Tag: 1982

Imagination "Just An Illusion" (1982) on 13thStreetPromotions.com #UK #Jamaica #Windrush #WindrushDay #WindrushGeneration #RandB #Funk #13thStreetPromotions #Music #Imagination #JustAnIllusion #OldiesSunday #oldies #OldSchool #Throwback #Caribbean #1982

OLDIES SUNDAY: Imagination – Just An Illusion (1982)

Posted on by swadedavillain

June 22 is recognized in the UK as “Windrush Day“. “Windrush” refers to the generation of African-Caribbean people who emigrated to the UK post World War II (WWII) to assist with recovery efforts, and much more. “Windrush” also refers to the HMT Windrush Empire Ship that transported these migrants. June 22 is a day that honours that generation, and was introduced in 2018 by British Social Commentator/Political Activist of Jamaican heritage, Patrick Vernon. Today on “Oldies Sunday“, we want to highlight music from the children of the “Windrush Generation“. We go back to the 80s to check out UK band Imagination, and their single, “Just An Illusion“.

Produced by Tony Swain and Steven Jolley, a.k.a. Jolley & Swain, and released through R&B Records in 1982, “Just An Illusion” was a song about having a need to experience things and situations that were just dreams before. The Funk/R&B single featured harmonizing notes, solid production that instantly grabbed the listener, and a vibe that had everyone dancing. Comprised of Leee John, Errol Kennedy, and Ashley Ingram, these were children of the “Windrush Generation” whose parents emigrated from Jamaica (Kennedy was born there), and St. Lucia (Leee John). “Just An Illusion” became the biggest hit for Imagination, climbing to the #2 spot on the UK Singles chart, topping the charts in Spain, and becoming top ten hits in France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and West Germany. The single also enjoyed Gold and Silver certifications, and was included in the soundtrack for the 1986 Film, “F/X“, along with their 1982 album, “In The Heat Of The Night“. “Just An Illusion” would later be sampled by P.M. Dawn, Mariah Carey, The Pharcyde, Destiny’s Child, and Cormega.

Since the release of “Just An Illusion”, Imagination would go on to enjoy some more success with the release of more music. The band would split in 1987 and include new members, but their popularity decreased, and they called it quits in 1992 after releasing their final album. Leee John would go into acting, Ashley Ingram would enjoy success as a Songwriter, and Errol Kennedy would perform under a new version of Imagination named ImagiNation feat. Errol Kennedy. The “Windrush Generation” introduced new cultures and sounds to Europe, and children of that generation like members of Imagination, would help to boost the musical economy.

Thank You Imagination For This Classic!

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Messenjah "Rock You High" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Canada #Kitchener #Ontario #Reggae #13thStreetPromotions #Messenjah #RockYouHigh #1982 #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Messenjah – Rock You High (1982)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Reggae Music has enjoyed a number of “firsts” over the decades, and there are times we forget about them. For today’s “Oldies Sunday” selection, we highlight one of them. Today, we head over to North America to check out Canadian Reggae Band Messenjah’s “Rock You High“.

Produced by Rupert “Ojiji” Harvey and released through Phonyx Records in 1982, Messenjah came to shake the nation with good music on “Rock You High”. Taking the music to a new stage at the time, Messenjah was the first Canadian Reggae Band to sign to a major label (Warner Music Canada a.k.a. WEA). The track got a lot of attention for the Band as it quickly became well known outside of Canada, and it became a part of their live shows over the years. The track was released through their Independently-released debut album of the same name, which went on to be a success.

Since the release of “Rock You High”, Messenjah went on to become one of Canada’s most popular and successful Reggae Bands. The Band went on to release more music, collect awards, toured for a number of years, and even being featured in the movie “Cocktail” starring a then up and coming Actor named Tom Cruise. Messenjah disband in the late 1990s, but reunited with some members in 2014 for a Bob Marley tribute concert in Toronto. “Rock You High” remains one of their most popular releases.

Thank You Messenjah For This Hit!

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The Visionaires "Marcus Garvey" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #RootsReggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #TheVisionaires #MarcusGarvey #1982 #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: The Visionaires – Marcus Garvey (1982)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Yesterday (August 17) was celebrated as the birthday of the late Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey. The Pan-Africanist was Jamaica’s first National Hero, and inspired many Civil Rights Activists, Rastafarians, The Nation Of Islam, and Black Power Movements. His teachings and influence continues to connect with many generations, but on “Oldies Sunday“, we look back at one of his tributes. Today’s selection comes from the Roots Reggae Band, The Visionaires and their track, “Marcus Garvey“.

