Richie Spice's "Red Hot" Filled with Symbolism

Reggae legend and Icon, Richie Spice is getting ready to release a music video for his song "Red Hot" and the imagery in the music video is filled with poetic symbolism.

A cover of the Max Romeo song of the same name (full title "Valley of Jehoshaphat (Red Hot)"), Richie takes the approach of being the storyteller who gives a view of where humanity is.  Directed by Samo (Jah9, Chronixx, Jesse Royal), the use of the horns as a focus is telling (think the Archangel Gabriel), just as the man carrying the door is symbolic (the door is a portal to go to another place).  Samo also subtly uses a young lady at the side of the road holding a rose and picking off the roses petals.  This is another way of asking 'where is love?'

If you are a Richie Spice fan, and if you appreciate symbolism, you are gong to love the new music video coming from the artist.

Richie's new album, Together We Stand is due on digital retail shelves in June.  Connect with him on Instagram via @1RichieSpice

 

L3 Magazine Features Italy’s Mellow Mood for its’ April 2020 Issue!

L3 Magazine features Italy’s premiere Reggae group, Mellow Mood on the front cover of their April 2020 issue.  The feature includes an in-depth interview with Jacopo who explains how the group was introduced to Reggae, and some of the Jamaican based artists they’ve collaborated with.  When asked to choose a song for world leaders, his answer was surprising.  This interview was recorded in January making the response all the timelier.  You can read it HERE

Lia Givenchy can be described in three words: Rap, Business, Music.  The fierce rising star was introduced to Rap through her Uncle who owned a sound system in Brooklyn, New York.  Originally from Guyana, Lia knew the lane she wanted to travel.  She’s ghostwritten for significant Rap stars.  Some people are fooled by her stunningly good looks, but Lia is all about her business.

Additional features in the April 2020 issue of L3 Magazine includes Bware Vanzant (son of Iyanla Vanzant) who brings CaribeLife ATL to the big screen via Facebook Watch; from Toronto to the world, Ebonnie Rowe is celebrating 25 years of Honey Jam, and we get an official introduction to Trinidad and Tobago performing artist Pternsky, Spanish Reggae newcomer SumeRR and Dancehall sensation Daddy1.

All of the above and more are available at L3Magazine.com!

NEW!  Monthly Calendar featuring Lia Givenchy

Christopher Martin Goes Live on VP Records YouTube Channel for COVID-19

Award winning, and VP Records recording artist Christopher Martin will perform an at home concert for fans to aid Jamaica’s health sector for its fight against COVID-19.  The concert will be broadcast live on the VP Records YouTube Channel.

This event comes with the support of Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), KFC and VP Records.  Christopher will perform from his home with his keyboard player, staying consistent with social distancing orders.

Set for Sunday April 5^th at 7pm EST at www.Youtube.com/VPRecords, the live stream will be the official launch to Jamaica’s COVID-19 fundraising effort.  During Christopher Martin’s performance, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Gender Affairs, the Honorable Olivia Babsy Grange will introduce and announce that Telethon Jamaica will take place on Sunday April 12^th.  She will also announce the fundraising link that can be accessed to donate.

The 6-hour live event will air on TVJ Jamaica titled ‘Telethon Jamaica. Together We Stand’ which is inspired by the recently released Richie Spice song; the goal is to bring Jamaicans together to support this important cause which has affected many citizens globally.  In hopes to raise 10 million Jamaican dollars, the telethon will feature performances by top Jamaican artists from their home.  The full lineup will be announced soon.  Telethon Jamaica is being spearheaded by an alliance of global diaspora organizations with the endorsement of the government of Jamaica.  The Honorable Olivia Babsy Grange is the patron of the event.

Recently having released the anthem “Big Big” on the Aircraft Riddim, Christopher Martin is no stranger to partnerships and philanthropy.  Chris has been involved with AFUWI and The No Disrespect Campaign.  Chris served as the face of KFC in 2016 with the Big Deal campaign.  He was also an Ambassador for the popular sneaker brand Puma.

Women's History Month with a Reggae Twist!

March 1^st to 31^st, 2020 is designated on the calendar as Women’s History Month.  At this time, we celebrate the accomplishments and aspirations of women worldwide.  Putting a musical twist to this month sees VP Records recognize the catalog of several notable women in Reggae and Dancehall.

