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Archive for August, 2010

With the summer in full swing and the appeal for good quality reggae/dancehall music on a high, the dynamic duo known as Razz & Biggy continue creating waves of memorable performances. Locally they have already been booked and represented well at many of the ‘must go’ events for what is the ‘high party season’ in Jamaica.

On the international scene, they have been equally as busy representing dancehall/reggae music with, international reggae star, Serani.

August 1 saw them at the XS Nightclub in Toronto, Ontario, rocking the stage one last time; holding the brakes on what was a two-month long tour which saw them going across various venues in and around Europe and Canada. While Razz stayed in Jamaica to carry on the duties of the duo, Biggy found himself playing in front of 25 jam packed venues for the duration of the tour that saw him thrilling crowds at events/venues such as ‘Summer jam’ in Germany, DA SHAKE in Belgium, Club Ice in Cyprus, Majestic Club in Paris and The Green Bottle, Colossal Nightclub, Hungarian Hall in Canada, amongst others.

energetic performances

After a successful tour in March of this year which saw Biggy, Serani and the team delivering fun-filled and energetic performances across Europe, the word quickly spread about their vibe-filled sets and soon requests were being sent for repeat performances and also for visits to new locations/events.

Events like Summerjam which is easily one of the largest and well supported reggae/dancehall festivals in Europe saw thousands of enthusiastic supporters flocking to Germany to enjoy music from some of the more highly requested entertainers representing the dancehall genre. Though Biggy did not share the main stage he played and supported Serani on his set on the smaller stage to much satisfaction from the patrons in attendance.

“It was pleasantly surprising that people so far from us in Jamaica can be singing the songs that are playing in the dancehall locally”, Biggy commented about his experience at Summer Jam 2010.

With just a few weeks left before summer officially ends, fans are gearing up for another mini-tour featuring Razz and Biggy touching venues across Europe once more, to date five events have already been confirmed and promoters are pitching to add other events that will adequately satisfy the thirst of the Europeans for music straight out of Jamaica. Summer 2010 continues to one of the more eventful ones for the dynamic duo.

 Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com

There is no stopping the talented deejay who recently returned home from America, after a three-week promotional tour which took her across the Tri-state area of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Ruffi-Ann is currently enjoying strong rotation with her latest single which is titled, Forty-EightYears.

Encouraged by the positive response the single has been receiving in the streets, Ruffi-Ann plans to shoot a music video in support of it before the end of August.

Ruffi-Ann is also busy in the studios working on several new projects with producers such as Dean Fraser (Cannon Production) and Ralston Barrett (Westside Konnection Records).

New deal for Flo Factory Productions 

Flo Factory Productions, a Jamaican independent record label, recently announced the signing of a production and distribution deal with Suncycle Records, a major record label out of the U.K.

The Flo Factory members, Jahnoi Nunez and Christopher ‘Damas’ Williams, are very elated about such an opportunity.

“As the local and international pioneers fuses, we are very happy for the prospect as we will now combine reggae, dancehall and hip hop to meet international standards under the label Suncycle Productions,” said a member of Flo Factory.

With its many nominations for outstanding work, from Mobo Awards to the Underground U.K Music Awards, just to name a few, the CEO of Suncycle Records, Chad ‘Dolamite’ Williamson, also said that with this joint venture there would be much more positive outcome. “We are happy with the decision to bring the Flo Factory family under our distribution umbrella, as we go forward together”, he highlighted.

Suncycle Records has been around for over a decade and has worked with artistes like Grappy Ranks, Baby Cham, Spragga Benz, Vybz Kartel and Mavado.

Flo Factory Productions began operations in 2002, and has worked with the likes of Tifa, Warrior King, Oneil Peart and Angel Smith. The Flo Factory family has also integrated their production skills in the corporate world, and has worked alongside Digicel on many projects.

As both labels embark on the new deal, they are set to release the Road of Life rhythm which features I-Octane’s Love Yah, Hya Slyce’s Blessings I give thanks Fah, Fyakin’s Hard Out Deh, High Flames’ With Love and Damas’ The Road of Life.

