Gyal Zone Riddim [Sep 2012] [Good Vybz Entertainment]

Good Vybz Entertainment presents a brandnew Dancehall Juggling called "Gyal Zone Riddim" which features Tunes from Cornelius Grant, Eskai, Hit-Dan, Neutron Obliv, Shawn Cutty and Tactical!!

Jah Vinci ft. Twin Of Twins - Jah Is The King [Sep 2012] [DJ Chigga]

"Jah Is The King" is a new Dancehall Tune from Jah Vinci featuring Twin Of Twins produced by DJ Chigga!!

RDX - Wtf [Sep 2012] [Inna Mi House Music]

Inna Mi House Music presents "Wtf" - a new RDX' Tune!!

Tony Matterhorn - Death From The Red Planet [Sep 2012] [Markus Records]

"Death From The Red Planet" is a brandnew Dancehall Tune from Tony Matterhorn and also a Preview for the new Riddim from Markus Records which is called "Street Bomb Riddim"!!

Future Fambo - Who Does That [Sep 2012] [Outstanding Records]

Outstanding Records presents Future Fambo's new Dancehall Tune which is titled "Who Does That"!!

Gappy Ranks & Big Wayne - Fake [Sep 2012] [Hot Coffee Music]

Hot Coffee Music presents a brandnew Dancehall Tune from Gappy Ranks and Big Wayne which is titled "Fake"!!

Junior Reid ft. Swizz Beatz - Holiday [Sep 2012]

"Holiday" is a new Dancehall Tune from Junior Reid featuring Swizz Beatz!!

Beenie Man - Wicked Guy [Jul 2012] [Trobak Entertainment]

Trobak Entertainment presents "Wicked Guy" - a Dancehall Tune from Beenie Man pon di Brickwall Riddim!!

Bounty Killer - Dem A Trace [Jul 2012] [Payday Music Group]

"Dem A Trace" is a Dancehall Tune from Bounty Killer which was produced by Payday Music Group!!

Jah Vinci ft. IQ - Jingle Bell [Sep 2012] [Triple Dose Production]

Triple Dose Production presents a new Dancehall Collaboration from Jah Vinci featuring IQ titled "Jingle Bell"!!

So Neat Riddim [Sep 2012] [Got It Records - Rehzonance Production]

Got It Records and Rehzonance Production presents the "So Neat Riddim" - a new Dancehall Juggling which features Tunes from Anarchie, Taktik and Tornado!!

War Element Riddim [Sep 2012] [Fagan Fraternity Records]

Fagan Fraternity Records  presents a brandnew Dancehall Juggling which is titled "War Element Riddim" featuring Tunes from George P, Kibaki, Teflon, Khalij, Savage, Likkle Z, Teff and Determine!!

Reggae My World Riddim [2010 Re-Release] [Ras Martin - Contractor Music]

Ras Martin from Germany and Contractor Music presents the "Reggae My World Riddim" - a One-Drop selection produced by Sly and Robbie and Dean Fraser. The Juggling features Tunes from Ras Martin/Capleton, Rasta King, Contractor, Bbo Zarro, Kulcha Know, Keisha Patterson, Uplifter, Iyah Laza, Lalumba, Kadian, Lucan I, Jah Thunder and Nono!!

Busy Signal's Manager Shane Brown tells all

A Sound Chat Radio Exclusive

New York, New York - September 27, 2012 - Irish and Chin's Sound Chat Radio secured another highly sought after interview, this time around with incarcerated deejay Busy Signal's manager Shane Brown. He called in to Sound Chat Radio on Tuesday, Sept 25, less than a week after Busy Signal was sentenced to 6 months in prison at a Minnesota Courthouse, for having absconded bail 10 years ago. Shane cleared the air on several issues surrounding the deejay, whose real name is Glendale Gordon and not Reanno Gordon, which is the alias he had been living under.

