iDancehallReggae.com::Caribbean Lifestyle Media::

JUST IN: RODIGAN speaks on The Genesis by Daseca

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-We recently published information about Daseca's latest Riddim-The Genesis. We applauded this approach to releasing a new Riddim-this was in response to the influx of quantity and lack of quality of new riddims.

Reggae Icon David Rod had something to say about the approach Daseca is taking-This is David Rodigan and I am delighted to have read your press release regarding a "new beginning." This is a heartfelt cry from me and thousands of other "reggae" fans in Europe who have become utterly disillusioned by the state of the Jamaican music industry and the lack of thought behind its promotion.

I am delighted that you have seen fit to return to the ethics of traditional music promotion, whereby only certain dee jays and radio stations are able to preview your productions, and in doing so are able to create a demand for a new song. I am happy to know that from now on you will be professionally selective in choosing who has your new productions.

You are a young, imaginative and creative production house in Jamaica and the music desperately needs young people with new ideas. Reggae music must rise up again and that means positivity and a return to melody and harmony. Much of what is now being produced in Jamaica does not export outside Norman Manley Airport."

TIDBITS: JAH SUN creates GRAVITY?

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:50:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Jah Sun a California based Reggae artiste recently teamed up with the Far East Band to create the GRAVITY EP. The Far east band is best known for their work with artiste Gentleman. The collaboration recently took place after they both performed at Reggae Rising. Jah Sun's GRAVITY is available on CD BABY

The first single is titled "Meditation" and can be download for free here. Jah Sun will follow up this single with "microchip" featuring Stevie Culture. Check out a trailer of video here.

Vybrant completes Promotional Blitz

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:45:00 +0000

Fast-rising reggae artiste Vybrant last week completed a string of promotional appearances following his appearance at the Magnum Follow Di Arrow stage show, as he set to make his current high-riding single Ears Hard even more popular.

The singer, whose real name is Andre Johnson, last week went on a promotional drive that saw him making several media appearances on radio and television as well as hitting the studios as he readies to release new singles. From TVJ’s Smile Jamaica and HYPE TV’s Up & Live to Miss Kitty’s popular radio show Ruption on RJR94 FM, Vybrant spread the word of his music and his work.

His charismatic nature and positive vibes flowed effortlessly throughout the appearances, and his true talent shined when he performed his trophy tune.Currently boasting top ten spots on several charts, Ears Hard is a gripping tale of yet another person who has been mowed down by the gun. The song has hit home with a sense of realness, and since its late December release, has struck a chord with radio and sound system disc jockeys.Internationally, internet radio stations in Europe have taken a liking to the tune and the equally touching music video for the single is gaining popularity and increased rotation on television stations in the Caribbean, and on the internet as well.

“The video is on YouTube, where the fans have been logging on and watching it,” says the cultural singer. “Right now, the video have more than 10,000 views and it feels good to know that the fans like my work and I’m working on more songs so they can just look out for more from me very soon,” said Vybrant. The person, who would not heed the smart words of because they would not listen to wise words of advice, and is said to have quickly made its way into sound system and radio disc jock collections because of how real and possible the scenario Vybrant paints with each bar and note of the song.

*Courtesy of Triple T Production

BUZZ: PAYDAY MUSIC LAUNCH NEW PROJECTS

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:48:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-When you think of payday-the thought of money and rewards for all your hard work comes to mind. Producer/Engineer Kevin Green more popularly known as Payday has been steadily building his catalog of credits. Green who worked on Buju's "Rasta Got Soul" and Honey Comb Riddim, which saw its own share of success on the local & international scene, has been crafting new music for the streets.

After the release of Bounty Killer's Raise Hell and Hellboy EP in November of 2009. Kevin stated "Well since its release Bounty's EP has been selling alot on ITunes, Amazon and some 80 other online retail stores. The attention the EP has received from fans across the world has generated massive attention towards PayDay Music Group and as a result everybody is wondering what to expect next so we went in studios and recorded a slew of singles and riddim projects to start off the summer 2010 campaign".

Prism Marketing told us leading the musical assault from for the Production Label is the high energy Gyaad Dem Riddim which features Alliance boss Bounty Killer alongside the sharp shooting lyricist Busy Signal, Flawless and other members of the Young Alliance. Other soon to be released riddims include the Go Hard Riddim, the Mouth Talk Riddim, E 10 and an exclusive still untitled one drop project which will feature reggae recording artists Etana, Lutan Fyah, I Octane, Leaf Of Life, Abajohnoy and Alaine.

