Billboard: 2019 Record Store Day Yields Historic Week for Vinyl Album Sales

All hail vinyl! Record Store Day drove record-breaking music sales figures yet again, according to Nielsen Music.

The 12th annual indie music retailer celebration, staged on April 13, helped yield 827,000 vinyl albums sold in the U.S. in the week ending April 18, according to Nielsen Music — a record for Record Store Day week, and the third-largest sales week for vinyl albums since Nielsen Music started tracking sales in 1991.  

The previous largest vinyl album sales haul for a Record Store Day week was 2018 with 733,000 sold in the week ending April 26. The only two larger weeks for vinyl album sales overall were logged during the Christmas season of 2018 (905,000; week ending Dec. 27 and 880,000; Dec. 20).

In addition, 673,000 vinyl albums were sold via independent record stores — the biggest week ever for the format at indie stores in Nielsen Music history. The sales sum beats the previous high, tallied a year ago during Record Store Day week (533,000), by 16%.

Top Record Store Day Exclusive Albums at Independent Record Stores
Rank, Artist, Title
1. Grateful Dead, Warfield: San Francisco, California, October 9th, 1980 / October 10th, 1980
2. Bob Dylan, Blood on the Tracks: Test Pressing
3. Green Day, Green Day Live! Woodstock 1994
4. Greta Van Fleet, From the Fires
5. Pink Floyd, A Saucerful of Secrets
6. Fleetwood Mac, The Alternate Fleetwood Mac
7. Prince, His Majesty’s Pop Life / The Purple Mix Club
8 (TIE). Pearl Jam, Live at Easy Street
8 (TIE). Weezer (Teal Album)

10. The Doors, London Fog: May, 1966

Read more details at Billboard:  https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8508474/2019-record-store-day-historic-week-vinyl-album-sales

Time to get your "Shuga!" Stonebwoy x Beenie Man

Time to get your "Shuga!"  Music super star Stonebwoy, who is known to make hit music loved by the masses, delivers again with his new single which features King of the Dancehall Beenie Man!

The music video for international collaboration was premiered on TRACE TV in Africa on April 23rd and has since racked up more than 75,000 views on YouTube!

The premise of the song is that we hustle hard every day and at some point we have to make time for the 'banana!'  Filled with double meanings, I'm sure this song will be played worldwide because of the sweet and relatable vibes!  

P.S.  The visuals are dope!  Watch the full video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNgY-3YKj1Q

Busy Signal's "Got To Tell You"

VP Records is proud to release the new single from reggae/dancehall veteran Busy Signal, “Got to Tell You” from his upcoming album Parts of the Puzzle. Out this Friday April 26th on all digital platforms, and exclusively premiering today on Large Up, the self-produced and self-written track is a high energy dancehall track laced with EDM.

“Got to Tell You” follows the success of his recent string of singles, “Stay So”, “One Way”, “Dolla Van” and more. With hit after hit, Busy Signal has established his talent and staying power in the industry with his versatility in blending dancehall and reggae with EDM, afrobeats, salsa and other international sounds to create hardcore bashment anthems and transcendent global hits.

Born Reanno Gordon, Busy first burst on the dancehall scene as part of iconic deejay Bounty Killer’s Alliance crew over a decade ago, establishing himself as a major factor in the genre with his breakthrough hit “Step Out” and an album by the same name. Successive projects like Loaded and D.O.B. further showcased Busy’s outside-the-box lyrical displays and eclectic ear for rhythms and, in 2012, he went back to basics with Reggae Music Again, an all-reggae set selected as one of the Top 10 albums of the year by the BBC.

In addition to solo work, Busy has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Major Lazer, who featured him on their 2013 international smash “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)” and “Jump” off 2017’s Know No Better EP, as well as on the title track from No Doubt’s Major Lazer-produced album Push and Shove. A remixed version of “Jump” can be heard in Bacardi’s “Dance Floor” commercial campaign currently airing on TVs across North America. A pioneer in the fusion of dancehall and Afro sounds, Busy Signal has also cultivated deep ties with Africa, frequently visiting countries such as Zimbabwe and Gambia to perform. With one foot firmly planted in the core Caribbean market and the other always exploring new sounds and styles, count on Busy to deliver another epic musical journey. -Some words by Jesse Serwer of Large Up

Stay tuned for the “Got To Tell You” official music video coming soon! 

Buju Banton's "Country for Sale."

Waiting for Buju to release new music was a test of patience.  At times several (old) songs resurfaced to trick us into believing they’re recent, but not so, until long time collaborator Donovan Germain of Penthouse Records drops and email into my inbox.  It is new Buju!

“Country for Sale,” in my opinion, is the observant Buju meeting the heartfelt Buju, meeting the weeping Buju, meeting the optimistic Buju.  As Buju continues to enjoy his return to his homeland, he can’t help but observe the status of the country which pulls on his heartstrings knowing that people who are not Jamaican can come to our island and ‘buy’ what they want.