No topic was off limit, as Sound Chat Radio's host Garfield 'Chin' Bourne asked Shane about prison conditions, which lead to the revealing disclosure of exactly how much weight Busy Signal has lost while being in jail for the last 4 months. Indeed, many of the deejay's manager's responses were very surprising as listeners were shocked to hear that Busy's facility does not allow visitation among other privileges usually granted at other prisons.

Elgoba & Danger Matic - Wine & Go Dung [Sep 2012] [Smoke Shop Production]

"Wine & Go Dung" is a brandnew Dancehall Tune from Elgoba and Danger Matic pon di Set It Off Riddim from Smoke Shop Production!!

Lisa Hyper ft. Laza Morgan - Gangsta Love [Sep 2012]

"Gangsta Love" is a new Dancehall Tune from Lisa Hyper featuring Laza Morgan!!

Skatta Burrell talks about what will happen at Sting 2k12 [Video]

Check out Skatta Burrell talking about Tommy Lee, Sting & Bounty Killer's Alliance!!

Jemini hoping to inspire with music

As a registered nurse, Jemini Campbell is trained to comfort patients and help ease their pain. As an artiste, she takes a similar approach.

She describes her music as a "balm to troubled spirits which helps to motivate and inspire."

Born in Toronto, Canada, to Jamaican parents, the singer is in Jamaica completing an album with producer Barry O'Hare.

"I've always wanted to work with producers in Jamaica and Barry O'Hare is legendary," she said.

Jemini made the link with O'Hare through another Canada reggae act, singer Chardavid (formerly Iley Dread) who introduced them.

Richie Spice for Sunday concert

RICHIE Spice is among several artistes scheduled to perform at the Hope4Hope on Sunday to benefit the Hope Institute.

The annual concert, held is memory of Monique 'Mahima' Geourzoung, also raises funds for the hospital dedicated and to the treatment and care of cancer patients.

The concert will also feature Beenie Man, Alaine, Richie Spice, Tifa, Freddie McGregor, Jah 9, Luciano, I-Wayne, Rootz Underground, Jesse Royal, Skygrass, and Influentill.

(from Jamaica Observer)

Would Tosh even want an OM? Peter Tosh's Order of Merit, well deserved

Although so many have been dismayed at the fact that Peter Tosh has until now never been honoured by Jamaica, there are others who are livid that the outspoken revolutionary singer/musician has been recently named to receive the highest civilian commendation this country offers, the Order of Merit. And yet, I am bemused to think how Mr Tosh would have responded were he here.

 

The ultimate anti-establishment figure, Peter Peter was wont to shun hierarchy, hegemony and governmental appease if it did not represent the equity, truth and rights he envisioned for the everyman. Keep in mind that as much as Tosh accepted an invitation and attended a summit hosted by the late Grenadian Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, when greeted as "comrade", Tosh quickly quipped, "I man don't come red, I come Black", making it clear he was not one of them. I have seen him refuse to accept a gold record in Holland, emblematic of his achievements, because he was dissatisfied with the circumstances under which it was presented and what he considered Dutch colonialism in the Antilles.

Street singers chart Jamaican history

Long before recorded music arrived in Jamaica, audiences were entertained by what were called 'street singers'. These street singers, like the mento singers that followed, based their lyrics on real life and on notorious individuals.
 

 The duo of Slim and Sam emerged in the 1930s and became the most popular of the early street singers. With Slim on lead vocals and Sam on guitar doing backing vocals, they earned a living from selling the printed tracks of the songs they did for one penny each.

When the pennies were added up they represented an appreciable addition to a day's wage at the time.
Simple though it may seem, the whole exercise generated enormous attention and massive crowds along Spanish Town Road, in the vicinity of the Coronation Market, which was their main hunting ground. Noel 'Skully' Simms of the popular singing duo 'Bunny and Skully' was close to the action as a young boy attending Ebenezer Primary School. He recounted to me, in dramatic fashion, how he stood at his school gate, which adjoins the Coronation Market, to witness a sea of people between Bond and West streets, going ecstatic to the rhythms of Slim and Sam. They were happy people, devoid of the emotional tribalism that attends today's musical events.

