From Willie Williams to Patexx - Armageddon Times Caan Work!

In 1979 (or there about), Willie Williams delivered the ground breaking song “Armageddon Times” on the Real Rock Riddim.  His song spoke of the hardships that people were experiencing, receiving multiple ‘forwards’ for his classic lines, “a lot of people won’t get no supper tonight / a lot of people going to suffer tonight.”  

Patexx

The Real Rock riddim has been sampled countless times.  To spice up The Fugees 1996 song “Zealot,” Wyclef sings the line “another MC lose his life tonight,” while KRS-One uses the sample throughout the 1993 song “Black Cop.”  These are just 2 examples outside of the Reggae and Dancehall fraternity, and to bring it in, let’s look at Digital One Productions!

Teaming with Patexx, the duo have crafted the song “Caan Work.”  To put this in context, asking a true Rasta to eat pork, caan work.  Asking Tarrus Riley to not make hit records, caan work; and asking telling the world that David Rodigan is not worthy of every award and honor he receives … well, that caan work!  This is the premise of Patexx’s chune “Caan Work.”

Speaking for ghetto youths around the world, the artist says “what mek yuh think we thief the water what mek yuh think we thief the light / cause we can’t live without the necessities of life / politics and politicians are two sump’n weh me nuh like / dem and GCT ah just pest inna we life / we nih have no pretty car and we nuh have nuh pretty bike / we nuh live inna dih hills look down pon dih city lights / we ah dih youths dem who a bounce it pon some cardboard ah night / den we wake up and go hustle at dih stop light / it can work….”  K-A-B-O-O-M!  Puuuuuull up!

Patexx’s voice has matured, his delivery is air tight, and quite frankly, if you are not playing this chune, it’s for 1 of 2 reasons:  1 you don’t play Reggae (shame on you), or 2, you’re in favour of the governments treatment of poor people (shame on you again).  This chune is a must play!

Catch the chune at the links, and jump on Twitter and tell Patexx what you think >>> @PatexxAnyDayNow

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/1i4s55eieem63/Patexx_-_2015

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/49lqd3efsi2xjzd9oc8njc6pzj5swdl4

Tell All Imitators ... Levels To This!

Demarco is one of the hottest Dancehall artists performing today.  Because of the many successes he's had over the past decade, it's easy for up and coming artists to think that Demarco's success can easily be duplicated ... it can't.  

Reflecting on Demarco's start, we have to acknowledge his early days and his time performing at the Cactus Night Club in Portmore (at age 15), and DJ'ing and a youth on the Future Disco Sound System (at age 16).  When early hits such as "Fallen Soldiers" and "Duppy Know Who Fih Frighten" comes in to play, we have to think about all the behind the scenes lessons he must have learned when people began to change (due to his success) but chose not to talk about because he's a soldier like that.  

And what about his HIT chune "I Love My Life" which was mysteriously removed from YouTube after racking up some 25 million views?  Just imagine having to deal with such direct 'badmind' take aim at his career.

Yeah, Demarco, has taken career blows and he's still here, making GREAT music with no apology.  It's because of these things and more that we have to Salute the artist for making the chune "Levels to This."

Produced by ZJ Bruce Lee and performing to the Kick Dem Riddim, Demarco lets the world know that as much as you think it’s easy to duplicate, you must understand that there are “Levels to This!”  You don’t wake up and all of a sudden are an international superstar.  You have experience to gain, and a talent to develop which doesn’t come overnight.

The DJ says:  “man a Sup (Superintendant) and them a Corporal dawg we nuh normal cause level to this / we get the stamp of approval we pick and we choose gyal cause ah level to this / dem cyaan walk inna we shoes we nuh have nuttin fih prove but ah levels to this ….”  K-A-B-O-O-M!

This chune is a must add to every playlist.  If you're working out in the gym, this is a must play.  If you're an athlete competing, this is a must add, and if you're a person in a position that everyone wants to have, press the play button!  

