More
exclusive interviews & new audio coming soon...
::: ZULU BLAK @ MYSPACE :::
Check out the first ever Canadian Reggae Star ZULU BLAK now on myspace.com.
Listen to exclusive pre-release tracks and much more... www.myspace.com/zulublak
*The Canadian release date for Alison Hinds' much anticipated album, "Soca
Queen", has been changed to October 9th on iTunes & October 16th in
Stores
:::
GAVINCHI: ON THE RISE OF A NEW ERA
:::
January 4th, 19
"eighty-sum'n" was a memorable day in Jamaican music history. This was the day
that a famous female artist of the eighties (Shirley McLean) and a renown radio
personality (Owen “O.B” Brown) brought a bouncing baby boy into the world, and
they called him Gavin. From birth, Gavin has been submerged in and surrounded by
music as not only his parents but many of his relatives and family friends have
all been intimately involved in the music fraternity. Commercially, the UK based
Me&You were the most successful of the lot, as they rose to the top echelon of
the British charts in the 1980s.
A proud resident of East Kingston,
Gavin spent the better part of 16 years living in Rollington Town before moving
to the calmer Harbour View area. This kind of upbringing (with the good, bad,
ugly and indifferent), backed by a solid academic foundation, has allowed him to
pen and deliver different socio-economic elements of Jamaican life with so much
clarity and conviction whilst making it entertaining at the same time.
Gavin began showing much musical
promise from as early as age 5 when he began playing the drums at an
advanced/semiprofessional level at the Jamaica School of Music under the
tutelage of Sparrow Martin, Carl Ayton (who he later worked with) and many
others. He began honing his stage craft in 1991 as a solo act by performing at
school concerts, barbeques, etc. In 1995, Gavin made his first recording and
landed his first live radio interview with top Jamaican disk jock Richie B.
The subsequent years saw Gavin
emerging as a profound writer/lyricist and at one point; he was even playing the
guitar. However, it wasn’t until 1998/99 that Gavin began making deliberate and
intentional steps towards being a successful full-time artist and adopted
“Gavinchi” as a moniker/stage name. Gavinchi's first three recordings were in
rotation on all of Jamaica’s major radio stations and one of them (“Michelle”
which features Reggae Icon Edi Fitzroy) has earned him two live performances on
national television in Jamaica.
To date, Gavinchi has graced top
notch websites such as wireimage.com and dailyceleb.com; he's formed alliances
with D&G, Ting and The LRG Clothing Company, been interviewed by several major
media houses such as BET, BBC, CNN, TimeWarner, RJR, IrieFM & RETv, made several
red carpet appearances (including the Soul Train and BET Awards), performed at
various colleges, universities, festivals and events in and around the Kingston
Metropolitan Region, various parts of Canada's East Coast, The U.S West Coast
plus Hawaii and is also slated to move on to several parts of Europe shortly. He
has headlined and sold out venues previously packed by legends such as The
Beatles, Willie Nelson, Kool And The Gang, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Eek-A-Mouse and
Pato Baton plus performed alongside the likes of Ernie Smith, Jr. Marvin, Fully
Fullwood, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Baby Cham, Barrington Levy, New Zealand's
Katch A Fire, Hawaii's Ooklah da Moc & B.U.B.z and many others. He has worked
with Grammy Award Winning and Multi-Platinum Songwriter/ Producer Dany Tomas;
some of Jamaica’s finest musical talents, such as Sly Dunbar, Robbie Lyn, Dwight
Pinkney, Steve Golding, Keith Francis, Gibby Morrison, Charmaine Bowman, among
others. His style, although eclectic, is always unmistakably Dancehall at its
core. Gavinchi has given birth to a new genre of Music; Sub Stancehall Music and
is it's first valiant representative. Sub Stancehall is Dancehall music with
Substance, not mere rhymes and punchlines which has now become commonplace. The
true substance of Authentic Reggae Music is alive and well in all his songs.
We are all witnessing the rise of a
new era and Gavinchi is its focal point. Ladies and gentlemen, the future is
here; as a matter of fact, Gavinchi is the past and future wrapped up in our
beautiful present. What we are seeing here is that 1 with God is a majority; as
all of Gavinchi's efforts and accomplishments thus far were all possible because
of close friends and family(Phenix Records), hard work, perseverance and Divine
Intervention. Time is the master and ultimate test of all that is; so it will
undoubtedly prove how great Gavinchi is.
Male singing group,
LUST, is back on top of the charts. The group's impressive reading of Air
Supply's 1985 nugget Just As I Am, has already taken pole position in Jamaica as
well as on the Canadian Reggae charts.
Singing Melody, one of the members of LUST (the other members are Lukie D,
Thriller U, and Tony Curtis), told the Jamaica Gleaner that the decision to
update the Air Supply track happened based on a suggestion by Lukie D. "It was
Lukie D's idea because he is a fan of Air Supply. He found the song and invited
us to sing it. We knew the song would have taken off the way it did because we
had great confidence in it," said Melody.
