GAP – an acronym for God Answer Prayer – is the title of the latest dancehall rhythm driven project from Blakkwuman22 Music. The just released compilation features several emerging dancehall artists, namely: Kerry Starr, Ras Bentley, M.A.P, Amnon, and label owner and producer Karamanti. It was inspired by the song God Answer Prayer, which was first featured onKaramanti‘s latest album – Spiritual Warfare – released in December.
As is the case with all undertakings at Blakkwuman22 Music, it was made clear to everyone involved that no negative and/or derogatory content would be accepted. To that end, all the songs are being tagged as inspirational dancehall; and most importantly, they all stand in direct contrast to the noise that is currently being used to mislead the masses.
Having publicly committed to injecting more conscious lyrics into the minds of youths via her music, Karamanti felt compelled to do the project and is pleased with the outcome. The beat for GAP Riddim was built by Lamar Thompson exclusively for Blakkwuman22 Music, and all songs were mixed and mastered by AudioTraxx Production.
The Gap Riddim is now available on all digital music platforms.
Malawian dancehall-gospel artist Nanto Peetah is gearing up to release his first full-length studio album this year. The project – dubbed Ministry – will feature African artists Mady P (Don Gogo), Princi Musiq, Ababa Surgent and Jah Flavour; as well as Jamaican lyricist Karamanti.
Prayer Babes, the title of the just released single done with Karamanti, is already getting a lot of attention because so far it is the only international collaboration on the LP. Furthermore, a lot is being said about just how hard Karamanti delivered on the track.
On the afro-beat fused rhythm, the woman, often referred to as the most underrated female lyricist in Jamaican dancehall, asks:
Weh yu know bout prayer babes when yu go inna di spirit and yu prayer blaze time stop yu transform to a higher place only ting weh matter now a word play so weh yu say?
Call di name a di God yu praise say it loud & proud mek heaven shake gratitude yu fi use na na delay yu cyaa loose if yu choose Jah Jah any day mi Deejay!
Madhouse Records does it again! The dancehall imprint has just shared a tuff new tune called Blood Claat, performed by two well respected veterans in the genre: Bounty Killer and Baby Cham.
At the time of this writing – August 5th – Blood Claat has only been out a few hours and it is already trending. Aside from the fact that the song is done by Cham and Killer, the main reason it has taken off so quickly is because of the things the men are chanting about.
On the record both deejays outline a list of issues that are of serious concern to Jamaicans; and knowing that they are not being adequately addressed, they ‘cuss a Blood Claat.’
Later today – Monday, August 1st – Warrior King, Shane O, Bescenta and others, will perform at the Proud Jamaican Emancipation Day concert being presented by Island Vibz Seafood, Sportsbar and Grill.
The celebration will commence at 1pm; however, the live show will not start until 7pm at 195 Manor Centre Plaza, Constant Spring in Kingston, Jamaica. The Guinness winner, High Grade International Sound will be in the building along with internet sensation Swiss Lee.
General admission without food is $2,000 JMD; with food it is $8,000 JMD.
Internationally-acclaimed Jamaican singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens celebrated her 49th birthday by gifting the world with a surprise new single “Fifty,” featuring another chart-topping female artist of Golden Era dancehall music, Patra. Produced by Tad Jr. , the monstrous new collaboration off Stephens’ upcoming album Some Kinda Madness (out September 2ndvia Tad’s Recordand available now for pre-order), finds the legendary artists offering fair warning to anyone who thinks that age might slow down the shenanigans of these two queens of the dancehall:
And If yuh think mi bad now wait till mi lick FIFTY, dem a go say a how dah big woman yah so frisky Want a buddy weh knock it inna gypsy Bad when mi sober, worse when mi tipsy
And if yuh think we bad now, wait till yuh see half ah century When a dozen big woman a mek a entry An we a sip di henny bottle till it empty Keep up behavior weh upset di gentry
To further demonstrate that age ain’t nothing but a number, Tanya Stephens dropped the “Fifty” official lyric video. Directed by Romario Rodney and Rayon Smith, the brand new visuals invite us into a grown woman bashment party hosted by the “maturing” bad gyal herself. As the dancers drop from headtop to full split, they leave little doubt that there is no substitute for experience.
Of the unexpected, but welcomed combination, Tanya says, “Patra is an unquestionable bad ass! She influenced urban culture and inspired many of us women to embrace our sensuality even as we stood in our strength. Having her bless this track feels like my personal revolution now has a soundtrack and I’m excited to step into my 50’s with this kind of energy!“
Patra broke boundaries in the 1990’s — a time many consider to be the Golden Era of Dancehall music — with seminal albums like Queen Of The Pack, which topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, and rude gyal anthems like “Romantic Call,” a collaboration with Compton superstar emcee Yo-Yo. Patra‘s unparalleled success during that time paved the way for future female Jamaican singers and deejays like Tanya Stephens, who also made a name for herself in the following years with dancehall staples like “Yuh Nuh Ready For This” and “Goggle,” before establishing herself as one of the island’s most gifted songwriters with unforgettable tunes like “It’s a Pity” and “These Streets.”
“Fifty” stands as the second official single released from Stephens‘ upcoming 20-track album, which also features support from reggae heavyweights like Cedella Marley, Diana King, Big Youth and Nadine Sutherland, among other guests. Previously released tracks from the Some Kinda Madnessproject include the steel pan-driven “Zig Ziggler,” the heartfelt ballad “World Goes Round,” and the uplifting single “Diamonds In The Sun (featuring Cedella Marley and Diana King).”
In his latest release Old School New School, dancehall artist Busy Signal puts his spin on Buju Banton‘s 90s hit, Bogle. Signal, in collaboration with Gorilla Music Source, shared both the song and its accompanying visuals on July 29th.
The simple but entertaining official video features some local celebrities, namely: Sean Paul, Bling Dawg and several professional dancehall dancers. If you have not yet seen it, check it out and remember to like, comment and share.
This Emancipation Day – Monday, August 1st – Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica, will come alive with the annual Mobay Jerk & Food Festival.
Although it is primarily a food show, the event has several other features: bounce about, face painting, ball pits, drinking and eating contests and live performances from top acts in both the gospel and secular genres.
Among the artists booked for this year are: Jah Vinci, Alaine, Shane O, Petra Kaye and Goddy Goddy. Additional music will be provided by ZJ Liquid, DJ Shem and Trophy Sniper Sound; while MC Blazze and Lady Energy will do hosting duties. This is an all day family event that will begin at 10am. Entrance fee is $2,500 JMD.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 