Big Mountain (band)

Big Mountain is an American band known for its remake of Peter Frampton‘s “Baby, I Love Your Way“, which became a top 10 hit single in the US in early 1994, reaching No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on the Mainstream Top 40 and No. 2 in the UK.

History

The evolution of the Big Mountain band started in 1986 as the San Diego, California reggae band Rainbow Warriors.^[1] In 1988, future Big Mountain frontman Joaquin “Quino” (pronounced Keeno) McWhinney joined as the lead singer of the band Shiloh. Quino is of Mexican/Irish heritage, and several members of his family were mariachi musicians. His interest in reggae began after seeing a documentary about Bob Marley and Rastafari.^[2] In 1989, Shiloh secured their first record deal and put out one album titled California Reggae. In 1991, the band changed the name to Big Mountain which was the name of a Native American reservation in Arizona. The original line-up was a sextet consisting of Quino (vocals), Lynn Copeland (bass), Gregory Blakney (drums), Jerome Cruz (guitar), Manfred Reinke (keyboards), and Lance Rhodes (drums).^[3][4]

The band first reached the charts with the song “Touch My Light” in spring 1993, a song taken from their debut album Wake Up. Prior to the band recording their second album, Unity, in 1994, Blakney, Cruz, Reinke, and Rhodes all departed the band, with McWhinney and Copeland finding replacements in Jamaican duo Tony Chin (guitar) and Carlton “Santa” Davis (drums), along with keyboard players Michael Hyde and Billy “Bones” Stoll, and percussionist James McWhinney. Following this lineup change, the band went on to receive major airplay on mainstream radio stations. “Baby, I Love Your Way” was included on the soundtrack for the film Reality Bites, and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart,^[2][4] and its follow-up, “Sweet Sensual Love” reached No. 51 in the UK, whilst Unity went on to sell over a million copies worldwide.^[4] Big Mountain’s follow up single “Get Together” became a top five hit in Brazil and Norway.^{[citation needed]}

The band appeared at both the 1994 and 1995 Reggae Sunsplash festivals in Jamaica. In 1998 Jamaican drummer/producer Paul “Groove Galore” Kastick replaced Carlton “Santa” Davis as full-time drummer and primary producer in the group. Kastick spearheaded the production on the next six Big Mountain albums, spanning from 1998 and 2007. After 10 consecutive years of touring, Big Mountain decided to take a break in 2005. During this time, Quino McWhinney started to teach at Olympian High School, which received the highest test scores on their CAHSEE exams during his tenure.^[4] During the period between 2005 and 2013, Big Mountain would occasionally reunite for primarily international live performances and various benefit causes. In 2013, Quino, Hyde, and Kastick reformed the band with an extended lineup including Carlos Arias (bass), Richard “Goofy” Campbell (keyboards), Reggie Griffin (guitar, saxophone), Stephen Kamada (guitar), Danny Lopilato (guitar, vocals), Tim Pacheco (percussion, vocals). Further lineup changes have ensued, and the band now consists of Quino and James Mcwhinney, Paul Kastick, Goofy Campbell, Chizzy Chisholm and Michael (Mikey) Ortiz.^[5] In May 2016 the band released their first album in 14 years, Perfect Summer.^[6]

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mountain_(band)

Peter Verwimp – Photo – Own work – Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World performing at Reggae Geel 2022

Third World (band)

Third World is a Jamaican reggae fusion band formed in 1973. Their sound is influenced by soul, funk and disco. Although it has undergone several line-up changes, Stephen “Cat” Coore and Richard Daley have been constant members.

History

Third World started when keyboard player Michael “Ibo” Cooper and guitarist (and cellist) Stephen “Cat” Coore (son of former Deputy Prime Minister David Coore), who had originally played in The Alley Cats and then Inner Circle, subsequently left to form their own band along with Inner Circle singer Milton “Prilly” Hamilton.^[2][3] They recruited bassist Richard Daley, formerly of Ken Boothe‘s band and Tomorrow’s Children, and added drummer Carl Barovier and former Inner Circle percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett before making their live debut in early 1974.^[2]

After recording some tracks with Geoffrey Chung which were not released, the band’s first single was the self-produced “Railroad Track” (1974).^[2] In their early days they played primarily in Kingston’s hotels and nightclubs and (along with The Wailers) supported The Jackson Five when they played at the Jamaican National Stadium.^[2]

They were soon signed by Island Records and toured Europe with The Wailers.^[2] The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1976. The album included a cover of “Satta Massagana“, originally performed by The Abyssinians, which became a local hit. Hamilton and Cornell Marshall (who had replaced Barovier earlier) were replaced by two more former Inner Circle members, singer William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke and drummer Willie Stewart, before the recording of their second album, 96° in the Shade (1977), which included several local hits. Notable among its eight tracks were “1865 (96° in the Shade)”, a reference to the 1865 Morant Bay rebellion, “Rhythm of Life” and the album’s only cover, “Dreamland”, written by Bunny Wailer.^[2] They played in front of 80,000 people at the Smile Jamaica festival in 1976.^[2]