BUZZ: ANDREW & WADA BLOOD Must Find A Way

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:32:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Andrew and Wada Blood left Jamaica recently on a promotional tour for their latest singles, "Irie" and "Find A Way". Irie is best described as a feel good Dancehall tune which does just that, make you feel irie. In response to this experience, Wada stated "So far the shows have been going well. We did a show at a club in Hollywood the other night and in Santa Barbara and some more and we are getting ready to do some more and mad up di place" .

While in California, Andrew and Wada experienced the recent Earthquake to hit Los Angeles, California. Don't worry Andrew said, "We are here and safe. I was asleep when the earthquake happened, but it woke me up. We jus' grateful and give thanks that it wasn't bigger or worse than that". I am sure we will continue hear more about these two as they continue to put the time into working their latest single in the International market.

BUZZ: DASECA's THE GENESIS Riddim

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:06:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-In the beginning, authentic Dancehall ruled and the people had something dance to. In the beginning, Dancehall producers were strategic in how they released their projects. Daseca is doing just that with the latest Riddim release. Daseca is said to be taking a different approach with their latest project. Daseca-instead of flooding the marketplace with CDs and Free download links-this project will only be released to select few DJs. The entire project will be available via digital retail like Itunes on March 23.

At Caribbean Lifestyle Media we believe this makes sense, especially in a market where music is readily available. The incentives to purchase music is low, as a result the market suffers. We would have love to provide you with a sample. However, David Harrisingh (One Third of Daseca) provided us with this explanation "What has become the norm for Jamaican producers is to literally give away the music as soon as it is finished, "Email blasts, social networking sites, blogs, etc ensure the music ends up in the hands of any and everyone who wants it, and they don't have to pay for it. So while it creates a hype and give artists hit songs and generates shows and dub plate income for them, the producer has to pretty much wait on the few remaining labels who deal with Reggae to license a song here or there for a compilation. Whereas in the past labels would take the whole riddim from a producer, that has stopped because of poor sales and because our music has never been marketed properly causing it to end up in a mire. Producers are needed in the business just as much as artists so we have to find a way to survive."

Well taken David, with this in mind support our Caribbean shows and purchase legal music. In turn, we hope Dancehall artistes create good quality production that is deserving of our dollars. The Genesis Riddim was premiered on Hot 97 by Bobby Konders and Jabba last week. Other markets will get to preview the release in strategic markets in coming weeks.

Craig Harrisngh added "While we are realistic about the numbers we expect to do, we have to take a stance and try and regulate our ting, "We are also expecting it to leak as soon as it is available, perhaps even before, but for us this is about trying to make a difference. We hope every producer takes a look at what we are trying to achieve and does something about it too so we can help change the culture of how we market and sell our music, because we are all feeling it. Thats why we called the riddim Genesis, because for us and we hope for the business as a whole, it signals a new beginning."

TIDBITS: TOSH1 Ready To Tour

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:18:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Tosh 1 is the last son of Reggae great Peter Tosh-Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Recently, we received information that Tosh 1 will be on the same stage as Julian Marley. This event will take place on March 27Th at Cocoa Beach, Florida. The Reggae Beach Splash will include UB40,Maxi Priest, and the Naturalistics.

No doubt the Reggae Beach Splash will be a historic show no doubt. Tosh 1 will also be at the Western Reggae Festival on May 22ND and Reggae Sumfest on July 30Th.

RAZZ & BIGGY: FIRST BORN RIDDIM

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Razz & Biggy was recently on tour with Serani. This duo brought their brand of Dancehall/Reggae to the European and Trinidadian audience. The tour was a month and they graced the stage of 19 venues through out Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

In response to this recent experience, Biggy stated “very excited about dancehall and reggae music. All nineteen venues were jam packed with capacity filled crowds at each stop all coming out to witness our (Jamaican) music, even singing some of these songs word for word”.

The duo also released their first production-First Born Riddim. The Riddim features tracks by Razz & Biggy themselves, Tony Matterhon, Bugle, Serani, Raine Seville, Kibaki, Charly Blacks, Flippa Mafia, and Laden. Listen to a couple tracks below.