Story Of The Song: 'Tea Bread' takes time to soak in

Earth a Run Red was not singer Richie Spice's debut to the reggae-loving public at home and abroad, but his wail about degenerating social conditions ("Earth a run red/ten-year-old a look dem owna tea bread") gave him that all-important break.

 

It has lasted, too, long after being released in 1998 - and that long shelf-life includes a six-year span before Earth a Run Red hit in 2004.

"Is a song never come in like it old," Spice said.

It starts out as a general warning ("You watch those places you walk and mind the way you talk/watch out fi de vampire who will sneak up in the dark/Watch out fi de big-time tief who claim say that them smart,."), which Spice puts down to looking ahead.

"It was coming up and seeing certain things, going on even before the world bad like now. Is like you a vision things, see it from far," Spice said.

Experts Needed - Growth of Jamaican music stymied by a lack of knowledge

IT is an industry that earns millions, even billions each year and employs many in and outside of Jamaica, but the music industry is one of those areas that lacks the expertise needed to move the business forward.

Data from Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2011, prepared by the Planning Institute Of Jamaica, revealed that

recreational, cultural and sporting activities contributed 2.7 per cent to overall GDP, similar to the contribution in 2009.

Yet, producer Shane Brown, manager of Busy Signal, says many persons see entertainment as merely a 'hustle'.

According to Brown, an important part of management is representing the artistes. He says the managers sign and vet contracts and get endorsements, so that the artistes do not have to focus on the business side and in turn have more time to be creative. He added that the manager should also be able to give the talent guidance and help him or her to make business decisions, as well as market and nurture the talent.

Squeeky Plus shoots video for 'Phat Like Mud Fish'

Dancehall artiste Squeeky Plus is clearly on a path to musical success. His journey in the music business has taught him a lot of things that have helped to prepare him for his big break, and he is going all out for it.

In recent times, the hard hitting New York-based deejay has been enjoying much attention with his hot dancehall track called Phat Like Mud Fish. The popularity of the track has made him a favourite of dancehall fans in New York and the Tri-State area.

"Phat Like Mud Fish is creating a big buzz right now. I did a show a few weeks ago with Baby Cham and when I performed the tune it received a huge response from the crowd, the vibe was awesome," said the artiste.

Sizzla rules at Arthur Guinness Celebration

The Sir Arthur Guinness Celebration concert, held on Thursday, at the National Indoors Sports Complex in Kingston received a huge turnout, as patrons from near and far came out to absorb some great performances from the likes of Kerwin Dubois, Destra Garcia, Popcaan, Sizzla and Mavado.

From as early as 6:30 p.m., there was action inside the venue, as selectors Boom Boom and Harry Hype entertained the audience by playing popular dancehall and reggae songs.

The calming effect of reggae music created an atmosphere of tranquility in the air-conditioned venue as patrons made their way to the bars where they were given complimentary Guinness until 7p.m.

Host for the night, Lady Renae, got the audience involved during her on-stage antics, and did special toasts to Arthur Guinness.

Busy's int'l career in doubt?

Reano 'Busy Signal' Gordon will be a free man on November 21 but probably not as free as he would like to be.

According to US law, he is allowed to remain in the country for an additional 45 days after the completion of his sentence in Minnesota. Upon departing, however, his eligibility to return is uncertain.

CEO of Juke Boxx Productions and Busy's manager, Shane Brown, told Billboard's online magazine that the dancehall/ reggae artiste has been offered around 20 shows since his sentencing. According to Brown he is now consulting with Busy's attorney, William Mauzy, and the presiding Judge, Donovan Frank, to determine whether or not the artiste will be able to perform at these shows after his release.