In 1977 the band collaborated with psychiatrist Frederick Hickling on the Explanitations show that was performed at Kingston’s Little Theatre early the following year.^[4]

Third World’s greatest success came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, peaking with their cover version of The O’Jays‘ “Now That We Found Love” from their third album Journey to Addis. After its initial recording, the single was remixed at the behest of Island Records Special Projects division head, Alex Masucci,^[5] with new vocals and an uptempo beat. “Now That We Found Love” became a hit single on both sides of the Atlantic in 1978, reaching the top 10 in the UK.^[2] Journey to Addis became a top thirty hit album in the UK.^[2] They had first met Stevie Wonder in Jamaica in 1976, and the single prompted him to perform with them at the Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1981 in the wake of Bob Marley‘s death, playing his tribute to Marley, “Master Blaster“.^[2][6] Third World went on to perform several times at the festival, and they also took part in the “Reggae Sunsplash USA” tour in 1985.^[7] Wonder also wrote, along with Melody A McCully, their 1982 hit “Try Jah Love”, which brought them further exposure in North America.^[2][8][9] They were also guests during the third season of SCTV.

Amid claims of artistic differences “Carrot” split from the band in the mid-1980s.^[2] The resulting five-piece band then went on to record more commercial tunes such as “Sense of Purpose”, “Reggae Ambassador”, “Forbidden Love” and “Committed”.

Their version of “Now That We’ve Found Love” was used as the basis of Heavy D‘s 1991 hit rap version.^[1] In 1992 they returned to work with Stephen Stewart and Geoffrey Chung on the album Committed.^[1]

In 1983, Third World had cross-over success on the UK jazz-funk scene with their reggae single “Lagos Jump” largely thanks to Robbie Vincent^[10] and Jeff Young who played the 12-inch version on their Radio London shows. The track also became popular on the London club scene and in particular at Flicks in Dartford.

Telstar Records released a double-album compilation in 1983 which collected up all the mainstream club extended versions and remixes by artists and groups that had enjoyed relatively good UK chart success between 1981 and 1983. Entitled In the Groove, the compilation’s lead track on Part Two was Third World’s extended version of “Dancing on the Floor (Hooked on Love)”.^[11] The track had originally been released in 1981 in 7-inch edited and 12-inch extended versions, and included on Third World’s Rock the World album. With the release of the Telstar compilation, this brought about an upsurge of interest in Third World’s dancefloor output and certainly paved the way for the next two years recordings with Columbia Records (CBS).

In 1985, the group’s focus steered by a shifting music scene, brought about a stylistic change in musical direction with the release of “Sense of Purpose”. The single was released as a 7-inch edit and 12-inch extended version and later was reissued as a Shep Pettibone club remix.^[12] Whilst the single was popular, it only made the lower ends of the UK charts. The 12-inch extended version was released with an instrumental plus the full length version of their 1983 cross-over hit “Lagos Jump” which almost certainly boosted the sales of “Sense of Purpose”.

Also in 1985, “Now That We’ve Found Love” was back in the UK charts again as Paul Hardcastle decided to release a club remix but as with the case of his D-Train remix^[13] putting the Hardcastle signature sound of electronic keyboards on the track and reverbing the opening vocal. Whilst the remix was a UK hit, the remix had seemingly lost its reggae roots and the Hardcastle remix has since largely been forgotten in the decades that have followed. The result being that most DJs and radio stations have returned to the original reggae version.

Despite several more line-up changes, including the departures of Cooper and Stewart, and a decline in mainstream success, the band is still recording and performing up to the present day, including in front of a television audience at the Cricket World Cup 2007 Opening Ceremony in Trelawny.

In 2008 the band received a lifetime achievement award from Charles Drew University.^[14]

In January 2013, the group was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay as they celebrated their 40th year in music.

In 2013 the group completed a 40th anniversary world tour; Illness forced Clarke to miss the European shows, with AJ Brown standing in as lead vocalist.^[15]

William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke died on 2 February 2014 in hospital in Orlando, Florida, while battling cancer. Brown was announced as Bunny Rugs’ replacement.^[16]

The album Under the Magic Sun is due to be released in June 2014 on Cleopatra Records, featuring vocals from Bunny Rugs, Brown, Coore, and Maurice Gregory.^[17]

Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett died on 31 July 2018, aged 69.^[18]

The group’s 2019 album More Work to be Done received a nomination for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category, the seventh time they have been nominated.^[19]

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_World_(band)

Tony Rebel

Patrick George Anthony Barrett (born 15 January 1962), better known by his stage name Tony Rebel, is a Jamaican reggae deejay.

