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  • HEAR THIS: Mavado “In God We Trust”

    HEAR THIS: Mavado “In God We Trust”

    The Gully Gaad In David Brooks Mode “I Was Born To Overcome”

    Mavado rang in the new year on a Godly note with this DJ Frass–produced banger. There’s an old saying that goes “In God We Trust—All Others Pay Cash,” which pretty much sums up the artist’s approach to the game this year. It’s been a minute since Mavado was back on the rock, and the Florida resident’s first stage show in Jamaica was Rebel Salute. His dress code made it clear Mr. Brooks is getting money, and when he drops lyrics like “Them Nuh Inna My League” it’s got to hurt. Out of respect for the show’s traditional all-conscious-no-slackness approach, The Gully Gaad performed as David Brooks, selecting his tunes with care. Still he was more than able to turn the place up till it buck. Fresh off the stage, David Constantine Brooks sat down with the Reggae Girl About Town to discuss his return to Jamaica, dealing with haters, and how he’s celebrating the new ganja law. Audio & Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Macka B Drops Science At Rebel Salute: From Vegetarianism to Marijuana Reform to Mosquito-Borne Viruses—Not To Mention “Bop and Chin”

    Macka B Drops Science At Rebel Salute:
    From Vegetarianism to Marijuana Reform to Mosquito-Borne Viruses—Not To Mention “Bop and Chin”

    The UK Lyrics Machine Was In Rare Form at Rebel Salute 2016

    We’ve said ti before and we nah stop say it—when it comes to booking a fresh lineup of artists, Rebel Salute rules every time. Where else are you going to get a full set from Macka B? Faithful listeners of Mutabaruka’s Cutting Edge radio program are familiar with Macka’s 2006 single “All About The Youths.” But the sing-song acoustic number barely scratches the surface of the UK Lyrics Machine’s creativity. His latest album, Never Played a 45 laments the changing values in sound system culture as it calls for a return to feel and vibe of traditional vinyl selections. And Macka certainly has plenty of vinyl in his catalog. Born in Wolverhampton to Jamaican parents, Macka linked with Mad Professor in 1986 and began building intricate, articulate, infallibly intelligent lyrics on a wide variety of topics. This year’s Rebel Salute found the DJ in rare form; check the reasoning—onstage and off. Videos After The Jump… (more…)

  • DOWNLOAD: Randy Valentine “Radio Music” Mixtape

    DOWNLOAD: Randy Valentine “Radio Music” Mixtape

    The Singer Ternt Rappa Now

    Valentine’s Day may be coming up, but don’t you ever try to put Randy Valentine in a box—not even a heart-shaped box. On his first mixtape, Bring Back the Love (which was downloaded over 50’000 times), RV voiced over  classic reggae instrumentals from the “foundation” era of reggae. Yesterday the singer with mad deejay skills dropped a new mixtape that heads in a completely fresh creative direction—call it a musical RVlution. “I bet the radio nah go chart this,” Valentine raps on the opening cut, over the beat to “Can I Kick It?” off A Tribe Called Quest’s debut album. “That’s alright, man ah no radio artist.” Radio Music is a 19-track excursion which takes the listener back to the ’90s, the golden age of Hip Hop. “Music has no boundaries,” says Valentine. “This project carries the same energies as all my previous projects—this time we’re stepping forward into the 90’s Hip Hop Era Via my Global Radio Station Conscious FM 98.checkYourself. Same energy, same message just a different formula. This is what’s on my Radio. FullJoy the Experience.” Presented by Hemp Higher and Tek-9 Movements, the new tape features guest appearances by Kabaka Pyramid, Gappy Ranks, Calip P, and Big Bullz. Hosts include Walshy Fire, Bobby Konders, Seani B, Jugglerz, Ninja Crown, and King Lagazee. Enoug of the long talking. Tracklist and Download Link After The Jump…
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  • Reasoning with Jahmiel: “Me Nuh Frighten Fe Benz and Beamer”

    Reasoning with Jahmiel: “Me Nuh Frighten Fe Benz and Beamer”

    A Fresh DJ Is Coming… Watch Yah!