P.S.  Tell the Don what you think of this chune >>> @DemarcoDaDon

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/lomv1gg5ea29e/Demarco

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/o4nsuny3jud8goggz00r6tytqrr7nq03

Aaliyah's Tribute from the Reggae and Dancehall Fraternity!

Today is Aaliyah’s birthday (January 16^th) and boy do we miss her.  Her silky smooth voice rocked parties worldwide and had us hooked on every note she sang.  For the short time she was with us, Aaliyah spent most of her years on Billboard charts as a platinum selling artist.  Listening to interviews with Missy Elliot and Timabaland, the two often talk about how much they miss her, and say if she were still here, the R&B we hear today would be different.  I happen to agree.

The Reggae and Dancehall fraternity loves Aaliyah and DJ Silent Spinna’s remix of “Rock the Boat” reflects that love!  Placing her vocals on the Punany Riddim, Spinna ensures that all parties can transition from R&B to Dancehall with ease.  For those of you playing on the radio, this chune is just as effective.  Don’t sleep, pause, or blink … add this to your playlist!

Happy Birthday Aaliyah.  We miss you!

Mediafire Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/8p39vb03a38mis4/Aaliyah_-_Rock_The_Boat_[Punany_Riddim_Remix].mp3

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/lq8u5kzikyeqppsuk328llsak4ewxmty

Global Reggae Syndication - Playlist!

This week was my first week back to radio land and it felt great!

Playlist – January 12^th, 2015 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/gf2lmk0joo50ggj/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_January_12th,_2015.mp3

Stephen Marley

Demarco – Virtuous Woman

Christopher Martin – My Kinda Girl

Tian Winter – Heal My Heart

Alborosie – Woman I Need You

Chezidek – New Love

Akon ft. Stephen Marley – Just a Man

Kardi Tivali – Let Me Love You

Leroy Smart – Wanna Love You

Tessanne Chin – My Body’s Crying Out

Da’Ville ft. Marcia Griffiths – All My Life

Torch – How Does It Feel

Kaisha Lee – Can We Start Again

Nikesha Lindo – Talk of the Town

The Melodians – Alright

Ratigan – Love Ya

J Soul – Heaven

Krishane ft. Melissa Steel & Beenie Man – Drunk & Incapable

Marcia J. Ball – Tell Him

Winsome Benjamin ft. Daddy URoy – I Believe

Jerry Star – You’re My Angel

Jo Mersa Marley – Sunshine

Blizz ft. Lenn Hammond – Beautiful Day

Duane Stephenson – Good, Good Love

Liberty Silver – All The Lover’s in the World

Fire Lion – Never Been Loved Like This

Sparkie Melody ft. Redd Man UK – When I Get Through with You

Qupid – Feel My Love

Errol Bonnick – Still Got It

Kashief Lindo – Glad to See You Again

Tian Winter – Beat Myself

Anthony Que – Tonight

Busy Signal – Gospel Medley

Buggy Nhakente – Bossman

Delly Ranx – Haffi Blaze

Lutan Fyah – Ganjaman

Sizzla – One Love

Jah Bouks – Going Home

Fari Di Future – Struggle is On

Jah Cure – Let Jah Be Pleased

Stephen Marley ft. Capleton & Sizzla – Rockstone

Busy Signal ft. Exco Levi – Wicked Evil Man

Chino McGregor – Larger Than Life

Gappy Ranks – Free My Chains

Iba Mahr – Great is H.I.M.

Tarrus Riley – Cold Girl

Lisa Maria – Love Patient

D-Major – Real Know Real

Busy Signal – Real Talk [DJ Karim Remix]

Listen again / download link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/gf2lmk0joo50ggj/Natasha_Von_Castle_-_The_Music_Connection_-_January_12th,_2015.mp3

Email me your music!  natashavoncastle@gmail.com

Reggae Gets Shut Out of the Grammy Compilation Album

The award that all musicians strive for, and whose recognition they yearn, is The Grammy!  This coveted trophy represents the highest standard of excellence in music supported by a collective of music makers who vote.

