DJ Kool G & DJ Matches Create New Reggae/Dancehall Record Label ‘Innovation Muzik’ (@InnovationMuzik)

In October 2020, While many of us were focused on the global pandemic, two Jamaican-American selectors: Garfield Lewin aka DJ Kool G and DJ Matches, were busy laying the foundation for their new record label, Innovation Muzik. The company, which will be laser focused on creating high quality reggae and dancehall music, though operating primarily out of the U.S., will work with known and respected Jamaican artists, producers and musicians. 

Both men are approaching this new venture with the belief that by partnering their unique strengths they will make Innovation Muzik a force to be reckoned with. Their very first project will be a Tarrus Riley single, titled “Be Great,” that’s scheduled for release later this month. It will be followed by a full rhythm-driven project that will feature top-tier artists like Queen Ifrica, Luciano and a host of others.

As someone who is credited for breaking records for artists like T Pain, Pitbull, Eminem, Trick Daddy, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Flo-rida, DJ Khaled and others, DJ Kool G is hoping he can transfer that energy to the songs on his label. For his part, DJ Matches, who has a strong work ethic and a can-do approach to everything, is very optimistic about the upcoming projects on Innovation Muzik.

Lila Iké & Sevana Have Been Added To The Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival’s Lineup (@LilaIkeJa @callmesevana)

As the dates draw closer the organizers of the upcoming ‘Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival‘ are now fine-tuning the event’s lineup to ensure that it will live up to the hype being built in anticipation of the show’s return.

They have recently added both Lila Iké & Sevana to the program, which will also feature performances from Richie Stephens, Tessellated, Jah9 and American-Cuban singer-songwriter Jon Secada. The virtual event will take place from Thursday, January 28th through to Saturday, January 30th.

Talib Kweli To Release Book “Vibrate Higher”

Talib Kweli Greene, the Brooklyn MC who is also one half of the duo Black Star, has announced that he will be releasing his first book this year (2021). The body of work is being called “Vibrate Higher,” with the subtitle “A Rap Story.”

No official release date or publisher were given.

Rebel Salute 2021 Will Be Staged Virtually On January 15th & 16th

The 28th staging of Tony Rebel‘s annual Rasta festival, Rebel Salute, will be held this weekend, Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th, 2021.

Like all other recently held major concerts it will be done virtually, streaming on both the event’s official website and social media platforms.

Unfortunately, they have not announced the lineup, but they are promising a good show.

Marvia Providence, Keesa Peart & Others Confirmed For Virtual Benefit Concert On Jan. 30th

On Saturday, January 30th, CKR Ministries will present a virtual benefit concert to aid abused and victimized youths in Jamaica.

This event will feature performances from Marvia Providence, Keesa Peart, DJ Nicholas, Tevaun Brown and several other gospel artists. The show, which is being hosted by Crystal Reid, will begin streaming online at 8 PM EST.

Persons are encouraged to make a donation at spurropen dot com / ckrministries.

The Notorious DJ Kool G’s Bio

Garfield Lewin, better known as The Notorious DJ Kool G, is a mix show deejay, music producer and songwriter, who is also co-owner of the recently formed Innovation Muzik record label.

His musical career began in Miami, Florida, which is where he started out as both a MC and selector. The Notorious DJ Kool G is an original founding member of what is arguably one of Florida’s biggest reggae-dancehall sound system, The Waggy Tee Sound. While working with Waggy Tee he generated a huge following that has remained with him to this day. In his early days, he played in a couple of legendary concerts; one worth mentioning is the “Buju Banton Waggy Tee Kool G Bahamas Concert,” which took place in the early 90’s and was the largest reggae-dancehall show on the island, pulling in an estimated fifteen thousand people to the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center.

Another remarkable feat was the legendary 90ʼs sound clash between Bodyguard Sound and Waggy Tee Sound, at which Kool G was representing Waggy Tee. This event drew over 5000 people to the Mahi Temple in Miami, Florida. Waggy Tee Sound ended up winning that competition and was awarded the crown as “King Waggy Tee.” DJ Kool G was also instrumental in attracting an annual crowd of well over four thousand people to the Ruins Restaurant in Ocho Rios for Jamaica’s yearly independence celebrations.

Kool G took over the Miami club scene and became known as the go to DJ to pack nightclubs and keep people dancing. In 1998 he began working at one of Miami’s foremost urban radio Station, 99JAMZ, where he remained for approximately fourteen years. Kool G, through his skills as a DJ, has supported the careers of various Platinum entertainers, while simultaneously creating close relationships with most of the major record labels. He is especially recognized for breaking some of the top hit records from artists like: T Pain, Pitbull, Eminem, Trick Daddy, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Flo-rida, DJ Khaled and others. He has been formerly recognized and has received many Platinum and Gold Plaques for breaking records on major radio. DJ Kool G has been acknowledged and credited as one of Miamiʼs top DJ in both the Source Magazine and Hip-Hop Weekly.

Today, The Notorious DJ Kool G is committed to his works at Innovation Muzik label, which is focused on reggae and dancehall music. He also works with team Innovation International Sound each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night on Caribbean FM Radio in Miami.

Jazmine Sullivan’s “Heaux Tales” Is Out Now! (@jsullivanmusic)

Jazmine Sullivan‘s highly anticipated album, “Heaux Tales,” is now available on all music platforms. The fourteen-track project is a combination of both songs and narratives; with a theme centered around women’s independence and empowerment.

As it relates to features, there are collaborations with Anderson .Paak, H.E.R. and Ari Lennox. Click here to stream and download “Heaux Tales” from your preferred digital music store.