From Studio One To Studio 2000, Dancehall’s Dynamic Duo Did It All
Steely’s untimely death this week leaves an enormous void that can only be filled by more tunes. At times like these all we can do is say a prayer for the man’s family and loved ones, and honor his legacy by returning again and again to the music he loved so deeply. (more…)
Remembering Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson Aug. 18, 1962 – Sep. 1, 2009
Two The Hard Way: Steely & Clevie did it real big during dancehall’s digital era.
Even after reading the sobering words of his musical sparring partner Cleveland “Clevie” Browne in this Sunday’s Jamaica Observer, the untimely death of ace Roots Radics keyboardist and pioneering dancehall producer Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson still comes as a terrible shock. The 47-year-old musician, composer, and groovemaster has played such a vital role on so many classic reggae recordings—from Gregory Isaacs’ immortal “Night Nurse” to the ubiqitous Punany riddim to “Sorry” (by “the other Foxy Brown”) to dancehall blasters like Tiger’s “When” and Shabba Ranks’s “Ting a Ling” even soulful cuts like Beres Hammond’s “Double Trouble” and the hit remake of Dawn Penn’s “No No No”—that it’s hard to imagine Jamaican music without him. [UPDATE: V.P.’s new Reggae Anthology pays tribute to Steelie & Clevie] (more…)
What’s Really Poppin’ In Yard? Jah Cure & Phyllisia’s Duet “Call On Me”
The rootical singer Jah Cure has been “Longing For” a big hit tune ever since becoming a free man two years ago, and now the Danger Zone artist has reached the top spot on the Hype TV Charts with “Call On Me,” his sultry duet with Phillisia. (more…)
Reasoning With A Rising Star Backstage at Reggae Sumfest 2009
Multitalented Singer Drops Big Bad Ganja Tune Pon The Full Up Riddim
Coppershot Productions has a hit on their hands with Charly Black’s big bad ganja tune called “High Grade.” (more…)
Skerrit Bwoy Stars In a Dazzling Digital Daggering Dramarama.
First time we heard it on the Major Lazer album, we thought it was a Kartel tune called “Bestest Wine,” but looks like Di Teacha nah represent for da one yah. So them send for the one Skerrit Bwoy. Him well fit and flexible, but mad, sick, head no good. (more…)
What’s Really Poppin’ In Yard? The Energy God says “Hallelujah.”
Even the Energy God has to call on a higher power from time to time. And once again Elephant Man is making a joyful noise on the Hype TV Charts with his gospel-flavored track “Hallelujah” perched in the #1 position for yet another week. (more…)
“Much Better Than The Swine Flu” says Tarrus, a Singer On A Mission
Today’s Sunday New York Times calls Tarrus Riley a “Reggae Singer With A Legacy, A Following, And A Mission.” I know this because I wrote the blasted piece. (more…)
World’s Fastest Man Brings Olympic Gold Back To His Old School In Trelawny, Jamaica
The first time Usain Bolt brought Olympic Gold back to Jamaica, the party tun up. Tony Matterhorn,Ravers Clavers, and Mystic were all there to celebrate the moment—and Boomshots was there too. Video after the jump.
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Lukie D, Thriller U, Singing Melody, & Tony Curtis Bless The Place
“When I find myself in times of trouble, Father God is there for me, speaking words of wisdom: Let it be.” (more…)
Grieving Father In Florida To Support Wife and Catch Daughter’s Killer
Thriller U spoke to TV news reporters yesterday; His daughter Nikita was 15.
“Just put yourself in my shoes, having someone you loved so dearly, someone that you grow from a baby, growing up so decent, to be murdered.” (more…)
Singer’s Beloved Daughter & Wife Innocent Victims of Senseless Shooting
Thriller U in recent years and on his classic 1986 debut album for Jammy’s.
We didn’t want to believe it yesterday when a very reliable source told us that Thriller U, the veteran dancehall singer and member of the Jamaican harmony super-group L.U.S.T., had lost his daughter in a brutal Florida homicide that also left his wife severely wounded. (more…)