I Grade Records Set To Release Songbird Riddim

I Grade Records is set to release the Songbird Riddim album - the first installment of the Zion I Kings Riddim Series. The Songbird Riddim – to be released worldwide on 5/21 – features a massive lineup of 16 conscious reggae artists from the Virgin Islands, Jamaica and the US. The Songbird Riddim also provides a sneak peak at Lutan Fyah’s forthcoming LP for I Grade Records (Summer/Fall 2013).

Highlighting the riddim are several of the brightest lights in the respected VI roots reggae movement, including Midnite, Pressure, Niyorah, Ras Batch, Danny I and Junior P. Also featured are three of Jamaica’s finest: Lutan Fyah, Glen Washington, and buzz-worthy newcomer, Jah9.

Brooklyn’s very own (by way of Guyana), Jahdan Blakkamoore, is represented, hot off of the heels of his collaborations with Snoop Dogg or Snoop Lion, in this case, for his Reincarnated album. Guitar maestro Tuff Lion’s emotive playing is on display with an instrumental version that conjures the feel of his seminal album for I Grade Records, Ten Strings (2008).  

Zion I Kings is a production collective of three producers/labels: Zion High Productions, I Grade Records, and Lustre Kings Productions. On the Songbird Riddim, Tippy I of I Grade and Jah David of Zion High crafted the soulful and melodic composition with an excellent line up of instrumentalists, including Craig Taylor (drummer for Julian Marley), Tuff Lion, Steve Katz of St. Croix and Jazzique of Nevis. 

Balboa Becker and Daniel Casares of Celebrity Hornz provide the unforgettable and soulful horn playing. Zion I Kings has several “Riddims Series” releases planned, including the upcoming Jah Warriah Riddim – to be released on Zion High Productions summer 2013. Some standout tracks on the Songbird include Lutan Fyah’s self-esteem anthem, “She’s Got Soul” – which will also be the first single off of his upcoming album on I Grade Records, Music Never Dies, set for a summer 2013 release. 

Pressure Buss Pipe, who also has an album in the works with I Grade Records, brings an emotive tribute to the resiliency of his people with “The Rain.” Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite sends forth a powerful lyrical and vocal missive with “A New Overstanding”. 

St. Thomas’ native son, Niyorah, delivers an epic anti-war anthem with “War is Not the Answer” while Jamaica’s female ‘songbird’, Jah9, offers a stirring look at current-day “Tension” felt by the millions of people under the siege and pressure in the present time. 

Duane Stephenson takes on Brazil with the Wailers

The continent of South America is regarded as rich, fertile soil for the planting of reggae music, so it was with a “special joy” that singer, Duane Stephenson, packed his bags and journeyed with the Wailers to Brazil at the end of April.

An eight-city tour, which started in Curitibra and spanned through the capital Brasilia, Salvador, Porto Alegre, and on to Brazil’s famous Rio de Janiero, among other cities, was the perfect way for Duane to spend 12 musically exhilarating days.

Duane had received his South American baptism on a previous sojourn to that continent, which had also included performances in parts of Central America, all of which helped to lay the foundation for his memorable return visit. Despite putting in some hard work at building his career there, even Duane himself has confessed that he was surprised at the vibrant welcome he was given by his growing fan base in the Americas.

“At all of the shows, I did my own solo set which lasted for 35 minutes each, and I must say that the response was fantastic. Although the official language of Brazil is Portuguese, the fans knew my songs and were singing word-for-word. It’s a wonderful feeling to plant seeds and go back and reap the fruits,” a very appreciative Duane explained. He added that the album that is still doing amazingly well for him in that territory is his debut, August Town, however, reggae music lovers in Brazil have started to rock to some of the singles from his sophomore offering,Black Gold. 

According to Duane, his best memory of this trip was his performance at the Bahia Café Hall in Salvador to a sold-out audience that just could not get enough of his music. “This is not just great for me, it feels good and looks even better for reggae music. Singers like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff are the real icons down there, but Ky-mani Marley also has a huge fan base and Tarrus’ music is becoming increasingly popular. 

So, it is shows that reggae definitely has a future and so too dancehall because artistes like Shaggy, Sean Paul and Busy Signal are being embraced by South American fans. It’s up to us to nurture this emerging market, stamp our name on it musically and really help it to grow. In the long run, we will all benefit,” the reggae singer declared.

