You Are the Moment 2021 Is Waiting For!

We all have moments!  That moment when you knew 'this is the career path for me,' or 'this is the person I will spend the rest of my life with' or better yet, this place (city, town, country) is where I am supposed to be.'  These are all 'moments.'

When God created you, YOU became a moment.  You became an energy that is absolutely needed and wanted on this earth.

2021 needs several moments.  Twenty Twenty-One needs you.  Be it.  Be every one of those moments that this year needs you to be.  #LoveYou! 

Follow me on Facebook:  Natasha Von Castle

Follow me on Instagram:  @thesonicexecutive

Michie Mee's 'Bahdgyal Revenge!'

Michie ‘BahdGyal’ Mee, Canada’s Queen of Hip Hop, has graced us with an 18-track album entitled ‘BahdGyals Revenge’ and this is a body of work you must hear.  

Michie’s greatness has always been her pen, when it meets paper, when it meets the recording booth, when it meets the dopest beats which leads to this album and the world stage.  Gifting us with Hip Hop interlaced with Dancehall and Reggae as well as Rock n’ Roll (track 15 “What You Talkin’ Bout”), Michie’s revenge is the absolute statement that Hip Hop is not dead.  No disrespect to Rappers, Trappers and those in between.

The Queen’s voice comes after the announcement by Chuck D (track 1 “Intro”) who confirms Michie’s genres of Hip Hop, Reggae and Rock n’ Roll.  Mich takes a moment to lyrically lay the foundation of how she arrived where she is (track 2 “Forgot About Mich”).  After that, it is straight cruise control on her sonic highway.

“Made It” featuring Tonya P pays homage to Michie’s hometown of Toronto, and “BahdGyal Bubble” brings out the hardcore attitude of Dancehall that tumps through the psyche of anyone who thinks that we cannot throw-down north of the border.  Remember, Toronto has the largest Jamaican population outside of New York and Michie is proud to represent that.

Bringing her roots from Jamaica to the fore, “Whey Mee Get It From” honors the Mothers before her.  Artists such as Sister Nancy, Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Lady G, Marcia Griffiths, Spice Official, Carla Marshall and Sister Carole paved part of the road Michie has traveled.  Paying respect to these Ladies and more shows the level of respect the BahdGyal has for fellow Queens in Reggae and Dancehall.

Where there is a Queen, you will find a King which makes me appreciate the song “Love.”  The album version is a 2020 upgrade from the original acoustic version released in 2011 (don’t get it wrong, both versions are straight fire).  Lindo P perfectly compliments Michie’s flow who shows a vulnerable side of women – the ones who on rare occasions admit to wanting and needing love.  If black love needed a sound, this song is it.

The album ends with “Made It” (Remix) featuring Kenny Cee.  Although Michie performs this song with Tonya P (track 7), this version ends with heavy elements of Soul that allows Kenny’s lyrics to shine like the beacon of light they are intended to be … yes life will get tough and throw curves but we have to be strong and survive.  That is Michie’s ‘revenge;’ she is strong, and she survived.  Peep her album cover art ... see that single rose growing through the concrete!

Wait ‘til you see what comes next! 

Connect with The Queen on IG @michiebadgyalmee

Stream Bahdgyals Revenge on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/album/3iqxsmcVilI19SYpSqVEfu

Queen Ifrica - I Can't Breathe (Lyric Video)

The lyrics to Queen Ifrica's song "I Can't Breathe" are so moving and fitting for the times we are in.  

This song comes from Queen's album Climb which was released in 2017.  At that time, the world was upset over the senseless killing of Eric Garner.  Today, the song has become an anthem of sorts because of the senseless killing of George Floyd.  They say the message is in the music and that expression couldn't be more right.

Ifrica is known to make music that provokes consciousness.  This song is no different.

The lyric video below is one interpretation of the lyrics, and was created by the L3 Magazine team.  If you agree or disagree, let me know in the comments.

Bless up,

Natasha

Follow Queen Ifrica on Instagram @queenifrica

Follow me on Instagram @thesonicexecutive

Let's Talk Success - GOVANA - HAMANTS CONVO PT 2 Ft. MOOVEMENTZ

Are we ready to talk about the success that the sharp-suit wearing Dancehall star Govana is having with his HAMANTS album?  Are we ready to talk about the brilliance in his marketing strategy regarding the ongoing conversation about 'Keisha?'  No?!  Ok cool.

