First off, we’ve made it into the month of March! May the new month bring new opportunities, and infinite blessings. Women’s Month and International Women’s Day are observed here, and we have Recording Artist Blvk H3ro to kick things off. With his debut Album pending for a 2018 release, he dedicates the second single to the Matriarch in “Mama“. Produced by Bastian Ka, with assistance from Lorenzo “Lance” West and mixed by Johnoye “Shotta Biggs” Bucknor, H3ro rides a Guitar led production that finds him playing out a conversation with his Mother. Described as the “Divine Feminine“, Blvk goes on to shower her with praises for being there for him, all while updating her on the many happenings in his life. With his signature delivery and a smooth Instrumental, let this be the soundtrack for your next heart to heart with the #1 Woman in your life. Be on the look out for more from Blvk H3ro as he puts the finishing touches to “The Immortal Steppa“. Have a listen below.
With so much going on in the World today, it can really be a burden to one mentally and physically. While we may not have solution that fixes this 100%, we just have to trust the Creator. Today, Recording Artist Blvk H3ro offers a helping hand and musical healing with “On & On“. Produced by M Fasol, Blvk delivers some encouraging words and a world of positive vibes over some uplifting Production. Grandma said every Dog has its day, don’t give up! Cover design by Khari Kamau. Time to get lifted, listen to the track below.
As July comes to a close, we take the time out to appreciate the beauty that is the West Indies. No matter which Island you reside in, there is an abundance of beauty there that makes it unique. Today, Jamaican Artists Jeeby Lyricist, Blvk H3ro and Kione Zaire show their appreciation for their Island on “Blessed Indies“! Produced by Wavy Jones, they all take turns expressing what makes their Island home special, and what you’re in for when you do visit. From St. E to Ochi, Mobay to Bull Bay, you can circle around town with this unofficial Jamaica Tourism campaign! Apply this to your respective Islands as we all are blessed in the West Indies. Artwork by the talented Kidding Art, check out the track below.
For years there have been talks about making venues for fresh young talent to showcase their works in Jamaica. While some have popped up over time, one that is here to stay is held at the Stones Throw Bar every monday by the name of “New Wave”! Located at 1b Mannings Hill Rd. in Kingston, patrons witness displays of Art from some rising stars from 8PM to 12AM. Since its inception in late 2016, it has quickly become the talk of the town, or rather the Island. For those who don’t know, we recently interviewed a couple members behind the “New Wave” team, Lindsey Lodenquai (Head Coordinator), and Davida-Mae Chambers (Social Media Manager/Coordinator). Open your mind for a “New Wave”!
13thStreetPromo: For those who don’t know, what is the origin of New Wave? How did it come about from an idea to an event?
New Wave: New Wave began with Protoje and Jason Panton who envisioned a platform for emerging local talents- once the idea is there, there will always be a way for it to manifest to fruition.
13SP: Describe a standard night at a New Wave event.
NW: VIBESY! It’s always a great feeling being there with persons who are equally enthused about culture and creativity!
13SP: “Jamaica has so much to offer culturally and artistically from this generation”. What’s New Wave’s stance on this comment, and how important is it for events like this to push Jamaica’s talent?
NW: The comment is so true, the talent this generation has is through the roof! Once we have the resources, It is our responsibility to nurture this talent and allow it to flourish.
It’s another Summer, and it’s time for the Pool Parties, new fashion, new destinations, and for those in School, freedom from the books for a while. For others, it’s a time to discover new music, and we’ll gladly help you in discovering new Artists. We advise you to get proper headphones, great speakers, money for tickets and audio purchases, and the mindset to fully enjoy the music. Here are 15 Artists to watch out for this Summer!
With a few years in the game, Florida based Recording Artist Khxos (formerly Khaos) has been releasing Dancehall tunes and gaining attention thanks to Social Media. He received a buzz that started to bubble in Summer 2015 thanks to the release of “One Touch”. Summer 2016 kept the ball rolling with his debut EP “Deception”, but collaborations with Andrew Trabass, Chargii, and Lincoln 3Dot helped to keep it blazing for the rest of the year. Early 2017 however saw his name change, and the release of “So Loud” and “BOMM” propelled him as one to watch this Summer as he prepares to release his debut Album, “Dopamine”.
They don’t call him “El Fuego” for nothing, his music keeps you on your toes, and his lyrics hit like the hot oil from frying Plantains. This Artist has been quietly making his way onto the scene and has made appearances from “New Wave” to “Live From Kingston: Class 2016”, to “Imprint” to Protoje’s “For The Culture” event. His collaborations with the likes of Lila Ike, Runkus, and Leno Banton have received numerous hits on Soundcloud, and he hits the road (or Air) with Runkus as a part of the “Class Is In” European Tour and a stop at the German Summerjam this Summer!
This Songstress came as a surprise this year with the release of her debut single, “So Shy”. Known as “The First Lady Of REM”, she followed up with a freestyle (Believe In You), and a follow up single titled “The Cycle”. She has also made appearances on “Smile Jamaica”, “New Wave”, “Speak”, and “7 am In Kingston”. Yanah is currently working follow up singles, and makes an appearance near you this Summer!
When the music hits you, you feel no pain, right? Reggae Music continues to win more hearts over the past few decades. With its many sub genres, fans are treated to all sorts of talent and we hear many songs that can stand the test of time. With Jamaican acts like Protoje, Morgan Heritage, Tarrus Riley, and many more touring the world and sharing our art, we can’t help but demand its sibling Dancehall to step up its game. Again, we love Dancehall, but we need to see it doing just as well as the big sibling. Tune in to our rant below, and share your thoughts!