Career

Born in Manchester Parish, Jamaica, Barrett was initially a singer, appearing as Papa Tony or Tony Ranking in local talent contests and on sound systems including Sugar Minott‘s “Youth Promotion”.^[1] His first release was the single “Casino” that appeared in 1988 on the MGB record label, although his career took off when he worked with Donovan Germain‘s Penthouse setup in the early 1990s.^[1] He had a big hit in 1990 with “Fresh Vegetable”, and established a singjay style of delivery. He is notable as one of the few dreadlocked ‘cultural’ deejays of the ragga era.^[1] In 1992 he signed a deal with Columbia Records who released Vibes of the Times, a predominantly reggae fusion album, the following year.^[1] It spawned some of his more well known international singles such as the title track “Vibes of the Times” and “Nazerite Vow” both of which had accompanying music videos.

In 1994 he founded his record label, ‘Flames’. That same year, he held a reggae festival named Rebel Salute in Mandeville, Jamaica. It has developed into an annual event through his production company, Flames Productions, and is held every year on his birthday.^[2][3]

In 2001, Barrett wrote, recorded and donated the song “Not all about money” to the United Nations Volunteers programme for inclusion on the International Year of Volunteers 2001 website and CD. It was chosen as the lead song for the CD.^[4]

In June 2013, Barrett was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace.^[5]

Rebel’s son, Abatau, has followed him into a career in music.^[6]

Discography

Albums

• Real Rough (1990) (with Capleton and Ninjaman)
• Die Hard (1991) Penthouse (with Cutty Ranks)
• 20 Man Dead (1991) Charm (with Cutty Ranks)
• Rebel with a Cause (1992) Penthouse
• Rebellious (1992) Ras
• Vibes of the Time (1993) Columbia
• If Jah (1997) VP
• Jah Is by My Side (1997) VP
• Realms of a Rebel (2001) RAS
• Connection (2004) Next Music
• I Rebel (2007) Flames

He appeared on the track “Rebel” (2000), from Dr.Alban’s album “PRESCRIPTION”.

Compilations

• Collector’s Series Vol. 1 – 1998, Penthouse
• Collector’s Series Vol. 2 – 1999, Penthouse

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Rebel

Early life and career

Price moved to Kingston at an early age, along with his mother and siblings.^[3] His father owned and ran the Black Scorpio sound system and Price started his musical career as a sound system deejay in his early teens.^[3] At the age of 14, Price was shot by a stray bullet during a gunfight between rival political factions, and while convalescing in hospital decided on the name Bounty Killer.^[3] After recovering, he increased his performances on a greater number of sound systems, and turned his attention towards recording. ^[3]

1990s

Before his entry into the dancehall industry, Bounty Killer was in the retail industry as an entrepreneur selling figurines. He was then encouraged to record at King Jammy’s studio in Kingston. Price eventually recorded with King Jammy, the first session being in Spring 1992.^[4] One of his first tunes was the “Coppershot”, which Jammy was unwilling to release due to its lyrics glorifying gun culture.^[3] Jammy’s brother Uncle T disagreed and released the single himself, which went on to become an underground hit in both Jamaica and New York.^[3][5]

In 1993, Price performed at the popular reggae festival Sting (held in Portmore, Jamaica every year on Boxing Day), whereupon he had a high-profile clash with fellow deejay Beenie Man.^[6] The rivalry continued through the 1990s, with both accusing the other of a stolen act. They settled their differences after both realized the negative effect their feud was having on the industry.^[3] He has also had heated rivalries with several other top deejays, including Merciless, Super Cat and Vybz Kartel, throughout his career.

He increased control over his output in 1995 by leaving Jammy and setting up his own Scare Dem Productions company and Priceless Records label.^[3]

During the 1990s, Price voiced for several producers and labels in Jamaica, releasing songs such as “Defend the Poor”, “Mama”, “Book, Book, Book”, “Babylon System” “Down in the Ghetto” and “Look Good”. At about this time, he became known in USA and in Europe, recording with such artists as Busta Rhymes, No Doubt, Masta Killa, The Fugees, Wyclef Jean, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, Swizz Beatz and AZ.^[3]

In the mid-1990s, he began releasing albums, with four released in 1994. His 1996 album My Xperience was hugely successful, spending six months on the Billboard reggae chart.^[3]

In 1997, Bounty Killer made a cover version of Rose Royce hit single “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” with Swedish singer Robyn. The song was a success in the Caribbean. It was featured in She’s So Lovely (Sean Penn film).

In 1998, he contributed the song “Deadly Zone” to the album Blade: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture.

Price has expressed disdain for popular rap, which he called “embarrassing to reggae,” even when collaborating with Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep and others he considers hardcore.^[7]

2000s

Further success followed with albums such as Ghetto Dictionary Volume I: Art of War and Ghetto Dictionary Volume II: Mystery, the latter receiving a Grammy nomination, which he lost to veteran Reggae producer Lee Scratch Perry, Bounty Killer later admitting that he felt he should have won the award, as Lee Scratch should have won that category during his glory days.^[3] In 2006, he signed with VP Records and released the compilation album Nah No Mercy – The Warlord Scrolls on 7 November 2006. He has been credited with having inspired many young artists such as Vybz Kartel, Mavado and Elephant Man and several other members of The Alliance.