Let's keep the convo at the 1.2 Million streams his video has received in 4 days.  I've said it before and I'll say it again ... Govana easily is en-route to Dancehall artist of the Year.

P.S.  Keisha ... yuh really bad like that fi real or is it Govana?!

Melanin Magic with Nefatari!

Hello May!  Nothing but Melanin Magic over here with model and performing artist Nefatari!

420 Celebration with Busy Signal "Hot Spliff!"

Dancehall super star Busy Signal reshares his 2017 hit record “Hot Spliff” for fans worldwide celebrating 420 today!

Demonstrating his lyrical prowess, Busy tells several tales within the song, and does so by bending words and phrases. The curves of his words combined with his intonation and delivery give fans a memorable sonic experience that keeps this record on repeat. In the first verse, Busy DJ’s the lyrics “memba one time gone / before yuh link wid Lang / yuh haffi link wid Nuffy fuss / nuh fih fuss / yuh nuh fih fight / yuh nuh fih fuss / before yuh tun ah big dawg / yuh was a puppy fuss / puppy fuss / stop fight dih yutes and say dem nah fih buss / nuh fih buss / mind dem send you to dih dust-to-dust….” 

The music video to date has more than 845,000 views / streams on YouTube.  It was produced and directed by Dameon Gayle for Warrior Films JA.

Produced by Turf Music Entertainment, the riddim was especially created for the artists flow.  Interweaving some elements of Hip Hop, the production outfit used a fattened baseline that rides just below the dulled cowbell in unison with Busy as he delivers his lyrics.  Reflecting upon the time the record was made, Busy said “This is one of my favorite ‘Spliff’ chunes because of the many references made in the song.  People really have to pree this to appreciate all that is being said.”

March 2020, Busy Signal was named Dancehall artist of the Decade.  The prestigious accolade came via the IRAWMA Awards and voted on my industry notables.  The Awards body recognized the considerable contribution Busy has made to Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Reggaeton, Country and Hip Hop.  “It is very difficult for an artist to contribute to so many genres, and have a name so recognized across all platforms, but Busy Signal did that, and continues to do that” says multi platinum selling and award winning Rellee Hayden from A-Team Music Group.  “I’ve produced records for Spragga Benz, Gyptian, 50 Cent, Red Hot Chili Peppers and so many others, and I can tell you that Busy is really that talented, well known, and well respected in all genres.”

Spex Da Boss from G 98 FM agrees that Busy Signal’s song choice for the 420 celebration, “Hot Spliff,” is a good one.  “Here in Canada, we take Cannabis seriously.  This song is one of those songs that you cannot listen to ‘one time’ and move on.  This is a song you have to have on repeat; his lyrical references are dope and deep.”   

“Hot Spliff” as well as many songs from Busy Signal’s catalog are available for stream on the artists YouTube page here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClNCIJZI3zfnuL7MD_q75Fg

Fans can stay up-to-date with all things Busy on Instagram @busysignal_turf

Tamo J Makes OnStage Debut with Nigel Staff from Ruff Kutt Band!

Upcoming star singer Tamo J made his national and international debut via Winford Williams and the popular television show OnStage.

Introduced to the OnStage audience by world-renowned musician Nigel Staff, Tamo J made a lasting impression.  The unmistakable clarity of Tamo J’s voice carried through the studio, and across TV and smartphone screens worldwide.  The artists sound and image explained why several in the music fraternity feel he is ‘ready for the big time.’ 

Nigel described the star singer as “a prolific songwriter with an excellent personality.”  Nigel went on to say “he checks most of the boxes so far that makes a consummate artist.  We’ve been doing work with Jeremy Harding and his management company which includes noted attorney at law Chris Townsend, A&R Cara Vickers and industry professional Kizzy Reynolds.”

During the interview, Tamo explained his birth in music.  “I started singing at the age of 6, it sounds cliché but it’s true, I started singing in the church.  In 2013, I started doing some writing and singing for the legend Mikey Bennett and I never looked back.” 

Winford, who is a fan of Tamo J’s music pushed further asking Tamo J to “talk about your success so far.  What has done the best for you?” Tamo J replied “my most successful track so far is “Victory” produced by Damage Music as part of the Conquest Paradise riddim released last year.  Africa, the US, Europe and the UK have given it exceptional radio play.”