TONY MATTERHORN - PARTY PEOPLE-First Born Riddim-DancehallSoca.com by DancehallSoca.com

RAZZ & BIGGY - HOW WE STAY-First Born Riddim-DancehallSoca.com by DancehallSoca.com

JAMROCK RADIO PRESENTS: GAPPY RANKS "STINKIN' RICH"‏

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:41:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Jacob Lee Williams also known as Gappy Ranks is creating music that has the BBC charts looking for more. Amsterdam's Jamrock Radio Maikal X and Suppa Kid host the mix CD titled "Stinkin Rich" Download MP3 Track here. Download track version here

BUZZ: CHINO gets IRAWMA nod!

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Blueprint Publicity and Promotions-Reggae and Dancehall artiste Chino has scored yet another achievement. The artiste who has accumulated a number of awards including those at the EMEs, Youth View Awards and Magnum Stone Love Awards in recent months, has again been nominated, this time for an IRAWMA award.

Chino, whose correct name is Daniel McGregor, was nominated in the category 'Most Improved Entertainer' at this year's 29th International Reggae & World Music Awards, (IRAWMA). Chino says, "When I heard I couldn't help but smile. I feel really blessed for people to appreciate my work. I've been in the music industry for as long as I can remember; some people may remember me as 'Cappachino' an' dem time deh a lot of people refused to even give a second glance no matter how good a song was. But nothing beats persistence, and I stuck with it. It's been a long journey, an' as we say 'from mawnin wi a hustle an' put we all in'. It's not just a song. It's my life; so I'm really appreciative to the fans, the media, the selectors and everybody both here and overseas for showing love."

The singjay who is known for hits ranging from From Mawnin', Protected, Ruff It Up, Pon Yuh Head, and more, will attend the event staged by Martin's International & Associates on Sunday, May 2 at the York College Performing Arts Center in New York. This year's IRAWMA ceremony is dedicated to the People of Haiti and Health Awareness.

TIDBITS: Spice shoots new video

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:45:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Have you heard Spice new song "Back Broad"? It was was featured on the much talked about DNA Riddim produced by TJ Records. The concept for the video is said to be about confident women being fashionable.

The shoot is scheduled to take place at 4 Latham Avenue, across from Hype TV, tomorrow (Friday, March 12) at 3p.m. Spice stated "I also want to invite all my fans who want to be apart of the shoot to come out dressed to impress. I always like my fans to feel free to be apart of anything I do, so come out; it's going to be a lot of fun."

BUZZ: Tanto Metro & Devonte debuts "Are you ready?"

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:43:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Are you ready? Tanto Metro & Devonte is gearing up to premier their video "are you ready" on the MVP Top 10 video countdown on RETV. The video was produced by Dimmie Joe Muzik-shot on location in Kingston, Jamaica. The video was directed Road Block Films.

We have the video for you to view now-click here. To vote for the video on the MVP Top 10 Video Countdown text the number (24) nine to 444-2473 from any digicel phone as many times as you wish. For persons in the Caribbean you can also vote by texting the number (24) nine to 7373 from any digicel phone in the Caribbean. Voting is open Tuesdays to Sundays.

TIDBITS: Busy Signal's "One More Night" Gone UNIVERSAL?

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:29:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Jukeboxx Productions reported that Busy Signal's single, "one more night" will be included in the annual compilation album for Universal Music Group. This compilation is a double album to be released by Universal label head Jim Urie-includes his favorite tunes for 2009.

Signal stated, “When I saw the album and saw the song listed, I couldn’t believe, the song really gone universal”. Busy Signal has been busy lately for Trinidad Carnival performing with the likes of Machel Montano and Beyonce. Congratulations to Busy Signal, keep moving in the right direction.

BUZZ: G-WHIZZ is "Best of the Best"

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:38:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-The Best of the Best Concert, which is held in Miami, Florida each year, recently confirmed that G-Whizz will be amoung the Best of the Best this year. The concert is said to have a audience of 40,000 annually. This year will include Chino, Serani, Mavado, Bounty Killer, to name a few, on the bill.

Performing on the Best of the Best stage is certainly an achievement envied by many. G-Whizz stated, "Last year was an incredible one. I received a some awards but more importantly, I got to really show fans what G-Whizz is made of and I'm happy that this goes for fans not only in Jamaica but also in the neighbouring islands and the USA. It's a lot of hard work but I gotta keep pushing because it's what I love to do and the performance at Best of the Best is going to be crazy."

