Psalm 41 Riddim [Aug 2013] [Train Line Records]

Juggling: Psalm 41 Riddim
Genre: Reggae
Producer: Train Line Records
Featured Artists: Anthony B, Tydal, Phillip Fraser, King Banton ft. Clement Irie

Showcase Riddim [Aug 2013] [UIM Records]

Juggling: Showcase Riddim
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: UIM Records
Featured Artists: Blak Diamon, Iaeshaa, Jahmiel, Laden, Leftside, Kurrupt ft. Devina Burn, QQ, Seya, Supa Hype

Brucho - Love & Life [Aug 2013] [Hypemaster Ent]

Artist(s): Brucho
Tune: Love & Life
Genre: Dancehall
Juggling: Love Salute Riddim
Producer: Hypemasters Ent

Brian Rotich (born 7 February, 1996) Popularly Known by His Stage Name Brucho, is a Contemporary Dancehall and Reggae Singer and Songwriter from Kenya.

In May 2013, Marc Brunnel Introduced Him to International Sound System Producers, Hypemasters ENT, Who Helped Establish the Young Artist, Who Became Known as Brucho. Since then, Brucho Has Appeared on Several Videos Produced by Hypemasters ENT and Has Worked Together with International Artistes Like Marc Brunnel, J-Zero, Donteh and Bullet Proof (TZ).

He Has Currently Released His First Single Dubbed “Love & Life” Which is Receiving Good Airplay by the Media. Brucho is Balancing His Music Career with School and is Working on a New Studio Album Which Will be Completed and Released in the Near Future. 

Mavado collabs with Nicki Minaj

Mavado has managed to land yet another collaboration with a top international act.

This time around, it's with Nicki Minaj, one of the most popular female entertainers on the hip hop market.

Mavado told The STAR how the two came to work together on the song Give It All To Me, saying: "From I recorded the track, me and Julian said it would be perfect for Nicki. We just knew she would mash it up. Julian was at a video shoot with them and gave them the song."

He continued: "Nicki called me and said it's one of the best songs she's ever received, and within a couple days, she had it finished. She and her team are perfectionists in their work and tweaked it for a couple more days.

"Then it was mixed by Fabian Marasciullo, the best mix engineer in the game. He's worked with everyone from Michael Jackson to Brittney Spears to Lil' Wayne, Ross, Chris Brown, just about every hit record you've heard for the last decade or more. Sonically, he took the record to a whole new level. So when it's played on the radio and in clubs, it sounds amazing.

Making a hit record

"Getting the mix and mastering process just right is an important part of making a hit record, so we wanted to get the best person in the business to do it."

As for Mavado's expectations for the song, he said: "Nicki is a global superstar, so it's natural that my music and dancehall music will be exposed on an even bigger stage through this collaboration. The chemistry on the song is perfect. Nicki is a big fan of Jamaican music and she fits the track perfectly.

"We are going to be pushing this song to the heights, and if the feedback from the first time it was played on radio is anything to go by, this could be a huge international hit.

"We just going to stay humble and work even harder, continue to trust in Jah, and mek Him guide our footsteps."

Mavado has had quite a few collaborations with hip hop stars, among them, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, Papoose, Ace Hood, and Akon.

His formula, he says, will be the same thing he has been doing from the start. "Just keep doing what I've been doing since day one. Remember, the third record I ever released hit Billboard without no major label push, so I just give God thanks for blessing me with the talent from birth."

He continued: "Jamaican music in some ways has an advantage even over hip hop because it is such an international genre of music. You will hear reggae and dancehall being played in any country in the world, which is why we went with an authentic dancehall record as the first official single.

"We dropped some hip hop songs and collabs for the streets just to help establish my brand with new audiences in the US, but when it came to the first single, we always intended to go with dancehall. It's a strategy we have been mapping out for two years, and hopefully, we will see the benefits of this in the coming months.

"I have some mad music done already, but we just stay working, recording, and promoting," he said.