Tamo J’s music can be streamed on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.  His newest single, “African Bad Gyal” is available through VPAL and ready for pre-order on all digital platforms with a release date of April 17^th, 2020.

Winford reflected on the times we are living through saying “this song is right for the moment, we will have the ‘Victory.’”   

Watch the full interview and performance with Nigel Staff, Tamo J and Winford HERE

Richie Spice's "Red Hot" Filled with Symbolism

Reggae legend and Icon, Richie Spice is getting ready to release a music video for his song "Red Hot" and the imagery in the music video is filled with poetic symbolism.

A cover of the Max Romeo song of the same name (full title "Valley of Jehoshaphat (Red Hot)"), Richie takes the approach of being the storyteller who gives a view of where humanity is.  Directed by Samo (Jah9, Chronixx, Jesse Royal), the use of the horns as a focus is telling (think the Archangel Gabriel), just as the man carrying the door is symbolic (the door is a portal to go to another place).  Samo also subtly uses a young lady at the side of the road holding a rose and picking off the roses petals.  This is another way of asking 'where is love?'

If you are a Richie Spice fan, and if you appreciate symbolism, you are gong to love the new music video coming from the artist.

Richie's new album, Together We Stand is due on digital retail shelves in June.  Connect with him on Instagram via @1RichieSpice

 

L3 Magazine Features Italy’s Mellow Mood for its’ April 2020 Issue!

L3 Magazine features Italy’s premiere Reggae group, Mellow Mood on the front cover of their April 2020 issue.  The feature includes an in-depth interview with Jacopo who explains how the group was introduced to Reggae, and some of the Jamaican based artists they’ve collaborated with.  When asked to choose a song for world leaders, his answer was surprising.  This interview was recorded in January making the response all the timelier.  You can read it HERE

Lia Givenchy can be described in three words: Rap, Business, Music.  The fierce rising star was introduced to Rap through her Uncle who owned a sound system in Brooklyn, New York.  Originally from Guyana, Lia knew the lane she wanted to travel.  She’s ghostwritten for significant Rap stars.  Some people are fooled by her stunningly good looks, but Lia is all about her business.

Additional features in the April 2020 issue of L3 Magazine includes Bware Vanzant (son of Iyanla Vanzant) who brings CaribeLife ATL to the big screen via Facebook Watch; from Toronto to the world, Ebonnie Rowe is celebrating 25 years of Honey Jam, and we get an official introduction to Trinidad and Tobago performing artist Pternsky, Spanish Reggae newcomer SumeRR and Dancehall sensation Daddy1.

All of the above and more are available at L3Magazine.com!

NEW!  Monthly Calendar featuring Lia Givenchy

Christopher Martin Goes Live on VP Records YouTube Channel for COVID-19

Award winning, and VP Records recording artist Christopher Martin will perform an at home concert for fans to aid Jamaica’s health sector for its fight against COVID-19.  The concert will be broadcast live on the VP Records YouTube Channel.

This event comes with the support of Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), KFC and VP Records.  Christopher will perform from his home with his keyboard player, staying consistent with social distancing orders.

Set for Sunday April 5^th at 7pm EST at www.Youtube.com/VPRecords, the live stream will be the official launch to Jamaica’s COVID-19 fundraising effort.  During Christopher Martin’s performance, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Gender Affairs, the Honorable Olivia Babsy Grange will introduce and announce that Telethon Jamaica will take place on Sunday April 12^th.  She will also announce the fundraising link that can be accessed to donate.

The 6-hour live event will air on TVJ Jamaica titled ‘Telethon Jamaica. Together We Stand’ which is inspired by the recently released Richie Spice song; the goal is to bring Jamaicans together to support this important cause which has affected many citizens globally.  In hopes to raise 10 million Jamaican dollars, the telethon will feature performances by top Jamaican artists from their home.  The full lineup will be announced soon.  Telethon Jamaica is being spearheaded by an alliance of global diaspora organizations with the endorsement of the government of Jamaica.  The Honorable Olivia Babsy Grange is the patron of the event.

Recently having released the anthem “Big Big” on the Aircraft Riddim, Christopher Martin is no stranger to partnerships and philanthropy.  Chris has been involved with AFUWI and The No Disrespect Campaign.  Chris served as the face of KFC in 2016 with the Big Deal campaign.  He was also an Ambassador for the popular sneaker brand Puma.