In 2002, a collaboration with No Doubt, the song “Hey Baby”, won Bounty Killer his first Grammy Award, for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a duo or group.^[3] The win made Bounty Killer one of the few hardcore Dancehall artists to win a Grammy Award. Hey Baby also sold over a million copies making it Bounty Killer’s first single to go platinum.^{[citation needed]} The deejay was also voted ‘Guinness greatest Dancehall icon’ in 2012 and later won deejay of the year in 2013, in The STAR People’s Choice Award presented by The Jamaica Gleaner.^{[citation needed]}

In 2003, Price canceled two of his concerts after the LGBT magazine Outrage! petitioned Scotland Yard for his arrest, claiming songs about bashing gays^[8] would incite harassment against the gay community. He returned in 2006 after a three-year hiatus, performing uncensored lyrics at several venues without recrimination. He has since directed his focus to social commentary and party lyrics, admitting that he will not pay attention to nor attack the gay community in his music.^[9]

In 2014, Bounty Killer and long-term rival Beenie Man put aside their differences and recorded a single together, “Legendary”.^[10] The two performed a well-received Verzuz battle together on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on 23 May 2020.^[11][12]

Bounty revealed as of June 2020, he had a new album in the works with Damian Marley as the executive producer.^[13]

Personal life

Price was arrested twice at the annual Reggae Sumfest: he was arrested but not charged in a 2001 altercation with another performer, and arrested and charged in 2008 for using profanity during his performance. He was also arrested on 3 February 2009, after allegedly running seven traffic lights in Kingston, Jamaica, and charged with refusal to take a breathalyzer test and disobeying red lights.^[14]

Price was arrested by police in June 2006, and charged with assaulting the mother of his child. According to the Jamaica Star, “The complainant was allegedly punched in the face several times, dragged some distance away and her head slammed into a wall.”^[15]

Foundation

In 2018, Price started a charity called the Bounty Killer Foundation with a series of donations to the Kingston Public Hospital in Jamaica which he said had treated his gun shot wound in 1986.^[16] In 2020, Price through his foundation made a cash donation to Jamaican reggae singer, Junior Byles who suffered from mental illness and cancer.^[17]

Discography

Albums

• Roots, Reality & Culture (VP Records) (1994)
• Jamaica’s Most Wanted (Greensleeves Records) (1994)
• Guns Out (Greensleeves Records) (1994)
• Face to Face (VP Records) (1994)
• Down in the Ghetto (Greensleeves Records) (1994)
• No Argument (Greensleeves Records) (1995)
• My Xperience (VP Records/TVT Records) (1996)
• Ghetto Gramma (Greensleeves Records) (1997)
• Next Millennium (VP Records/TVT Records) (1998)
• 5th Element (VP Records) (1999)
• Ghetto Dictionary – The Mystery (VP Records) (2002)
• Ghetto Dictionary – The Art of War (VP Records) (2002)
• Nah No Mercy – The Warlord Scrolls (VP Records) (2006)

Riddim Album features

Bounty Killer has singles featured on more than 500 various riddim/rhythm album productions worldwide throughout his reggae dancehall music career spanning from the early 1990s to present day.^[18]

EPs

• Raise Hell on Hellboy (PayDay Music Group) (2009)
• Summertime – Bounty Killer (Feat. Patexx) (Syndicate Records) (2010)
• Summertime – Buss Out Remix (Bounty Killer Feat. Busta Rhymes & Patexx) (Syndicate Records) (2011)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bounty_Killer

Louie Culture “Mr Gangalee“

Dancehall fans, here he is, the original Mr. “Gangalee” himself– Mr. “I wanna be free from all chains and all bangles and rope/Free from all bars and all borders and dope/Free to praise the Lord because mi naw praise the Pope/So mind how yuh a wash yuh face wid Babylon soap/I was born to be free ’cause mi a ole gangalee/Gangalee and who have eyes they will see.” (taken from the hit song “Gangalee.”)

He’s also known as DJ Louie Culture, as that is the name he entered the music business with, but ever since he scored with his big hit, Dancehall fans, home and abroad, have branded him “Mr. Gangalee.” He’s very proud to wear this title, not only because he made it popular, but more so, because his belief in the concept of the word “gangalee” has been his main driving force to success.

Now, before driving you all nuts, here’s the history of the word and the man called Gangalee. Follow mi! “Gangalee” is an old Jamaican rural term for an unruly, uncontrollable, bad person. As old people would say, “A soon cool yuh ’cause yuh a gwan like yuh a gangalee.”

Well, Louie Culture, who was born in rural Portland (Windsor Forest to be exact), on May 9, 1968, took that old rural term and gave it a new meaning and lease on life in 1993. To Louie, a “gangalee” is a freedom fighter. One who fights for and never gives up on his beliefs, and what he wants and dreams of, no matter what the circumstances, obstacles or difficulties may be. Even if it means going or fighting the battle alone, with God by your side.