LUST has been knocking on the doors of stardom ever since the group came to fore
in 1997. Their debut single Sweetness of Your Love spent multiple weeks at the
top of the local charts and earned the group several awards the following year
at the now defunct Jamaica Music Industry Awards.
Melody pointed out that LUST plans to maintain the pace that was set by the
success of Just As I Am. "LUST was on top back then and we were concentrating on
our individual careers for a while and that caused the impact of the group to
wane a bit. Now we are back on top and that is exactly where we intend to stay,"
he said.
A follow-up single to Just As I Am has already been earmarked for release.
Melody, who refused to divulge details about the song, said a video for the
track will be done shortly. The group is currently being pursued for several
performances in the Caribbean and North America. The group will next perform in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Jamaican Reggae
Artist Mikey Dangerous has been exploding on to the international music scene!
With a unique and powerful voice Mikey Dangerous has been known to captivate his
audiences with his unforgettable enchanting voice, flow, lyrical finesse, along
with an arsenal of deadly material. His performances and recordings are
versatile, ranging from Roots and Culture to booty shaking club hits. His voice
has been featured on a variety recordings and hit singles that have made their
way around the world! Having dedicated endless amount of time to developing his
style and lyrical skills, Mikey Dangerous is recognized as a solid, talented,
multifaceted performing and recording artist.
Mikey Dangerous has toured with artists such as The Beatnuts, and has been
featured at many special events like Summer Sizzle where he crossed boundaries
having been the only dancehall reggae artist to be featured along side artists
like Ciara, Lil JON, Ying Yang twins, Fat Joe, and more. He has also appeared on
festivals in the Caribbean such as Barbados reggae splash (www.barbadosreggaesplash),
he's since been invited to perform in the Caribbean, Europe, and across North
America. Dangerous has been featured at the Montreal Tropical Festival, The
Montreal International Reggae Festival in 2005, 2006, and in 2007 was featured
as a HEADLINER at the Festival. (Watch a live clip on www.youtube.com, just
search for MIKEY DANGEROUS). Or Click the LINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrJO4mVTsAo
Along with an impressive performance history, Mikey Dangerous also has an
impressive catalogue of recordings. His first single to be released was on The
Young Lions label entitled: 'Rasta don't dwell', released on 45rpm 7".The song
was later released on a compilation which was titled after the single (Rasta
don't dwell). After his first release, Mikey continued working on a variety of
recordings including his first single on the King of Kings Label. The King of
Kings Label later released another six singles on 45 rpm 7" starting with a song
entitled 'Gal yuh a di wife'. Subsequently, Mikey Dangerous was requested for
collaborations with numerous artists such as platinum selling hip hop group
Dubmatique. *His next single: "Performance Drive, on the King of Kings label
appeared on "the Millennium Dancehall Style Vol. 1 compilation" This compilation
was released in 1998 by VP Records and distributed by Walboomers Music. *****For
full details about past releases, please visit www.sonicbids.com/mikeydangerous
As one of reggae’s most profound song beams, Etana seems bent on making 2007 her
own. Constantly on the move the Warrior Love singer has been bubbling on several
local Radio and TV Top 10 charts in Jamaica and worldwide. With her can't water
down and dilute single Roots now in full swing after being released some month
ago, the empress is currently ranked # 1 on two major charts with more than 22
weeks of rotation in total.
Click here to listen to her past interview at Sting live in Jamaica
Click here to listen the MontrealDancehall.com drop from Etana
LIVE ARTIST INTERVIEWS
Wordsmith Jeffrey Campbell aka
Assassin returns with his
second album from VP Records called, 'Gully Sit'n' a
collection of dancehall tracks inspired by the streets of
Jamaica.
Assassin's new album includes recent hits and current
dancehall burners, 'Don't Make We Hold You', 'Beep Out', and
'No Boring Gal'. Album producers include Dave Kelly, Don Corleon, and
Stephen McGregor so you know de ting official! Straight!
From: VP Records
.
Recently the MontrealDancehall.com
crew linked up in Kingston, Jamaica at the Solid Agency with the man of the
hour: MAVADO as he speaks about his new release CD: GANGSTA FOR LIFE -
The Symphony of David Brooks. This album features his main hits such as:
"Amazing Grace"; "Dying" and many more.
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I recently had the chance to catch up with Turbulence while he was in
Canada on tour. Turbulence is someone who comes across as an individual that is
humble, conscious and open to discuss his views.
Riding the airwaves with hits like, Notorious, Name and Number, Ital Stew 06 has
been a year where Turbulence has been touring the world and reaping the rewards
of his work. Hear what he has to say about his latest album (and would you
believe it's his 13th album!) X Girlfriend, his hopes for the upcoming year, and
views on Sasha his other X girlfriend.
While Cham has recently enjoyed much success with his recent Album and
single, Ghetto Story he isn't a new kid on the block. Dancehall lovers will
remember when he first came on the scene with hits such as, Galong Gal, Hotti
Hotti Crew, Babylon Bwoy and collaborations like Tables will Turn with Foxy
Brown.
