Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige will be releasing her 14th studio album on April 28th, 2017. The record is titled “Strength of a Woman” and it features the hit song, “Love Yourself” (a collaboration done with hip-hop artist and producer Kanye West).
You can pre-order “Strength of a Woman” now from all major digital music platforms via the following link https://maryjblige.lnk.to/SOAWYD
The Queen is back!
The current raining king of hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar, just released the official video for his track, “Humble.”
Many in the hip-hop world are calling it a diss track and some are frantically trying to figure out who he is targeting. Regardless if it’s a diss track or not, the fact is the message is very relevant and one that all artists need to heed.
The Riddimentary series returns with 17 of the most influential and inspiring songs from The Greensleeves/ VP Records catalogue selected by Suns Of Dub. The CD, vinyl LP and Digital Albums will be in stores on April 28, 2017.
Suns Of Dub is a DJ/live musician collective blending the traditions of the roots/ rockers and Soundsystem culture, incorporating many different emerging forms of Dub related bass heavy music. The core performers are Ras Jammy, Jah Bami, and Addis Pablo (son of Melodica/Dub reggae legend Augustus Pablo.) The Riddimentary mix is a DJ set with live vocals, Melodica, steel pan, live dubbing and other live instruments.
Suns of Dub productions and remixes have received support from David Rodigan & Mary Anne Hobbs leading to live studio performances on BBC 1XTRA & BBC 6 with Cerys Matthews. This summer, Suns of Dub will performing at Boomtown Festival in England. They have also performed at; International Dub Gathering in Spain, Asa-Giri Jam in Japan, and have supported Skrillex and Diplo in performance.
Make your way down memory lane and reminisce with dancehall star Elephant Man.
Produced under his own imprint label, Energygod Productions, “Memory Lane” is out now on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and others. Distributed by 21st Hapilos Digital.
Thousands will meet at RFK Stadium festival grounds in Washington, D.C. on April 22nd to celebrate the end to prohibition during a full day of music, food, culture and activism at the 2nd Annual National Cannabis Festival.
Confirmed artists includes: Talib Kweli, Kenyatta Hill, The Pharcyde, Backyard Band, Reesa Renee and several others.
RSVP for updates and join the official Facebook Events Page for additional info.
Jill Scott has just announced a new set of 2017 Summer tour dates. After more than one year since the release of Scott’s fifth successful studio album, WOMAN, the R&B songstress gears up to hit the road – opening up her first show on June 23rd in Hampton, Virginia at the Hampton Coliseum.
The 25 city tour trek will make stops through Baltimore, New Orleans, New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles and more – wrapping up August 18th in Temecula, CA. Jill is set to perform music from her latest album, WOMAN, along with her classic hits.
Tickets are available for purchase via Ticket Master by clicking here.
The media launch for the upcoming Groovin event was a pleasant harbinger of things to come at Roy Wilkins Park on June 25 2017.
Using the event to announce the headline acts for the upcoming summer show, the party atmosphere climbed palpably with the revelation of each headline act. In a move perhaps inspired by the One World Ska & Rock Steady Festival held in Jamaica in 2016 to laud 50 years of that Jamaican musical genre, the production team behind the Groovin brand have decided to showcase the veteran artists. I’msure the blistering performances at both the World Ska & Rock Steady Festival and Rebel Salute made it easy for the team to select their performers of choice.
The first artist to appear, Freddie ‘the Captain’ McGregor seemed to have divested himself of his trademark waist length locks, but looked leaner and lighter. With a gleam in his eye he expressed his happiness at being chosen as one of four headline pioneer reggae acts gracing the Groovin stage this year. The next icon, Leroy Sibbles bounced in like a happy kid, wearing an all white casual outfit, theone thing in common with all the artists is their longevity and years of service. Collectively, their contribution to the reggae industry totals more than 150 years! Rounding out the trio of performers present, the debonair Ken Boothe, glowing and color coordinated with his wife of over 40 years ever present by his side, sitting quietly, soaking up the atmosphere. Providing a seamless transition between live interaction with the artists and their recordings, kudos to broadcaster Ras Clem for turningup the party vibes.
Ibo Cooper, founding member of legendary band Third World was on hand to provide a teaser of what makes this Groovin so special. Undoubtedly Reggae music hits its pinnacle of recognition and acceptance with its fusion of a Philharmonic Orchestra, the late John Holt and Freddie McGregor have had the pleasure of performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, so Groovin has pulled out all stops in harnessing the power of a the Reggae Symphonic Orchestra, branded as GITPRSO (Groovin inThe Park Reggae Symphonic Orchestra) – reggae purists and lovers will be in for a treat June 25 2017. Legendary band leader and singer in his own right, Lloyd Parks performs with his We The People Bandto provide the ‘official’ reggae flava to the more formal orchestral sound.
Tarrus Riley also appears on the Groovin stage this year and the RnB component comes from Robert ‘Pied Piper’ Kelly aka R. Kelly. Those fans who anticipated his appearance in 2012 will hopefully turnout to see him perform hits like ‘In the Closet’, ‘Step in the Name of Love’, and the iconic ‘I Believe I can Fly’. Rounding out the announcements, members of the Lenox Road Baptist Church were on hand to give a small slice of the spiritual food they will offer on the day.
No female performers were announced at this media launch – let’s hope this oversight will be speedily resolved – especially since we are still celebrating the feminine gender for Women’s History month.
As a lover of ska and rock steady, I’m already anticipating the summer and June 25 in particular.