Tiana ‘Sold Out’ 

Jamaica’s newest female sensation, Tiana, who is known for the hit single Skippin’ Feelin’, featuring Chi Ching Ching, is quickly on the rise.

She also has a number of fresh singles out such, as Inna 2010 on the Glory rhythm, More Money on the Stage Mix rhythm and, most recently, No Man Can’t Talk Bad Bout Mi on the Trailer Reloaded rhythm – which is a counteraction for Konshens’ hit song, Gal Dem Ah Talk Bout Mi.

However, since the release of her mixtape, Sold Out, the dancehall princess got over 2,000 downloads in the first three days, before the link was broken and had to be replaced.

The downloads came from the US, France, Jamai ca, UK, Canada, Guadalupe, Trinidad & Tobago, Germany, Kenya and Japan.

Tiana says, “I am happy with the results. It’s always a great feeling to know that the hard work that was put in is greatly appreciated by thousands. I would like to big-up everyone who made this possible. DJ X from Cashflow who created the mixtape, D&H for the hot OMG Usher remix; Konshens; Wayne Marshall; G Whizz; Andrew & Wada Blood, who all did some brilliant skits on the mixtape.”

In a few weeks, fans will be treated to several new songs from Tiana, one of which is titled Dat Mi Want on the hot Flirtation rhythm. This rhythm also features Vybz Kartel, Wayne Marshall, Konshens, Andrew & Wada Blood and S. Bless. Another big project in the making is Pose A Di Bar, for an undercover producer who goes by the name Mr Hype.

Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com

 Yendi Phillips, Miss Jamaica hogged the limelight instantly after the Miss Universe 2010 beauty pageant held in Las Vegas. This is not because she won the mammoth crown of Miss Universe 2010 rather it is because of her getting the second position at the contest.

Well, Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete has won the diamond crown and been named the world’s most beautiful and sexy woman.

Yendi Phillipps has created the history by being the first runner-up at the pageant and getting the highest ever finish by a Jamaican in Miss Universe contest.

Initially when she was roped into the final 15, it was a historic feat nonetheless then she landed on to final 10, it was a cheerful experience and finally she was placed among the top 5, it delighted the Jamaican nation.

And when Yendi Phillipps was announced the first runner-up of the Miss Universe 2010 contest, the nation simply danced to the beats by tapping the feet.
Although she was very near to win, the Jamaicans are considering it the victory as it is the first time, any Jamaican could make to the final five.

It is a fact that if for any reason, Miss Universe (Miss Mexico) cannot continue or make it as a Miss Universe during her tenure, it would obviously be Yendi Phillipps as the Miss Universe 2010 as per her replacement.

Anyway Yendi, it is undoubtedly a big success by beating the horde of world’s top most beauties in the pageant

Source: buzztab

Contributed

Regggaeendz.com©2008

Reggae’s  fastest rising cultural artiste, Byiome ‘I-Octane’ Muir, is poised to take his career to another level. The artiste boldly staked his claim on Dancehall Night at the recent Reggae Sumfest with a memorable performance and has consistently followed through since, entertaining his fans and silencing all detractors.

Quite in demand leading up to and during the Independence season, the reggae act, who has been chosen by telecoms giant, Digicel, as one of the faces of the Next Generation, performed at Eclipse Summer Invasion in Westmoreland, Mandela Park in St Andrew, Ocho Rios Seafood Festival, the annual Denbigh celebrationsin Clarendon, the Independence show at Ken’s Wildflower in Portmore andManchester Fiesta in that parish.

It was at the recent Eclipse Summer Invasion in Negril, that I-Octane again set tongues wagging as he delivered what the audience agreed was a ‘big’ performance. Coming onstage right after Aidonia, I-Octane went straight into a riveting set as he did songs such as Lose A Friend, My Life, Puff It, Mama and Take A Little Time.

All these singles have been enjoying massive play on radio and in the dancehall, enabling fans of all ages to sing along with I-Octane word-for-word on many of his songs.

