Rico Vibes Reggae Exclusives Vol. 15

Last month, Rico Vibes, in conjunction with VP Records, released the Strictly the Best Vol. 50 mixtape which so far has enjoyed more than 35,000 downloads worldwide which includes hotspots in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Kenya and Switzerland.  Rico’s fans reached out to him and asked for more, so, customer service being his focus, the super HOTTT Selector passed by to drop off two new mixes which are certified HOTTT!

The first mix on deck is Reggae Exclusives Vol. 15.  Introduced by Gramps Morgan, Tarrus Riley and Freddie McGregor, this mix features music that has not been heard before.  There is no talking so listeners can enjoy straight music.  The second mix is for fans who prefer Dancehall flavor – Winter style!

No matter what your preference (Reggae or Dancehall), you will enjoy both mixes!  Here are the links:

One Drop Exclusives:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/c4bu94wv0oat40v/Rico_Vibes_-_One_Drop_Reggae_Exclusives_Vol._15.mp3

Dancehall Winter Mix:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/j4vr0o38irl1o1l/RICOVIBES_DANCEHALL_WINTER_MIX_2014.mp3

Connect with Rico on Twitter >>> @RICOVIBES

Gully Bop aka Country Man – Body Specialist!

By now you’ve heard about the success story of Gully Bop aka Country Man.  Thanks to you being on Instagram, Gully’s video went viral with people LOVING his freestyle he performed for the camera.  A few people decided to find the talented artist and put him in the studio!  Kaboom!

Ricardo 'RedBoom' Reid found the right hybrid riddim that compliments’ Country Man’s voice.  His first studio release, “Body Specialist,” is a perfect blend between old school Dancehall (Tiger, Ninjaman, Shabba) and new school production.  In fact, the riddim is so appropriate that Country Man is able to deliver his lyrics with perfect timing and shows the fact that though he may have been homeless, he is in precise physical shape.

The artist sings:  “dem know me as the body specialist / when yuh body bruk down check me wid it / boom / dem know me as a body specialist / when yuh body bruk down check me wid it / pure body sick from 1986 / 2014 you ah check me wid it / all fih yur body want a new gear stick / and if yuh body tired gyal mih give yuh til yuh criss….”  Trouble!

Both Raw and Radio versions available at the links below!

P.S.  Big up Laing and his support of Country Man who will be performing at Sting 2014!

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/yvmg4s488xry0/Country_Man_aka_Gully_Bop

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/cqnbgvpgtijs3mr9g349

Toronto Artists for Christmas

Around the world, Canada is known as being a peace keeping nation.  We (I am a proud Canadian) have been very active in missions such as the 1956 United Nations Emergency Force to the 2009 African Union Hybrid Operation in Dafur.  Peace is just a Canadian thing.

Today, CVS Records and Fizzle Productions is proud to continue the peace keeping mission of Canada, except they are doing it in a musical way with the release of the song “It’s Christmas” by a collective called Toronto Artists for Christmas.  With contributions by Fyahnese (Fiyah-neze), Devon Irie, Melisa Rose, Norval Edgehill, Eyesus, Kafinal, Faze, Chrisco, G Moralis, Tonya P, Sweetsapp, Keri French, Tristan 5-Star and Simply K, the world experiences a special message from some of Toronto’s elite.

Extending a branch of peace, the artists sing “on the first day of Christmas a June love come to me / she bring me / one dozen rose and / one diamond ring and lots of hugging and kissing / what she bring to me / one dozen rose and / one diamond ring and / lots of hugging and kissing / this year Christmas catch me inna foreign / this ya year me haffi send down a barrel / mama bake bare cake and make sorrel / Christmas time feels sweet inna foreign ….”

Who doesn’t remember having to send down a barrel for Christmas or even New Years?!  What about buying clothes and shoes for the kids and praying everything still fits by the time the barrel reach?!  Oh yes!

