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Sting 2014 thoughts

Just gonna re-post my tweets here cos they sum up everything about Sting 2014. "Sting was worse than I thought it would be [and that was bad]. Its the lack of professionalism and man taking on the war ting too far that kills it Sting could be a great show on paper. Make the up comers work, reggae artists, clash vibes, then end it with the top man doing hits Instead Laing gives us reggae artists, Capleton > EDHM > Tarrus > nobodies > clashes > nobodies > Demarco > Gully Bop > dead clashes Killer, Cobra, Spice, Lady Saw and Ninja Man should be at Sting every year. They have Sting-friendly catalogues. I-Octane should be there too Sting's problem is it no longer books headline artists to compensate for lack of worthy newcomers. That was a (lack of) new talent showcase Capleton should've closed the show. I-Wayne penultimate performer/after the clashes. Would've softened the nonsense that came before it In the end, we waited for nothing.

JA influence on UK and world in 2014

Catch my review of dancehall in 2014 on Red Bull dot com We can also start with Logan speaking similarities between grime and dancehall here and Sticky & General Levy talking early ragga raving experiences and Jamaican influences here . Absolute pleasure speaking with all three dons. It's that time again; end of year reviews come rolling it. The time we all look at happened in the year while asking where has time gone? But seriously, I remember this time last year quite well. Anyway, as they say, time waits for no one. As Oasis said "You gotta roll with it!" (Previous yearbooks can be found  here .) So let's have a butchers at what happened in the world of bashment-influenced music, mainly from a UK perspective (but not restricted to). Oh, and as much as I'd love it to be, it isn't in any chronological order. They just appear as they appeared in my brain, ya dig wah me ah seh?

JA influence on the world's music in 2013

So, this is a bit late, but I didn't have the time to do it last year, nor find it suitable at any other point this year. I'm not even gonna write up because its a waste of both our times. Straight links, couple embeds and a sentence or few about the notable ones. Amplify Dot - " I'm Good " feat. Busta Rhymes samples Buju Banton "Champion" MO - " Hot " Tanika ft. Sneakbo - " Hooker Heels " Daley - " Silly Games " - Janet Kay cover Show N Prove - " Zimmer Frame " (samples Prince Buster " Al Capone ") J Spades ft DVS - Live Life  (dancehall style mic chatting) Giggs - Yes Yes Yes  (first four bars of each verse), " Cool Nuh " ft. Wretch 32 Shy FX - " Soon Come " ft Liam Bailey Ms Dynamite & Shy FX -  Cloud 9 Ellie Goulding " Burn " #1 Sean Paul and The Saturday's " What About Us? " - UK #1 Stylo G - " Soundbwoy " - #18 - first UK bashmen

That time I experienced a Protoje/reggae show in France

As much as I'd love to tell you all the stories and things I witnessed on my travels to a reggae show in Europe (except UK obviously) for the first time, please remember I have a biography to sell in a few decades. I hope you understand my rights to withhold certain aspects of my life until then. If not, tough innit. You won't know now. So anyway, went to Boulogne for the first time in my life apart from those times I got dragged along on coach trips to stock up the alcohol in time for Christmas. And I'd like to add, none of the alcohol was bought for or by me nor consumed by me. My sole purpose was extra hand to carry bags. Some might call this child slavery, I just know it as "You ah di bwoy, ih!" as another carrier bag is shoved into my hands. Bearing in mind, I'm short and slight, I'm definitely not a contender for "People you can depend on when you need bag carriers" lists. But we digress. So yeah, Boulogne. I don't recall meeting an

RIPower Garnett Silk - 20 years today

One of Jamaica's greatest talents left earth in physical form on this day 20 years ago today aged just 28. It is reported that the fire started after a gun hit a canister in the house causing a fire. Dunno who or why the gun was fired, however, all that matters to me is he tried to rescue his mum from said fire in the house and they both died. I was only young when he died so most of what I know about Garnett Silk are how his songs made me feel. And on that note, I'm just gonna post some of my favourite tunes.

