Richie Spice Ready to Open the Next Chapter

Conscious reggae singer, Richie Spice, explored the depth of his musical ability with the 2011 release of his fifth studio album, the critically acclaimed Book of Job. Rated as the most digitally sold Reggae album for 2011 by iTunes and the New York Times, Book of Job, distributed by VP Records, peaked between #1 and #4 on the Billboard Reggae Charts for a period of six months, from the date of release.

Propelling the popularity of Book of Job were hits such as Black Woman, produced by Raging Fyah, Yap Yap, produced by Lenky Marsden, Legal, produced by Richie Spice, and New Day, which held down the #1 spot in Kenya and Grenada, for three months.

However, as successful as the Book of Job proved to be, Richie Spice is not one to sit on his laurels and is a firm believer in the saying, 'the best is yet to come'.
"Book of Job did well for reggae, not just for me Richie Spice.

With all the talk about reggae music not having an impact, it is important to understand that there are a lot of great songs being produced by reggae singers, producers and musicians, but unfortunately these songs, for whatever reason, are not being heard.

I have songs which have topped charts in Kenya and other countries in Africa, yet Jamaica hardly plays these songs. And I am sure that it is the same for a lot of other reggae artistes. But we do what we have to do and keep on putting out good, cultural, conscious music for our fans to enjoy," the usually quiet reggae singer declared.

Richie Spice, who is always in demand internationally, noted that whatever the obstacles, he is committed to staying true to his roots as he continues to stimulate his creative processes in the production of great music.

Christened Richell Bonner, the singer has traversed the globe, so much so that his Jamaican fans yearned to see him, and when they did, it was pure musical inspiration. "Yeah.. I had a great time at A St Mary Mi Come From," Richie reminisced with a big smile.

And it was obvious to those in the audience that he did. Performing in a segment that included artistes such as Singing Melody, the duo of Jigsy King and Tony Curtis and Chuck Fender, Richie Spice held the stage steady and skillfully engaged his audience.

"I would love to perform in Jamaica more, but as we all know the shows are just not happening, so we have to go to the festivals in Europe and California because that's how we make our living," the singer explained simply.

Despite a hectic tour schedule, Richie Spice has still found time to work on yet another album, which is scheduled for release this year. "This one will be really special," he promised. "I have been toying with this idea for a long time, but nothing happens before the right time...and that time is now," he stated.

Since 2004 Richie Spice has been elevated as one of reggae’s most in demand talents and the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. He received the Most Cultural Artist Award at the 13th annual South Florida Reggae Soca Awards in 2005; he was voted and received the Male Singer/Singjay of the Year at Jamaica’s IRIE FM Awards in 2007 & 2008 and following his performance at the first annual “Black My Story” concert held in Kingston in 2008 Spice was honored for his positive musical contributions.

His 2004 album “Spice in Your Life” was listed as the year’s best reggae release by the New York Times; “In the Streets To Africa”, reached number 6 on the Billboard Reggae chart and one of the album’s biggest hits “Youth Dem Cold” peaked at number 59 on the Billboard Top 100 Singles Chart and ranked at number 29 on Vibe Magazine’s Best 44 songs of 2007. “Gideon Boot” debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Reggae chart, in May 2008.

According to Richie Spice, “My responsibility is to use the talent that God gave me as an instrument to uplift people who are facing the struggle worldwide and let them feel happy in themselves. It is all about righteousness, and endorsing the love of the people, good over evil and life over death.”

Anthony B Releases New Single "Too Hard Now"

Known to the world for his spit fire lyrics used to confront political injustices and bringing the issues of the people to the forefront. It is no surprise that Anthony B has once again vocally demonstrated the recent alleged police murder of, eight months pregnant, Kayan Lamont, in Yallah St. Thomas, Jamaica.

Anthony B is no stranger to singing about police injustice, one of his most popular, yet controversial tune was "Good Cop, Bad Cop". He shined a light on some of the unfair and illegal behaviors inflicted on the people of his island Jamaica.

Eight years later, after the release of Good Cop, Bad Cop, Anthony B is speaking for the people again, with his new single titled "Too Hard Now"."When I first heard of the recent police killing of the two sisters, in my country of Jamaica and knowing that one of them was only a month away from having a new born baby; I say to myself, this is too much now" said Anthony B.

Kayan Lamont and her sister were allegedly coming off a bus in the coastal town of Yallah, St. Thomas, when a police officer attempted to arrest her for "indecent language". He then allegedly shot the 25 year old, eight months pregnant Kayan in the head, and then shot her sister in the upper body. Eyewitnesses state the officer was apparently aiming at the third sister but his gun ran out of ammunition.

"When will we take a firm stand, to stop this innocent slaying of our people" said Anthony B. Looking at everything happening in the world, as well as what is being done to our reggae and dancehall culture, Anthony B voiced "Too Hard Now".

Too Hard Now Babylon a gwan too hard/ Down yah inna yard police man a gwan too hard/ Imagine the land of reggae music no dance cyah keep/ As the sound tun on/ You get raid from police/ Don't lock it off dem wah kick out yuh teeth, So wat happen to freedom of speech.

"Too Hard Now" was produced by Irie Vibration out of Austria and Anthony Bs label Born Fire Music. Set to release on 9/11 Anthony B is currently scheduled to take his voice to the media and airwaves.

Jamesy P Releases New Single, "Obama Will Survive"

Soca star Jamesy P returns with a sizzling new single entitled "Obama Will Survive," and up-tempo soca-fusion dance track that pays homage to U.S. President Barack Obama.

The song is timely with its delivery as Obama is currently campaigning for votes and gearing up for re-election come this November. With this ode, Jamesy P pledges his support for America's first black President and wishes him victory in the fight to keep his chair.

"Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, the tsunami of 2011 destroyed Japan and killed thousands, the recession has taken a toll on the U.S. economy and the rest of the world, hurricane Isaac just passed through and left a path of destruction...and the list goes on," states Jamesy P.

"But, through the 'fire,' through the 'rain,' through the 'heartaches' and the 'pain,' the 'rubble,' the 'mud' the 'debris' and the 'flood,' they all have survived and so will the President of the United States of America, Barak Obama."

Written by Jamesy P, "Obama Will Survive" was produced by Parry Jack, and the track is geared towards the building and upliftment of nations everywhere.

With his breakout hit "Nookie Tonight," Jamesy P is no stranger to the international scene. He is also known for other party anthems like "Bashment" and "Leave Me Alone," and this song is sure to be another hit for the exciting entertainer.