Beginning with a drum pattern that resembles what we see soldiers march to when putting on a military display, and with horns, bass and riddim guitar in sync, the call to action is put out for one and all to hear and act on.  Buju laments “country for sale / apply within / now could they tell me what ah gwaan / I hear dem sell off everything / name your price / if the bargain is right / oh yeah / make the right connections / you can have anything that you like ….”

If the thought provoking Buju is who you were waiting to hear, wait no more.  Teaming with his long time producer Donovan Germain, you know the world is only receiving the best music, even if it hurts to hear the truth.

Listen to the entire song on my audiomack channel:  https://audiomack.com/song/natashavonc/buju-banton-country-for-sale-straight-mix-1644-m0

Nas and Mary J. Blige Co-Headline 2019 Tour

Nas and Mary J. Blige will be hitting the road together for the very first time this summer.

Live Nation announced on Tuesday (April 16) that the pair of New York natives are going to embark on a co-headlining tour, which will run through 22 cities in total across North America.

The “Love Is All We Need” collaborators kick off the trek in West Palm Beach, Fla. on July 11 and then make their way through a range of indoor and outdoor venues with stops in Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Boston also in store. 

Tickets for the blockbuster tour will first be available to Citi card members, who will have access to the presale starting on April 17 at noon local time. The rest of the tickets go on sale to the general on Friday (April 19) at 10:00 a.m. local venue time over at Live Nation’s website here:  https://www.livenation.com/artists/41954/mary-j-blige.

Check out all of the dates for Nas and Mary J’s tour below.

7/11 - West Palm Beach, Fla. @ Coral Sky Amphitheatre at the S. Florida Fairgrounds
7/13 - Tampa, Fla. @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds 
7/14 - Jacksonville, Fla. @ Daily’s Place
7/16 - Atlanta, Ga. @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
7/20 - Atlantic City, N.J. @ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
7/21 - Virginia Beach, Va. @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
7/24 - Charlotte, N.C. @ PNC Music Pavilion
7/25 - Raleigh, N.C. @ Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
7/28 - Detroit, Mich. @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/31 - St. Louis, Mo. @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
8/2 - Houston, Tx. @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

8/3 - Austin, Tx. @ Austin360 Amphitheater
8/6 - Kansas City, Mo. @ Starlight Theatre
8/9 - Phoenix, Ariz. @ Ak-Chin Pavilion
8/14 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
8/16 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ The Joint
8/17 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ The Joint
8/20 - Albuquerque, N.M. @ Isleta Amphitheater
8/22 - Dallas, Tx.  @Dos Equis Pavilion
8/25 - Tuscaloosa, Ala. @ Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
8/31 - Syracuse, N.Y. @ St Joseph’s Health Amphitheater
9/1 - Boston, Mass. @ Xfinity Center
*9/10 - Toronto, Ontario @ Budweiser Stage

Soca Gold 2019

Soca music has become synonymous with joy, laughter and good times and VP Records is proud to present the soundtrack for that with the 2019 edition of Soca Gold. Out June 21st, the compilation features some of the best soca songs of the season. The two-disc CD set includes 17 tracks on Disc 1 and a Soca Gold 2019 Mega-Mix by Team Soca- DJ Spice on Disc 2.

This year, Soca Gold adds new dimensions to the famed compilation series, with two key partnerships; RJR Communications Group Jamaica and FITBK Fitness Movement. Soca

Gold Live - Montego Bay is a live performance showcase to be broadcast over RETV Jamaica on June 22, 2019. This two-hour live broadcast will be streamed via VP Records YouTube channel to key markets during viewing/ launch parties. The Montego Bay event is a new step into travel and tourism, tapping into the ’island hopping’ trend within the classic Caribbean Carnival culture. This is following the inaugural show for the VP Records “Strictly The Best Live” that was done in Montego Bay in January of this year.

The FITBK troupe (a NYC based group of certified fitness instructors of Caribbean Heritage) will stage a ‘come along’ to participate in the festivities on June 22nd. After the project launch, the organization will host multiple themed events as part of their Coney Island Soca Explosion (held on consecutive Saturdays in July and August).

This year’s album features the hottest songs from the most recent Trinidad Carnival including Kes “Savannah Grass” and “Issa Snack” by Nessa Preppy X Travis World. Two tracks; “My Sweet Sweet Woman” by Tony Prescott (out April 19th) and Sean Caruth “Come Inside” (out April 26th) were exclusively commissioned for the compilation. Other standout tracks include “Marc” by Fay-Ann Lyons, “Brace Up” by Machel Montano and the popular track “Funky Business” by Fimba. Tracks from Soca Gold can be heard at carnivals in St. Vincent, New York, Baltimore/DC, Toronto, London and more.

