New Jersey’s King Shine sound came out victorious over Brooklyn’s Kosmik Movements and Platinum Kids from the Bronx, to become the very first World Fight Club (WFC) champion.
Set to the backdrop of Brooklyn, North America’s sound clash mecca, New York region dancehall and clash fans poured into Linden Hall, to witness Platinum Kids (also Aidonia's USA management team), Kosmik Movements along with veteran selector Johnny Killa (most known for being dancehall icon Matterhorn's selector for many years), and King Shine battle it out for the champion title.
The exciting rivalry between all three sounds made it a night of settling unfinished business. One part of the rivalry stemmed from the 2016 New Jersey Cup Clash of which Kosmik and King Shine competed, but ended in controversy. Additionally, all three contenders faced off in the 2017 US Rumble (along with 4 additional sounds), which ended in an upset as the most inexperienced clash competitor of that line up—Platinum Kids—came out with an unexpected win over seasoned clash sounds.
King Shine has had a couple of controversial clash endings versus clash legends like Ricky Trooper, as well as Pink Panther, and most recently one of Brooklyn’s “Big Four”, the legendary Earthruler Sound. A clean win for the New Jersey titan, King Shine’s deadly performance in WFC Round One was a historic moment—the New Jersey native killed two sounds from New York, in New York.
Saturday’s launch of World Fight Club marks the beginning of a new era in the international sound clash arena. The all-new league stands out among other clash brands because only true thoroughbreds in the global arena can face the ultimate test of top tier musical savvy, and wit, in WFCs classic sound clash format of less sounds, and longer rounds. Additionally, contenders in WFC compete for a beautiful belt, of which they must continuously earn the right to keep versus future contenders from all over the world.
Produced by North America’s legendary sound system, King Addies, the sound clash icons encourage all sounds and DJs worldwide to get involved. Co-manager of King Addies, Shinez, says “We are about showcasing authentic Jamaican sound system culture to wider audiences…it’s the only way to push the culture forward.”
World Clash R.E.S.E.T hosted by Irish and Chin did not disappoint for the 2013 season. 7 sound systems vied for the coveted title. There were hits, misses and surprises. Here's my take on each sounds performance....
LP
International was one of the hometown favorites, and though they paced
themselves well, could not kick in to overdrive by the end of Round 3 and was
shown the door. An impressive note to their performance was their switch from
Polly Famous as MC to Shortman. Shorty connected with fans via speech -
appealing to New Yorkers.
Beginning too fast and definitely to his folly is Jazzy T from Renaissance
Disco. His French Montana, Ace Hood and Rihanna Dubplates we're impressive,
especially for the majority hardcore New York massive, but, Jazzy ignored the
golden rule which is never, ever, ever go that hard in round 1. 99% of the
time, the sound that does that loses the endurance test and runs out if steam
by round 3. So said, so done except that in Jazzy's case he was finished by
Round 4 he was gone. The lesson, don't think a Hip Hop gimmick will win you a
Clash in the World stage.
Soul Supreme was a disappointment and there isn't more to say than that. For
all their fire-is tic speeches about being from New York and having excess
amount of Dubplates, fans expected more but received less. In summation, this
sound couldn't catch their rhythm and played themselves out by Round 2.
Another disappointment to the World Clash arena was the performance of Fire
Links. After receiving a very generous life line from the audience (who should
have eliminated him from Round 1), the much touted sound lacked any fire and
resorted to climbing on speaker boxes to impress a very knowledgeable New York
crowd. Flop. Not only was he a flop, he disrespected the intelligence of the
people who know the foundation if Clash. Fool.
King Addies performance was good and overall a B+. They had 1 round, Round 2
which was flawless and pure genius. Rinsing Dubplates from Capleton, Jr. Gong
and Buju, they ran a reverse play by letting the audience know they could hold
off on their extremely heavy artillery of Bounty Killer Dubplates. The Art of
war was in full effect all the way to chune fih chune.
