Spice Switches It Up For 2012

Dancehall artiste Spice is singing a new tune for 2012 in more ways than one. The dancehall diva who is usually known for her catchy dancehall rhymes, she has flipped the script and released the reggae single, Brand New Page as her first track for the year.

The reggae song which speaks from the point of view of someone who wishes to turn his life around, undoubtedly showcases Spice's vocal ability. Spice spoke in reference to the single which was produced by Blaqk Sheep Music on the Tropical Connection Riddim, "The song is basically talking about wrong-doers who want to make a big change in their lives and I specifically wrote it a first person narrative point of view, so that people can actually sing it as if it were their own story."

Spice who is known for her hit singles, Ramping Shop with Vybz Kartel, Slim Versus Fluffy, Jim Screechie, Hot Patty Wine and others, says she has not made a permanent switch to reggae and singing, but "music is art and art is about self-expression, and I always like to explore new and creative beats and genres to express myself. That way it remains fun and you don't become predictable."

Since persons can't predict what the spicy one may do next, she says, "The next single I can definitely tell persons to look out for which will be released at the end of this month is the hip hop track, Take Him Out alongside international singer, Mya.

It's also the single which we performed together at last year's Reggae Sumfest shortly after it was recorded. It is also the debut single from her new album, which came out last month, while the video will also be out at the end of this month. So there are a lot of things in store, some of which are international, but I'm not yet in a position to divulge too many details. Just watch out for 2012."

21st-Hapilos Celebrates Great 2011, Ready For 2012

After a phenomenal 2011 for the 21st-Hapilos team, plans are afoot to ensure an even more successful 2012.

Last year the Digital Distribution company saw a number of their clients' productions dominating the local and international airwaves, namely, the much-talked-about Over Proof Riddim by Ja Productions, Popcaan's Only Man She Want, produced by Sounique, the TJ Records-produced Party Shot (Ravin' Part 2) by Popcaan, Buju Banton's Set Up The Mic, produced by Young Blood / 21st-Hapilos, Boomshots Volume 1 by 21st-Hapilos, the Cardiac Strings Riddim by Zj Chrome, Ravin Vol. 1 by Adde productions and Chimney Records' Intensity Riddim.

This year, some of the highly anticipated projects being marketed by 21st-Hapilos will be I-Octane & Chan Dizzy's newly released Till Kingdom Come, produced by Russian of Head Concussion Records and the Fifth Gear Riddim, produced by Markus Records (one of Buju Banton's sons).

Executive vice president of the company, Johnny Wonder says, "We are continuously pleased with the reception that digital marketing has steadily garnered in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Since 2010 we have been focusing on getting reggae and dancehall insiders additional exposure and income for their work and it has been going well. In addition to the online exposure and revenue, a number of artistes have seen an increase in airplay on overseas mainstream radio stations after their music is sent out to these international media houses. This is definitely a great thing for the industry and this year we not only want to increase that, but also expand our offerings."

One of their expanded offerings comes in the form of Hapilos Teens, which will cater to the entertainment needs of teenagers on the party scene. The first of the events being staged by Hapilos Teens is the soca/reggae Black Light party called "Illumina - The Soca Edition", which will take place on April 7 at the Constant Spring Golf Club. Later that month on April 21, the 21st-Hapilos will then stage their anniversary and award show.

"Once again, we would like to thank all our supporters, clients and coworkers for helping to make 2011 a great one and we look forward to working as a team to take reggae and dancehall music to even greater heights for 2012 and beyond so our producers, musicians and artistes can benefit," says Wonder.

Sajay Upbeat About Her Career‏

Fast rising female Deejay Sajay is very pleased with how things have been going with her career lately. The talented St Elizabeth native is currently enjoying strong airplay with her latest single and video titled Wi Nuh New Cama which was released on the Hit Squad label.

“Everything is going according to plan, since I released Wi Nuh New Cama it has been getting a lot of support both on radio and in the dancehall, the people really love it. The video is also getting a lot of love.”

