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Showing posts from July, 2009

Currently listening to...

Been slippin on the bloggin for reasons you will know if you follow me on Twitter.com/marvinsparks. Two songs I can't get out of my head at present time (where I am makes sense) Want an easy forward? Drop a Kartel! Not exactly new but it is on an advert for Dream weekend and is infectious so it's stuck in my head. Swear this man is the closest thing to Sean Paul in terms of commercial appeal, ability to make a song, clarity, delivery. Oh I wonder what would happen if he was maybe more commercial looking if you get what I mean. Either way, I hope Chino was sitting in on sessions with Sean Paul helping him write bars and learning construction. Maybe I should have asked him that. Maybe I'll try link him another time to ask. Check the previous one I did: http://marvinsparks.blogspot.com/2009/07/interview-chino-and-laden-big-ship.html

Jah Cure - Never Find [video]

Featured a video for the medley of this Don Carleon produced riddim, Changes (click for medley video) , a few months ago. It was missing the Jah Cure and Gentleman versions - 2 of which based on quality I thought should have been on there. Well as I suspected, it was due to them both being on bigger labels with their individual projects going on. SoBe have decided to release it as the follow up to Call On Me and thank Jah(ova) for that. Click to see what happened when I interviewd Jah Cure in for the release of his first album on the outside entitled Universal Cure: Marvin Sparks interviews Jah Cure Love this tune. They say Reggae is dead but there are wonderful Roots Reggae riddims being produced. R&B lacks substance, so this is what I use to replace it. If Jah Cure was still incarcerated this would have been a bigger song by now. It definitely deserves to be.

Hotsteppa & Funky All Stars - Take It Higher

What do you get when you put a bag on one-hit wonders (at the moment) and few of the hottest hosts in the dance on one song? Dogtaniun, Creeper, Gracious K, Tribal Magz, Riskgo, MC Kaos, KIG Family, Funky D, LJ or C.Los, Maxwell D and some others who I don't know - disclaimer in case I missed anybody. Production is weaker than an anorexic with swine flu - sounds way too forced to be a club banger. This is an example of a song which should have been left on a hard drive as a joke between friends. Gracious K, I love Migraine Skank, I always buss it when it drops, but bruv still using Migraine Skank bars? That will only lead to people thinking you are a on trick pony. At least Tribal Magz used it more as a signature thing, but his 8 bars weren't saying much. Funky D, once again I love "Oi, you, are you gonna bang?" (been looking to post it on here for a couple months but haven't found the Youtube link yet), but bruv, same applies as Gracious. Most of the timing of t

Jason Lewis compains there's 'Too Many Weave'

From that Jason Lewis comedian breh, still. He's the breh who made the Black Boys ting. Won't say anything about that. For the record, I have no problem at all with good weave. Bad weave is like someone who doesn't take care of the hair so it isn't so much the weave I don't like in that instance, more the care of said weave. Comprendez?

Vybz Kartel - DoA (Death of Alliance) Freestyle

No doubt the "Gaza mi seh" clan will be out in full force over this tune because he has all the hype and this freestyle sees him going at Alliance (half-steppin in comparison to what he's done before) over a Jay-Z beat with a piece-a-hype. I like Kartel, but personally I think it's wack! If people like it, it shows what bandwagon hype does for you. Not all but majority, raggs (or "rag'oe"). I'm entitled to an opinion, no? Ah my blog diss! Word on the streets is he has got his visa for USA now. Things will be interesting with both him and Mavado being able to travel. We will now be able to see wha' gwarn for the both of them. Hopefully all the hype and dissin Alliance this year will prove helpful.

Chipmunk interview for Diamond Rings

To mark the release of his debut single Diamond Rings released by Columbia/Sony Music Entertainment (out now), PyroRadio.com caught up with Chipmunk to talk about deciding to complete college, haters and why he feel he’s the best lyricist to being a fan of The Saturdays – well Rochelle! Pyroradio.com: Congratulations on finishing college. Why did you decide to finish college whilst having quite a successful music career? Chipmunk: I’m just not a quitter. I put my all into everything I do. If I would have quit it would have only been because I signed a deal and I didn’t really want to feel like that was the reason why or if my music career was getting too much for me. I just stuck at it. Pyroradio.com: How did the other students react to you being a famous artist? Chipmunk: It was my hometown, so everyone knew me from before the whole music thing. Pyroradio.com: So you didn’t receive much hate or unnecessary attention? Chipmunk: Not even so much hate from people in my hometown but now

RIP Arturo Gatti (April 15, 1972 - July 11, 2009)