For the Christmas season (not just this year but all years to come), this is the chune to play, “It’s Christmas” by Toronto Artists for Christmas.  Make sure you tell CVS Records and Fizzle Productions what you think via Twitter >>> @fazefizzle

Mediafire Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/xlr82j9x6z6717x/Faze_-_Toronto_Artists_for_Chrismas_-_Its_Chrismas.mp3

Box.com Link:   https://app.box.com/s/rk6rdk9wccsqvcwskidn

VP Records Presents ►►► Strictly The Best Vol. 50 Mixed By Rico Vibes!

Rico Vibes is one of the best Selectors and Disc Jocks representing Reggae, Dancehall, Soul and R&B, and when it comes to putting together a mixtape, Rico is strictly the best which is why VP Records reached out to our industry veteran to ask him to make this mix!

Playing classics from yesteryear and today, Rico creates the perfect balance for Caribbean nationals to appreciate the mix’s selection, and to lure new fans to consume the genre.  Kaboom!  Where else can you hear Half Pint, Penthouse Records artist Shuga and Jah’s messenger Luciano, alongside Etana, Sanchez, Duane Stephenson and George Nooks in the same place?!

Rico Vibes, founder of Natural Vibes Sound, has been creating mixtapes for several years, and is the creator of the signature series Singers Choice.  The Singers Choice franchise is so classic, that Vol. 1, made in 1998 is now worth an estimated $60 USD in good condition (with inlay card and jewel case), as is Vol. 2 to 15.  If you have a copy of these mixes, you have gold in your hands!

Every song selected on Strictly the Best Vol. 50, every jingle played, every word spoken is perfectly placed and ready for you to play at any function and for any occasion!  Make sure you get your copy of Strictly the Best Vol. 50 mixed by Rico Vibes for VP Records using the links below!  You can also buy a copy of the compilation at http://www.vprecords.com/albums/

P.S.  Connect with Rico on Twitter and tell him what you think >>> @RICOVIBES and @VPRecords

Mediafire: 

http://www.mediafire.com/listen/dz096tcrr4cqm66/Rico_Vibes_-_STB_50_THE_MIXTAPE.mp3

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/wjbfg1k1cqmxerh1wc1o

Big Up Notorious B.I.G and Busy Signal - HOTTT New Banger!

When we check the dictionary for the meaning of the word notorious, the definition says ‘publicly or generally known, as for a particular trait.”  An example of the word notorious in a sentence is “Busy Signal is notorious for making music people love.”  With that said…!

Busy Signal

Busy has unleashed another single that combines Hip Hop (a genre he really loves) with Dancehall (a genre that really loves him!) and the result is the HOTTT club banger “Glass Hand!”

Using the infamous riddim “The Notorious B.I.G” as a backdrop, Busy pays homage to legends who paved the way for him and other artists, and at the same time creates a party vibe for everyone (old and young) to celebrate life!  The DJ says:  push up the hand and let me see the glass hand / celebration cause life short and / gyalis inna dih street man nuh Tarzan / mih seh mih get more than the Victoria Secret draws man / hotead / me alone up inna mih class and / hail dih Killer cause dih General cross and …!

When you hear what Busy does to this riddim, you would wish Notorious B.I.G. was alive to collaborate with him.  As a matter of fact, I think Biggie would be a huge fan of Busy, just as Busy is a HUGE fan of Biggie!

If you’re ready to get your party lit, you’re ready for this chune from Busy available at the link below.  Make sure you let Busy know what you think via Twitter >>> @busysignal_turf

Direct Link to Glass Hand Clean:  https://app.box.com/s/yg5s56fs0lytngs9lxqo

Direct Link to Glass Hand Explicit:  https://app.box.com/s/dq9zafea6y42r99q0lud

HOTTT New Dancehall / Pop / Hip Hop ►►► Melodic Yoza – Countri Bunkan!

For those of you who have been asking for more of a mix between Dancehall and Pop / Hip Hop, you are going to appreciate the current release from Melodic Yoza called “Countri Bunkan.”  

