Reggae Lover

A review of The Journey Chosen by Spragga Benz, the new album. Nick from the Jamaican State of Mind podcast links up to defend Spragga, his favorite artist.

Buzzworthy:

• Koffee becomes Mastercard's brand ambassador for Jamaica.
• Buju Banton featured on FIFA 21, performs for launch.
• Soundchat Radio launches a new website with a premium subscription model.

The Tastemaker:

• Koffee and Buju team up for the "Pressure" remix.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The crew discusses some of this Summer's trends and attempts to predict what's next.

The Tastemaker is Kabaka Pyramid's "Nice Up the Dance."

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We discuss the reggae industry's focus on vanity metrics such as social media likes and YouTube views versus actionable metrics like engagement and sales.

Reggae/dancehall fans find ways to get new music for free (YouTube, mixtapes, sound system audio, email blasts, SoundCloud, etc). They form opinions based on the opinions of others if they have to. They also find reasons to justify why they did not buy the new album(s).

Fans of other genres take action by collecting (buying) albums, whether digital or hard copy. They collect the new albums of the artists they like and then form their own opinions about the music.

Kahlil Wonda reviews Tarrus Riley's new album, "Healing." Reactions to the passing of celebrated Reggae icon and trailblazer, Toots Hibbert.

The Tastemaker - Babylon Warfare · Tarrus Riley ft. Teejay and Dean Fraser https://youtu.be/9uWUxANyI9E

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We talk to Maxi Priest and Jonathan Emile who collaborated on Emile's recently released "Babylon is Falling" Remix.

Reggae music has always been at the forefront of social and political issues. One example is Bob Marley's participation in the Amandla Festival of 1979 in Boston. There, Marley performed in support of the anti-apartheid movement and the liberation of South Africa. 

A few short months ago, the entire world was shaken when George Floyd lost his life. People protested, buildings and businesses burned - all while in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. Race relations were already strained, but this event managed to trigger both a national and international outcry for change and justice.

"Babylon is Falling" is a song that has put a voice to the change. The song features 2 artists (Jonathan Emile and Maxi Priest) from different generations coming together to speak on what they've been through, and what's to come.

We held a reasoning on the following:

• How did the Remix to “Babylon is Falling” featuring Maxi Priest come about?
• Different flavors of racism in the UK, Canada, and the Southern U.S.
• The concept behind "Spaces In Between," Jonathan's debut reggae album. 
• Maxi Priest's excitement for his forthcoming album, "United State of Mind."
• Why are some Caribbean people afraid to go back to the region?
• Billboard's disrespect towards dancehall culture with their Verzuz cover.
• What is the responsibility of musicians in fighting oppression?
• The problem with trying to control musicians' creative output.

‘Babylon is Falling’ Remix - Jonathan Emile ft Maxi Priest

Two Artists from Different Generations Come Together to Sing About the State of the World Today: 

Canadian-Jamaican artist Jonathan Emile and British-Jamaican artist Maxi Priest came together to create the Remix to “Babylon is Falling”, a track on Emile’s new album, “Spaces In Between." The album is currently distributed by MindPeaceLove/Tuff Gong International. While the remix to the song was recorded back in January, 2020, neither artist knew at the time that the song would become so relevant a few months later.

Emile is a bilingual (English & French), multi-talented singer-songwriter, producer, and Cancer survivor. His commanding voice resonates at the start of the song and draws the listener in immediately, asking if they know what their worth is, and then mentions the capitalistic society in which we live. He then explains that this can’t go on and eventually, something has to change (Babylon will fall). 

Grammy-nominated Maxi Priest, best known for his Lover’s Rock and R&B/Reggae fusion tunes like “Close to You’ and “Wild World” comes in next, but he’s not singing about love this time. In fact, he’s Deejaying (rapping), which in itself is a rare sound for him. He rides the riddim with the smoothness that he’s best known for, but the content of the lyrics speak of the things he’s both experienced himself throughout the years growing up in England, and what he continues to see around him today. His message, like so many, is that he’s tired. 

“Here we go again - We stand firm we nah ease up the pressure - Just like a volcano bubbling over - to take it to the heights you have fi step like a soldier”

Although both Emile and Priest come from different generations, they have many things in common, including being of Jamaican heritage, and growing up and living outside of Jamaica, which has impacted them. 

