◄◄◄ Throwback Thursday! The Princess Gone ‘Rollin’ with Adrenalin!

The vibes are turned up (((LOUD))) in the studio right now, as I hold a reasoning with Roland McDermott of Born Rollin Productions! 

Some have heard the name because of the recent promotion of Iba Mahr.  Others know the name because of the amount of work Rollin has done with several artists.  Others still know the name because they want to know why the Princess Gone ‘rollin!’ 

The year was 2000 when Roland produced the riddim Adrenalin Rush (“Wine and Roses” by Anthony B, “When” by Junior Kelly featuring Igena and “Princess Gone” by Jah Mason).  The riddim, recorded live at Tuff Gong Studio’s in Kingston, featured the musicianship of Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace on Drums, Rohan Garden on Riddim Guitar, Strickland Stone (Dubtonic Kru) on Bass, Mikey Fletcher on Acoustic Guitar, Obeah on Keyboards as well as Christopher Birch on Keyboards.  The riddim was mixed by Shane C. Brown!  That was the beginning of history!  

Of the riddim Rollin says “I feel great about the success of the riddim and the Jah Mason song Princess Gone.  It didn’t hit in Jamaica at first, it actually hit in Barbados and Trinidad and overseas.  Within Jamaica, Irie FM was giving the riddim a lot of love.  Jocks like Ron Mushcette, Mighty Mike, Elise Kelly and Sunshine were playing it and giving it strength!” 

Of the single Princess Gone Rollin says “I had given the riddim to Jah Mason from before so he could vibes to the riddim.  It was a Sunday when he came to the studio to record.  As Sandy Davis said ‘red light,’ Jah Mason began to record, and the whole song, everything you hear, was recorded in one take and it was done on reel to reel – analog, not digital.  As soon as Jah Mason finished recording, he looked at us and said, that is a hit song.” 

That my friend was Roland McDermott’s first riddim he ever produced and the hits keep coming! 

Today, we throw it back with Roland McDermott and the chune “Princess Gone” performed by Jah Mason, taken from the album The Saga Bed produced by Roland!

 



Richie Spice – Soothing Sounds: Acoustic

Sometimes the best way to experience Reggae music, not Dancehall, but Reggae, is via a live stage show with a band.  Depending on where you live, or even economic situation, that may not be possible.  Richie Spice offers the perfect solution.

Just released is his album Soothing Sounds:  Acoustic which hears some of his most famous songs set to a canvass of the acoustic sound – minimal instruments and most importantly, without electronic touch.

The 15 track disk features songs like “True Love,” “Free” (which I’ve been playing on my radio show for the past month), and “Searching.”  The highlight of “Searching” is the drumming which accentuates the urgency of the heartbeat.  Absolutely brilliant!

In addition to the ‘acoustics’ accentuating the sound, Spice reminds us that he is one of us and understands the struggles that we face as he faces them too.  The gist is we are all in this together.  When the background singer sings “whoa” on the song “Hang On In Deh,” it’s a cry on our behalf – the people who are suffering.

On the flip side, songs like “My Girl” bring out the lover in Spice and his listeners too.  This is the kind of song makes couples snuggle up closer, rock and sway and be thankful they have one another.  This track is definitely another favourite.  Spicing up (pun intended) the love offering is track 10 called ‘All Night” in which Spice uses a Banjo for effect.  Musical Murdah!

For some reason, we the listener, connect with Spice’s voice, and don’t have the interference of multiple instruments – our ears are opened and hearts receptive to the much needed messages and the actionable encouragement.

P.S.  Track 15 is a surprise, and one you will Love!

If you want your own private concert with Richie Spice as the featured artist, this album is for you!  Get it here:

Vybz Kartel and Teetimus on UFO MEDZ!

Established in his own right, Teetimus da producer is well known amongst music circles for his cutting edge sound and avante garde ear for matching artists with multi-genre sounds.  Teetimus’s newest project is no exception to this standard as he’s the first producer to make Vybz Kartel ‘pop!’ 

Merging Pop with Techno and a splash of electronic, Teetimus (as the producer) lays the musical groundwork for Vybz Kartel to deliver one of his most well received cross-over performances in the song called “U.F.O. MEDZ” which features the Dancehall King and Teetimus the Rockstar.  

