Hezron‘s highly anticipated album, Man On A Mission, will finally be available on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, August 19, courtesy of Tad’s Record Inc.
So far the singer and his team have shared three songs from the project: Tik Tok I’m Coming – a slow sensual ballad, Save The Children, and the title track Man On A Mission. All three have been well received and have gotten strong support from both the media and the public. It is worth noting that Tik Tok I’m Coming sat at #1 for four weeks on Clinton Lindsay’s South Florida Reggae Charts and Richie B’s Jamaica Top 25 Reggae Singles Chart.
As the official release date approaches, Hezron and the crew at Tad’s Record are now announcing the Album Release Party, scheduled for Saturday, August 27th at Sky Beach Negril (formerly Negril Escape). This is a celebration/concert that will see Hezron performing a full set. Doors will open at 7pm and there is an entrance fee of $20 USD or $2,500 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.
It is very unfortunate the way societies all over the world puts an unrealistic demand on men and boys. Once little boys become adolescence they are expected to be both emotionally and physically strong, regardless of the situation they find themselves in. Furthermore, speaking about their problems are more often than not interpreted as complaining; which is an absolute no no for a ‘real man’.
That said, it is very rare to come across a grown man who openly talks about his life’s struggles. And that is why Ras Kronik‘s Rough Outa Street is so refreshing.
For those not in the know: Ras Kronik is a Jamaican born, American based Rastafarian reggae artist who has been active in the industry for the past 20 years. He is one of the few that refuses to water down his message in order to be seen on a wider scale. Earlier this year – in February – he along with his team at Pandemic Records & Entertainment released Rough Outa Street.
On the record, the Clarendonian native who left his parents house at the tender age of 17 to fend for himself, laments on how rough he had it. He talks about how difficult it was to find a home after relocating from the country. All of this brought tears to his eyes. In an attempt to put a positive spin on things, he goes on to encourage youths to seek the guidance of Jah as they journey along the harsh terrains of life. And most importantly, to never give up!
Rough Outa Street was produced by Ricky dread (from Bonafide Reggae Band), Trixx Anthony (former Trumpeter from UB40) and Ras Kronik. It was recorded at Love Bird Music Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada; and it was mixed by Ricky Dread and mastered by Othneil Campbell.
The concert for Jamaican reggae group Black Uhuru and veteran dancehall chanter Big youth that was to take place at Junction 1 – 37 Rosyth Road – in Glasgow, UK on Thursday, August 4th, has been postponed until September 10th. The lineup – which includes the world-renowned Upper Cut Band – will remain the same.
The new date will also feature British roots rock reggae band Riddemption, as well some local sound systems with MC Campeazi. Get tickets here.
Matured, the brand new album by reggae veteran Anthony Malvo – released on July 15, 2022 – is impeccable in every way. The singer who captured our attention in 1989 after his megahit with Tiger, Come Back To Me, is all grown-up: musically and in reality.
His maturity is audible on the twelve-track reggae LP. However, it is more pronounced on the lovers-rock tunes that were clearly sung by a man that truly knows what it feels like to be in love. The inspirational songs, though fewer in number, are equally gripping, especially as they give an insight into the spiritual side of the singer. And with only one collaboration – Tell Me, done with Pressure Busspipe – Anthony Malvo‘s musical skills and diversity are on full display.
Most of the songs on Matured were produced by Anthony Malvo (for Malvo Entertainment) and his very good friend and colleague Ferdy of IzaYoungBoy Productions. Additional credits go to Delly Ranx‘s Pure Music, Duggy Benz from Red Square and Reggae Vibes Production.
When asked what he would like listeners to take away from this album Anthony Malvo said the following: “I would like listeners to know that great music is still making and reggae music is still alive and kicking down doors.” And that is so true! Matured is now available on all music platforms. It is a great body of work performed by an exceptional talent who has been in the business for approximately four decades. If you love reggae music you should add this album to your collection.
On January 24th Paul Patmore Production published What Never Happen In Years, an uplifting reggae tune performed by the man affectionately referred to as Jah messenger – Luciano. The song is on the Pick Myself Up Riddim, which only has one other number: the title track done by Jodian Pantry.
Luciano uses What Never Happen In Years to encourage listeners not to loose hope regardless how long they must endure; because, as he puts it: “what never happen in years Jah can make it happen in one day – He will wipe all your tears and cast your fears away.”
Some may argue that the previous line is only a cliché sung by many artists on their respective songs. The response to that argument is this: consider the source. In the early 90s Luciano was at the forefront of the Rasta renaissance movement in the dancehall industry and after Garnett Silk‘s death in late 1994, many looked to Luciano to continue consciousness in reggae music. He has done that. His track record over the years – literally and figuratively – is what authenticates his words on What Never Happen In Years.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 