Canadian boxer Arturo Gatti found dead in Brazil Former world boxing champion Arturo Gatti, who was raised in Montreal, has been found dead in northeastern Brazil. On a second honeymoon with his wife and 10-month-old baby, Gatti's blood-stained body was found in an apartment in Porto de Galinhas, Brazilian police say. A police investigation is underway, but few details are being released. Foul play is suspected in the death. Gatti's body was found at around 6 a.m. Saturday morning. He was found in his underwear, with blood stains on his neck and the back of his head. Nicknamed "Thunder," Gatti was one of the most successful Canadian boxers in history. Beginning his professional career in 1991 at age 19, he scored a third-round knockout in his first bout. Three years later he captured the United States Boxing Association junior lightweight title and successfully defended it twice. He earned the International Boxing Federation's world junior lightweight title the fo

UK Funky Jam Sessions

Listened to this on Wednesday and was very impressed, so I thought I'd share with yous. First time I heard UK Funky live was Attaca Pesante @ iluvlive 5th birthday special in June. Was a bit unsure about how it would work but it added new life to Make It Funky For Me. At this point I'd just like to point out that I love 1Xtra. Not biased or on the payroll. The DJs are people I can relate to, entertaining and knowledgeable. Love how they are the only urban station at the forefront trying to push things forward. I understand that their budget is nice and whatnot but they are doing something innovative with it. Back on topic, catch MistaJam's show weekdays @ 7pm. Special guest mixes, variety of genres and he knows nuff about music. Gonna be honest, for the fact he was the chef in Crossroads, I really didn't think his knowledge was gonna be as deep as it is. Startin with Donaaaaaaae'o Party Hard is a mud ting!!! If you aren'tup skankin them times then stiff board is

Flashback Friday: Mobile Phones 98-02

Dun know da Flashback Friday . Formerly Throwback Thurdays - we're frum Ingerlund not USofA. So basically anyone who's new to this blogspot, STOP PRESSING SNOOZE!!! Back on track, Friday is the day for appreciation of something old or Flashback memories(geddit?!) Today I was tied between three things. Can't remember what I was looking at but I saw one of these. BADMAN old skool phones. Luckily for me, I was of a reasonable age when these mofo'fers actually became mobile. After them foolish, impractical phones that gave you a hernia when lifting or you needed a rucksack to carry: After them walky-talky looking bastads Eeeeeven after them legendary Mercury one2one free after 7 and on weekend building blocks with 0956 at beginning of number, the credit card sized chip and poor battery life (remember the long life battery you could buy which was the size of medium sliced Hovis bread?) Nah, nah, nah, I'm talking about when you could use a plug with a lead to charge your

Interview: Chino and Laden - Big Ship

Introducing to you, two of the hottest young talents in the Dancehall business; Laden, a finalist in Digicel's Rising Star (Jamaica's equivalent to American Idol/X-Factor) and Chino, son of reggae legend Freddie McGregor and brother to serial hitmaker Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor. With both artists popularity rapidly rising both on radio and in the dances from uptown to he ghettos, you'd be hard pushed to find two artists with clean songs making as much noise. Marvin Sparks caught up with the two Big Ship stars Laden and Chino whilst on a tour with Freddie McGregor to discuss the effect the radio ban in Jamaica has made on their careers, if it's harder to make it without controversy and Michael Jackson's passing. Chino speaks on working relationship with brother Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, the possible adverse affect of carrying the McGregor name and the beef with Munga. Laden explains why he took the reality show route, linking with the Big Ship camp and

My thoughts: Michael Jackon Memorial

Had every intention of posting this yesterday, kind of waste to post it today but bun it, "man does what I want innit" My initial thoughts were the whole ceremony would have been farcical, but I was actually pleasantly surprised with it. Mariah Carey? Well boy, less said the better. Try come on Twitter with some excuse Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right,but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me. via http://twitter.com/MariahCarey You know what, I would have believed her about being choked up if I hadn't seen her treating her songs like the local Halal butchers. Have to ask, were you choked up on X Factor last year as well? Yeah? Ge-dout-ov-here!!! All my bredder Trey Lorenz (what happened to that breh?) didn't really cut it but we'll bly him. The occasion must have got to him. Local clubs and pub karaoke

Giggs & The Streets - Slow Songs [behind the scenes]

So today I went down to the screening of the new video by the most established Road Rap (UK Hip Hop is a par to Road Rap mandem) Giggs in collaboration with Mike Skinner who produced as well as features. As posted before , this is the unlikeliest of combinations but works so well. Shot by the boss of Road media SBTV, in collaboration with leading urban magazine RWD (namely Chantelle Fiddy). On a real no one does behind the scnenes better than SBTV. Not breadin, just being real. As Jason Lewis said, people from ends don't really congratulate each other properly. Once again, enough long talking Will post the official (cos I feel the song's harrrrd) when I see it floating on t'internet.

