When the Praises Go Up The Blessings Come Down!

There is an age old expression that says when the praises go up, the blessings come down, and if that expression is true (which I personally think it is), then thanks to Busy Signal’s new chune called Gospel Medley, be prepared to receive non-stop blessings because you will be giving non-stop praise!  

Busy Signal

Released and produced on Busy’s label Turf Music, Busy begins 2015 singing a medley of Gospel songs reminiscent of what you would hear in church.  Combining the musical ministry of Pocomania (Jamaica / Caribbean) and Baptist, Team Turf goes hard with heavy accents of organ, tambourine and hand clap.  While doing so, we can hear Busy sing “I saw the light / I saw the light / no more in darkness / no more in night / now I’m so happy / no sorrow in sight / praise the lord / I saw the light!”  What makes this medley so profound is this chune will be played in the Dancehall, and wherever 2 or 3 are gathered in his name, there shall he be.  God is in the Dancehall!

If you remember 2009’s “Praise and Worship,” or 2013’s “Reason Why I Sing” you will more than understand this Gospel Medley and will appreciate the spirit in which it was made:  let blessings come down on the people!  If you have a playlist that is designed just for Sunday, this is a song you must add!

I should also note that pure music lovers (people who love instrumentation, chord progression etc), you will LOVE the down south (southern United States) sound Busy creates at the end of the song.  He does this with song choice “Sweet Chariot” and male and female backing vocalists.  The effect is the sound of a choo-choo train.  Let the song play to the very end!

Make sure you tell Busy what you think via Twitter >>> @busysignal_turf | or Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OneBusySignal

Listen to the song here:  

https://soundcloud.com/turfmusicent/busy-signal-gospel-medley-turf-music-ent

Akon Teams with Stephen Marley - Just a Man!

Update:  Monday January 5th, 2015 ... I just received word from Team Akon that "Just a Man" features Stephen Marley and not Damian Marley.  The song was mis-labeled when sent.  Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused!  This post has been edited for proper credit!

Akon’s relationship with Reggae goes as far back as his musical career.  The truth is, he has always been inspired by Reggae, and, has always incorporated elements of the worlds beloved genre in his music.  One of the artists greatest crossover hit records, “Mama Africa,” produced and co-written by Jamaica’s own Bobby Digital-B Dixon and Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton helped seal Akon’s fate with Reggae.  Fast Forward to 2015!

Teaming with Stephen Marley, Akon has released a new single which is a part of his 5 disc forthcoming album called Stadium.  The single, entitled “Just a Man,” hears the artist understand where the woman he loves is coming from:  a place of wanting genuine love from her man.  Akon answers the call with a little help from Jr. Gong singing “I beat you to the punchline girl I love you / now what we / what we gone do / I mean it when I really say I love you / whatever they did I will not do… I’m just a man / trying to love you.”

Jr. Gong adds support to the message by DJing:  “your walls are so impossible I’m tired / as I’m climbing / they keep on multiplying / and every time we progress / we regress in your stress / all I wanna know / is why you can’t let it go….”

There are so many men in the world who want to love a special woman but due to her previous experiences, she makes it very hard.  This is the issue that Akon addresses so ladies pay attention!

Check out this very Reggae chune with a sweet bass line at the links below and make sure you tell Akon and Jr. Gong what you think via Twitter >>> @Akon | @stephenmarley

P.S.  The album Stadium will be released soon and comes in 5 discs:  Electronica / EDM, Pop, World, Urban and Island.  I've previewed a few tracks and can absolutely tell you you'll love it.  

International Reggae Playlist - Syndication!

Microphone ... CHECK!  Last week was mic horrors, this week, everything is plugged in and good to go!

Playlist – December 23^rd, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Miami / 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 / www.ReggaeCaption.com – Toronto /

Listen again / download link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/ofolda08igwx7so/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_December_23rd,_2014.mp3

