Iba Mahr, Freddie McGregor & Autarchii Confirmed For “Chant Down Baltimore”

After back-to-back postponements due to covid-19, Chant Down Baltimore is making its return on Saturday, June 25th. The free reggae music festival will be held at Carroll Park in Baltimore, Maryland; and as they have done in the past, they are asking attendees to bring a donation – canned goods, clothing or cash – to support Paul’s Place and The Baltimore Furniture Bank. Both are local non-profits helping marginalized residents in the city.

As this is the first concert since the pandemic, they have invited legendary reggae singer Freddie McGregor, trending sing-jay Iba Mahr and emerging artist Autarchii to perform. The artists will be supported by Derrick Barnett and The Statement Band.

This event was created in 2019 by WLOY Loyola Radio, I Never Knew TV and the Friends of Carroll Park.

Paul Patmore Production Releases 2nd Single From Jodian Pantry’s Upcoming EP

A few weeks after releasing the reggae remix of When I’m Back On My Feet AgainJodian Pantry – in collaboration with Paul Patmore Production – is sharing another single from her upcoming EP. 

The new record – a remake of Peter Tosh‘s Pick Myself Up – much like the first song, accurately captures Pantry‘s current state of mind. In some recent television interviews Jodian hinted at the tumultuous nature of her last relationship, while expressing her gratitude for having survived it (mentally, emotionally etc.). Although she did not come out and say it, viewers are left with the impression that the union was an abusive one.

That said, Jodian Pantry and her team have been choosing songs with an underline theme of survival, perseverance and persistence; and she’s been singing them as if they were her own. Fans and supporters are anticipating that the full EP, which is due out at the end of July, will be in the same vein.

DOWNLOAD “PICK MYSELF UP”

Jazmine Sullivan & Ari Lennox Will Join Summer Walker’s “A Hot Summer Night In LA” Concert

Scheduled for June 24th at Crypto dotcom Arena in Los Angeles, California, A Hot Summer Night In LA concert, which is curated by Summer Walker, will feature Ari Lennox, Saucy Santana, Joyce Wrice, Doechi, Alex Vaughn and special guest Jazmine Sullivan. The DJ will be Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta‘s Ché Mack.

The event is being done in partnership with Live Nation Urban. Tickets are on sale now.

Ernie Ranglin Talks About New Album With Dean Fraser “Two Colors” (@Tadsrecord)

On Friday, May 27th, Two Colors – the highly anticipated album from legendary musicians Dean Fraser and Ernie Ranglin – went live on all digital streaming platforms. The twelve-track instrumental project, which features reggae, ska, dub, mento etc., comes to us courtesy of Tad’s International Record.

In an effort to better understand the creative process, I reached out to Ernie Ranglin‘s agent – Dale Aslam – who facilitated a brief interview. See our conversation below. 

Maria Jackson:Can you talk about how you first connected with Dean Fraser? Was it through music or otherwise, and what was the experience like?

Ernie Ranglin:Through music. I was coming from a tour and he was among the group of people on the flight and someone asked him what he think about me and the answer that he gave them, you know, I appreciate it alot. And I think from there on I started to have a liking for him and I always watch his performance and I followed his works.

Maria Jackson:Have you ever collaborated with Dean before? 

Ernie Ranglin:Well yes. Not a whole lot but there are times when Floyd Lloyd Seivright had a thing going you know, and whenever there is anything that I could find as a section that could use a saxophone I would use him. 

Maria Jackson:Why “Two Colors”? How should Ernie Ranglin fans and Dean Fraser supporters interpret that title? Is there a hidden meaning?

Ernie Ranglin:Well Dean has his style and I have my style; that’s the colors. Well we are not really trying to show any difference we’re just trying to do things to make people feel happy and enjoy themself. That’s what we are focusing on.

Maria Jackson:The first single – De Ranglin – had reggae lovers all over the world anticipating the full album. Whose idea was it to have Big Youth on that track?

Ernie Ranglin:I don’t know; that was all Dean

Maria Jackson:Are the other songs similar in style to “De Ranglin,” or should persons looking to buy the album expect a very diverse project?

Ernie Ranglin: I think so because we have a variety of tunes so you know, we hope that it’s not something that people will get tired to listen to. It should be something that keeps them entertained.

Maria Jackson:What do you want listeners to take away from Two Colors after hearing the full LP?

Ernie Ranglin:Well to enjoy, and we hope that it could be a good memory for them

Maria Jackson:Any final words?

Ernie Ranglin: Well I hope that this will be the beginning of a very good set of things between Dean Fraser and myself.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “TWO COLORS”

KRS-One Will Be At Bushwick Collective’s Block Party This Weekend

The Bushwick Collective Block Party – now in it’s 11th year – is an annual art event that brings together graffiti, street-art, music, food trucks and local vendors to showcase the best of the community.

This year they have invited KRS-One to join in the festivities. He will be doing a set, with support from DJ Evil Dee and host D-Stroy. Bushwick Collective Block Party will run from 10am to 6pm on June 4th at 15 Scott Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. It is absolutely free for everyone.

Ajebo Hustlers & Fave Share New Song & Video “In Love” (@Ajebo_Hustlers)

Piego and Knowledge, collectively known as Ajebo Hustlers, have just dropped a new song and video titled In Love. It’s done in collaboration with emerging singer-songwriter Fave. Both audio and visuals went live on all streaming platforms on May 27th, courtesy of Avante Entertainment and The Plug Entertainment.

Artist To Watch: Elboe (@djelboe)

Elboe is an American hip-hop artist and producer, born and raised in the historical city of Birmingham, Alabama. Since the age of seven he showed interest in music by teaching himself to deejay; scratching and mixing his Dad’s old jazz and soul records.

As a producer, his influences include classic soul artist Curtis Mayfield and other musicians from the 70s. However, as an artist he is inspired by Ice Cube, Rakim and U.G.K. At age twelve he formed a duo with a neighborhood friend. It eventually turned into a group of three called The Mic Coalition, officially formed in 2009. Sadly, the union did not last.

As time progressed, he honed his skills and developed as a solo artist, and by 2018 he released his first single called Stay Shining. It was written, produced and arranged by Elboe. Also worth noting is the fact that Stay Shining was recorded at hip-hop mogul, producer and engineer Cory Mo‘s M.A.D. Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Cory‘s credits include U.G.K., TLC and Kanye West. Stay Shining has been featured 4 times in ATL’s top 20 Countdown and it’s currently in rotation on several digital radio, including weblazinhiphop dotcom, dirtysouthradioonline dotcom and PUSO 82.3 FM. To date it has garnered over 50,000 Spotify streams.

Elboe creates honest, authentic and edu-taining hip-hop music, with a distinct, unique voice that always captivates listeners. His current singles are Warrior and Royal Money. Both are available on all DSPs.

In addition to producing, writing and spitting rhymes, Elboe is also the host of The Bombz Musik Show, a TV program that showcases independent artists and entrepreneurs. It is filmed in Birmingham, Alabama and broadcasts throughout the State, airing as far as Philadelphia (Phillycam).