Sajay also said that as the title of her song suggest she is no new comer to the music biz, she has spent many year honing her craft and the time has come for her to step out into the spot light and make it big in 2012.

“I have been doing my thing for a while now, I have a lot of experience as an artist, musician and producer, and I have really learnt a lot over the years, so I have a lot to offer the biz. I have really paid my dues so it’s my time to shine now and I know something big is going to happen with career this year, I can feel it,” said Sajay.

Since the release of Wi Nuh New Cama Sajay has been busy in the studios working with a number of producers including Vivian Thomas of Pusha Yute Productions, for whom she recorded a single titled Mi Look Good on the Reggae Rock rhythm.

Jamaican DJ Mario C Releases House Music Project

Mario C gained notoriety on the Jamaican music scene a few years ago as the mastermind behind the 357 Records imprint. As producer, Mario C (real name Mario Campbell) scored a string of hits for the likes of dancehall heavyweights Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man, Lady Saw and many others.

Known in party circles as a talented DJ behind the 3rd Dimension outfit, Mario C is ready to spread his wings and set sailing into the house music world. He has started a movement called Jam House which has already begun to reap benefits.

In a press release issued, Mario C the Jamaican highlighted the reasons for starting the house music movement out of Jamaica. “My interest in house music began over 15 years ago while I was living in South Florida and attending college. I decided to produce my own spin on the genre in 2009 as my country (Jamaica) is now more accepting of the sound due to the recent mainstream popularity in America. I also wanted to familiarize dance music fans in Jamaica with the genre through my association with the 3rd Dimension sound system”, said Campbell.

In explaining the idea behind the name Jam House, Mario C pointed out “The name 'Jam House' is short for Jamaican House as the style is a combination of Dancehall and House music. The energy and crowd response to both genres are very similar and the marriage seemed like a match made in heaven so we took the step and based on the feedback that we have received so far, it seems this was destined to happen”.

Mario C brought on board Grammy winning Jamaican dancehall star Beenie Man for the Jam House project. Also featured on a track is gold selling dancehall star Mad Cobra whose hit Flex rode several international charts in the 1990’s.

The first single from the Jam House project is titled Contagious which features rising Jamaican singer Alicia and MTV VMA nominee Mr. Lexx. But Mario C isn’t stopping there. He plans to continue the trend of pairing up and coming recording artistes with established acts from Jamaica and the Caribbean.

The Contagious single is being offered as a free download via Mario C’s website, face book and twitter accounts. Said Mario C,“The first single is being offered free as part of our push to get the word out and to get persons interested in the product”.

Cleantone Records out of Germany is distributing Contagious.

Mario C and his 3rd Dimension counterparts Kamal Bankay and Kurt Riley (a noted Jamaican disc jockey and DJ) aim to have the world at large moving and grooving to the Jam House beat. It is their plan to be competing on the same level with other established international DJs and house music producers.

And based on what has been recorded so far, it doesn’t seem far off for the trio to accomplish this goal.

Mario C gained fame with hits including Tease Her for Anthony B; Back it Up for Beenie Man; Breast Specialist for Vybz Kartel; and most recently a top ten hit for Beenie Man titled Go Go Club.

Influenced by the work of house and dance music heavyweights including Daft Punk, David Guetta, Bob Sinclar and Avicii, Mario C the Jamaican aims to be among the top house DJs globally. “I really want to spread the culture of the Jamaican people and for the world to gravitate to this genre called Jam House”, he explained.

After touring the world for years as Beenie Man’s official DJ and experiencing the love that people all over the world have for Jamaican music, Mario C is confident that the dancehall brand can compete head and shoulders with music on the international scene if properly infused with house beats.

House music fans can look out for Mario C’s first Jam House album in April of this year which will comprise 12 tracks from newcomers as well as established Jamaican and Caribbean acts.
“This is a very bold move for a dancehall producer to be taking on a project like this. The product will speak for itself and Jamaicans always seem to pioneer various trends from dancing to sports and music. As long as they know we are creating something that will leave a stamp on the world and expose our culture to more markets then they will give it the support”, said Mario C.