Recently released to the worlds’ most prominent DJ’s, initial feedback to the song exceeded the teams expectations.  “We knew the DJ’s were going to like the track” said Teetimus from his recording studio in New York, “but we didn’t expect it to be so well received by the Pop and Techno audience.  Vybz Kartel did a great job with the track – he really is dih teacha!” 

For Vybz Kartel, shying away from a track so forward thinking for the Pop genre was not an option.  The artist recorded his vocals in Jamaica prior to incarceration and expressed that the Pop / Electronica sound will allow him to gain fans of a wider background.  “Teetimus approached me with this track and the result is great.  I stayed true to Dancehall while working with a new genre.  Fans are going to appreciate it.” 

Already available on iTunes, the track has gained a lot of traction with sites such as Chromaticmag.com, Spotlightnow.com and Yardhype.com.  The preview, available on YouTube, is one of the most searched, marking another sign that the single is on deck to being a hit. 

No stranger to success, Teetimus the Rockstar earned several accolades as the co-producer of Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley’s 2012 hit song “Affairs of the Heart,” Trey Songz “Ladies Gone Wild” and Mr. Vegas “Bruk It Dung,” and is in negotiations to produce a track for a very prominent and Grammy award winning female rapper.

 

 



HOTTT New Music Video! Sample King – Jam Dung Gangnam Style!

2 weeks ago Sample King’s chune “Jam Dung Gangnam Style” was sent out to top DJ’s around the world, and 2 weeks ago, a Tsunami of support poured in for the chune making it the most played version in Jamaica, and making it the most requested by fans inside and outside of Jamaica.  The popularity is at such a high, Sample has had to make several television appearances.  Murdah! 

With such success, what else could possibly come from this chune?!  A video!  Not just any video, a certified top rated and added to every music video network kind of video!  Yes! 

Featured in the video are Jamaica’s top dancers such as Ding Dong, John Hype, Collo Collo, Sample 6, G Unit, Blazing Blaw, Boyzie, Gabby Don, Black Bling and more.  What you will also appreciate about the video is Sample King involving Moms, kids and even dogs, yes dogs are doing the Jam Dung Gangnum Style in the video!  Madd!

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJBQE4d9GWc&feature=youtu.be

Throwback Thursday - Alamo Is Ya Wit Me?!

If you were to Google DJ Alamo, you wouldn’t find much by way of information about him.  You’ll find ample reference to Brand Nubian and Grand Puba, and you’ll find reference to the fact that he is Sadat X’s cousin.  Apart from that, there isn’t much else to find, so I had to turn to the music! 

Alamo, according to his micro blogging page Twitter ( @alamoworldcom ) is still active in the game as a producer.  We also know that he’s a huge New York Knicks fan, he drinks Hennessey, eats Rice-a-Roni and is mean with Instagram:  http://instagram.com/alamoworld/ ! 

One of the most famous songs recorded by Grand Puba is “What Goes Around,” and one of the most famous lines from the song is ‘Alamo is yuh wit me?,’ and yes, he is.  What we learn from that song, and movements following the song, is DJ Alamo is one of the most loyal people in the game.  He could have left Puba when Brand Nubian split, but he didn’t, he chose to stay. 

Always with Vinyl in hand, Alamo is an incredible producer, banging out such classics as 1995’s “Playin the Game” from the album 2000 as well as the song “Don’t Waste My Time.” 

For today’s Throwback Thursday, I’m kickin it old school style with Grand Puba and DJ Alamo and the song 360 Degrees (What Goes Around)! 

P.S.  This blog gets filed under the header, I always wondered what happened to (fill in your blank here)!  Peace and Bless and Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate!

 



HOTTT New Reggae! Busy Signal – Come Shock Out!

In Art, the Renaissance period is described as was a cultural movement that spanned the period roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the late middle ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe.

In Reggae and Dancehall we are in the Renaissance period right now.  Our ‘cultural movement’ is returning to its roots; the roots where our music and our culture was born and impacted the world.  With that being said, one of the artists at the forefront of the Renaissance period is Busy Signal. 

Since Busy has been home, he has been overwhelmed.  The love from fans and the love from his peers was enough to cause him to express thanks and gratitude for all the support.  It also caused him to express that he knows the power of God and the power of prayer, especially when you’re on the right side of the battle. 