Quite happy at the movement of his career, I-Octane, whose ready smile is part of his charm, noted that he is just doing what he does best, “making good music and entertaining fans”.

no-nonsense mood.

And entertaining fans is exactly what he did when he performed on General Degree’s Manchester Fiesta on August 7. Taking the stage after many of reggae/dancehall’s big names, I-Octane, who was called up by Konshens, was in a no-nonsense mood.

“Nuff man come up here looking forward,” he declared, “but I bet I can sing one song and get all five forwards,” he challenged the hyped up crowd.

I-Octane then unleashed the songPuff It, whose lyrics contain the word ‘forward’ several times. The crowd loved it.

With the busy Independence season behind him, I-Octane is looking to spread his wings and land on the international circuit in what is anticipated to be a hectic Christmas season.

 Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com

Fast rising Reggae Dancehall singjay Delus, is steadily making progress in the music industry, to join his brother Konshens as one of the most consistent acts on the local music scene.

Delus, real name Delmark Spence, developed an interest in music since 1998, but found it difficult to make it on to the mainstream.

“I use to go by Youth Man Promotions by Sugar Minott’s place to listen to the artistes,” he told THE STAR. However, it was not until 2005 that he finally got a break with a single called Pon Di Corna along with his brother Konshens, the song hit number one in Japan. According to Delus, this is what cemented his status as an artiste.

The artiste who is now signed to overseas-based company Tripple Seven Entertainment, says that he sees the potential of being successful in the music, as he writes clean realistic music that listeners can relate to.

According to Delus, he as been working on his local and international presence by doing promotions. “Right now I didn’t even get to go to ATI because I was doing promotions in the US and I just came back,” said the artiste who also has a two-week tour lined up for Japan along with Konshens and Dario.

The entertainer, who is also a member of the group Sojah, along with his brother, says that things are looking a lot better musically these days as he is currently working with some of the best producers in the industry, including Cash Flow who are behind his latest hit single Anoda Gal, a single that the artiste says has been getting him a lot of attention and radio play. Delus has also worked with Live Up Records, Stone Age Productions among others.

Launch his career further

Delus recently completed an EP called Reality, that has been released on iTunes which he expects to do well. This project he says is an effort by Tripple Seven Entertainment to launch his career further.

The optimistic entertainer says that music is spontaneous and there is no telling where his talent will take him, “My fans should basically expect the unexpected,” he said.

Delus has performed at international events in Europe, and has also carved out a fan base for himself in Japan, which is one of the highest dancehall consumers in the world.

According to the artiste, he wants to be fully established in Jamaica, because the roots is the testing point for how an artiste can perform internationally. “Jamaican crowd is the hardest crowd and if you can make it here you can make it anywhere,” he said.

Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com 

Reggae Singer Gyptian is poised for more international success, as he recently did a remix of Travie McCoy’s popular song Billionaire.

The song is currently at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and it also landed spots on other charts, including Pop Songs, Yahoo Audio, R&B/Hip Hop Songs, Radio Songs, Digital Songs, Japan Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100.

Gyptian said he recorded his part late last week after being contacted to do the remix.

“Dem send mi di track and mi just do it and boom bang,” he told THE STAR.

With a collaboration of this nature, Gyptian said his career will be propelled even further.

“It good inna real life. It is putting it (career) to another level. It is showing the world that the career is growing; new step, new market, new fan base,” he said, noting that no official release date has yet been set for the song.

“I am an international act myself. I am out there and getting to another level,” he noted.

Although Gyptian is unsure of why he was chosen to do the remix, he says it may be linked to the success of his song Hold Yuh, which is currently at number 37 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop chart after spending 22 weeks there. The song also holds spots on other Billboard charts, including Heatseekers Songs, Canadian Hot 100 and Radio Songs.

In April, popular American rapper Nicki Minaj remixed Hold Yuh without Gyptian’s knowledge. Despite this, he admitted that he was pleased with what she did with the song.