Dancehall > Jungle > Garage > Grime: The Rewind Is Everything [1Xtra sets]

Just gonna drop these videos here to show the line of UK mic chatting music. Cos sets from these Jamaican's - Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid and Lady Saw And UK ragga deejay's: Tippa Irie (from Saxon Sound a.k.a. the first UK mic chatters to chart in UK top 40 a.k.a. the sound that popularised fast-chat/double-time "rapping"), Sweetie Irie and General Levy. Please note this is the foundation of UK mic chatting culture. Accept no rewording of our history. Thanks in advance. UK garage MC's from So Solid, Pays As U Go and Heartless Crew Grime MCs Lethal Bizzle, Dizzee Rascal, BBK, Tempa T, Footsie Look pretty familiar, alie? To quote this Skepta interview : Hypetrak: Were people in Jamaica aware of grime? What’s their perception of the genre? Skepta: When we got to the airport, kids were outside welcoming us screaming "Boy Better Know." The internet has made everything so small. They understand of the grime beats because it’s similar to danc

Culture Clash in my opinion [with first round vids/rest rounds audio]

First off, big up Red Bull. Bigging up the sponsors usually means this is a sponsored post. However, this isn't a sponsored post. They put on a big show and shoved 20,000 people into one place to experience Jamaican culture even if the music wasn't explicitly Jamaican. So big up Jamaica cos none of the music yesterday would exist in the way it does without it and there wouldn't be a format. Jamaica changed the way music was made and consumed. Both were on full display yesterday. Keywords:  Dub/dubplate/special = song cut specially to either big up your sound, kill another sound or both. Most "dub plates" are pretty much extinct - they're just specials - but everyone understands the term dubs. A$AP Flop = A$AP Mob First round = normal juggling/playing music Second round = hosting Third round = Sleeping with the enemy (playing other teams genres of music) Fourth round = dub for dub/five minutes to play songs I will update the post with videos as and

#tbt Summer 2004 Appreciation a.k.a When Dancehall RAN "Urb*n-Pop" Music

Came across this tweet today, (big up @MervinMartin_) the kinda songs I listen to on a daily basis. pic.twitter.com/HZNlKJUQAb — Zeena Xena (@ZeenaXena) September 11, 2014 Memories. The date was week commencing 20/August/2004. I remember these times because I was in New York when these songs were everywhere. Took me back to the year Sean Paul was nominated for Best New Artist Grammy. When dancehall videos by the likes of Elephant Man, TOK, Wayne Marshall etc., were all over MTV Base and Channel U. When Elephant Man was on every remix. When hip hop videos had dancehall dances and dancers. When r&b songs had a  dancehall groove. Number 1 on the US chart as pictured above, Fat Joe "Lean Back" Dancehall-friendly groove + dancehall dance (the rockaway). Elephant Man said "Them thief all me rockaway... cos we just dance it down [here]" referring to the above on "Father Elephant" Number 4: Kevin Lyttle "Turn Me On" This song is

Bob Marley 30 year old Legend is top ten in US & UK right now

Yep, you read correctly. Bob Marley's thirty year old greatest hits collection, Legend, sits in the top ten both sides of the Atlantic. "How?" I hear you ask. Well, that's mainly down to Google Play selling the album for 99¢ in US . Not sure what happen but I'm guessing 99p in England? "Oh, that's obvious then," well, kinda but not really. Two questions I ask, why Bob Marley's album and why now? Is it the "Rude" effect ? "We love to celebrate artists like Bob Marley whose music is timeless and beloved," says Google Play head of global music partner management Gwen Shen. "Our hope is that this promotion ... will introduce his music to the next generation of fans and continue his legacy." For the record (pun intended), the set already peaked at #29 over here in the UK without any such promotion and has spent the last couple months in the top 75 (as it does every April to Sept/Oct when big guns come out). It is the

Lucas DiPasquale performs with Popcaan in Jamaica

Remember Lucas DiPasquale "that white boy from Canada singing Popcaan songs" acoustically? Well, he went to Jamaica earlier this summer on a promo trip but Popcaan was out of the country so they didn't get to meet. However, couple weekends ago, the dream came true at Dream Weekend. Popcaan brought him out to shell the Dream Live event. So many artists still haven't got a reaction like this in their lives. Big up him. Look forward to hearing the official releases

