Popcaan "So We Do It," Official Video

Today Popcaan's video for his track, "So We Do It," (on Dre Skull's Kling Klang Riddim) premieres exclusively on Mixpak's channel on YouTube. The video was shot in Kingston, Jamaica, and is directed by Andy Capper (director of Snoop Lion's Reincarnated documentary) Watch the video for "So We Do It" on Mixpak now:  

Released in Summer 2012, Dre Skull's Kling Klang riddim has since been gathering momentum across the world, with support from David Rodigan, ZJ Elektra, Robba Ranx, Major Lazer, Benji B & Toddla T. Named after Kraftwerk's legendary German studio, the riddim takes some inspiration from their repertoire: Dre Skull's beat revs up to the sound of an engine, then breaks into a minimal soundscape powered by cymbals, resonating bass and lasers that waver on computer game aesthetics before accelerating into the chorus. Sitting alongside cuts from Tifa, Beenie Man, Suku and Deva Bratt, Popcaan's "So We Do It" delves yet again into his wide array of styles, going in for a relaxed storytelling verse that would make Slick Rick proud and a singjay chorus-line to remind you exactly how he does it. 

In early 2013, Mixpak releases three accompanying videos for the riddim and Popcaan is first out of the gate. Taking stuntin' to the next level, the deejay joins forces with the aptly-titled local motorcycle crew Crazy Bikerz. Filmed on location in Kingston. Jamaica by Andy Capper (director of Snoop Lion's Reincarnated documentary), the high-speed video matches the bikers' mind-bending tricks with Poppy's lyrical twists. Join the ride. 

ABOUT POPCAAN 

Young Jamaican MC Popcaan burst onto the scene in 2010 on the biggest dancehall tune of the year, ‘Clarks’. As Vybz Kartel’s protege, the 23-year old quickly proved himself as one of the most talented up-and-coming vocalists in the genre, lending his distinctive voice to an arsenal of bashment hits, from ghetto laments to party smashers. After a string of big records in 2011, from ‘Only Man She Want’ to ‘Raving’, Popcaan became the first dancehall artist since Sean Paul to have his track playlisted on the BBC. Popcaan is currently working with Dre Skull on his debut album set for release in 2013. 

ABOUT DRE SKULL 

Perhaps best known for producing an entire album with dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel; called Kingston Story, the record shot to the top of dancehall charts from iTunes to island radio and has been celebrated as one of the best dancehall albums of the last decade. In 2012 he was tapped by Major Lazer to help produce the upcoming Snoop Lion album. (Check "Lighters Up" his first production from the project that's seen the light of day.) Somewhere in the midst of this madness, Dre Skull found time to release singles with dancehall heavy-hitters Beenie Man and Popcaan, and soca chart-topper Machel Montano. The next few months will see the release of more of his work on the Snoop Lion album, followed by a single with rapper-of-the-moment Pusha T. 

 ABOUT MIXPAK 

Mixpak Records began in early 2009 as a sonic powerhouse where house music, dancehall, rap and punk could not only co-exist, but be combined in new and exciting ways. The imprint is the vision of Dre Skull and celebrates a diverse collection of sounds from around the world. Mixpak’s roster of artists and remixers reads like a line-up of the best dance party ever: Poirier, Beenie Man, Toddla T, Dubbel Dutch, Nadastrom, Machel Montano, Justin Martin, Vybz Kartel, Dam-Funk, Schlachthofbronx, Ceephax Acid Crew and many more.

Tifa Rocks Reggae World Unity Festival

Jamaican dancehall top female artiste of 2012, Tifa, delivered a creditable performance at the recently held Reggae World Unity Festival. The event was held at the Grand Central Park in Downtown, Miami.

Tifa’s performance was riddled with hits one after the other. In a set spanning over half hour, Tifa reeled out well known dancehall ditties as well as singing tunes which kept the patrons entertained. In what was dubbed the ‘one drop’ segment, Tifa reeled off a cover of Adele’s Do You Remember, If I Could Fly, and Walk Away from Love.

The dancehall segment saw songs including Dash Out, Move Your Body, Matie Wine, Wife Me Up, Wedding Chapel (from the Matrimony rhythm), the chart topping Hold On (from the Poolside rhythm), Sick, Spell it Out, Bottom of the Barrel, and Crawny Gal ricochet like bullets from a well oiled machine.

Commenting on her performance, Tifa said ‘It was a good performance and the fans in Miami will be seeing a lot more from Tifa. I feel blessed’. The Reggae World Unity Festival also featured performances from the likes of Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Christopher Martin and Baby Cham among others.Tifa has been nominated for a slate of awards this season. 

These include Jamaica’s Youth View Awards (YVAs); and the Jamaica Star Awards. She also has a number of performances lined up on her itinerary. These include Bigga’s ‘So We Dweet’ concert on February 1; the YVAs on February 2; Antigua on February 9; and the Rainforest Seafood festival in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay on February 13. Additionally, Tifa’s newest video Champion Bubbler will be launched next week.

