The Style & Vibes Podcast

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Up close and personal experience on the Traffic Jam tour, the Marley brothers did not disappoint. Soaking in the electrifying atmosphere where Damian and Stephen Marley, I share every resonating note with you. We're talking about a concert that was more than just melodies and rhythms; it was a cultural embrace of Reggae music that spanned ages and backgrounds, with a level of niceness that the Marley’s bring to the stage.

Transport yourself through my recount of the Traffic Jam tour, where we reveled in the brothers' dynamic synergy, echoing their father's legacy while carving out their indelible marks on reggae and beyond. It's not every day you witness such seamless chemistry on stage, or the genuine blend of classic and contemporary beats that invite both reverence and revolution. From the spine-tingling opening to the unexpected encore of "Could You Be Loved," this episode is your backstage pass to the soul-stirring world of the Marley brothers, as they continue to unite fans with their father's vision and their own evolutionary sound.

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I sit down with the Soca sensation Kes, lead singer of Kes the Band. He takes us on a spirited journey from the early days of his namesake to the dynamic experience that has become Kes the Band, an evolution spurred on by passionate fans and the electric atmosphere of live shows. Kes's voice, imbued with the wisdom of his musical voyage, offers a treasure trove of advice to his younger self and paints a colorful panorama of his beginnings in Trinidad & Tobago, where the pulse of Calypso and Soca set the beat for a life in music. Our conversation spins through the tracks of his latest 16-track adventure, a fearless fusion album where Soca meets Afrobeats, Reggae and Dancehall all rooted in Kes's signature style.

Kes peels back the curtain to reveal the craft behind captivating music videos such as "Banga" and "Liki Tiki," showcasing how visual storytelling can be just as powerful as the music itself. Through playful characters and the warmth of Caribbean dance, he illustrates the importance of embracing one's culture and the collaborative spirit that fuels creativity. The mood turns contemplative as we honor the memory of lost comrades in the music world, feeling the weight of their absence while recognizing the imperative to live fully and make a mark. Join us for an uplifting session with Kes, filled with infectious laughter, cherished memories, and an unwavering love for the transformative power of music.

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Kerry Coddett is a Caribbean-American writer, actress, and stand-up comedian from Brooklyn, who currently serves as the co-EP, showrunner, and head writer of the upcoming Untitled Yvonne Orji Stand-Up Special on HBO. Kerry is also a story editor on Showtime’s Flatbush Misdemeanors, where she appears as a recurring guest star. Kerry can also be seen on Showtime’s Desus & Mero, Pause w/ Sam Jay on HBO, and season 2 of Ramy on Hulu, in addition to appearing as a core cast member of The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show on Netflix. Prior to that, she was a staff writer on Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas, which was produced by John Oliver and aired on HBO. Kerry can also be seen on HBO’s Crashing, TruTV’s Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks, BET's The Rundown with Robin Thede, Comedy Central's The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, and TruTV’s Comedy Knockout. 

Kerry shares how falling in love with the journey as she evolves in comedy, film and television. Kerry talks about her early viral rap parodies to her vibrant stand-up sets, Kerry's story is a dance of resilience and reinvention, seasoned with the rich flavors of her Trinidadian and Guyanese roots. Growing up in Brooklyn's East Flatbush, she weaves the threads of her heritage into a tapestry of comedic tales that resonate with authenticity and spark joy in the art of storytelling.

Kerry shares laughs and learnings from the battlefield of comedy clubs and offers a candid look at the challenges she's faced as a black female comedian. The wisdom imparted by industry experiences and icons lights the path for up-and-coming voices seeking to carve out their unique niches in the comedy scene.

We wrap up our chat with a dive into the pool of black creativity and economic power, where community-centric events like Kwanzaa  Crawl merge with the drive to support black-owned restaurants in New York City and she gives a sneak peek at an independent series she's working on, a heartfelt portrayal of Caribbean life in Canarsie, and the nuances of producing a one-woman show. 

