L3 Magazine Features UK Singing Sensation Randy Valentine on the May Front Cover!

The May, 2016 issue of L3 Magazine has been released and features UK Singing sensation Randy Valentine on the front cover and interviews with Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra and Cocoa Tea!

Randy Valentine

Randy Valentine arose to international attention with the release of his Mixtape Bring Back the Love, and has held the worlds’ attention through subsequent releases “Wake the Town” and “Carry On.”  He’s one of the most traveled performing artists from the UK, and has an interesting take on why his new voice is so well balanced with ‘old’ music.  When asked about the Rasta faith, Randy gives an interesting answer as to why that is none of his business except his own.

The Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra(PAO)  is an incredible union of musicians and lovers of Afrobeat.  Their ability to transcend barriers and unite people through music is something everyone has to experience.  Senior Writer Song River takes us in to the PAO world, and boy to we love what we see and hear.  After reading this interview, you will want to travel to Phoenix just to hear this orchestra!

Joah Baston got a hold of Cocoa Tea after an electrifying performance in Montreal, and got first hand proof that this Lion still roars!  Cocoa Tea’s energy is that of a younger person which is why he is one of the most appreciated elders in Reggae.

Bridal season is upon us so Fashion and Beauty Editor Kay Cunningham offers Bridal Survival Tips, as well, the featured model this month is Super Model Charlii Fletcher.  The woeld is introduced to Canadian Chantuese Sielle and a personal tribute to Prince is given from Canadian Reggae Songstress Ammoye.

We have music charts, new iTunes releases and so much more available at www.L3Magazine.com!  Want to see something covered in the magazine?!  Email L3Magazine@hotmail.com

Canada’s Reggae Songstress Ammoye to Open for Sean Paul in London, Ontario!

Canada’s Reggae Songstress Ammoye will perform an opening set just before Sean Paul performs on Friday March 18^th at the London Music Hall.

Ammoye

The two time JUNO Award nominee (2013 and 2014) is well known for her brand of Reggae which fans call ‘love fueled,’ ‘conscious awakening’ and ‘motivational.’  Ammoyes musical mission is to be a Light Worker which forms the foundation from which she creates chart topping music.  Songs such as the socially charged “Shooting” addresses the issue of gun violence, while “Sorry” hears her apologize to her beau for an argument that got out of control.  Both songs have enjoyed extensive radio play in Canada and internationally, and have been included on the artists first official Mixtape entitled Enter the Warrior-ess.  In addition to her Reggae lane, Ammoye’s voice for Dancehall is extra hot and spicy in songs such as “Mad Dem,” “Yuh Nuh Ready” and “Cool and Deadly” which electrify audiences when performed live.

About her upcoming opening performance for Sean Paul, Ammoye said “I can’t wait to take the stage!  This is another opportunity to impress the fans, and impress Sean Paul; this Light Worker is ready!” 

Sean Paul, the Billboard and platinum selling artist will be in Canada as a part of his Full Speed Promo Club Tour.  Stops include Hamilton, Montreal, and Toronto.  All dates are listed on www.allseanpaul.com.

Released November 11^th, 2015, the Enter the Warrior-ess Mixtape is available exclusively on the website www.Ammoye.com, and can be streamed or downloaded for free.  Ammoye recently performed at Roots Canada Headquarters in Toronto as a part of the companies Black History Month celebration.

Connect and stay up to date with Ammoye on Instagram @Ammoye or www.Ammoye.com

Exco Levi Drives for ‘5’ with Fifth JUNO Award Nomination for Best Reggae Recording!

International recording super star Exco Levi has become synonymous with Reggae in Canada, and thus has enjoyed giving fans quality music that has been appreciated as much on the day of release as its’ appreciated years beyond.  2016 is no different as the artists’ song “Hello Mama” becomes his 5^th song recognized by the JUNO’s with a Best Reggae Recording Nomination.  

Exco Levi

The announcement, made by the JUNO’s organizing body CARAS at a press conference at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto on Tuesday February 2^nd, 2016 was a welcome honor to Exco who was in attendance as the nominees were being recognized.  “Every time I release music, it’s an extension of me, and I’m honored to once again be nominated, it’s an honor to see my fellow nominees in this category with me and I’m glad to see Reggae gaining more appreciation in Canada” he said while speaking to media.

2016 marks Exco’s drive for ‘5’ as he not only appreciates his nomination for Best Reggae Recording, but possible 5^th consecutive win in this category.  A win this year will maintain his status with singing legend Anne Murray as most winning artist on a single category.  “Hello Mama” was produced by Silly Walks Discotheque, and featured in the Ram Jam riddim compilation.  Previously, Exco worked with the German producers on the award winning “Storms of Life.”

Exco Levi will be performing at the Tribute to Legends Showcase honoring the music of Bob Marley, Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill, Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown.  The show takes place at the The Opera House (735 Queen St. E.) in Toronto, and is a Jones and Jones Production.  This is the artists’ first Toronto performance since returning from his international tour which concluded in December, 2015.