Jamaica Observer Cartoon (September the 29th)

 

(from Jamaica Observer)

So Precious Riddim [Sep 2012] [Vibes Point - Goldcup Records]

The "So Precious Riddim" is a brandnew Reggae Rhythm from Vibes Point and Goldcup Records featuring Sun Sooley, Raphael, Jah Nyne, Ras Ijah, Black Dillinger and Piero Dread featuring Anthony B!!

Microwave Riddim [Sep 2012] [Pure Music Productions]

 Pure Music Productions presents the "Microwave Riddim" - a new Dancehall Juggling which features Tunes from Delly Ranx, Sizzla, Thriller U, ZJ Liquid, Froggy Maddsquad, Briggy Benz, Baby Boom,  Shizzle, Madd One, Kappa, Matterhorn, Xyclone.

Chun Li Riddim [Sep 2012] [HypeYawdz Records]

The "Chun Li Riddim" is a brandnew Dancehall/Grime Juggling from HypeYawdz Records  features artists like Kemmikal, Zoo Rass, Cesco Jam, Penti, Sean Don, Marc Brunnel and many more.

Konshens & Darrio - Gyal Sidung (Making Of) [Video] [Sep 2012]

Check out this Making Of Video for "Gyal Sidung" (Dancehall) from Konshens and Darrio!! The Tune was produced by Washroom Entertainment!!

Lutan Fyah & Hefla Nyah - Lies & Tricks [Sep 2012] [619 Entertainment Group]

619 Entertainment Group presents "Lies & Tricks" - a Reggae Colaboration from Lutan Fyah and Hefla Nyah!!

 

Potential Kid - Summer Wine [Aug 2012] [Buggie Productions]

Buggie Productions presents "Summer Wine" which is a Dancehall Tune from Potential Kid!!

DJ GinaStar ft. Laza Morgan - I Want it Now [Official Video] [Sep 2012]

Get ready for a new Dancehall Tune and the Official Video for "I Want It Now" from DJ GinaStar featuring Laza Morgan.

RE TV "In Di Streets" With A'N'G Artist Kalado [Video]

Check out this Episode of RE TV "In Di Streets" - this time with ANG artist Kalado!!

August 1-4, 2013 - The 29th Annual Reggae on the River Returns Home to French's Camp Next Year!

After 5 years of festival exile at Benbow Lake State Recreation Area, the Mateel Community Center is proud to announce that Reggae On The River is finally returning to its original French's Camp venue in 2013.  Reuniting camping and concert in one outrageously beautiful location along the banks of the Eel River in southern Humboldt County, CA, this homecoming event has fans overjoyed and, in celebrating this momentous occasion, you can expect an incredible year. Talent selection is already in the works and we promise a very special bill that is sure to both honor the festival's roots and showcase the next generation of top reggae and world music talent.

Along with the venue change, you'll also notice a return to the festival's traditional first weekend of August dates.  The event will be expanded to 3 days of music on August 2 through 4, plus a day in advance of the main festival (August 1) for a limited number of early arrival campers.  2013 will also see Reggae On The River return to a single stage event so that you won't have to miss any of the incredible performers on the bill.  And, in an ROTR first, get ready for some exciting new late night activities that will be offered throughout the campground to enhance the festival experience.

21st Hapilos Digital Releases Must Have King Jammys "Best Of" Collection For All Reggae Music Lovers

JA, U.S.A (21st Hapilos News) - For all reggae and music lovers here comes a must have in your collection. 21st Hapilos Digital has released a collection of legendary King Jammys "Best Of". These 10 ultimate albums are the first of many more classics to be released.

King Jammy name is cemented in the history of dancehall and reggae, coming from humble and meager beginnings by earning money from building amplifiers and repairing electrical equipment from his mother's house in Waterhouse in the late 1960s, he started his own sound system. After leaving Jamaica to work in Canada for a few years in the early 1970s, he returned to Kingston in 1976 and set up his own studio at his in-laws' home in Waterhouse.