Biography

Louie Culture, born Lewin Brown, started out DJing while still at school in Portland. He took the name of his mentor Bobby Culture and fused it with his pet name “Louie,” to come up with the name Louie Culture. Like his mentor, Louie DJayed a lot of Cultural tunes. His first recording was “Rat a Bother Me” (with fellow DJ and friend Waynie Ranking) for producer Red Man in 1986. The song was a flop. Waynie Ranking got fed up and migrated, so Louie then teamed up with the singer called Positive. They recorded a few songs together, but they too were unsuccessful. Positive thought what was happening was negative, so he also migrated, leaving Louie alone, hanging on to his dreams of becoming a DJ. Louie Culture decided there and then that he was going to make it on his own. He was now determined to go “through the hills and valleys” to the mountain top of the music industry. After recording some songs for Colin Fatta, Louie met DJ Terror Fabulous. Terror introduced him to the “Mad House” crew. That’s when his career took off.
He recorded and scored with songs “Live and Learn” (with Wayne Wonder), “Excellent,” “Bogus Badge,” “Revolution Song,” “No Gal” (on the Pepperseed rhythm), and then the monster hit and titeltrack “Gangalee”, that gave him his first LP, produced by Stone Love (Released 1994/ Available at: VP Music Group).

Louie is very happy about his growing success, and he thanks Jah for making his dream become a reality. He remembers when he used to go to producers with reality tunes, and they’d tell him, “Them sound good man, but give me gal tune or gun lyrics.” So, what he did as a gangalee was to give the producers what they wanted until they had to take “whey mi want to give them, and that is Culture.”

Louie, a Rastafarian, is glad to see that Culture songs are now on the upswing; but he’s a little concerned about the sincerity of the many DJs who are recording songs based on the Rastafarian belief. “‘Nuff man a say things them don’t know ’bout because them want to be under the light,” he explained.

“A lot of them will soon have to stand up and be counted, then we’ll know who sincere from who wearing ‘the Bogus Badge.'”
He’s also aware that some Dancehall fans have been mis-interpreting the word “gangalee.”

“When mi go abroad, some man a say, ‘Whoah, mi a gangalee,’ meaning a badman thing, so, mi haffi go pon stage show them how I interpret it. But them still hold fi them view.”
Mr. Gangalee made his debut appearance at Sunsplash in 1994, where he performed a great set. Here is a story about Louie and Sunsplash that he shared with us:”A great feeling and a great experience. The only thing I never like is how they put me on so late when the people dem weary.”

Louie’s big songs in the late 90s are “Don’t Get Weary Gangalee,”

“They Lied” and “Ole Before Them Young.”  From early 2000 and the following years Louie Culture continued to mash up the
dancehalls with songs like “Grap your lass and come“ feat. Mickey Spice & “Scandalina“ for Digital B Records.

In 2004 Louie Culture released his second album entitled “The
Uprising“ (Available at: VP Music Group).

The title track of this album was a next massive hit thru out Jamaica, the US and Europe. He toured the album extensively together with Freddy McGregor on a 5 weeks Europe-tour followed by individual shows in the US.
Over the years Louie Culture has performed countless shows in Jamaica, Japan, the US, Canada, UK, Europe and all over the Caribbean.

Since early 2009 Louie “Gangalee“ Culture is working on his 3rd album for his own new established label “Gangalee Music“. He plan to address a few new topics with this album – „expect lyrics about my views of the world today, critics I wanted to verbalise for a while now… and nuff more me haffi teach the youth dem“… he says with a smile…

First singles from the album are „Concrete Jungle Rock“ (for german based label „Silly Walks“), „What a World“ (for 96 Degree Records) and „Prayer for Jamaica“ (for his own label “Gangalee Music“).

Source: https://www.last.fm/music/Louie+Culture/+wiki

PAPA Michigan

Lady G

I-Octane

Bling Dawg , aka Ricky Rudie

Bling Dawg , aka Ricky Rudie ( 1982 as Marlon Ricardo Williams in Kingston , Jamaica ), is a Jamaican reggae – and Dancehall – Deejay . Williams was born in 1982 in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up in Portland Parish , and later in Miami in the United States on.

Source: https://jamaicansmusic.com/artist/Bling_Dawg#:~:text=Bling%20Dawg%20%2C%20aka%20Ricky%20Rudie,in%20the%20United%20States%20on.

Horace Andy

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_Andy

Pluto Shervington & Ernie Smith

Biographies

Pluto Shervington

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto_Shervington

Ernie Smith

The Abyssinians

Dennis Walks

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Walks

Duane Stephenson

Glen Washington

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Washington

HEAVYWEIGHT ROCKAZ

Drum & Bass Duo
Unga Barunga & Welshbass

‘Love is The Word, Spread it’

Source: https://www.facebook.com/heavyweightrockaz/

AKABU

The history of AKABU spans over four decades.
Their journey began in 1981.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/AkabuQueens/

Nation Boss

History

The road to chart success has not been easy for newcomer Nation Boss. The singer struggled financially early in life and got expelled from high school.

He was unable to complete studies at Knockalva Agriculture School in Hanover due to financial difficulties.

The 22-year-old currently has one of the biggest songs in Jamaica with “Humans”. It is produced by Dominic “Troublemekka” McDonald.