Ieye – Christmas Breeze

Shinehead – Christmas Medley

Michael Palmer – Happy Merry Christmas

Barrington Levy – I Saw Mommy Kiss a Dreadlocks

Eek-a-Mouse – Reggae Christmas

Christmas Reggae

Jacob Miller – Silver Bells

Jacob Miller – Wish You A Irie Christmas

Yellowman ft. Peter Metro – Canada Cold

Admiral Bailey – Old Time Something

Gregory Isaacs – Let’s Give it a Try

Buju Banton – Hooked on the Love

Shabba Ranks – Get Up Stand Up

Half Pint – Level the Vibes

Junior Cat – No Rock Away

General Echo – People Are You Ready

Dennis Brown – Rocking Time

Half Pint – Greetings

Busy Signal – Greetings

Busy Signal – Money Flow

Eek-A-Mouse – Wha Do Dem

Byron Lee & The Dragonaires – White Christmas

Collie Buddz – Holiday

CBlock - Chestnuts Roasting 

D’Angel – Spread a Little Love

Jah Selah – Christmas With You

Toronto Artists for Christmas – It’s Christmas

Kaisha Lee – Happy Holidays

Shaggy ft. Maxi Priest & Super Cat – Night Flight

Beres Hammond – Winter Wonderland

The Tamlins – Give Love on Christmas

Maurice – Merry Christmas

Million Stylez – Holiday

Iley Dread – Lover’s Holiday

Biggie Irie – Come All Ye Faithful

Sanchez – This Christmas

OMI – Christmas Medley

Tammy Baldeo – Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Michelle Gordon – All I Want for Christmas

Boney M – Brown Girl in the Ring

Boney M – Mary’s Boy Child

Boney M – Rivers of Babylon

Scrunter – Leroy

Scrunter – Madam Jeffery

King Cosmos – Daisy

King Cosmos – Bring Mih Baby Home

Richie Stephens – Let Me Down Easy

Mike Anthony – Who Told You So

Keith and Tex – Back in to Your World

Listen again / download links:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/ofolda08igwx7so/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_December_23rd,_2014.mp3

Send me your music!  natashavoncastle@gmail.com

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

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

How Does I-Octane Handle the Pressures of Making Hit Records?!

I-Octane Covers the March, 2014 Issue of L3 Magazine

ft. jointpop | Idris Elba | Lady Keyz | Ossie | Music | Beauty and More!

The March issue of L3 Magazine is out and features internationally acclaimed superstar

I-Octane on the front cover.  Exclusive to L3 Magazine, I-Octane shares his experiences in making his 2^nd studio album entitled My Journey, including the pressures to keep making hit records.  He also responds to popular commentary about his work ethic, and where he would be without music. 

L3 Magazine - March, 2014

Song River travels to Trinidad & Tobago to speak to the twin republics Rock band jointpop!  It’s hard to believe that Rock comes from the Caribbean, but as far as jointpop’s fans are concerned, they don’t care.  Good music is good music!  So how does a Rock band grow to international status?!  This is a must read on how the band overcame a lot of ‘no’s!’

Most people know Idris Elba for his on screen performances in movies such as Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom, or Heimdell in the movie Thor or as Gordon Jennings in Takers.  Few know that Idris began his career in Entertainment as a professional DJ, and we have his exclusive mix ‘Look with Your Ears’ Vol. 1 which takes fans on a 1 hour musical journey that leaves them wanting more.

Ossie, aka Triple O Productions hails from the UK and is one of the most influential music producers on an international scale.  He is not limited to one genre, and has experienced great success with 2Face Idibia, Beenie Man, Vicky Sola and more.  He proudly represents a growing base of Naija enthusiasts and is at the top of his game.  How does he bridge Dancehall, Pop and African music?  We have the answers!

Rohan Beckford chops up the musical movements of Hip Rock and Dancehall newcomer Lady Keyz, Kay Cunningham has beauty tips and advice, Ali Motamed reviews X-Box One’s Plants v. Zombies Garden Warfare and Ekow Minakow creates African Masks using Lego.  Model of the Month, the true story behind U2’s “No Ordinary Love” and more available at www.L3Magazine.com!

About L3 Magazine:

L3 Magazine is the #1 Caribbean-Urban monthly Magazine that covers the globe to bring its readers content on Music, Fashion, Entertainment and Technology.  Our publication is trusted as a leading source of information for a monthly average 70,000 readers.  With writers in France, Germany, the Caribbean and North America, our readers receive exclusive industry content first.  Additional divisions include L3 Designs, L3 Radio, and L3 Publicity.

Countdown to Christmas and Happy Holidays ►►► Sanchez - This Christmas!

Greetings!

Today is December 1^st, and the countdown is officially on to Christmas.  In addition to celebrating family and making plans for the New Year, we also enjoy good music from good artists, and today, Sanchez drops by to deliver his latest release which is just in time for the Holiday’s!

