 Jamaica, NY—Record Executive/Producer Johnny Wonder presents the new batch of dancehall artists from Kingston, Jamaica. Armed with a camera by his side, he follows these up and coming artists as they navigate through the dancehalls and studios of Jamaica. Exclusively aired Jan. 1st on Jamaica’s own Hype TV and in stores nationwide on March 6th, 2007, this DVD package provides never before seen footage of some of the most talked about artists in dancehall today, including: Busy Signal, Mavado, Aidonia, Hollow Point, Mr. Pepper, WARD 21, Alozade and Tony Matterhorn.
From the garrisons and trenches of the island’s ghettos to the international stage, Dancehall Draft Picks brings an insider’s perspective on dancehall’s underground with personal artist and producer interviews, recent performance clips from the toughest stage shows and some of the hottest music videos. The full length documentary captures raw behind-the-scenes footage on each of these breaking artists, as well as, the hottest producers, like, the young talented crew, Daseca, ZJ Liquid, Marc Pinnock, Richie Feelings, Baby G and Jam 2. There is a video segment featuring clips of Busy Signal’s “Step Out” & “Born & Grow”, Mavado’s “Dreaming”, Aidonia’s “Ukku”, Hollow Point’s “Who Goes”, Mr. Peppa’s “Gangster Guerilla” & “Talk,” Tony Matterhorn’s “Dutty Wine,” and Alozade’s “Bad Out Deh.” Also as an added bonus, Dancehall Draft Picks offers a full audio album with hardcore tunes from each emerging artist. A&R and Executive Producer Joel Chin comments on his excitement over the project. “We are proud to be associated with this new generation of dee-jays. They play such an integral part in dancehall, and we want to introduce them to a worldwide audience,” he says. Hype TV, one of the top broadcast networks in Jamaica, officially premiered the Dancehall Draft Pick’s documentary in its entirety on New Years Day. Since this preview, dancehall’s biggest fans have raved over this groundbreaking footage. “I have never seen a DVD that tapped into reggae’s underground quite like this. It shows you how these artists thrive in their environment…taking you inside the studios of Daseca, King Jammy and Natural Bridge to the garrisons of Kingston and back to some of the biggest stage shows in Jamaica,” states Sharon Burke from the Solid Agency. To preview clips from the DVD documentary, click here: http://one.revver.com/watch/120856, http://one.revver.com/watch/125837/flv/affiliate/32189. For more info on this product, visit http://www.myspace.com/dancehalldraftpicks or contact Tiffany Mea at tiffanym@vprecords.com. Tiffany Mea |
January 17, 2007
VP Records Releases Dancehall Drafts Picks
January 16, 2007
Da’Ville thrills Bahamians
 Da’Ville continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment business. The singer who copped the coveted Stone Love award title for Singer of the Year (2006) continues to give creditable performances into the New Year.
On January 6, Da’Ville swept fans off their feet when he performed at Charlie’s Place in Nassau, Bahamas. From the artiste took the stage, it was total euphoria as the females screamed and shouted as his infectiously soothing voice echoed through the microphone. Da’Ville took them away with songs such as ‘In Heaven’, ‘Hey Baby’, ‘Just A Little Girl’, ‘This Time I Promise’, ‘Can’t Get Over You’, ‘My Grade’, ‘Gallis’ and ‘On My Mind’ among others. During his performance of ‘This Time I Promise’ and ‘Crazy’, Da’Ville handed out red roses to the ladies. The men in the audience weren’t left out of the niceness of the night as they were treated to a mind stirring dancing session from a Jamaican dancer who was visiting Nassau. She demonstrated how the ‘Hot Wuk’ and ‘Dutty Wine’ dances were done, as the men cheered her on. Fans departed Charlie’s fully satisfied and will forever have Da’Ville on their minds. |
January 14, 2007
BOOM SHOTS #62 with special guests MORGAN HERITAGE on Bigupradio.com
 The sensational reggae band MORGAN HERITAGE visitis this weeks BOOM SHOTS hosted by DJ Boom on the Bigupradio.com Dancehall station. MORGAN HERITAGE is one of the top reggae bands in the industry delivering a wide range of reggae music that everyone can enjoy. Deep consious roots reggae to ubeat dancehall. Hit’s like “Don’t Haffi Dread,” “Tell Me How Come,” “You’ve Got Me,” and many more. DJ Boom will interview MORGAN HERITAGE and also deliver an exclusive mixset all fans will definitely want to catch. Also check out the new DJ BOOM dancehall mixtape “YARD ROCK ” found on BassmentalitySound.com. ONE LOVE