Caribbean Lifestyle Media would like to congratulate G-Whizz on his continued success. The concert will be held May 30th, 2010 at Bicentennial park.

BUZZ: CHINO TALK FOR "DI STREETS"

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:23:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Chino who has made a name for himself, speak to the youths often, and warned those in society that from mawning things have not been right. It is no surprise to hear "in di streets". This riddim is on the "Bad People" produced by his brother Stephen Mcgregor. Mavado, Kari Jess, and Laden are notable on this riddim. Chino stated this the song is a conscious song about Jamaica's crime rate-"It's a reflection of what's happening around us and in our island. It's reality and it's something that I had to sing about and express how I see it and feel. Music is my diary."

Listen to track below:

in d streets by Chino by DancehallSoca.com

SOPHIA BROWN HELPS RAISE FUNDS FOR HAITI

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:54:00 +0000

Always ready to make a positive difference in the life of another who is in need, reggae singer Sophia Brown on Sunday represented alongside a host of fellow artists from Soca queen Alison Hinds to reggae pop star Shaggy at the Aid Haiti Telethon put on by telecommunications giant LIME in association with CVM TV and Solid Agency.

Brown who in the past has supported a number of other charitable initiatives including the Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation and the 2008 Women Telethon says the whole experience was a memorable one. "Well It felt good being at the Telethon last playing my part, I accepted roughly $60,000 dollars in pledges while at the Phone Platform and overall its was a heart warming experience knowing it was for the people of Haiti. Its funny cause it was only recently I was coming back from LA when I had a conversation with Wyclef at the LAX airport and he was expressing the full extent of the devastation to me so it felt good playing my part".
Brown who has been busy in the studios is also promoting her latest single "Love Therapy" which premiered last week Wednesday on Hitz 92 FM in Jamaica and Thursday in the U.S on an Atlanta based radio show by the name of Island Vibes on WSTU 98.1FM. Lovely Therapy is expected to do well in the international market as the follow up single to Brown's mega hit "Weak To You" which is still sitting high on the E STRIP Reggae Video Charts having held the #1spot for a consecutive 5 weeks.

*Courtesy Prism Marketing

BUZZ: Death Before Dishoner last Hurrah!

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:03:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Irish & Chin bring the longest running sound clash competition to an end on April 5th, 2010. Chin stated " one of the event's most meaningful moments to me was definitely at Death Before Dishonor 8 during the Vintage Tribute," says Chin. It meant a lot to have the industry's legends Down Beat, King Jammy's, Black Scorpio and Rodigan honored by World Clash stars Black Kat, Mighty Crown, Tony Matterhorn and Bass Odyssey."

Death Before Dishonor has seen it share of corporate sponsor and clashes reminiscent of gladiator's fighting for their life. Chin, "Although Death Before Dishonor and the World Clash series have left an indelible mark on sound clash culture, it's time for the clash industry to enter another era....one of younger stars and promoters willing to innovate and/or reinvent what these promoters have brought to the game," and added, "While the sport of sound clash is very entertaining, it's critical that changes are implemented so that it continues to grow and appeal to the next generation of fans."

Death before Dishonor takes place for the final time on April 5, 2010 at Pier One in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

TIDBITS: Tanya Mullings nominated for Juno Awards

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:42:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-The 2010 Juno nominees were recently announced in Toronto. Tanya Mullings was nominated for "Reggae of the year" category. The Juno awards will be hosted in St. Johns, NL. This year marks the 39th anniversary for the Juno Awards. Check out the other nominees here. The Juno awards will be live on CTV, April 18th

TIDBITS: Romain Virgo to release new album!

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:19:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-On March 23^rd VP Records is introducing the world to singing sensation Romain Virgo! At age 17, Romain was the youngest person to ever win Jamaica’s TV talent competition, Digicel Rising Star. ‘Alton’s Medley’ was the first breakthrough hit in Jamaica for the young star. His debut music video ‘This Love’ has been added to VH1 and Music Choice video channels. ‘Who Feels It Knows It’ is his most current hit making waves. The debut album, with production by veteran producer Donovan Germain will be released worldwide May 23, 2010.

Video: Alana DaCosta "Takin' It Back"

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:17:00 +0000

REESE BADDA DEBUTS TEAR DROPS MUSIC VIDEO!