Produced by Austin Hutson and released through the Orthodox Label in 1982, The Visonaires shared the importance of the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey in “Marcus Garvey”. The track champions for the philosophical works of Garvey to be taught in the schools, and encourage more people to learn about him and become more conscious of themselves. The band also speaks on Garvey’s prophecies that have come to pass, and call out those who try to eradicate his name and works from the public. “Marcus Garvey” was featured on the band’s only album, “To Have A Home“, which was featured in 1982, and gained popularity locally and Internationally. Not much information is out there about The Visionaires, but the band consisted of Audley Watson, Basil Gayle, and Winston Dudney. “Marcus Garvey” is still played today, especially during Marcus Garvey celebrations.

Thank You The Visionaires For This Classic!

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Bad Brains "Leaving Babylon" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #WashingtonDC #NewYork #Jamaica #PunkRock #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #BadBrains #1982 #ROIR #ReachOutInternationalRecords #RockBand #Band #HardcorePunk #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: @BadBrainsBand – Leaving Babylon (1982)

Posted on by swadedavillain

It’s Oldies Sunday, and today we’re going to do something different. While this section has been home to many Artists who hail from the Caribbean, what about those who have been influenced by the Caribbean? For today’s selection, we check out US band Bad Brains, and their track, “Leaving Babylon“.

“Leaving Babylon” was produced by Jay Dublee, and performed by original Bad Brains band members H.R., Dr. Know, Darryl Jenifer, and Earl Hudson. It was released through the ROIR (Reach Out International Records) label in 1982. Though Bad Brains originally started out as a Punk Rock band, they also tapped into the Reggae sound thanks to seeing Bob Marley perform live in their home base of Washington D.C., H.R.’s Jamaican background, and leaning into the Rastafarian faith and culture. “Leaving Babylon” was one of their Reggae releases, and it not only featured the Reggae sound, but shared lyrics about escaping the society that left people destitute, dealt with phony Politicians, and seeking a better place as nothing will change from where they’re coming from. It also sampled the Bass line from The Royals’ 1968 single, “Pick Up The Pieces“.

“Leaving Babylon” was featured on Bad Brains’ self-titled debut studio album, and quickly won over listeners. It was covered by the likes of Sublime, Jesse Malin, and 311. Their debut album is one of the most groundbreaking releases for the hardcore scene, with many Artists citing it as one of the greatest ever. Bad Brains is widely considered the pioneers of Hardcore Punk Rock, and along with fusing Reggae into the Rock scene, they paved the way for many bands to follow. Since the release of “Leaving Babylon”, they have released more albums, went through a number of breakups and reunions, and are still active today. Reggae Artist Jesse Royal briefly joined the band in 2015. “Leaving Babylon” is still a favourite for many listeners of Bad Brains.

Thank You Bad Brains For This Track!

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Padrino covers Gregory Isaacs' "Stranger In Town" on 13thStreetPromotions.com

Padrino Channels “The Cool Ruler” Gregory Isaacs On New Cover Single

Posted on by swadedavillain

Bahamian born Recording Artist/Producer Padrino may be a modern Artist, but he has the soul of an OG. While he grew up listening to some of the greats in R&B, Soul, Reggae, and Dancehall, he took inspiration from them to give his music a different sound and feel. An example of that was his recently released “Right Here”, which taps into US R&B group SWV’s “Right Here” from 1992. Expanding his Artistry, he looks to tap into more classics, including the likes of the late Jamaican Icon Gregory Isaacs for his latest single.

Covering Gregory Isaacs’ 1982 hit “Stranger In Town”, Padrino gives us “The 2021 Cool Ruler” as he steps out channeling the late Lovers Rock crooner. Padrino gives us his signature smooth delivery, and does justice to the classic song. Gregory Isaacs released “Stranger In Town” in 1982, and it was featured on his classic album, “Night Nurse”, which was released through Isaacs’ African Museum label along with US based Mango label, and UK based Island Records. Padrino cites Gregory Isaacs as one of his Idols growing up, and it was only right that he paid tribute to him by covering his music. In addition to the “Stranger In Town” single, a Music Video directed by Brucie Bruce and Jason Bevans has been released.

(Wanna hear some Gregory Isaacs classics? Click here.)

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Jamaica Dancehall One Two 1, 2 Sister Nancy 13thStreetPromotions 13thStreetPRomo Playlist Sampling Bam Bam 1982 Caribbean

We Look Back At Some Of The Times Sister Nancy Was Sampled In Our Latest Playlist!

Posted on by swadedavillain

Today, January 2, 2021, we celebrate the 59th birthday of the iconic Sister Nancy. An artist who broke barriers and paved the way for many female Dancehall artists, Sister Nancy is a legend through and through. In honour of her birthday, we feature her in our latest Playlist (and 1st Playlist of the year)!

Highlighting her 1982 classic, “Bam Bam“, we look back at some of the times the single was sampled. From Jay Z to Amara La Negra, from Logic to Tamar Braxton, “Bam Bam” has come a long way to becoming one of the most sampled tracks in music. Take a trip down memory lane and learn something. Big up the great Sister Nancy! Want to get some backstory on “Bam Bam”? Check out this Reggaeology Podcast episode.

Check out the Playlist below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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