Roots reggae singer Mark Dyer, better known by his stage name “Warrior King” has announced the release of his fifth studio album, his first in four years, entitled “The Rootz Warrior”. The album will be distributed digitally by Zojak World Wide and available on iTunes in February 2016.

“Rootz Warrior”, also the name of Warrior Kings company, was a three-year project executive produced by the Rootz Warrior label alongside Irie Sounds International and features 15 total tracks (one being a “bonus track”). The album will include collaborations with artists like Beres Hammond and Richie Spice with production by Colin ‘Bulby’ York, Walboomers Music from The Netherlands and more.

You can stream a couple of the tracks via the following link.
https://soundcloud.com/warrior-king-922029274/moonlight-bright-1

King’s album comes just in time for his upcoming US tour which is already scheduled to make its way through California, Alabama, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Chicago, Pembroke and Bermuda.

Jan 24 Mozambique Club – Laguna Beach CA
Jan 27 Dub Club – Hollywood CA
Jan 29 Hacienda – Salinas CA
Jan 30 Moe’s Alley – Santa Cruz CA
Feb 06 BAA Gymnasium – Pembroke, Bermuda
Feb 10 Club Viva – St. Louis, MO
Feb 11 tba
Feb 12 Davey’s Uptown – Kansas City, MO
Feb 13 Classic Wheels – Huntsville, ALA
Feb 14 Wilebiski’s Saloon – St. Paul, MN
Feb 17 Old Town School – Chicago, IL
Feb 19 Wild Hare – Chicago IL

Everton “E-Dee” Dennis and Unseen Lab Recordings has released the music video for his single hit single, ”Where I Belong,” featuring reggae legend Glen Washington. The music video was shot in Los Angeles, California and the lyrics highlight the challenges of living in a system that puts the youth and minorities at risk of losing their lives in the hands of law enforcement.

The recently released Marley Riddim, from the St. Ann based record label, Osujah Records, is now available on iTunes and other digital platforms worldwide. Though all the songs were sent out to selectors at the end of 2015, the project was not placed in digital stores until January 18^th 2016.

The Marley Riddim was created by Markel ‘Papa-Linkie’ Cole for Osujah Records. It was mixed by both Papa-Linkie and Jakob Harley. It features Utan Greene, Ikonji, Lady Donna, Anaicon and others; and is being distributed by Zojak Worldwide Distribution. DJs who have not yet received a copy of the Marley Riddim may send an email to mariajacksonent@gmail.com for access to the promo download link, while members of the public may purchase it from iTunes via the following link: https://www.itunes.apple.com/album/marley-riddim/id1076358837

Since the early ‘70s, The Meditations have been preserving reggae music to its rightful glory. Their popularity was brewing long before becoming an actual group as they individually recorded and backed each other up vocally on solo projects.

‘Woman is Like a Shadow’ was originally recorded in 1974 at the legendary Channel One Studio in Kingston, JA, but it wasn’t until 1976 when the song was originally released that the band solidified and became an actual group. That song was extremely popular in the Dancehalls and sold like crazy on dubplates, propelling The Meditations to the top of the music charts. Other songs they released such as ‘Running From Jamaica’, ‘Turn Me Loose’ and ‘Fly Natty Dread,’ completely took over the airwaves. Their renowned harmonic signature sound was in heavy demand throughout Jamaica and the U.K.

The Meditations continue to perform their classical hits globally while also recording new music to keep the people skanking. Pushing the Rastafarian Movement forward, they continue to pave the way for many up-and-coming roots-reggae artists. Through perseverance and commitment to the music, the lead singer and producer, Ansel Cridland, has kept the legacy of the group going strong, and this year, The Meditations present…’Jah Always Find A Way’

This is what Ansel had to say about their new release: “For over 40 years we’ve been transforming our thoughts into tangible expressions of our environment. These thoughts have led to many songs over the years: songs of love and happiness and songs of sadness about the harsh realities of life. After all these years we still have so much to say, so now we proudly present to the world a brand-new album entitled, ‘Jah Always Find A Way’. It has a timeless feel to it. I say so because some of the songs were recorded eight years ago, but never released until now and they are as relevant as ever. Most of the recordings were done in Kingston, Jamaica, in Harry J Studio Mixing Lab and One Pop Studio. The newly recorded tracks were done at Heavy Beat Recording Studio in Miami, Florida and Subliminal Warfare Studios in Margate, Florida and mixed by Willie Lindo and Kashief Lindo at Heavy Beat Studio.

Great musicians like Sly Dunbar, Sidney Mills, Barnabas, Lloyd Parks, Derrick Barnett, Bubbler, Dwight Pinkney, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Simone Gordon, Michael Gayle, Ansel Collins, the late Philip Smart, the late Ranchie McLean and the late Gladstone Anderson, and so many others, have contributed their time and energy to make this album so special. It’s for everyone, especially those seeking that original sound of a time in reggae music when the instruments were live and direct and the love of the music came first.

Our goal was to always be true to self and to the people on a global scale. From the strum of the guitars to the beating of the drums, the message is quite clear: Roots Rock Reggae will forever be here!! We stand with the people and they stand with us. We strive to be the voice of the voiceless. We put our hearts into everything we do. From recording to performing, we want you to be more than just entertained, we want you to be inspired and motivated. So as we also say, let’s stand in love and remember that ‘Jah Always Find A Way’…

All praise to the Most High JAH and give thanks to Danny Clarke & Winston Watson and the great work we’ve done together. And to all the musicians and the fans, family & friends, more life and good Reggae Music.”

Link to purchase album: http://www.meditationsmusic.com

The official video for “my dream,” which was shot in Jamaica, captivates the audience from the onset with a breath taking view of the Caribbean Sea. Nesbeth is shown with a Jamaican flag draped around his shoulders on a picturesque cliff-top. This is a scene that is bound to evoke feelings of nostalgia in Jamaicans living abroad. The video develops with scenes of the snazzily dressed artist performing in his hometown, and the upscale areas of Kingston- offering a perfect juxtaposition of his life then and now.

The video, directed by RD Studios, captures the essence of the song with scenes of several individuals who have overcome challenges to become successful. One scene shows a youngster shunned by his peers when he wanted to participate in a race, but later becomes a champion athlete. Another scene features a Rastafarian who was, at one time, selling coconut water, but later becomes a successful business man selling bottled coconut water.