Get Ready for The Best of the Best ►►► Shabba Ranks + Spice + Beenie Man + More!

If you’ve never attended a Best of the Best Concert, I hope this email encourages you to change that status!  The energy of thousands of people united in music and surrounded by water is a must have experience – please trust me!

South Florida’s longest running Memorial Weekend concert is held at Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd.) on Sunday May 24^th, 2015.  Produced by Best of the  Best Entertainment, in association with Rockers Entertainment and Massive B, the 100% Caribbean show, celebrating its 9^th year, will once again feature the Best if Reggae, Dancehall and Soca.

The 2015 lineup includes Dancehall Icon, Shabba Ranks, Josey Wales, Capleton, Spice, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Sanchez, Morgan Heritage, Warrior King and many more.  In addition to these premium Dancehall and Reggae artists, Fay Ann Lyons, Kerwin DuBois, Lyrikal and Rupee will represent for the Soca lovers!

Best of the Best tickets are on sale for $49 and VIP / Open Bar tickets are $139.  Both early bird deals end on May 1^st.

The after party will be held at the Iguana Pines in Pembroke Pines (8358 Pines Blvd.).  Music will be provided by Massive B, Foota Hype, Steelie Bashment, Noah Da Powa, Dutty Dex, House Arrest, Barrie Hype and Scotch Bonnet.

Full info is available at www.BestofTheBestConcert.com

For media who would like to attend and need accreditation, please click this link:  http://bit.ly/BOTBMediaApp

Italy Reggae and Dancehall Top 20 Charts!

Greetings Friends!

My bredrin Gusma T just released his top 20 Singles and Albums charts for Italy, and '10' is amy new favorite number!  Congrats to Stephen Souza whose brand of Lover's Rock is spreading around the world!

RADIO BASE & CARIBBEAN VIBES RADIO - DJ GUSMA TOP 20 SINGLES

01 - DAMIAN MARLEY - IS IT WORTH IT ? (OVERSTAND ENT.)

02 - CHRONIXX & KABAKA PYRAMID - MI ALRIGHT (CHIMNEY RECORDS)

03 - JAH DAN BLACKAMORE & KABAKA PYRAMID - FOR THE CHILDREN (LUSTRE KINGS)

04 - I-OCTANE &  KYMANI MARLEY - AYAH WI DEH (DJ FRASS RECORDS)

05 - JESSE ROYAL - MODERN DAY JUDAS (OVERSTAND ENT.)

06 - MR VEGAS - READY LONG TIME  (PLATINIUM CAMP RECORDS)

07 - SPICE - SO MI LIKE IT (NOT NICE RECORDS)

08 - CHRONIXX - SPIRULINA (ZINC FENCE RECORDS)

09 - KONSHENS - SUMN DEH (HEAD CONCUSSION RECORDS)

10 - ALKALINE - MOUTH TALK (BLAQK SHEEP MUSIC)

11 - MORGAN HERITAGE - PERFORM AND DONE (SEANI B)

12 - BUGLE - ANOINTED (ADDE / JOHNNY WONDER)

13 - BARRINGTON LEVI - ROSIE (PLATINIUM CAMP RECORDS)

14 - SEAN PAUL ft KONSHENS - WANT DEM ALL (VP RECORDS)

15 - NINJAMAN - JAMAICA TOWN (DOWNSOUND RECORDS)

16 - RAYTED - FORWARD (MARIO C PROD.)

17 - DEMARCO - LOVE YOU WANT LOVE (TECHNIQUES RECORDS)

18 - BEENIE MAN FT. HAKIM - GOOD LOVE REMIX (SMART MOVE PROMOTIONS)

19 - WARD 21 FT. MARCY CHIN & DEEWUNN - MIC MAGICIAN (GERMAICA DIGITAL)

20 - CHAM & DAMIAN MARLEY - FIGHTER (MAD HOUSE RECORDS)

RADIO BASE & CARIBBEAN VIBES RADIO - DJ GUSMA TOP 20 ALBUMS

01 - I-OCTANE - MY JOURNEY (TADS RECORDS/DJ FRASS REC.)

