Rapper Drake pulled out all the stops at his latest staging of the OVO festival (held in Toronto) this year. The artist brought out some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B and had the audience going crazy the entire time. Some of the acts that graced the stage are YG, DJ Khaled, J. Cole, Jhene Aiko, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Trey Songz, Usher, Tinashe and Ms. Lauryn Hill among others.
MJMagazine had the opportunity to speak to some supporters of the event and everyone seems to be impressed with the surprise performance of Ms Lauryn Hill who they say “killed it”. Here is a small clip of her performance at the festival.
Conscious hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco just dropped the brand new video for his track “next to it” which features Ty Dolla Sign. Since the release of the video some of Lupe’s fans have been expressing disappointment with claims that the rapper has sold out.
After carefully reviewing the video, we here at MJMagazine thinks it is a smart strategic move by Lupe Fiasco and his team as they seem to be doing things to ensure that the artist stays relevant. Anyone with knowledge of hip-hop life and culture who carefully listens to the song will see that Lupe Fiasco is still “keeping it real”, the message has not changed.
“Gimme Di Trees” is best described as full of vibes and reflects on Natural Black versatility, while the self explanatory lyrics give an insight in the artist forethought and vehemence. The video featuring a cameo by reggae artist Prestige Pressout was filmed on location in Jamaica and edited by critically acclaimed Upsetta Films.
Natural Black would like to recognize and give thanks, he stated “This was also made possible to the assist of Delroy “King Dada” Ferguson that sadly passed away recently. First and foremost I would like to Give Thanks to the Creator of all things, Tasz Smith, Shaggillia Records, Frenz Fi Real “It Real”, Prestige Pressout with a doubt for giving us a cameo, RedBoom, Kasha, Hunage, Wayzi, Lovie, Arrayma, Wasps Records, Upsetta Films” You know what you did… You were AWESOME to work with”, the late King Dada and all guys & girls from August ‘Keep the Peace, Live and be Happy’ and the Triple T Production Team.”
The combination of humility, charm, vibrant, passion for music, respectfulness and appreciation for life and the universe, are only some of the facets of Anaicon’s personality that appeals to anyone who comes in contact with him.
Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, Anaicon is a Rastafarian who accepted his name through divine revelation. He has been called to utilize his talents to create and perform Reggae Music for the edification and upliftment of not only the oppressed and those claiming African descent, but for anyone that can hear and perceive.
Anaicon entered the Magnum Kings and Queens Talent competition in 2013 where he was a formidable and impressionable contestant. He advanced to the “Face Off” where he was eliminated due to his positive lyrical content as he does not believe in or support artist bashing each other in the name of music.
After his appearance on Magnum Kings and Queens, he approached Osujah Records to prepare demos but was instead welcomed and embraced and made a part of their musical family. At Osujah he found the portal to launch his music to the world. He is now signed with that label.
By all accounts, the Afro-Caribbean Festival in Bredene Belgium was a HUGE SUCCESS! Inner Circle brought the Roots Rock Reggae sound to a crowd of over 7,000 people! The band was the headline act at the festival on the European Leg of their One Love Reggae Revolution Tour.
The tour Continues all through August with dates in Russia, Portugal, Lithuania, & other regions. For more information log on to http://www.BadBoysofReggae.com
Aug. 14th | Club Vagonka | Kaliningrad, Russia
Aug. 15th | Karkle Festival | Karkle, Lithuania
Aug. 16th | Club Amigo | Talinn, Estonia
Aug. 23rd | Rototom Festival | Benicassim, Spain
Aug. 27th | Festa di Radio Onda d’Urto | Brescia, Italy
Aug. 28th | Festival do Crato | Crato, Portugal
Aug. 29th | Festival da Povoação | Sao Miguel, Acores Islands, Portugal
Roots artist Likkle Lightning’s music is just what many say is missing from Jamaica’s airwaves today. MJMagazine caught up with him recently to get his thoughts on why his music is not received by a wider audience especially because he is creating exactly what the masses say is needed.
MJMagazine: Where is Likkle Lightning based?
Likkle Lightning: My home base is Negril, Jamaica but I spend most of my time in New York , NY or Birmingham, AL USA. Wherever the music takes me, I’ll be there.
MJMagazine: A lot of hardcore reggae lovers are not familiar with Likkle Lightning, why do you think that is?
Likkle Lightning: Although I have been writing and performing songs for quite some time, I never had the opportunity to work with a promotion company before. Presence on the internet is now so important and it’s only recently that I have entered the “digital” age. I am so happy now that my music has spread so far and the response has been so positive.
MJMagazine: Your style of reggae is very different what inspires your lyrical content and delivery style?
Likkle Lightning: My inspiration comes from Jah Almighty God and the events in my life so far. I grew up in Kingston and it could have been easy to enter the gang life to escape poverty but I was lucky to move to live on a farm with my grandparents as a youth and learn the better way of working hard on the good earth to support a family. My “delivery style” is the natural way of life for me, being positive and hopefully uplifting others out of the bad side.