Like so many people that live abroad, there are mixed feelings right now with what is happening with the racial, economic, and spiritual climate, and the uneasiness that it brings. “Babylon is Falling” is a song that resonates with everyone, no matter where you come from, or what age you are. 

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We list our Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs of all time. Ras Jamal from Royal Ethiopian Sound joins the discussion to give his analysis.

We define what a revolutionary song is and how the music of the 70s differs from the messages in today's music. There are different kinds of revolutions. The conversation takes us through the some responses that have emerged as a result of today's struggle for racial justice.

Jah9, Yeza, Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje, Akae Beka, Lutan Fyah, Warrior King, Anthony B, Sizzla, and Queen Ifrica are commended for their contributions to the movement. We each listed some honorable mentions in addition to our top 5 revolutionary reggae songs.

Kahlil Wonda's Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs

• Bob Marley - Burning and Looting
• Bob Marley - Revolution
• Peter Tosh - Equal Rights
• Sizzla - Made Of
• Bob Marley - Slave Driver

AGARD's Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs

• Bob Andy - Unchained
• The Abyssinians - Declaration of Rights
• Peter Tosh - Equal Rights
• Dennis Brown - Revolution
• Bob Marley - War

Ras Jamal's Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs

• John Holt - Police In Helicopter
• Bob Marley - War
• Peter Tosh - Equal Rights
• Dennis Brown - Revolution
• Beres Hammond - Another Day In The System

We also debated topics like:

• Where is the revolutionary music of this generation?
• What is the difference between conscious music and positive music?
• Is reggae supposed to teach or help people?
• Outside of revolutionary music, what tactics can lead to the results we seek?
• Does an artist have to be a rasta to be conscious?

The Tastemaker

• Protoje's "In Search of Lost Time" album. Notable track, "In Bloom" ft. Lila Ike.
• Sevana's 'Mango' from the "Be Somebody" EP.

Buzzworthy

Super Cat releases a new single, "Push Crime" with production by Salam Remi. A new album is forthcoming.

Ras Jamal's Recommended Books for Ongoing Learning

• The Sankofa Movement: ReAfrikanization and the Reality of War by Kwame Agyei and Akua Nson Akoto.
• Yurugu: An African-Centered Critique of European Cultural Thought and Behavior by Marimba Ani.
• Blueprint for Black Power: A Moral, Political, and Economic Imperative for the Twenty-First Century by Amos N. Wilson.
• Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. by Chancellor Williams.
• How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney.
• Any books by Eric Williams, John Henrik Clarke, or Marcus Garvey.

Full Show Notes

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

An in-depth conversation with Steve "Urchin" Wilson, a part of Sean Paul's management for the past 18 + years.

We discussed how Steve has been pushing the culture in nightlife and through his work in the recording industry. He shares how he got started in the business, and his thoughts on Jamaica getting more hardcore about honoring reggae icons. We touched on strategies for harnessing the economic potential of reggae, the Sean Paul success formula, and much more.

Steve "Urchin" Wilson Bio

After getting his start at Bob Marley's legendary Tuff Gong record label as a marketing exec, Steve spent 10 years cross-training in every imaginable area in the entertainment industry including a stint as studio manager for the GeeJam Studios where he oversaw studio sessions for The Roots, Common, The Gorillaz, No Doubt & The Jungle Brothers amongst others.

In 2001 this Jamaican trailblazer signed on to help pilot the dizzying career of multi-platinum Grammy winner Sean Paul.

He spent the last 15 years traveling to over 100 countries and presiding over logistics, booking, touring, promotion & recording for the Dancehall superstar.

While honing his role as a reggae ambassador Wilson simultaneously plotted to bring EDM & house music to his Homebase of Kingston via his Brand New Machine party series that saw super DJs like Diplo, Bob Sinclar, CongoRock & Toddla T spin in Jamaica for the first time. He has gone on to export the BNM party concept to Montego Bay, Cayman, London & New York City.

Steve is also partners in FSOR Music (Future Sound Of Reggae) a boutique label that has featured releases from Mink Jo, Transdub Massiv, Naomi Cowan, Jesse Royal & Craigy T amongst others.