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When the previews of "Bob Marley: One Love" were released, it set our hearts cautiously excited in the promise of a cinematic journey through Bob Marley's life. The biopic is an opportunity to highlight Marley's musical genius and symbolizes the next stage of legacy building for one of Jamaica's most popular figures.

In this episode, the impassioned voices of Kerry-Ann, Chris Williams, Alexandria, Jendayi Indira, and Mikey T, who dissect the film's Valentine's Day unveiling. We discuss Kingsley Ben-Adir's and Lashana Lynch's portrayals of Bob and Rita Marley, and how our Jamaican and Caribbean brethren see themselves reflected on the silver screen.

What does it mean to authentically represent a cultural icon? This question courses through our lively discussion, as we navigate the rough waters of casting choices, the nuances of cultural identity, and the media's representation of our stories.  The significance of this film hits home, feeding into the broader dialogue about Jamaican talent's visibility in film. The conversation doesn't shy away from the hard-hitting topics, including the challenges of accent authenticity and the complexities embedded in the film industry's casting decisions.

Bringing our introspective voyage to a close, we explore skepticism in the industry and question the depth of the biopic in capturing the essence of Bob Marley's life compared to other musical legends' portrayals on film. The collaboration between Plan B Entertainment and the Marley family in creating this movie raises points on narrative control and the resulting portrayal, which some feel lacked the electrifying energy Marley is known for.

We leave off pondering the biopic's impact, the weight of Rita Marley's influence, and Kingsley's commitment to his role, setting the stage for a continued exploration of Marley's indelible imprint on music and culture.

Resources mentioned:
Documentary: Marley , Remastered: Who Shot the Sheriff
Book: No Woman, No Cry by Rita Marley and Hettie Jones

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When Mortimer's relationship hit a stormy patch, "Lightning" struck, transforming personal turmoil into a chart-topping hit. The song is a glimpse into the Jamaican singer's soulful artistry. Mortimer, who joins us to unravel the layers of his music and its profound connection to life's ebbs and flows. 

Our conversation peels back the curtain on his writing process, revealing how raw emotion can lead to lyrical brilliance, and provides a window into the world of high-stakes music production. Gearing up for a tour across Europe, we discuss his latest single  "Slowly," a track that promises to be a great addition to Mortimer’s catalog as he prepares for his debut album "From Within". 

Mortimer's rich tone and lyrical transparency reggae make the stories behind the sound relatable, yet poetic. As he balances art and business, he shares that navigating the industry's tides isn't for the faint of heart, but Mortimer does it with a sense of purpose and resilience. We chat about the importance of having a crew that's in harmony with your vision, the power of music to spark change, to the nuanced dance with social media - balancing exposure with authenticity.  Tune in for an enriching session that celebrates the heartbeat of a genre and the artist who keeps it pulsing.

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When Murray Elias sparked a fiery debate with his take on Dancehall versus Afrobeats, it was a call to arms for everyone in the music industry. He joined popular Jamaican music podcast The Fix

This episode peels back the layers on his claim that dancehall is stumbling in unity and being outpaced by afrobeats artists in the international music arena. We not only wrestle with the question of dancehall's global appeal but also dig into the historic connection between reggae and Black American audiences, pondering if Bob Marley's vision truly came to fruition. The episode also sheds light on the symbiotic growth of dancehall and hip-hop, their impact on club culture, and the myriad of experiences for West Indian descendants within these musical spaces.

In this solo episode I react to Elias' comments on the the shifts of the music industry  in the following areas:

• How the once-heralded role of A&R is being eclipsed by the juggernauts of streaming and the influencers of social media
• The critical need for artists to understand their value and the deals they ink. 
• How dance crews are revolutionizing Dancehall's visual and physical landscape, questioning if this intricate choreography is narrowing or expanding its appeal. T
• The challenges and opportunities presented by social media for artists striving to create content that resonates with brands

I conclude this episode with a few thoughts to consider on the allure of crossover success versus capitalizing on regional markets for those aiming to make their mark without chasing global stardom.