Bambino Full Speed Ahead in 2013

Bambino on the scene of Trever Off Key's Video

Fresh off hosting On the Verge last year, DJ Bambino stays active with his plans for the New Year. Kick starting 2013 with two Youth View Awards’ nominations: “Media Personality of the Year” and “Selector of the Year”, the former recipient of the 2012 “Selector of the Year” award, hopes to snag both awards this year, and the fact that he will also be co-hosting the show adds to his mounting accomplishments. In keeping with his musical persona, Bambino released the brand new, ‘Gyal Season Riddim’.

The riddim is readily available now on iTunes. The riddim was produced by Bambino and Jus Bus, an Antiguan producer whose real name is Justin Nation, and features artistes such as: Etana, Busy Signal, Kes The Band, Denyque, Tessanne Chin, Romain Virgo, Spragga Benz, Tanya Stephens, Sophia Squire, Keida, Jus Ice, Drastic and Jamaica’s beloved parodist, Trever Off-Key.  

When asked what fans can expect to hear, he said, “The riddim had an old Rock Steady feel with a touch of modern day vibe.” Already, the video for Kes The Band’ single, “Tuesday on the Rocks”, which was shot in Trinidad, released on Tuesday, January 15. In addition, “On the Beach”, Trever Off -Key video will be premiered in a matter of weeks. Adding to the mix is his mixtape entitled “I Am Me”, which was released in December of last year, 2012. 

The tape consists of a great deal of Trever Off-Key’s popular parodies, new songs, and some guest appearances. Fortunately, the mixtape, which isn’t for sale can be downloaded on zipfm.net. With regard to the rest of the year, fans will get the benefit of hearing more productions and seeing a lot more of DJ Bambino and his alter ego, Trever Off-Key. 

Young artistes dying to get a break can start preparing their tracks and strengthening their vocal chords. Bambino will be on the lookout for fresh talents to be a part of his new label, Bambino Music. Rest assured that he will still be waking up his fervent listeners in the mornings from the studios of Zip 103 FM , Tuesday to Friday from 6:00am-10:00am. Finally, Trever Off-Key will be ‘on key’ as Bambino seeks to transform the parodist into an artiste. Wow. It is just the start of the year and already he has his hands tied but at least no one can deny the obvious fact that is, Bambino is full speed ahead in 2013!

No Easing up for Khalilah Rose

Fast rising reggae star Khalilah Rose is being hailed by music industry insiders and reggae fans worldwide as an artiste to watch in 2013. The hard working singer made several major career moves last year including the release of her debut album titled Zion’s Lullaby and also performed all over the world in places such as Europe, Africa and North America.

The talented songstress who originally hails from the beautiful Parish of Portland does not plan to take her foot off the gas pedal anytime soon. She’s currently in New York working on a project with top flight reggae singer/producer Ed Robinson. Khalilah is also preparing to release a special mix tape titled Unite & Be Strong. The mix tape is a collaborative effort between Khalilah and Turbulence, with whom she recorded the title track last year.

 It was produced by DJ Kenroy of HOT 102 FM and features 15 songs, 7 songs from each artiste along with the title track and will be released online for free by the end of this month. According to Khalilah she plans to do even more work this year as she continues to chart her way to musical success. 

“I have a lot of projects to be completed this year, I’m presently working on a number of songs with Ed Robinson, I have the mix tape coming out soon, I’m also going to shoot a music video with Turbulence for our single that’s featured on the mix tape, we gonna do it in downtown Kingston as soon as I get back to Jamaica. I will also travel to Europe later this year for a series of shows including some of the major festivals in the summer.”

Don Sniper Optimistic About Debut Album

S-Q Records recording artiste Don Sniper is very optimistic about his recently released debut album titled Don Sniper To The World. The 18 track album which was executively produced by Alwin Squire features songs such as Get The Money ft. Lucci Gabana, How Many ft. Vybz Kartel, I Like To Party Ft. Cobra and Good Girl. “My debut album was released a few weeks ago and I expect it to do big things for my career. It’s a very good album it features a diverse mix of musical genres including dancehall, hip hop, techno and reggae.

All 18 tracks are good, so I expect it to connect with music fans all over the world,” said Don Sniper. According to S-Q Records CEO Alwin Squire he has very big plans for the album. “My label is an international independent label based in Canada and as such we are positioned to promote Don Sniper and his album globally and that’s what we intend to do. Right now the album is available on Itunes and all other top internet music download sites and we have also release it on CD.

We are currently undertaking a major promotional campaign to push the album in several markets including the Caribbean, Canada, the USA, Europe, Africa and Japan.” Before the end of January Don Sniper will shoot the music video for Good Girl. The video which will be directed by TV Show producer and presenter Suzie Q of Video Alley fame will be released in February. Also on the cards for Don Sniper is the release of two new singles, Mi Know Yuh Want Mi on the Hard Time rhythm and Love Song featuring Sashea on the Tun It Up rhythm.