There’s No Stopping Chilando

There’s no stopping Dancehall singjay Chilando, the hard working Montegonian has moved into overdrive with his career. Last month he released his debut album which is titled Dancehall Reborn.

The 14 track album which was released on Itunes features production work from Armz House Productions, Frass Out Productions, Burn Out Records, Music Fourteen Records and Show Di Vybz Records.Listed among the tracks on the album are hard hitting songs such as Nuh Tek Box Up, Money Caah Done, Gyal Dem Mi Wah, Gal Nuff, Roll Like Thunder ft Mad Dawg and All Dem A Talk ft Darrio.

Chilando said since the release of the album he has seen significant growth in his fan base.  

“Since I dropped the album, I’ve been getting a lot of support especially on the internet, my Twitter followers and my Facebook friends have increased a lot and my videos are getting more hits on youtube, it’s a good look so far,” said chilando. Coming hot on the heels of his chart topping video Nuh Teck Box Up which spent several weeks at the top of CVM TV’s HIT LIST On The Rise Chart, Chilando recently released the video for Di Gyal Mi Waah. 

He’s now getting ready to release videos for his single with Darrio called All Dem A Talk and his one drop single titled Gwaan Gyal. Also on the agenda for Chilando is a number of new singles that are slated to be released before the end of the month. “I have a whole of new songs in the works, before the month is finished I will drop two new singles, Gone So Easy on the Frass Out Productions Tiara rhythm and Watch Dem on the Farm Entertainment label. 

These two very good songs that feature me in a completely different style, I know the fans are going to be surprised but they are going to love them,” said the artiste. Chilando is booked to perform at the Denham town High School Bar B Q on the 8th of June at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center. On the 15th of June will be the featured artiste at an event called Miss Independent at the Zinc Shack on the Montego Bay Hip Strip.

NEBULA868 Unleashes New Album, DaBiznis

Trinidadian hip-hop duo Nebula868 unleashes their unique take on the genre to the masses with their new album DaBiznis, set for a worldwide release on May 28, 2013 from Precision Digital.

Nebula868 was birthed in 2006 and comprises of two members, Sean "Sean Nebula" Padmore and Clayton "Wong Nebula" Wong, both born and raised on the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. DaBiznis is the first 100% hip-hop studio effort from the group, who first made a name for themselves as the hometown hip-hop favorites.

Now with this provocative, compelling collection of hits, they undertake the ambitious goal of seeking fame and acclaim in the U.S. hip-hop industry and globally. Boasting nine (9) statement tracks, DaBiznis covers the spectrum with rap, R&B and hip-hop and pays tribute to the diversity that is Nebula868.

"Because we are a multi-cultured society, we show our diversity through our music and artistry, and being Caribbean just adds edge to our craft," reveals Wong. They also collaborate with Caribbean-born Planet6 AKA Rock City (who has achieved great success in the American music industry as songwriters), Crystal Tais (an upcoming rapper/singer/songwriter), and Marcel (a member of their AlieNation team).

From the lead single "Peep Show" – a sizzling hard-core rap ode to the ladies, to "Big Stone" – a more melodic offering that incorporates soca and dancehall patois chatting (rapping) that highlights their Caribbean heritage, to "AlieNation" – a fusion of modern electronic with classic hip-hop, and "Do My Thing" – a bonafide rap anthem, DaBiznis is bound to be everyone's business when it drops globally. "Flying the flags of the Caribbean on a international level has always been the dream since we started and everyday we come closer to achieving that dream," states Nebula868.

 "The mission of this album is to infiltrate the U.S. market, build relationships and develop connections. We feel confident about the content of the material on this album. It was definitely a learning experience and we're excited for our next project." DaBiznis will be available worldwide from all major digital retailers on May 28, 2013, and is distributed by Precision Digital. 



TRACKLIST
1. FuddaMucca
2. Peep Show
3. Double Trouble
4. Gone Ft. Planet VI AKA Rock City and Marcel
5. Congratulations
6. Space Juice Ft. Crystal Tais
7. Big Stone
8. Do My Thing
9. AlieNation Ft. London Future

Ragga Ragga Ragga 2013 Out May 28

On May 28, Greensleeves is back with Ragga Ragga Ragga 2013, the go-to album to find the hottest hardcore dancehall anthems running the streets. This annual compilation has earned its stripes worldwide by consistently providing the season’s breaking hits.