Krishane ft. Melissa Steel & Beenie Man - "Drunk & Incapable" [audio]

As premiered last night by 1Xtra's don Mista Jam, "Drunk & Incapable" is the first official single by Krishane features Melissa Steel and dancehall legend, Beenie Man. Melissa's fresh off a top ten single of her own [ click here to read more ] and a dancehall legend in Beenie Man to seal it is a good look. Little boy-girl singing duet and reggae-tinged vibes with the breakbeat. Hopefully this won't be judged on the summer season, but allowed to flourish in the post-summer settings. FYI Krishane is the 20 year-old son of dancehall icon Barrington Levy. Born and raised in Jamaica, now living over here in UK. Harlesden a.k.a. Brixton if it was in northwest London to be precise. Recently signed to Atlantic so expect to see a proper roll out of this single in the not too distant future. Check out the first song I posted last week,  Typical . Lovers rock vibrations produced by KZ, nephew of Caron Wheeler (Soul II Soul)

Krishane - "Typical" [Barrington Levy's son]

New name on the scene to watch out for: Krishane, recently signed to Atlantic records over here in the UK. He's the son of one of dancehall/reggae's greatest singers, Barrington Levy, and he has a set of pipes on him too. Oh, and the song is produced by Caron Wheeler's (of Soul II Soul fame) nephew, KZ. Nice little reggae lovers bubbler.

So, Chronixx shelled London again! [review + two, two vids]

Now you may remember I reviewed Chronixx's debut London performance last year . Well, it's that time again. He performed to a sold out crowd in Electric Brixton (formerly The Fridge). Oh, big up everyone who turned up on the door. Unlucky. Now everyone who is someone should know the history of Brixton and Jamaicans. It may not be that way anymore due to fassyoles and their gentrification, but we still associate Brixton with Jamaicans. Whereas last year was in north London, this felt more like where Chronixx was supposed to be. My expectations were a lot different time around. Last year, was more apprehension. Will he deliver? Will the crowd be into him as much as I am? Will it be some stiff, lame out crowd? All of that was dispelled in the first song. This time was more a "Will I be underwhelmed because the last was an other-worldly experience?" one. How does one top the best debut performance I've ever seen? Well, good news guys. He bettered my expectation. I

reasoning with Maxi Priest about Saxon Sound time

This is just a small section of a forthcoming reasoning I had with UK reggae legend, Maxi Priest. We spoke on a range of things including his time, the impact and importance of the world-renowned Saxon Sound. They're foundation to what many have unknowingly carried on in various MC-based scenes in England. Check out what he had to say below. Marvin Sparks: I've heard so much about Saxon Sound. To me, I don't feel like people understand how big and the impact Saxon Sound had, and still have especially when considering the popularisation of the fast-chat style. What was it like being part of it? Could you sense what you were doing was special or were you just going along with the vibe? Maxi Priest: Everything at that time was special. There wasn't a road map of what to do. You have to also imagine the climate at that time. We were cutting through racism. Just walking the streets, you had to walk with a crowd of people. Skinheads, greasers, NF's… All of these di

Tarrus Riley review in London on 3rd August

So after Brixton Splash, I travelled north to touch down at the Tarrus Riley 'Love Situation' tour. Upon walking in I was greeted by the crowd rocking to selections by Allan Brando and DJ Sir Corey aka Doops Squad. They were playing anthems-upon-anthems. Big sing along after sing along by a cross section of artists; from Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, Beres Hammond and Garnett Silk to Jah Cure, Richie Spice and Chronixx. First up was UK reggae artist I've been tipping since 2012, Randy Valentine. Happy to see this guy picking up so much steam and support. But anyway, he delivered a short but sweet performance. Opening with Break The Chain's intro "Dear People", before raising the tempo with "Lock Me Up", couple other songs, before ending on my favourite from the EP, motivational "Carry On". Alaine is a singer I rate but didn't expect much of live. I wasn't sure how her high vocals would carry live. Much to my surprise, her voice h