Busy’s newest chune, brand new, just released from the studio today is “Come Shock Out.”  Taking fans back to the days of early Dancehall when DJ’s took the mic and a selector from ‘such and such’ sound mixed, Busy throws these lyrics:  “caw me say 1966 Selassie touch Jamaica / ah real argument dah one yah anno faker / every morning as mih rise me haffi read ah scripture / fih attack pagan like dih pear harbor….”  The emphasis is on the sound “AH” as if to be a bellow / cry / roar from Busy’s soul saying “ahhhhhhhhhhhh” they couldn’t keep me away! 

Musical Murdah! 

If you think the lyrics catch you, wait until you hear the riddim Shane C. Brown re-licked to make Busy’s chune come to life.  Double Murdah!

 

 

http://soundcloud.com/natashas-music-box/busy-signal-come-shock-out

 

 

Protoje – Kingston Be Wise!

There is one music video that right now is on the tongues, computer screens and flat screens of the masses, and that music video is “Kingston Be Wise.”  By extension, the artist who performs the chune, Protoje is also at the Reggae forefront; not because of his cool handsome exterior (sex does not play a role in this but Protoje is a handsome man), nor because of his exuding swag, but because of the hard hitting lyrics we cannot go around. 

Beginning with the music, the riddim was produced by veteran Don Corleon, and the track is taken from Protoje’s soon to be released album The 8 Year Affair (hits all digital retail outlets January, 2013).  In the chune, Proto as he’s nicknamed asks us to be wise.  Why?  Because the source of our information (the news via television) is controlled by interest groups and that means we don’t always get the full story hence the punch line “Kingston Be Wise.” 

Adding to the already great offering of sound and voice, we have the vocal ‘riff’ of the ‘Stepping it hot’ Don, Mr. Ini Kimoze making this song one of the hottest to close out 2012.  If this track is any indication of what we can expect from the album, I’d say Kingston, and Jamaica, and the world has a lot to be thankful for. 

P.S.  The video accurately depicts life in the city that gives so much life! 

Check the video right here:

 







HOTTT New Music! Toya Alexis ft. JLogix – Dope Girl!

Not afraid of approaching different genres, Toronto’s JLogix (Dancehall) teams with Toya Alexis (R&B) for a collaboration called “Dope Girl!”

The focus of this song is not so much the music, but the artsts bravery in approaching an issue that many people are involved with, or know people to be involved with.  What is that issue?!  An affair, in particular, the part of the affair where the female wants to be more than the woman on the side, and feels a promotion is deserved to the role of Wife.

What does a dude do when things get to that point?!  JLogix gives the answer that is not necessarily what his chick wants to hear.  Her response to his response is equally as interesting! 

She says:  “you know what I’m gonna say is true / it’s coming straight from my heart / boo / has everything to do with you / first let me start by saying baby I love you / and it’s breaking my heart to have to step to you this way / but still I hold my head up high as I say / that I’m sick and tired of being / your lady on the side ….” 

He says:  “I treat you like a Queen what is this right now cho / yuh hit me like a brick with this flip right now / yuh getting caught up like a zit right now / and hit me real hard with this smit like sound ….” 

Oh boy … here we go!

 

P.S.  This is  Soundsmith Production!

 

 

The Return Riddim Produced by Shane C. Brown

The word ‘return’ has a lot of meaning in the physical and the spiritual, especially where Shane C. Brown is concerned.  In one way, the return marks the return of him as a producer embracing his Reggae Roots; mind you, Shane has always been a strong vocalist for Reggae.  The Return Riddim shows off how deep his return goes.  That’s one. 

The ‘return’ also marks Morgan Heritage coming back to centre stage as a group, and not as individual artists.  The ‘return’ also sees our star Busy Signal back on Jamaican soil … our artist has ‘returned’ back home.  This riddim is significant! 

Musically, Shane’s focus is on the horns as they play a prominent role in this production.  The horns are playing in unison as opposed to a Sax riff ‘here’ and a trumpet riff ‘there.’  This unison is a reflection of the unity the Reggae industry has taken about the music as a whole. 

Moving on, the artistic line up on this riddim is something to celebrate!  Assassin a.k.a. Agent Sasco with his deeply reflective lyrics, Exco Levi with his metaphor to us not being a cow therefore we cannot be ‘cowed’ down, Romain Virgo who will not forget where he’s coming from and Shereita whose ting ah ‘shot,’ not to mention Yami Bolo, whom we haven’t heard in a while, who will ‘crush the devil.’ 

