Spice is a woman who wears many hats. She is a Dancehall Artist, an Actress, a Style Icon, a Mother, and now a Reality Show Star? Well she dabbled a little in the latter as she made an appearance in the newest episode of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta! Here she played host for the series regulars Mimi Faust and Karlie Redd as they took a trip to Jamaica. How did they link up? You have to watch this episode to get your answer and more! Big up Grace Hamilton a.k.a. Spice! Check out the video below.
If you haven’t been familiar with the 1 person dynamo named GiRL, today’s the day to change all that. After releasing her debut single in 2016, the Kenzic featured “Fly”, she has been busy winning fans with every live performance. While halfway through 2017, she ups the ante with a double presentation of her 2nd single, “High“! Featuring Recording Artist Roe Summerz who also handles the production, the single has been described as the “pleasant tranquil fusion of vocals and Instruments” since its release 3 months ago through the Edley Shine (of Born Jamericans) owned Shinealous Records.
The videos, with direction by Laty Kim and Marz Jackson, features a glimpse into Kingston at night, a bit of dancing, some clean shots, and an open platform for you to interpret the lyrics and visuals. Enough talking, time to rise higher, and treat your eyes to high quality visuals from GiRL! Watch them 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.
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.
Today’s Oldies Sunday pays respect to one of Jamaica’s greatest Vocalists, the one they called the “Jamaican Stevie Wonder“, the late Frankie “Dancehall” Paul. The Singer recently passed away after battling a long ailment, and the news sent shock waves all over the world. Having been born blind, Frankie showed many that you can still be great no matter your circumstance. Possessing a love for singing, he impressed Recording Artist Stevie Wonder during a visit to his school in Jamaica, and was inspired to pursue a Music career. Releasing multiple singles and Albums over the years, Frankie went on to be an influence for many of the Dancehall/Reggae Vocalists that followed. Having worked with almost every Producer and Record Label in Jamaica, Frankie Paul was a household name and ultimately a Legend.
As a part of keeping his spirit alive, we present to you “Sara”, his 1987 hit which was a cover of US Rock Band Starship’s single. The track was produced by King Jammy for his Jammys Label and was a part of Paul’s 1987 “Live And Love” Album.
