World Clash R.E.S.E.T ~ 7 Sounds ~ 1 Champion Courtesy of Irish and Chin!

Greetings!

 

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!

 

 

 

Tweet your thoughts about the Clash with 

Team Irish and Chin

@irishandchin | @L3Magazine

 

P.S.  See you at Reeewind on November 9^th, 2013!

 

 

 

 

HOTTT New Reggae ►►► Eddie Murphy ft. Snoop Lion – Red Light!

Greetings!

 

Music is an infection that can’t be cured, and music is a healing agent that treats all people.  Eddie Murphy’s new single featuring Snoop Lion is both an infection and a healer and this paradox is accomplished through the new song “Red Light!” 

From the time the introduction comes via the roll of the drum and the setting of the bass guitar combined with the pick of the riddim guitar, we know the message will be in the music.  Proving us right, and setting in the ‘infection,’ Eddie Murphy sings “red light / stop right / there where you are / red light / stop right / there where you are / out of the frying pan / into the fire / burning down the people’s souls / my high anxiety / is getting higher / feels like I’m gonna blow / gone is the breeze / it used to be so sweet / poison is the wind that blows / it can’t be long / till the military comes / with a knock – knock – knock on your door / alright….!

Establishing sweet balance, and acting as a healing agent, Snoop Lion adds to the song by sing-jaying “pick up the pieces / let it begin / cause this is the way that we flow / higher and higher and higher we go / through dedication / self preservation / highly I Selassie I ….” 

 

Impressing listeners’ even more, especially Caribbean listeners, Eddie hails Marcus Garvey and makes note of the fact that since our great leaders are gone, we’ve lost our way and darkness has become the day … we need our rebels and leaders to step up again; if we don’t get that back, we’ll have a ‘red light.’ 

For true Reggae lovers, this song is for you.  It is authentic sonically and lyrically; what’s more, Eddie and Snoop could have used their voices to sing about hype but instead use their voice for message music and that should be applauded and played!   

Broadcasting in amplified sound, and taken from his upcoming album called 9, catch Eddie Murphy featuring Snoop Lion and the chune “Red Light” at the links below.  You can also tweet your thoughts of the chune to Team Eddie / Snoop >>> @EddieMurphy | @SnoopLion | @L3Magazine 

P.S.  As Bob Marley once said, ‘one good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain,’ and this my friend is good music!

SoundCloud Link:  http://t.co/Czm7q8MzN4

 



HOTTT New Music ►►► Vybz Kartel – Mother’s Love!

Greetings!

 

From our birth to our last days on earth, there is one name that we call more than any other and that is “Mom.”  Mother’s Love is the kind of Love that knows when we’re not feeling well, knows the perfect remedy to make us feel better, and exactly what advice to give. 

One of the most famous Mother’s is Mother Theresa who made it a mission to care for the poorest of the poor.  In that capacity, she washed the soars of people who were sick, nursed a woman dying of hunger and visited poor families bringing them comfort. 

 

Vybz Kartel’s song “Mother’s Love” is the kind of song that, regardless how you feel about him, is a song worthy of receiving international love as a celebration for all the good that Mother’s do.

Produced by So Unique Records and performing on a riddim that is R&B with a slight interpolation of Reggae / Dancehall syncopation, we hear lyrics that come from children when they speak of their Mom.  Kartel sings:  “No woman in this world can / take my Mama’s place / the loving that you give can / never be replaced / the lady in my life / everytime I see your face / me see love oh yes….” 

Whether you or your listeners say Mom, Mum, Mère, Madre, Mãe, there is only one and she should be honored and loved every single day. 

Broadcasting in amplified sound catch Vybz Kartel and the chune “Mother’s Love” at the link below.  When you play the chune, make sure you tweet @iamthekartel | @L3Magazine!

 



L3 Magazine October ft. Sean Paul ... Dutty Yeah!

Temperatures on the east coast of the United States and Canada are unseasonably high, so to match the unprecedented heat, the team at L3 Magazine decided to feature the hottest Dancehall artist for the October 2013 issue; Sean Paul. 

Speaking exclusively to Natasha Von Castle from his home in Jamaica, Sean shared his views on the industry as a whole, including the number of mainstream artists who are adopting Dancehall and or Dancehall elements in their music.  Sean’s focus is on his new album Full Frequency which is due to be released soon.  Full Frequency is the follow up to Tomahawk Technique, ushering in the ‘TTFF’ era!  Always one to make his views clear, Sean takes the time to correct a mis-quote issued by another media outlet about his views on Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg).  What does the artist really think about Snoop Lion’s album?  

Coming from a sports background, what similarities does Sean find between sports and music?  We get this and more from the artist. 

Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence speaks with one of Reggae’s brightest sensations, Jesse Royal who is also known as the Small Axe.  Not one to give too many interviews, Jesse shares the inspiration for his song “Light Like a Feather’ while sharing his views on the difference between a ‘glamour Ras’ and a real Rasta.  Tounding out the interview, Jesse says that “I work on myself; my mentality, spirituality and physicality. It is all a oneness. From that comes everything else.”  What question did Sparkie ask to promtp this response?! 