Morgan Heritage, whose song named the riddim, announces the return of roots and culture, again, this being a reflection of the movement within the Reggae fraternity; and then there’s Busy! 

Busy Signal’s chune “Survival” is a testament to him as a soldier.  Busy has overcome obstacles many thought he wouldn’t or couldn’t.  He faced one of the greatest challenges and he survived.  Busy represents survival, and also represents the ‘return.’ 

P.S.  Busy is home!  Show him some love on Twitter, via email and via bbm.  Catch the links >>>

 

@busysignal_turf | @JukeboxxJamaica |  @Heritage4Life | @realromainvirgo | @AgentSasco | @L3Magazine |



 

Voicemail – Gyal Deh Bad {Nickorebel Music Production}

For years the Dancehall massive has enjoyed the vibes of super group Voicemail.  For years the Reggae and Dancehall massive have enjoyed the vibes of Nicko Rebel Music, one of the hottest producers from Florida.  Productions such as the She’s My Heart Riddim, Macka Diamonds “Looking Good” and Voicemail’s “Bewitched” come to mind. 

When we put Voicemail and Nicko Rebel Music together for another round, the result is “Gyal Deh Bad!”  

Designed for radio and for the club, the chune (and riddim) are perfectly designed for the scene in the club when the chicks walk in and the dudes have the look on their face like “damn … who’s that?!”   

Moving with the tempo, Voicemail sings “I never seen ah gyal weh do it like this before / the way she break it down and wine to the floor / ya dah gyal yah bad / yo dah gyal deh bad / neva know dah gyal yah so bad….” 

The rest of the chune continues with the story of girlfriends movements while in the club, which is accentuated by the double time delivery of synthesizers, and the laid back chill mode of the bass guitar.  The riff from the piano helps to round out the backdrop for the vocals. 

Nicko captures scenes from the recording session with Voicemail which you can see here.

P.S.  Add Nicko, Voicemail and team to your Twitter timeline!   

@NickoRebelMusic | @itscraigyo | @Kevin_Voicemail | @L3Magazine

 

 

 

Throwback Thursday – Aaliyah – Got to Give it Up

Aaliyah was the Princess and the world was her Castle.  The most beloved R&B star left this earth too soon, but not before she rocked our boat in song – literally. 

Aaliyah’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s classic, “Got to Give it Up” was a classic in its own right, and featured the rap vocals of Slick Rick.  Taken from her album One in a Million which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Top R&B / Hip Hop Albums for 1997 and sold millions of copies worldwide.  Billboard named the album as one of the top 100 for the 90’s and today I’m naming it and the song “Got to Give it Up” as my Throwback of the week! 

Originally written by Marvin Gaye, and produced by Vincent "V.H." Herbert & Craig King, the song is ripe with 1970’s funk and a super phattt synthesizer riff adding extra juice to this already saucy track.  Catch the Throwback replay.  P.S.  You have to love Marvin Gaye’s appearance in the video too! >>>

 



Famous Words from Ghandi to Famous Song from Nadirah X

Some of the most famous words came from Mahatma Ghandi who said, “we must be the change we wish to see in the world.”  Nadirah X has taken that famous saying and applied to song, but adds her own twist.  She asks what our definition is for the word dignity.   

With the musical help of Dave Stewart, the famed one half of the Pop group The Eurythmics, Nadirah X takes us on a journey as she defines dignity.  The song is right on point with its symphony meets Hip Hop with a dash of Gospel vibe.  If ever there was a song to add to your morning motivational routine, this is it. 

P.S.  The music video (see link below), is a mini documentary / storybook in which multiple people from multiple backgrounds answer the question as to what Dignity is.  Take a look at the video below!

 

 

 



Top of the Hundred Riddim Featuring Voicemail and DMajor

Kirk ‘Kirkledove’ Bennett has the midas touch which shines on his latest riddim release, the Top of the Hundred Riddim featuring Voicemail and DMajor. 

The riddim is a heavy bass line running the ad lib dubwise sound effects straight into the ‘just enough’ drum pattern.  The result is the perfect vessel through which the artists are able to deliver their goods, and good they are. 

Voicemail takes the relationship approach by asking if we’ve ever been in love in “Never Been in Love.”  Not waiting for you to give an answer, the group asks questions that, if you say ‘no’ to, then for sure you just haven’t been in love.  On the flip side, DMajor sings about the “Rude Boys” whom we should respect and keep it moving as they will not hesitate to do what they need to do which could be the end of life for some. 

