The “REMperor” Leno Banton promised new music for 2017, and he has stuck to his word so far. Teaming up with Producer Wavy Jones, he fires off something for the Summer titled, “Gypsy“. Here he speaks on how a Black Queen has managed to mesmerize him with her magical moves. From wanting to give her a “Bxxxxxxxxt ring“, to creating life with her, it’s amazing how the right woman can captivate your mind, body and soul. Jones’ production on this can put you in a trance, stay woke! Artwork by the combo of Khari Kamau and Tiny Sunthing! Check out the track below.
Beer and Reggae seem to go hand in hand, do they? Recently, the Mexican Beer Brand Corona unleashed another Summer campaign which includes limited edition Beer cans. In the new Commercials, which highlights Sun, Sea, Fun, and Beer, Reggae Artist Jimmy Cliff’s 1972 classic, “You Can Get It If You Really Want (Get It Here)“, and Bunny Wailer’s “Cool Runnings” are provided as the theme songs. “You Can Get It If You Really Want” was released by Island Records and featured on the soundtrack to the cult classic “The Harder They Come (Get It Here)“. It was originally sung by the late Desmond Dekker in 1970 but Cliff recorded his own version for the Film. The single is no stranger to being used commercially as it was featured in “Speed 2: Cruise Control (Rent/Watch Here)“, and was used during election times in Nicaragua and Britain. Bunny Wailer’s single was released in 1981 through the Solomonic Label and was featured on his 8th Studio Album, “Rock ‘n’ Groove“. An original member of “The Wailers” along with the late Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, “Jah B” (affectionately called) is also a 3 time Grammy winner and is considered one of the “Gatekeepers” of Reggae music.
The Trini sensation Jimmy October never disappoints when he drops new music. With an EP on the way, he delivers his first single with the ladies in mind. Titled “Vacation“, the single was produced by Tano while the lyric video was directed by Christian Kalpee and features Jimmy strolling on the beach while selling ladies his Caribbean Vacation package. With a smooth delivery, Jimmy might have the ladies looking up the best fare prices on Priceline right now. Whether by Plane or Ship, Jimmy will be there to welcome you on arrival and be your tour guide. Check out “Vacation” below.
In recognition of May being Child’s Month, 13th Street Promotions is dedicating this Oldies Sunday post to the youth. Many of us can look back at our own childhood when we’d imitate our favourite Artists and pretend we are established stars. What many may or may not know is that some of our favourites started out or even got discovered in their early stages. While we know that acts like the late US Pop Star Michael Jackson and Jamaican Singer Jimmy Tucker started out very young (Jimmy was Jamaica’s 1st Child Prodigy in the 1950s), we’d like to inform you or refresh your memory on some of our Caribbean acts who started out young.
1. Machel Montano (Debut Age: 9) – Too Young To Soca
Crime and violence continue to run rampant in not only Jamaica, but all over the world. While there have been various measures in attempts to cut down on them, many turn to their beliefs in hopes that they or anyone close to them never become a statistic. Recently, Recording Artist Wayne J called out those who took pride in taking someone’s life in “Murderer“. Produced by Barcelona, Spain based King Horror Productions on the 67 Riddim, Wayne speaks on Crime and Violence activities in various communities, and warns the Murderers that what goes around, comes around if they don’t change their ways. Wayne continues to drop good music with subject matter that makes people think, and stay entertained. Be sure to catch him at an event near you. A Wayne J enuh! Check out the track below.
While your favourite Artist may be using Reggae/Dancehall creatively (or stupidly) in Jamaica, the influence of the Music Culture continues to affect many others worldwide. One person in particular is Taru Dalmia a.k.a. “Delhi Sultanate” of New Delhi, India, as he uses not only Reggae, but the Sound System Culture to channel his Political Activism. While India is under the rule of the Hindu Nationalist Government lead by Narendra Modi (Bharatiya Janata Party), Taru alleges that free speech is being threatened under his rule, and using his talents will assist the many protests that are being held in many Universities across the nation. Armed with classic singles, and Dub Plates from the likes of Toots Hibbert, Barrington Levy, and Anthony B, he hopes that his assistance in the fight will not be in vain.
Taru is also a member of The Ska Vengers, a live Band that blends Dub, Pop, Ska, Jazz, Rap, and Punk to deliver a new sound. Below is a clip from the Al Jazeera Network where we look into Taru’s journey, and the challenges he has faced so far. We also feature some of the singles that could spark protests, and some that speak against the Jamaican Government.