The 45^th annual JUNO Awards will be held in Calgary, Alberta March 28^th to April 3^rd.  The main awards ceremony takes place at The Scotia Bank Saddledome on Sunday April 3^rd.  The awards will be broadcast live across Canada on CTV, a division of Bell Media.

Fans can listen to the JUNO nominated single here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kgcuznqxh4

For more information about Exco Levi visit www.ExcoLevi.com

Mr. Vegas’s Dancehall Dab is Dabbing Video and Radio!

World renowned Dancehall and Reggae artist Mr. Vegas is kicking off 2016 with the HOTTT new MP3 and video release for “Dancehall Dabb!”

The ‘dab’ is the latest dance craze that swept the web over the past year.  Originating in Atlanta, the new move has made several appearances in countless Rap videos, touchdown celebrations, most notable Cam Newton in the NFC Championship against the Arizona Cardinals, and now Mr. Vegas has turned the dab in to a Dancehall sensation!

The artist says “The dancers I worked with for Dancehall Dabb are some of the most professional and hardworking dancers.  Everyone around the world will be doing the dab for 2016 and beyond!”

In addition to the swagger filled dance move, the latest video features an appearance by Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall.

Dancehall Dabb premiered on World Star Hip Hop earlier this month and has the world ‘dabbing!’  Check the video on Mr. Vegas’s VEVO Channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZuFoeHRTfo

UNITY Charity Hits Toronto and the GTA

UNITY Charity is proud to host eight weekly community programs across the GTA with free drop-ins teaching hip-hop art forms to youth, in partnership with Tangerine. UNITYoffers drop-in programs in Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga with all elements of hip-hop that focus on building skills through peer-to-peer mentorship and artistic performance. 

“When we first heard UNITY was expanding its community programs, we wanted to get behind them and lend our support,” said Peter Aceto, President and CEO of Tangerine. “Over the years we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact their programs have on local youth, so we’re thrilled to expand our partnership to help them grow these efforts.”

UNITY Charity empowers Canadian youth 10-18 years of age to be role models and leaders in their communities through after school and community programs in break dancing, graffiti art, spoken word poetry and beat boxing. The community drop-in programs for the 2016 season will include topics such as MC and Turntable foundations, the basics of break dancing and beat boxing battles, musicality, physical wellness, and cultural context.

"We are so excited to be expanding UNITY's community programs to create more accessible arts programming across our city and safe spaces for youth in the critical hours after school," said Michael Prosserman, Founder and Executive Director of UNITY Charity. "These programs meet youth where they are at, while providing opportunities for youth to express their stress in a safe, positive and encouraging space almost every day of the week."

UNITY Charity engages and empowers youth to make better choices as leaders, mentors and positive community role models leading to more productive citizens, safer schools, and healthier communities.

Founded in 2007 by Michael Prosserman aka “Bboy Piecez”, one of Toronto’s most preeminent B-boys, UNITY has reached over 100,000 youth across Canada using powerful messaging integrated with urban art forms to engage students and ultimately inspire them to find their voice amongst their peers and their community when dealing with issues such as bullying, violence, school life and cultural issues. 

UNITY CHARITY 

COMMUNITY DROP-IN PROGRAMS

Malvern All-Elements Hub

Every Tuesday • 6-8pm

Malvern Family Resource Centre, 1321 Neilson Road

Writer's Block MC/Spoken Word, and Beatboxing Drop-Ins

Every Tuesday • 5-7pm

SKETCH, 180 Shaw Street, Lower Level

Hip-Hop Drop-in

Every Wednesday • 7:30-10:30pm

Rightfoot Dance Studio, 370 Yonge Street

Downtown Breaking Drop-In

Every Wednesday • 4-7pm

Art Gallery of Ontario, Weston Family Learning Centre

317 Dundas Street West

Mississauga Hub

Every Thursday • 6:30-8:30pm

City Hall Fitness Studio, 4th Floor Mezzanine

300 City Center Drive, Mississauga

Yorkdale Breaking Drop-In

Every Friday • 5-9pm

Art Starts, 3401 Dufferin Street Lower Level

Scarborough Breaking Drop-In

Every Saturday • 3-6pm

Don Montgomery Community Center, 2467 Eglinton Avenue East

Steeles-L'Amoreux Hub

Every Sunday • 3:30-5:30pm

St. Aidan Catholic School, 3521 Finch Avenue East

Program dates and times subject to change, 

please check back for updates: unitycharity.com/weekly-events

unitycharity.com • @UNITYCharity • Facebook.com/UNITYCharity

The Extra Large Vision of PeeWee!

PeeWee is beyond passionate about music.  Just like a point guard is passionate on the Basketball court (setting up plays, directing traffic, and implementing the coaches will), PeeWee is listening to a sound system to make sure it is tuned, he’s paying attention to the chunes a Selector has played (especially in a Sound Clash) to know if this is a Selector he needs to keep an eye on (future looks bright) or if it’s a Selector in development, and, he is acutely in tuned with the stage. 