About MORGAN HERITAGE Until their arrival in 1992, reggae had not seen or heard a band quite like Morgan Heritage. Self proclaimed Soldiers of the Lord, their music breathes spirituality and positivity. Much like the Wailers before them, Morgan Heritage captures the vibrations of the Lord and Spirit of Rastafari in both their music and their lives. Born in New York, the band consists of five of the 29 children of Denroy Morgan, former lead vocalist of the Black Eagles – lead vocalists Una, Peter, Gramps (who also plays the keyboards), rhythm guitarist Lukes, and percussionist Mr Mojo. Find out more: here Watch MORGAN HERITAGE VIDEOS here: U’ve Got Me Subscribe to the BOOM SHOTS Podcast on: GET FREE REGGAE PODCASTS ON YAHOO
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REALITY TIME #39 with reggae artist Rob Symeonn on Bigupradio.com
 The rising star ROB SYMEONN stops by this weeks REALITY TIME on the Bigupradio.com Slamming Dancehall Reggae station. REALITY TIME is hosted by the furious DJ Kurious and mic master MC Taiyephoon. Redbud Record’s new artist Rob Symeonn is the featured guest. Hear Rob Symeonn’s hit “The Chosen One” and interview with the artist. Tune in this and every Sunday to hear DJ Kurious spin the best reggae dancehall streaming online! ONE LOVE
About ROB SYMEONN: Rob Symeonn, a rising star in the reggae world, is committed to helping return reggae to its roots. Using his timeless voice and songwriting skills, he has been building a successful career and is now positioned to join the international reggae scene. Reflecting his strong moral beliefs, Symeonn’s lyrics bring a positive and conscious message to his listeners. His first single on Easy Star Records, “Anything for Jah,” is a rockers anthem, expressing not only Rasta devotion to Jah but a spiritual message that is universally relevant. Singing in a roots style–evocative of the original sounds of artists such as Bob Marley, Hugh Mundell, and Fred Locks — Symeonn, like those who came before him, understands that a universal message and a catchy song will best spread Jah’s words of love. Symeonn made his debut as a singer for the One Love International sound system. Find out more here. VIEW ROB SYMEONN’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO VIEW ROB SYMEONN’S NEW CD Subscribe to the REALITY TIME Podcast on: GET FREE REGGAE PODCASTS ON YAHOO
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January 13, 2007
Legendary Reggae Artist Bigga Haitian Preps New Album
 Legendary Reggae Artist BIGGA HAITIAN preps new album and drops the long awaited single – a Rastaman anthem titled “Gi Me Da Weed“. Click Here to Download The Single
“Gi Me Da Weed” is the first single from Bigga’s highly anticipated upcoming release titled “Sak Pase” on Walkup Records, due out in the coming months. The long awaited album – his first since Binghi Mon – promises to build on the reputation Bigga has made for himself and has a few surprises in store as well, featuring legendary drummer and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jerome “Bigfoot” Brailey (Parliament/Funkadelic) and members of the Ruff Stuff band whose recording credits include Robert Palmer, Sly & Robbie, Shinehead and Burning Spear, and who have backed such reggae greats as the late Dennis Brown, Sean Paul, Freddie McGregor, Sizzla, and Morgan Heritage. “Gi Me Da Weed” is already being played on reggae stations nationwide and gaining a strong momentum. Bigga is known as the first Haitian singer to break into the Jamaican reggae scene, and has been credited as an influence on many of today’s hottest reggae singers, including fellow Haitian artist Wyclef Jean. He recorded two singles in Jamaica for Freddie McGregor which were released in the U.S. on RAS Records. He has also recorded tracks with artists such as Yvad, Ken Boothe, and Denroy Morgan of Morgan Heritage. Bigga Haitian’s Walkup Records debut, “Gi Me Da Weed” is out now at iTunes, eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, and other online music stores. www.biggahaitian.com
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Wayne Wonder releases digital only Mini-EP