The VP Records 10-song playlist includes music from Queen Ifrica (“To See”), Ikaya (“Fly Away”), Naomi Cowan (“Paradise Plum”), Marion Hall (“I Won’t Worry”), Jah9 (“Highly”), Aza Lineage (“In the Ghetto”), Etana (“Weakness in Me”), Marcia Griffiths (“Survival”), Tanya Stephens (“These Streets”), and Spice (“Like a Man).  This range of Reggae and Dancehall tracks are appropriate and timely and reflect the moods and strengths of women worldwide.

https://www.vprecords.com/release/marcia-griffiths-reggae-anthology-melody-life-2cds/

https://www.vprecords.com/release/marcia-griffiths-reggae-anthology-melody-life-2cds/

Taking a step back and looking at this playlist, it’s easy to see how women such as Marcia Griffiths paved the way for younger artists such as Ikaya to come through as easily as it is to see how Marion Hall aka Lady Saw paved the way for an artist like Spice to come through and now claim the crown as being Dancehall Queen.

If you’re looking for just ‘one’ place to start, begin with Marcia Griffiths ‘Reggae Anthology – Melody of Life’ double disc set!

Explore the songs and add to them to your playlists and make sure you hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth in your posts!

Let’s Make it “Big, Big” … Not Just Big!

With a solid catalog of music … correction, hit music, Christopher Martin is synonymous for giving fans anthems that become staples in their Life soundtrack.  Today, the artist officially gives us another song to add to the hit catalog!

“Big Big” is the latest song from the award winner which comes from the Aircraft Riddim produced by Chimney Records.  The track details his journey from humble beginnings in Black Pasture, St. Catherine Parish, to becoming one of the biggest and most influential artists form Jamaica.  Keeping up with ‘boasty’ anthems, this song follows “Dem Vex” which exposes the real reasons why some people ‘hate’ on others who are successful.

Sources tell me that both these singles come from a new album project being put together!

Christopher’s last album, ‘And Then,’ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae chart May (2019).  That album presented a well-rounded mix of ballads and up-tempo jams showcasing his musical versatility and growth.  One such song that really demonstrated his musical maturity is his cover of Mr. Big’s song “With You.”  To take a song like this and turn it into a song of significance in the Reggae genre is worthy of applause.  Produced by Robert Livingston for Big Yard Music, this song is worth a re-listen.

True to his catalog, Christopher continues to make music that celebrates Love, rising above hardships and finding the good in every situation.  Singles from the album that should be on your radar (no matter how many times you’ve played them) are “Bun Fi Bun,” “Can’t Dweet Again,” “Come Back” and the big chune “Life.”

Connect with Christopher on Instagram @iamchrismartin

Tags:  #ChristopherMartin #BigBig #NewMusic

March, 2020 Calendar ft. Black Love

L3 Magazine's celebration of Love continues in the month of March.  Photographer Dacx Production from Jamaica captures the essence of Love!  Pictured is upcoming artist Tamo J and model who exemplify intense Love and passion held between couples.

Save the calendar on your phone or to your computer!

The Honest Conversation Queen Ifrica Represents - Mi Love Yuh

It's time for another Trueversation between Men and Women in Jamaica.  The level of violence, and the amount of women losing their lives in fits of jealous male-dominated rage must stop.  The amount of children in a parent-less home due to violence is on the rise, but cam be stemmed if we have honest dialog.  We've heard Dancehall stars such as Bounty Killer address the issue in a speech he gave at the Violence Against Women forum held at the Red Stripe Offices in Kingston, Jamaica.  There, he made it quite clear that violence is not the answer - walking away is.

It was timely that shortly after Bounty Killer's speech, Queen Ifrica raised the topic from the female perspective on Valentine's Day.

The Reggae Lioness has blessed the masses with another song which not only speaks to men, but represents women in a way that demonstrates why some women act the way they do.  Abuse in relationships is not one-way, and can be inflicted on men by some actions by women.

Speaking from the perspective of a baby mother being honest with her baby father, Queen Ifrica explains that in reality, there were certain things she wanted from a man, which was not provided, and so she looked for the things she wanted outside of the relationship.  She ended up getting what she wants ... the offshore bank account, car and things ... just not from the baby father.  This is where the honesty comes in, which is an opening for understanding.

The song is called "Mih Love Yuh" and it's one of the best conversations you will hear in song.  The lyric video subtly drives home several points.  Produced by Jefferey 'Agent Sasco' Campbell for Diamond Studios, many are heralding the song for addressing relationship issues in an attempt to avoid painful consequences that can come in the end.

About the song Queen Ifrica says "A relationship is the most complex experience any of us could ever have.  How we deal with it all determines the outcome in the long run."

If you haven't seen the lyric video, watch it here:

Tags:  #QueenIfrica #Relationships #Honesty

Connect with Queen Ifrica on social media @QueenIfrica