Beres Hammond, Sizzla Receive Grammy Nominations

The 2014 Grammy nominees were revealed on Friday, December 6th, 2013. Two titles released on VP Records, Beres Hammond's One Love, One Life and Sizzla's The Messiah, are in the running for the Best Reggae Album category. Known to many as the "Otis Redding of Reggae," Beres Hammond has been producing and pouring out his smoky-sweet vocals over every kind of riddim track for almost 40 years.

VP Records released his latest Grammy-nominated, double-disc studio album One Love, One Life in November 2012. The release peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top 10 Reggae Album chart and was hailed by Rolling Stone as "one of the best albums of a four-decade-long career."  

The first disc One Love includes his signature classic lover's rock sound, while the second disc One Life contains more of his socially-conscious, spiritually empowering tunes. Beres Hammond produced 19 of the 20 songs with co-producers Donovan Germain on "No Candle Light," Collin "Bulby" York on "In My Arms" and Michael Fletcher on "More Time." This is Beres Hammond's second Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. 

The icon was considered in 2002 for his 2001 studio album Music Is Life. This is Sizzla's first Grammy nomination. Mostly written and executive produced by himself, Sizzla's full scope of talents are displayed on his 70th effort The Messiah, which was released this May. As one of reggae's most prolific artists, he showcases his musical depth, passion and precision on this 15-track collection inspiring positive change worldwide.

His social commentary on songs like "Chant Dem Down," "No Wicked Man" and "Psalms 121" reveal his daring bravado and righteous lyrics, while the melodic anthem "Good Love" unveils his softer side. The Messiah peaked at #1 on the South Florida Reggae Chart and New York Reggae Chart. With his fresh perspective, it is evident that Sizzla remains the reigning king of roots. "We are very proud of Sizzla and Beres for this outstanding achievement. 

Each artist, who are both legends in their own right, created inspiring and groundbreaking material on their latest collections. They not only released some of their best work to date, but raised the bar for the genre," states VP Records CEO Christopher Chin.

Harry Toddler Ready For Sting

Downsound recording artiste Harry Toddler is looking forward to his upcoming performance at Sting 30. The former Scare Dem Crew member who shot to popularity under the guidance of Bounty Killer during the late 90s says he's going to Sting to deliver a memorable performance.

“I am looking forward to Sting, its the 30th anniversary of Sting and its going to be a big celebration. I plan to go there and give the people a wonderful performance.

I’m really looking forward to go there to have fun too, I want to watch the veterans like Super Cat, Ninja Man, Peter Metro, Burru Banton and Admiral Bailey perform.” Toddler also stated, “I respect all the veterans, all the legends of Dancehall music who set the pace for us to follow. I feel proud of myself and the work I have done during the 90s with Scare Dem, those early days has helped to mold me into a professional solo artiste.

Every where I go all over the world people still request the songs I did during the Scare Dem days. I have to perform Dance the Angel and all of my older songs overseas all the time,” said the artiste. The hard working Deejay is currently promoting a new single titled, Feisty & Rich. “This song is dedicated to the people who have their own things, they don't have to beg nobody, its all about being independent.” Sting 30 will take Place at Jam World in Portmore on the 26th of December.

Tessanne Chin Heads To Finals

Tessanne Chin left Adam Levine and millions of viewers speechless with her December 9 performance of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' by Simon and Garfunkel.

Its no doubt that Tessanne Chin is a fan favorite on The Voice because of her amazing range, amazing personality and powerful voice.

With a searing version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water", which had the audience on their feet cheering Tessanne Chin poured out her heart. As the powerful vocalist Tessanne is she ended her song with a sustained note that showcased her strength and has cemented her place in the show's finally.  

"That was crazy what just happened," Levine said. "the sheer talent is just..I think that is probably the most flawless and graceful performance I've ever heard on this show." This season's competition started in September and had 48 artistes and has now reached it final round where only 3 contestants will be competing against each other for the top spot. 

"To have come this far is an honour in itself. to move forward would be a way for me to thank you for all your support. It would be a chance to change my life. I love you," said Tessanne Chin. Not too far was Tessanne's mentor and one of her biggest supporters International superstar Shaggy who was overwhelmed when he saw that - what was just a mere belief pf his, has now manifested for the world to see.. "I knew from the day I asked Tess if she would be interested in trying out for The Voice, she have what it takes to reach this far. 

Now she has been approved by the rest of the world that she is truly a star" says Shaggy. NBC's show THE VOICE Season 5 (2013) will soon be declaring its winner after its top 3 performance episode on Dec. 16. Following which there will be a finale episode on December 17th in which The Voice Season 5 (2013) will crown its winner. The show's results are purely based on public voting and viewers' votes mean the most.