Mavado is currently working on his debut album for We The Best Music and is gearing up to launch his own t-shirt and clothing line.

He is also rebranding the whole Gullyside movement to coincide with the release of the first single.

As the upcoming Labour Day weekend in the United States is big on Caribbean music and vibes, Mavado will be performing live on Hot97's Reggae Tip show on Friday and also has numerous other appearances in New York over the weekend, including a show with Fabolous, French Montana, and Meek Mill in Staten Island.

"We purposely dropped the single the week before Labour Day weekend so we could maximise on the hype and exposure for the song to coincide with that," said his manager, Julian Jones-Griffith.

(from Jamaica Star)

Rickey Teetz releases new, hot single

Montego Bay, St James-based reggae dancehall artiste Rickey Teetz, has released a new single called 6:30 Walk, a song which is already generating regular play in the dancehalls from Montego Bay to Kingston.

The single has also spawned a new dance that the ladies are doing in western Jamaica.

"It's a big hit with the ladies and it's not hard to do. It's basically bending over 6:30, holding your hands on your ankle, and then walk with it," Rickey Teetz explained.

There are already advanced plans to shoot a video for this bouncy, new dancehall single.

Sean Paul feels love in the UK

WITH his new album scheduled for release in a matter of weeks, Sean Paul has made the UK Pop Singles chart with Other Side of Love.

The song debuted at number seven but fared even better on the UK Rhythm and Blues chart, opening at number one.

Other Side of Love is Sean Paul's second appearance on the UK pop chart this year. In March, What About Us, his collaboration with girl group The Saturdays, topped the chart for one week.

The Grammy-winning artiste has enjoyed a good run on the UK pop chart over the years. Other Side of Love is his 23rd entry on this list.

It was co-written by Sean Paul, Benny Blanco and The Cataracs. Blanco and The Cataracs co-produced the track.

Other Side of Love has also debuted in the Top 10 of charts in Switzerland, Scotland, Germany, and Belgium.

Sean Paul's previous album, Tomahawk Technique, was released in the United States last year.

(from Jamaica Observer)

Second Coming for Chaka Demus

TWENTY years after multiple appearances on the British national chart with singer Pliers, deejay Chaka Demus has released a new solo album.

Second Coming is the title of the self-produced 14-song set.

Last week, the 49 year-old toaster spoke to the Jamaica Observer about his debut as a producer.

"Well, yuh definitely have more control. Nobody can tell yuh what yuh don't want," he said. "Everything work off my vibes."

Being in control of Second Coming allowed Demus to select the musicians. They include guitarist Mitchum 'Khan' Chin, drummer Wilburn 'Squiddly' Cole and bass player Danny 'Axeman' Thompson.

Sizzla defends Queen Ifrica

Recording artiste Sizzla Kalonji has come out in strong defence of fellow female singer, Queen Ifrica, who is under pressure from gay rights groups in Jamaica and Canada.

The Canada-based gay rights advocacy group, Jamaica Association of Gays and Lesbians Abroad, lobbied the Canadian government and the promoters of the Rastafest International Reggae Concert which was held at Downsview Park in Canada last week, which led to Queen Ifrica being axed from the line-up of performers at the event.

Her removal had come on the heels of her performance at the national Grand Gala on Independence Day, during which she had denounced the homosexual lifestyle.

Busy Signal ft. Miss Str8 - Ring Di Alarm [Aug 2013] [Weedy G Soundforce]

Artist(s): Busy Signal featuring Miss Str8
Tune: Ring Di Alarm
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Weedy G Soundforce

Busy Signal - Ring Di Alarm [Aug 2013] [Weedy G Soundforce]

Artist(s): Busy Signal
Tune: Ring Di Alarm
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Weedy G Soundforce

Deciple - One Life [Aug 2013] [Hypeyawdz Records]

Artist(s): Deciple
Tune: One Life
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Hypeyawdz Records

Hottest 21st Hapilos Digital Dancehall/Reggae Releases from this week!