“All the hurtful things that have been done to me give me the reason and the drive to go on. Humans is based off my real-life experiences,” shared Nation Boss in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

The song chronicles a failed relationship and indifferent treatment by relatives.

“At times I doubted whether the song would be a hit. It was kind of a shock at first, and then I realised that so many people accepted the conscious energy,” he explained.

In early January, a freestyle of Humans was uploaded to Instagram and shared by several persons including popular entertainers Popcaan and Bugle.

The viral buzz caught the attention of McDonald, whose productions include Hands Up by Beenie Man and Singer J, as well as the Double Trouble rhythm. He reached out to Nation Boss and offered to produce an official version of his song.

He accepted, having been a fan of McDonald’s work through listening to his beats online. Nation Boss journeyed from his home in St Ann to the producer’s Olympic Gardens recording studio where Humans was recorded.

An official video for Humans was released in March and was directed by RD Studios. It has racked up more than four million views on YouTube.

Since the song’s breakthrough, Nation Boss has enjoyed a change in fortune.

“It’s just a lot of joy and happiness. I’m focusing on doing good music and moving forward,” he said.

Born Kushilo Kelly Lowe in Spanish Town, Nation Boss lived in Barbados for a while. On his return to Jamaica, he resided in Davis Town, St Ann and attended York Castle High School.

Though he excelled at football in the daCosta Cup, he was expelled while in fourth form.

He found solace in music after leaving Knockalva Agricultural School.

“I was introduced to music upon my return to Jamaica, but I pretty much was born with music. I’m based around realness and genuine energy, because that’s what the music industry is lacking. Mostly negative lyrics are being sung and I’m a positive and conscious artiste,” said Nation Boss.

In addition to McDonald, he has worked with producers Cut Stone Studios, Hot Boxx, and Pyramid Records.

Telephone and Emotions are Nation Boss’ follow-up singles. The latter is a collaboration with Yaksta.

Source: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/lets-hear-it-for-the-boss/

Rytikal

Rytikal, whose given name is Ryan McFarlane is a Jamaican Dancehall artiste born in 1995. He grew up in the parish of St. Thomas, where from around age 8 or 9 he developed a love for music because of inspiration from his older brother. McFarlane states that his brother made music and he would deejay the lyrics from his brother’s songs from an early age. Other artists which inspired his music include Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Vybz Kartel. Rytikal is famously known for his hit single  “Chosen”. He is also known for releases like “Cookie Jar”, “Living”, “Smoke My Troubles Away” and “We Okay”.

Source: https://www.hapilos.com/artists/rytikal-150#:~:text=Forgot%20your%20password%3F-,Rytikal%2C%20whose%20given%20name%20is%20Ryan%20McFarlane%20is%20a%20Jamaican,inspiration%20from%20his%20older%20brother.

Wesrok

News

Wesrok Aims To Become First Mainstream Country Reggae Artist

By Orlando Dowlatt On: April 8, 2021

The voice of the Jamaican people, reggae music, which derived from its predecessors Ska and Mento, has undoubtedly gone on to have a major impact on the international scene. Singer Wesrok has visions of taking the music to another level, as he works to establish a sparse version called “Country Reggae.” During a recent Gleaner interview, Wesrok said, “Country reggae is not a subgenre but a new brand, not quite country, not quite reggae. A brand new flavour for the masses.”

Jamaicans have long had a certain fascination for cowboys and Westerns, a love that transcended into the island’s music. Island-based entertainers have provided their versions of country and western tracks in the past, much to the delight of their fans. The late Toots Hibbert soared with his rendition of “Take Me Home Country Roads” by John Denver. Freddie McGregor’s rendition “King of the Road” by Roger Miller (1964) also became famous, and the Reggae artiste admitted that he was a fan of Miller’s music. How about Busy Signal’s renditions of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler?”

“Country is one of the biggest art forms. Other artistes have experimented with country reggae and failed because they’ve not sustained the efforts. We at 360 Global want to re-energise those efforts,” the recording artiste said.

The artiste, who has released a number of country reggae songs, is from the rural district of Swamp Lane in Bog Walk, St Catherine. He says he is fully equipped to be the face of this movement and feels that there is a niche market out there for country reggae in Jamaica and overseas, such as in Europe and the rural states of the USA.

Country reggae songs recorded by the artist include “Left Out in the Dark,” “Poor Country Boy,” and his most recent, “Born As a Winner.”

While Wesrok, whose real name is Percival Buddan, aims to globalize this brand, “country reggae” may not be very new after all. He added,

“The proof of Jamaica’s love for country music is all over reggae history. In the US, country music carries a certain racial history and baggage but I love it because country tells stories, tales about breaking up, and getting back together, and overcoming hardship. We love stories as well because this narrative tradition runs deep in folk music across the Caribbean.”

Wesrok has launched his seven-track album, “Look At Me Now,” on April 23, 2021.

