It’s Thursday, so that means another post in our “Quick Throwback” series! Before being a controversial figure in Dancehall, before emphasizing some “Equal Rights & Justice” and encouraging ladies to be a “Cheerful Giver“, Ishawna Smith was on the grind trying to be heard. Today we go back to the year 2008 to check out her track, “All Over Again”. Released through Foota Hype Music, Ishawna speaks about falling in love all over again with her lover. With looking back at the good times playing a big part, Ishawna is determined to make things right with him and make their relationship stronger than ever.
Under the guide of Bounty Killa and an affiliation with DJ Foota Hype, Ishawna moved on to being one of the popular figures on the Dancehall scene, and one of the more controversial ones thanks to the various subject matter in her lyrics.
Hear the track below and check us out next Thursday for another feature in our “Quick Throwback” series.
Bella Blair has been putting in work, and it will show when she releases her new EP, “Aura” this Summer. In the meantime however, she keeps the ball rolling with the video for her latest track, “Hot Gyal Sumting“! Directed by AJG Logan, Bella not only gives us the slick delivery of her song, but displays the attitude like “We run tings here, zeen?” along with her female costars. To the ladies who know how to be the center of attention, the ones who know they’re the ish, the ones who know they have it all together, this is for you! If you don’t understand, it’s fine, it’s a “Hot Gyal Sumting“! Check out the video below, and follow us on Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.
In previous articles, we’ve highlighted Child Stars and dedications to the youth, but in closing of May being Child’s Month, we’d like to remix a series. A couple years ago, we highlighted the offspring of some famous names in Reggae/Dancehall in a 5 part series called “Chip Off The Old Block“. Today, we want to offer a playlist featuring some of the offspring that made their names known within the past few years. We urge you to not only play the songs, but support them as they continue their journey of carrying on the family name/reputation, or carve their own paths. Fi di yute dem! Check out the articles and playlist below, and follow us on Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.
With all the craziness going on in the world, it is easy to get lost. With negative messages being spread everywhere, you could find yourself being caught up in it if you’re not careful. Producer Dale Virgo is aware of it all and aims to clear the air with nothing but good music on his “Upful” EP!
Featuring 10 tracks with contributions from Christopher Martin, Jah Vinci, D.A. Jay, Troy Anthony, Angele Smith, Moses, Senita, and ShortBoss, Virgo not only handled production on this with assistance from Troy Baker and Ryan Byfield, but he performed under the name ANTOU on the opening track. It is nothing but that good Reggae music from DZL Records that will rise you above all the madness. Consider this EP the medicine you enjoyed taking, even when you weren’t sick. The only results from this overdose are nothing but good vibes and a peace of mind. Prepare to keep this one on high volume as it’s available on all your favourite Digital streaming outlets such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.
Listen to the project below, and follow us on Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.
Jamaicans islandwide were treated to a “Wakanda-style” celebration for the Charles Chocolates Dancin’ Dynamites Competition finale last Sunday. Roars of screams and applause filled the venue as crowd favourites Street Team were announced as the Season 13 winners to roars of screams and applause.
The show hosts, judges, and audience members donned their finest dashikis and asa okes during the live show, as the winning team – which had also entered the competition last year but placed fourth – thrilled audience members and beat four other competing dance crews with their quick footwork and eye-dazzling afro moves.
Roxanne Brown, Brand Manager for Charles Chocolates, said she was pleased with the outcome of the grand finale. “This ‘Clash 13’ season was extremely challenging but the dancers stuck to it and we’re glad that they performed well,” she said. “The weekly challenges were demanding, however, Street Team was determined. They covered the craft lessons they had learned from the previous competition and I’m really happy that they won. They deserve it.”
The team, which comprises Kemar Boyd, Adrian Jonas and Andre Henry, received the public’s top vote and cash prizes of over J$1 million from Jenny Jenny Productions, title sponsor Charles Chocolates, and associate sponsors. Anchovy High, the only team from a secondary school, placed second; New Era placed third; and Unruly Skankaz placed fourth; taking home J$400,000 from Jenny Jenny Productions and Burger King, J$200,000.00 and J$50,000.00, respectively, along with other prizes in kind.
The finale’s “Wakanda” theme paid homage to this year’s huge box office Disney-Marvel action hit Black Panther, which boasted a predominately black cast and crew as it became the top grossing solo superhero movie of all-time. In keeping with the theme, the dance routines from the clashing teams resembled popular African dances such as the ‘gwara gwara’ from South Africa and the Ghanian ‘azonto’.
Street Team’s Kemar Boyd said, “This year, we come back fi it mad! We don’t settle as losers. We always aim high and we aim for first place.” Also admitting that they had to employ a much different approach to gain the edge, he said, “Everything weh we do last year, we do it twice as hard this year and think outside of the box. We get up early inna di morning and campaign.”
The show’s Jamaica College Auditorium venue was graced with the presence of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, who also joined in on the action on stage with Chi Ching Ching during his performance debuting his new song and dance move ‘Rice and Peas’. Dancehall duo and Charles Chocolates Ambassadors Voicemail and gospel artiste Kevin Downswell also provided musical entertainment.
Roxanne Brown, Brand Manager of Charles Chocolates, poses with Andre Henry (left), Kemar Boyd (second right) and Adrian Jonas of Street Team at last Sunday’s finale staging. The dance crew are the 2018 winners of the Chocolates Dancin’ Dynamites Competition.
Loving that visual for Childish Gambino’s “This Is America“? If you haven’t been paying attention, there have been a few parodies of the video floating around. With that said, you know Jamaicans have to have their own versions. Today, Youtuber JNel Comedy is one of those joining in the fun with “This Is Jamaica“. From Teens getting themselves in trouble, to Uptown vs Downtown. to “Badminded people“, JNel covers a few topics throughout the video while busting a couple dance moves. A good watch from start to finish, JNel Comedy has been making folks laugh worldwide thanks to parodies, voice overs, and original skits. Check out the video below, and follow us on Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.
