know how much they sacrifice friends and family in order to go to training... It's hard, and when you reap success like Alia, it is worth it," he said.

Sean Paul, a former competitive swimmer and water polo player, represented Jamaica at various levels.

In 1989 and 1992, he was part of the Jamaican delegation to the CARIFTA Swimming Championships and in 1994 he made the national water polo team to the Junior Pan American Games in Puerto Rico.

Dancehall Icons Concert benefits all

For sponsors CB Chicken and LIME, being part of The Gleaner's Icons Concert definitely benefited their brands.

CB Chicken brand manager, Kimberley Mullings, says she was pleased to be part of the event that was free to the public.

"We wanted to support an event that was going to be free to the public downtown. We see the importance of rehabilitating that area," she told The Gleaner, noting that the grand finals of the CB Pan Chicken Championship will be held in downtown Kingston in November.

Coming on board as a sponsor at the last minute, Mullings said, "It was a good overall showing of the dancehall icons. We can see the relationship growing into something bigger and better next year."

I-Octane hospitalised

Reggae artiste I-Octane has recently been admitted to hospital after falling ill late last week.

According to a member of the artiste's team, I-Octane had an asthma attack on Thursday night. He was taken to a hospital in Kingston where he is now under the care of his physician.

I-Octane is said to be recuperating, but has been advised by his doctor to rest until further reassessment.

As a result, I-Octane will be unable to honour some of the commitments he had previously scheduled.

Although he is still hospitalised, he is expected to make a full recovery and is looking forward to performing for his fans.

I-Octane's most recent performance was at Reggae Sumfest which was held recently.

Earlier this year, he released his debut album Crying to the Nation.

(from Jamaica Gleaner)

Jah Cure 'inspired' by Haitian president

Rastafarian reggae superstar Jah Cure, during a recent visit to Haiti to perform at a concert, was impressed by the steely confidence of the Haitian president, Michel Martelly, and moreso, Martelly's ability to reinvent himself from a singer to a politician.

"It was great to meet a musical president," Jah Cure told The Gleaner. "When I met him at first I was surprised, he was young, fresh, powerful, full of swag. I was looking for an older man, but I really loved his energy and his story is so truly inspiring."

Jamaica Observer Cartoon (July the 31th)

(from Jamaica Observer)

Reggae Jam Timetable!!

Check out the Official Timetable for the Reggae Jam Festival in Bersenbrücke (Germany)!!

So Unique Riddim [Jul 2012] [SoUnique Records]

SoUnique Records presents a brandnew Dancehall Juggling which is titled "So Unique Riddim" and features Blak Diamon, Gaza Slim, I Octane, Shawn Storm, Sheba, Stylish, Tommy Lee and Vybz Kartel!!!

Hyphyhall Riddim [Jul 2012] [Jah Kebra Music]

Jah Kebra Music presents a new Dancehall Rhythm titled "Hyphyhall Riddim" featuring Spragga benz, Lutan Fyah, M Selah, Mega Banton/Soulmedic, Pressure Buss Pipe, Stevie Culture, Obie One, Marlon Asher, Lenky Roy, Lutan Fyah and Al Pancho!!!

Grung Shake Riddim [Jul 2012] [Kanambo Music]

Kanambo Music presents the "Grung Shake Riddim" - a brandnew Dancehall Juggling with Tunes from Blak Diamon featuring Total, Bugle, Dexta Daps, Flippa Mafia, Kanambo, Konshens, Laden and Versatile!!!

Jahvinci Heads To Europe This Summer

Dancehall star Jahvinci is looking forward to a busy Summer as he cranks up the promotion of his new single, Drop a Night for Triple Dose Productions.

“The song is getting a great response in the streets so far, ZIP, IRIE, and HITZ ah play it hard, it’s a great look,” Jahvinci said.

The Watch Yu Friends singer is relishing his artistic freedom since leaving the Portmore Empire.

“I am building a new team, writing great songs, working hard, I have been getting a lot of encouragement from other artistes to just go out and do my thing and get my music and voice out there, I am not going to let them down, mi ah go just dweet,” he said.

He also shot a video for the single, Make Money Easy, that he will be releasing in August. Jahvinci recently performed during Dancehall Night at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.

Bambino Staying On Key In 2012

Fresh from an electrifying performance at Sumfest’s beach party, Jamaica’s king of parody and renowned resident Zip Jock, ZJ Bambino, whose real name is Orrett Hart Jr. is making strides in 2012.

He proved that he is one of Jamaica's most respected emcees when he was voted Selector of the Year at the Youth View Awards in February. When asked how he felt, Bambino said, “It is a great feeling! Especially knowing that the youth are listening I know I can be more of a positive influence on them.”