This year is no different. The hallmark series offers club bangers that have already begun to make waves in the streets from the genre’s most exciting artists including rising star Konshens’ “So Mi Tan” and “Gyal Sidung” (featuring Darrio), promising newcomer Popcaan’s “Party Non Stop” and dancehall goth don Tommy Lee Sparta’s “Run Out.”

Gully god Mavado also graces the listeners with three standout tracks ­­– “It Ain't Eassy,” “Box of Money” and “At The Top.”

Ragga Ragga Ragga Track Listing: 

1. Suffer Too Long - I Octane 
2. Struggle - Di Genius 
3. It Ain't Eassy - Mavado 
4. So Mi Tan - Konshens 
5. At The Top - Mavado 
6. Box Of Money - Mavado 
7. Run Road - Aidonia And Diablo 
8. Gyal Sidung - Konshens And Darrio 
9. Non Stop - Gyptian 
10. No Dirt - Demarco 
11. Party Non Stop - Popcaan 
12. Run Out - Tommy Lee Sparta 
13. No Scary Movie - Romain Virgo 
14. Bad Up Who - Busy Signal

Katchafire's Greatest Hits Album

New Zealand reggae band Katchafire’s greatest hits collection Best So Far will be in stores next week (May 21) on VP/Greensleeves. Right now, the album is available online only. Amidst their U.S. tour, the seven-piece outfit heads to Texas this week and will continue west.

Their final stop will be the Monterrey California Roots Festival on May 26. For the most up-to-date tour schedule, please visit www.facebook.com/katchafireband.

From their humble beginnings in the late '90s as a Bob Marley tribute band to one of New Zealand's and the South Pacific's most popular groups today, Katchafire have created a timeless hit-filled repertoire during this short time span. The band has carefully selected 16 of these must have tracks on their upcoming album Best So Far.  

The impressive best of collection will feature Katchafire's breakthrough hits from their groundbreaking 2003 debut Revival - including "Get Away," "Who You With" and "Giddy Up" (2003's highest selling single in New Zealand) - all of which landed in the Top 10 of New Zealand's Top 40 Singles Chart. 

Best So Far will also highlight the group's most cherished tunes from their remaining independently-released albums, like "Frisk Me Down" off of 2005's Slow Burning, "Working" and the title track from 2007's Say What You're Thinking as well as "Sweet As" and "Groove Again" off of 2010's On The Road Again. In homage to their tour and new release, check out the video for Best So Far's featured track "On The Road Again": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmWNkenPncs

Soca Gold 2013 Turns Up The Heat

For almost two decades, VP Records has been bringing the annual Soca Gold series to the masses. The top-selling compilation has been the ultimate carnival soundtrack from Caribbean islands. On May 21, Soca Gold 2013 will unleash the genre’s freshest party anthems including one of Trinidad & Tobago’s biggest tunes of the year with Bunji Garlin’s “Differentology,” plus 2013 Soca Monarch and Road March winner Super Blue’s “Fantastic Friday,” Groovy Soca Monarch 2013 runner-up Iwer George’s “Bubble” and a scorcher from one most sought-after soca acts, with KES' “Thief A Wine.”

Soca Gold 2013 also contains a DVD filled with electrifying live performances from this year's Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, steamy soca music videos and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage with the album cover model Jennifer Skye.

SOCA GOLD 2013 TRACK LISTING

1. Fantastic Friday (De Bouncin’ Start) – Super Blue
2. Bubble – Iwer George
3. Winning Queen – Denise ‘Saucy’ Belfon
4. Manager – Sass feat. Nadia Baston
5. Differentology – Bunji Garlin
6. Prescription – Ravi B
7. No Getaway – Blaxx
8. Pushing It – Edwin Yearwood
9. Backazz – Kerwin Du Bois
10. Cyah Brother We – Lil Rick & Benjai
11. Thief A Wine – KES
12. Ent Yuh Know – Rikki Jai feat. Alison Hinds & Ravi B
13. Indian Gyal – Drupatee & Machel Montano
14. We Liming – Shal Marshall & Super Jigga TC
15. We Want Drinkz (3 Zero Remix) – King Bubba feat. Machel Montano & Lil Rick
16. Work That Thing – Edwin Yearwood
17. I Like Mushself – Lil Rick
18. Bounce Around – Basil Yarde