Who Say Jamaica Sweet? Mr. Vegas, Shaggy, Josey Wales, U Roy, Barrington Levy, Cocoa Tea, Christopher Martin, Freddie McGregor, Leroy Sibbles, Marcia Griffiths, Ce’Cecile, Singing Melody, Tony Curtis, Beenie Man, and T.O.K. That’s Who.
Of all the tunes released in honor of Jamaica’s Golden Anniversary, the people’s choice appears to be “Sweet Jamaica” by Mr. Vegas featuring Shaggy and Josey Wales. Never one to bite his tongue, Mr. Vegas vigorously defended his own tune when another song—”On A Mission,” produced by Shaggy no less—was designated the official theme of Jamaica’s independence celebration. As if the original version wasn’t sweet enough, Vegas just dropped the maddest remix of “Sweet Jamaica” with another Jay Will video to match. When Vegas calls this an “All-Star” remix he isn’t kidding—we’re talking DJs from Daddy U-Roy to Beenie Man, singers from Leroy Sibbles to Cocoa Tea to Marcia Griffiths to Barrington Levy—and many many more. With all this talent on one track, this selection simply cannot be denied. #CertifiedBoomshot. Memo to the tourist board—maybe it’s time for a new theme song.
Category: Fresh Cut
New Releases
-
HEAR THIS: Damian Marley, Tarrus Riley, Wayne Marshall, & TOK “Independence”
This Is Not An Official 50th Anniversary Song
With four days to go until the anniversary of Jamaican independence, the party is in full swing and the patriotic tunes are in heavy rotation. Damian Marley contributed a verse to “On A Mission“—the official theme song, which also features Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Assassin, Tarrus Riley, Romaine Virgo, Chevelle Franklin, Wayne Marshall, Tifa & Tessanne Chin—but today the Marley’s Ghetto Youths International released a new song that asks some pertinent questions amidst all the hoopla and hullabaloo. Junior Gong joined forces with Tarrus Riley, Wayne Marshall, and TOK to make this song—not to rain on anybody’s parade, but to speak the truth. Because after all the parties are over, life goes on.
(more…) -
HEAR THIS: Laza Morgan “We Rep JA”
Laza Representing To The Fullest
The man who brought us “One By One” last summer is back with another banger. “We Rep JA” is the name of the tune on the Rep JA riddim, but the music is just the beginning. RepJA is also a Caribbean Streetwear lifestyle brand with a simple message: “Dem Nuh Bad Like We!!!.” Check their tumblr for a glimpse of their designs and pree the tune after the jump.
(more…) -
WATCH THIS: Orange Hill ft. Vybz Kartel “Pon Time”
Brand New Video Gives Werlboss The Grand Theft Auto Treatment
When Dr. Dre played Coachella this summer, Tupac couldn’t make it so they brought out a hologram. It’s 2012 after all. So it’s no surprise Orange Hill wanted to highlight their tune with Vybz Kartel they stayed “Up 2 Di Time” and went the CGI route as well. Replete with helicopyers, speed boats, and bloodthirsty ninjas, the clip for “Pon Time” looks like a new episode of Grand Theft Auto (shout to Coolie and Seeborn!) except the beats are even crazier.
(more…) -
HEAR THIS: Vybz Kartel “Dem Bwoy”
Brand New Release From Di War Teacha
Even if he isn’t voicing new tunes behind bars, Vybz Kartel has to be Jamaica’s most prolific inmate ever. We just got hold of ZJLiquid’s steady-bubbling ILabash Riddim and we’ve had “Dem Bwoy” on repeat ever since. Take a listen and you’ll see why you need this on your iTunes playlist now.
(more…) -
HEAR THIS: Wayne Marshall ft. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Aidonia, Assassin, I-Octane, Bounty Killer & Vybz Kartel “Go Hard”
Ghetto Youths Presents The Maddest Collaboration Of The Summer—Seven The Hard Way
Ever since it premiered in Jamaica a week or so ago, the first single from Wayne Marshall’s album on the Marley brothers’ Ghetto Youths imprint has had the place in a frenzy. Baby G and Teetimus on the riddim; Wayne Marshall and friends on the mic. Everybody on here is spitting fire, but Jr. Gong truly goes H.A.M. on his verse. Still trying to figure out how they got Kartel on there?! But one thing’s very clear: the Ghetto Youths movement is strong. (more…) -
HEAR THIS: Snoop Lion “La La La”
Major Lazer Leaks The First Single From Snoop’s Reggae Album Reincarnated
If you didn’t know that Snoop was a reggae head, then you just haven’t been paying attention. But after linking with Diplo and taking a trip to Jamaica Snoop made up his mind to record his first reggae album. Now after all the talk comes our first listen to Snoop Dogg’s new reggae alter-ego, “Snoop Lion” in this rootsy rub-a-dub duet with Jovi Rockwell. So can you teach an old Dogg new tricks? Let’s find out…
(more…) -
HEAR THIS: Tommy Lee “Tom & Jerry”
No Cartoon Thing
Last night PG-13 representer Tommy Lee mashed up Reggae Sumfest with a copy of Vybz Kartel’s new book in his hand. This morning we received this UIM production from Johnny Wonder at 21st Hapilos. Coincidence? (more…) -
HEAR THIS: Beenie Man ft. Beres Hammond “Pull Up Selecta”
The Doctor And Beres Connect For An Instant Classic
When Beenie Man passed through NYC earlier this month, he told us his new album King In Control had a wicked tune featuring Beres Hammond, and now we get a chance to hear it. Summer just got a little bit hotter.
(more…) -
WATCH THIS: Christopher Martin “Chill Spot” Video
It’s Always Best To Release Your Stress
Following up on last year’s massive hit “Cheaters Prayer,” Christopher Martin shifts gears from the anguish of infidelity to a song about releasing your stress. Sometimes it’s the simple things that get us through the day. (more…) -
WATCH THIS: Popcaan “The System” Video
Papi And Mixpak Bring Forth Some New Visuals
Popcaan is best known for party tunes and songs for the girls, but on his latest cut off Mixpak’s Loudspeaker Riddim, he flips into reality mode. Check on-set photos here; the brand new video after the jump. (more…) -
HEAR THIS: Jimmy Cliff “One More”
Download The First Single From The New Album Rebirth
With all due respect to the Gully Gaad, Jimmy Cliff is the original Starbwoy. We’re talking about the man who auditioned Bob Marley, starred in Perry Henzel’s seminal flick The Harder They Come, and was rightfully inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Now he’s back with a brand new album at age 64, produced by Tim Armstrong, the same punk rocker who was responsible for Cliff’s outstanding Sacred Fire EP. The first single off Rebirth is a hard-driving ska number called “One More.” Cliff sings it like it’s the last tune on earth.