Women's History Month with a Reggae Twist!

March 1^st to 31^st, 2020 is designated on the calendar as Women’s History Month.  At this time, we celebrate the accomplishments and aspirations of women worldwide.  Putting a musical twist to this month sees VP Records recognize the catalog of several notable women in Reggae and Dancehall.

The VP Records 10-song playlist includes music from Queen Ifrica (“To See”), Ikaya (“Fly Away”), Naomi Cowan (“Paradise Plum”), Marion Hall (“I Won’t Worry”), Jah9 (“Highly”), Aza Lineage (“In the Ghetto”), Etana (“Weakness in Me”), Marcia Griffiths (“Survival”), Tanya Stephens (“These Streets”), and Spice (“Like a Man).  This range of Reggae and Dancehall tracks are appropriate and timely and reflect the moods and strengths of women worldwide.

https://www.vprecords.com/release/marcia-griffiths-reggae-anthology-melody-life-2cds/

https://www.vprecords.com/release/marcia-griffiths-reggae-anthology-melody-life-2cds/

Taking a step back and looking at this playlist, it’s easy to see how women such as Marcia Griffiths paved the way for younger artists such as Ikaya to come through as easily as it is to see how Marion Hall aka Lady Saw paved the way for an artist like Spice to come through and now claim the crown as being Dancehall Queen.

If you’re looking for just ‘one’ place to start, begin with Marcia Griffiths ‘Reggae Anthology – Melody of Life’ double disc set!

Explore the songs and add to them to your playlists and make sure you hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth in your posts!

Let’s Make it “Big, Big” … Not Just Big!

With a solid catalog of music … correction, hit music, Christopher Martin is synonymous for giving fans anthems that become staples in their Life soundtrack.  Today, the artist officially gives us another song to add to the hit catalog!

“Big Big” is the latest song from the award winner which comes from the Aircraft Riddim produced by Chimney Records.  The track details his journey from humble beginnings in Black Pasture, St. Catherine Parish, to becoming one of the biggest and most influential artists form Jamaica.  Keeping up with ‘boasty’ anthems, this song follows “Dem Vex” which exposes the real reasons why some people ‘hate’ on others who are successful.

Sources tell me that both these singles come from a new album project being put together!

Christopher’s last album, ‘And Then,’ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae chart May (2019).  That album presented a well-rounded mix of ballads and up-tempo jams showcasing his musical versatility and growth.  One such song that really demonstrated his musical maturity is his cover of Mr. Big’s song “With You.”  To take a song like this and turn it into a song of significance in the Reggae genre is worthy of applause.  Produced by Robert Livingston for Big Yard Music, this song is worth a re-listen.

True to his catalog, Christopher continues to make music that celebrates Love, rising above hardships and finding the good in every situation.  Singles from the album that should be on your radar (no matter how many times you’ve played them) are “Bun Fi Bun,” “Can’t Dweet Again,” “Come Back” and the big chune “Life.”

Connect with Christopher on Instagram @iamchrismartin

Tags:  #ChristopherMartin #BigBig #NewMusic

March, 2020 Calendar ft. Black Love

L3 Magazine's celebration of Love continues in the month of March.  Photographer Dacx Production from Jamaica captures the essence of Love!  Pictured is upcoming artist Tamo J and model who exemplify intense Love and passion held between couples.

Save the calendar on your phone or to your computer!

The Honest Conversation Queen Ifrica Represents - Mi Love Yuh

It's time for another Trueversation between Men and Women in Jamaica.  The level of violence, and the amount of women losing their lives in fits of jealous male-dominated rage must stop.  The amount of children in a parent-less home due to violence is on the rise, but cam be stemmed if we have honest dialog.  We've heard Dancehall stars such as Bounty Killer address the issue in a speech he gave at the Violence Against Women forum held at the Red Stripe Offices in Kingston, Jamaica.  There, he made it quite clear that violence is not the answer - walking away is.

It was timely that shortly after Bounty Killer's speech, Queen Ifrica raised the topic from the female perspective on Valentine's Day.

The Reggae Lioness has blessed the masses with another song which not only speaks to men, but represents women in a way that demonstrates why some women act the way they do.  Abuse in relationships is not one-way, and can be inflicted on men by some actions by women.