Mighty Crown has extreme respect for Reggae, Dancehall and each artist whose
made a contribution to the genres. That respect was evident in every round and
well respected by the audience. Though they should have made it through to the
final round, the New York massive who was rooting for King Addies had other
plans. Solid performance by Mighty Crown, and if on neutral ground, would have
advanced to the end.
The biggest surprise for the night without doubt was Sky Juice aka Metro Media.
From round 1 to round end, Metro Media established that they were not going to
throw insults, but would "beat them and teach them."
Using classic Clash chunes from Super Cat, Shabba and Peter Metro (just to name
a few, Metro Media appealed to hardcore Clash fans who wanted to be impressed
by a sounds use of the fundamentals; they wanted to hear speech, chune and
Riddim!
Using the moniker 'freeeeeeeeeeee chune,' Sky Juice gave fans their monies
worth and easily earned this World Clash win. I should also note that Sky Juice
performed each round at 95 out of 100 or higher. There was no dispute that the
crowd gave him the trophy.
Congratulations Sky Juice and Metro Media for the well deserved win. You
schooled the youths on how to win World Clash.If you're a fan of the art of Sound Clash, or you want to be entertained
in all genres if music in a dance, add Metro Media to your event!
If you came up in the era of Sound System culture, you will know that one of the best ways to hear an artist and appreciate their talent is when they perform live (in front of an audience) backed by a Sound System. As simple as this artform looks, it really requires skill. This skill is broken down by the artist in terms of understanding the riddim being run, and being able to ride the riddim using lyrics that fit. To see all of this come together in a venue with hundreds and or thousands of people is nothing short of magical.
Magic comes to live thanks to Irish and Chin who return with an explosive 5th edition of the insanely popular
"REEEWIND & COME AGAIN" on Saturday, November 9, 2013.
Going
down on Veterans Day Weekend inside Amazura entertainment complex, this epic
tribute to sound system/Rub-a-Dub culture will thrill patrons with more than 4
hours of live performances by top Reggae acts on legendary sounds including
King Stur Gav (with URoy), Jah Love (with Ilawi) and King Addies (with Danny
Dread). A tribute to the 80's, artists already confirmed on the line up include
Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy, Charlie Chaplin and General Trees. Irish and
Chin is positioned to make major announcements regarding at least 3-4 first
time heavy hitters pegged for the line up in the coming weeks! This installment
will surely move the massive!
The only
show of its kind in the New York Tri-State area, "REEEWIND" captures
the true essence of an era when sounds ruled the world, paving a way for rising
artists. This historical event will have the industry talking for years to
come. It's been over two years since the last staging of "REEEWIND"
and fans have been anxious for the stellar event's return. "REEEWIND"
shines as one of Irish and Chin's most successful brands, typically attracting
3,000 loyal patrons. Just imagine 7-8 powerhouse artists sharing the mic and
toasting over intense foundation riddims, provided by resident sounds King Stur
Gav, Jah Love and King Addies.
Since
2009, through "REEEWIND," Irish and Chin has been delivering high
caliber Caribbean entertainment. The flagship event has been the platform for
landmark performances from leading acts and sounds such as the late great Sugar
Minott, King Stur Gav, Brigadier Jerry, Barrington Levy, Cocoa Tea, Shabba
Ranks, Admiral Bailey, General Trees, Charlie Chaplin, Frankie Paul, Sanchez,
Flourgan, David Rodigan and more! In fact, "REEEWIND" was the staging
of Sugar Minott's last major performance before passing. Irish and Chin was
humbly honored to have been graced with the presence of such an established artist
and purveyor of the culture.
All
artists booked for "REEEWIND" are looking forward to the experience.
It's just as much of a treat to return down memory lane for the artists as it
is for the fans. Preservation of culture in an ever-changing industry is
essential. While the more seasoned patrons will relive an era from their youth,
new revelers will have a rare opportunity to soak in the nostalgia and
fundamentals of sound system and Dancehall culture. Before dub plates, there
were action packs sessions of sound systems featuring live artists. All in
attendance will get the maximum value for their money. To purchase tickets and
stay abreast of everything "REEEWIND," visit http://www.irishanchin.com.
Here's video and a taste of what fans will hear on November 9th...