“Every year, Soca becomes more and more recognized by the masses as a genre of music that brings joy and happiness to so many people.” said Edwin Howell, A&R at VP Records and Program Director for Reggae King Radio. “I am proud of this year’s set of songs as they represent what is trending right now with new and classic artists that make good music for carnival and beyond,” he concluded.

Soca Gold 2019 TRACKLIST

Disc 1
1. Savanah Grass - Kes The Band
2. Marc - Fay-Ann Lyons
3. Brace Up - Machel Montano
4. Issa Snack - Nessa Preppy X Travis World
5. Trouble In The Morning - V’Ghn
6. Rag Storm (feat. 3 Canal) - Super Blue
7. Water Blessings - Iwer George
8. Funky Business - Fimba
9. Soca Land - Jamesy P
10. Vent - Teddyson John X Intl Stephen
11. My Sweet Sweet Woman - Tony Prescott
12. Come Inside – Sean Caruth
13. Cyan Function - Rikki Jai
14. Wine After Wine - Hypasounds
15. Manager - Jus D
16. Feting Family - Mikey
17. Pull It Up - Ricky T

Riddim Salut from Yaadcore

In Jamaica, reggae and dancehall are built on a set of foundation riddims: Tried-and-tested instrumental tracks which return time and again to soundtrack new songs and movements, connecting the current day’s artists and producers with the music’s deep roots.

On his latest mixtape, Riddim Salut Vol. 1, renowned Jamaican DJ/selector YAADCORE pays tribute to Jamaican riddim culture, blending exclusive dubplates from reggae music’s top names (Chronixx, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Koffee) with classic riddims (Cuss Cuss, M16, Heavenless) from the reggae canon. The result is a one-of-a-kind mixtape that’s an illuminating listen for both reggae neophytes and experts alike.

Listen to Riddim Salut here:  

https://soundcloud.com/yaadcore/riddim-salut

ABOUT YAADCORE

As the creator of the popular Reggae Aroma mixtape series, founder of the global party Dubwise Jamaica, and the first person to play leading lights Chronixx and Protoje over the Jamaican airwaves, YAADCORE is one of the most prominent and influential DJs working in reggae today.

Having cemented his place as a pivotal tastemaker, he is now making his mark as a producer and vocalist with his first original recordings. His debut solo track, “Ready Now,” will be out May 3rd via Delicious Vinyl Island and 12 Yaad Records. Riddim Salut — that’s Salut, with no ‘E’ —  is the name of both his new mixtape series, and a new traveling party launching in 2019.

Marijuana Fih Blaze - Jah Cure x Damian Marley

Grammy Nominated Reggae Superstar, Grammy Nominated Reggae Superstar, Jah Cure has released his next single “Marijuana” featuring Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley on VP Records, just in time for 4/20. In addition to the songs release, the “Marijuana” video will premiere on Complex April 19th. To add to the celebration, Jah Cure and Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley will be supporting 4/20 parties around the U.S., providing patrons with limited edition “Marijuana” rolling papers, posters, and more. (List of parties below)

Produced and written by Jah Cure, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, Frederick Seymour and Anwar McDonald for Iyah Cure Music Ltd., “Marijuana” praises the wonderful euphoria of cannabis in a smooth and rhythmic serenade. With the growing acceptance and supporting research of cannabis, recreational consumption, medical benefits, economic profit and other benefits, “Marijuana” embraces its conscious use. In the song, both Jah Cure and Damian deliver educational lyrics, “CBD is my medicine… Legal drugs, they killing us” and “the seeds can replace your petroleum” which speak about not only the holistic practice of marijuana but the “Green Energy” movement as well. 

Jah Cure received his Grammy nomination for The Cure for Best Reggae Album in 2015. “The Cure” held the #1 spot for 3 consecutive weeks after its debut and steadily remained on the Top 10 U.S. Music Charts. Jah Cure’s next album is anticipated for release this Summer and along with “Marijuana”, will feature previously released singles “Risk it All” featuring Phyllisia Ross, “Life is Real” featuring Popcaan and the recently released “Pretty Face.”

“Jah Cure consistently puts out good music and we are very proud of this song,” said Neil “Diamond” Edwards Senior Director of A&R at VP Records. “Jah Cure’s vocals combined with the great lyrics by Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley makes this song rich with potential to become an anthem for 4/20 and beyond. It is also a nice sample of what’s to come with the upcoming album by Jah Cure.”

Produced and written by by Jah Cure, Damian Marley, Frederick Seymour and Anwar McDonald for Iyah Cure Music Ltd., “Marijuana” praises the wonderful euphoria of cannabis in a smooth and rhythmic serenade. With the growing acceptance and supporting research of cannabis, recreational consumption, medical benefits, economic profit and other benefits, “Marijuana” embraces its conscious use. In the song, both Jah Cure and Damian deliver educational lyrics, “CBD is my medicine… Legal drugs, they killing us” and “the seeds can replace your petroleum” which speak about not only the holistic practice of marijuana but the “Green Energy” movement as well.