Shortly after receiving his award, Bambino took his turntables to Trinidad carnival for the third consecutive year. While there, he reveled in the festivities as he deejayed and played at the varying events including Carnival Monday and Tuesday on the Island People Truck, an experience which was made possible by sponsors Tara Couriers and FX Trader.

Sean Paul, Damian Marley Touch the Sky and Mek it Bun Dem

Sean Paul and Damian Marley have been extremely explosive, especially since 2012. Both superstars have been able to apply their uniquely hardcore sounds to international tones. Sean Paul’s techno song Touch the Sky and Damian Marley’s dubstep Mek it Bun Dem have added a distinct twist to their reputable musical collections.

Touch the Sky is housed on Sean Paul’s fifth studio album -Tomahawk Technique, and merges Sean Paul’s signature dancehall sound with a punchy techno beat - the beat being produced by DJ Ammo. The track is not typically Sean Paul’s style as the performer explored techno for the first time. When asked why he ventured to these new grounds, Sean Paul expressed that he was quite comfortable with the exploration. He continued saying “Techno kinda reminds me of Reggae One Drop.”

Getting To Know Gospel Artiste Omari

Familiar to Reggae fans for his hits "Help!", "Why," and the most recent "Jehovah Guide Me," "God a Guide" and "Heart and Soul" Omari is creating waves in the music industry. The song "Help" was praised in The Star Newspaper as "one of the hottest and most inspirational gospel songs in the industry." While the latest hits are creating a stir in the media world!

Born Andrew Omari Edwards on February 3, 1980, Omari's dynamic voice, spectacular writing skills and exceptionally warm personality has been creating waves and opening doors unbeknownst to his wildest imagination. Omari copped the IRAWMA award in the category "Best Gospel Song" at the 2010 staging. He has also received five (5) Marlin Awards nominations and won the award for "Reggae Recording of the Year" 2008. He was nominated for three Reggae Academy Awards, in the categories, Best Solo Male Vocal Gospel Performance, Best Gospel Song and Best Gospel Music Video and recently picked up a nomination in the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards (EME Awards) for Gospel Artiste of the Year.

Reggae Singer Lady Lex Links With Donsome Records

West London based reggae singer Lady Lex is the latest addition to the roster of acts under the Donsome Records label. The talented singer, who has been heavily influenced by music from an early age, says she grew up listening to all different genres of music from Jazz, to Blues, Reggae, Country and rhythm and blues.

“My vocals are a fusion of all different genres. I am a versatile singer and songwriter – so whatever style of reggae I hear, whether it be ska, rock steady, or roots and culture, provided I am feeling the track, I love to write to it. I feel that I am bringing an honest sound that everyone can listen to on any occasion, whether it be a on the radio or at a dance or wedding”, Lady Lex explained in a release to the media.

Team Jamaica singing Tommy Lee and Vybz Kartel song!!

Check out the jamaican olympic team singing Tunes from Tommy Lee and Vybz Kartel!!

Bag A Vibez Vol.7 [Jul 2012] [Shizzle Soundsystem]

Shizzle Soundsystem presents a brandnew Mixtape titled "Bag A Vibez Vol.7".

Bag A Vibez Vol.6 [May 2012] [Shizzle Soundsystem]

The Shizzle Soundsystem presents "Bag A Vibez Vol.6".

Summer Vibes Mixtape [Jul 2012] [Luv Messenger]

Luv Messenger presents a brandnew Dancehall Mixtape titled "Summer Vibes"!!

Ninja Man talks about Beenie Man disrespecting Shabba, Sumfest, Sting + More [Video]

Check out Ninja Man who talks about Beenie Man disrespecting Shabba and speaks about Sumfest, Sting and more!!

Onstage Interview with Shabba Ranks!! [Video]

Check out OnStage TV interviewing Shabba Ranks who give respect to Kartel and that he has one regret in his life!!

“Sparks” Fly Between Chris Brown & Rihanna At Sea

The “Birthday Cake” duo were reunited once again, this time at sea in St. Tropez on the $300 million yacht, the Serene, owned by Russian vodka billionaire Yuri Shefler. Also on the yacht aside from Chris Brown and Rihanna, were Ludacris, Swizz Beatz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kanye West, and Kim Kardashian.

Witnesses claim that the pair were in “deep conversation” throughout the night and that the chemistry between them was still very apparent.

Bolt mobbed by other athletes

Super star sprinter Usain Bolt is now being protected by four teammates on the Jamaican track and field squad at the Olympic Games here as he is being mobbed by athletes from other countries.