 VP Records has announced that dancehall crooner Wayne Wonder is releasing a digital only release later this month. The Mini-EP features 3 versions of his brand new song, “Gonna Love You” along with 2 other recent songs from the hit maker. The title track of the EP is currently playing on mix shows across the country. The Mini-EP will be available online via iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Zune, Yahoo, MTV’s Urge Music, and other digital music service providers on January 23rd 2007. Wayne Wonder’s last album ‘No Holding Back’ which included the top 10 hit “No Letting Go,” sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. This digital only release is a precursor to Wayne’s brand new full length album ‘FOREVA’ which will be in stores and online later this spring. To listen to “Gonna Love You” visit www.myspace.com/waynewonder4life. |
January 12, 2007
New Reggae artist from Bermuda, Collie Buddz sings “Come Around”
 Coming in at #5 this week on the Reggae charts, COLLIE BUDDZ is ready to make his mark…
Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man served as Collie Buddz’s primary influences. “Back when Beenie and Bounty used to war lyrically, seeing clashes wit’ Kilimanjaro an all the sound-man an’ everyt’ing…the whole music scene for me took on a new meaning. Clash thing an’ lyrical war became a part of my daily life from early out.” COLLIE BUDDZ AUDIO: “Come Around” http://www.sonymusic.com/clips/selection/fu/687064/687064_01_01_full_56.asx ABOUT COLLIE BUDDZ Born in New Orleans, raised on the isle of Bermuda with intermittent stays in urban Toronto, Colin Harper is not an easy youth to pin down geographically. His musical alter ego Collie Buddz however, is one of the most firmly grounded voices you may ever encounter. Incorporating influences from hip-hop to soca, Collie’s music nevertheless has a rock-solid foundation in reggae – and its power to connect ghetto reality with the highest heights of human aspiration – that is a rarity even in Jamaica. Born in 1981, at the dawn of the turbulent era signaled by the twin omens of Bob Marley’s passing and Ronald Reagan’s election, Collie was immersed in the sound system culture of Bermuda aka “The Rock” since the age of 6. “I used to come home from primary school and my brother would always be on the turntables, playin his new 45’s an’ I’d just be there vibesin’.” The evolution of dancehall and sound-clash culture into a movement of it’s own in the late 80s and early 90s set the backdrop for young Collie’s discovery of his own sonic identity, and the dancehall kings of that generation – Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man served as his primary influences. “Back when Beenie and Bounty used to war lyrically, seeing clashes wit’ Kilimanjaro an all the sound-man an’ everyt’ing…the whole music scene for me took on a new meaning. Clash thing an’ lyrical war became a part of my daily life from early out.” The daily operation of trading lyrics in schoolyard clashes quickly gave way to more serious combat as “…people startin sayin ‘Ay, Buddz got some lyrics!’ From an early age, some of the local sounds on the island wanted to get me on dubplate,” says Collie, who stepped into the first of many vocal booths at age 16 to voice customized dubs for some Bermudian sounds. “Sounds was always trying to buss local artists in Bermuda.” Consistent encouragement from the various soundmen and engineers he encountered on those dub excursions led Collie to maintain a musical focus and eventually trek to Florida for a degree in audio engineering, a path that ended behind the boards of his own Bermudian studio, jointly run with his older brother (Smokey) and Sneek Success from one of Bermuda’s founding sounds, ‘Newclear Weapon’. Building riddims for other artists only expanded his love for writing and voicing his own lyrics however. “I used to make these beats an’ none of the tunes came out how I pictured an artist sittin’ on de riddim, so I decided to start to get in the booth myself again and spit some lyrics. Unless my brother engineerin’ for me, I’m runnin from the board to the booth, back to the board!” Like boot camp for a one-man army, that experience molded the signature vocal style that defines Collie Buddz – a songwriter who can lay his own riddim, sing the hook and chat on the verse. “I build de riddim first and while I’m building it I don’t try an’ think about lyrics ‘cause I’m tryin’ to