Fresh Off Her African Tour, Diva Nikki Z Gears Up For Release Of "Riddim Nolanding"

CT, U.S.A (Mpr Consulting/Shuzzr PR) - Fresh from her African Tour where Nikki Z performed as guest deejay in several venues, Multi media personality the Diva Nikki Z is already on to her next and perhaps dearest project to date. Nikki Z is gearing up to release a new riddim, the "Riddim Nolanding" not to be confused with "Nolanding Riddim". The production is a collaboration between Nikki Z and Creepa Music Productions. She has yet to reveal the artist line up for "Riddim Nolanding", but did divulge that her artist Lex A Million has sure hit single!

While in Africa, Nikki Z performed in Nairobi at the Carnivore Simba Saloon at a Homeboyz event dubbed 'Uptown Saturday-Best of the Best' , she states "Africa was a dream. I can't explain the emotions I felt on my short stay there. All I can say is I can't repay G Money, Homeboyz Radio or all my fans & supporters who made this trip possible. They say this with now be a yearly event. That thought alone keeps me smiling everyday. I went to Africa, I loved it & I felt the love right back, priceless "

Jamaica Observer Cartoon (September the 28th)

(from Jamaica Star)

Khago takes aim with Pretty Wine

Khago is anticipating success with his latest single Pretty Wine which was released in August on the Chasemillz/Jah Snowcone label.

"My team and I have just completed shooting the video for it. The concept of the video is very different as we had invited dancers from Finland, Italy and Japan to send us their version of the Pretty Wine dance. Then we incorporated them into the video," the singjay told Splash.

Khago recently inked a recording deal with Kingston's Downsound Records which helped break Nanco and Fantan Mojah.

Bugle completes video

Dancehall artiste Bugle has been doing well with his latest single, "Don't Give Up", which was produced by Tru Ambassador Music.

In a recent interview, Bugle gave the story behind the song.

"Don't Give Up is one of those positive songs telling people that no matter what the problems in your life, just stay positive, have faith and you can overcome it. Failure is just a state of mind," he said.

Bugle was recently in the United States where he shot the video for Don't Give Up. It was directed by Jerome Hyde of Unplugged Multimedia.

"I wanted to have some different locations, different people and just make the video different, just like the song," he explained.

The artiste says he is finalising plans for shows in the UK, Israel and Africa. The trek is scheduled to start in November and wrap in December.

Bugle's Psalms mix tape was recently released and features 42 tracks, including Don't Give Up.

(from Jamaica Observer)

Quiet debut for Tomahawk Technique

SEAN Paul's album, Tomahawk Technique, has debuted at number two on the Billboard Reggae Album chart.

Interestingly, Tomahawk Technique has not entered any of the major Billboard charts. However, it was a different scenario in Europe where it was released early this year.

The album reached number seven in Austria, number five in France, number three in Switzerland, and number 34 in the United Kingdom.

Sean Paul's previous three albums (Dutty Rock, The Trinity and Imperial Blaze) fared considerably better in their opening week on various Billboard charts.

(from Jamaica Observer)

Stanley Beckford, mento maestro

In commemoration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence from Britain, the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment section recognises 50 persons who made significant, yet unheralded, contributions to the country’s culture. This week we feature singer Stanley Beckford.

MANY Festival Song Contest winners are usually worried about being typecast as 'Festival' performers. That was never the case with Stanley Beckford, arguably its most popular entrant.

Beckford won the annual event on four occasions, two times with the Turbines, once with the Astronauts and as a solo act. His winning songs were Come Sing With Me (1980), Dem a fe Squirm (1986), Dem a Pollute (1994) and Fi wi Island a Boom which took the top prize in 2000.

Great moments in acoustic reggae

Redemption Song (Bob Marley): The ultimate acoustic anthem, taken from the reggae star's 1978 album, Kaya. Inspired by a Marcus Garvey speech, Redemption Song is Marley's poignant call for black empowerment.

