Reshma B Chops It Up With The Peckings Family
Reshma B dropped by the legendary Peckings Studio 1 in Shepherd’s Bush, West London to chat with Chris Peckings about carrying on his family’s musical legacy. Chris tells how his father George Price aka Peckings grew up with the founding fathers of Jamaica’s reggae industry before moving to London in 1960, establishing what would become a UK reggae institution. Since then his sons have released a string of crucial tunes blending new talent like Bitty McLean, Gappy Ranks, and Christopher Ellis with vintage riddims—winning awards and mad respect along the way. Reshma B even got the scoop on how the link between Peckings and producers like Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid, and Prince Buster became so strong. Listen up as Duke and Chris Peckings break it all down for the ReggaeGirlAboutTown. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Category: UK
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Reasoning With Peckings “Old School, New Blood”
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Sean Paul Shells Down Shepherd’s Bush
The Dutty Boy Flings Down The Hits In The UK
Wednesday night saw DuttyPaul rock west London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Every person in the joint was on fire. Girls were shaking their thang as the dutty boy flung down his hits and guys were sweating watching the girls on heat! It was a case of “not for the ill hearted”—and a timely reminder of how much the UK loves Sean Paul. Show Review and Video After The Jump… (more…)
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HEAR THIS : Congo Natty “UK Allstars” Machinedrum Remix
This One Really Is Like a Bullet
“Last year we sick but this year we iller.” Ohhh YES! What better way to describe the Machinedrum Remix of Congo Natty’s “UK Allstars”? This single off the forthcoming Jungle Revolution LP (Big Dada) is an insane mash up of culture lyrics in a jungle stylee. Remixes can either be good or shit and this one blows the roof! As the lyrics state: “Go deh Congo Natty, yuh a big selector,” and really how else could he bring together this All Star line up of UK legends Tenor Fly, Top Cat, General Levy, Tippa Irie, Sweetie Irie and Daddy Freddy? Everyone on this production was in some next place. It’s a blast of the sound that comes come off the London streets and if you’re sleeping on jungle in 2013 this should wake you up to what the UK has goin’ on. Audio and Video After The Jump… (more…) -
Reasoning with Stylo G, Part 3: “It’s Good To Be A Risk-Taker”
How Stylo Created His Own Sound, And Where He’s Taking His Movement Next
Reshma B and Stylo G conclude their epic 3-part interview at the offices of 3Beat Records in West London with a discussion of what it takes to make it as a UK dancehall artist. “When it’s not made in Jamaica you don’t get the love fully,” Stylo admits. Still he found a way to turn the challenge to his advantage by tapping into the UK underground and sticking to his own unique sound. (Purchase his latest release, “Soundbwoy” here.) “You can’t be shy,” Stylo explains. “It’s good to be a risk-taker.” Although some of his forward-thinking movements have been ahead of the curve, Style has always been a leader rather than a follower. He’s always had the utmost confidence in his vision, and in the team around him. He speaks on the importance of linking with like-minded producers like Adde Instrumentals—who produced his hit “Summer Is Back“—So Shifty—the beatmakers who supplied the riddim for “Press Up,” Stylo’s tribute to his father Poison Chang—and Dre Skull—the Brooklyn-based producer who checked him during the last Notting Hill Carnival to create a banger that will soon be setting the streets on fire. With Stylo it’s all about next-level movements—find out what territories he’ll be conquering next. Video After The Jump… (more…)
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Reasoning with Stylo G, Part 2: “I Take Care of the Girls”
Ladies Love Stylo, Innit?
Reshma B continues her epic 3-part interview with Stylo G, seeking to answer one simple question: Is Stylo all about the girls, or are the girls all about Stylo? The UK dancehall phenom talks about the difference between good girls and bad girls, how he likes his special lady to support him, and discusses his South London hair salon where, as he puts it, “I take care of the ladies… and their hair.” Video After The Jump… (more…) -
Lianne La Havas Jazzes It Up In Tobago
UK Singer Songwriter Reconnects With Her Caribbean Roots
Though her mother’s side of the family is Jamaican, London-born Lianne La Havas had never been to the Caribbean before she performed at this year’s Tobago Jazz Experience. Although the tropical weather forced a rain delay, the 24-year-old folk and soul singer rallied back on the final night of the festival with a solo set that filled the Tobago evening with intoxicatingly sweet sounds. (If you’re not yet up on the self-described “shinger, shongwriter and guitarisht” go ahead and check her debut Is Your Love Big Enough, which was voted last year’s iTunes Album of the Year.) Shortly after stepping off the stage at Pigeon Point, Lianne told Reshma B that she wants to be play strictly Caribbean dates from now on. And can you really blame her? Video After The Jump… (more…)
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Reasoning With Stylo G Part 1: “I’m Diving In It”
Reshma B Rolls to West London to Chop It Up With The “Soundbwoy” Killa
The man who brought us “Call Mi A Yardie” is back with a new label deal at 3Beat Records and a hot new tune called “Soundbwoy.” The ReggaeGirlAboutTown links up with Stylo in West London to talk about Stylo’s next-level movements, his upcoming dancehall EP, and why he’s now “diving in it.” Video After The Jump…
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Sturgav Hi Fi and Volcano Hi Power at the 02 Academy
Two Big Sounds Rock Brixton Easter Weekend
When you’re talking about classical roots rock rub-a-dub sound systems, there are no more celebrated names in the dancehall of fame than King SturGav Hi Fi and Volcano High Power. Sturgav was established by Daddy U Roy, the legendary DJ who made his name on King Tubby’s Home Town Hi-Fi but went on to create a sound system of his own to provide a means for younger aspiring talents to develop their microphone skills.