Jah Cure received his Grammy nomination for The Cure for Best Reggae Album in 2015. The Cure held the #1 spot for 3 consecutive weeks after its debut and steadily remained on the Top 10 U.S. Music Charts. Jah Cure’s next album is anticipated for release this Summer and along with “Marijuana”, will feature previously released singles “Risk it All” featuring Phyllisia Ross, “Life is Real” featuring Popcaan and the recently released “Pretty Face.”

“Jah Cure consistently puts out good music and we are very proud of this song,” said Neil “Diamond” Edwards Senior Director of A&R at VP Records. “Jah Cure’s vocals combined with the great lyrics by Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, makes this song rich with potential to become an anthem for 4/20 and beyond. It is also a nice sample of what’s to come with the upcoming album by Jah Cure.”

Watch the video on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tx11p0kv7Y&feature=youtu.be

Ivory Coasts Annual Music Festival: FEMUA

In the 70s and 80s Ivory Coast’s capital Abidjan was a major musical hub in West Africa. After a series of political crises, Abidjan is back. The Zouglou sound of the 1990s and the coupé decalé rage that followed are being reinvented in the era of Afrobeats and African hip-hop. The group Magic System is now invited to play major events in France—including President Macron’s election victory party! The group’s front man Asalfo has launched an annual music festival in Abidjan, FEMUA. On this program, Afropop Worldwide attends the festival to hear the sounds and stories of Abidjan’s cultural and commercial renaissance.

Produced by Elodie Maillot and Alejandro Van Zandt-Escobar.

Listen to the 1-hour highlights here:  http://afropop.org/audio-programs/abidjan-a-new-musical-el-dorado

Aretha Franklin Makes History With Posthumous Pulitzer Prize

Aretha Franklin is still getting R-E-S-P-E-C-T after death: The Queen of Soul on Monday received the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, becoming the first individual woman to earn the honor since it was first awarded in 1930.

The Pulitzer board said the award was given to Franklin for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades.

Franklin died Aug. 16 at her home in Detroit from pancreatic cancer at age 76.

The superstar singer also was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when she entered the prestigious organization in 1987.

The Pulitzer board most recently awarded a special citation prize in 2010 to Hank Williams, the country music legend who died in 1953. From the arts world, other recipients include Duke Ellington, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, George Gershwin, Ray Bradbury, William Schuman, Milton Babbitt, Scott Joplin, Roger Sessions, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

Franklin’s inclusion into the exclusive club reconfirms the impact her music — and voice — had and continues to have on the world.

Read the full article thanks to my friends at THR here:  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/aretha-franklin-makes-history-posthumous-pulitzer-prize-1202155

Take a Walk on the Reggae Trail

VP Records, the world’s largest reggae label, continues the yearlong celebration of its 40th anniversary announcing today the launch of the first phase of The Reggae Trail, an interactive map of locations in New York City that helped make the music genre an integral part of life in the city over the past five decades. 

“The first phase of the project, launches in conjunction with Record Store Day 2019, includes New York area reggae and Caribbean record stores with significant in-house record labels,” said Carter Van Pelt, VP Records’ Director of Catalog Development. “These include several dozen initial locations, chosen from literally hundreds.”

The Trail will grow to include recording studios, performance spaces, and also identify individuals who nurtured the growth of reggae, a globally influential genre from Jamaica recognized recently by UNESCO as a cultural heritage asset. Virtual visitors to the website will see how the growth of reggae mirrored the migration patterns of Jamaican and other Caribbean immigrant communities in the city. On April 13, Record Store Day attendees at the VP Records location in Queens, NY, will receive a printed version, free with purchase.  

“The idea began ten years ago when I pinned a set of locations in Google Maps of the New York area addresses I found on vinyl records,” said Van Pelt. “I didn’t initially take it beyond several dozen locations, but I could see the potential. Richard Lue, VP Records’ Director of Business Development, had a similar concept that showcased the role of VP Records in the history of reggae in New York. The Reggae Trail is a combination of these ideas.”

VP Records Reggae Trail

The Trail’s first phase highlights top record stores that brought the music to the people starting in the early 1960s. One of these is VP Records, which moved from Kingston, Jamaica, to Brooklyn and eventually Jamaica Queens in the late 1970s, becoming a major distributor and label in the global spread of reggae. After 40 years, VP Records’ flagship retail space is one of the oldest continuously operated records stores in the Northeast. Other locations of note on the Reggae Trail include Brooklyn’s former Super Power Records, Jah Life, and Coxson’s Music City; Wackie’s House Of Music in the Bronx, and Brooklyn’s 50-year old African Record Centre (the oldest of the group still in operation). Users can click on shop names and obtain a brief history, which includes everything from when it opened to classic productions that emanated from there. Users are strongly encouraged to tag @vprecords and use the hashtag #reggaetrail in social media posts to suggest additional locations or to offer images of their own.