02 - CHRONIXX - DREAD AND TERRIBLE (SPECIAL DELIVERY)

03 - MUNGO'S HIFI - SERIOUS TIME (SCOTCH BONNET RECORDS)

04 - TARRUS RILEY - LOVE SITUATION (JUKE BOXX PRODUCTIONS/CANNON)

05 - SIZZLA - RADICAL (VP RECORDS)

06 - PRESSURE - THE SOUND (I-GRADE RECORDS)

07 - SEAN PAUL - FULL FREQUENCY (ATLANTIC / VP RECORDS)

08 - VARIOUS - RAGGA RAGGA RAGGA 2014 (GREENSLEEVES)

09 - ALBOROSIE - SPECIALIST PRESENTS ALBOROSIE & FRIENDS (GREENSLEEVES)

10 - STEPHEN SOUZA - REGGAE GENTLEMAN (REQUEST IT AGAIN REC.)

11 - THE GREEN - HAWAII 13 (EASY STAR RECORDS)

12 - HORACE ANDY - GET WISE (PRESSURE SOUNDS)

13 - WARD 21 - STILL DISTURBED (GERMAICA DIGITAL)

14 - TASHA T - REAL TALK (RAS VIBE RECORDS)

15 - PERFECT GIDDIMANI - OVER THE TOP (HOUSE OF RIDDIM)

16 - BUGLE - ANOINTED  (DASECA / ZOJAK W.W. )

17 - LUCIANO - THE QABALAH MAN (AL.TA.FA.AN RECORDS)

18 - ZIGGI RECADO - THERAPEUTIC (ZION HIGH PROD.)

19 - LLOYD BROWN - ROOTICAL (ZION HIGH PRODUCTIONS)

20 - SHAGGY - OUT OF MANY ONE MUSIC (RANCH ENTERTAINMENT)

Under Pressure radio show is aired Tuesdays on Radio Base Popolare Network (Italy FM radio) 9 pm GMT and Wednesdays on Caribbean Vibes Radio (USA internet radio)  9pm EST

These TOP 20 charts are printed too!

I'm Going to Party with Sean Paul!

Following the announcement of its first wave of programming unveiled last month, conforming the participation of Marcia Griffiths, Maxi Priest, Sanchez, and Percy Sledge, the Montreal International Reggae Festival is proud to confirm the participation of three other major stars of Jamaican music:  Sean Paul, I-Octane and Demarco!

Collin Demarco Edwards embodies a new era of avant-garde artists combining songwriting, music production, recording and live performance.  Over the past five years, Demarco has delivered a solid string of memorable hits, such as “Duppy Know Who Fih Frighten,” “Fallen Soldiers,” “True Friends” and “Show It.”

For the past 2 years in Jamaica, you can see and hear I-Octane everywhere!  The handsome young singer with the sweet warm voice has been recruited as a spokesperson for Digicel, Busta beverages and Guinness beer.  Discovered by brilliant producer Donovan Germaine (Penthouse Records), I-Octane has been touring constantly on the international circuit since the release of his debut album Crying to the Nation (Tads Records) which fuses Roots Reggae and Dancehall.  Fans look forward to the artist performing hit singles “L.O.V.E. Y.O.U,” “Jah, Jah Warrior,” and “Mama!”  This will be the artists’ first appearance at the Montreal International Reggae Festival and it is one not to be missed!

Headlining the festival this year is none other than Sean Paul!  Saturday evening will experience Full Frequency along the lines of the energy experienced in the artists 6^th syudio album of the same name!  Blending Jamaican and Caribbean culture with a splash of pop, cross over hits such as “Other Side of Love,” “Entertainment” and “Want Dem All” will have fans rocking in unison!  Montreal is about to get LOUD!

