Essential Media Group LLC and Loyal Haylet Management are pleased to announce the signing of a Joint Venture deal for the Half Pint Music catalog and the venerable chart topping Dancehall Reggae superstar, Half Pint.
Half Pint has enjoyed a long history of success dating back to the early 1980’s. He was the first major artist produced by Prince Jammy (later King Jammy), and together they helped establish a lighter, more relaxed, more melodic approach to dancehall that made for an easy transition into the digital ragga era. His first big hit “Winsome” was later covered by the Rolling Stones in 1986 (under the new title “Too Rude”). Many hits followed: “Money Man Skank,” “One in a Million,” “One Big Family,” “Pouchie Lou,” the socially conscious “Mr. Landlord,” and the all-time dancehall classic “Level the Vibes.” The huge hit “Substitute Lover” came in 1992, and in 1996 the rock group Sublime covered another Half Pint classic, “Loving.”
Essential will shortly release NO STRESS EXPRESS, the highly anticipated album of entirely new material with distribution via Universal Music Group Distribution, and a digitally remastered Greatest Hits compilation to be distributed by IDN. In addition, Essential intends to release the entire Half Pint back catalogue on CD, including availability through I-Tunes and all major digital outlets.
For more information, contact:
ESSENTIAL MEDIA GROUP
( +1 954 208 0552
R +1 954 208 0061
|
November 17, 2008
Half Pint inks distribution deal with Essential – Universal Music Group
December 10, 2007
BOOM SHOTS #106 features the “Queen of Soca” ALLISON HINDS this Wed
 The “Queen of Soca“ ALISON HINDS drops by this weeks SOCA TOUCH on Bigupradio.com. Hosted by DJ Boom, BOOM SHOTS is a weekly dancehall show that you can catch every Wednesday on Bigupradio’s 24×7 Dancehall internet radio station. This week the beautiful ALISON HINDS stops by for an exclusive interview and to promote her newly released album “SOCA QUEEN.” Hear new tracks from “SOCA QUEEN” and find out what’s going on in her world. This is one show you’ll want to catch!!! ONE LOVE
Alison Hinds About ALISON HINDS : Ask SOCA superstar ALISON HINDS what she wants her music to convey and she replies, “More than anything, I’m hoping to expose the world to my music and for people to really appreciate and say yes to it. It’s infectious, and happy but can still say something and touch lives. SOCA is what I’m known for, so I want the music to represent who I am.” The intoxicating musical movement known as SOCA (popular dance music of the SOuthern CAribbean) is rapidly gaining popularity among music lovers around the globe. It is a sexy and uplifting music known for its infectious rhythms and spirited spicy lyrics that inspires jubilant audience participation albeit with waving hands and flags to swaying hips, all in a ritualistic celebration that exemplifies life today in the Caribbean. ALISON HINDS is poised to become a major force in the eruption of innovative urban-influenced Caribbean-based artists such as fellow-Bajan popstar Rihanna, Sean Paul, or Shaggy, who are changing the face of music worldwide. Find out more here. Subscribe to the BOOM SHOTS Podcast: |
November 20, 2007
Dancehall Artist BennyBwoy Rises To The Occasion
 NEW YORK (Nov. 14, 2007) – BennyBwoy a.k.a. “Original JEWmaican” known for blending traditional Jewish themes with the unique and popular sounds of dancehall reggae is set to release his brand new single RISE UP on November 20, 2007. His debut release is a melodic chant of everyday thanks and praises to the most high, and is simply “showing everyone that it is best to love life while dealing with the problems at hand.”
“Everyday is the beginning of a new life and we must be thankful that our soul has been restored to us. My philosophy is always to look at the bright side,” says the “Original JEWmaican.” A native of Far Rockaway, in Queens, New York, BennyBwoy is poised to take his message and sound to a higher level. His talent, unique style, versatility and Hasidic beliefs may set him apart from other dancehall artists, but he says “living my life as an Orthodox Jew does not limit the way I handle myself in the dancehall world. I am who I am and if someone doesn’t like that, or has a problem with it then that’s on them. I want to be a role model to all types of people. I don’t limit myself to my own religion or culture,” says the BennyBwoy. On September 19, 2007, the “Original JEWmaican” wowed audiences with his pulsating performance at the JAMROCK Magazine One-Year Anniversary party alongside Grammy-award winning entertainer Wyclef Jean and dancehall DJ Screechy Don in New York City. In 2006, he performed at the 25th Silver Anniversary of the International Reggae and World Music Award with other reggae artists including Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, Beenie Man, Alton Ellis, Marcia Griffiths, Gyptian, and Soca star Machel Montano. Other stage shows have included The Jewish Music Awards and the 7th Annual Woodstock 69/Monterey Pop Tribute Festival. BennyBwoy’s popularity is vastly growing with fans in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. His new single RISE UP will to be available on i-tunes and other online music outlets for download on November 20th. We invite you to visit www.myspace.com/bennybwoy to listen to his new release and watch the music video. For more information contact or advance copies, please contact: |
November 16, 2007
Kiprich records second album for Big Yard
 DJ Kiprich is busy in the studios working on his second album for Big Yard, which is expected to be completed soon.