“From is promo, it a work. The song sexy, I like what she has done wid it, it nice. Di song is on the Billboard charts and maybe wid dis it go up deh to di highest,” Gyptian said.

Courtsey of www.jamaicastar.com

Is this for real? Or is it simply a calculated move by two of Jamaica most infamous antagonist? Obviously only those individuals know the truth. However, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, because the entire musical fraternity would like to see the two stellar performers move forward and become leaders by example- as two of the elder states men of the dance hall/reggae music community.

According to the article that follows, the two artists appearing on stage together, a rarity, and an event not fathomable, prior to its happening, was NOT planned and followed Bounty Killer’s pronouncement of support for the recent state of emergency. Strangely or coincidently, some blogger had suggested that if Bounty Killer is truly genuine in his declaration at Sumfest, then he indeed should seek to patch up his difference with his old nemesis. Where do they go from here? GN reggaeendz.com

Below the entire Star article:

Deejay Bounty Killer says his performance alongside long-time musical foe, Beenie Man, on Sunday in Negril, Westmoreland, was not planned.

On Sunday, Bounty brought a memorable end to the Guinness Summer Eclipse at The Jungle, when he invited Beenie onstage.

“It was nothing planned. I was booked and was doing my thing an’ a do some counteraction to some Beenie songs. Den mi stop an’ sey mi a leggo off a da vibe dey an mi big up Beenie. But mi neva know sey Beenie was in di house,” said Bounty when contacted by THE STAR yesterday.

The deejay said, at that point, Beenie Man made it known that he was present and the crowd urged him to call ‘The Doc’ onstage.

“The crowd was indicating for me to call him up, an’ true a me sey unity it was only right that wi put wi differences aside. Is a good ting and is the honourable thing to do, lead by example an’ use di music to uplift the people,” he said

“Weh di Docta deh?” Bounty had quizzed during his performance on Sunday, shortly after Beenie had arrived in the venue. Patrons then erupted as Beenie Man came onstage and shared a brief embrace with Bounty.

The two then went into a medley of their old favourites, reminiscent of their 1993 Sting appearance.

The performance was a rare dancehall moment by two of the genres most endearing artistes. Despite the many public spats over the past 18 years, their performance signified that both were appreciative of each other’s musical greatness.

tremendous vibe

During yesterday’s interview, Bounty who was still in good spirits after Sunday’s performance, said that “Di vibe was tremendous an di people dem love every moment of it,” he said.

The deejay said the onstage performance between him and Beenie is something he hopes to repeat.

“It is something we should do again, cause mi know sey Kingston an all ova waan see dat. And I think it will set di precedence for the Gully-Gaza conflict. Suh even if dem waan sen Kartel, a guh be di same vibe. Anything fi uplift di people, I’m for it.”

He, however, made sure to point out that, “the difference wid me an Beenie neva died, it jus put aside.”

Before Beenie Man’s cameo on Sunday, Bounty had been in peak form with songs from his vast catalogue from ‘Look into my eyes‘ to ‘Mama she’s not in a good mood‘ to ‘This is how we do it‘.

He was commanding, strong in his delivery and also philosophical. Bounty spoke on several social issues and said that after voicing his support for the police at Reggae  Sumfest, he was disappointed to see a news report

of two officers shooting an unarmed man last Friday.

Also performing at the event were Agent Sasco, also known as Assassin, who connected with ‘Same Ting Again‘, ‘Hand to Mouth‘ and ‘EeediatTing Dat‘, Wayne Marshall, Ikaya, Chi Ching Ching and the Big Ship family of Chino, Laden, Bramma and Di Genius .

The Guinness Summer Eclipse was a two-night event of superb performances, featuring dancehall’s hottest artistes.

After the event, commenting on the Bounty and Beenie performance, Guinness brand manager

Gary Dixon said; “This was a truly great moment; two of dancehall’s most enduring and significant artistes sharing a rare moment together, on stage.”

Contributed Aug. 3, 2010

Reggaeendz.com©2008