“This project is very exciting and rich in its potential,” said Richard Lue, VP Records’ Director Of Business Development. “The Reggae Trail will continue to grow and the plan is to fill out as much detail about the history of reggae in New York as possible, giving users an opportunity to visit these past and present locations and understand how Caribbean immigration influenced the culture of the city over the past 50 years.”

To experience The Reggae Trail, go to www.thereggaetrail.com. For more information on VP Records, visit www.vprecords.com. 

rising | NIGHT LOVELL

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced today the release of the second episode of JUNO TV’s docuseries, Rising. The online content series, funded by Ontario Creates, examines the creative process behind various up-and-coming Canadian artists. The project launched in November 2018, with its debut video starring duo Once A Tree, and the latest installment shares the story of one of Canada’s best kept secrets in rap, Night Lovell. Watch episode two on The JUNO Awards YouTube Channel as of April 5, 2019. 

“I’m honoured to be a part of this project by JUNO TV,” said Shermar Paul aka Night Lovell. “I want to show people that you can do things on your own terms and still be successful, no matter where you live. I love Canada, and I love Ottawa – I’m excited to show everyone what inspires me and where my music comes from.”

“Night Lovell was the genesis of this series,” said Director Avery Stedman. “From the beginning, I knew we needed to try and tell his story. He completely embodies what it means to be independent, successful and underground — not relying on anyone but himself and his close-knit team to spread his music. It’s crazy to me how unknown he is, even in a lot of music circles, when you look at the numbers he’s been putting up. Aside from being insanely talented and hardworking, Lovell and his team are some of the most dedicated and humble people I’ve met. I’m beyond excited to share this story and help more people discover Night Lovell.”  

Episode Two: Night Lovell

In the second episode, Night Lovell, 22, shares the parts of his life that have shaped who he is and how they’ve helped form the music he creates. Hailing from and residing in Ottawa, Ontario, he explains how pivotal the city has been throughout his journey and in molding his unique sound. 

The rapper released his new album, Goodnight Lovell, on February 22, 2019 and he continues to remain unsigned - making and distributing his music independently. The latest episode can be viewed here. 

Revellers Treasure Island for Toronto Carnival

Toronto Revellers Band Leader and Raptors Assistant Coach, Jamaal Magloire will be hosting its 2019 costume reveal fashion show on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at The York Mills Gallery at 9:00 p.m., under this year’s theme; TREASURE ISLAND.  Juno-award winning artist and celebrity guest, Jully Black will also walk the runway in her first-ever “masquarade” experience.

“This collaboration is more than a movement and it’s contagious in all the right ways,” exclaimed Black. “I first met Jamaal when we were 13 years old and who knew that 27 years later, in spite of the incredible places our careers have taken us, our true callings would reunite us to build the biggest cross-cultural bridge in the history of our country that is big enough for everyone to cross!”

Magloire added, “Jully did such a wonderful job headlining my charity event last month, that I asked her to join me and my Toronto Revellers to play mas this year,” said Magloire.  “She represents everything that my masquerade band stands for: strength, confidence, inclusiveness, beauty and fun, especially with her ‘100 Strong & Sexy’ initiative.”

 Hosted by guest emcee Akil Augustine (NBATV Host/Producer), the evening is expected to attract 1,000+ guests for a vibrant celebration to signal the start of registration for the upcoming summer festivities.  The costume launch marks the beginning of the 2019 carnival season, and will feature an elaborate production, fashion show reveal of costumes, along with live music by Revellers DJ’s DOC, D’Ultimate Sting, Joshua Lucas, and more.

“Together we can do amazing things to educate and inspire people, particularly women and girls, through my Jamaal Magloire Foundation, using the Revellers cultural experience as the platform,” said Malgoire. “We are called ‘The People’s Band’ because every cultural background, age, body, and gender is welcome.  Its all about celebrating who we are and can’t wait to showcase this on North America’s largest cultural stage.”

Black added, “When Jamaal asked me to join his Toronto Revellers and play mas this year for the first time in my life I instantly said yes, for the young Jully Black who struggled with body image issues, for the 247 Women who are members of my Women and Girls empowerment initiative, ‘100 Strong & Sexy’, who together are ‘Restoring Faith In Female Friendships,’ and for all the masqueraders who want to join us and jump up this August in the best health of their lives mind, body and spirit. Together we’ll show the world that confidence is the best form of currency one can possess.”

Tickets for the Toronto Revellers 2019 costume launch event still available at www.ticketgateway.com.  For more information and online costume registration, please visitwww.TorontoRevellers.com.