All Reggae enthusiasts, no matter age or geographic location, are going to appreciate this riddim and these two chunes.  Big up Selecta Uni from Buffalo who has showed the riddim love from early!

 

P.S.  Connect with Team Kirkledove on Twitter >>>

@Kirkledove | @L3Magazine

 

Featured Video:  DMajor - Rude Boys

 

 

 

That is How Much Stephen Souza Loves New York!

Not only is “That is How Much” the name of Stephen Souza’s latest release, it’s also the theme he is using to give back to the children in need in New York. 

The veteran artist and performer will be at Sunset Hall in Mount Vernon, New York as part of a toy drive for kids in need over the holiday season.  Donating his time and lending his voice to the much needed efforts of the host organization, Cotton Tree Toys for Kids Inc., Stephen proves himself to be one of the most incredible artists!  See flyer below for more details… 

More about Stephen: 

As the mature sounds of Stephen Souza make their way around the world via radio, the artist has been performing non-stop and the fans love it!

Recently Stephen performed at The Shrine in New York and had the ladies literally reaching out to him and asking for more which is the perfect segue into the artists newest hit single “That is How Much!” 

Produced by his home label of Delrose Productions, Stephen passionately sings about how much he loves his girl.  This timeless message can never get old.  Pree the lyrics: “Baby I’m nervous / the mood is so right / oh I’ve been waiting / for this special night / I’m in no hurry / baby I’m in no rush / gonna take my time baby / to explore you with each touch …” 

Keeping with his style of Lover’s Rock, Stephen delivers smooth lyrics which mature audiences will appreciate!  Take a listen via the YouTube link below! 

Update!  For Bookings & Interviews please contact Request It Again Music via email:

Requestitagainmusic@gmail.com or call 347 223 7776   

P.S.  Make sure you connect with Team Stephen on Twitter >>>

@stephensouzanyc | @L3Magazine

 

 

 

 

Smile!

I know life is tough … if it’s not your spouse, it’s the kids, if not the kids, it’s your job and if not your job, it’s family – something is always trying to get the better of you.  A part of the solution to your problems (if you have them) is simple – smile! 

Doctors say that when we smile we use 26 muscles.  Spiritualists say that when we smile we reverse negative energy which can affect the outcome of most situations.  I think I’ll roll with the Spiritualists definition! 

The always amazing Kirk Franklin and The Family recorded a song called “Smile” which is a must play everyday.  Take a look and don’t forget to smile! 

P.S.  Peep the Steve Harvey cameo!

 



 

 

Sunday Soul! Sunday Afternoon with Lenny Williams

Lenny Williams has been serenading us for years.  His soulful voice speaks and sings to us in a way that can’t be duplicated.  As today is Sunday, who better to add to my Music Box than the living legend himself, Lenny Williams and his song “Sunday Afternoon!” 

Giving us good times, Lenny describes a Sunday Afternoon where he lives which includes a plate of soul food, lots of family and of course great friends!  This is Soul music at its best! 

Get down with me on the good foot!  Here it is, Lenny Williams, “Sunday Afternoon.” 

P.S.  Connect with Lenny on Twitter >>> @LennyWilliams

 

 

 

HOTTT New Reggae! King Ali Baba - Tribulation!

Working with Stingray Records in the UK, King Ali Baba holds a firm meditation on behalf of all those who are going through great “Tribulation.” 

This new release from the King speaks for the nations, almost like a lamentation, however, listeners souls become joyful when they hear the punch line encouraging them to persevere.  The King sings / chants to our hearts as if to say he is on the trod with us – we’re not alone. 

Pree the lyrics:  “The earth is the Lords and the fullness / but ah ghetto yute get put to the full test / nuff ah we can read because we bookless / so Babylon / where is your goodness / you only issue gun / and give the Don ah new vest….” 

In addition to the powerful lyrics, the bass line acts as our heart beat which pulses steadily; it doesn’t stop and it doesn’t quit.  Nor should we! 

Broadcasting at 320kbps, catch King Ali Baba and the chune “Tribulation” at the links below.  Make sure you connect with the King and his team on Twitter and tell him what you think of the song>>> 

@kingalibaba | @mmr_team | @Parro29 | @L3Magazine