Froggy MaddSquad Danced Ah Yard – Time to Dance Abroad … Again!

He started as a selector on the Pieces Sound System from Montego Bay, and eventually branched off to form his own Sound:  MaddSquad.

Froggy has a unique relationship with music that I personally call the triangle.  One part is the artist, the second is the audience and the third is the bridge that connects the two.  One can’t function without the other, and Froggy performs the train dance he goes to.  The results are always the same:  he F@&$* up the dance.   

On his recent UK tour, he gave the people (radio listeners and live audience) a piece of juggling they won’t soon forget.  Speaking to Mix Master J at Mystic Radio and Seani B at BBC 1Xtra, Froggy maintained that he does what he does for the Love of music and seeing people happy.  Amen!

Friday March 18^th, 2016 to Sunday April 3^rd, 2016 Froggy MaddSquad will be in Europe for a promotional tour.  Key in on the ‘key’ word … promotional!  Yes friends our musical General will be in Europe for 2.5 weeks (home base will be Germany) and would love to come to your venue to play / perform / par!

Connect with him via email maddsquadent@gmail.com if you have an evening / event you’d like him to come to.  You can reach Froggy via Whats App:  407-924-6852.  If by chance you can’t reach him, call 647-677-2507 (not a Whats App number) or hit reply to this email; friends in Europe, will not be disappointed.  Here’s a flashback to yester-year (2012) when Froggy put Montreal in a state of Reggae and Dancehall chaos at the 9^th annual Montreal International Reggae Festival!

P.S.  Take in his annual Birthday party coming November 9^th, 2015!  Twitter >>> @FROGGYMADDSQUAD

YouTube Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ESuf2huXmg

Sound System Special: Beenie Man – Anyway!

And just like that, Beenie Man drops a must have for every Man and Woman who plays on a Sound System … the chune called “Anyways!”

Beenie Man

Produced by the Legend Maurice Johnson aka Black Scorpio who is one of the original Sound Men from 1968, Beenie’s performance is on a remake of the Lazy Body riddim.  This version is loaded with original vibes from yester-year, and Beenie drops some lyrics that, if reconstructed for Sound Clash, Sound Men / Women will set themselves for an advantage.  The Legend sing-jays:  nuff say dem ah dog but dem ah puss / no fear ambulance strap dem inna bush / and nuff say dem ah Ras but man ah ancient kush / Mih know say nuff say dog but dem ah puss….”  Beenie goes on to lyrically ride the riddim in a way that resembles a loaded weapon letting off rounds of bullets without a pause or glitch for 2.5 minutes straight, only stopping to reload ammunition.  K-A-B-O-O-M!

When a Legendary Sound Man (Black Scorpio) produces a riddim with proper construction (Lazy Body Reloaded), and it meets a Legendary performer (Beenie Man), the result is a wicked 45 called “Anyways” and a serious Sound killing Dubplate if you choose to have it cut that way!  You’re Welcome!

Download links for the 45 are below, and connect with Beenie on Twitter / Facebook @KingBeenieMan re getting the Dubplate.  Please note, you will have to pay for the Dubplate at the price set my Beenie and his management team!

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/5ybpfzsabt3n3/Beenie_Man

How Young Hawk Got His Sound Clash Wings!

Canada Cup Clash Opens The 2015 Sound Clash Season

Photography / Videographer:  Father Matic from Illmatic Sound

Sound Clash season officially began in Toronto on Saturday September 19^th, 2015 with the Canada Cup Clash.

Hosted by Michael Moore of Michael Moore Entertainment, this Clash saw 4 Sounds represent 4 countries for the coveted favor of the crowd.

Warrior Sound with Selecta Matthias played first representing Germany and played solid rounds.  Making it clear that his dubs were cut with creativity (salute for the Beres Hammond “What One Dub Can Do Dubplate”) and not cut like everyone else’s, the young yute from  the land of Heineken gave a solid overall performance, and was only eliminated from the Clash because of bias.  Please note, out of all the Sounds, and under the Sound Clash rules, Warrior Sound was most deserving to win.

Steppa Choice, playing 2 and representing Jamaica had the crowd excited from Dubplate 1 to Dubplate done.  Opening their round with Sanchez back to back:  “Amazing Grace” and “Praise Him,” the MC’s speech connected both chunes and had the crowd eating out of their hands.  By the time they finished their 15 minute round with Chronixx’s “Start a Fyah,” it was clear they meant business, and were ready for war.

King Attarney played for Canada and drew 3.  Despite technical difficulties, this sound if nothing else showed their fierce determination, and their tenacious quest for the coveted title of their home country.  Their Dubplate strength is the reason why they have a seat at an international competitors table.  Beginning their round with Tarrus Riley’s “Never Leave I,” it was clear that eliminating this Sound would be a challenge for the other 3 Sounds.