Such is Bolt's popularity that ever since arriving in the Athletes' Village on Thursday, the double world record holder in the 100m and 200m events has had difficulty moving about in public. Team manager Ludlow 'Luddy' Watts, who described Bolt as "the star of the entire Games", there are no immediate plans to move Bolt to a more private area. "No, he is safe here and he does not mind, so we have no plans to move him," Watts told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

Beenie Man and Chaka Khan featured on Trinidad and Tobago's Independence album

Jamaican dancehall entertainer Beenie Man and international superstar, Chaka Khan are some of the artistes who will be featured on an album being compiled by the Trinidadian Government to commemorate the country's golden Independence Anniversary.

Trinidadian artiste Machel Montano premiered the first track from the album, Going For Gold yesterday at the Trinidad Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain.

Massive turnout for Gleaner's Icons Concert

There is no camera angle that could fully capture the massive crowd that turned out for The Gleaner's Icons Concert at South Parade in downtown Kingston on Saturday night.

People lined the street between South Parade and Sir William Grant Park, from the church all the way down to the end of the road. While the people were tightly packed on the street, there were others who tried to get a view of the concert from walls and fences, while others took their spot in the bus area and in the park.

Reggaeville Ruhr Reggae Summer 2012 Head-Cam-Walk

Check out another Video from Reggaeville about the Ruhr Reggae Summer Festival 2012!!!

Snoop on ganja charge in Norway

OSLO, Norway (AP) - A lawyer representing Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion says the American rapper has been banned from entering Norway for two years after trying to enter the country with a small amount of marijuana last month.

Holger Hagesaeter, the rapper's legal representative in Norway, told The Associated Press on Saturday that his client "can live with the decision" and has no immediate plans to appeal it.

Snoop Dogg, whose name is Calvin Broadus, was on his way to a music festival in southern Norway in June when sniffer dogs detected eight grammes of marijuana in his luggage. He was also carrying more cash than is legally allowed and was fined 52,000 kroner (US$8,600) after admitting to the two offences, the lawyer said.
(from Jamaica Observer)

Shuga does 9.58

THREE years ago singjay Shuga (formerly Brown Sugar) won the Digicel Rising Stars competition. Since then, she has been working feverishly to get that elusive hit song.

She hopes her latest single, 9.58, will do the trick. It is a play on superstar sprinter Usain Bolt's world record time over the 100 metres and inadequate male sexual prowess.
"It is an important song because it tells a true story which all women and even men can relate to. I'm sure the ladies who are blessed with sugar like myself, can attest and the men will just laugh about it and say 'I did my part you need to do yours'," Shuga said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Shazelle creates State Of Emergency

Trinidad-born pop star Shazelle has secured number two spot on the biggest digital download site in Japan with her combination single, State of Emergency, featuring Beenie Man.

"Since we started the digital sales of "Shazelle/State Of Emergency" on the 18th July, it went straight to number two on the Recochoku (Japan's biggest digital download site) international charts," Ivan Berry, who manages Shazelle.

"On this chart, Shazelle has beaten Nicki Minaj, One Direction, Cover Drive, Flo Rida, Kat DeLuna etcetera, all the new big names, it's a great sign that augurs well for the future," Berry said.

Baby Cham at Ruhr Reggae Summer 2012 [Video]

Check out Baby Cham performing at the Ruhr Reggae Summer Festival!!!

Jamaica Observer Cartoon (July the 30th)

(from Jamaica Observer)

Tifa and Stacious speak out: Dancehall divas insist they got raw deal at Sumfest

On a night when Dancehall’s leading diva, Lady Saw earned her rightful crown, a pair of prominent female artistes claims that they were treated like peasants by organizers of the recently concluded Reggae Sumfest stage show.

Internationally acclaimed deejays, Tifa and Stacious gave rousing sets during their appearances on Reggae Sumfest’s Dancehall Night last week Thursday. Despite the positive receptions they garnered from fans, both artistes insist that negative vibrations could be felt backstage as the highly regarded Dancehall divas have come forward with allegations of gender discrimination and prejudice following the treatment they received at Reggae Sumfest.

J.A Luv Riddim [Jul 2012] [Addis Record]

Addis Records presents the "J.A Luv Riddim" - a brandnew Reggae Juggling featuring Perfect, Thriller U, Cali P, Daddy Rings, Terry Ganzie, Triba, Geoffrey Star/Chai and Poly Famous!!!

Letter Riddim [Jul 2012] [J'Island Records]

J'Island Records presents a brandnew Reggae Juggling titled "Letter Riddim" featuring Cali P, Cateyes, Cenc Love, Geoffrey Star, Nickeisha Barnes, I-Razor, Miriam Simone, Nikki Birt, Phenomden, Progress and Ultimate Shines.

