Shootout At Luciano’s House
The beloved roots reggae singer Luciano, also known as the Messenger, is known for soaring anthems like “Sweep Over My Soul” and “It’s Me Again Jah.” But on certain songs his voice suggested an edge of something altogether rougher…
Lucky Dube’s Killers Convicted
They tried to run, but they could not hide. Even their last, desperate escape attempt—using a brick to bash a police officer as their prison van arrived at Johannesberg High Court a few days ago—proved unsuccessful. And so Sfiso Mhlanga and Mbuti Mabe were back in court with their own heads bandaged. Their accomplice Julius Gxowa, who […]
Assassin Responds to Red Stripe Fiasco
During this past Saturday’s Red Stripe Live concert in Kingston Jamaica, Assassin was pulled offstage in midsong for what the show’s organizers termed “questionable lyrics.” His use of the word “fish”—the latest dancehall euphemism for homosexuals—was widely speculated as the cause of the conflict. But the artist’s side of the story has not been heard […]
Fiya Burn: Sizzla’s House “Destroyed”
According to yesterday’s Jamaica Star, Sizzla’s house in Kingston has been “destroyed” by fire. The blaze reportedly broke out Sunday morning. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Ninja Charge Fi Murder
Things were already looking bad for Ninjaman last week, then over the weekend came even worse news that the man born Desmond Ballentine had been arrested in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Ricardo Johnson, aka “Ricky Trooper” (not the former Killamanjaro selector). The Don Gorgon now faces charges of murder, conspiracy to murder, and illegal […]
REMIX: Mavado & Busta Rhymes “So Blessed”
Busta Rhymes just linked up with Mavado for the remix to “I’m So Special.” Like Jay-Z, G-Unit, Wyclef, Uncle Murda, Lil Kim AND Foxy Brown, Busta’s feeling the Gully God. But don’t call Busta a waggonist. He may have trimed his locks, but he’s always kept in touch with his Caribbean roots by showing love […]
Ninjaman Surrenders To Police
Out Pon Bail: Ninja at Reggae Sunsplash 1996 Photo by Stella Magliore Whether you call him Brother Desmond or the Original Front Teeth Gold Teeth Gun Pon Teeth Bad Bwoy, Ninjaman always seems to be the center of attention. But attention from the Jamaica Constabulary Force is not the sort of attention anybody wants. In […]
Swagga Bounce
I always thought Ron Browz’s “Pop Champagne” beat sounded Bogle-ish, so it’s only right that there’s a gang of reggae remixes out. Usually I’m not a big fan of dancers making records. Isn’t that the DJ’s job? In general, I say stay in your lane and do what you do best. But after viewing this […]
Rihanna Affidavit
The year was 2006, Rihanna was 18 years old and performing in Jamaica for the first time. She had no drama with Chris Brown, just a song to sing. Can it be that it was all so simple then? Let’s go to the video tape: While you listen to the girl sing, check out the […]
VIDEO CLASH: Serani “No Games” Old to the New
The official video for Serani’s smash debuts on MTV next week. We’ve got it now: Question: Do you like the new official Universal Music Group video better than the yard version of the “No Games” video?
The Post Reggae Era
Remember that LKJ poem “It Noh Funny“? “People sayin’ dis, people sayin’ dat / bout the youth of today / how dem gone astray / And it noh funny” Well people have been saying this and that about the decline of reggae music lately. Despite the efforts of dancehall bashers, fossilized old-school devotees, the government, […]
Daddy U-Roy Burns Out “Stupid” Selectors
The man called Ewart Beckford, O.D. a.k.a. Daddy U-Roy raised the art of toasting to new heights. He didn’t just spit a few phrases here and there, he rode the riddim from the starting gate to the last furlong.