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media- independent Dancehall artist Reese Badda announced the release of his newest music video, “Tear Drops” to fans, enthusiasts and industry representatives. The music video details the all too familiar scenario of love vs. lust and temptation faced by many young adults caught up in the nightlife. This music video release marks the first of 2010 for Reese, but not the last as he is already in the works to prepare for his next single, which will also be directed by Magelantic Studios (responsible for Reese Badda’s “Tear Drops” and “Nah Lie” music videos).

“Once again Reese Badda is setting the standards and raising the bar for emerging artists. For the short time that I’ve known Reese, I’ve noticed that his drive goes above the call of duty which provides him with a powerful brand that grants him fan base growth and retention while also getting the respect of his peers. Reese Badda is definitely not an artist to be taken lightly” says Geoff A. Halle, President of Urbangold Capital.

Moving forward, Reese is currently in the process of preparing to release his much anticipated debut mixtape, “This is the Future”, scheduled for release in late March just in time to start warming the place up!

About Reese Badda

In 2009 Reese began writing and voicing, with production help from Diamond Factory Studio as well as other well-known industry producers. Since then he has begun producing his own tracks and is in the process of recruiting new talent to allow proper expansion. Since his debut, Reese has released a music video, Nah Lie, and performed live numerous times. The highlight of his young career was his evening performance at the Ottawa Reggae Festival in August of 2009 in front of thousands. Since then more of Reese Badda's tracks have become available on iTunes, and he also released the sizzling mixtape sampler “Ladies First”, which is getting loads of positive chatter. Reese Badda is truly a dancehall artist on the rise. And it's easy to see why. The Badda Sound is an infectious mix of true Jamaican Dancehall, spiced nicely with North American Hip-Hop, and R&B flavours. This mixture coincides with Reese Badda's mission is to keep true to his Jamaican roots while moving Brampton/Toronto, and Canada as a whole, to finally get the respect and presence they deserve on the global Dancehall stage. With Reese Badda's confidence and natural artistic abilities this is more than possible.

Watch video here

BUZZ: IYAH SHINE MAKES THE "HOT LIST"

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Damion Palmer AKA Iyah Shine recently released "livity" to Reggae lovers worldwide. Shine's tune recently made it on Top 10 Reggae singles Charts "Hot List", the singles chart is a weekly feature on Radio Dub Plate, a Canadian based Reggae radio show. The show is hosted by Richard Banton.

In a statement from Iyah Shine's management team at IPC Entertainment the good news couldn't have come at a better time. "Well firstly this is a wonderful achievement for Iyah Shine who has been working hard in the studio. The momentum is just starting to pick up behind "Livity" which is in-fact a powerful song that speaks about life and upfiftment but most of all it sends a positive message that we believe the youths in today's world need to survive".

Prism Marketing told us, Iyah Shine who also goes by the moniker "Freedom Fighter" noted that while the music industry posses enormous challenges he is determined to make it. "I've always been motivating myself, if you listen to Livity you will hear me say nah give up, never give up jah livity so I just want to let the people know Iyah Shine is here and i'm ready to heal them musically".

VIDEO: Bruckup feat. Shaggy - Sunglasses (Keep Ya Shades On)

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Video: Marsha "Trouble in paradise"

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:58:00 +0000

JUST IN: MR. VEGAS banned in GRENADA?

Orlando@dancehallsoca.com (ORLANDO) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:31:00 +0000

Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Mr. Vegas recently tweeted-it is official, he has been banned from performing in Grenada. Vegas utilized Twitter to voice his disapproval of the Grenadian government decision to ban him.

Vegas stated that he was banned because he performed his tune "She is a Ho", two years ago while in Grenada-"I performed this song numerous times" stated Vegas. He added, "for the government to say disrespect the women of that country is the silliest excuse". "If a gal take two man in one night she is a ho", is a line from the tune. This begs to ask the ongoing question of whether or not censorship has gone too far.

Mr. Vegas joins the list of Dancehall artistes recently banned. Vybz Kartel found himself in the same position last year, as did Bounty Killer when he arrived in Trinidad & Tobago last year. Mr. Vegas confirmed for Caribbean Lifestyle Media that Steve Duncan was the promoter-Mr. Duncan will either need to book someone else or suffer the losses associated with this recent issue with the Grenadian government. Vegas went on to say, this may all have to do with politics and ultimately affect the people of Grenada.