Strictly Vinyl ... Record Store Day 2019

Saturday April 13th, 2019 is Record Store Day so for its special vinyl-only Records Store Day 2019 titles, VP Records reaches into its early history and two of its important sublabels. 

A 7-record box set of 7-inch singles on the collectible Roots From The Yard label highlights the early years of the company, when records were pressed on behalf of independent producers on a variety of sublabels including Roots From The Yard. The set includes tracks from Barrington Levy (“A Yah Me Deh”), Bim Sherman (“Mighty Ruler”), The Mighty Fantells (“Every Where”), Junior Delgado (“Tishan”), Freddie McKay (“I Man”/”Creation”), Earth & Stone (“Wicked Haffe Dress Back”), and Linval Thompson (“Roll River Jordan”).

The next title is Nightfall, a deep collector’s rarity from reggae and dancehall icon Johnny Osbourne. Released in 1981 on VP’s Jah Guidance imprint, the album features heavy mixes and extended dubs produced by Linval Thompson, with the Roots Radics band, and engineered by Hopeton “Scientist” Brown. A companion release produced by Thompson, the 12-inch single by Freddie McKay “Another Weekend,” backed with Earl Sixteen’s “Live Together” is featured as a Record Store Day title in Europe on VP’s subsidiary label Greensleeves.

The final Record Store Day title is the Roots Radics 12 Inches Of Dub, a spectacular and never before released dub companion to General Echo’s 1980 Greensleeves album 12 Inches Of Pleasure, produced by Henry “Junjo” Lawes, and again featuring the Roots Radics in their prime with heavy mixes by Scientist.

VP Records will celebrate Record Store Day 2019 on April 13th at its flagship retail location on Jamaica Avenue in Queens, New York and its store in Miramar, Florida with a day of special DJ and soundsystem performances celebrating and featuring vinyl records. Events will be streamed live on the VP Records YouTube channel.

Follow @GreensleevesRecords @17northparade @vprecords @vprecordsretailny @vprecordsfloridaretail on Instagram and tag pictures of these releases at #recordstoreday #RSD19 #vinyylrecords #33rpm #45rpm and @recordstoreday and @recordstoredayus.

... and the Billboard Music Awards Nominees Are ...?!

Cardi B is the most-nominated artist for the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, earning nominations in categories such as top artist, top female artist, top rap artist and top rap album to name a few of the 18 categories she is in. 

Cardi B (Getty Images)

The Bronx native has so much love from fans and fellow musicians that it’s difficult to not already see her as the winner.  She’s definitely the Queen of hearts!  The “I Like It” singer who made history this year as the only female rapper to win the best rap album Grammy, will compete for the top prize against Drake, Ariana Grande, Post Malone and Travis Scott.

Drake and Post Malone earned the second-highest number of nominations, with each artist gaining 17.  Travis Scott earned 12 nominations, followed by the late XXXTentacion with 10 and Ariana Grande with 9.

Kelly Clarkson is set to return as host for the 2019 telecast, which airs live on NBC, Wednesday May 1^st, 2019 at 8pm ET from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

P.S.  I hope Billboard shows a fitting tribute to Nipsey Hussle which honors his musical legacy and the extensive work he has done to uplift the Crenshaw community in LA as well as the attitudes of youth overall.

See the full list of nominees thanks to my friends at The Hollywood Reporter here:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2019-billboard-music-award-nominations-1199238

4th Annual Hush Weekend in Washington DC

The summer does NOT officially begin until we say HUSH Weekend!!! That’s right, Washington, D.C.’s premiere weekend is back with a bang, celebrating it’s 4th anniversary with an awesome line up of events that will span Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26, 2019.

The annual destination event weekend promises revelers a fun-filled party and entertainment experience beneath the beaming city lights of Washington, D.C. and it’s booming surrounding area. Set to be it’s best edition yet, Hush Weekend will feature 4 days of pulsating music, energy, vibes and frankly the sexiest people on the planet!

Each year, Hush Weekend draws thousands of Caribbean, International and Popular music enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable weekend of culturally themed entertainment and fun!! This year, 5 events will erupt over the event weekend including the kick off “Shhhhh!” Silent Headphones Party at D.C. hot spot Big Chief on Thursday, May 23, “We Love the 80’s 90’s & 00’s” on Friday, May 24 at Fire Station 1, “French Toast” Breakfast Party and “Pure” The All White Party on Saturday, May 25 and “Glow” The Foam Party on Sunday, May 25.

Further solidifying the chock-full weekend is the amazing line up of national, international and award winning DJs including Renaissance Disco, Natural Freaks, Chinese Assasin, Superslice, Half Krazy, Ablaze, Fyah Oats, Kilo Vibes and more to be announced! What makes Hush Weekend an iconic entertainment experience is the awesome collective of tastemakers and promoters that bring the event to life each year including Dwayne Simpson, Devon Charles, Ramondo Green and Santana Salazar.

