I-Octane Takes U.S Labor Day Weekend By Storm

Using his historic closing performance at Reggae Sumfest 2013 as a launching pad, reggae and dancehall superstar I-Octane continued the momentum by returning to the United States for a whirlwind Labor-Day-Weekend tour. His first Stop was in Delaware where he made his debut at a show dubbed “In DI Dancehall”.

His energetic performance made on impression on the capacity crowd, who came from New York, DC and several of the states in between, and showed their appreciation through thunderous applause and shouts of approval as he sang several of his more popular songs. Reveling in the overwhelming support I-Octane claimed, “It is important for me to come to these markets that do not typically see Reggae and Dancehall shows. I will definitely come back to perform in Delaware”.

On Labor-Day Friday, Octane made his much anticipated debut at Radio Juggernaut-Hot 97 annual star-studded “On the Reggae Tip” show. He delivered a fiery 15 minute set that brought the audience of over 7500 people to their feet. I-Octane was quite happy with this show as he declared, “There is still some ways to go but Hot 97 demonstrated that they are on the right track by producing a reggae-centric show such as this.” Changing up the pace, on Labor-Day Saturday Octane and the Silver Factory Merch Company held an event to officially launch I-Octane’s merchandising line. 

Hosted at Vinnie’s Styles boutique it drew several fashion insiders and bloggers who raved about the collection. The biggest hit was the I-Octane skate board which was the brainchild of the designer Odyssy who indicated, “I was looking for something different and the free-spiritedness of reggae and skateboarding made for a natural marriage”. To celebrate his line, the artist felt compelled to give a 10 minute performance and was backed by 12 year-old DJ prodigy DJ Difference of Livity Movements. 

The artist also took some time out at this event to shoot some scenes for his viral video “Real Talk” that is scheduled to debut in the near future. Starting off the month of September on a fantastic note, I-Octane took to Brooklyn’s Barclay Center on September 1st to perform before a crowd of approximately 10, 000 people at Irie Jam’s ‘Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival’. His performance was stellar and electrifying to the point that all of the patrons were on their feet for the entire set. 

Coming off the stage from this performance, I-Octane humbly stated, “It was an honor to perform at this event; I salute Bobby Clarke, Dahved Levy, and the team for their vision to create a three-day Caribbean event of this magnitude. I am also grateful for the opportunity to share my talent with the people”. Although the events previously described in this article were the only scheduled appearances, Octane said that he ‘felt the vibes’ and wanted to continue the energy of touching the people. 

To this end, he surprised guests at Five Alarm Blaze at Webster Hall, Bobby Konders and Jabba’s event at BB King’s in Manhattan, and Squad’s Nightclub in Brooklyn with brief performances. Overall, I-Octane’s performances this entire weekend, demonstrate that he is ready for mainstream success. 

Songs such as “We love the Vibes”, “Gal A Gimme Bun”, and “I.L.O.V.E.Y.O.U.” were infectious and had the mixed crowds singing all of the lyrics. This proves that his music is ready all audiences. Octane is scheduled to finish his Labor-Day-Weekend tour in Richmond, Virginia on Friday September 6th at the Caribbean Pot.

Konshens Changes the Game with Konz

Jamaican dancehall superstar Konshens has made a major power move with the ground breaking launch of his shoe line Konz 876.

With this game-changing move, Konshens will set new standards for the dancehall game because Konz 876 is not a mere endorsement deal for Konshens, as he will have equity in the venture and play a key role in all marketing and design decisions, alongside his business partners.

"The plan is to build the first worldwide recognized dancehall brand and we seem to be doing that with the huge amount of pre orders just based on posts from my Instagram and Twitter accounts. Dancehall has for many years been looked at as just a hustle, I want to take brand "dancehall" to the globe and do it in a way where we will benefit outside of just the music," Konshens states.

"Dancehall and Reggae music have the widest range of core fans worldwide and I think the only thing that separates us from other more mainstream genres is the lack of entrepreneurship on our part as artistes. There's so much more we can do to maximize on our potential, influence and pulling power."

Konshens and his business partners, who are already successful businessmen, intend to increase that trend and usher in a new era in dancehall. The brand's first release will be five different shoes. One is the "Konz Sub" which is a mix of patent leather and leather. 

"It's a low top shoe that comes in both black and white and we also offer one for the ladies in pink and white. It has a very edgy but clean classic look. There is also the "Gamechanger"" which is a high-top shoe mixed with both leather and blue jeans, a very creative and clean design," says Konshens . There will be two launches in Jamaica, the first in Kingston at The Quad on Friday the 13th of September and in Montego Bay at Donway Village on the Hip Strip on Saturday the 14th of September. 

Konz876 will have an office and store in Kingston at 13 West Kings House Road where people can purchase shoes starting this Saturday, September 7th. "Plus anyone purchasing shoes will receive a pass to the launch party and a free bottle of Appleton at the event. Shoes will also be on sale at the events and at key locations in Montego Bay," Konshens said. 

The company has also developed a website, www.konz876.com, to facilitate purchases outside of Jamaica. There are also plans for launch parties for the brand all over the world based on the sheer magnitude of Konshens' fan base and his rising popularity worldwide. "I wore my shoes on a two week worldwide tour recently and Konz876 has been buzzing internationally. 

