Survive Riddim is the latest compilation from Blakkwuman22 Music. It’s a six-track project that features new tunes performed by reggae legend Mikey General, veteran bass player and recording artist Wormbass, vocalist Earl Smith Jr. – who is the son of famed guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith – and lyricist, songwriter and producer Karamanti.

The EP is the brainchild of Karamanti, who wrote three of the songs – her two: Bassline and the title track Survive, as well as I See, which is sung by Earl Smith Jr. The Survive Riddim can aptly be described as mellow, relaxing and enjoyable; with songs centered around freedom (Wormbass‘ Liberation), love (Earl Smith Jr.‘s I See), motivation (Mikey General‘s Up & At Them), spirituality (Karamanti‘s Survive) and the classics (Karamanti‘s Bassline). The official video for Bassline was released with the compilation and can be viewed on Karamanti‘s YouTube channel. 

The beat for Survive Riddim was built by Lamar Thompson exclusively for Blakkwuman22 Music, with a live bassline played by the aforementioned Wormbass. All songs were mixed and mastered by Old Harbor based AudioTraxx Production, and distributed independently by Blakkwuman22 Music.

It is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “SURVIVE RIDDIM”

The 2023 Dallas Reggae Festival will take place from Friday, April 7th to Sunday, April 9th, at Addison Circle Park – 4970 Addison Cir – in Addison, Texas. See the full lineup below.

On day one (Friday) Anthony B, Passafire, Cas Haley and Ras Indio will perform. While on the following day – Saturday, April 8th – the performers will be Luciano, Sister Nancy, Culture, Eli-Mac, Idoljob, Sing Kumba & Mystic Heights, Alika, Audic Empire and Artikal Sound System. The festival will wrap up on Sunday (the 9th) with Inner Circle, Fortunate Youth, Jesse Royal, Israel Vibration, The Irie, Dubbest and Burning Slow.

Additional information, such as vendors, sponsors, tickets, etc. are available on the festival’s official website.

The recently released Reggae Virus Booster compilation, which was shared on February 10th, has worked its way on to the reggae charts in both New York and South Florida. As of March 17th, it is number-three on The South Florida Top 15 Albums Chart, and number-five on The Foundation Radio Network NY Top 20 Albums Chart. Both are compiled by veteran media personality Clinton Lindsay.

Reggae Virus Booster comes to us courtesy of executive producers Tad A. Dawkins and Tad A. Dawkins Jnr. via their well respected imprint Tad’s Record Inc. It has a total of twenty tracks performed by various artists, namely: Marcia Griffiths, Dean Fraser, Glen Washington, Anthony B, Sanchez, George Nooks, Richie Spice, Etana, Freddie McGregor, Lutan Fyah etc. 

The Reggae Virus Booster can be streamed and/or downloaded from iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and all other streaming platforms. 

“Reggae Virus: Booster” Track List

1. Leave her Alone – George Nooks
2. Bald Head Jesus – Anthony B
3. Magical Love – Marcia Griffiths
4. Cool Jamaican Whiskey – Hezron
5. Nah Back Down – Sanchez
6. Dancehall Tun Up – Screw Driver
7. Don’t Let Me Go – Etana
8. Booster – Dean Fraser
9. Love Doesn’t Ask Why – Terry Linen
10. Can’t Fade Me Away – Glen Washington
11. Mi Want More – I-Octane
12. Baseball Girl – Richie Spice
13. Who Kill Mi Dollar – Perfect
14. You Are Beautiful – Singer J
15. Rasta Government – Anthony Cruz
16. That’s Alright – Freddie McGregor
17. Marijuana Prior – Chezidek
18. Roots Wine – Lutan Fyah
19. Spandex – Vahriie
20. Virus Dub – Dean Fraser

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “REGGAE VIRUS: BOOSTER”

Israel Vibration (now only Lascelle ‘Wiss’ Bulgin) will be back at Moe’s Alley – 1535 Commercial Way – in Santa Cruz, California on Saturday, April 22nd. As in previous occasions, Wiss will be supported by the renowned Roots Radics Band.

Boom Draw, DJ Spleece and MC Rocky Bailey are also on the lineup. Early bird tickets, which are going for only $35, are available now via ticketweb-com.

At the end of March, Ce’Cile, the sing-jay commonly referred to as the ‘bad gyal of reggae-dancehall’ will – in collaboration with producer Josh Harris – release a puissant reggae song titled Let’s Work It Out. 

On the inspirational tune Ce’Cile hits all the right notes as she reminds us of the golden rule, which is to treat others the way we would like to be treated. She sings:

“If I love you like I love myself respect in every way
And if I treat you like I treat myself then we should be ok
Love you like the birds and the bees and the honey and the weed
No need no label one love one race me a pree
What’s good for you
Is good for me”

Her strong message is complimented by the beautiful rhythm produced by Josh Harris and his team at Big Feet Records. Let’s Work It Out will be available on all streaming platforms on Friday, March 31st. 

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE PROMO VIDEO

Austin Reggae Festival, which is on April 21, 22 and 23, promises good music, good food and good vibes! This year’s lineup includes The Skatalites, Mighty Mystic, Kumar, Jesse Royal, Perfect Giddimani, Inner Circle, and that is just to name a few.

Location is the Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park – 900 W Riverside Drive – in Austin. In addition to the live performances they will also have a dub corner as well as a disco. Additional information is available on the event’s official website.