U.S.A, JA (21st Hapilos News) - Digital distributor giants 21st Hapilos who have revolutionized the entertainment industry through online distribution, keep delivering the hottest hits from the biggest and upcoming names in dancehall and reggae music.

This week spotlights features:
• Tanesha 'Shorty' Johnson, the devoted common law wife of incarcerated dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel is proudly debuting her own "Short Boss Muzik" label with the release of "School". Distributed by 21st Hapilos Digital, the single "School" performed by Vybz Kartel is now available on iTunes.

Aidonia - Bruki [Official Music Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): Aidonia
Tune: Bruki
Genre: Dancehall
Produced by: Di Genius Records
Video directed by: Michael Burbridge Films

Richie Stephens ft. Gentleman & Alborosie - World Gone Mad [Official Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): Richie Stephens featuring Gentleman and Alborosie
Tune: World Gone Mad
Genre: Reggae
Producer: Reggaedox
Video directed by: Asha "Slingshot"

The Ominous Riddim [Aug 2013] [The Tech Head Records & CR3 Records]

Juggling: The Ominous Riddim
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: The Tech Head Records & CR3 Records
Featured Artists: Ras Myrhdak, The TechHead, Alty B/Cubanis, Point O, Jemynie, Reme, Booba Starr/Starr J, Naturaliss, Di Govanah, Babba Fresh, Karamanti

This is a 13 track dancehall compilation, produced by The Tech- Head
Records featuring guest label, CR3 Records. According to its creators, The
Ominous Riddim promises to “deliver the energy and vibe that has been
missing from this genre for some time now.”

The collaboration with recording artistes from mixed provinces such as
Jamaica, Canada, and Trinidad has already made the project a successful and
marketable one in its field.

After being vetted by a diverse cadre of listeners -fans, critics and
industry stalwarts alike, #TheOminousRiddim continues to receive tremendous
feedback. The commentary and general compliments are usually in favor of
the outstanding dancehall theme infused with bursts of reggae, soca and pop
alternated mixes.

Rickey Teetz - Working [Aug 2013] [Win Out Entertainment]

Artist(s): Rickey Teetz
Tune: Working
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Win Out Entertainment

Rickey Teetz - 6:30 Walk (Raw) [Jul 2013] [Win Out Entertainment]

Artist(s): Rickey Teetz
Tune: 6:30 Walk
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Win Out Entertainment

Seduction Riddim [Jun 2013] [Hitmaker Muzik]

Juggling: Seduction Riddim
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Hitmaker Muzik
Featured Artists: Chevaughn, Demarco, Fiona, Hitmaker, Kalado, Rutine, Tiana

Rickey Teetz - Tip Yuh [Official Music Video] [Jun 2013]

Artist(s): Rickey Teetz
Tune: Tip Yuh
Genre: Dancehall
Juggling: Mind Change Riddim
Produced by: Inspired Music Concepts/Platinum Wire/Win Out Ent.
Video directed by: Dameon Gayle/Cornelius Grant

Rickey Teetz - Life Goes On / Poverty Life [Official Music Video] [Aug 2012]

Artist(s): Rickey Teetz
Tune: Life Goes On / Poverty Life
Genre: Dancehall
Juggling: Mind Change Riddim
Produced by: Inspired Music Concepts/Platinum Wire/Win Out Ent.
Video directed by: Dameon Gayle/Cornelius Grant

Rickey Teetz - 1000 Block [Official Music Video] [Feb 2013]

Artist(s): Rickey Teetz
Tune: 1000 Block
Genre: Dancehall
Produced by: Platinum Wire/Win Out Entertainment
Video directed by: Michael Burbridge Films

Tommy Lee Sparta Lights Up Cayenne

Gothic dancehall deejay, Tommy Lee Sparta has impressed Cayenne in French Guiana with a sweltering hot performance last night. Thousands came out to see the popular Jamaican star in action.