Launched by Simpson in 2016, Hush Weekend has evolved into a prominent entertainment brand. While Caribbean entertainment is a driving force for the weekend, the event has expanded to feature an impressive fusion of music genre.

“We are humbled by Hush Weekend’s continued patronage and growth over the past four years,” says the Hush Weekend promotions team. “We set out to raise the bar in Caribbean entertainment, while exposing the allure of the Nation’s capital, and believe that we are well on our way!”

For more information and tickets, visit www.hushweekend.com. Follow @hushweekenddmv2019

#hushweekend2019 #hushweekenddmv2019 

Denroy Morgan Musically Heads to Africa!

Reggae singer Denroy Morgan has come full circle. He started out as a solo singer scoring a huge pop hit, “I’ll Do Anything For You”, in 1981, before dedicating his life to pushing the efforts of his children, Morgan Heritage and LMS, to international fame. Now, he has returned to the music industry, to push the careers of African reggae singers, young men who he says are members of his “extended spiritual family.” 

“God is showing me a balance. I am an African born in Jamaica, who spent a portion of my life in the US, my kids were born in the US and spent their developing years in Jamaica, growing and understanding the energy, and bussing with the Jamaican energy. Now, my kids are on a pioneering mission in Africa, they are the next generation of pioneers, and I am doing my part to unearth talent in Africa, and to bring their music to the Jamaica and the world,” Morgan said. 

Recently, Morgan resurrected his music career, returning to the stage with his band, the Black Eagles, and he also sought out recording talent from the worlds treasure chest known as Africa. He spent several months recording an EP entitled ‘Missing You,’ recording tracks with artistes such as Nyasha David of Zimbabwe, Latitude of South Africa, Vagavybz of Rwanda, Q-Nel of Ghana, and Bravoo of Kenya. 

“These young men are my sons of the outer circle, the children of the outer circle, my spirit family, and they are incredibly talented and I have the blueprint to introduce them to the world,” he said. 

Morgan is the father of 30 children, 15 of whom he shares with Hyacinth Morgan, affectionately called ‘Emo’. He has been able to use the sheer force of his presence and his charisma to introduce new artistes to the world. He did it first with Morgan Heritage, a reggae band formed in 1994 by five of his children namely Peter “Peetah” Morgan, Una Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan, and Memmalatel “Mr. Mojo” Morgan. Morgan Heritage have toured internationally and released a number of reggae albums including the 2015 Grammy Award winning Strictly Roots. He also enjoyed success with the group LMS, which included his son  Laza  “One By One” Morgan who has had some of his own hit records as well.

Morgan is confident he can do it again.

Tony Anthony Covers Tom Jones "That Wonderful Sound!"

Lover’s Rock; the most sacred sub-genre of Reggae originated in the UK, is the kind of groove that an artist has to get right, or don’t bother at all.  Well friend, Canada’s Tony Anthony has this chune so right that it will have a permanent home on radio and on the playlists of fans who covet the genre.

Produced by Mark Bennett, and with music and vocal production by Ifield Joseph, and Willie Lindo and Kashief Lindo on the Mix and Mastering for Phylani Music, you quickly begin to see why predicting “That Wonderful Sound” by Tony Anthony will be a hit record, and there’s history too!

Tony Anthony

Originally performed by the legend Tom Jones, and covered by Jamaica’s highly regarded Dobby Dobson, Tony Anthony’s version of the song sits among musical greats.

The premise of the song hears a man talk about his special lady and the fact that her voice is that wonderful sound.”  Tony sings “as I write this letter / my hearts beating much too fast for my pen / soon I’ll be in your arms again / to think I’ll be with you / to taste all those sweet, sweet kisses once more / darling that’s what I’m longing for….”

If you happen to be a sonic-phile, you will love the bass line and the ‘runs’ from the horns as well as the ‘strut’ of the riddim guitar.  Tony’s vocals are so rich and clear and well pitched, you’re in a vocal goldmine.  About the song, Tony says “I loved every moment of putting this song together.  The team did an incredible job and I think fans, returning and new, will enjoy this track.  This is for all the lovers!”

Available on iTunes today is “That Wonderful Sound using this link:  Connect with the artist on IG to send direct feedback >>> @tonyanthonymuze

DJ ECOOL Makes it a Night To Remember!

It was definitely a night to remember!

Award winning Disc Jockey, Producer, Actor and MC, DJ Ecool, performed at TheLoft (Center Stage) , located at 1374 West Peachtree Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30309 on Friday, March 22, 2019. Doors opened and 6:00pm and the show was from 7:00pm to 11:30pm.