Sitting in Limbo (Jimmy Cliff): One of the classics from The Harder They Come soundtrack, hears Cliff's progression from ska child artiste to full-blown reggae star.

UNPLUGGED: Richie Spice charts new course

WHILE others are ready to pronounce reggae and dancehall music dead and buried, one artiste is ready to battle the storms in search for a calm.

Conscious reggae crusader, Richie Spice, states emphatically that the naysayers are really those who want to see it die.

"In everything there is going to be a slow period, so it is up to the artistes and those who have the interest of the music in them heart to saddle up, continue to make good music and just ride out the storm until there is a calm," notes the artiste whose given name is Richel Bonner.

Spice was speaking against the background of his new album, Richie Spice Soothing Sounds: Acoustic which will be released October 23 by the Tad's Record company.

Wada, Andrew Blood thrill fans in NY and Miami

Wada Blood, son of Reggae virtuoso Junior Reid, is now back in Jamaica after igniting audiences in New York and Miami over the summer.

During his international stint the Hustle Till The Day I Die singer, along with sibling Andrew Blood, delivered an energetic performance at the fourth annual South Florida Dancehall and Reggae Music Awards before taking home some silverware for the 'Most Outstanding Duo Of The Year'.

The prestigious showcase held at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Centre in Florida featured some of Jamaica's biggest stars.

Following closely on their successful MTV stint with the single Irie, the two are currently featured in an eight-page spread of the September edition of Canada's L3 Magazine where they elaborate on their music, life, family and careers.

Relating to his career, Wada explains that he is fully focused on upping the ante which includes a cadre of new singles and videos including the noteworthy track Rastafari Way on the soon-to-be-released 'Soul Street' rhythm compilation.

"Just look out for more singles and videos from me, radio has been showing Rastafari Way a lot of love and I appreciate it greatly. Right now, I am very busy doing work with several producers including my younger sibling Joseph Reid on the Money Green Production (MPG) label," Wada explained.

"Rastafari Way is the first single on that imprint," he added.

(from Jamaica Star)

Hefla Nyah teams up with Lutan Fyah on new single

Mercurial singjay Hefla Nyah has teamed up with firebrand reggae star Lutan Fyah for a hard-hitting single 'Lies & Tricks' on the 619 Entertainment Group label.

The song is now receiving increasing airplay and is shaping up to be a fall hit for both artistes.

Lies & Tricks (check the tune here) is a commentary on the political state of the world where rhetoric is not equal to action on the part of elected officials. Both artistes are firmly committed to the cultural and conscious side of the music business, and on this offering they pull no punches in hammering their point home.

Lisa Hyper and Laza Morgan in relationship?

Controversial dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper is alleged to be involved in a romantic relationship with international reggae artiste Laza Morgan.

Allegations are that the two have become suspiciously close since working together on their single Gangster Love.

At least three different websites posted stories over the last two days hinting at a brewing relationship between the artistes. However, Lisa Hyper shrugged the issue citing that these allegations were false.

"We have been going out and doing music. We have a musical relationship I guess you could say we are close musical friends. We did a movie called Gangster Love (listen here) so I guess footage of that could have hit the Internet and people take it to the next level. There is a nude lovemaking scene in the movie, so all of that can push people to think otherwise," she said.

According to Lisa Hyper, the content of the song may have also contributed to the allegations.

Roads to Tracks & Records blocked

Konshens brings unprecedented levels of crowd support to Behind The Screen

The traffic congestion leading to the venue hinted that Tracks & Records would be full for Tuesday's installation of Behind The Screen, but no one was prepared for the large crowd that turned out to see Konshens.

Cars were bumper to bumper on Constant Spring and West Kings House roads, the parking lot reached its capacity, there was a shortage of armbands and there was a longer-than-usual line to get into the venue at 10 p.m. Inside was so full that the many voices created a buzz over the music that was being played. With persons now sweating because of the density and restricted movement, news came that nobody else could be allowed inside.