Post-Millennium Memories: On Tricky
Story By Michael A. Gonzales In 1997 I was a Tricky fiend. Over a two-year period beginning with his debut Maxinquaye in 1995, Tricky and his musical partner Martina Topley-Bird were recording and releasing some of the most innovative material of that era. And what an era the ’90s were for reggae, hip hop, and […]
Estelle Talks ‘Lovers Rock’ and Why Reggae Should Never Be Called “Tropical Music”
100% Real Talk When Two Girls From West London Link Estelle’s brand-spankin-new Lovers Rock (released her own label Established 1980 Inc and VP Records) has been described as the Grammy-winning UK singer’s most personal album to date. We’ve been looking forward to this one since last year, when she first told us about it. The […]
Music Is A Mission:
David Rodigan Speaks His Mind About Today’s Sound Clash Culture
Will Sir RamJam’s Recent Soundclash On The Sea Be His Last? UK radio presenter David Rodigan has been described as the “outside world’s greatest ambassador of Jamaica’s musical heritage.” He’s been honored with an MBE by the Queen of England for his contributions to British broadcasting and recently published his memoirs, entitled My Life in […]
WATCH THIS: Chronixx “Likes” Official Music Video
Like it or Love it, Chronixx Keeps His Culture In New Visuals Chronixx carries us on a journey through music in the video “Likes” from his forthcoming debut album Chronology. Directed by Joachim Maquet (@alleyesonit), the video was shot in London on the UK portion of his fore-running Chronology tour. Known for his intimiate performances […]
Reasoning With Estelle: “Reggae Is In My Soul”
West London Singer Delves Deep Into Her Reggae Roots The first time most of the world heard about Estelle Fanta Swaray, she was collaborating with Kanye West on the Grammy-winning smash “American Boy.” That song, which featured Kanye spitting his best soundboy slang—”Here comes the number-one champion sound!”—appeared on her 2008 album Shine, along with […]
WATCH THIS: Randy Valentine “Black Cinderella” Official Music Video
Something Dark & Moody For Your VDay Viewing Pleasure When your name is Randy Valentine, every day is Valentine’s Day. Just in case you’re not up on the young UK-based reggae singer, dude is mad versatile. Around this time last year he dropped the Radio Music mixtape displaying his skills as an MC. Today we […]
WATCH THIS: A-Game “Everyday” Official Music video
In Comes Swing Ting With A Next Mad Sinting You may recall the UK-based label Swing Ting aka “the big bad sound outta Manchester” from that Devin Di Dakta “Bubble” joint we premiered a while back. They’re back at it with another bass-heavy digital excursion pon the version. This tune features an artist known as […]
Popcaan Performs Live At MOBO Awards
Unruly Gang Inna Glasgow The last time Popcaan set foot in the United Kingdom, he used an OVO duplate to seal up Mixpak’s decisive victory in the Red Bull Culture Clash. Now comes news that the Unruly Boss will be performing live at the 21st Annual MOBO Awards in Glasgow, Scotland. The awards, which honor […]
HEAR THIS: Maximum Sound “Royal Step Riddim” Megamix
In Comes Frenchie With A Thing Called Roots Plus Culture Over the past couple of decades Maximum Sound has distinguished itself as one of the more dependable modern reggae imprints when it comes to consistent high-quality music. Frenchie, the elusive producer behind the label, was born in France before relocating to the UK. His sound […]
WATCH THIS: Atumpan ft. Big Narstie “We Like It” Official Music Video
Afrobeat Meets Grime In The Streets of London, Kingston, Tokyo, Accra & NYC Last time we heard from Atumpan the UK-based Ghanaian artist (whose name meaning “Talking Drum” in Akan) was up in the club with Paigey Cakey talkin’ about not watching nobody. Now he’s back with another sick collab, this time with London’s own […]
MOBO Awards Announce 2016 Best Reggae Artist Nominees
Will Popcaan Continue His Winning Streak? This morning in London the nominees for this year’s MoBo (Music of Black Origin) Awards were announced. Now celebrating its 21st year, the MoBos have often done a better job reflecting the sound of the streets than the Grammy’s, particularly in the Reggae award category, honoring not only the […]
HEAR THIS: Dexta Daps “Mi C Mi Bed N Miss U”
Daps Gets All in His Feelings on this new Tune for the Ladies You might know Dexta Daps from his street anthem “Shabba Madda Pot” or his new collab with M.I.A. “Foreign Friend,” but the latest release from the dancehall heartthrob is entitled “Mi C Mi Bed N Miss U.” According to the artist “It’s […]