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OLDIES SUNDAY: @BadBrainsBand – Leaving Babylon (1982)


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


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


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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OLDIES SUNDAY: Ruddy Thomas – Key To The World (1982)


It’s Wedding SZN! For the month of June, Oldies Sunday will feature some love songs that can be a great addition to your Wedding Playlists, and could be the official song to dance to. Today we go back to the year 1982 with the late Ruddy Thomas’Key To The World“! Produced by Roy Forbes Allen with arrangement by FranklinBubbler Waul” and released through the Hawkeye Label, this was a cover of The Dramatics member L.J. Reynolds’ 1981 single. Here, Ruddy Thomas gives us soulful lyrics letting the lady in his life know that if he had the world, she’d never be in need, and he’ll provide in a way a man’s supposed to. This version showcased Ruddy’s vocals in a way that was sure to bring a tingle to all the ladies who heard it.

With a few hits under his belt, Ruddy Thomas lent his vocals to the likes of Peter Tosh, and was a Recording Engineer for projects by Sugar Minott, Leroy Smart, Yellowman, and Beres Hammond. Ruddy Thomas passed away in 2006 as a result of a Heart Attack during a performance in Jamaica. His music remains timeless, and still are being played all around the world.

If you’re loving the selections, don’t be afraid to let us know. Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Little Harry – Party Time (1982)


Closing off the month of May being “Child’s Month“, Oldies Sunday features a child star who made some noise in music. Heading back to the 1980s, we look at Teen Deejay Little Harry’s 1982 track, “Party Time“! This was featured on the Yellowman and Fathead’sLive At Aces: Feeding In The Dancehall” project which was produced by Lloyd Campbell. While he made his rounds in the 80s as a Teen star in the Dancehall, “Party Time” marks Little Harry’s first appearance ever on a record. With the mic in his hand, Harry commanded the crowd with this one as he fired off lyrics about being the ladies man, city life and country life, and of course showing off his skills as a formidable MC.

Born in St. Thomas, Little Harry started off his Deejay career at the age of 10. Since his debut, he has worked with the likes of King Jammy’s, King Yellowman, Billy Boyo, and Skengdon which helped his presence in Dancehall.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Dorraine Samuels – The Woman In Me (1982)


In recognition of March being “Women’s History Month“, Oldies Sunday will be highlighting a few women who have made their contribution to the Jamaican music landscape in the early years. Today we close off the month highlighting a selection from a Queen of Jamaican Radio, one of the golden voices of Radio, and a Jamaican Icon, the late Dorraine Samuels! We look at her single, “The Woman In Me“. Produced by Samuels and Allan Rickards, this was released through Sonic Sounds in 1982. It was a cover of the 1981 hit single by Country Music Icon, Crystal Gayle. This marked one of the few times a Jamaican Media Personality tried their hand at a musical career (much like her on air “Hubby” Alan Magnus).

While Dorraine Samuels only released one single, it was popular back then and remains a memorable one by fans. Since “The Woman In Me“, she went on to enjoy a 40 year career at Real Jamaican Radio (RJR/RJR 94 FM) and Television Jamaica (TVJ) where she became quite the household name and a media Icon. Sadly, she passed away on March 26, 2019, but she left behind a great legacy that will continue to inspire many.

We hope you enjoy our selection today. Be sure to check out the track and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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