Mr Vegas signs ReneGrade to MV Music

Roots, Rock, Reggae.. I am RENEGRADE, the now voice of a soulful generation.   Meet singer songwriter, Duane Demarco Blake hailing from Spanish Town, St Catherine, Jamaica.  A follower of Rastafari, his life and spirituality shine though his powerful voice sending an emotive message of universal love, peace and unity while tackling the everyday struggles of life.  The world can resonate to his unique vocals, infectious hooks and potent lyrics. He sings about the positivity of mankind, encouraging his fans to make this world a better place.

ReneGrade was dubbed the man with three voices in one during the popular Jamaican TV talent competition, “Magnum Kings and Queens” in 2012, where he placed third and captivated an international audience. Foundation producer Mikie Bennett, world-renowned musician Dean Fraser and international recording artist, Mr Vegas have all endorsed ReneGrade as the future of Reggae music.   

Mr Vegas saw the raw talent in “Renny”, signing him to his MV Music label imprint and will be producing ReneGrade’s debut EP and album titled, Black Survivor. On ReneGrade’s first single, Formula he sings, “It’s the time to be focused, got to know your purpose cause every man is here for a reason”, while on the richly instrumented Good Call Riddim, ReneGrade spits fire with Black Survivor calling home to mama Africa.  Watch out for bold moves from ReneGrade in 2013.

Vybz Kartel Finally Reveals All

VYBZ KARTEL FINALLY REVEALS ALL – life behind bars, family, his new diet, the books he reads etc.

“I am not who Babylon says I am”

Adidja Palmer has decided to give the green light to his co-author and business partner, Michael Dawson, to reveal to the public things about himself that he had previously chosen to keep private as he has always wanted to keep his personal and family life away from the intense public scrutiny that he has endured. However, after being locked up without bail for nearly a year and a half, politicians still blame him for everything from scamming to teenage truancy to the increase in crime as he is constantly being portrayed as the root of all evil in Jamaica – this is a man who has never been convicted of a crime for his 37 years on earth.

He believes he owes it to his children and mother to not sit like a lame duck and let Babylon demonize their father and son. Furthermore he hears crazy stories about him attempting to escape and once even shooting a guard in the process. Without an opportunity to defend himself, he has asked Dawson during their last visit to manage his Public Relations giving him the go-ahead to reveal lengthy discussions about the real Adidja Palmer that they had for months whilst writing their book, his reflections on life during their visits and to market the catalogue of positive music that he had made years ago but has been shunned by Disc Jockeys, sound systems and record companies doing compilations.  

He told Dawson during our last visit, “I am not worried about the case right now as Haile Selassie said justice will prevail, regardless of how long it takes – if a so Jah say, a so it go so I am at peace that the matter will be dealt with. I just don’t want my children and the youths of Jamaica to get the wrong impression of me. 

I am in no way perfect but I am not who Babylon says I am. I love Jamaica, I love the youths and when I am out I will 100% guarantee that I will be the man that will have the biggest positive effect on Jamaica since Marcus Garvey – mark my words, tell the people of Jamaica they can take that to the bank and not the IMF – “OH” (Kartel’s voice.) Dawson through his company Whirlwind Entertainment will immediately take control of Kartel’s twitter account “@iamthekartel” from his previous PR representative; will expand his social media reach and will periodically deliver “Conversations with Kartel” – a summary of hours of discussions they had in preparation for a Biography on the artist that they never got to complete. Dawson believes this is the best way for the people of Jamaica to know the man first hand rather than rely on unsubstantiated stories. 

Whirlwind Records (part of Whirlwind Entertainment) will also be putting out a series of compilations of songs that have been around for many years but have never been heard. Next month, Whirlwind will release Kartel’s first Roots and Culture album with a twist, a gospel/spiritual album is next and some stuff from Vybz Kartel that will shock the world. 

Dawson explains that the visits are short and the environment is noisy so they don’t get to go into details but Addi is in good spirits. He misses his family terribly and prison life is tough but he is spending his days studying W.E. Dubois and Garveyism, he is currently staying away from all meat and he prays and meditates as much as he can. Many will be surprised by what he told Dawson about Popcaan and Black Rhyno.

Marnia "Stretch Out" has Nothing to do with I-Octane, Say Khago

Dancehall star Khago says his latest hit single title Marina Stretch Out is not a counteraction for IOctane’s popular single called Gal A Gi Bun. “Marina Strecth Out nuh have nutten fi do wid Octane song, all a wi a artiste an every man have the ability to create music dat will catch the people attention, Octane sey him girl a gi bun and mi sey a me mek dem marina stretch out, mi nuh seeh no problem wid dat, but some man a come gwaan like sey a him mi a drop wud fah. A just music mi a do fi mi people dem and dem love it,” said Khago.

Khago also expressed concerns about criticism coming from certain quarters in the industry about his ability to continue being a major force in dancehall music. “A whole heap a people a talk bout Khago boil dung inna di business, 2012 was di busiest year of my life, every week mi fly out, mi nuh stop do shows all over the world. Mi all hear dem a sey mi inna worst dress list mi nuh worry bout dat, cause mi have mi own style. Mi style simple white t-shirt, marina, baseball cap, sneakers and mi jeans and mi good.