The only Dancehall / Reggae heard on this track are the vocals of the artist and the enunciation of his words.  The music is 100% Pop / Hip Hop making it infectious and easy for fans and music lovers to follow.  With that said, what is the big deal about people who come from ‘country’ and people who come from the city?  Why are country people discouraged and city people encouraged?

Melodic sings:  “Hold on tight don’t let go / this is the life that I know / from ah likkle and ah grow / they used to be like ‘bwoy know where you ah go’ / hey County Bunkan whap’m where you come from talkin bout yuh gun man / that is such a dumb plan / run go beat drum pan try and be someone / you didn’t pass your common entrance / couldn’t get an entrance….”

The song goes on to share the conversation between a ‘country’ yute and Melodic who encourages the yute to strive for more.  He also intersperses scenes of growing up flying kites and playing with gigs to show that he understands where this man is coming from.  I truly endorse this chune!

Broadcasting in amplified sound, here are the links for download.  Make sure you let Melodic know what you think about the chune via Twitter >>> @MELODICYOZA and get in touch for dubplates / jingles / features via frazahclection@gmail.com

P.S.  This chune is DJ Bigga Boss endorsed!

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/oqajjpld56ajt/Melodic_Yoza

HOTTT New Release Alert ►►► Ammoye – Crazy Love!

If you have plans to be in Toronto, and your trip happens to be around September 19^th, 2014, you must join Ammoye at Remix (1305 Dundas Street West) as she and her record label celebrate the release of her HOTTT new single “Crazy Love!”

You more than anyone know how great an artist Ammoye is, and you’re familiar with her catalog, so we know “Crazy Love” is an automatic boom chune!  Fans have been instrumental to Ammoye’s growth so being at this gathering is important to the artist.  “Fans around the world have helped me get to where I am today so I hope to see them come out and join me and my label as we celebrate the release of this record, and make a special announcement!”

Hosting the night's event will be longtime collaborator, Najjah Calibur who's energy lights up every party and will set the mood for the greatness to come from Ammoye!

If you can’t be there in person, we ask that you send Ammoye good vibrations.  In the meantime, take a listen to Ammoye’s music via YouTube >>> https://www.youtube.com/user/AmmoyesTv

HOTTT New Artist Alert! Jay Prince's Eternal Love!

We have a HOTTT new artist to welcome to the world of Reggae (and a little bit of Dancehall), and he goes by the name of Jay Prince!

Jay Prince

To accurately understand where Jay is coming from, we have to look at his roots and surroundings which is, his Mother raised he and his 4 siblings as a cancer patient survivor.  Dad is married to Martin Luther King Junior’s daughter and Granmother, Ma Ashanti, is the Mother of the Nyabingi Tribe of Rastafarians.  I’m not mentioning these facts to impress, you, I just want you to have a good understanding of the tree that’s being introduced!

Jay began to express an interest in music at an early age which was nurtured by True Man Chewstic, and today, the young artist has a new chune on the road which is doing very well in Jamaica, and is about to go ‘up’ around the world!

“Eternal Love” is the artists debut chune, and gives us a clear view of his heart, his commitment to Love, and his approach to Love.  The artist sings:  “mih put a lot of changes to your mind / never want me now mih mek you haffi need me every time / show you that the Rasta heart is so divine / show you the light and now you’re mine….”

Not only is this great chune on the radio, it is also available on demand via YouTube courtesy of Hype TV Jamaica! 

Catch the chune at the links below and Tweet your thoughts to Jay via Twitter >>> @direaljayprince | https://www.facebook.com/jay.prince.7798

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/qivc1y4seh0uj/Jay_Prince

International Theme Song ►►► Levi – Make Peace!

Every now and again a theme song comes along; a theme song that gives the world lyrics to sing to; lyrics that connect with the soul on such a level, consciousness becomes enlightened again, and a change is destined to come.  The song with that theme comes from Levi, and it’s called “Make Peace.”  