 Promoters of the event were very confident of the turn out, as presold ticket sales went extremely well. The jam-packed venue was kept entertained throughout the set with hit after hit. Ecstatic screams from the audience peaked for his chart-toppers: Some Bwoy, Psycho, Shook and We Want Paper. His new tunes were also well received by the French audience singing the lyrics word for word to the beats of Nuh Make Me Feel So, Risk, Captain Sparta and Weh You Know ‘Bout among others.
 
 “Right now me feel good to know say is a different language and them know the whole of me new tune them. This show me the power of music. It is a force no one can stop. The same thing happen last week in Guyana, the stadium full and the people there really love me, is a blessing,” declared Tommy Lee Sparta. 

Tommy Lee Tunes on iTunes

The Sparta boss moves on to Aruba, Curacao then Venezuela for promotional activities before his highly anticipated performance at Club Peppers in Costa Rica on August 31st.

Natural Black Wraps Up Filming Of "I'm In My Way" Video

Following on the footsteps of a successful tour and the release oh his first official "Keepin It Real" mixtape, reggae artist Natural Black has just wrapped up the filming of his upcoming "I'm On My Way" video.

Filmed on location in Jamaica by video director Maurice Tucker, and with the help of an amazing crew such as Asha Ras and Albert Blackwood on camera, "I'm On My Way" captures the contagious vibes of upliftement and positivity.

" We would like to Thank all that were involved

and made this possible; the St. Thomas crew your respect concrete, Frenz Fi Real (You Real), Neil (Dagga Ras), Sticky, Lovie, Asha, Thamar, Claudine, Tamara S, Wayzi (Makeup Artist), Arrayma, Shadaye, Andre Sutherland, Kashka Campbell and the rest the team." stated Natural Black's management.

While the video is slated for release within the next two weeks, "I'm On My Way" single is already on youtube which you can listen below

Sounds From The Heart Riddim [Jul 2013] [J.Small Records]

Juggling: Summer Escape Riddim
Genre: Reggae
Producer: J.Small Records
Featured Artists: Mia Stoosh, Mowty Mahlyka, Warria/Zack Duch/Natel, Zulan O'Brien

Summer Escape Riddim [Aug 2013] [J.Small Records]

Juggling: Summer Escape Riddim
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: J.Small Records
Featured Artists: Mia Stoosh, Mowty Mahlyka, Warria/Zack Duch/Natel, Zulan O'Brien

Worlian - Tutty Gran Wine [Aug 2013] [Emudio Records]

Artiste: Worlian
Title: Tutty Gran Wine
Genre: Dancehall
Produced by: Emudio Records

Runkus - Babylon Stop I [Aug 2013] [MoneyGreen Productions]

Artiste: Runkus
Title: Babylon Stop I
Genre: Dancehall
Produced by: MoneyGreen Productions

Kabaka Pyramid - Worldwide Love [Official Music Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): Kabaka Pyramid
Tune: Worldwide Love
Genre: Reggae
Juggling: Worldwide Love Riddim
Producer: Flash Hit Records

Jemynie - No Friend [Aug 2013] [Tech Head Records]

Artiste: Jemynie (The Tech-Head)
Title: No Friend
Genre: Dancehall
Produced by: The Tech-Head Records

Zagga - Want My Own [Apr 2013] [Anthony Records]

Artist(s): Zagga
Tune: Want My Own
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Anthony Records

Patexx ft. Keiva & Sadiki - Party Nice [Jul 2013] [Anthony Records]

Artist(s): Patexx featuring Keiva & Sadiki
Tune: Party Nice
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Anthony Records

Keshan - Need Your Loving [Jun 2013] [Anthony Records]

Artist(s): Keshan
Tune: Need Your Loving
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Anthony Records

D'Koncep - Mi Like It [Apr 2013] [Anthony Records]

Artist(s): D'Koncep
Tune: Mi Like It
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Anthony Records