Nicholai Khan’s art is 100% inspired by Spirituality, and is very hard to resist when seen online or in person.  Having traveled to 7 continents, visiting as many cultures and learning several spiritual practices, Nicholai explains how he interprets the energy of Bob Marley which became a fan favorite in Queen’s and attracting visitors to ponder the piece’s meaning.  Nicholai says “believe in something so big, and I believe we are all included in that.  The fact of the matter is that even though we are separate, we get to share our universes with each other.” 

Heike Dempster interviews Bahamian artist Motive, while Adrian Daniel, J. Will, Jah Defender and Vicky Sola are additional features.  Our Fashion focus looks at Keith Rowe, DJ of the month is Stephan Mercury and Fanton Mojah has a P.S.A for Jamaica. 

L3’s reliable charts as well as Model of the month are also featured.  All of this and more available in the October issue of L3 Magazine available here:  http://bit.ly/179C5OI

 

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 48,000 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.

HOTTT New Adult Contemporary ►►► Dalton Harris – You Will Know {Penthouse Records}!

Greetings!

 

I feel like speaking to you in reverse where I give you the end statement, then I work my way back to the beginning so here goes … Dalton Harris has the voice of an Angel! 

Every generation has a crop of artists that, as soon as you hear their voice, you just know they will have a successful career (if guided by the right hands).  Donovan Germain, Bunu, Shane C. Brown and the team at Penthouse records know what they hear in the voice of Dalton Harris, and now you will know too! 

Originally performed and released in 1988 by Stevie Wonder as track 2 of his Characters album, the song was a #1 R&B hit.  It made his label, Motown very happy, and it made his fans very happy too.  Fast forward to 2013 and we have Dalton covering the chune in a way that would make Stevie proud! 

For those of you who are particular about the arrangement of a song, you will like what team Penthouse did, and will appreciate the structure of the lead guitar as it plays a supporting role to Dalton’s smooth vocals!  If you’re in a mixed format setting, this song easily mixes with Adult Contemporary, R&B and Jazz! 

Broadcasting at 320kbps, catch Dalton Harris and the chune “You Will Know” at the links below.  Make sure you connect with Team Dalton on Twitter and let him know that you support the chune and his career >>> @harrisdalton | @PenthouseMuzik | @L3Magazine

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

Irish and Chin Announces the Explosive Return of "REEEWIND"

Greetings!

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...

 

 

 

HOTTT New Dancehall and Hip Hop Crossover ►►► Cham ft. Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley – Fighter!

Greetings!

 

As we journey on life’s road, we come to a point where the fighter in us must come out because if it doesn’t, we are either not going to get what we want, or we are going to be bullied.  Cham and Jr. Gong make sure that these circumstances don’t reach their fans by recording this undeniable street heat chune, “Fighter!” 

Produced by Dave Kelly for Madhouse Records, Mr. Kelly finds the right notes to get the attention of the youths by introducing the chune with an electronic sounding base and a militant drum pattern.  This is the perfect opening for Cham to state:  “we made it but we did things our way / gotta give thanks and praises each day / we hustle real hard so we control our future / tun it up ….”  These words make way for Jr. Gong as he sing-jays:  “like a beacon on the mountain / shining through like the rising sun / so shall it be for the faithful / the ones who never stop till the work is done / we grind cause the system / does not favor the common man / but he shall reap the riches / plentiful like the grains of sand….” 

Not stopping there, Cham brings home his point to the chune by DJ’ing:  “we nuh quit when we ah struggle / man ah fighter from we born / wifey haffi hot so from a hustling we gone / bruk and touch dih road / me nah come een till dawn / so when me say ‘on’ / yuh betta sen it on / screw the mutha lova’s who use we like a pawn / it’s all about the money / now ah dat we ah demand / ain’t lookin for no trouble / but ah years dat ah gwaan / so mek we tun it on….” 

The significance of these words is that they are true to Cham’s heart and career.  Going back in the pages of time, Cham tells us of producers who over looked him as an artist because his tone was nasal and not like most other artists.  Dave Kelly saw the passion in a young 16-17-18 year old Cham and worked with him, and now look at where he is today.  The “Fighter” in Cham came out, and still comes out every time he hits the recording booth and the stage.  He fought so the world can know his talent … the words he DJ’s comes from experience so this record is a special gift from Cham to fans as he says ‘I understand.’ 

There is nothing about this chune you won’t love which is why you’ll have it on repeat from the iPod to the computer to the car and all other points in between! 

Broadcasting in amplified sound, catch Cham and Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and the chune “Fighter” produced by Dave Kelly for Madhouse Records at the YouTube link below.  Make sure you Tweet the team when you listen to the chune >>> @thecham | @madhouserecs | @damianmarley | @L3Magazine 

P.S.  Catch Cham speak exclusively to Rico Vibes tonight (Tuesday October 1st, 2013) at 9pm EST on New Music Tuesday’s via www.daflavaradio.com!  You can also tweet Rico @RICOVIBES