focus on the riddim, yunno? I make it sound as best I can and then for a day or two I rest my ears then start de writing process. I come up wif a melody firs’ and get that down, then start with the lyrics.” The skill with which he compartmentalizes multiple roles in the studio also extends to his easy movement between styles. A falsetto that combines the singsong lover’s rock appeal of a carnival crooner like Rupee with the deeper emotional catch of Bob Marley or Sizzla, Collie’s voice sits with equal comfort over the jump-up pace of ragga-soca, 4/4 hip-hop beats or an achingly slow one drop. Most strikingly on tunes like “My Everything” he finds both the drive of dancehall and the bluesy edge of roots in a frenetic polyrhythm built around the Latin horns of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” an up-tempo track that could be just as home in a Trinidad carnival as a UK discothèque. “Some tunes I create are just to show that I could do anything I put my mind to,” he explains “to show the versatility of my style.” For many artists such versatility can be a curse and only a select few can maintain a distinctive voice when so many styles come so easy. But on tracks like “Moving On,” the layers of competing influences seem less like contradictions and more like necessary stages in the development of a larger persona, something like the succession of roles from pimp, to preacher, to something like a revolutionary that formed Malcolm X. Instead of pulling the song apart, the warring elements are all somehow essential to a larger vision reflected in his lyrics: “Feel like me cyan move an’ trap in a cage / still searchin’ for the words to put ‘pon the page…” It’s that discovery of timeless roots even within the sweatiest dancehall track that marks the culmination of Collie’s growth. “Nowadays when I go to put on a CD, its old tune: Alton Ellis, The Meditations, The Heptones, Skattalites, Jacob Miller, Eric Monty Morris; love the rockers music. From that I start to teach myself some of the history of this music, that’s where I started to come a little more versatile with the singin’…the foundation just straight reality, yunno. I like dancehall, but de foundation and concious tune really what me love.” For more images and information on COLLIE BUDDZ, please visit: To unsubscribe from the ThinkTank database, please reply to this message with “unsubscribe” in the subject field. Tynicka Battle |
January 7, 2007
Kevin Lyttle guests on ALLSPICE REGGAE #49 on Bigupradio.com Jan 12th
ATTENTION REGGAE MASSIVE! This is INTERNET RADIO so it does not matter where you live. If you are on MYSPACE just go to the Bigupradio Profile to tune in: http://www.myspace.com/bigupradio_usa.
ITUNES click here. WINDOWS click here.
ALLSPICE REGGAE #49 hosted by DJ COMMON SENSI
with the soca sensation KEVIN LYTTLE
The soca sensation KEVIN LYTTLE stops by the Groove Unlimited studios to speak to DJ Common Sensi and the fans about his current US tour, latest releases and what’s to come. Kevin Lyttle has been around the world and back with his super smash hit “Turn Me On” but he’s got a lot more hits you may not have heard. Don’t miss the very special appearance this Friday on the AllSpice Reggae Show #49 hosted by the Bay Area’s finest dancehall dj Common Sensi. The AllSpice Reggae shows airs every Friday on the Bigupradio.com Slamming Dancehall station.
About KEVIN LYTTLE:
Kevin was first inspired by music as a 7-year-old, sitting on his mother’s shoulders watching local Calypsonians competing for the title of Road March King in the yearly St. Vincent Carnival. At the same time, he cites the North American awards shows and televised performances– Michael Jackson’s moonwalk and “Billie Jean” in particular–that transfixed an entire generation of R&B and rap artists. “I’ve been influenced by all genres of music,” says Lyttle. “I have a love for every form of art.” While working a variety of day jobs, Lyttle cut his first professional record without success. Nonetheless, encouraged by his workmates, in 2001 he brought two songs to local producer Adrian Bailey, one of which was “Turn Me On.” The session itself was deceptively easy. “I was done in two takes, less than an hour,” says Kevin. “No one had heard me sing in this range; on St. Vincent, some people thought it was Beres Hammond doing soca. That was really flattering.” Find out more here.
