Today, August 29 marks the 59th Birthday of “The King Of Pop“, the late Michael Jackson. A man whose talents influenced generations, Pop culture, Fashion and Music, it’s safe to say he has influenced your favourite Artist in some way. Today we hail MJ on his Bday, and present to you 6 Reggae/Dancehall cover songs. Let this be a refresh, or something new for you as well remember the Pop Icon. R.I.P. Michael, and Happy Birthday!
1. Little Kirk – I’ll Be There (1992)
2. Junior Reid – Mashing Up The Earth (Earth Song) (1997)
This feels like Vacation music complete with fancy liquor and an exotic location! The last time we heard Rapper Busta Rhymes tap into his Jamaican side was when he collaborated with Spice was on “So Mi Like It (Remix)“, and with Vybz Kartel on “Twerk It (Remix)“. Well today, he teams up again with the latter and Canadian Recording Artist Tory Lanez on “Girlfriend”(Get your copy here). Produced by Rockwilder who tears roofs off with his beats, Busta shows us why his musical career has spanned 20 years as he fires off another banger! Adding Patois to his lyrics, and speaking on bringing his Girlfriend to meet his “Mada down a country“, Busta delivers effortlessly. With the “World Boss” and “Fargo” adding their brand of dopeness to the track, this promises to burn up the airwaves, and flow through every headphone and speaker for the rest of 2017 worldwide! Good to hear Vybz Kartel on another International track despite his current situation, and Tory using his Caribbean influences. This is for all the ladies with the sundresses, the short shorts, the mini skirts, and the leggings on now! Fawud babes! Bounce to this by checking out the track below.
It’s the final day of the Independence Weekend, have you had any fun yet? No? Then start a lil party in your residence with Chromatic! The DJ Collective recently made an appearance on OVO Sound Radio 49, and made sure the Caribbean was in the house! With cuts and Dubplates from the likes of Chronixx, Charly Black, LinkyFirst, Popcaan, Baker Steez, Ultimate Rejects, Aidonia, Vybz Kartel, and a mix of Dancehall, Soca and Reggae, something would be wrong with you if you weren’t entertained! From the 876 to the 6, play this at a high volume. OVO Sound Radio is a feature on Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio Station. Have a listen below.
We salute the “Stage Show Boss” in this post. As the saying goes, “Give people Flowers while they can still smell them”. Big up Spice!
The Throne for the Dancehall Queen is currently vacant, and there could only be one who ascends to claim her rightful place at the top of Dancehall. The genre is now in the Era of “The Spicy 1“, and though her given name is Grace Latoya Hamilton, we know her as Spice! Never been far from the spotlight, Spice proved time and time again that she’s in a lane of her own with no contenders. From acting, to singing, deejaying, to dancing, she’s multifaceted and continues to have an edge among her peers.
Since her debut, Spice has always been one to push boundaries in Dancehall as a Female Artist. She will always be known for being different whether it be for the colour of her hair, her unique outfits, or her many stand out singles. Among her Dancehall peers, she has never been afraid to outperform them, whether male or female. Her various Clash appearances, “War” records and counteractions are proof of this. Bounty Killer, one of her earliest mentors, hailed her as one of the “Baddest” acts before she even scored her first hit.
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.
Like a thief in the night, DJ Fusion a.k.a Kxng Fvse surprises us in the middle of the week with Volume 4 in his “Freestyle Chronicles” series! Kicking it off with a mix of Dancehall hits that will take you back in time, DJ Fusion delivers that well needed energy and vibes to clear away some of this week’s stress! From Vybz Kartel, to Aidonia, to Mavado, you will really love this Mixtape! Give it a listen/download below.