VP Records, who were also responsible for distributing his first album titled ‘Outta Road’, recorded for Big Yard. Not only is Kiprich working on his new album, he also has recorded singles titled ‘Bun Fi Bun’ and ‘On My Mind’ on the Big Yard label, ‘Rosie Whine’ on Birchell label and ‘40 & Over’ on the Total Cil label. Christened Marlon Plunkett, the DJ who was born in Waterhouse, St. Andrew, went by the stage name Crazy Kid when he just started out in the music business. Crazy Kid was not doing any justice for his career so he changed it to Kiprich, which was to give him the big break he so desperately wanted. His first hit song was ‘Leggo Di Bwoy’ followed by ‘Mad, Sick, Head No Good’ done in collaboration with Predator. He later struck big with ‘Telephone Ting’ ‘Imagine This’ and ‘The Letter’, which all became popular in the dancehalls at yard and abroad. The gifted DJ, whose parents wanted him to have a different career, is also very versatile at writing songs. He is responsible for penning the lyrics of Elephant Man’s hit single ‘Jook Gal’, which was later re-mixed and featured Kiprich himself, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz. RAY ALEXANDER |
(954) 603-7751October 1, 2007
Hutchy & George Nooks “Take Charge” of US and UK Radio
 Kingston, Jamaica: – In September Hutchy released a gritty remix of the 45 Take Charge the original of which is the second track on his album My Time on his own Ruff Cut Records label. The remix features George Nooks, well acclaimed in reggae music circles. Within a month the remix of Take Charge has been getting heavy rotation with the following U.S. radio stations and UK Disc Jocks and radio stations:
U.S. Radio
UK Disc Jocks & Radio
“With Take Charge a dubby flavour comes to the fore, with an odd guitar effect played over the standard high pitched Hammond style organ to good effect.” – Raved UK weekly dance magazine, One Week To Live. Take Charge is social commentary at its best and a reminder of the hazards of bad leadership with many potent lessons imbedded in its powerful lyrics. Take Charge is voiced on one of Hutchy’s signature One Drop rhythms and forces you to listen. Nooks compliments the overall feel of the song with his first-class vocal quality. The song is reminiscent of the golden days of reggae. Download Hutchy Ft. George Nooks – Take Charge: http://download.yousendit.com/F5D4A57611B2DE0F (expires Oct 7, 2007) For Further info: |
July 18, 2007
Ghetto Youths Releases “Gang War Rhythm” featuring Damian Marley
 Kicking Off GHETTO YOUTHS INTERNATIONAL Ramp-Up,
All-Star One-Rhythm Compilation Set To Be Released Today (NEW YORK, July 17, 2007) With eleven versions featuring fourteen of dancehall’s biggest names, the GANG WAR RHYTHM is the fresh, tough champion sound of Summer, 2007. Starring on this album are today’s masters of dancehall, including three-time Grammy winner Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, with his metaphoric “One Loaf of Bread (Something for You);” and two of the hottest newer hands in dancehall, hardcore singer Mavado and three-man vocal threatVoice Mail, joining Vybz Kartel. A impressive roster of dancehall’s most-honored veterans also take part in the “Gang War” compilation, including Bad Boy recording artist Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Sizzla Kolonji, and Wayne Marshall. With its portentious symphonic depth, propulsive drumming and a nagging sampled woodwind hook, the “Gang War” rhythm has had DJs and dancers worldwide ringing the alarm from the dance floor ever since the first versions were released to the dancehall club underground earlier this spring. The GANG WAR RHYTHM comes to the American hip-hop scene with an impeccable double pedigree: the creator of the rhythm is Trevor “Baby G” James, son and protege of Lloyd “King Jammy” James. Additionally, the album is released in the U.S. market by GHETTO YOUTHS INTERNATIONAL, and is run by two Bob Marley sons, Stephen and Damian. With brother Julian also on the roster, the Ghetto Youths International label is launching a major expansion of its market presence this year, with albums in preparation by reggae singing sensation Javaughn and world-renowned rapper Mr. Cheeks, to follow the GANG WAR RHYTHM compilation. The first album released through Ghetto Youths International’s