MJMagazine: “Want to keep the faith, lightning can’t get a break”, what exactly did you mean when you say that line in the song Temptation?
Likkle Lightning: I wanted to try to get across that all my life I have tried to stay positive despite difficulties. “Want to keep the faith” – I want to believe things will be better with the help of Jah. “Lightning can’t get a break” – something ALWAYS goes wrong! Never give up.
MJMagazine: We understand that you produce your own music; does that mean you actually play the instruments as well?
Likkle Lightning: Unfortunately, no. I never had the chance to learn instruments. What happens is that I go in the studio with my lyrics and my ideas for music, then work with some of the best musicians to put everything together. Luckily, Tuff Gong studios in Kingston was where I produced my current songs and I had the opportunity to work with great Jamaican musicians and a great sound engineer, Roland McDermott.
MJMagazine: Most culture artist will say that they are on a mission with their music, do you feel that way about your music and if so what would be your mission?
Likkle Lightning: I am definitely on a mission with my music. What I want to do is to show people that life can be good if we use love to change things rather than violence. Give up guns and drugs and embrace nature and God. If I can do that in a way that entertains and makes people happy as well, that’s absolutely great.
MJMagazine: What has been your worst experience as an artist to date?
Likkle Lightning: My worst experience was in my starting days. I was confirmed to perform and stood at the side waiting to go onstage but the MC never called me on. Not being able to share my music dashed my dreams that day, but that experience makes it even better now when I do get to perform. And I’ll make sure that never happens to anyone who is a supporting act for me!
MJMagazine: What has been your best experience as an artist to date?
Likkle Lightning: Again, there was an incident a long time ago. King Yellowman was having a show in Negril, Jamaica and I met him and asked if he would let me do one song on his show. He DID! Now, I just enjoy every time I get to perform and interact with the audience.
MJMagazine: Anything you want to share before we close?
Likkle Lightning: I would just like to give thanks to Jah for allowing me to share my music and spread my message. It is an exciting time for me! I also so much want to thank friends and colleagues who have helped me along the way and are still helping me. Special thanks to supporters who listen to my music and especially to those that accept the gift that God gave me to turn people from destruction into glory. Blessings! Jah live.
UK’s selector Ras Fire Bones who has developed a reputation of promoting only conscious music has delivered a powerful mix tape with songs from all the female warriors in the Reggae/Dancehall industry. Fittingly, the project is entitled THE WARRIESS EDITION VOL 1 MIXTAPE 2014.
Below is a list of all tracks featured in the mix and persons may listen and download directly from hulkshare http://www.hulkshare.com/rasmuzikproductions/the-warriess-edition-vol-lava-mixtape-rmp-2014
1 Special Black Woman-Simple D
2 Place In Your Heart(Live)-Nikesha Barnes
3 Not Giving Up-Khalilah Rose
4 Zion’s Lullaby Interlude-Khalilah Rose
5 Zion Chant-Judy Mowatt
6 Fight Dem A Fight-Black Voice
7 Mama Afrika-Iyatah Safari
8 To Be Free-Misshigh
9 Ready For The World-Michelle Gordon
10 Wake Up-Kelissa
11 Stand For Something-Keida
12 A Long Time Poets A Write-Cherry Natural
13 Mountain View-Cherry Natural
14 Wah Dat Fah-Cherine
15 Jungle-Jah 9
16 World Needs Love-RuffiAnn
17 Trigger-Etana
18 Mr Gunman-Simple D
19 First Commandment-Lady G
20 Wake Up-Minori
21 Blood Shed-Tenza
22 Bun Andrew & Portia-Karamanti
23 Equal Rights & Justice-Tuff Like Iron
24 Bible Or The Gun-Tanya Stephens
25 No Make Them Get You Down-Simple D
26 Irie Vibes-Latty J
27 No Call The Police-Ishabel
28 Wise Up-Lady Flame
29 Build Up-Lady Flame
30 Build Up Dubplate-Lady Flame
31 Thank You Mama-Lady Flame
32 Family Meeting-Queen Ifrica
33 Domestic Abuse-Karamanti
34 African Woman-Ishabel
35 Woman-Nikki Burt
36 Woman War-Sista Cassie
37 Woman Of Virtue-Sista Beloved
38 Black Woman-Judy Mowatt
39 Deh Pon Dem-The Soulettes
40 Tell Me Now-Marcia Griffths
41 Dream Land-Della Humphries
42 War No Right-Denise Darlington
43 Frenemies-K Vibes
44 No Bother With No Fuss-Angela Prince
45 Consider Me-Jennifer Lara
46 Jah Jah-Minori
47 Don’t Lose Yourself-Mamadee
48 Nah Mek Dem Bring Me Down-Empress Ayeola
49 Dem A Go Sorry-Uwimana
50 Failure-Moeish
Outro Jah 9
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 