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The Mateel Community Center Reaches Agreement with 2b1 Multimedia to Produce Reggae on the River ‘07
 [San Francisco, California, January 4, 2007] The Mateel Community Center (MCC) Board of Directors has reached an agreement with the highly- respected 2b1 Multimedia (Maritime Hall, The Family Dog), owned by Boots Hughston, to produce “Reggae on the River®” (ROTR) 2007. This arrangement is a return to the festival’s roots as it brings back Hughston who was ROTR’s stage manager and production manager from 1984 through 1995. All of the agreement’s deal points have been hammered out by both sides and the final papers are being drawn up. “Our plans include keeping the structure, coordinators and staffing while addressing community issues and local concerns,” says Hughston. “Special focus will be placed on continuing the process of the greening of ROTR and reinforcing the event’s original principles of peace, love and community.”
2b1 Multimedia hails from San Francisco and their list of accomplishments is impressive. They have promoted over 200 benefit concerts including the nationally acclaimed “The Tribute to Chet Helms” that raised over $70,000, plus 721 shows at Maritime Hall in San Francisco with total attendances well over 1,000,000. Hughston and his brother Lance started the annual “North Beach Photographic Art Fair” (a free outdoor event drawing 30,000 people over three days) in 1971 and continued its promotion for 14 years. The show is now called the “North Beach Fair” and is celebrating its 35th year. Hughston is also one of the founders of the annual “Cinco De Mayo” festival in Berkeley and San Jose whose attendance is between 20,000 and 30,000. 2b1 Multimedia and Boots Hughston’s reputation for showing respect to their audience and using intelligence when handling patrons is well deserved and one of the best in the industry. They were the first to use bar code tickets to eliminate counterfeits. They are also credited with helping break a lot of new talent such as Papa Roach, Ozomatli and more. “We want to thank the MCC for offering this opportunity to produce the 2007 ROTR. We also wish great success for People Productions in their new endeavors. 2b1 Multimedia looks forward to promoting this conscious, spiritual, world class event,” said Boots Hughston. This year’s festival will take place on August 3rd, 4th, and 5th at French’s Camp/Dimmick Ranch in Piercy, California. The MCC gives thanks and gratitude to Carol Bruno, owner of People Productions, who resigned in 2006 after producing ROTR for 23 years. “Under her direction and guidance the festival and the entire community has benefited immeasurably,” said MCC vice president Garth Epling. “We gratefully acknowledge the love, hard work, and years of dedication Carol and John Bruno have given to making Reggae on the River® a world class event for all of our enjoyment and benefit.” The MCC and its board of directors, together with the new production company 2b1 Multimedia, look forward to another excellent year at Reggae on the River® 2007. A major shout out of thanks and recognition goes out to all of our supporters who come from all walks of life. Reggae on the River® is more than a destination. It is a cultural idea. In The Spirit of Unity. Peace |
January 6, 2007
Eight76 Records’ Vampire Riddim
 You first heard the Vampire Riddim on AJ Brown’s popular new song “Real Rock”, which reached the top Ten on the South Florida Reggae Charts as the bonus track on the cd single “Can’t Tek It”. Now, promotional copies of “Real Rock” and five other tracks are yours for the juggling!
About the Vampire The Vampire Riddim got its name from a track on the riddim by up and coming deejay, Zyon High. On a riddim that boasts the talents of Chezidek, Jah Mason, and Luciano among others, it is a serious compliment to have your become its namesake. The tracks, all produced by Kenroy “YahBreeze” Archibald and Barry O’Hare, are available for purchase on the hot Eight76 compilation, Reggae Highlites 2006 in stores now including Ernie B, VP Records, FYE, Wherehouse, Sam Goody, Specs, and all leading digital delivery points. To download each of the mp3 files: select a file, right-click and select save target as
Click here to post your review on our myspace page Your feedback is important- please send your playlists and comments to media@eight76records.net. If you would like to see your playlists printed in South Florida Reggae Manifest please link them at submissions@sfreggaemanifest.com (playlists are due the 22nd of each month) Nuff Love All music contained in and associated with this email campaign is the exclusive, copyrighted property of All Arc Enterprises, Inc.- all rights reserved. Any and all commercial duplication or distribution is prohibited by local, federal, international, and universal law. |
