Drizzy Drake To Feature Mavado In His Next Video, “Find My Love”
VIBE.com reported today that Drake will feature Mavado in his next video, entitled “Find My Love.” (more…)
Drizzy Drake To Feature Mavado In His Next Video, “Find My Love”
VIBE.com reported today that Drake will feature Mavado in his next video, entitled “Find My Love.” (more…)
You Wonder Who’s Next From The Gully? Wonder No More…
Live and direct from Cassava Piece, Chase to the Cross runs through some big selections from his growing catalog, displaying the stylistic versatility that has people talking about this Gully representer who’s quick to flip from bluesy singing to a straight-up rap flow. (more…)
Vybz Kartel Speaks On Mavado, Mad Max, And Those Masonic Rumors
In last week’s episode, Kartel broke down his roots of the Gaza/Gully conflict, and insisted that his lyrics were strictly entertainment, even as he called himself “the realest thing.” But what is the truth about his interest in Freemasonry? And is there any lyric that even he would consider too much? (more…)
As New Album Drops, Kartel Speaks On Music, War, and Life Pon Di Gaza
Adidja Palmer is a study in contradictions. According to a recent survey commissioned by the University of the West Indies, the DJ known as Vybz Kartel is dancehall’s most popular artist. On the other hand, his one-time mentor Bounty Killer recently said the biggest regret of his career was helping to “buss” the young lyricial prodigy from Portmore. “Kartel is the worst thing to happen to dancehall music,” Killer said of the artist who inspired his recent tune “Ungrateful Hell Bwoy” (a response to his former protege’s scathing “Bownty’s Killer”). After Kartel and Mavado’s epic confrontation at Sting 2008, anticipation is building for this year’s lyrical contest between di Teacha and the Warlord. But Kartel’s complexities don’t stop there. When we spoke last week by telelphone, the man behind controversial tunes like “Rampin’ Shop” and “Virginity” had just completed a back-to-school book giveaway, and was organizing a new juggling called the Schoolyard riddim, encouraging students to stay in school and out of trouble. Yet even as the Gaza vs Gully rivalry continues to simmer in the streets, the prolific, provocative lyricist insists on absolute artistic freedom, no matter the consequences. So who is the real Vybz Kartel? And what is di Teacha really teaching? Tune in and decide for yourself…
The Fyah Muma Is Not Rampin’ With Kartel’s “Virginity” Argument.
In keeping with a long dancehall tradition, Vybz Kartel has made a habit of pushing the envelope of lyrical propriety. But even for Di Teacha, “Virginity” was a highly controversial track. (more…)
After Triumphing At Champions In Action, The Killer Lays Kartel To Rest
“Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful.” Word to the wise: Once the Warlord starts quoting scripture on you, you’re in serious trouble. (more…)
A Hip Hop Legend says “Caribbean Music Can Be A Monster,” However…
I got a chance to reason with a Hip Hop Legend last Friday, the one and only Mr. Cee. Depending on the depth of your knowledge of hip hop culture, you may know Cee as Big Daddy Kane’s DJ, or as the man who recorded the demo tape that got Biggie Smalls his deal with Puff Daddy. Or you may just know him as the influential radio personality at New York’s #1 radio station, Hot 97 FM. Besides playing great hip hop and R&B, Cee has been influential in helping break many dancehall records on the international market. Hot 97 plays more reggae than most of the urban format stations in America. So I had to ask him the $64,000 question:
You were involved in hip hop before it was a major major money industry. Do you feel like reggae can ever reach that same level of prosperity internationally? It seems like it always stays in the grassroots and in the underground moreso than rap.
AND THIS IS WHAT HE SAID. “I know that reggae probably can be just as lucrative or just as successful as hip hop is, or maybe even beyond. I know that it could. But the one thing that’s the biggest downfall for reggae right now…
One of the realest tunes to touch the road in a long while.
“Some question Di Teacha woulda ask…” Class is in session. (more…)
Gaza strikes back. Kartel goes hard, counteracts “Chatterbox.”
How are The Warlord and Di Teacha supposed to share the same stage tonight at Champions in Action? Big and serious, beg you both keep it lyrical.
Uh-oh… The Warlord gets at Kartel without any apology. It nah go pretty.
Say what you want to say, but the Killer is always at his best when he’s on the warpath. (more…)
Portmore Empire Singer Flexes On Izes’ “Full Blast” Riddim
“Full Blast” is the latest juggling from Izes, the young producer responsibile for the “Applause” riddim, which sparked Sean Paul’s #1 smash “Temperature” as well as hardcore favorites like Sizzla’s “Run Out Pon Dem” and Shane-O’s “Lightning Flash.” (more…)