On August 30th 2010, BET (Black Entertainment Television) did a documentary about the dwindling presence of women in hip-hop. The documentary featured approximately 10 women who have worked, or is working in the industry in some aspect. One of the women made a comment that sparked a debate within the hip-hop community, and that was, “when it comes to hip-hop, it’s a man’s world”.

After meeting and working with several women in the Reggae/Dancehall industry and getting a first hand account of some of their experiences, I would like us, (the Reggae/Dancehall community) to have a discussion about how we see the women within this genre.

The woman that has most recently stirred my interest in this topic is reggae-soul singer, LeAnn who has always had a love and appreciation for reggae music. Most Jamaicans may be familiar with her as Keisha Wright, which is the name she used a few years ago when she was enjoying a fair amount of success as an emerging artist. Back then she was working the industry circuit, getting herself on both reggae and jazz shows nationwide and also releasing music with well established artists.

As she points out, her progress as an artist has been stymied by the way the men dominating the business viewed her. She recounts that several producers would offer to work with her but more often than not their work had to be seasoned with other things not pertaining to music. Her reluctance to submit to their terms would result in their loss of interest. LeAnn also recounted experiences such as being questioned about her involvement with a partner and being exposed to producers who feared working because of possible jealousy from a boyfriend.

After turning away from the music industry for a couple of years, LeAnn is re-entering with a better understanding of how to position herself as a woman in this business. She believes that at the end of the day it boils down to how talented and determined you are. Armed with a God given talent to sing, and her own support team (consisting of PR, management and booking agents) LeAnn is now ready to give it another go. She is re-releasing a single she did with Beenie Man entitled “stan” (this song was released in Japan some time ago and was quite successful there) as well as a brand new single called “free”. Persons can download both singles absolutely free at http://www.mediafire.com/?z1mclbaqb5jyala.

LeAnn is also currently in discussion with Russcuttaz Music Production, a Jamaican based record label, regarding the possibility of the two joining forces in a three years recording deal.

For more information about LeAnn: http://www.reverbnation.com/leann

Dancehall artist, Digital Sham, is raising the bar as a young talented artist, producer and engineer.

Based in Jackshill, St. Andrew, Shamarie Bogle, otherwise known as Digital Sham is a young man with a vision. He is only 18 years old and has already accomplished what so many that has been in the music business for years are still aspiring to attain. Digital Sham operates his own recording studio, Estate Recording, and he owns not one but two record labels; Phamily Productions (where the focus is on roots reggae) and Digitalize Records (where the focus is on hardcore dancehall).

Already having one successful riddim driven compilation under his belt (Life Saver Riddim which was released in 2010 and features Bramma, Unicorn and others) Digital Sham is again putting his mark on the industry with two new releases, The General Riddim and Proverbs Riddim. Both riddims were released on iTunes on February 7^th and will be available on emusic and other online retail stores shortly.

Persons can listen to both albums on you tube by clicking the respective link below.

General Riddim:

Proverbs Riddim:

In addition to being a producer and label owner, Digital Sham is also an artist himself. Concerned that he is investing too much time making beats, he has decided to spend more time behind the microphone in 2011. Digital Sham and his team have committed to releasing several riddims in 2011 all of which will feature singles by Sham.

 Digital Sham you tube link:

Dancehall artist Karamanti, and reggae singer Higher Purse are both on heavy rotation on several European reggae radio shows. Both artists are coming off a successful year in 2010 and have started out 2011 with an intense marketing campaign in quite a few European countries.

Karamanti who has developed a reputation for being very controversial has approximately three songs in rotation on various stations in Europe. Namely, “nah bleach”, which deals with the subject of skin bleaching, “naah lef mi yaad”, which talks about her decision to return home to Jamaica after several years abroad, and “Bruce”, which is a message directed at the Prime Minister, Bruce Golding. While Higher Purses’ latest single from the Old School Riddim, “rub a dub” is getting a lot of love from European Disc Jockeys.

The two are slated for a four country European tour, which should kick off in March of this year. The tour will take them to Italy, Sweden, Spain and Switzerland. When asked why they are putting more emphasis on promotion in Europe as oppose to the Caribbean, they both state that they intend to amp up promotions here at home over the next few months. But because the European tour was in the works since the end of 2010, they thought it prudent to start promotion there first.

Promoters in other European countries that would like to discuss extending the tour to their respective territory should contact Maria Jackson via email or phone; mariajackson27@yahoo.ca / (876) 402-9301

To listen/download songs from Higher Purse: http://www.reverbnation.com/higherpurse

 To listen/download songs from Karamanti: http://www.reverbnation.com/karamanti

Reggae singer Higher Purse talks about the success he is having from his recent release entitled “the old school riddim”. The album features some solid young artists such as Karamanti, Rage, Higher Purse as well as big names like Natural Black and Natty King. It is available for download on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-school-riddim-compilation/id405952992

Canadian based music Promotion Company with branches in Jamaica and New York starts off 2011 with a fierce mix CD. The mix features some of the biggest names in Reggae/Dancehall such as Maxi Priest, Freddie McGregor, Natural Black, Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul and several others. As well as some of the young outstanding emerging artists like Karamanti, Rage, Higher Purse and Smokie Benz.

The mix was done by UK’s own King-Arts, also known as DJ #1. Being a DJ from the UK, the rhythms selected were those that have and is getting good rotation on radio and in clubs that side of the world. Rhythms on display on The Taxi Driver Mix CD are; Trucka Riddim, Old Iron Riddim, Bullet Riddim, Preview Riddim, Tour Riddim, Old School Riddim, Mad Kick Riddim and Forever Riddim.

All the tracks presented were attention grabbers in Europe in 2010 and will more than likely carry over into 2011. The Taxi Driver Mix CD can be downloaded absolutely free and is guaranteed not to disappoint. Unlike other mix CDs, there is no need to skip any tracks, one through eighty will satisfy the listener.

DOWNLOAD LINK:  http://www.mediafire.com/?25j5n1q2z3o3ai5

Fresh from his tour in the State of Florida, and having a number one compilation under his belt (Old School Riddim), the CEO of Russcuttaz Music has decided to raise the bar higher. On November 25^th 2010, Russcuttaz Music released “The Old School Riddim” and captured the attention of reggae critics all over. The compilation got great reviews from reggae analysts in Dutch, Canada, Italy, America, France and Germany.

Wanting to capitalize on the attention he is receiving now, Higher Purse has decided to get right back in the studio to work on both his personal album, as well as a follow up compilation called “Poor Man Riddim”. Immediately upon his arrival to Jamaica he began to put plans in place for his new compilation, which is scheduled to be out in February 2011. He has announced that on this new project he will approach more established and even some veteran artists, and fans can expect better quality and over all production. 

Higher Purse has also put plans in place to sign album deals with dancehall artists, Karamanti and Rage, as well as reggae singer, LeAnn Wright. What this means is that each artists will release albums on Russcuttaz label at some point over the next year and a half.

Link to listen to the “Old School Riddim”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPURNUDU_pM

Link to purchase the “Old School Riddim”: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-school-riddim-compilation/id405952992