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After watching the Thriller 40th Anniversary documentary on Paramount+ Kerry-Ann and discuss the legacy of Michael Jackson's classic, ground breaking album and its deep resonance within our lives and the intersection of Jamaican culture. We recall our first encounters with the "Thriller" album and its timeless tracks, sharing anecdotes that affirm Jackson's unparalleled influence on music lovers worldwide, including stories of family dance-offs that showcase his universal appeal.

Navigating the genius behind Jackson's strategic artistry, we uncover the careful craftsmanship of "Thriller," from the savvy acquisition of his masters to the meticulous sequence of its hit songs. Kerry and I are amazed at layers of Jackson's vocal prowess and celebrate his forethought in collaborations and branding, marking the blueprint for future music moguls. We examine how this album set a precedent for artists like Beyoncé, Usher, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake transforming the live concert experience and raising the bar for music production. 

Then we delve into the world of music videos, where Jackson reigned supreme. His dedication to the narrative form, eye-popping wardrobe choices, and revolutionary dance moves didn't just entertain; they laid the groundwork for artists to express their multifaceted creativity, influencing generations to come—including his sister Janet and today's TikTok trends. As we wrap up, we're taking a moment to contrast the enduring impacts of Michael Jackson and Bob Marley, sharing personal memories and beloved tracks that continue to reverberate decades later, legitimizing G.O.A.T status.

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Dancehall's latest showdown as we dissect the lyrical face-off igniting the scene! Producer Rvssian's #DuttyMoneyRiddim has resurfaced with a vengeance, stirring up an electrifying storm with Stefflon Don and Jada Kingdom at the eye. Their social media jabs and musical counterpunches have fans and artists alike clamoring under the comments section. Tune in for an unmissable breakdown of this melodious clash that's sparked thousands of Instagram impressions and a crescendo of public interest.

Highlighting the Dutty Money Riddim resurgence and celebrating the genius maneuver by Rvssian of re-releasing the riddim. Revel in the strategic career moves made by these multi-talented women in music in a no holds bar lyrical war that feels a little personal, but is it just dancehall? From subliminal jabs to direct challenges, this episode lays bare the fiery exchange between two of dancehall's fiercest female artists. Don't miss out on the action-packed commentary that keeps the vibe alive and kicking, with each lyric fanning the dancehall flames.

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Nneka Nurse, the innovative mind behind Best Dressed Plate, share her inspiring journey as a trailblazer forging a new path for food enthusiasts to revel in the diverse culinary landscape of the Caribbean. 

Throughout our conversation, she shares the origin story of Caribbean Chef and Food platform Best Dressed Plate, it's chic moniker and building a spirited community where island flavors are not just savored, but celebrated. Nneka's brainchild of supper club , Caribbean TraDISHons, as an event series that blends the region's rich cultural history with its reimagined traditional dishes, highlighting the deep-seated link between our ancestors' narratives and our beloved cuisine. 

Caribbean TraDISHons is a melting pot of cultural pride and gastronomic creativity. Nneka intricately crafts each event from the themes to the tablescapes, providing a pedestal for both rising stars and culinary connoisseurs to convey their stories through tantalizing dishes. Discover the artful balance between honoring timeless recipes and embracing bold innovations, as we encounter delectable twists like Breadfruit Ice Cream and Bulla Cheesecake. 

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Explore the complexities of a Jamaican family as the on screen adaptation of the book ‘Black Cake’ debuts as a mini series on Hulu. Kerry Ann and I discuss how one our favorite books come to life in the series through episode 4. as we pull back the curtain on the adaptation process, beginning with the mini-series 'Black Cake'. We'll explore the intriguing world of Covey, the protagonist, and delve into the ardent set design and location that caught our eyes. Prepare for an honest critique of the on character accents and a wholesome summary of the plot, including the compelling reasons behind Covey's preference for recording her family secrets.

We're not one to shy away from controversy, so gear up for a discussion on the unnecessary villainization of characters and the missed chances to go deeper into our protagonist's journey. We assure you, this exploration of the weighty issues of secrets and family dynamics will leave you thinking long after the episode ends. Whether you're a literary enthusiast or just love a good story, this episode promises to be an engaging ride.

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Produced by Breadfruit Media