Zest (Play Ents) - Jump In The Middle and Skank

Video is sick!!! Big boy job. Songs a bit meh now that Gracious K took the line for his Migraine Skank, but the vid is top three selected with Tribal Skank and Make It Funky For ME. Really impressed with the way it was shot and edited. Concept doesn't leave for much imagination, but the execution is flippin brilliant

iComplain: The Secret Caribbean with Trevor McDonald

I was disgusted by the program I saw called 'Secrets of Caribbean' with Trevor McDonald. Thought it was a false representation of Jamaica - aren't they all? So guess what I did? I complained to their rarse'ole! Not the first time I've complained about a program mind you. Here is what I sent them Dear Sir/Madam, I'm writing this email as feedback of The Secret Caribbean with Trevor McDonald show which was screened last night (5 July 2009) on ITV1 at 8pm. When I first heard this episode involved going to Jamaica, in line with the show being called 'Secret' I anticipated a side of Jamaica which isn't the normal angle we see on every show concerning the most popularly known island across the world At the very least I expected the program to showcase how the normal, vibrant Jamaican lives. A life consisting of agriculture, picturesque landscape and hospitable people cooking and serving rich flavoured world-famous cuisines. The home of Jerk Chicken is Jama

Trippple Bounce riddim

No typo in the title. Stephen McGregor has fully made me anticipate summer in Jamaica! This new riddim entitled Triple Bounce as well as the one I posted before, Fitness, are going to be the riddims for Summer 09. Can't wait to hear what other producers such as Shane Brown, DASECA and others have got lined up. This is produced by Zip Jock Chrome from Jamaican radio station Zip 103 (they don't have DJs, they have ZJs). This tune is mad!!! Mavado has got a hit on his hands. The other big piece is Kartel. Same melody as Time So Hard on Boasty riddim but still a big'un to me This tune will dun dances. Kartel kiiiiills this Voicemail return to the dance tunes. Can't remember the last one they did since RDX came and cornered off that piece of the meerkat... sorry market. Sounds the same init? Here is a vid of how to do the Nuh Behaviour Not feelin that dance if I'm honest. Hence why I haven't posted it before. Riddim in the video is Movie Star if you wanted to know. T

Damian Marley and Nas Distant Relatives EPK

Forgot to post this from weh day. Can't wait for this to drop. Best Dancehall lyricist pairing with one of Hip Hop's elite is sure to bring forth great results, no? As long as Damian and Stephen Marley select the beats this is a winner. Come on Nas hasn't picked good beats consistently since Stillmatic in 01. NAS & DAMIAN "JR GONG" MARLEY DISTANT RELATIVES preview from nabil elderkin on Vimeo .

Serani and Melanie Fiona - No Games remix

If you didn't know Serani has been signed to Universal Republic. Anyone who knows me personally will know I was endorsing this song when everyone was talking about So Special. I just thought it was the better song if I'm honest. Anyone who reads free monthly urban magazine D101 who receive my reviews and charts will know I reviewed it when I reached back from Jamaica for last year September's mag. You will also know I was writing about Serani when no one played him. Nice to see it come to fruition. Shame I didn't get to interview him whilst he was over here. But we'll say no more about that cos it's all political. Enough playing tunes on my own trumpet for now ;-) Island have put Serani together with the lovely Melanie Fiona (yes I kinda think I fancy her) for a remix. Guessing they are trying to put the two Caribbean artists together on one track. Lol'd at her singing "I-i-its Melarni" to rhyme with Serani. Stole this from http://www.newsychick.co

My Rant: Drake - Best I Ever Had video

Once again I must state I don't post regular videos unless I have an opinion on it, a song I like or something that doesn't get posted everywhere (mainly Reggae/Dancehall songs I'm feelin'). This isn't some wannabe WorldStar/R&B blog where you see vids you see everywhere else. Yeah, yeah, yeah Drake 'Best I Ever Had' The net is on fire with this video now. So many opinions flying about, surprisingly for the man who can do no wrong and directed by an artist who fits in the "do no wrong" bracket most are negative. Now for the opinion you've all been waiting for (said in an announcer voice) minez's! I think it's a bit somewhere else; why's Kanye bringing this University thing back? Is he upset that he wasn't the popular kid in school? Or even mad he was bullied or something? First, he dropped College Dropout, them foolish Lewis Veeton (or Louis Vuitton or whatever) backpacks, then Late Registration, even trying to bring it back

R.I.P. Dennis Brown 1st July 1999

Was meant to post this yesterday but it was a very busy day. Went to interview the young guns from Big Ship Chino and Laden. Interview will be up shortly. Yesterday marked the 10th year anniversary passing of the Crown Prince of Reggae (1February 1957 – 1 July 1999) and a guy who really should be more known and respected to those outside of Reggae. Dennis Emmanuel Brown (February 1, 1957 – July 1, 1999) was a Jamaican reggae singer. During his prolific career, he had recorded more than 75 albums and was one of the pioneers of lovers rock, a sub-genre of reggae. Bob Marley cited Brown as his favourite singer, and dubbed him "The Crown Prince of Reggae". Biography Dennis Brown's first recording was "Lips of Wine" recorded for Derrick Harriott, but this was not released initially. He then recorded for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, and Dodd released Brown's first single, "No Man is an Island". Brown recorded two albums for Dodd, No Man is an Island and I