A crowd of over 500 were in attendance to celebrate DJ Ecool’s birthday concert. Ecool is well known for his effortless blend of Afrobeats with Hip-Hop, Pop, EDM and Top 40. To give the local Atlanta fan the full feel of an Ecool Concert Experience the event featured over 20 entertainers that ranged from recording artist, musicians, DJs and dancers. Davido, Dremo, 
Danagog, Efya, DJ Tunez, Coca Vango, Kiddominant & more blessed the stage. Ecool knew how to keep the party going by giving the people an unforgettable experience on the filled with music and performances.

As the night came to an end, DJ Ecool couldn’t help gushing over the massive energy and love in the room. He made sure to express his gratitude one more time before leaving the stage.   Here’s a video highlight of some of the performances.
https://youtu.be/fo8WC5XAsF0

Etana's Reggae Forever Tour!

Grammy Award nominated reggae artist Etana celebrates her Grammy Award nominated album Reggae Forever with much anticipated dates for a 2019 tour. The Reggae Forever tour kicks off this March 16, 2019 in Kingston, Jamaica and have added new dates and shows in major cities including TX, CO, MN, IL, and CA as well as internationally.
 
Etana is excited to announce this 2019 tour in support of her album Reggae Forever. Reggae Forever received a prestigious Grammy Award nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. Etana is the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. The last time a female artist was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. 
 

 

The worldwide smash album Reggae Forever is available at digital retailers including iTunes.

 

Tour Dates and Locations include:

• March 16, 2019 at National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
• April 13, 2019 at Reunion Island, Ravine Saint-Leu
• April 17, 2019 at Last Concert Café, Houston TX
• April 18, 2019 at Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill, Dallas, TX
• April 19, 2019 at Queen of Sheba, Oklahoma City, OK
• April 20, 2019 at Flamingo Cantina, Austin, TX
• April 21, 2019 at Austin Reggae Festival, Austin, TX
• April 24, 2019 at Club Viva, St. Louis, MO
• April 26, 2019 at Ophelia’s, Denver, CO
• April 28, 2019 at The Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO
• May 1, 2019 at The Cabooze, Minneapolis, MN
• May 2, 2019 at The Wild Hare, Chicago, IL
• May 3, 2019 at Kola Lounge, Farmington Hills, MI
• May 4, 209 at The Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH
• May 5, 2019 at Pearl Street Warehouse, Washington, DC
• May 11, 2019 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, Kenya
• May 19, 2019 at Unifest, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• May 26, 2019 at Surfside Salisbury Beach, Salisbury, MA
• May 27, 2019 at UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival, Los Angeles, CA
• June 12, 2019 at Oland Roots Festival, Oland, Sweden
• June 15, 2019 at The Grinch Events Center, San Jose, Costa Rica
• August 2, 2019 at One Love Festival, Wiesen, Austria
• August 3, 2019 at Island Soul Music Fest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

King Shine 'Shines' at World Fight Club!

New Jersey’s King Shine sound came out victorious over Brooklyn’s Kosmik Movements and Platinum Kids from the Bronx, to become the very first World Fight Club (WFC) champion.

Set to the backdrop of Brooklyn, North America’s sound clash mecca, New York region dancehall and clash fans poured into Linden Hall, to witness Platinum Kids (also Aidonia's USA management team), Kosmik Movements along with veteran selector Johnny Killa (most known for being dancehall icon Matterhorn's selector for many years), and King Shine battle it out for the champion title.

The exciting rivalry between all three sounds made it a night of settling unfinished business. One part of the rivalry stemmed from the 2016 New Jersey Cup Clash of which Kosmik and King Shine competed, but ended in controversy. Additionally, all three contenders faced off in the 2017 US Rumble (along with 4 additional sounds), which ended in an upset as the most inexperienced clash competitor of that line up—Platinum Kids—came out with an unexpected win over seasoned clash sounds.

King Shine has had a couple of controversial clash endings versus clash legends like Ricky Trooper, as well as Pink Panther, and most recently one of Brooklyn’s “Big Four”, the legendary Earthruler Sound.  A clean win for the New Jersey titan, King Shine’s deadly performance in WFC Round One was a historic moment—the New Jersey native killed two sounds from New York, in New York.

Saturday’s launch of World Fight Club marks the beginning of a new era in the international sound clash arena. The all-new league stands out among other clash brands because only true thoroughbreds in the global arena can face the ultimate test of top tier musical savvy, and wit, in WFCs classic sound clash format of less sounds, and longer rounds. Additionally, contenders in WFC compete for a beautiful belt, of which they must continuously earn the right to keep versus future contenders from all over the world.

Produced by North America’s legendary sound system, King Addies, the sound clash icons encourage all sounds and DJs worldwide to get involved. Co-manager of King Addies, Shinez, says “We are about showcasing authentic Jamaican sound system culture to wider audiences…it’s the only way to push the culture forward.”