    One great thing about Rebel Salute, you can always count on seeing a different set of artists than all the other big reggae festivals and stage shows. Year in and year out, Rebel finds a way to book artists you haven’t heard from in years (if you’ve even seen then live at all) or new stars you need to pay attention to.  This year was no exception as vintage harmony groups like The Congos and The Abyssinians touched the stage as well as classic dancehall acts Pinchers and Jr. Cat. But what about the rising stars? Joining David Brooks onstage for his early Sunday morning set,  Jahmiel aka “The Missionary” made a big impression. As with most overnight successes, the artist formerly known as Culture Jahmiel has been doing his thing for several years—although the artist proudly points out that he never sold out to “buss.” Back in 2011 he caused a little stir with his song “Mi Nuh Murdera” for Young Vibes Productions. Late last year he dropped a tune called “Gain The World” and hasn’t looked back since. “Life comes with stages,” he mentions in the tune. “I’m just on the other pages.” Now moving with Quantanium Productions, Jahmiel has the momentum, the musical talent, and the consistency to make big moves in the future. After his show-stealing performance Reshma B caught up with the artist for a quick reasoning. Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Richie Stephens “Rain From The Sky” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Richie Stephens “Rain From The Sky” Official Music Video

    Lost Tape From Steely & Clevie’s Studio One Sessions

    This is a pretty good week for Richie Stephens. First came news that Rihanna’s producers had sampled his “Sail Away” riddim for her latest duet with Drake. (In other words Pot of Gold Productions must nyam some good food.) Now he’s seeing the release of a 14-year-old recording project—and the tune sounds nice! Stephens recorded this cover of the Studio One classic “Rolling Down” back in 1992 when ace prodcers Wycliffe “Steelie” Johnson and Cleveland “Clevie” Browne were working on the album Steelie & Clevie Play Studio One Vintage. Released on Heartbeat Records in 1992, that album would go on to score a major chart hit with Dawn Penn’s “No, No, No,” but the whole album was wicked. Somehow this recording got misplaced on one of the studio reels and was recently rediscovered while SilverHawk Sound was getting its dub collection back into order. (More on that later, but all dibby dibby soundbwoys you have been warned.) In the meantime let’s rock and groove to the voice of Mr. Richie Stephens singing a heartical Studio First selection. Cue the trombone Mr. Hornsman! Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Paying Tribute To The Crown Prince on “We Remember Dennis Brown”

    Paying Tribute To The Crown Prince on
    “We Remember Dennis Brown”

    Young Reggae Artists Pay Homage To The Crown Prince

    This February 1st marks what would have been the 59th birthday of the late great Dennis Emmanuel Brown, better known as the Crown Prince of Reggae. Having made his mark at Sir Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One as a child performer, D. Brown would go on to blaze a trail of soulful roots reggae, taking his sound to the top of the British charts in 1972 with “Money in My Pocket.” The singer recorded crucial cuts for many of Jamaica’s greatest producers including Lee “Scratch” Perry, Niney the Observer, Joe Gibbs, King Jammy’$, and Sly & Robbie. He passed away in 1999 but his music continues to play all around the world, with timeless lyrics like “Love and hate can never be friends” becoming immortalized in the popular vernacular. In 2016 V.P. Records has announced that they will be releasing a 2-CD tribute album entitled We Remember Dennis Brown. In the same spirit as We Remember Gregory Isaacs, the album will feature newer artists covering classic and rare cuts by the master. The first four songs in the double-CD set have been revealed. Lineup & Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Samory-I “African Daughter” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Samory-I “African Daughter” Official Music Video

    A Song With An Afrikan Standard of Beauty

    A Rasta Man was one of the first persons to question why  I  “relax the kinks” in my hair. I was at a lost for words and then I said ” Well to make it look smooth and groomed.” He broke into unbridled laughter and while I was happy to bring someone so much joy, the question lingered on my mind.  Then I realized I had no idea what my natural hair even looked like because I received my first “perm” at 9, and from there it was a six week ritual of “touching up” the roots. I was told that my hair was “too much, ” “too thick” and “difficult to manage.” Throughout the years, I added “color processing” and then “weaves’” became normal for me. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • Reasoning With Rassi Hardknocks About “Legal,” A Reggae Song for the Movement

    Reasoning With Rassi Hardknocks About “Legal,” A Reggae Song for the Movement

    In Comes A Brand New Marijuana Anthem for 2016

    The stink of Marijuana vapors is creating a cloud cover that commands our attention. For the first time since the 1913 Ganja Law, which was strictly enforced by the island’s government, the citizens of Jamaica now have the opportunity to use recreational marijuana. Whether one smokes or not, the whole concept of legalizing the infamous green leaf  highlights the mainstreaming of the Marijuana Movement.  Audio & Interview After The Jump… (more…)

  • FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Damian Marley ft. Stephen Marley & Yami Bolo “Still Searching”

    FLASHBACK FRIDAY: Damian Marley ft. Stephen Marley & Yami Bolo “Still Searching”

    In The Twinkling Of An Eye, Dem Ready Fi Pull Down The Karl Kani…

    While “Affairs of the Heart” may be the fan favorite love song by Damian Marley, Jr. Gong, he has many other love songs with poignant lyrics. Many are interlaced with socially conscious issues. The 2001 song “Still Searching” featuring Stephen Marley and Yami Bolo off the Halfway Tree album, refers to the virtuous woman as defined by the bible in Proverbs 31:10-31. More After The Jump… (more…)

  • HEAR THIS: Sizzla, Popcaan & Teflon “Way Out”

    HEAR THIS: Sizzla, Popcaan & Teflon “Way Out”

    The Song May Sound Sweet, But The Judgment Will Not Be Nice

    Not Nice established his name building tracks for Vybz Kartel and the Portmore Empire. He went on to produce major hits for artists like Alkaline and Spice—whose “So Mi Like It” was voiced on his “Boom Box” riddim. While he’s best know for hard-hitting jump-up tunes, his latest release is built around a gentle piano melody that leaves plenty of space for three of dancehall’s most powerful voices to “deal with Babylon case.” Popcaan has come a long way since the days when he was relegated to “Raving King” status, as tunes like this one—and new documentary Abundant Life—make clear. With Poppi, Kalonji, and Teflon all in rare form, “Way Out” sounds like it could become a sufferer’s anthem. Audio After The Jump… (more…)

  • No Long Talk: Daddy Ernie On Freedom of Choice: “Who Want Vex, Vex!”

    No Long Talk: Daddy Ernie On Freedom of Choice: “Who Want Vex, Vex!”

    Host of UK Radio’s Superjam Reflects On His Legacy

    If you weren’t in London from the ’90s, you may not be aware of Daddy Ernie or the power of his radio show, SuperJam. As he says: “Who’s Daddy Ernie? Some black DJ who used to be on a station in Brixton that everybody used to wear big gold chains and rings.” What you should know is he’s one of the most respected and important British contributors in the history of Jamaican music. He’s also the only person in history to present a reggae show Monday to Friday on a legal radio station. And it was prime time from 1990 to (about) 2003/2004. The way things are, it’s likely he’ll be the sole claimant forever. Daddy Ernie’s SuperJam ran alongside Choice FM’s lifespan (1990–2013), becoming one of the stations most listened to shows and amongst the highest paid specialist DJs on the station.  Podcast After The Jump… (more…)

  • Why Rihanna Might Just Drop “Anti” Any Time Now

    Why Rihanna Might Just Drop “Anti” Any Time Now

    BadGyal RiRi Still Teasing That Eighth Album

    It would not be an unfair generalization to say that magazine editors tend to ultra-competitive personalities who are not above a little schadenfreude now and then. I’m not too proud to say that, after pursuing my third Drake cover for several years while at Complex—and coming up empty, except for the time his publicist wanted us to go head-to-head with VIBE and we politely declined—I was rather amused when Drake bailed on a VIBE cover shoot and later Rolling Stone burned him and he swore off magazines altogether. The first two Drake covers I worked on—Lola Ogunnaike’s 2009 VIBE cover story “Rookie of the Year” (which earned a spot in DaCapo’s Best Music Writing anthology) and Damien Scott’s 2011 Complex cover story “The Long Way Home”—were pretty spectacular, so I was disappointed at the notion of Drake never doing press again. And I’m not so competitive that I was mad to see him finally do a Fader cover last year. As a music lover and a journalist I enjoyed reading a thorough profile of a fascinating artist. But here’s what did crack me up: When Rihanna snagged a recent Fader cover based on just five questions answered by email. There’s no doubt that her forthcoming release Anti is one of Most Anticipated Albums of 2016. But when a magazine gives you the cover, it’s just common courtesy to sit down for an interview—even a quickie, as Rihanna did for the 2013 Complex cover I edited. Not that she said much, but it’s just disrespectful to expect a writer to put a story together based on five emailed questions. Props to Mary H.K. Choi for doing a killer write-around, but I digress…  All of this is a long-winded reminder that Rihanna has already served noticed as to who calls the shots—like BRAP! BRAP! BRAP!  More After The Jump… (more…)