HEAR THIS: Vybz Kartel “Dem Bwoy”
Brand New Release From Di War Teacha Even if he isn’t voicing new tunes behind bars, Vybz Kartel has to be Jamaica’s most prolific inmate ever. We just got hold of ZJLiquid’s steady-bubbling ILabash Riddim and we’ve had “Dem Bwoy” on repeat ever since. Take a listen and you’ll see why you need this on […]
HEAR THIS: Kes The Band “Tuesday on the Rocks”
Rockin’ In Stereo, Stereo, Stereo Our favorite new band out of Trinidad just dropped something extra-sweet on the rock-steady Gal Season Riddim. Pass that 1919.
Final Reggae Sumfest 2012 Lineup
Shabba Ranks, Junior Gong, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, R. Kelly, Trey Songz, Bunny Wailer, U Roy, and More… After months of waiting and anticipating, the 20th anniversary edition of “The Greatest Reggae Show on Earth” is all set to kick off in Montego Bay tomorrow night. Check out the full lineup and promo videos after […]
Joseph Hill Speaks on “Two Sevens Clash”
Remembering Culture’s Armagideon Theme Song Thirty-five years ago was July 7, 1977—a numerological cataclysm of epic proportions in a year of turmoil and great music. (Seven/seven/seventy-seven was sorta like the original 12.21.12.) But none of the the apocalyptic anthems released during that fraught year could touch Joseph Hill’s inspired ravings on the classic Culture selection […]
WATCH THIS: Kabaka Pyramid “Free From Chains” Video
Tough Roots Tune From The Rebel Music EP Even if you never heard of him before, Kabaka Pyramid’s name lets you know he is a not a small artist. Nor is he lacking confidence: “Me ah de baddest lyricist so watch me prove it,” he boasts near the top of this tune, then proceeds to […]
WATCH THIS: Yami Bolo “True Love” Pon Radio Lily
The Roots Reggae Legend Nices Up Miss Lily’s Variety Yami Bolo has been singing classic reggae cuts since his days at Sugar Minott’s Youth Promotions. You already know his tunes like “When A Man’s in Love” on the Stalag riddim, which Mad Lion sampled for his 90s hip-hop banger “Take It Easy.” What you may […]
Interview: Reasoning With Clive Chin
Remembering Randy’s Records, Bob Marley, And Playing Rhythms On A Cheese Grater Tonight in Brooklyn NYC, legendary reggae producer Clive Chin will premiere some exclusive scorchers from deep inside the vaults of Randy’s Records that have scarcely been heard since they were first laid down inside the studio at 17 North Parade in Kingston, Jamaica. […]
WATCH THIS: Pinchers “Ancients Of Days” Video
The Bandelero Takes Up His Bible And Chants Down Babylon Island Rock productions just dropped a brand new Pinchers video. But this ain’t no Bandelero business. Over an easy-skanking riddim laid down by legendary session players Sly & Robbie, Chinna Smith, Christopher Meredith—plus Nambo & David Madden on horns—the legendary dancehall singer delivers perhaps the […]
Johnny Osbourne “We Need Love” Live
Reggae Legend Rocks Out In Harlem Backed By The Full Watts Band Photograph by Paul Holgerson Ten-thirty p.m., Saturday, May 19, in Harlem. I’m sitting at a table in Ginny’s Supper Club below the Red Rooster, 125th and Lenox. Across this art deco revival Harlem nightclub, the funky rounded edges of the window to the […]
Interview: Reasoning With Rodigan Part 3
Sir RamJam’s Royal Recognition, His Radio Clash With Barry G, And His Fears For Reggae’s Future David Rodigan‘s trophy case must be getting mighty crowded. This year alone the veteran UK selector and radio personality has won the World Clash, received Member of the British Empire honors at Buckingham Palace, and earlier this month he […]
Interview: Reasoning With Rodigan Part 2
The Rudeboy Gentleman’s Long & Winding Road From King Tubby’s Dub Studio To Buckingham Palace David Rodigan is sometimes referred to as the rudeboy gentleman, a nickname that sums up the apparent contradictions that make the veteran UK selector and radio personality such a singular character. Who else can say that they have cut dubplates […]
The Wisdom Of Lee “Scratch” Perry
Win Tickets To See The Artist Formerly Known As Pipecock Jaxson in NYC This Thursday Long before Lil Wayne started proclaiming that he was “not a human being,” Lee “Scratch” Perry had the whole self-mythologizing thing down to a science. Unfortunately Scratch the character—order your limited edition vinyl… action figure before midnight tonight!—has very nearly […]