Mi dress the same way most of mi fans dress very simple and it’s a urban look, check out Jay Z and a lot of di other big hip hop stars dem nuh fussy, a because mi is a youth weh no hype pon people mek nuff a di fans dem love Khago.” The easy going deejay who is managed by entertainment mogul Joe Bandonovich of Downsound Records is currently focused on the completion of his debut album which is slated to be released later this year. 

“Right now mi a focus on mi album, its di first one and we gonna mek sure it’s a hit, it haffi be something special for the people, said Khago. Khago is also getting ready to drop the music video for his hit single titled Road Dawg on Markus Myrie’s hot Bar Bounce rhythm. The video which was directed by top flight music video director Wayne South will be released before the end of January.

Khali Taylor A Warrior!

One of Reggae music’s newest and exciting voices, Trinidadian born singer Khali Taylor is definitely one to look out for in the near future. He delivers soulful music with confidence, captivating audiences wherever his voice is heard, be it at the studio or at the stage show. Not just a vocalist, Khali also has amazing song writing talent, and when considered alongside his video directing ability, it seems that this artist is a force of his own.

His songs are filled with positive, uplifting lyrics, containing messages of Freedom, Love, Consciousness and Godliness. His videos echo these sentiments, bringing to life the positivity sung about, by reinforcing them with positive imagery. Since his May 2012 debut alongside reggae superstar Mikey General, audiences have been anticipating a solo reggae release by the Trinidadian born artist.

An anticipation that has only grown further since Khali appeared on DJ Dalvy’s ‘Sick Dem’ dancehall riddim with his song, ‘Rasta Care about Us’. Although a successful release itself which has seen the singer receiving a fair amount of ever elusive radio play, the song has done little more than tease the appetites of reggae critics and audiences alike, as they anxiously await his appearance on a roots, rock, Reggae project.

Not one known for disappointment, it seems that Khali has readily taken up the challenge, recording at several studios across Kingston, alongside several of Jamaica’s premiere musical minds. Included among these projects are the highly anticipated releases, ‘Heart of a Lion’ done at Caveman Studio by the legendary Dr Caveman himself, ‘Free I’ which was done at Prosonic Studio by Jonathan Prosonic and ‘Set the Example’ which was done at the world renowned Judgement Yard Studio by Ainsworth Dixon. 

Each project is authentic reggae, which sees the singer delivering in his usual confident style, but all on his own this time, exactly as critics and audiences have been requesting. A true musical enthusiast however, Khali hasn’t stopped working, recently voicing alongside female artists Karamanti and Empress Itilafeya, on a collaborative effort called ‘3 The Hard Way’, indicating that he can not only command the spotlight, he can also share it. 

Also recorded at Judgement Yard Studio by Ainsworth Dixon the song itself is an example of unity that the artist hopes would prevail amongst the people of the world. Khali Taylor is also featured on the recently released Good Better Fresh Riddim (Lexzona Production) and the Rizzing Riddim (Concept Music). 

A disciple of the Rastafarian Faith, Khali endeavours to continue improving himself both spiritually and musically. His belief is that the only way to truly make the world a better place, is to make oneself a better person. A task that he hopes he will accomplish through hard work, discipline, dedication and education.

L3 Magazine February Issue featuring Patrice Roberts and More!

February Issue featuring Patrice Roberts, Dawn Richard, Peter Runks a Rocking Valentine with Ammoye and More! February, 2013 has shaped up to be one of the most exciting for fans and lovers of Soca! As Carnival season is upon us, Team L3 traveled to Trinidad & Tobago to speak one of the industries hottest talents, Ms. Patrice Roberts!

Interviewed by Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence, Patrice opens up on an intimate level as she shares some of the pressures and stresses she faced as a newbie to the business while learning from the master of modern day Soca, Machel Montano.

The artist also gives us a peak into her work out regiment which keeps her in fabulous shape. What did Patrice say when Sparks asked “Your beauty is rather unique, has any modeling agency approached you or designers to model their line?”

Dawn Richard is no stranger to the spotlight. Being in P. Diddy’s group Danity Kane, she was front and centre with the Rap mogul and didn’t disappoint. With the group dismantling, Dawn has found incredible success as a solo artist. Interviewed by the UK’s Portia Clarke, Dawn explains her new sound and her reasoning behind calling her fans ‘Hearts.’ 

She also explains why being an independent artist without a label was a blessings in disguise, giving her more bargaining power. Readers will appreciate Dawn’s intelligence as she tells Portia “Usually when an artist is coming out and they have an album, which gets the response, but for us to have an EP and get this, it was great. 

With the distribution deal, it worked out better because we have more of the sales revenue and don’t have to go through a middle person which is the label who would take more money, and change the direction of what we wanted to accomplish….” Rounding out the interviews, Heike takes a trip to the Bahamas to speak to Peter Runks who arguably is the #1 Reggae export from the island. 

Peter is open and candid as he shares his experiences in the industry and the support he’s received from home and abroad. Our International DJ feature is none other than Trinidad & Tobago’s Kaotic International! As February is Black History Month, we explore the offerings of Music Africa in Toronto, and as it’s also the month of Love, Canada’s leading songstress, Ammoye, rocks lover’s Valentine’s Day with her HOTTT new singles.