Tag: Oldies

Burning Spear "Marcus Garvey" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #BurningSpear #Reggae #MarcusGarvey #LawrenceLindo #JackRuby #Caribbean #Oldies #1974

OLDIES SUNDAY: Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey (1974)

Posted on by swadedavillain

It’s Reggae Month and Black History Month, so we continue to honour those who have made strides in taking the music to another level, and those who have fought for the freedom of Black People. Today’s Oldies Sunday focuses on one of the most important voices in Reggae, and one of the most important Black figures in History. We check out Burning Spear’s “Marcus Garvey“.

Produced by Lawrence Lindo a.k.a. Jack Ruby and released through his Fox label in 1974, Burning Spear made a track to highlight National Hero and Pan-Africanist, Marcus Garvey. Garvey fought for Black Liberation, was a major influence in the Rastafarian movement and the Nation Of Islam, and inspired the Black Power movement. The song spoke of Garvey’s words and teachings coming to pass, while encouraging Black people to stand up and fulfill the prophecies from this great man. The song also made mention of Garvey’s Chauffeur, known as “Bag O’Wire“, who was responsible for betraying Garvey by reporting him to the Authourities. “Marcus Garvey” was the opening track for the 1975 album of the same name, which was been regarded as one of Reggae’s most important albums, and was celebrated as one of the 100 essential Reggae albums by Rough Guides Ltd., and one of the 1001 albums you must listen to before you die by Robert Dimery.

Since the release of “Marcus Garvey”, Burning Spear has went on to become an influential voice in Roots Reggae. With a heavy collection of albums and singles, Spear is also a two-time GRAMMY winner and 12-time nominee, and was active for years until retiring in 2016, and un-retiring in 2022. Celebrate the greats, and continue fighting for true freedom for Black People.

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Maxi Priest "Close To You" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #UK #London #Reggae #ReggaeFusion #13thStreetPromotions #MaxiPriest #CloseToYou #1990 #Caribbean #OldiesSunday

OLDIES SUNDAY: @MaxiPriest – Close To You (1990)

Posted on by swadedavillain

February is celebrated as Reggae Month. It also recognizes Black History Month in many parts of the world. The month is also one for love as Valentine’s Day is celebrated. For today’s Oldies Sunday selection, we celebrate a Black Man who created a love song in the name of Reggae. His name is Maxi Priest, and we check out “Close To You“.

Produced by Handel Tucker, Geoffrey Chung, and Sly Dunbar, Maxi Priest’s “Close To You” was released in 1990 through Charisma Records. The song finds Priest being completely smitten by a girl who may seem like trouble. Regardless, but he is eager to be close to her, catering to her every need. The Reggae Fusion track featured smooth vocals by Priest backed by a production that was sure to captivate your entire being. “Close To You” was an instant hit for Maxi Priest, it scored a #1 slot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and top 10 placements in the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and various countries in Europe. The single also went Gold in Sweden and Australia. “Close To You” was featured on Priest’s 5th studio album, the Gold-selling “Bonafide“. With the catchy hook, it quickly became a mainstay for R&B mixtape lovers, especially for couples during the Valentine’s season. “Close To You” was covered by the likes of Origene, B3, Pachanga, Jay Delano, and The Uptown Band. The song was sampled by the likes of Jay Sean, Eric B & Rakim, and Tony Sunshine.

Since the release of “Close To You”, Maxi Priest went on to have a successful career in the 1990s. He is still an active Artist, having secured GRAMMY nominations over the years, and is still celebrated worldwide as one of the most successful Reggae Fusion Artists Internationally. “Close To You” will be remembered as one of his most recognized singles, and one to keep in rotation for Valentine’s Day.

THANK YOU MAXI PRIEST FOR THIS CLASSIC!

Check out the original music video for “Close To You” along with the newer version below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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General Trees "Minibus" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Dancehall #Music #13thStreetPromotions #BlackScorpio #GeneralTrees #Minibus #1985 #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: General Trees – Minibus (1985)

Posted on by swadedavillain

How are you doing today? It’s Oldies Sunday! Today’s selection goes out to those who are always on the move via public transportation. We go back in time to check out General Trees’ “Minibus“!

Produced by Jack Scorpio and released through his Black Scorpio label in 1985, General Trees deejays about a great shift in public transportation in “Minibus”. For years Jamaicans would travel on the “Jolly Bus” or “Country Bus“, but the advent of the Minibus gave way to a newer way to ride in the public transport system. General Trees’ gave an account of his experience traveling on one, and he detailed it from seeing how people behaved after the change in the public transport system, how he was treated before even taking a Bus in Kingston, and the various episodes he went through before arriving at his destination in Westmoreland. The song was originally previewed at a few of General Trees’ performances, and was instantly a favourite, prompting him to record the official version with Jack Scorpio. The song also borrowed from the 1955 modern-folk song “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?“.

“Minibus” created history since its release as it was the first Dancehall song to go number 1 in 1985 was awarded “Song Of The Year” by the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), and its Llewellyn O’Reggio-directed music video was the first award-winning Jamaican music video (the video helped to birth a “Best Music Video” category for Jamaican award shows that followed). It was safe to say “Minibus” was quite the hit, and opened up the floor for General Trees to secure more hit songs. Since then, General Trees went on to have a following in the early 1990s, but was not able to match up the popularity from the 80s. He suffered a few health issues later down, but still made his presence be felt wherever he went. “Minibus” will continue to be one of his greatest works.