Every year, and prior to the television broadcast of the big night (this year the Grammy’s will air on CBS on February 8^th, 2015 from 8pm to 11:30pm EST), the Grammy’s releases their compilation album called Grammy Nominees Album.

My only bone to pick with the committee who puts together this compilation is their consistent shutting out of categories like Reggae Album of the Year and Gospel Recording of the Year.  Why can’t they be more diverse instead of being predictable?!  Anyways, here’s the tracklist:

1.  Taylor Swift – Shake It Off

(Record of the Year / Song of the Year / Best Pop Solo Performance)

2.  Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX – Fancy

(Record of the Year)

Pharrell Williams

3.  Ed Sheeran – Sing

(Album of the Year / Best Pop Vocal Album)

4.  Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea – Problem  

(Best Pop Vocal Album)

5.  Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass

(Record of the Year / Song of the Year)

6.  Katty Perry ft. Juicy J – Dark Horse

(Best Pop Vocal Album)

7.  Coldplay – A Sky Full of Stars

(Best Pop Vocal Album)

8.  Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball

(Best Pop Vocal Album)

9.  Sia – Chandelier

(Record of the Year / Song of the Year / Best Pop Solo Performance)

10.  John Legend – All of Me (Live)

(Best Pop Solo Performance)

11.  Hozier – Take Me to Church

(Song of the Year)

12.  Beyoncé ft. Jay Z – Drunk in Love

(Album of the Year)

13.  Pharrell Williams – Come Get It Bae

(Album of the Year)

14.  Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)

(Record of the Year / Album of the Year / Song of the Year / Best Pop Solo Performance / Best Pop Vocal Album)

15.  Beck – Blue Moon

(Album of the Year)

16.  Keith Urban ft. Eric Church – Raise Em Up

(Best Country Duo or Group Performance)

17.  The Band Perry – Gentle on the Mind

(Best Country Duo or Group Performance)

18.  Tim McGraw ft. Faith Hill – Meanwhile Back At Mama’s

(Best Country Duo or Group Performance)

19.  Miranda Lambert with Carrie Underwood – Somethin Bad

(Best Country Duo or Group Performance)

20.  Little Big Town – Day Drinking

(Best Country Duo or Group Performance)

21.  Pharrell Williams – Happy (Live)

(Best Pop Solo Performance)

Log on to www.grammy.com for more info…

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

Meghan Trainor Says Forget Bass – It’s All About Reggae!

Her monster and certified platinum hit “All About That Bass” landed her on 58 charts around the world, kept her at #1 for weeks on end, and made her one of the most talked about artists for 2014.  With the energy of that unprecedented success, Ms. Trainor is now preparing to release her album called ‘Title’ (coming January 9^th) in which she’ll forget that bass and throw out some Reggae!

The 21 year old singer (who just celebrated her birthday on December 22^nd) recently spoke about plans for her album which will be released in the UK later this month, and she is quoted as saying “Yo!  I wanna get my Reggae out there!”  Some may be surprised to hear the worlds most beloved genre’s as one of her choices, but it’s actually very close to Meghan’s musical home!

Born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Meghan began singing at age 6, and song-writing at age 11.  She was also a part of a band called Island Fusion which explored multiple genres including Reggae.  A few years later, she added Jazz to her repertoire!  Her fans are thankful for that influence and loving her sound!

Her second single, "Lips are Movin" will be released in the UK in February!  Trainor is currently nominated in two Grammy categories, Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “All About That Bass,” and Favorite Breakout artist and Favorite Song at the People’s Choice Awards.

Connect with Meghan >>> http://www.meghan-trainor.com/ | @Meghan_Trainor | https://www.youtube.com/user/MeghanTrainorVEVO