Reggae song tops US & UK pop chart. 1st time since 2001

So, this week is a historical week in the UK singles chart. A reggae song (Magic! - "Rude") moved up a spot to #1, dancehall song (Melissa Steel ft. Popcaan "Kisses for Breakfast") enters the chart at #10,  and an afrobeats song (Fuse ODG ft. Sean Paul - "Dangerous Love") with a dancehall feature co-produced by a Jamaican producer (Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor and, Ghanaian, Killbeatz) is #31. They go on like a reggae song can't be pop anymore. I don't remember the last time there were so many Jamaicans and explicitly Jamaican-influenced songs in at one time so this calls for a post. A time to remember. Maybe it's the beginning of things to come, could just be a flashpoint, either way it's a moment to note. That's not even counting pop boy band, Rixton, with their reggae/ska influenced " Me & My Broken Heart " at #12. I don't count the Will.i.am & Cody Wise song " It's My Birthday " (a

I revisited Mavado's debut album this week and decided it's a classic. Here's why...

So, I revisited Mavado's debut album, Gangster for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks, this week. Released seven years ago this month (how fast has time gone?), the album is exactly what it says it is - a quintessential biographical gangster album. One of my favourite albums of all time. One of the greatest dancehall albums of all time. In fact, there hasn't been a dancehall album this good ever since.  I'm not sure this is certified and celebrated the way it should be. This is probably due to dancehall not being an album-driven genre, but also because we're a silent culture when it comes to celebrating classic music moments. At the top of the album, the narrator announces "This CD is rated G for Gangster, it' audio contains graphic lyrics manifested and inspired by authentic ghetto experiences. Served with infectious melodies." Really and truly, I can end this post here. That is exactly what this album is. Gangster lifestyle anthems, introspective gangs

So Chronixx was on Jimmy Fallon… My thoughts on what this MOMENT means

Please note: this will go off on tangents. Work with me though. Firstly, I don't give too much of a damn like everybody else about American approval, but for what it's worth, this is a step in an interesting direction. A) Jimmy Fallon is a big American chat show and B) Chronixx has no rights being on there when you evaluate his stature in the grand scheme of things. Now let's get into the hype. Chronixx DELIVERED!!! He performs his most popular song in America (based on the #2 US reggae iTunes chart position), "Here Comes Trouble". When he kicked into Jesse Royal's " Modern Day Judas ", gun finger in the sky. Chucked in a little of Jah 9's " Reverence " too. I'm guessing the success of "Rude" opened the door for something like this to happen, and having a popular song, good social media numbers, touring schedule and credible press talking about you will clock these things into your favour. Plus, people in the rig

Some recent Jamaican videos fi di i-dem

Quick updates on some videos for songs I'm feeling Keznamdi dropped a well shot video for acoustic jam "I Don't Wanna" for the ladies them. Catch this one on the 'Bridging the Gap' EP. Kabaka Pyramid reverts to a more hip hop vibe with "Liberal Opposer", but importantly, retains his Jamaican identity. Video shot during his time in London. Can't go wrong with fire pon babylon. "Pon di battlefield, I'm a rebel with a cause. Never pause Babylon ah devil" Mavado "Tie Yuh" on the impressive Sex Mate riddim is one of the best gal songs Mavado has done in a bit. Wicked melody on the chorus. Second half of the video is the best Mavado gal song in recent time for me, "Friends With Benefits". Same speed as "fire pon babylon" songs, you can't go wrong with sexy dancehall. Busy Signal demonstrates flows upon flows on "Bou-Yah". Ok, so its a Mavado diss subliminal, but ignoring that b

Melissa Steel ft Popcaan "Kisses For Breakfast" / Kano ft Popcaan "Alien"

Seems like the #TeamUnruly King is in demand amongst English artists. Last year saw him on a track with north London rapper Sincere, this week saw two releases of audio boasting a Popcaan feature. First up, Atlantic records recent signee, Melissa Steel "Kisses For Breakfast". The Yorkshire lass cut a version of the Wundah-produced should've-been-a-hit single by Lea-Anna in 2012, however, this obviously has more flavour with the unmistakable Popcaan assistance. Check it out below and look out for the video. The other is on a hip hop-based beat with co-mic controller Kano. As K-A mentions, he's done songs with Kartel, now here he is with a protege.