Levi - Make Peace

Levi and I met today, and I can tell you he is a humble man who is not looking for stage fame, instead he is looking to influence the world to make a change.  As he said “we can’t do it alone, but we can do it together.”  He is from Toronto and travels to Los Angeles regularly as he is one of the most sought after song writers for some of the best artists in the world.  He is so good, a few of his songs have held residence on the billboard and top 100 charts.  Why am I telling you this?  Levi is not looking for fame, he is looking to create peace … he needs you to play this song on the radio, to play it on mixtapes and to talk about it on social media, that’s why I’m talking about this!

The timing of the release tells you how in sync he is with the global vibration in need of Love and not war.  A Malaysian Airlines plane was recently shot down by a rocket (as reported in the news).  Imagine if that young soldier heard these lyrics before he pulled that trigger:  “you know we can’t go on like this / we should be standing together / one love one fist / cause we all be the same / but together / we can be the change / cause killing the youths is not the answer / we need to find the cure to this cancer / and leave it in the hands of the almighty Jah….”  The message is simple, stop killing and start loving one another.  #YesJah!

When you play this song, or recommend this song, please tweet Levi the writer @levisingit and @rastaleeves which is Levi’s Alter Ego (the artist)!  Let’s “Make Peace!”

Fast Fact:  Levi’s album #AlterEgo will be out in 2015!

Get your copy today >>> https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/make-peace-single/id898798845 

International Reggae Syndication - Playlist

Playlist for Monday July 7^th, 2014 as heard on 95.3 FM in Philadelphia / 1430 AM  / Vybz 103.9 FM / 95.3 FM / 99.3 FM / 91.7 FM / 104.7 FM Ft. Lauderdale and Online via:  www.radioregent.com – Toronto / www.irievibesradiodetroit.com – Detroit / www.daflavaradio.com – Atlanta / www.TonySoul.com - Ft. Lauderdale / www.NoyzRadio.com - New York / www.Reggae4Us.com - The UK / www.reggaeradiovibes.co.uk - The UK / www.siixteen.com - The UK / www.basslinemuzik.com – Tampa / www.buyakaradio.com - Colombia

www.datzhitsradio.com – Boston

J'se James - Recording Artist

SOJA ft. Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley – Your Song

Chronixx – Like a Whistle

Cali P – Wha Gwaan

The Human Rights – Old School

Dynamq – Absolutely

Humble Sheep – Market Rock

Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill – Behold the Land

The Mighty Diamonds & Ranking Joe – Just Like a River

Dennis Brown – Little Green Apples

Demarco – Loyal

Fari the Future – Harder We Go

Patexx – No Hanky Panky

Jahmiel – Badness Bring Sufferation

Sean Paul – Do Di Ting

Cutty Ranks – Dem Ah Twerk

Demarco – Party in JA

Konshens – Caribbean Party

Patexx – Let’s Drink Life Sweet

Exco Levi – Can’t Leave Out God

Romain Virgo – Too Much Bull

Richie Loop – Hey Gyal

Stylo G – Move Back

J’se James – Move It

Busy Signal – Professionally

E-Black – Mamiyo

Kranium ft. Chris Brown – Nobody Has to Know (Rah Rah Remix)

Popcaan – Party Shat (DJ Kurt Riley Remix)

Patrice Roberts – Hold on Tight

Problem Child – We Doing It

Bunji Garlin – Hard Wine

Kerwin DuBois – When Ah Gone

Ronnie Homer & Problem Child – Plenty Everything

Bunji Garlin – No Dirty Mouth

Tian Winter – Good Time

Download Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/pn8enblppnrfx9b/Natasha_Von_Castle_&_Dilinga_Movements_-_Recording_Jul_7_2014_11_31_22_AM.mp3

Connect with us with your music:  natashavoncastle@gmail.com

Vibes and Ting ►►► Busy Signal – Here & Now!