U.S. distributor, Universal, was the 2002 Grammy-winning Halfway Tree, by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. The GANG WAR RHYTHM collection is completed with the instrumental of the original track, and a “Gang War Medley,” featuring album tracks “juggled” by Damian Marley and Baby G. An all-star video shot to the medley version is currently in production. The GANG WAR RHYTHM various-artists album is set to be released July 17, 2007 on Ghetto Youths International/Yard Vybes Entertainment, distributed by Universal. GANG WAR RHYTHM Tracklisting:1) Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – One Loaf of Bread (Something For You) 2) Bounty Killer – It’s Okay 3) Mavado – Me and My Dogs 4) Vybz Kartel featuring Voice Mail – Play Ting 5) Sizzla Kolonji – Too Much Gang War 6) Elephant Man featuring Wayne Marshall – Over Di Wall 7) Mr. Evil (Leftside) – Liar 9) Kibaki featuring Flexx – War Is On 10) Demarco – Story 11) Jagwa – Suffering 12) Gang War Instrumental 13) Gang War Medley (BONUS TRACK) |
Aidonia – MPsJuly 3, 2007
Putumayo World Music Hour Expands Broadcast Range
 New Markets in New York City, Egypt and India!The Putumayo World Music Hour recently launched in the New York City market on “Radio New York” WNYE 91.5FM. The program airs every Sunday at 10PM and is heard throughout the five boroughs as well as their neighboring cities in New Jersey. WNYE 91.5FM is committed to bringing diverse ethnic and cultural programs to the City and is proud to add the Putumayo World Music Hour to its programming schedule.
The Putumayo World Music Hour is also expanding its broadcast range internationally by adding two new stations this month: Nile FM, the #1 Hit Music Station in Cairo, Egypt and Radio Indigo in Panjim (State of Gao), India. The Putumayo World Music Hour can now be heard in over 25 international markets. The Putumayo World Music Hour is a weekly, one hour, syndicated radio show featuring accessible, upbeat music from around the world that’s “guaranteed to make you feel good.” Now in its seventh year, the program can be heard on more than 150 commercial and non-commercial stations throughout the Unites States and the world. Visit our website to find a station carrying the Putumayo World Music Hour in your region. |
January 17, 2007
VP Records Releases Dancehall Drafts Picks
 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 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. |
December 21, 2006
Edi Fitzroy’s New CD “Hold The Vibes” Now in Stores
 December 2006 – San Jose, CA - Edi Fitzroy, long time conscious reggae veteran’s new album release “Hold The Vibes“, on rising Northern California record label King Step Recordings has been in the works for almost a decade and is being compared to many of his best records. The album features a classic acoustic vibe and superb vocals that are sure to last the test of time. It displays a conscious, explosive and energetic Edi Fitzroy. Edi has made his impact in the music industry with his songs of consciousness, and his new release “Hold The Vibes” continues the formula that has propelled him all these years.
“Hold The Vibes” is featured in the top 20 albums in rotation (club & radio) as of 12/18/06. The CD can be heard on the radio in Jamaica, the Caribbean, Florida, California, New York, Baltimore, Virginia, Portland, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, UK, Canada, Australia, Satellite radio and soon the planet. You can also hear it featured on BigUpRadio.com. If you do not hear it on your local Reggae radio station, please request it. “Hold The Vibes” can now be purchased in more than 70 stores. The CD is expected to be in more than 100 stores nationwide by the beginning of 2007. Here is a short list of stores where you can find Edi Fitzroy’s new album now: Music Millennium – Portland, OR Edi Fitzroy’s new album “Hold The Vibes” can also be purchased online. Here are a few places to buy the new CD: http://www.EdiFitzroy.com King Step Recordings (KSR) has signed with the Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) to digitally distribute “Hold The Vibes”. Singles and ring tones from the CD can be purchased online everywhere as of January 1, 2007. Here are the top 10 places to find digital singles and ring tones from “Hold The Vibes”: iTunes |