In addition to live entertainment, Montreal International Reggae Festival hosts an innovative series of workshops and conferences at O Patro Vys on August 12, 13 and 14.  The programming, complete schedule of events, as well as confirmations of additional performers and headliners will be announced at a press conference on July 14^th, 2014.

For more information about the festival visit www.montrealreggaefest.com, and to order tickets $80 CA for the weekend, advanced via www.ticketpro.ca!

Snoop Lion's "Gangnam Style!"

So how does Psy celebrate 2 Billion views on YouTube for his song "Gangnam Style?!"  He plays pool with Snoop Lion!  And what?!

P.S.  Flashback to April 2013 and my exclusive interview with the artist about his album Reincarnated >>> http://issuu.com/l3magazine/docs/l3magazine___april_2013___no._020 

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

Kranium for the 1st Time in Canada!

Artist and Entertainer Kranium will take the stage in Toronto, Canada on May 24th, 2014 at the Sapphire Grand Banquet Hall which marks the first time he has ever performed in Canada.

The singer of the hit single "Nobody Has to Know," as well as "Lifestyle" is excited to take the stage and perform for his fans north of the border who have shown him strong support via iTunes sales, and radio requests.  As one of the most talked about 'new' artists, Toronto has prepared the red carpet!

As a special treat to Canadian fans, Kranium will perform his brand new hit single "Them Broke" for the first time live.  The song is already receiving strong support from the King Turbo family, as well as several selectors and radio presenters.

For more information about Kramium's performance, including where to buy tickets, visit www.reggaecaption.com

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

It's Official: Gwen Stefani Joins 'The Voice!'

It's official!  Gwen Stefani is heading to The Voice!  The No Doubt singer will join the seventh season of NBC's popular singing competition series in the fall, alongside new coach Pharrell Williams and Voice veterans Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

NBC's official Stefani announcement comes more than a week after news leaked that the singer was in early talks to replace Christina Aguilera's spot on the docket. It's believed that Stefani was debating between Voice and ABC’s Rising Star, which has a summer premiere. Reports had circulated in February that Aguilera was expecting her second child, though NBC announced that she will be back for the eighth season - likely airing in the spring. 

"Before we start the show, I want to make a very, very big announcement for us here - hold on, listen! This all just happened moments ago because we're live, and we're very happy to officially announce that two superstars will be joining the next season in these coaches' chairs: Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani will be added to the Voice family," said Carson Daly at the beginning of Tuesday night's episode.  "We're so happy to have them join our ever-growing Voice family. They're both incredible people, insanely talented."

As a way to introduce the new coaches, Williams will perform new G  I  R  L single "Come Get It Bae," while Stefani will take the stage for "Hollaback Girl," produced by Williams, on the live May 5 telecast.

Stefani has sold nearly 30 million records worldwide as the lead singer of rock band No Doubt and also as a solo artist.  No Doubt's five albums have produced No. 1 hits like "Don't Speak," "Just a Girl," "Hey Baby" and "Underneath It All."  In addition to her music career, Stefani has her hand in the fashion industry with L.A.M.B., launched in 2003, and Harajuki Lovers, launched in 2005. She also recently launched a ready-to-wear line that started in February and Gx, featuring affordably priced accessories that began in March.

Stefani is the latest A-list talent to sign on for The Voice, which boasts a slate of guest mentors that has included Miranda Lambert, Aloe Blacc, Jill Scott, The Band Perry and Coldplay's Chris Martin as universal guest mentor.  Most recently, Monday’s episode featured industry guest mentorship for the first time: producers Busbee, Scott Hendricks and Natural, and Levine's own mentor, Crosby, Stills and Nash's Graham Nash.

The Voice is presented by Burnett’s One Three Inc., Talpa Media USA Inc. and Warner Horizon Television. The series was created by John de Mol, who serves as executive producer along with Burnett, Audrey Morrissey, Stijn Bakkers and Lee Metzger.

By: Philiana Ng and Ashley Lee of THR