Hear What Happens When Two R&B Stars Step Into The Reggae Zone
Both Musiq Soulchild and Syleena Johnson are Grammy-nominated soul singers with rich, powerful voices and a significant number of hit singles to their credit. Syleena sang the hook on Kanye West’s early hit “All Falls Down” while Musiq is known for romantic R&B jams like “dontchange” and “sobeautiful.” The two connected with Jamaican-born, Europe-based producer Kemar “Flava” McGregor to record a song for a compilation album and woumd up recording nine songs over the course of nine days. These songs became an album titled 9ine. (Oddly enough, Eddie Murphy and Snoop Lion recently released plans for their own reggae album by the same title.) “Coming from a Reggae background,” Kemar McGregor stated, “it was a great experience to work with Musiq and Syleena, because it gave me a chance to blend pop, reggae and R&B into a fresh, new and groundbreaking style. Musiq and Syleena blended their vocals to give ‘Feel The Fire‘ an infectious pop-reggae sound. This is exactly the sound I wanted because as a reggae producer, I personally think Reggae needs a new sound and fresh style.” Reshma B spoke with the singers to see how they enjoyed the experience of making their first reggae album—and they kept it very real. Seems like a case of the hotter the battle, the sweeter the victory. Run thatt… Interview and Exclusive Album Stream After The Jump… (more…)
Category: R&B
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Musiq Soulchild & Syleena Johnson Speak On Reggae, Soul, and the Making of “9INE”
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WATCH THIS: Musiq Soulchild & Syleena Johnson “Feel The Fire” Official Music Video
Two R&B Stars Appear In New Clip For Their Smoldering Reggae Track
You already know Musiq and Syleena turned up the temperature on their love duet “Feel The Fire” produced by Kemar “Flava” McGregor. Now check the video for the lead single from their collaborative reggae album 9ine. And watch out for an interview with both artists, dropping soon. Video After The Jump… (more…)
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HEAR THIS: Musiq Soulchild Feat. Syleena Johnson “Feel This Fire”
Can You Feel It?
Love is a powerful emotion, so powerful that it engulfs you and only that special one can put out the flames. Neo-soul singer Musiq Soulchild teams up with R&B songstress Syleena Johnson and jumps on the reggae tip creating a smooth love song. Produced by Kemar “Flava” McGregor “Feel This Fire” will definitely have you thinking about leaving whatever you’re doing and rushing home to your beau. Tune After The Jump… (more…)
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India Arie Lets Her Vibes Flow In Tobago
The Grammy-Winning Songbird Explains Why She Loves Reggae
India Arie has been on a four-year hiatus from the music business, and while she was away the brilliant and talented artist actually considered giving it all up, going back to school, and trying a new path in life. Thankfully she reconsidered those plans, but she’s only recently begun performing again. In fact her headlining appearance at the Tobago Jazz Experience marks only the second time she has stepped on stage since stepping away from the game. But she clearly has a very special bond with the fans in Tobago, where she has performed in the past. In fact she felt so comfortable on stage that she shared some never-before-heard songs from her new album Songversation, which is due to be released next month. After an amazing and emotional performance, India blessed Reshma B with an interview in which she shared her thoughts about returning to the stage, and explained why she loves reggae music so much. She even shared the news that some new collaborations with Gramps Morgan are on the way soon. Video After The Jump… (more…) -
Melanie Fiona Rocks Tobago Jazz Experience
The Grammy-Winning R&B Star Channels Her Caribbean Roots
Last night the heavens opened up on the island of Tobago, just as the Tobago Jazz Experiencec was trying to kick off World Music Night featuring Jamaican reggae legend Freddie McGregor, Fayann Lyons and Bunji Garlin—Trinidad & Tobago’s Royal Couple of soca—and internationally acclaimed R&B star Melanie Fiona. But this Guayanese girl from Toronoto was not about to miss her chance to perform for the Tobago massive. So the two-time Grammy winner strapped on her mile-high Louboutins and put on the show of a lifetime. She even dipped into her old dancehall catalog and blessed the place with a Supa Dups selection from back in the day when she used to go by the name Syren Hall. Musical thing called “Somebody Come Get Me Before I Kill This Man,” and Melanie sings it like she really means it. Just after stepping off stage, Melanie explained why Syren Hall will always be a part of her. Video After The Jump… (more…) -
Tobago Jazz Experience Kicks Off This Week
Soca, Reggae, and R&B in A Lush Tropical Setting
The island of Trinidad is synonymous with carnival and you may still be recovering from February’s ordeal, but in the month of April the focus shifts to the beautifully laid-back sister island of Tobago where it’s all about the Jazz Experience. Sun, sea, sand and soca – whats not to love!?!?! This year the Tobago Jazz Experience sees appearances from international acts India Arie and Melanie Fiona—both of whom have worked with major names in the reggae world such as the Morgan Heritage fam & the Marleys. Full Lineup and Photo Gallery After The Jump… (more…)
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HEAR THIS: Carnival TAO 2013 By Precision Productions
This Mix May Cause Some Carnival Tabanca
It’s Monday, rarely anything spectacular happens on a Monday and by now you’re probably at work staring at the clock realizing you have at least 5 more hours in that place. Need a pick me up? Not talking about a caffeine fueled one, more along the lines of music motivation. Caution! Carnival TAO 2013 is likely to cause overwhelming Mas and Fete memories and induce a Tabanca of epic proportions. Proceed to listen ONLY if you are prepared to push back and wine any and everywhere. Presented and created by the entire Precision Productions family this unique mix will soothe every Soca loving soul, even as it takes a euphoric forage into such entrancing genres as Techno, Dancehall, R&B, and Hip Hop embracing a new world sound guaranteed to harmonically blow minds. Hit The Jump Now… (more…)
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DOWNLOAD: Al Fingers Refix Mix
Mavado Meets Wailing Souls, Cher Meets The Abyssinians & Smokey Robinson Inna Studio One Style…
This dude Al Fingers is well versatile. Not only is he the author of crucial books like Clarks In Jamaica (which was recently excerpted on Boomshots) and Greensleeves: The First 100 Covers, he’s also nifty with a remix. (Guess they don’t call hin Fingers for nothing.) So we were delighted to get the link to this mixtape collecting some of his best refixes, many of which were previously available only in strictly limited 45 pressings. A word to the wise: You’d better get ready for something completely differet. Audio & Download Link After The Jump… (more…) -
HEAR THIS: Beyonce “Bow Down / I Been On” Snippets
Who Run The World?