In 1989, Luther Vandross (rest in peace), teamed with David L. Elliot and Terry Steele, and created history with the song “Here and Now.”  That song peaked on the Billboard top 100 chart, and helped to solidify Luther as the man with the golden voice, and the right lyrics whose music would be played forever.  Busy Signal, has now affirmed his placement in that ranking with the release of his song with the same name “Here and Now.”  

Making the song exceptional with a Caribbean twist (as only Busy Signal can), the artist recreates lyrics that are meaningful when he sings:  mih gyal me have you inna mih arms yuh feel so warm just like a comforter / nuh worry bout yuh bread mih gyal because yuh know it dun butta / telling yuh straight I’m not like some bwoy wah make dem tongue stutter / and the least likkle ting dem box yuh dung and tool dem run go fah….”  He goes on to reinforce confidence in his girl, and reassure her that she is #1 and he desires no other.  These are the lyrics that every woman needs from her man!

Musically, you will appreciate the easy juggling between the bass line, top hat and synthesizer which act as the perfect ‘bed’ for Busy to lay his lyrical ‘comforter.’  Whether you’re playing on the radio, for a wedding, a nice Sunday drive in the country, or as part of a mixtape, you cannot go wrong with this chune as a feature.

Broadcasting in amplified sound, and ready to infect the world with its beautiful vibration is Busy Signal and the chune “Here and Now” at the links below!

P.S.  Connect with Busy on Twitter and tell him what you think >>> @busysignal_turf

Mediafire Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/p673cfafet4i3a8/Busy_Signal_-_Here_&_Now_[Turf_Music_Ent].mp3

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/vptpg9gxmdfnpvthts9s

HOTTT + New! Exco Levi ft. I-Octane - More than a Freind!

The release of the HOTTT new collaboration “More Than a Friend” by Exco Levi and

I-Octane marks a second significant milestone for Exco which is, this is the second time we hear the artist on a Dancehall riddim, and we LOVE it!

Produced by Kheilstone Music, we hear multiple award winner and Dancehall Superstar I-Octane set the pace for the chune by telling fans “mih change mih life for a reason / change it for a cause” in reference to how wicked ‘friends’ can be and why we should be mindful of the fact that we have enemies ‘more than a friend.’

Exco compliments I-Octane’s lyrics by saying “nuh need no new friend round paddee / if yuh nuh family / do nuh call me / say dem real – dem nuh real charg-ee / and dem fuss fih sell yuh out fih front seat ah Audi / dem get me cross like Taliban sadi / and yuh conquer the globe with the turf army….”

Apart from the fact that this recording is a hit record, this record is also historic because of the teaming of Exco and I-Octane.  This is the first major collaboration between a Canadian based artist and an internationally recognized Dancehall / Reggae Superstar.  I-Octane doesn’t collaborate with just anyone, so this is HUGE! 

Enjoy the vibes with Exco Levi and I-Octane, and make sure that you tweet with them when you play their chune on your listening device! >>> @Excolevi | @Realioctane

P.S.  Click here for Exco Levi’s EPK

Montreal International Reggae Festival - 2014

The Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) has released a partial look at their 2014 line up which combines classic Lover’s Rock with Soul, and is forecasted to make Montreal the most popular Canadian city for August, 2014!

Taking place at the scenic Montreal Old Port, organizers from Canada’s most acclaimed Reggae festival have shared with media and fans 4 of the 12 headlining artists who will be performing at the 11^th annual festivities, offering patrons the right musical mix and value for their dollar.

On the heels of the release of his new album, Maxi Priest will take center stage to rock classics as well as some of his new singles “Easy to Love” (lead single from his new album of the same name), and “Every Little Thing.”  The Grammy Award winning, and Billboard chart topping artist is excited to be performing in the city.

The Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths will endear fans with her sweet voice that has created so many memories.  Getting her start with the I-Threes who famously backed Bob Marley & The Wailers, Ms. Griffith now celebrates 50 years in the music industry and Montreal can’t wait to do the “Electric Slide” in her honor and classics such as “I Shall Sing” and “Dreamland!”