Thank You General Trees For This Classic!

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Culture "Two Sevens Clash" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #TwoSevensClash #7777 #1977 #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #JosephHill #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Culture – Two Sevens Clash (1977)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Today we celebrate the birthday of a Reggae Icon who has contributed greatly to the culture, and funny enough he was the founder of a band called, Culture. We feature the late Joseph Hill today on Oldies Sunday by highlighting his band’s track called, “Two Sevens Clash“.

Produced by Joe Gibbs and released through Joe Gibbs Music in 1977, the Joseph Hill-led Culture shared an apocalyptic message on “Two Sevens Clash”. Inspired by a vision by Joseph Hill and a prediction by Marcus Garvey, the song spoke of the year 1977 becoming a year of judgment, and the date of July 7, 1977 (7/7/77) becoming a day chaos respectively. The song’s lyrics spoke of the 7s clashing (i.e. the seventh day of the seventh month of the seventy-seventh year), and it would mean that past injustices would be avenged. Joseph Hill’s vision came during a bus ride, with lyrics and melodies following, thus becoming a song in the process. “Two Sevens Clash”, while it was a very influential record upon release, it was paired with Marcus Garvey’s prediction, and caused many individuals in Jamaica to remain indoors and establishments closed, awaiting the fulfillment of the prophecy on July 7, 1977. The single itself was very successful as it gained a following overseas, and became the title track of Culture’s debut album that was released the same year. “Two Sevens Clash” went on to become Culture’s most memorable, successful, and influential song to date.

Since the release of “Two Sevens Clash”, Culture went on to release more music, securing its place as one of Reggae’s greatest bands. The band split in 1981, with Joseph Hill keeping the name, and recruiting new members. The band also had a rift with Joe Gibbs over unpaid royalties for the “Two Sevens Clash” album. The band continued to be active over the years till Hill passed away in 2006, prompting his son Kenyatta to take over as the lead Singer till this day.

THANK YOU CULTURE FOR THIS CLASSIC!

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Michael Palmer - Dem A Lick Shot on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Dancehall #Music #MichaelPalmer #DemALickShot #1984 #Caribbean #OldiesSunday #Oldies

OLDIES SUNDAY: Michael Palmer – Dem A Lick Shot (1984)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Happy Oldies Sunday! For today’s selection, we’re gonna give you a rare cut. Many are familiar with the selection, while there are others who will hear it for the first time. Today, we go back in time to check out Michael Palmer’s “Dem A Lick Shot“!

Produced by G. Nicholson and O. Brown and released through Tasha Records in 1984, this is the original version of Michael Palmer’s successful “Dem A Lick Shot” that was produced by George Phang, and released in the same year through the Power House label on the “Mad Mad Riddim“. On the original, Michael shares his experience of being a victim of robbery in his community, and getting help from the authouritives proved to be futile. It all happened in his hometown, but things have to change. The original version of “Dem A Lick Shot” gained positive feedback from listeners when it was released, but soon made way for the George Phang version as it was featured on Palmer’s album of the same name.

Since the release of “Dem A Lick Shot”, Michael Palmer went on to release more music over the years, but sadly had vocal problems, and diverted into production for some time before taking a 20 year hiatus. He returned in the late 2010s, and stays active through performances and recordings. While many celebrate the George Phang version of “Dem A Lick Shot”, there are still those who appreciate the original.

THANK YOU MICHAEL PALMER FOR THIS CLASSIC!

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Sean Paul "Hot Gal Today" featuring Mr. Vegas on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Dancehall #Music #13thStreetPromotions #SeanPaul #MrVegas #HotGalToday #StageOne #1999 #Dancehall #Oldies #OldiesSunday #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: @DuttyPaul X @MrVegasMusic – Hot Gal Today (1999)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Ready for some throwbacks? It’s Oldies Sunday! Today’s selection comes from one of Jamaica’s most successful Dancehall Artists, who also celebrates a birthday today. His name is Sean Paul, and we feature the track, “Hot Gal Today“!

Produced by Steely & Clevie on the “Street Sweeper Riddim“, featuring Dancehall Artist Mr. Vegas, and released through Studio 2000 in 1999, “Hot Gal Today” finds Sean Paul and Vegas battling over who will be the lucky man to win a Woman’s heart. Throughout the track they taunt one another, proclaiming that they’re the better candidate in the process. Like two Politicians fighting for a seat on Election Day, they go at it, and listeners are entertained by the back and forth. “Hot Gal Today” was a hit for Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas, boosting their profiles as Sean scored a few hits before, and Vegas was breaking out of his “upcoming Artist” status with previous releases. “Hot Gal Today” was featured on Sean Paul’s debut album, “Stage One“, which was released in 2000.

Since the release of “Hot Gal Today”, Sean Paul went on to have a career that successfully crossed over into the International market, securing a GRAMMY win, multiplatinum status, and a Pop status that keeps his name in the top tiers to this day. Regardless of his status, “Hot Gal Today” is still loved by many worldwide.

CHECK OUT OUR SEAN PAUL PLAYLIST!

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