Anthony Cruz Responds To The Success Of “Leave The Door Open” (@JahCruz @Tadsrecord)

At the beginning of October, reggae singer Anthony Cruz – in collaboration with Tad’s Record – shared his rendition of Silk Sonic‘s mega hit song: Leave The Door Open. Since its release, the lover’s-rock tune has taken off considerably with ongoing spins on both traditional and digital radio.

Shortly after the holidays I reached out to Cruz to get his feedback on the success of the record, and to learn what drove him to do it. See below our full conversation.

What made you want to remake “Leave the door open”?
Hey Maria what’s up? Yes man well basically when I first heard the song it just brought me right back to where the music is suppose to be as far as like R&B, the soulful music that we use to listen to back in the 80s… dem time deh when you had like soul train and the big singers a sing the big love songs and man and woman a meet and greet and a go pan dates and a fall in love. 

So when I heard it I just knew I had to sing that song over. I just fell in love with the song. I listen that song over and over and over; it’s a song that just win me. You know Jamaicans right across the world, Caribbean people love a good cover version so I had to lick dat one in reggae.

Here in Jamaica the song is always on radio. How do you feel about all the support it’s getting?
It’s doing really good, people loving it and it’s just soaring. We have a video for it out now that’s right across social media getting a lot of love and support; Hype TV; yu know, all over the world man, beautiful song – it’s well done.

The riddim was made by Kashief Lindo, HeavyBeat up in Florida. The background was Lymie Murray and you know me deh pan di lead so it was a beautiful combination as far as putting that track together and we have a few more like that we looking forward to release to also.

I know you have been working with Tad’s Record for some time now but can you talk about the initial link up regardless of how far back it goes? and Is there any future collaboration with Tad’s Record in the works?
Ye man we have a whole lot of… a matter of fact I have two albums weh me do aready with Tad’s enno. One is a tribute to Daddy U-Roy where I got the opportunity to sing over a lot of the songs he chanted back in the days for example I’m a Rebel, Queen Majesty; yu know dem song deh weh me grow up pan. So me get a chance fi sing dem song deh and den mi put some dj pan all a dem and collab dem and do a tribute album to him.

And we also have a album, a solo album that’s finish… we don’t have a name for it yet; we just a watch di vibes and ting; it soon release man yu know. We have a whole lot of work doing with Tad’s man. Very good to work with; very easy and dem know good quality music so makes it fun yu know.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN” REGGAE REMIX

Portable’s “ZaZoo Zehh” Is Captivating The Youths In 9JA

Emerging Nigerian artist Portable, who is also known as Portable Omolalomi, currently has one of the biggest trending songs in the country: ZaZoo Zehh. The record is done in collaboration with Poco Lee and YBNL Nation’s boss Olamide.

Zazu Zehh is a street term, which generally refers to hustling and making things happen. Sadly, these are usually negative things. Nonetheless, the record has taken off like wild fire and the recently released video is following suit. Click here or on the image above to check it out.

RnB Rewind Nashville Returns This Friday! (@BrdgstoneArena)

One of Tennessee’s biggest annual rhythm and blues events – RnB Rewind Nashville – returns this Friday, January 14! The popular concert is set to take place at the Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway) in Nashville, Tennessee.

This year’s lineup includes: Charlie Wilson, Boyz II Men, Monica, Ginuwine, Jagged Edge, Soul For Real, Ruff Endz and Rome. RnB Rewind Nashville is presented by Bobby Dee, Snoop Dogg and Justin Romo. Click here for tickets and additional information.

Fabolous Confirmed For Larry Morrow’s Birthday Celebration This Weekend (@myfabolouslife)

Popular event organizer and business man, Larry Morrow, will be keeping what is essentially a three-day birthday party this weekend.

The all black affair will commence on Friday at The Basement At Thirteen (1911 Bagby Street) in Houston; and will wrap up on Sunday at the Sekai Night & Day Club (1505 Saint Emanuel St) with a live performance from hip-hop heavyweight Fabolous.

The weekend’s full itinerary, which includes complete lineup, locations, tickets etc. is available here.

Jamaica’s Curfew Hours Will Remain In Effect Until January 28

Earlier today in parliament, Jamaica’s Prime Minister – Andrew Holness – told the country that: “curfew Hours will remain from 10PM nightly to 5AM the following morning until 5AM on January 28, 2022. All the other measures will also remain unchanged.”

JC Lodge, Boris Gardiner, Ernie Smith & Others Will Join Pluto Shervington In Florida On Feb. 12

On Saturday, February 12, longtime reggae musician, singer, engineer and producer, Pluto Shervington, will share the stage with several legendary artists and bands at an event dubbed Pluto & Friends.

In addition to Shervington, the live reggae show will also feature performances from JC Lodge, Boris Gardiner, Ernie Smith, Third World and Chalice; with Code Red Band supporting the aforementioned individual acts.

Pluto & Friends will take place at the Sport of Kings Theatre in Gulfstream Park, which is located at 901 S Federal Hwy in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Showtime is 8pm! Get tickets here.

Anthony Malvo Hints At New Album (@amalvo)

Although it’s been a ruff couple of years for music creators and performers, 2022 may actually turn out to be a good one for music users. That is because of all the new albums that should be coming out over the next twelve month period.

That said, another long time reggae veteran has join the list of artists that are promising new albums this year. Anthony Malvo, via his social media platform, hinted that he’s working on a brand new LP. The post was made with the hashtag “Mature,” which may be the name of the upcoming project.