Timmi Burrell - Small Town Boy [Official Music Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): Timmi Burrell
Tune: Small Town Boy
Genre: Reggae
Producer: New Sound Records

Smiley - Sound Di Alarm [Official Music Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): Smiley
Tune: Sound Di Alarm
Genre: Reggae
Video directed by: Fyahmunk

Coming Soon: The "Jet Stream Riddim" - a new juggling from Studio Vibes Entertainment

The Studio Vibes Team are at it again with a schedule september 3 release of there new Compilation titled Jet Stream Riddim with acts such as Reggae Sumfest Superstar I-octane veteran Sizzla, Munga Chan Dizzy super Producer Seanizzle, Khago, Alkaline, Jamaican Badman Syle Dj G-loc and their In house Artist Currenci new Comer Squeel And Tu-nice , the riddim is melodic and with a energetic bounce and bass pumping low end.

The Track titled House Pon the Hill II by Munga got great reviews with the few lucky disc Joc’s that sampled the rhythm, and claim to be the best sounding munga since the early days of the dj, while the contraversial track Shatty Mek it Shoot – Khago will sure to have people and artist alike talking , Currenci continue to rise as a young artist in dancehall following up with a track titled We No Born See Riches talking about the struggles of the ghetto youth who can make something from nothing.

The Ridddim will be available on I-tunes Sept 3 2013 via Hapilos21st Distribution.

You can follow @studiovybz on twitter for more info.

And don’t forget about Illusion Riddim Smear Bass Riddim and Red Party Cup- Patexx All Produced by The Team Studio Vibes.

T.O.K - Pour Some Liquor [Official Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): T.O.K
Tune: Pour Some Liquor
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Kingstone
Video edited and directed by: Benjamin Lidsky

Record crowd for Montreal Int'l Reggae Festival

Last weekend the 10th edition of the Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) reached new heights of popularity. Held from Friday, August 16, to Sunday, August 18, it attracted a sold-out crowd on Saturday night. On Friday and Sunday selling 97 per cent of the total site capacity of 10,000 seats was taken.

Friday night's performers included Morgan Heritage, making a remarkable return to the MIRF stage for the third time. They performed all their greatest hits as well as extracts from their new album, Here Come the Kings. It was a dynamic set despite the absence of Una Morgan,who fell ill after arriving in Montreal, Canada.

Traditionally known as dancehall night, Saturday featured some of the most relevant artistes on the scene currently. They included Toronto's Dahlia and Jamaica's Mr Vegas, who performed his hits over the past 15 years.

Fresh students, fresh party memories

The Guild of Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is gearing up to host Fresher's Fête 2013. According to the guild's Culture, Arts and Entertainment Chairperson (CAEC) Miguel 'Gramma Zone' Reid, Fresher's Fête is the ultimate welcome party for the new crop of university students. Reid and his team are working to make the experience special.

"At Fresher's Fête, it's always about Caribbean unity as well as welcoming our new students, and this year we will be doing so in fine style. UWI has a reputation for its emphasis on culture and, for this Fresher's Fête, various aspects of our entertainment culture will be visited in order to give students that dynamic entertainment package," Reid said.

The party will be staged next Friday, August 30, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Students' Union on the campus. The theme is 'Black Out' and Reid says the venue's decor will depict all that the tag line implies.

Charly Black doing well on Europe tour

Popular dancehall artiste Charly Black, who was recently mistakenly identified as Sisqo from Dru Hill by US website Mediateout.com, is getting ready to wrap up his tour of Europe.

"The tour has been very good so far, everywhere I've performed the people love me, all the venues are full, and every event has been well supported. To tell the truth, I didn't know that so much people in Europe love Charly Black, the vibes over here for my music is crazy," said Charly Black.

The hard-working deejay is currently in France for a number of dates.

"Right now, we are in France and we are getting more bookings, every day management is telling me that we have more bookings, so it looks like we will be here until the end of the month," he revealed.