This move created a vast amount of interest in the brand, people wanting to know more about it, and they were clamoring to get there hands on a pair ," Konshens said. There are also plans in the pipeline to tweak the design specs to appeal to certain key demographic segments of the market, in other words...bagga sittn fi Di girls!!! " On our next batch of shoes, as well as more men's designs we will place more emphasis on the ladies as we have just concluded our market research to see exactly what women want to wear, as their swag changes even more rapidly than ours as men," he said.

Shaggy Set to Release "Out of Many, One Music"

Ranch Ent. is proud to announce the release of Shaggy's 12th album titled "Out of Many, One Music", produced by legendary Jamaican duo Sly & Robbie and Sting International Co Produced by Lenky Marsden, available digitally on September 24th 2013. As one of music's highly acclaimed artist with two multi-platinum albums, eight number 1 hits, twelve top ten singles worldwide, a diamond selling album and a Grammy for best reggae album, Shaggy is at it again. 

"Out of Many, One Music", puts Shaggy in a class of his own and shows the authenticity and creativity Shaggy is so well known for. The vibe of the album was inspired by deep grooves of pioneering roots reggae band Black Uhuru, to which Shaggy added his own flavor. "Those hard Black Uhuru drum and bass tracks with my pop style of writing and melodies added a nice twist. I feel this album is really something solid and authentic" says Shaggy.

The lead single "Fight this Feeling" is a duet with lovers rock icon, Beres Hammond, set to a timeless Sly & Robbie rhythm, which has changed the dancehall scene this summer, forcing DJs to play lovers rock during their set. "Fight this Feeling" is a modern day love song with excellent production from Sly & Robbie, Sting International and Lenky. 

The second single released off "Out of Many, One Music" titled 'You Girl' features R&B pop star Ne-Yo and is currently number 1 on the Reggae iTunes charts. 'You Girl' is a body roll inducing love song that finds the fellas serenading a lucky young lady about how wonderful she is. The remaining tracks on this 13 track album are all new and have not been released. Shaggy collaborated with many of the industries legends and upcoming reggae and dancehall sensations. 

This album gives you the opportunity to enjoy good reggae, great musical production and take a journey with Shaggy and some of his friends as they pay tribute to the culture and one of the many gifts given to the world from the island of Jamaica, Reggae. "Out of Many, One Music" is not a new Shaggy album but a collaboration as he explains, between him and legendary Jamaican rhythm duo Sly & Robbie. 

"I've been criticized for years for not being authentic because of my pop success...People say I'm not this...I'm not that...Now I'm doing a Reggae album with the masters and people are saying its a game changer. The first 2 singles have already proven that to some existent! You be the judge on September 24th! says Shaggy.

Tanya Carter Debuts Video for "Mr. Dj Boy"

Following fast on her breakthrough hit Ex Boyfriend, Belizean Reggae rising star Tanya Carter has debuted her video for the latest track Mr. Dj Boy. The song, which is on the Tunova Riddim produced by Christopher Birch, is another credit worthy effort by the Belizean who has carved out a reggae niche for herself while still maintaining her Belizean roots.

She says for the video, ”We wanted a nice fresh look - not so clubby, and we just basically did a video with willing people that came out for the ride. I had more help with this song, it was co-written by Version, who is an artiste signed to Birch Hill Records. Based on the response this one is a definite smash as its getting hundreds of views every day".

The video for Mr. Dj Boy was shot in Belize and directed by Carlo Habet and is now being shown on free to air and cable stations in Jamaica and has also, since it release, notched up almost 23000 views on popular video sharing site YouTube.

Carter says she is happy with the response to the video, “The fans love it. I was a bit surprised that the video has taken off so soon since its release but I am happy that my kind of reggae keeps resonating with the fans. This is just the latest of what Birch and I have been cooking up in studio". 

The Belizean has been kept busy lately with several dates on the US. She is currently booked for shows in cities including New York and LA and still dominates the Belizean Reggae charts. Tanya plans to continue releasing what she calls the “sexy and sophisticated reggae” she is known for.

Gyptian Gets Cozy With Miss Global Jamaica 2013 on his "One More Night" Video

New Album Sex, Love And Reggae Available October 29 on VP Records

Jamaican reggae star Gyptian gets cozy with 2013 Miss Global Jamaica Roshelle McKinley on his steamy new video "One More Night." The latest video, which premiered on Jamaica Television's program ER Entertainment Report, is directed by ASHA and shot in Kingston, Jamaica.

The reggae star has been releasing a series of music videos off his highly anticipated album Sex, Love and Reggae (October 29, VP) – including "Overtime," "Wine Slow" (also featuring Roshelle) and "Non Stop."

 Now fans have the pleasure to witness Gyptian in action once again with "One More Night." On Sex, Love and Reggae, the track will be entitled "One More Time" and features a new verse from r&b singer Melanie Fiona.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icctLT_c-Fg

In addition to Fiona, Gyptian's fourth album Sex, Love and Reggae will feature an all-star cast of guest vocalists (Estelle, Bunji Garlin, KES The Band and Angela Hunte) and producers (Diplo, Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, Linton "TJ" White, JusBus, Stanley "Rellee" Hayden and Shane Brown). The studio release follows his critically-acclaimed Hold You, which features the certified-gold album title track.