'Kartel Forever: Trilogy,' Debuts at #5 on iTunes

Dancehall icon Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer drops his new album Kartel Forever: Trilogy, now available physically and digitally worldwide from Tad’s Record.

Scoring coveted media attention from mainstream press including MTV, The Fader Magazine and Complex Magazine, along with articles and reviews in numerous European and Caribbean media, Kartel Forever: Trilogy debuted at #5 on the iTunes Reggae Top Albums Chart during its release day on September 24, 2013.

The three-disc anthology remains in the iTunes top ten reggae albums, a commendable showing for an album that comes with a hefty price tag of $24.99, compared to other releases that average $9.99.

Hailed as the undisputed World Boss of the dancehall genre, Kartel Forever: Trilogy is a rare international release from the talented and controversial artist, who remains incarcerated in his homeland, Jamaica. Celebrated and polarized for his stimulating lyrics and provocative ploys on and off stage, there is no doubt Vybz Kartel is a defining thread in the fabric of dancehall. Kartel Forever: Trilogy boasts 60 tracks on the three-disc album, including previously unreleased singles and numerous hits from recent years. 

Kartel is determined to stay atop his dancehall throne and keep his fans satisfied until his inevitable return to the studio to make music for the masses. Jamaican imprint Tad’s Record maintains a strong partnership with the entertainer. According to the label, both overt and covert fans are raving about this colossal collection that showcases Kartel’s hit songs in its raw and purest form. “The positive response that we have received regarding Kartel Forever: Trilogy is overwhelming and more than we could imagine,” reveals Tad Dawkins, President of Tad’s Record. 

“Vybz Kartel’s fans were starving since the release of Pon Di Gaza 2.0 and we are pleased to have lived up to their expectations with this follow-up tribute to a pioneering dancehall lyricist.” With a slew of Vybz Kartel songs currently enjoying heavy rotation in Jamaica and on urban radio worldwide, including new singles “Compass,” “Business” and “School,” Kartel Forever: Trilogy provides a vivid kaleidoscope of his continued evolution as an extraordinary artist. 

Despite his geographic limitations, his music speaks volumes, as is evident from his continued surge in popularity and international demand, which continues to increase with each passing day. Kartel Forever: Trilogy is now available in stores on online, from Tad’s Record.

Charley Blacks Drops New Singles

Dancehall artiste Charley Black has been on tour in Europe over a month now. However the hard working Trelawny native is making sure that he does not miss a beat at home. He recently released two brand new singles locally, Top General and Fiesta.

Fiesta was recorded in Germany for the German label, Jugglerz Records and Top General was recorded in Germany for Jamaican producer DJ Tropical. Both songs are currently enjoying strong rotation locally.

“Although I’m on tour I have to keep current at home, so I have to record new songs on the road. These songs aren't the only songs I’ve recorded on the road, but they are ones that have been released so far. I have a couple more coming out soon, I just recorded a song a few days ago for Cash Flow Records, thats going to be out in a week or so,” said Charley.

The hard working DJ has a number of dates to complete in Europe before he returns home. “I still have a few more shows to do, I just did a couple shows with Gyptian. The tour should be finished in early October. Its been very good so far, the people love my music and I am getting a positive response from the people everywhere I perform. 

So far I have performed in places like France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Charley said as soon as he returns to Jamaica he plans to shoot music videos for both songs. “As soon as I return I am going to shoot music videos for Top General and Fiesta. When I get back I plan to do a lot of promotion on my new singles. 

I have to do as much work as people before I leave again.” Also in the pipeline for Charley Black is an upcoming tour of Africa. “My management team is currently negotiating a tour of Africa for me. This tour could begin either late October or early November. I am really looking forward to perform for my fans in Africa,” said the artiste.

Ginjah Strikes the Right Notes With Sweet Killer

Reggae singer Valentine Nakrumah Fraser aka Ginjah is currently making waves on the local music scene with his controversial hit single titled Sweet Killer.

The song that was recorded on Silly Walks Discotheque’s Honey Pot rhythm is currently one of the hottest songs in Jamaica. Several top jocks such as Big A, Ron Muschette, Digital Chris, GT Taylor, Elise Kelly, DJ Amber, Rodrick Howell, Garfield Hamilton, Dalton Leith, Kenneth Reid, Kurt Riley, Arif Cooper and ZJ Liquid have included Sweet Killer in their playlist.

Ginjah is determined to capitalize on the success of Sweet Killer in order to take his career to the next level.

“In the past I was not able to make full use of the opportunities that came with my other hits, but this time around things will be different. I am working with a serious team that is dedicated to building my career and push me to higher levels in the business. So we are doing everything to make sure that Ginjah becomes a household name in the Reggae music industry globally,” said Ginjah. Ginjah said he was inspired to write Sweet Killer based on personal experiences. 

“You know as a man sometimes in life you come across a girl who appears to be very nice, she is the sweetest looking girl, but she has a devil heart. Almost every man who is a real man can tell you they've had this experience. Well I’ve been through it that is why I could come with a song like Sweet Killer ,” said the artiste. Ginjah is currently in the US doing a promotional tour of the East Coast. “Right now I am in California doing some promotional work, laying the ground work for my upcoming album. 

I am also recording some tracks with Jungle Josh he's producing the album, so far we’ve been doing some very good work, I’m keeping busy, my schedule is hectic,” said the artistes. Ginjah is also slated to perform as the opening act on the Shottas Reunion Tour, alongside Kymani Marley and Spragga Benz in California. “I am looking forward to perform alongside Kymani and Spragga, its a good look, they are two very good artistes, top of the pack acts.” Ginjah’s past hits include songs such as Never Lost My Way, Quiet Place, and Music Alone.

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