Fate is the reason why Young Hawk, representing the United States drew #4!  It was simply in the cards that the Hawk would FINALLY get his wings and fly.  Finally, because this is the Sounds first win on Canadian soil … totally unexpected.  I predicted that Young Hawk would lose this Clash based on past performances, but what has surprised me is how much he’s learned and applied to his performance style in the past 2.5 years.

His first round didn’t gel for me, but did make an impact on the knowledgeable Canadian audience.  What did stick for me were rounds 2, 3, and 4!  His performance was so on point, and distant from past performances, that the audience had no choice but to cheer for the young bird who was finally learning to fly right in front of out eyes – and fly he did.

Congrats to Young Hawk.  By no means is he ready to compete on the World Clash stage, but his Canada Cup Clash win is a good qualifier to let the world know that his training camp regiment is paying off.  Fly Young Hawk – and don’t forget Canada in your travels!

Most Played Artists:

1.       Tarrus Riley

2.      Lindo P (in attendance at the Clash)

3.      Taranchyla (artist and Selector from Poison Dart Sound)

4.      Chronixx

5.      Capleton

6.      Exco Levi

YouTube Link:  https://youtu.be/8iQcs5noQdc

Busy Signal Redefines ‘Busy’ With Tours, Studio and Foundation!

Multi Genre superstar Busy Signal redefined the word ‘busy’ with an active summer tour schedule, new music releases and the Busy 2020 Helping Hands Foundation.  

Busy Signal

Performing across the Caribbean, the Middle East and Europe, Busy connected with a record number of fans via live performances and extensive media interviews.  His August, 2015 appearance in Uganda for the Pepsi Music UG concert saw a record number of fans sell out the Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala to hear music from the star.  “Being in Uganda, and performing for all those fans was one of the greatest experiences of my career.  The people, the fans – everyone showed such love, and that is something I will never forget” said Busy from his recording studio in Jamaica.

Musically, Busy has released a record number of singles which have charted in markets around the world.  Songs such as “Text Message” (available on VP Records Reggae Gold 2015 compilation), “What If” and “That’s How We Do It” have been radio mainstays, and fan favorites.  The artists independent production of the Reggae Rock Riddim on his Turf Music label saw exceptional success especially in Canada, receiving large support from the #1 Reggae radio show, the Delroy G Show heard on G98 FM.  “Since the riddim came out in June of this year, there hasn’t been a week that I haven’t played singles from it.  Busy Signal is making good music that everyone loves” said the radio host when contacted at the radio station.

Near and dear to Busy’s heart is his foundation, the Busy 2020 Helping Hands Foundation.  The aim of the organization is to reach children and young people with the aim to tackle issues such as violence, poverty and lack of health care access.  Launched in April, 2015, the Foundation has worked with and donated much needed medical equipment to the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital in an effort to make medical access readily available for people in that area of Jamaica.

On Saturday September 26^th, 2015 at 7pm, Busy signal will host the Busy 2020 Helping Hands Foundation Ball being held at the Grand Bahia Principe Resort in Runaway Bay, St. Ann.  The ball will be attended by members of the Entertainment fraternity, Politicians and supporters of the foundation; the minimum donation to attend is $10,000 JA.  For additional information visit http://www.busy2020helpinghands.com/

Coming up for Busy Signal are new music releases, as well as a return to Africa in October.  Stay up to date with all things Busy Signal via Social Media:  www.Facebook.com/OneBusySignal

That’s How We Do It:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QADa13NoNtg

106 & Park Host Joins JAMBANA™ One World Festival and Exco Levi On Stage!

106 & Park host, Keshia Chanté joins JAMBANA™ One World Festival as one of its’ star performers, and will also perform a special duet with reigning Canadian Reggae King, Exco Levi over the August 2^nd and 3^rd weekend.

Achieving international recognition with her hit songs “Bad Boy,” “Does He Love Me” and “2U” and “Been Gone,” Keshia is one of the most visible success stories from Canada, which was complemented by her tenure as co-host on the BET hit show, 106 & Park, alongside Bow Wow.  Since the end of the show, Keshia has been in the studio working on her next album, and filming for the 2^nd season of W Network’s docu-series “Hockey Wives.”  Keshia will make her debut in the series starting this fall.

Anticipating taking the stage at JAMBANA™ One World Festival, Keshia said “I am really excited to be performing at JAMBANA.  There is nothing like performing for my fans here at home – I can’t wait, and performing with Exco Levi is a definite highlight!”