Volcano was founded by the late great Henry “Junjo” Lawes, one of the most renowned producers of the 1970s and 1980s. His music formed a bridge between the roots reggae of Studio One and Joe Gibbs and the dancehall era. Immortal selections like Cocoa Tea’s “Sonia” and Yellowman’s “Zunguzunguzeng” made the Volcano label a trusted brand for any selector looking to pick up a certified boomshot to drop in the dance.
Bank holiday weekend saw Bagga John Productions pull it all out of the bag as they brought these two legendary sounds to the O2 Academy Brixton. But it wasn’t enough just to bring the champion sounds to the stage—they also brought some serious talent to rock the mic live and direct. Singers like Cocoa Tea, Frankie Paul and Little John joined forces with DJs like Yellowman, Brigadier Jerry, General Trees, and Little Twitch. And of course Daddy U Roy himself worked the stage making this session a night of sweet nostalgia for longtime dancehall fans. The venue was heaving, the crowd excited, emotional and thirsty.
The girls went wild when Little Twitch gyrated to “No Licky Licky” and they mobbed Cocoa Tea when he reached out to touch the crowd. Some tears were also shed during his version of “Jamaica Farewell.” And when Yellowman came on it was a #f*ckingproblem!! He lapped the stage with jumps and sprints; his trainers hardly touched the floor. One other small problem—although Cocoa Tea sang brilliantly, he stormed off the stage in frustration with the mix he received from selector Danny Dread. #SelectorDontF*ckAroundAndMashUpTheDance. However the music went on and everybody went home with their fill of sweet rub-a-dub vibes. You know what they say—there’s no business like dancehall business. Video After The Jump…
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HEAR THIS: Vybz Kartel & Richie Spice “Weed Smokers” (Heatwave Refix)
Heatwave Cooks Up A Refix For All The Smokers Dem
Dancehall-specialists, The Heatwave, has released a brand new refix (free for download) featuring none other than the World Boss himself Vybz Kartel along with Richie Spice. Dedicated to di smokers dem, the refix as Heatwave clearly states
“Some people get stoned on the sofa but this is for everyone who smokes weed when they RAVE. Build a spliff on the speaker box or roll round the corner: the party starts from when the Rizla gets licked.
This bassline will hit the back of your head like the very first draw from a high grade spliff.”
We can’t argue with that. Grab A Spliff And Dress Back And Hit The Jump… (more…)
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HEAR THIS: Stylo G “Soundbwoy” Original Version + Di Genius Remix
Smell Something Burning? Must Be Them Speaker Boxes
“Tell them to pick up the pace—we a run the place” are the opening lines to Stylo G’s new single, and he ain’t wrong. Without a doubt, Stylo’s stuff has continued to escalate to the next level —I’m sure he’s keeping his competition on constant tiptoes. From “Call Mi a Yardie” to “Dash Out” to “Press Up” this dancehall South Londoner ain’t half bad yunno! On a serious note Stylo’s catalogue is shaping up to be a very good variety of very good music—which, frankly, is what it’s all about—but we’re not mad at the swag that comes with it! The new track is his first release on the 3Beat Records/Universal label, same team behind the recent success of such artists as Skepta, Sway & Duck Sauce. The original mix was produced by the Dutch crew Diztortion, and as an extra treat Stylo teamed up with Di Genius for a yardstyle remix. I gotta feeling things in Stylo’s world right now ain’t half bad either… Audio After the Jump…
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Brit Reggae Awards 2013
The UK Reggae Biz Honors its Own
February is reggae month, so what better time of year for the British Reggae Industry Awards to take place? Last night a who’s who of reggae artists and shot-callers came together at the IndigO2 to give recognition to the workin’ peeps in the biz. The evening was packed with good vibes from award presentations to stage performances. One of My fave’s of the night was watching the Scottish band I Foundation. It’s been a minute since Scottish reggae’s been on the radio! They were super cute and they have a sense of humour too: walking past them backstage I overheard one of them saying “I think we need to go to Scotland to get some sun.” Maybe they were serious!?! Anyone who was out on the town in London last night knows it was bloody freezing!
David Rodigan turned up to collect his award for “Best Male Radio Personality.” Maxi Priest won “Best Male Vocalist.” Alton Ellis’s daughter Lovella picked up “Best Female newcomer” and she also collected “Best Male newcomer” for her brother Christopher Ellis—who was nominated for not 1 but 3 categories. His single “English” was up for best single, and he was also up for best British Video for his cover of his father’s “Williow Tree.” Looks like the Ghetto youth is makin’ moves, just in time for the launch of the Ghetto Youths album next Tuesday. Skibu bagged Best Album & Video, Gappy Ranks received Best MC and Best Single and Jah Shaka took home the award for “Best British Sound System.” Overall it was a night of good vibes and happy sounds in the place. As the compere said, “We nah pay fe scream—it free!” Full List of Winners & Video Interviews After The Jump…