After an outstanding performance in 2009, Sanchez will return to the MIRF stage giving the city his unique mix of Gospel, Lover’s Rock and some Pop Reggae such as his new song “Him Buy You a Drink” which has been gaining traction on the Canadian Reggae landscape.

Soul has always been embraced by Reggae fans, so to sweeten the mix, MIRF brings legend Percy Sledge!  One of the most beloved American artists, Percy’s single “When a Man Loves a Woman” became an international top 40 hit and certified gold record.  Additional hits include “Warm and Tender Love,” and “Take Time to Know Her.”

Early bird tickets are available via www.ticketpro.ca with prices ranging from $80 CA for a weekend pass (if purchased between May 8^th and June 2^nd, 2014).

The complete 2014 lineup will be announced at a press conference to be held on June 14^th at O Patro Vys – 356 Mont Royal St. East at 11am.  In addition to performances, MIRF will offer workshops at O Patro Vys on August 12^th, 13^th and 14^th. 

For more information about this years festival visit the official website www.montrealreggaefest.com or @MTLReggaeFest

Busy Signal Delivers Wappings!

I love watching older couples when they’re out at social events.  As they interact with friends and colleagues, there always comes a point in the evening when the man gives his Lady a look as if to say “you … yuh see you when we get home … ah wrappings!”  Speaking for the younger generation young man, Busy Signal’s newest release “Wap Wap” is as smooth and suave as the look of the older gentleman to his Lady!

Ladies, when you're out in the club, be prepared to rush the dance floor, and also be prepared to display acrobatics as Busy gives you the ‘Wap, Wap!’   

Setting the girls nice, Busy says:  “my girl when yuh bounce it / when yuh jiggle it / when yuh … squeeze it two time and balance and bounce it / when yuh jiggle it / when yuh kotch it up to the left to the right / gyal bounce it / and jiggle it / then yuh / balance pon yuh head / mek me miggle it / hey balance gyal / hey balance gyal / Gyal ah get wap…!  Musical Murdah!

This chune is track 7 from the Weedy G produced album called Rise (distributed by VP records).  What makes this chune brilliant is the effect Weedy G uses with the synthesizer that encourages Busy’s lyrics – almost as if the synth is egging Busy on to reveal more. 

The summer just got extra HOTTT with this chune!  Jamaica Avenue in New York, Garance Festival in France, Nottinghill Carnival in London, you name it, the world is going to beat this banger hard!

P.S.  Tweet Busy when you play the chune so he can Retweet >>> @busysignal_turf

Tickets On Sale Now for the 11th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival!

The Montreal International Reggae Festival announced today that tickets for its 11^th annual staging is officially on sale and available exclusively through the online portal www.ticketpro.ca!

With fans actively reliving their experiences from last year, and pressuring organizers to give them updates as early as possible, the MIRF team announced today that early bird weekend passes are available online until June 2^nd, 2014 for $80 (Canadian currency).

The 11^th annual celebration takes place August 15, 16 and 17 at the Old-Port in the heart of Montreal, and brings together the best and brightest names in Reggae and Dancehall.  Last years’ festival was just shy of capacity, and this year is expected to sell out.  If fans buy tickets after June 2^nd, the pricing options are:  weekend pass $100 in advance, $140 at the gate.  Friday single day tickets are $21, and $1 from each ticket will be donated to a charity.  Saturday and Sunday individual single day tickets are $55 in advance and $70 at the gate.  VIP Weekend passes are $275 and include some of the privileges received last year.

A partial artistic line up will be announced on Monday May 26^th, 2014, and will include information about interactive workshops held at O Patro Vys (356 Mont-Royal Ave East), and related to the industry and business of Reggae and Dancehall. 

For more information about tickets, patrons can call 514-790-1111 or 1-866-908-9090 and by visiting www.montrealreggaefest.com