Melanin Magic with Nefatari!

Hello May!  Nothing but Melanin Magic over here with model and performing artist Nefatari!

420 Celebration with Busy Signal "Hot Spliff!"

Dancehall super star Busy Signal reshares his 2017 hit record “Hot Spliff” for fans worldwide celebrating 420 today!

Demonstrating his lyrical prowess, Busy tells several tales within the song, and does so by bending words and phrases. The curves of his words combined with his intonation and delivery give fans a memorable sonic experience that keeps this record on repeat. In the first verse, Busy DJ’s the lyrics “memba one time gone / before yuh link wid Lang / yuh haffi link wid Nuffy fuss / nuh fih fuss / yuh nuh fih fight / yuh nuh fih fuss / before yuh tun ah big dawg / yuh was a puppy fuss / puppy fuss / stop fight dih yutes and say dem nah fih buss / nuh fih buss / mind dem send you to dih dust-to-dust….” 

The music video to date has more than 845,000 views / streams on YouTube.  It was produced and directed by Dameon Gayle for Warrior Films JA.

Produced by Turf Music Entertainment, the riddim was especially created for the artists flow.  Interweaving some elements of Hip Hop, the production outfit used a fattened baseline that rides just below the dulled cowbell in unison with Busy as he delivers his lyrics.  Reflecting upon the time the record was made, Busy said “This is one of my favorite ‘Spliff’ chunes because of the many references made in the song.  People really have to pree this to appreciate all that is being said.”

March 2020, Busy Signal was named Dancehall artist of the Decade.  The prestigious accolade came via the IRAWMA Awards and voted on my industry notables.  The Awards body recognized the considerable contribution Busy has made to Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Reggaeton, Country and Hip Hop.  “It is very difficult for an artist to contribute to so many genres, and have a name so recognized across all platforms, but Busy Signal did that, and continues to do that” says multi platinum selling and award winning Rellee Hayden from A-Team Music Group.  “I’ve produced records for Spragga Benz, Gyptian, 50 Cent, Red Hot Chili Peppers and so many others, and I can tell you that Busy is really that talented, well known, and well respected in all genres.”

Spex Da Boss from G 98 FM agrees that Busy Signal’s song choice for the 420 celebration, “Hot Spliff,” is a good one.  “Here in Canada, we take Cannabis seriously.  This song is one of those songs that you cannot listen to ‘one time’ and move on.  This is a song you have to have on repeat; his lyrical references are dope and deep.”   

“Hot Spliff” as well as many songs from Busy Signal’s catalog are available for stream on the artists YouTube page here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClNCIJZI3zfnuL7MD_q75Fg

Fans can stay up-to-date with all things Busy on Instagram @busysignal_turf

Tamo J Makes OnStage Debut with Nigel Staff from Ruff Kutt Band!

Upcoming star singer Tamo J made his national and international debut via Winford Williams and the popular television show OnStage.

Introduced to the OnStage audience by world-renowned musician Nigel Staff, Tamo J made a lasting impression.  The unmistakable clarity of Tamo J’s voice carried through the studio, and across TV and smartphone screens worldwide.  The artists sound and image explained why several in the music fraternity feel he is ‘ready for the big time.’ 

Nigel described the star singer as “a prolific songwriter with an excellent personality.”  Nigel went on to say “he checks most of the boxes so far that makes a consummate artist.  We’ve been doing work with Jeremy Harding and his management company which includes noted attorney at law Chris Townsend, A&R Cara Vickers and industry professional Kizzy Reynolds.”

During the interview, Tamo explained his birth in music.  “I started singing at the age of 6, it sounds cliché but it’s true, I started singing in the church.  In 2013, I started doing some writing and singing for the legend Mikey Bennett and I never looked back.” 

Winford, who is a fan of Tamo J’s music pushed further asking Tamo J to “talk about your success so far.  What has done the best for you?” Tamo J replied “my most successful track so far is “Victory” produced by Damage Music as part of the Conquest Paradise riddim released last year.  Africa, the US, Europe and the UK have given it exceptional radio play.”

Tamo J’s music can be streamed on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.  His newest single, “African Bad Gyal” is available through VPAL and ready for pre-order on all digital platforms with a release date of April 17^th, 2020.

Winford reflected on the times we are living through saying “this song is right for the moment, we will have the ‘Victory.’”   

Watch the full interview and performance with Nigel Staff, Tamo J and Winford HERE

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!