Young B decided to polish up her crown and trophy collection and bless her loyal subjects with two snippets, reasserting her dominion over her R&B pop queendom. Hit-Boy produced “Bow Down” and “I Been On” was produced by The-Dream with assistance from Polow Da Don, Timbaland, and Planet VI. Audio After The Jump… (more…) -
Danny Sims’ Hit Parade
Paying Respects To Bob Marley’s Former Manager And “Godfather”
The New York Times called the late Danny Sims “one of the people most responsible for Bob Marley’s success who has gotten the least amount of notice for it.” Sims himself described his relationship with Marley thus: “I guess I was his Godfather—that is in the street sense—I looked out for him.” Of course the Tuff Gong could take care of himself, but Sims definitely helped Marley reach new audiences through his connections in the R&B world. In his Marley biography, Catch A Fire, Timothy White writes that “Sims was the man who would put Bob’s unique sound on the airwaves. Yet he was always trying to dissuade Bob from actually recording reggae—and ‘message’ reggae at that. The chief way he saw Bob Marley being a money-maker was, in his own words, ‘in a rhythm-and-blues, Top Forty style.’ As Sims himself boasted to a reporter from the Village Voice: ‘I discouraged Bob from doing the revolutionary stuff. I’m a commercial guy. I want to sell songs to thirteen-year-old girls, not to guys throwing spears.’” Whatever else you may think of him, cllearly Danny Sims was not afraid to speak his mind. Born in Mississippi and raised in Chicago, Sims’ entry into the music business came with the opening of Sapphire, the first black club in Manhattan. He formed a promotions company, Hemisphere, at the behest of Johnny Nash. The companywas responsible for all the top stars of the day – Sammy Davis, Brook Benton, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding – he worked with everyone from Mohammed Ali to Malcolm X. Hemisphere later absorbed Dinah Washington’s Queens label creating one of the biggest African-American agencies of the time. In the 1960s Danny formed a label with Nash called JODA, later to become JAD, and it was to this label that both the Wailers and Bob Marley signed. The Wailers would often stay at Danny’s house in Jamaica while he was away. Fellow performers such as Gloria Gaynor, Lloyd Price, Betty Wright and English musician Rabbit (Marley, Free, the Who) also found a home on JAD. Sims died last month at the age of 75, and his contributions to music are still not fully understood. Here’s a quick overview of the man’s musical legacy. Audio After The Jump… -
WATCH THIS: Atiba “Love Is Blind” Video
A Refreshing Acoustic Love Song From K-Licious Music Group
This dude Atiba sings so sweetly and softly with his aching voice atop gentle acoustic guitar chords, but don’t be deceived. Dude is going hard for the lady who’s caught his eye—even though she has a man in her life. This is a full-contact love song and there will be casualties on the battelfield when all is said and done. “Earlier on in his musical career, Atba was signed to Legendary Producer Rodney Jerkins,” says producer Tony Kelly. “He caught the ears & eyes of Jay-Z, who wanted to sign him when he was the head of Def Jam Music Group. Unfortunely the negociation broke down without success of a deal.” Well now Atiba’s signed to Kelly’s K-Licious Music Group and the sky would seem to be the limit. Anyway, back to the song: “Leave your man for me, time to set you free, help you see the light, cause I know love is blind.” You’ve got to feel bad for this girl’s man. He doesn’t stand a chance.
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HEAR THIS: Ishawna Calls Out All “Murderers”
Dancehall Princess Hits Back Against Domestic Violence
With the disturbing footage of Chicago rapper Lil Reese’s assault on a young girl polluting the internets today, Ishawna’s latest cut on the In Memories riddim couldn’t have come at a better time. Besides the fact that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, there’s no type of behavior just isn’t right—point blank. And dancehall princess Ishawna clearly agrees! With the combination of her smooth, soulful voice and strong words, the single is bound to catch the attention of many. (Not to mention the fact that she’s been making legendary tunes for quite some time now.) “You just killed our love” she sings, “And now it’s RIP.” Audio after the jump.