Source: https://urbanislandz.com/2021/04/08/wesrok-aims-to-become-first-mainstream-country-reggae-artist/

NAKI WAILER

Biography

ASADENAKI is one of Reggae music’s emerging gems continuing a rich musical legacy he inherited from his father who also gave him his unique name, which means “enigma”. Singer, songwriter, composer, percussionist and guitarist, Asadenaki was also trained in film and video production at Clayton State University in Georgia, USA. Being true to his name, he describes himself as “a creator inspired by The Creator”.

Born and raised in Kingston 20 at the historic house of Solomonic Productions; the home office of his father Ska/Rocksteady/Reggae pioneer, Hon. Bunny Wailer, Asadenaki was always surrounded by music. In his early years however, he was more fascinated with athletics mainly football (soccer) and was a part of the Meadow Brook High School football team for just one year. He migrated to the United States of America to live with his mother; a designer and passionate Pan-Africanist after his caretaker Junior Braithwaite, original member of the wailers, was tragically murdered in Kingston 20. He was reintroduced to the arts with his enrollment in DeKalb School of the Arts, a performing arts high-school which led to his training in music and media. While continuing his schooling, Naki played football to the level of receiving a college scholarship. During university Asadenaki increasingly found himself penning lyrics as he sought a way to express his understanding of life, giving in to his true calling. He was able to hone his skills in the family’s home studio while working with his sister, Cen’C Love on her groundbreaking album, Love Letter.

He returned to Jamaica on a musical mission and joined forces with Yezer Root a ‘yanter’, bassist/guitarist and keyboardist and crooner, Narry Berry to form “The Tuff Gang”. With this newly created unit, Asadenaki developed his singing and performing skills while holding the ever-important rhythm-guitar section in the band. “Asadenaki and The Tuff Gang” released their debut EP entitled ‘Freedom Seeds’ in July 2015 and did the local reggae circuit including performances at Jamnesia, Inner City Dub, Sankofa Sessions, Bob Marley Trenchtown Concert, Peter Tosh Memorial Concert, Wickie Wackie Music Festival, Bourbon Beach and The One Love Concert series in Negril, Jamaica.

Asadenaki, stepping out as a solo artist, is driven by his deep love for music ranging from his native Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae to the influences of Hip-Hop, R&B, Country and Soul inspired by the wise teachings of his ancestors. Known affectionately as a ‘Music Man’, Asadenaki relishes his role in all aspects of music, from instrumentalist, producer, singer, songwriter to disc jockey. He can be heard spinning tracks, toasting and entertaining a loyal and growing following of Jamaican masses and the diaspora on his weekly ‘Culture Classics’ radio show on RJR94FM, Jamaica’s world re-known radio station.

Asadenaki’s love and passion for music is highlighted in his creatively poetic lyrics reminiscent of Super Cat paired with the soulful sounds of The Wailer’s aimed at uplifting and empowering his audience. With new music ready for release, he intends to share his brand of Reggae with lyrically charged messages of unity, self-awareness and diligence with the souls of music lovers across the world. His label “Tuff Gang Collective” is an ancestral call, a reclaiming of a heritage, for him and the Wailer’s family of “Tuff Gong” that was originally “Tough Gang”.

Through divine guidance from the Most High, ASADENAKI aims to empower the masses and sing for peace, justice and equality through Word, Sound, Power!

Source: https://www.reggaeville.com/artist-details/asadenaki/about/

Derajah

Derajah, born Deraja Mamby, April 12, 1981, is a reggae singer, “great Bobo Ashanti”, who grew up in the Wellington ghetto in Kingston, Jamaica.

He is part of the ghetto youths generation, who use reggae in the hope of finding a better life.

Biography

Derajah’s first appearance was on the 45 rpm Righteousness just a flow, printed in a few hundred copies on Sugar Minott’s Black Roots label. Noticed by Earl “Chinna” Smith, who gave him the nickname Jah Youth, Derajah joined the collective Inna de Yard de Makasound, and signed the title Well ah oh, which appeared on an album dedicated to Earl “Chinna” Smith, released in 2005.

He also co-produced Who Yeah Yah, a track that would become his international signature.

Its goal is to “sing to bring people together, and leave far from the devil, from horror… to bring them joy when they are hungry”

In 2011, following a tour in Europe, Derajah met the French group Donkey Jaw Bone and he wrote the lyrics for the album “Paris is Burning” released on the Chapter Two label and participated in the composition.

2019 marked a turning point with the release of the documentary Inna de Yard: The Soul of Jamaica and its Soundtrack, followed by an international tour.

Source: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jah_Youth

PHALKON

Yaksta

Entertainment News

Yaksta pleased with ‘Ambition’ inclusion in Rolling Stone’s Jamaica 60 feature

Dancehall fusion artiste Yaksta is pleased that his breakout hit song ‘Ambition’ was included in a Rolling Stone feature celebrating the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence.

“It was just yesterday I was sitting and looking at some of the greats wondering: ‘when will I be featured on a major platform for my work?’. And today I woke up to see myself in the Rolling Stone magazine. Though this may feel surreal, I know it’s because of my hard work and a dedicated team,” Yaksta said in a release on Tuesday.