Most recently he was one of the local partners of the initial staging of the critically acclaimed Tmrwtday Culture Festival in Negril, Jamaica.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews podcast host, Brian Cox gave us an education on the island of Grenada. As a first-generation American of Caribbean descent, Brian shared his unique perspectives. Brian described the soundtrack of Grenada, and how music has changed there. We learned about the music and food you would encounter at a typical Grenadian party.  

The Vault: Classic Music Reviews is a top-rated music commentary podcast. The co-hosts, hip-hop fans that grew up in the 90s, review classic hip-hop, R&B, and reggae albums 20 + years after their release. They break these albums down to see if they stood the test of time. Listeners get a perspective on classics from a fresh point of view. The Vault: Classic Music Reviews also includes guest interviews, round table discussions, and artist catalog debates.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Special guest, MC, is the founder of Nitelifebuzz.com, a top-rated nightlife website. The NiteLifeBuzz media-house provides events photography and promotion services around the world. They publish some most amazing nightlife photos from Caribbean parties. Our conversation fits this season's emerging industry insider theme.

As the proprietor and owner of NiteLifeBuzz.com, MC does many things within the industry. He knows a lot of people and has tremendous insight, especially when it comes to New York City. We talked about partying in Jamaica, reggae music, and much more.

We had a great conversation covering a bit of history in New York and in Jamaica. This had us reminiscing about former online hangouts, DancehallReggae.com and Highlanda.com. We also drifted back to party life and island excursions when "outside" was open.

Buzzworthy

• Buju Banton as musical guest on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Performs his song “The World Is Changing.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig6CYargL1g
• Popcaan debuts "The Fixtape." First week sales. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xua7qpaXN9I

The Tastemaker

• Rising reggae star Lila Iké NPR Tiny Desk (home) concert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbPa0QH_zxA
• Protoje - Like Royalty ft. Popcaan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFxyPB_LcBA

This season, we have a few bonus episodes coming your way. Check whatever platform that you listen to us on. We'll definitely have great new content for you. Until next time, stay safe. Make sure you find some good reggae music to keep your nerves calm and your mind focused where it needs to be.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Reasoning with Tessellated, the Billboard chart-topping, Emmy-nominated Jamaican artist who blew up in 2017 with the hit single, Pine and Ginger.

During our conversation with Tessellated we uncovered:

• What were his early musical influences?
• From where does he draw his inspiration?
• Who is he listening to right now?
• What's next on the horizon musically?
• How did he get to #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts?
• How did he earn the 2020 Emmy nomination?
• How would he describe his lyrical and production styles?
• The fusion of Afrobeat and Dancehall on new single, No Ansa feat. Crayon from Nigeria.

Visit http://reggaelover.com for the full show notes, links, videos, and more.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Fix JA podcast has been a dominant force in media for quite some time now. The three co-hosts, Naro, Ari, and Javi, have dynamic chemistry and have achieved a synergy.

The Fix JA features the best of the best of the Jamaican dancehall and reggae scene. They cover what's hot and bubbling in Kingston from an objective point-of-view. The co-hosts interact with guests in a unique, honest, and real way.

We had the privilege of speaking with Naro, one of the dynamic hosts of The Fix JA, formerly Nightly Fix. From his base on the island of Jamaica, Naro keyed us into many aspects of the culture. If you have yet to check out The Fix, please do so as soon as you finish this episode.

Listen to Reggae Lover Podcast episode 205 - The Fix JA to learn:

• Do Jamaican youth respect dancehall icons and history?
• Are young people in Jamaica building sound systems any more?
• What is the importance of quality media platforms and voices covering our music?
• Why and how did The Fix JA podcast get started?
• How did Naro, Javi, and Ari became the co-hosts and develop their chemistry?
• How does Naro handle the controversy that surrounds him?
• How does The Fix JA crew get the toughest dancehall personalities to be vulnerable?
• Why is it important to give upcoming artists an outlet?
• How does one stay up on the latest dancehall music?
• What is the state of the Jamaican entertainment industry in this COVID19 era?
• Why do people around the world have more reverence for reggae than people in Jamaica?

It was a dope conversation. We look forward to linking up more in the future. As mentioned in the intro to this episode, we had to scrap the other segments for this week. Look out for more essential content curation in addition to some bonus episodes.

Please visit ReggaeLover.com to catch up on past shows. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy