Category: Reggae

  • The Sweetest Taboo

    The Sweetest Taboo

    Tuning Into The Sweetest Taboo by Sade Adu

    Sade Adu continues to leave listeners in awe of her music. From the release of her debut single in 1985, a jazzy song about a player aptly titled, “Smooth Operator” to “The Moon and the Sky” 2011 remix featuring Jay-Z, who insinuates that he is the father, Sade’s interesting songs with poignant lyrics puts this artist at the top of many all-time favorite lists. In this article, we focus on fan favorite-“The Sweetest Taboo” and covers of this song in various genres.

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  • WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” Teaser

    WATCH THIS: Sizzla “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” Teaser

    Kalonji’s Election Advice Applies All Year Round
    Sizzla Kalonji delivers a cautionary message on Triple B Productions’ “Sing Some Song” Riddim. The tune was inspired by Jamaica’s recent election season, but one that holds true 24/7/365: wise up, rise up, and don’t make “dem” fool you AGAIN. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Perfect Giddimani ft. Stephen Dajure “Dollnald Trummp” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Perfect Giddimani ft. Stephen Dajure “Dollnald Trummp” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Because There’s Never A Bad Time To Diss The Donald

    Not since Cocoa Tea sang Barack Obama’s praises has reggae music paid much attention to electoral politics in the U.S. Of course Bob Marley‘s song “Revolution” warned “Never make a politician grant you a favor.” Why? Because “they will always want to control you forever.” (Bob lived and learned this lesson well.) Back in the day Blue Riddim Band had that “Nancy Reagan” joint but her husband was already in office by then. (Nice tune but too little, too late to make a difference.) Years later Buju Banton sang the opt-out anthem “Politics Time Again (Are You Gonna Vote?)” and Anthony B followed suit with “Nah Vote Again.” Just this year Sizzla Kalonji dropped “Don’t Make Dem Fool You Again” which raised some important issues relating to the Jamaican elections. But reggae music has not had much to say about the insane political race going on up here in the U.S.A.—and that’s too bad. With billionaire real estate mogul, toupee model, beauty pageant pimp, and short-fingered vulgarian Donald Trump looking less like a joke and more like a serious threat to secure the Republican candidate for President—despite the fact that he has repeatedly encouraged his followers to commit acts of violence against the opposition, and the fact that he has called for Mexicans and Muslims (among others) to be denied entry to the U.S., and the fact that he recently received the endorsement of a Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan—it’s time for all clear-thinking defenders of life and liberty and human rights to speak out against everything he represents. In comes the man called Perfect Giddimani (and his bredren Stephen Dajure) with the perfect song at the perfect time. Loud. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Mother’s Day Special Event: Reggae Bowl

    Mother’s Day Special Event: Reggae Bowl

    A Thoughtful Event for Mothers and The Community At Large

     The “Reggae Bowl” is a food and music event that will be held at the Ital Kitchen in Brooklyn, New York, this Mother’s Day—Sunday, May 8, 2016.  This celebration of Mothers will promote a healthy lifestyle through its various components; serving up sweet reggae music, fashion and vital, ital cuisine.  More After The Jump

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  • SPECIAL REQUEST: Willi Williams “Armagideon Time”

    SPECIAL REQUEST: Willi Williams “Armagideon Time”

    Don’t Mix Up The Studio One Star With The First Black LAPD Chief, Who Passed Away Today

    What’s in a name? Willie L. Williams became Los Angeles’ first African American police chief in the aftermath of the 1992 riots,  died today of pancreatic cancer at the age of 72, reports the L.A. Times. Williams stepped into the top job at the LAPD at a sensitive time, as the department reeled from criticism over its handling of the riots and Los Angeles struggled to mend racial divides. He replaced Daryl Gates, who had long been criticized for running a department that mistreated minority groups, particularly blacks, in Los Angeles. Williams helped usher in a series of reforms in the wake of the Rodney J. King beating. Under him, the department grew by 2,000 officers and the LAPD adopted more “community policing” strategies that were designed to be less confrontational than Gates’ methods. He won credit for restoring confidence to the department. “I was the guinea pig” he once told a Times reporter. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning with Chronixx: “I’m Not Ashamed of My Weaknesses”

    Reasoning with Chronixx:
    “I’m Not Ashamed of My Weaknesses”

    Di Steam Ministah Talks Coachella, Roots & Chalice Mixtape, and Controversy With his “Big Brother” Vybz Kartel

    Just after his historic performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Di Steam Ministah sat down with Reshma B for an exclusive interview. They speak about the challenges of being an artist in a material world, the joy of performing live, and how he sees himself as only being in his “infancy” as an artist, as he puts it: “baby stage.” Chronixx talks about being booked on Damian Marley’s 2016 “Welcome to Jamrock Cruise” and goes on to name some of his “Big Brothers” in the reggae music fraternity, mentioning names like Jr. Gong, Mavado, and Vybz Kartel. Chronixx also addresses the controversy surrounding his comments on a recent VICELAND TV show “Noisey Jamaica,” explaining that he overstands the fact that the media is more concerned with clicks and views than with telling a fair and balanced story. “Artists have to be artists, media have to be media. I can’t make the media determine how I feel.” Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: OriEL “Medicated” + Video PREMIERE

    HEAR THIS: OriEL “Medicated” + Video PREMIERE

    A Dominican Herbs Anthem For 4/20

    Oriel Barry was born in Wesley, a village in the small Caribbean island of Dominica. Growing up, he was part of a drum band and his school and church choir. Upon migrating to Pittsburgh, Pa he formed the sound system Vybz Machine with friends in 2005. Oriel became a popular club DJ, Studio Engineer, and Graphic Designer before becoming a recording artist. Describing his music as ‘’Reggae/Fusion’’ which is mostly reggae fused with the sound of Jazz, R&B, Rock, Blues & Hip Hop. He’s worked with Richie Stephens, Bugle, Raine Seville, RDX, Voicemail, Anthony Cruz, Konshens, Wayne Wonder and Chris Martin. Oriel has performed as the opening act for the likes of Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Luciano, and New Kingston. This song is an herbalist’s anthem with a relatable chorus: “They don’t know what we go through.” Linval ‘Shem’ Brown of Afar Music Group says: “The song was produce by ORieL and Ludwig and yours truly. We wanted to put out a special song on this day of herb celebration in America and the world.The songs is about the benefits  of the herb, medically, spiritually and financially—contrast with the opposition that Babylon puts up against it.” No wonder they call OriEL fans “Revoluters.” Audio & Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Unified Highway ft. Busy Signal “My Only” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Unified Highway ft. Busy Signal “My Only” Official Music Video

    Cali Reggae Duo Taps The Turf Prez

    Rebelution frontman, Eric Rachmany, and DJ/producer Amp Live are definitely on to something with their side project Unified Highway. Ever since Boomshots premiered their video for “My Space” in January the response to their genre-bending sonic alchemy has been overwhelming. “This album is actually pretty diverse,” Eric told us back then. “Every song is a little bit different from the other, so we are excited for people to hear the diversity.” His words are borne out by their latest video, the sun-and-bikini-bonanza called “My Only” featuring sixteen blazing bars from Busy Signal. “Honestly, I’m not saying this to brag or anything but I really feel like this project is groundbreaking. It’s different from anything I’ve ever heard or been a part of.” Leggo. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Noah Landale “Jamaica” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Noah Landale “Jamaica” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    The Rising Of A New Voice Out of JA By Way of The UK

    Dividing his time between London, England and his Jamaican birthplace, singer Noah Landale has developed a cosmopolitan approach to reggae that encompasses various influences and has a multi-generational appeal. His current single “Can’t Let Go,” produced by London-based Andre Solid for the Blue Rain Entertainment imprint, marries elements of Phyllis Dillon’s  1967 rock steady classic “If You Knew” with Noah’s dynamic, contemporary vocals lamenting a relationship that’s grown cold. When you come to my show you will be 100% entertained. Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, all the greats perform like they respect you for spending your money to come out and see them. That is the reggae artist I want to be.” Boomshots is proud to premiere his first music video, an ode to the island in the sun that’s sure to be heard for many years to come. Noah will make his New York City debut at IRIE Jam Radio’s annual Oracabessa Festival on May 31, with more US dates to be added throughout the summer. Noah is confident his music will be well received because “the power of good music can’t be denied,” he says. But don’t take his word for it; judge for yourself. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Sasco, Cham, Tanya, Jovi & Omari Shell Down SXSW 2016, Represent Reggae & Dancehall To The Fullest

    Sasco, Cham, Tanya, Jovi & Omari Shell Down SXSW 2016, Represent Reggae & Dancehall To The Fullest

    Irie Jam x Boomshots Make History at SXSW 2016

    With tens of thousands of performers, panels, and premieres packed into nine short days, SXSW is all about FOMO. Whether you’re in Austin or not, Fear Of Missing Out is simply inevitable. So fret not thyself if you didn’t get a chance to witness Irie Jam and Boomshots making history with the greatest reggae and dancehall showcase in SXSW history. We’ve got you covered.  Video & Photos After The Jump… (more…)

  • The Don Dada Returns To NYC: Super Cat Confirmed for Memorial Day Performance

    The Don Dada Returns To NYC: Super Cat Confirmed for Memorial Day Performance

    Irie Jam Productions Confirms Super Cat For Oracabessa Festival 2016

    Although it took root in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica, Reggae has always been a majestic music. From the days of Bob Marley and Dennis Brown there have been certain artists who always bring that royal vibes to forefront. And while many great artists have played their part within the music fraternity, many shall be called and few chosen. These are the artists whose every public appearance, every performance, indeed every utterance is a major event for lovers of reggae music. In the dancehall era  living legends live Shabba Ranks have carried the music forward to the highest heights. Another such name is that of the Wild Apache, the Don Dada, Super Cat. Today Irie Jam Productions confirmed that Super Cat will take the stage at the Oracabessa Music Festival in Jamaica Queens this Memorial Day—Monday, May 30th. Mr. Cat joins an all-star lineup that includes Mavado, Ken Boothe, The Mighty Sparrow, Nesbeth, and rising star Vershon making this all-day festival a must-see event. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: K’Coneil “Hot Like You” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: K’Coneil “Hot Like You” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Nothing Beats A Fly Chick In A Fast Whip

    We first noticed K’Coneil when he dropped “Me One,” a humorous counteraction to Dexta Daps’ “7Eleven.” Since then the MoBay-born singer who attended college in the U.S.—and once sang at Madison Square Garden as part of a contemporary gospel group—has carved out his own lane within the music space, with a “genre fluid” style that’s sure to catch the ear of the wide world as he prepares his debut EP for release this year. While Seanizzle’s popular “90s Don Dada” riddim (distributed by the might 21st Hapilos Digital) is technically a “throwback” within modern dancehall, KC’s excursion on the version is 100% fast forward. “As a blend of Sean Paul and Usher, I see K’Coneil as the promissory voice of the future,” says the producer. “His dancehall flavor mixed with the pop yet edgy appeal is one that makes you want to dig a little deep and hear more.” Always on the lookout to champion the best and brightest new stars on the horizon, Boomshots proudly premieres the whiptastic video for “Hot Like You.” From the moment those Lambo doors lift up you know you’re in for something special. Leggo! Video After The Jump… (more…)