Speaking from the perspective of a baby mother being honest with her baby father, Queen Ifrica explains that in reality, there were certain things she wanted from a man, which was not provided, and so she looked for the things she wanted outside of the relationship.  She ended up getting what she wants ... the offshore bank account, car and things ... just not from the baby father.  This is where the honesty comes in, which is an opening for understanding.

The song is called "Mih Love Yuh" and it's one of the best conversations you will hear in song.  The lyric video subtly drives home several points.  Produced by Jefferey 'Agent Sasco' Campbell for Diamond Studios, many are heralding the song for addressing relationship issues in an attempt to avoid painful consequences that can come in the end.

About the song Queen Ifrica says "A relationship is the most complex experience any of us could ever have.  How we deal with it all determines the outcome in the long run."

If you haven't seen the lyric video, watch it here:

Tags:  #QueenIfrica #Relationships #Honesty

Connect with Queen Ifrica on social media @QueenIfrica

Jamaica's Tribute to Kobe - 24/8 Like Kobe || Tribute || Futsal Shuffle Freestyle

There is no limit to the amount of people Kobe Brant has touched.  Members of the Basketball and sporting communities are the obvious because he was known for sport.  A lesser known side of Kobe is his musical side.  Members of the entertainment fraternity are feeling his loss, including fans in Jamaica.

Scantana, affectionately known as d MAN WITH d MOST Grammar, has taken to his profession of music to express his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Kobe.  His song, entitled “24 / 8 Like Kobe” is a tribute Freestyle that shares the persona of one of the greatest Basketball players of all time, and the work ethic that made him so great.

This is a Jamaican perspective deserving of being heard.  Big up Scantana!  #BlackMamba

Busy Signal Praises His Empress for Valentine’s Day + Refixes For the Streets!

Reggae and Dancehall Super star Busy Signal praises his “Empress” just in time for Valentine’s Day with the release of his new song of the same name.

Produced by Elite Generation Records, the song boasts of a man who is proud of the woman he’s given the title of Empress to, and the virtue she possesses.  In sync with the flow of the violin, and the pluck of the piano, Busy sings “you’re the one for me and I’m the one for you / if yuh eva leff yuh know me probably lose a screw / now that we found love what we tell me gonna do / pure family make love shine through ….”

“Empress” was debuted on Heart of Love Radio in the UK thanks to MixmasterJ.  While introducing the song, Mixmaster said “it’s not any and any artist who delivers music for the ladies and for the streets in the same moment.  Busy Signal is that artist and that’s exactly what he did.  Man and woman are happy – it doesn’t get any better than that!”  In Canada the song was debuted by DJ Wiz on VIBE 105 FM, and in Atlanta, the song made its mark via DaFlava Radio with Rico Vibes.

Blazing the streets from Miami to Kingston to Auckland to Tokyo and all points in between, Busy delivers two refixes for fans.  Adding to the ‘drip-flow’ of Roddy Ricch, “Real Bad Boys” and “Machine” have taken on a life of their own as hardcore fans react with fire emoji’s of approval.

Performing the song “Real Bad Boys” the DJ says “bad man ting / yawd man deh yah / brick pon brick pure bay broad ban deh yah / man a roll with the strap pure tall one deh yah / we lock dih whole damn scheme ….”

In time for lovers celebrating Valentine’s Day Busy delivers “Empress,” and for hardcore fans in the streets comes “Real Bad Boys” and “Machine.”

Connect with Busy on social media @busysignal_turf

Included in this email are links to download “Real Bad Boys” and “Machine” which are for promotional purposes only.  If you’d like the song “Empress” please reply to this email.

Download Real Bad Boys here:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlhqrvya4acvzn4/Busy%20Signal%20-%20Real%20Bad%20Boys%20%5BRoddy%20Ricch%20%27The%20Box%27%20Re-Fix%5D.mp3?dl=0

Download Machine here:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/8zrnp3iwhcjtnug/Busy%20Signal%20-%20Machine%20%5BMustard%20%27Ballin%27%20ft%20Roddy%20Ricch%20Refix%5D.mp3.mp3?dl=0

Social Media TAGS:  #BusySignal #Refix #RoddyRicch #Machine #RealBadBoys