After the tour of Europe is completed, the Trelawny native will head to the continent of Africa where he is scheduled to perform on a series of shows in Zimbabwe.

"Right now, Africa is calling for me and I am going there at the end of this tour. I am going to Zimbabwe for a few shows before I come back to Jamaica," he said.

(from Jamaica Star)

Ifrica defends her 'Freedom' - Records song about Grand Gala backlash

Queen Ifrica seems intent on standing her ground after she came under harsh criticism for her controversial performance at the Grand Gala. At the event, the Below The Waist singer voiced statements about homosexuality and the legalisation of marijuana.

Now, the artiste has responded to critics through song in Freedom Of Speech. "Mi neva cuss nuh badword/Mi neva incite nuh violence," she says in defence of her performance in the opening lines of the song.

Democracy

She goes on to question her right to freedom of speech, and says "It's a breach of democracy to stop mi from speak/Agree to disagree that's the way it ought to be."

Kartel's girlfriend starts label - Releases song from the 'Teacha'

Music seems to be becoming the family business as Tanesha 'Shorty' Johnson, the common-law wife of incarcerated dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, is debuting her own Short Boss Muzik label with the release of School.

According to a press release sent to The STAR, Shorty is following in the footsteps of Vybz Kartel, using music in order to cope and fill the void of her spouse's lengthy absence.

Surrounded by a great team of producers, and a strong digital distribution company, she shares with dancehall fans the creative mind of the self-proclaimed 'Teacha' in his School, a message to 'schoolas' across Jamaica to "pull up yuh pants an put it pon yuh waist", among other topics to guide youths on a desirable path.

Neutron Obliv - Every Artist Gyal A Mine [Official Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): Neutron Obliv
Title: Every Artist Gyal A Mine
Producer: Time Unit Music/Chase Mills/Push A Yute Production
Video directed by: Cornelius Grant

Kiprich - Sexy Summer [Official Video] [Aug 2013]

Artist(s): Kiprich
Tune: Sexy Summer
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Nuhbehavia Productions/So Unique Records

Big Vibez Riddim [Aug 2013] [Weedy G Soundforce]

Juggling: Big Vibez Riddim
Genre: Dancehall
Producer: Weedy G Soundforce
Featured Artists: Busy Signal, Agent Sasco, Villa Dutch, Melloquence, Mikeylous, Perfect, Sanjay, Dazzla and many more

In Transit Riddim [Aug 2013] [Notice Production]

Juggling: In Transit Riddim
Genre: Reggae
Producer: Notice Production
Featured Artists: Dre Island, Chezidek, I Octane, Jah Cure, Sizzla, Konshens, Kelissa, Iba Mahr, Ras Penco, Chuck Fenda, Christopher Martin, Alaine, Chevaughn, Bugle, Alva

Tracklist:
01. Dre Island - Bless My Heart
02. Chezidek - Judgement Day
03. I Octane - Serious Times
04. Jah Cure - Pressure We Hard
05. Sizzla - Make The World Safe
06. Konshens - To Her With Love
07. Kelissa - Natural
08. Iba Mahr - Love You Girl
09. Ras Penco - Never Leave You Lonely
10. Chuck Fenda - Woman
11. Christopher Martin - Just Like You
12. Alaine - Stronger
13. Chevaughn - Know Your Friends
14. Bugle - Great Day
15. Alva - Show Dem Love

Jah Bouks finds calling

ROOTS-reggae singer Jah Bouks is currently riding a wave of popularity with Call Angola, says performing at Saturday's Marcus Garvey Awards was timely given the song's strong message of black pride.

"I feel grateful to represent for Garvey, who was a black king. His main focus was on Africa and black people and so is mine," he told the Jamaica Observer.

The Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) event was held at Devon House in St Andrew. Jah Bouks performed Call Angola, a tribute to the southern African country which was ravaged by the fight for independence from Portugal during the 1970s.

But how did the 37 year-old Rastafarian vocalist - who has never been to Angola - come up with the inspirational lyrics?