PeeWee Pictured Center

Concerns such as where he is on the stage in relation to the person he’s backing, or the response of the audience to the chunes he’s dropping – these are crucial cues he is divinely connected to.  Those times are not the times to approach this serious music man.  “When I’m in my zone, I don’t see people; I see what’s going on and who it’s going on with.  I sometimes don’t hear conversations unless they’re in relation to the artist I’m working with, or the Micsman I’m supporting such as David Rodigan.  I’m totally in to the music and the environment.”

Getting his education from the golden streets of New York that every single artist and Selector wants to travel (and have their name engraved in), PeeWee’s gold brick is securely cemented as he’s worked as a Selector, A&R and Manager, and has been doing so since 2006.  PeeWee credits Billy and Pretty Posse for his start, and solid foundation.  “Not only have I worked with artists because of my start with Pretty Posse, I’ve worked singles.  Both have been rewarding, and both have prepared me for where I am.  There is a simple way to make sure a record gets to #1 in the streets, which almost always leads to success on the radio, and that is to get the backing of the core.  Once you have that backing, you’re good because they are going to feed the masses that record at major and minor events.  Both are equally important.”

Some of the records PeeWee is responsible for include “I Love My Life” by Demarco, “Blind to You,” “Come Around” and “Mamacita” by Collie Buddz, and “That Girl” by Jah Cure.  His method has not always been traditional according to record label rules, but the results have exceeded record labels reach making PeeWee one of the industries greatest assets.  “I remember people calling to say they disagree with the vision me and my partner Pierre Bost from the UK had for Kranium and where we’re taking his career.  A year later, those same people are calling us to tell us they respect what we’re doing with his career.  For example, what other artist from the Dancehall genre got signed to a major label and are able to actively participate in the roll out of their artistry?  We might be doing something right … right?!”

Knowing his sense of space, PeeWee has mastered filling the space he’s in.  While in Dubai, PeeWee was a club consultant at several clubs at the regions hottest hot spots.  His knowledge of what artists are doing (moving units / YouTube views), combined with his knowledge of the culture of the people he’s serving, resulted in PeeWee being in Dubai for 5 months, and everlasting relationships with people who look forward to his next projects. 

David Rodigan, who is the most well respected Selector and Reggae enthusiast, will only play with PeeWee when it comes to Clash.  There is a reason for that.  “PeeWee’s accuracy and timing is so in sync with mine, that I don’t need to turn around and look at him while on stage – he knows exactly where I’m going before I go there, and knows exactly what chune to drop from my dub-box.  I trust him impeccably and will only play with PeeWee when it comes to Clashing!”

PeeWee has an extra large vision where the industry is concerned.  He feels that Dancehall and Reggae is at the bottom of the music genre ladder, and more needs to be done to not only move the genre to the top where it should be, he also feels more education needs to be had by people in the industry:  artists, managers, publicists, stylists, journalists and the like.  “We need to share more information” PeeWee says while reasoning with his musical colleague Nigel Staff.  “We need to be educated about how the industry works so we can have more stars on the charts at the same time.  We should have Jah Cure, Konshens, Popcaan, Shaggy, Kranium and Busy Signal on mainstream charts at the same time because we collectively are that good.  In order for that to happen, we have to share information about opportunities and how to get on the charts.  One person can’t hold the genre on his or her own – it has to be done together.  When we get to the place where we can be honest and positive and put every good artist on, and not fight them because of personal feelings, we’ll be much farther ahead.  It’s a shame that our son, Hip Hop got that message, but the Father, Dancehall, hasn’t picked it up yet.  We’re getting there!”

PeeWee is available for consultation via email peewee21@gmail.com or via Twitter / Instagram >>> @PeeWee21

Weekend ReeeeeeeeeeeeMixes!

Whoa!

Natasha's Music Box - Remixes!

This message is loaded with some goodies that will take your set playlist from 0 to 100 real quick!

Gabriel from Heatwave UK passed by with certified heat-ed remixes for Justin Beiber’s “Sorry” which features Vybz Kartel, Popcaan’s “Where We Come From” and Rihanna’s “B%tch Better Have My Money.”  Each remix is HOTTT and radio ready.  In the case of Rihanna there is a radio edit and dirty edit!

Kranium is having unprecedented success driving in his own lane!  The Queens native and Jamaican born artist gives his sweet vocals to Justin Beiber’s smash “Sorry” which is perfect for all settings:  Dancehall / Pop etc.  Love it and play it!

DJ Septik and DJ Krush aka Krushproof Muzik have taken Charly Black’s “Badda Dan Dem” to 1000 with this wicked remix.  Lord – Have – Mercy!  This is the chune where Dancehall meets the world in the most infectious way that will cause you to have to puuuuuuuuuuuul up the chune several times.  If I’m not telling you the truth, my name is not Natasha!

All Remixes are available for download using the links below, and make sure you reach out to Gabriel @GabrielHeatwave @therealkranium @Charlyblack876 @DjSeptik @krushproofmuzik and let them know what you think!

Mediafire Link:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/sazzin8636p25/Remixes_-_January%2C_2016

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/62rro3socbgyu9nzsrkiyhfurat1d3jp