In early June Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage returned to live, in-person performances. That being said, on Sunday, August 22nd, they will host hip-hop artists Common and Rapsody, alongside legendary DJ Pete Rock.
This will be held at Central Park (Rumsey Playfield) in Manhattan, New York from 6 to 10 PM local time. Tickets, which are now available for $35 USD can be purchased HERE.
At a press briefing held last evening, Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness issued a list of tighter restrictions aimed at combating the spread of the corona virus. The new regulations will go in effect on August 11th, 2021.
The updated curfew hours during the week, Monday to Friday, will be 7PM to 5AM the following morning. On Saturdays it will be 6PM to 5AM and on Sundays it’s 2PM to 5AM. Additionally, all events, large and small, are strictly prohibited.
These new measures will be in effect until the end of August (31st).
On Sunday, August 29th, Image Miami – The Int’l Music Festival, will be held at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (located at 4020 Virginia Beach Drive) in Miami, Florida. Starting time is 2 PM.
This event, which is being hosted by Carla Henry, will have music by DJ Don Hot, Walshyfire, Nasheen Fire and Dunrich World Sound. Additionally, there will be a live performance by soca king Bunji Garlin. Click here for tickets.
In 1996 Lauryn Hill and Nas collaborated on the mega hit song If I Ruled The World, which was featured on Nas‘ album, It Was Written. The two recently joined forces again, this time on his newest LP, King’s Disease II. The new tune is titled Nobody and unlike what she did in 96, Hill is all bars on this track.
Lauryn Hill took time to address several things that persons have been saying about her in the media, and she did it with class, style and an irresistible flow. The record has the global hip-hop community talking and breaking down her lyrics word for word. See her full verse below.
All my time has been focused on my freedom now
Why would I join ‘em when I know that I can beat ‘em now
They put their words on me
And they can eat ‘em now
That’s probably why they keep on tellin’ me I’m needed now
They tried to box me out while takin’ what they want from me
I spent too many years living too uncomfortably
Making room for people who didn’t like the labor
Or wanted the spoils, selfish behavior
Now let me give it to you balanced and with clarity
I don’t need to turn myself into a parody
I don’t do the sh*t you do for popularity
They clearly didn’t understand when I said I get out apparently
My awareness like Keanu in The Matrix
I’m savin’ souls and yall complainin’ ‘bout my lateness
Now it’s illegal for someone to walk in greatness
They want the same but they don’t take risks
Now the world will get to see it’s own reflection
And the anointed can pursue their own direction
And if you’re wrong and you’re too proud to hear correction
Walk into the hole you dug yourself f*ck a projection
See me in my freedom taking all my land back
They sent a lot against me thinking I’d just stand back
I got my legs beneath me, I got my hands back
A lotta people sabotaged they couldn’t stand that
I turned the other cheek, I took blow after blow
There’s so much crisis in the world ‘cuz you reap what you sow
When you keep what you know is meant for someone else
The ditch you dig for them you must just end up in yourself
I’m in the secret place
I keep a sacred space
They keep showin’ their hands, but keep hidin’ their face
If I’m a messenger you block me then you block the message
So aggressive, the world you made is what you’re left with
Pride and ego over love and truth is living reckless
Yall n*ggas got a death wish, the stupid leaves me breathless
International dancehall artist Red Rat will be performing at Saint Sabestian, located at 86 Father Salem Drive in Ansonia, Connecticut, on Saturday, September 11th. He will be joined by emerging dancehall talent Dre Blunt, who is also scheduled to do a set.
The men will be supported by Famous Int’l, Force Ripe and other music selectors. As this is an all inclusive dinner and dance, patrons are being encouraged to come out early to partake in the banquet before the show begins.
On Friday, August 6th, Xana Romeo, the daughter of reggae legend Max Romeo, released her album The Roots Of X. The project has nine tracks, with guest appearances by Azizzi Romeo, Addis Pablo and Max Romeo; and it comes to us courtesy of the Charmax Music and Xana Romeo Music labels.
As one would expect from the off-spring of an established reggae artist, this record is professionally produced from start to finish. And as the name implies, it is indeed 100% authentic roots reggae music that’s loaded with both inspirational and conscious messages. Xana uses each song to highlight several important, and in some cases controversial topics.
She appropriately begins the album with Holy (track 1); which is a three minutes and thirty-nine seconds declaration about who she is and to whom she belongs. Xana then takes listeners to Africa on track number two, as she sings about the many issues and challenges still facing the continent. The Roots Of X has something for everyone: herb smokers, lovers, ghetto youths, lost souls etc.
That being said, there is an underline consistent thread running throughout the entire record, and that is one of righteousness. Those familiar with Xana‘s previously released single, Born In Sin (which is now #9 on the album) should know that most of the songs have that same energy, feel and vibe.
Usually when I write these reviews I would select a couple of tracks that really standout to me and then I would go into details about those particular songs. However, in this case I think that all the songs are really good and each should be listened to, digested and appreciated for what it is.
If I had to rate The Roots Of X out of 10 I would give it 12. Therefore, if you love reggae music I strongly recommend that you buy this record and add it to your playlist. See track listing below.
Download and stream The Roots Of X from your preferred music platform: https://lnk.to/XanaRomeo
The PRYDE Foundation, which is a 501c3 non-profit organization that offers mentorship, technical training and career development resources to at-risk youth, has awarded a financial scholarship to Jamaican student Rodget Faith Hylton.
Ten year old Hylton, who comes from a low income family, was referred to the institution as an ideal candidate for both mentorship and monetary aid. In an interview, the head of The PRYDE Foundation, Lafayette Hamilton, stated that “they don’t normally take on students at Rodget’s age, but based on her circumstances an exception was made.”
In addition to the financial assistance that she will receive, Rodget will also get ongoing counselling from members of The PRYDE Foundation; as the overall objective is to help her to become a better person in life.
Because the organization is based in Houston, Texas, they have assigned the ambassadorship role to dancehall recording artist Karamanti, who will be awarding the scholarship to Rodget’s mother in Kingston, Jamaica this month.