Exco Levi, Canada’s consecutive four-time JUNO Award winning musician will share the stage with Keshia for a special duet.  Both artists are tight lipped about what songs will be performed, but Exco dropped a hint about one song saying “it’s a classic that the fans will make us pull up at least twice.  It was first recorded in 1977, and is still hot today.  Keshia and I are going to ‘Jam’ it for the fans at JAMBANA™ One World Festival.  It’s gonna be great!” 

The 7^th annual JAMBANA™ One World Festival, presented by Jones & Jones Productions Ltd, sees a fusion of world cultures at the Markham Fair Grounds on Sunday August 2^nd and Monday August 3^rd, 2015.  The Festival runs from 1:00 pm to 9:30 pm both days.  This year’s festival is supported by long-time television partner, Global Toronto and new addition for 2015, the Toronto Sun.

Over 2 days, friends and families enjoy the best in music and entertainment from artists such as Alison Hinds, Kabaka Pyramid, four time JUNO Award winner Exco Levi, Australian born artist Nattali Rize & Notis, Ernie Smith, Nana McLean and Majah Hype to name a few acts.  Patrons also have a host of Pavilions to visit such as the food village, children’s village, health village, education village, VIP village, domino village, Travel & Trade village, and Global village.

This years’ festival will be covered by JAMBANA™ One World Festival’s official sponsors Global Toronto (TV) and the Toronto Sun (Newspaper).

Located at the Markham Fair Grounds, 10801 McCowan Road (30 minutes north of Toronto), the venue offers free parking, plus 300,000 square feet of space.

For more information about the festival, visit the online portal, www.JAMBANA.com

We Don't Like 'Gunman' But We'll Sing About Them!

Depending on your musical taste, you either love it when an old riddim is re-made, or you regret taking time to even listen to a minute of a riddim that has been remade, especially when the riddim is a classic, and one of historic significance.

The Gunman Riddim, made famous in 1980 by Michael Prophet who recorded the historic track “Gunman” with Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes on the Volcano label, is one that in my opinion should not be tampered with, unless your name is Raggamuffin Entertainment aka Babbzy!

Yes friends, my Bajan colleague who knows music like Michael Jordan knows Basketball, has released this riddim featuring singers with voices respected by Angels.  Seriously!  Artists you may have never heard of take center stage and deliver music that will have you rocking and swaying, not to mention your listeners!

Devine Songz song “Under the Covers” is a hit with the ladies, Jah Powaz sing-jays the song “Watch” which is a warning to people unaware of how some are plotting to take what they have.  Mavriq’s “Abomination Town” questions how one can rise when they’re born as a curse – powerful lyrics, and rising Star Tabitha questions the need for “War.”  Each song cleverly includes the term ‘gunman’ in each song; K-A-B-O-O-M!  Each chune on the riddim is the cream of the crop.

Ready for your music player, here's the 2015 production of the Gunman Riddim produced by Raggamuffin Entertainment.  

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/gndgco7hn6mka/Gunman_Riddim_2015

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/1yqpdqxhk12n9ngdm6eflfl3u0yw70hn

Ready for Another Round?!

Summertime is here, and the living is HOTTT and good, and one artist who’s celebrating the good life is Toronto’s own JLogix.  As a matter of fact life is so good for the artist, he’s asking for “Another Round!”  

Produced by Real Links Productions (Fyah Fashion and Jeff De Master), the GTA Swing Riddim hears Logix open up in the recording booth about a different outlook on life – how about we celebrate what we have no matter how great or how small.  Take it a step further, Logix sing-jays “we have to give thanks / one bottle fih dih crosses dem / and one fih dih one dem weh nuh like we / ah yes / and one fih dih hypocrite blood sucker dem weh ah do tings fih spite we / ah bwoy / one fih dih enemy we fear we / one fih dih fren dem weh gear we / time fih buss a big bokkle fih dih one who love and dem cheer we….” 

Oh Yes.  We are celebrating everything! 

We’ve heard so much about badmind people and what badmind is doing that people have forgotten the many other reasons to celebrate, and Logix hands it to them on a platter.  So let me ask, are you going 1 round or 2?!  That’s how we do it in the GTA aka The 6 – we swing it!

Radio ready; mixtape ready; Sound System ready … It’s JLogix and the chune “Another Round.”  I’m about to meet up with the artist now; next rounds on me!

P.S.  Connect with the artist on Twitter >>> @JLogix

Mediafire Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/ncwhjgzv00dhy94/JLogix_-_Another_Round_-_GTA_Swing_Riddim.mp3

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/b5ky4sazuapkjql14rhj28e6m2zh8bao

Brawta (meaning extra’s)

Recent Music:  https://app.box.com/s/usu7qxifzqy6ul9ejasutj3rujv0sgbs

Throwbacks from JLogix:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/od3arh3gg5dds/JLogix