Amazon & Pharrell Launch New Music Competition “Your Voice Is Power” (@Pharrell)

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The American multinational technology company Amazon has joined forces with singer, rapper, songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams to launch a new music remix competition called “Your Voice Is Power.” This contest was created to inspire students to pursue Computer Science.

The first round of the competition will run from January 19th through March 12th, while the second round will run from March 15th through June 4th. Winners will be chosen based on the quality of music, complexity and organization of their code; as well as their inclusion of thoughtful messaging and calls to action about the importance of racial justice.

“Your Voice Is Power” is open to all middle and high school students in both Canada and the United States. Click here for additional information.

Nas Is Celebrating “27 Summers”! (@Nas)

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times; no other rapper comes close to the level of the Queensbridge MC, Nasir Jones aka Nas. The hip-hop icon is coming off what should be labeled a good year, all things considered (pandemic, no tours etc.).

Towards the end of August, in 2020, Nas released a well received thirteen-track (13) album, “King’s Disease,” and has been busy promoting the project ever since it dropped. He has popped up all over the internet doing interviews on some of the biggest music platforms; and he has been consistent in sharing visuals for the songs featured on the album.

The latest video is for “27 Summers,” track number five. As he has always done, Nas goes big in this clip, spotlighting DJ Khaled, Gabriel ‘G-Code’ Zardes, Steve Stoute and other industry insiders. Click here or on the image above to watch this fabulous video and remember to like, comment and share.

Something New From Lauryn Hill! (@MsLaurynHill @KaliRanks)

Posted on January 24, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

In December, what sounds like an old recording of Ms. Lauryn Hill surfaced online. The song is titled “A Perfect Match” and it comes courtesy of Kali Ranks, a former Def Jam reggae/hip-hop artist from Jamaica. Though it is being promoted as a new collaboration between the two, Lauryn‘s vocals are the only one heard on the audio.

It is clear that this song was done many years ago because Hill made a lot of references to The Fugees. She also had a freedom in her voice, the kind of freedom she had when she just came on the scene, before all the filth in the industry took it away. Click here to check out the song.

E.G.’s “Stand With The Protesters Remix” Video Is Out Now! (@EgDaGovenaw)

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The highly anticipated music video for “Stand With The Protesters Remix,” a thought provoking record that highlights the contentious relationship between African-Americans and the police, is out now!

The song, which is performed by New York based dancehall and soca artist E.G., also features rappers Mr. AMG and J Shadda; as well as Jamaican reggae singer Ras Xtr3me. The absolutely stunning visuals were captured in both Brooklyn, New York and Jamaica, West Indies.

Click here or on the image above to watch the video and remember to like, comment and share.

New Dates For The Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The return of the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, which was previously scheduled for the end of January, 2021, has been pushed back to March 4th through 6th.

It will still be a free virtual event, although the organizers have included a charity element enabling persons to donate to workers in the entertainment industry whose jobs have been wiped out due to the covid-19 pandemic.

The reason for the change in date is due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus in the United States. Apparently they are hoping to add more American-based artists and the current state of the virus is making it difficult.

Reggae Man Wormbass Embraces Afrobeat On His Latest Single “Follow You”

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Wormbass, the veteran bass player who gained notoriety as an instrumental member in Beenie Man‘s former Blaze Band, has for the past few years been focused on his own career as a recording artist. The multitalented musician and producer has demonstrated that he just may be more adept at writing and singing, than he is at playing the many instruments that he commands.

As he readies himself for the release of his album – scheduled for Summer 2021 – he is sharing the second single from that upcoming project. Done on an afrobeat rhythm, “Follow You,” which is the song’s title, should be rightfully classified as a Rastafarian praise and worship hymn. As Wormbass correctly states, the sound of the afrobeat is a reminder of the cultural foot steps of Kumina born in his birthplace of St Thomas, Jamaica.

The creation of “Follow You” was a team effort. First and foremost it was produced by Wormbass (whose birthname is Delroy Nevin) and Kemar ‘Khemis’ Campbell of Vybnation Records. Musicians that contributed to the production included: Matthew Jacquette on guitar and Sly Dunbar, who added some overdubs. Different parts of this track were recorded at various studios, namely: Vybnation Records, Bear Fruits Records and One POP Records.

With the release of the song, Wormbass is making it clear “that there is still a Creator, who inspite of all the disarray that the world is experiencing is very much present and available to help us throughout each of our trying days.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “FOLLOW YOU”

Watch Jazmine Sullivan’s Performance On The Tonight Show (@jsullivanmusic)

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

I am not sure how I missed Jazmine Sullivan‘s performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon about a week ago, but I did. Fortunately someone brought it to my attention and after seeing it I wanted to pass it on.

That being said, click here or on the image above to check it out and remember to download her new album ‘Heaux Tales.’