Fuse ODG = best black British artist right now*

Yeah I said it. That statement may come as a surprise to narrow-minded folk that believe it's impossible for someone who loves bashment (like me) to give an afrobeats artist that accolade. Maybe that's the case for some, but I have no qualms, mate. Here's why: He makes the truest music of any black artist in the UK on a known level right now (no bedroom guys/girls). His music is relevant to what's happening here in the UK - with the proliferation of house music in charts and dance floors - and his home country, Ghana, at the same time. There's very little compromise in what he's doing too. He's still the same guy we first knew to now - both lyrically and musically. And it works across generations. Kids love it, teens do and grown ups too. See, the reason why what he's doing stands out a whole lot more is mainly due to the rest of these guys out here replicating what goes on in a country we're already exposed to. Not to cuss 90s babies, but crit

Sean Paul latest features > Sean Paul latest album. Why?

Can we all just rejoice at this fact please? I say fact cos it isn't mere opinion. Also, I'd like to say it's an achievement in itself that he's still popular after 10 years since bursting into the mainstream that wonderful 2003. 10 years ago he was nominated for best newcomer at the Grammy's alongside Heather Headley (last I heard she was in theatre), Fountains of Wayne (WHO?), 50 Cent (who cares anymore? recently split from label), and winners Evanescence (where are they now?). So big him up for that. 1st Jamaican-born, third reggae(ish) (Musical Youth and Ace of Base before (do they count?) Maybe fourth if you count Culture Club too. They won it in 1984.) Hoowwwwever, if you were thinking about buying Full Frequency - in short, do so at your own risk! Maybe I shouldn't say that. Let me rephrase: please don't listen to it if you have a high respect for Sean Paul's music + good taste because it will taint your opinion of him and his music. And I'd

Kabaka Pyramid - "Never Gonna Be A Slave" [Music Video]

We (I) posted the audio on here a couple days after it dropped, today I post the video. Quite simply the music the world is missing. True rebel music. I'm telling you, there;s no movement like the reggae revival movement right now. Large up Kabaka Pyramid in every aspect. I mean, how can you hate this sentiment? That's right. You can't. Video's shot really well too. Witnessed him perform it live at Hootananny in Brixton surrounded by Rastafarians and reggae lovers alike who respect the same livity and viewpoint. Pree an accurate review here . Definitely something everybody should experience. Hear how the music touches people. If you like the mood of the above, my thoughts on the Reggae Revival movement and some recommendations on more  here

Some more tunes I'm feeling atm

I kinda got a bit annoyed with the length of the previous post so here's a part deux of my favourite songs at the moment. The last had commercial house and d&b, afrobeats and a helluva lot of bashment. First up "German Whip" by Meridian Dan featuring JME and Big H This song is awesome. This has top 20 written all over it. Meshes US trap sounds with British drums and London accents. Sounds so refreshing. Dan shows it doesn't matter if you weren't the most talked about MC previously, a big tune changes everything. Club tunes are much easier to convince radio. As I've said for the past 2-3 years. Out tomorrow. Get on iTunes and buy the tune. We need it. Moelogo (ft. Giggs) - "The Baddest" Bayoz Muzik laced Moelogo something Giggs should've or would've had circa Let Em Ave It. That undeniable club flavour which made Giggs incredibly popular beyond UK rap fans. Them beats which merge a few influences, but ultimately BANG! Thankfull

Sean Paul &. Timaya - "Bum Bum (remix)" Music Video

I've already gone on about how much I love the original when I posted the remix with Machel Montano . Well anyway, Sean Paul has gone and jumped on the riddim and cut a hot video in (what looks like) Miami with nuff bum bum. Not gonna lie, Machel's version is better, but hey, Sean garners more interest and he got the vid so he'll win. Woulda been so much more bless with all three on there though. That woulda been phenomenal in fact. Something that's undeniable is Sean Paul is making more interesting music now than he has for the last about 4-6 years. "Front & Back", this and Fuse ODG "Dangerous Love" (I'm saving my post on that until the video drops or the week of release. Most important record post incoming). And I'm sure he's fulfilled his label commitments so something tells me it's due to that. I'm putting 2+2 and definitely getting 4. Viva afrobeats x bashment Sourced from yah'so .