Germain makes predictions

HAVING scored countless hit songs with his Penthouse Records, Donovan Germain is one of contemporary reggae's most successful producers. For many years, he had a fruitful relationship with acts like Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, and Wayne Wonder.

There is a different side to the Penthouse head. He is passionate about sports, and is often seen at National Premier League football matches, track and field meets, and Test or one-day cricket matches.
Germain was a member of the 1969 Kingston College Manning Cup team that also included Howard Bell, Mario McLennon, Fitzroy Wagstaffe and Derrick Denniser. A defender, he went on to play in the Major League for Pembroke Hall and Tafari in the New York City league.

Warner Music, Tuff Gong ink deal

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Warner Music Group and Tuff Gong International signed an exclusive licensing agreement, which will see Tuff gong distributing Warner's releases throughout the Caribbean.

The deal covers both new and catalogue releases, as well as local synch, licensing and live performance rights.

Through the license Tuff Gong will distribute the albums of some of today's top artistes including Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars, Flo Rida, Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton and Estelle. Warner's extensive catalogue also features icons such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Eric Clapton.

Young Veteran releases Rahtid 3

Young Veteran producers Sekou Davis and Sheldon Pennicock  recently released their mixtape Rahtid 3 (which you can check out here).  The mixtape features a compilation of dancehall, reggae and soca songs from artistes like Vybz Kartel, Macka Diamond, Sizzla, Luciano and Opal.

Some of the more popular songs on this project include Konshens 'Watch me Fada,' 'Street Chant' featuring Sizzla, Jah Mason Luciano and Turbulence and Vybz Kartel's 'Bubble ya mi gyal'.

Row over UK reggae film fest

BARBARA Blake-Hannah, director of the Reggae Film Academy in Jamaica, is contending that her concept for a reggae film festival in London, during the Olympics and for Jamaica 50 celebrations, has been copied by British organisers.

This claim, however, has been denied by promoters of Festival Jamaica 2012. According to Blake-Hannah, she had been in talks with representatives of Festival Jamaica 2012 and had been waiting for a contract from them since October last year.

The 11-day festival was set to begin last Friday in Stratford, England.

Serani's Olympic song for online gaming site

Singer, songwriter and producer Serani, has teamed up with PlayJamaica.com, the Caribbean's first gaming website to release a brand new single for the Olympic season.

The song, titled Top Runna, is the soundtrack of the track and field game which also bears the same name. With all the hype surrounding the London Olympics, PlayJamaica.com has created a uniquely 'Jamaican-ised' track racing game in an effort to highlight the global success of the Jamaican track team.

Jamaicans - the life of the party!

London is beginning to feel a lot like the Caribbean these days. Ok, maybe that's pushing it a bit, but this 'warm' weather feels much more like home compared to the chilly blanket that covered this city just a few days ago.

We keep running into some 'fella' called Usain Bolt everywhere we turn. Ok, perhaps we don't literally run into him, but from massive billboards to wicker statues, Bolt is the face of the Olympic Games.

Another popular figure in these parts is Jamaican musical legend Bob Marley, who pops up from time to time on shirts, cups, and in a stall with all types of Jamaican paraphernalia, incidentally, owned by a man that only goes by the name 'Bob'.

Speaking of Jamaican, we walked into the Greenwich Park facility for the equestrian competition here in London, quite expecting to be the only Jamaicans in the crowd.

Elephant Man ft. Khago - Slap Weh [Official Video] [Jul 2012]

Check out the Official Video for Elephant Man and Khago's Dancehall Tune pon di Overtime Riddim from JA Productions which is titled "Slap Weh". The Video was produced by Stephen "Bishop" Christian and directed by Steven Bernard Films.

Claudius "Supa" England - Thousand Pickney [Official Video] [Jul 2012]

Claudius "Supa" England presents the Official Video for "Thousand Pickney" - a Reggae Tune pon di Pearl Riddim from Rebel Soulz!! The Video was directed by Robin Chin!!

Shurwayne Winchester - Don't Stop [Official Video] [Jul 2012]

Shurwayne Winchester presents the Official Video for "Don't Stop" (Dancehall/Soca). The Video was produced by Lisa Wickham!!

Best Of Summerjam 2012 Reggaeville Report [Video]

Check out the Best Of Summerjam 2012 Report from Reggaeville!!!

Max Romeo at Ruhr Reggae Summer

Another Video from Reggaeville, Max Romeo's stage show at the Ruhr Reggae Summer Festival!!!