The singer said the inclusion of his song as the standout song for the year in 2021 had inspired him to continue to pursue his craft. The article selected one song from every year to show the evolution of the island’s incredible musical history since 1962.

“Sometimes I get weary and discouraged but then I remember that great things aren’t easy to accomplish. This accomplishment will continue to inspire me,” he said.

Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. Yaksta’s ‘Ambition’ is mentioned in the year 2021, while Ishawna’s ‘Brace It’ featuring Ed Sheeran is listed as the standout song for 2022.

Other notable mentions include Koffee with ‘Toast’ (2018), Popcaan with two entries, ‘We Pray’ with Dre Island (2017) and ‘Twist & Turn’ featuring Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR (2020). The Mighty Diamonds’ One Brother Short’ (1979) and Bob Marley‘s ‘Redemption Song’ (1980) and Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Night Nurse’ (1982) are also included.

Dancehall’s top guns Beenie Man and Bounty Killer also made the list, with ‘Who Am I’ (1998) and ‘Look’ (1999).

According to Rolling Stone, “some tracks were chosen because they heralded a new direction in sound, others sparked a movement, some engendered controversy, marked a turning point in an artist’s career, or had a significant impact at the time of their release.”

“Because there are too many records to choose from for any given year, some important releases may not appear on the list. But that’s just a reminder of how amazingly rich this history is.”

Yaksta, whose real name is Kemaul Martin, rocketed into the spotlight in 2021 with his breakout single, ‘Ambition’, which racked up 11 million views. The single espouses positive messages regarding investments, farming, hard work and good family values.

He has followed up that single with songs such as ‘Assets’ (Fowl Coob), ‘Emotions’ featuring Nation Boss, Father Figure, and Hype and Bruk.

Source: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latest-news/yaksta-pleased-with-ambition-inclusion-in-rolling-stones-jamaica-60-feature/?fbclid=IwAR1w5wtFjhefk4-cksA1R0x9WQqp4dUjsQ-n3RRA7W9x7Hh4nq8FqEOl34Q

YEZA

Biography

YEZA, derived from the word Yezambique which means Strength and Resilience in Swahili. Yeza is your modern-day Reggae Roots Empress (born & raised in Bull Bay, St. Andrew Jamaica). Dubbed by many as the “Lyrical Lioness” and “Rebel Empress”, due to her lyricism, effortless melodies, strong stage presence and versatility as an artiste.

As a conscious minded millennial, Yeza’s musical journey started in 2017 with her first recording at the iconic Bobby Digital studio being “Everyting is Irie”, born out of this collaboration.

Since then, Yeza has continued to release reggae music showcasing her artistic flair as a singer and song writer, with potent songs such as ‘Is It Because I’m Black’, produced by Rory Stonelove & recent feature with the Legendary Sizzla Kalonji on “Glory Remix”. Yeza has gone onto collaborate with several noteworthy artists/producers: Monkey Marc, Blvk Hero, Turbulence, Tuff Like Iron, Sarangetti Music, UK based Producer Kholtan Entertainment (who has worked with Stylo G and many more).

Following her latest release “Tek Chat” produced by Yeza Music & Barcelona based Sinky Beatz, the Rebel Empress reinforces her passion and purpose to entertain the masses with powerful, thought[1]provoking musical content whilst bringing forth her message and cultural identity.

Notable Achievements

2022 – Single ” Glory Remix ft. Sizzla” added to Spotify UK Playlist “One Love” (with over 2 million followers) as part of the Notting Hill Carnival takeover

2022 – Performed at “Big Yard” in Jamaica with Seani B on BBC 1xtra

2022 – Sizzla Kalonji featured on Glory Remix, produced by “Yeza Music”

2021 – Dennis Brown Tribute performance on-Stage for “Reggae Month JA” Concerts.

2021 – Nominated for “Top 10 Reggae Artists to Watch in 2021” by CARIB VOXX

2020 – Special Guest Performance alongside Rory Stonelove at the Official Verzuz After Party for Beenie Man vs Bounty Killer

2020 – “REBEL CODE” featured on rotation BET Jams

2020 – Live performance with live band “Xolani Nation” for the Global Launch of ‘ClubHouse’ Series

2018 – UK PROMO TOUR (Performances at Boisdale, The Beat London & Crystal Palace Soundsystem Clash)

International Blog & Magazine Features: Earmilk, Girltalk HQ Irie Mag, Riddim Magazine, Reggaeville, Dancehall Mag, CARIB VOXX

TV, Radio & Podcasts: CVM Jamaica, BET USA, BBC1Xtra, Capital Xtra, Vybz Radio Kenya, Zip103Fm, Fiyah 103.5, Edge FM, along with many other international Radio Stations across Europe, Africa, USA, UK and Australia

Listen to Yeza’s music on all digital streaming platforms.

Spotify – This is YEZA

Source/Follow: yezamusic | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

RAPHI & THE ROCKTOP CREW

HYA P