Produced by New Millionaire Entertainment, “This Christmas” is a remake of the classic originally performed by Donny Hathaway in 1970.  Adding some island soul to the musical delivery, Sanchez and team make this the kind of record that you will be playing repeatedly.  Sanchez intro’s with:  “Christmas / is that one special time of the year / a time to come together / sharing gifts / giving thanks / oh it’s Christmas time for real / a time for giving and sharing / caring yes….”

Musically, you will love how New Millionaire uses the keyboard for the skank and drops the bass line in and out which has elements of the Satisfaction riddim made famous by Trojan Records who produced Carl Dawkins “Satisfaction” and later picked up by Richie Spice and the chune “Grooving!”  Yes indeed … wicked vibes guaranteed to make your holiday playlist sound that much better!

Broadcasting in amplified sound, catch Sanchez and the chune “This Christmas” produced by New Millionaire Entertainment at the SoundCloud link below, and make sure you tweet with the artist @SanchezOfficial

https://soundcloud.com/natashas-music-box/this-christmas

HOTTT New Anthem! Busy Signal – God Mih Seh!

There will never be another artist from this generation as remarkable as Busy Signal.  The artist’s ability to capture energy and release it through song is something we have not seen from others, and I don’t think we will see.  Today’s release is another example of the artists’ brilliance. 

As you can imagine, jail is not nice.  It is a place where people are locked without hope and without support.  It is a place that is difficult to find a light.  Busy understands that which is why his new song “God Mih Seh” is such an exceptional chune. 

Let me begin with the musical composition.  Using the sound of the ‘death bell,’ and the hum of an ominous choir, Busy’s own label, Turf Muzik and Riff Raff lay a foundation of foreboding.  The instrumentation is something for a horror movie … but this is Busy Signal we’re talking about! 

Lyrically, Busy contrasts the darkness of the music by using his voice as a weapon of light.  This is what he says:  “God mih seh / mih nuh work fih satan / bun the enemy / slew dih pagan / Busy mih deya fih please dih nation / mih nuh mix up wid no evil nor no demon / we nah join dem congrega – shun / we nuh owe nuh bwoy no oblige-shun / mih couldn’t wait fih dih damn plane land / freedom worth more than gold and diamond ….”  

In other words, Busy could have been sucked into thoughts of evil and darkness, but instead chooses the path he has always chosen … the light.  Salute! 

To truly get the full hundred, to truly get the full influence of this chune, request this chune the next time you go out to a Dancehall event.  Every lighter that burns is a salute to Busy, and a salute to all who choose the light over darkness. 

P.S.  Tweet with Team Busy and let him know what you think of the chune >>> 

@busysignal_turf | @JukeboxxJamaica | @riffraffnotice | @L3Magazine

 https://soundcloud.com/#natashas-music-box/busy-signal-god-mih-seh

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

 

 

 

Welcome to Natasha's Music Box!

Greetings and welcome to Natasha's Music Box!

My name is Natasha Von Castle, and I write about music daily.  If you're in Reggae and Dancehall, you've heard of me.  If you're in Hip Hop and R&B, not so much.  All the same music is me!

I studied music formally and professionally, so I know a few tidbits.  When it comes to critiquing music, I write about what I like and say little about things I don't find appealing (Mama told me if you don't have something good to say, don't say anything at all).

I'm the Editor-in-Chief for www.L3Magazine.com and, in addition to writing about music, I'm a radio presenter on www.radioregent.com in Toronto (Monday's from 10am to 1pm EST), www.daflavaradio.com and 1430 AM in Atlanta (Tuesday's from 10am to 1pm EST), www.basslinemuzik.com in Tampa, www.Reggae4Us.com in the UK and Europe and www.NoyzRadio.com + 95.3 FM in Brooklyn, New York. 

I distribute Reggae and Dancehall (sometimes other genres) to over 5,000 radio, club and mixtape DJ's around the world on a daily basis, and have a number of clients which include artists, production companies and record labels.  Basically, I am very immersed in music and most times I know what I'm talking about!

I hope you drop by daily to get my views on what's new.  I'll include all genres as well as flyers / posters of artists performing as well as tour reports!  If you have a question, email me and I'll answer as quickly as I can.  If you're a DJ, you get priority!  You can contact me HERE!

You can also find me on Twitter @NatashaVonC

Welcome to Natasha's Music Box and get ready to enjoy the ride!