Atlantic signed Baby Cham, and dropped the "Baby" from his name and now is in
full swing promoting this versatile and pretty boy Cham. I recently as he was in
Toronto, ON for Caribana and promoting the release of his new CD, Ghetto Story.
Take a listen to the exclusive interview with Cham as he talks about the re-mix
collaboration with Alicia Keys, his new album, which artists he admires, and his
views on the industry
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Tanya Stevens interview as she discusses her position with other's in the
business, her impression of the state of dancehall, her goals for the future,
and what Rebelution is really all about. Listen to this up close and personal
interview backstage at the Montreal Reggae Festival. Tanya talks about why she
doesn't want to be known as a woman artist, but simply and artist, and how the
struggles and uphill battles have made her a better and pushed her harder.
Nitty Kutchie is well known for being a dub DJ as he is constantly cutting dubs.
Hits like "Ghetto Soldier", "Jah Deliver Me" along with lots of collaborations
with artists like Bounty Killa, and Angel Doolas, and Sizzla Kutchie is proven
himself as a solid artist. Outside of Exodus Studio in Kingston, JA I had the
chance to talk with Kutchie, and he didn't hold anything back. Listen as he
talks about his new album and gives us an exclusive preview of a recording with
him and Sizzla
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Gyptian was recognized as the best new artist in reggae during 2005; his first
hit single Serious Times made him turn from a young unknown artist to one of the
most sought after performers'. Gyptian showed us that he wasn't just a one hit
wonder, as he followed up with tunes like Mama and Beautiful Lady. It was a
pleasure to sit in on a recording as Gyptian lay down the tracks for a new
single at Stanley Stevens studio in Red Hills, JA. Check out the exclusive
interview with Gyptian
Junior X literally blew onto the scene with this. Going from a relative unknown
to dropping to one of the bigger roots tunes of the last few with “Plead My
Cause”. As soon as those violins hit in and Junior talks about oppression, you
know this is going to be enormous. I caught up with Junior X in Half Way Tree,
and here for yourself what he has to say about being the new kid on the block,
and what he sees for himself.
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Mr. Vegas catapulted to the top of the Jamaican charts in 1997 with the dancehall boomshots "Heads High" and "Nike Air", his distinctive vocals fusing melodious
singing with precision deejaying (rapping). Since then he has built an
international fan base with hit singles like "Pull Up", "Tamale" and "Hot Gal
Today" but it is on his latest CD "Constant Spring" that Mr. Vegas' spectacular
sing-jay approach and cleverly crafted lyrics dazzle
with the intensity of an evening in, well, Las Vegas.
Formally known as "Snagga Puss" basically, the same shape and form for the last
decade, but in that period he has switched from being Jamaica's most promising
rapper, as Dicky Ranks, to dancehall deejay Snagga Puss, a character based on
the Yogi Bear character Snaggle Puss. Snagga has toured extensively with
Shocking Vibes, but here what he has to say about his most recent change in
image, yet once again
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With hits like Telephone Ting, The LetterBaby Song, Bellevue, Kiprich aka Kippo
has distinguished himself with his comical lyrics and versatile style. He has
toured the world as the opening act for Elephant Man and now firmly stands on
his own with his recent album release "Outta Road. Here for yourself what
Kiprich has to say about his challenges, the reality of "badmind" and his focus
for the future.
Recently at RJR Radio station in Kingston, JA I had the chance to talk to Macka
Diamond and Blacker, who have one of the top tunes in dancehall, Bun Him. Listen
to the interview with Macka Diamond and the challenges she has faced as a women
in a male dominated business, while Blacker talks about how they decided to
collaborate, his perspective on their success, andplans for '06
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Warrior King's first attempt at radio came in the late '90s with the Coco Tea-produced
single "Nuff a Dem a Evil" with fellow DJ Little Blacks. The duo participated in
numerous festivals and community events before Dyer, who was christened Warrior
King by Frisco Kid, hit it big with the single "Virtuous Woman." HIs follow up
single "Hold the Faith" got solid airplay on radio across the globe. Warrior
King is a man that comes across as very humble, knowledgeable, and loving. His
determination will only be an asset as this artist continues to make music
My Gawwwwwwwwwwd; if you have heard this expression on a CD, commercials, or at
your local barber shop, Twins of Twins are the ones that coined this popular
phrase. Identical twins they have been in the business for several years, DJing
and for their animated impersonations of well known Jamaican and international
personalities, including Mutabaruka, Bounty Killa, Ninja, Michael Jackson, etc.
Click on PLAY and listen to Twins and Twins history and what is to come on there
upcoming release
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MontrealDancehall.com
Dubplate service:
Laugh Till Yuh Boss Fire Yuh Backside!!!:(Parental advisory/Explicit content)
Feature
Clip
Kiss Mi Rass
Click here for the clip
Phone Sex Talk
Click here for the clip
Mr. Brown... Can I speak to Ahmmm???
Click here for the clip
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MontrealDancehall.com featured drops:
Artists
Track / Drop
14K
Click here for the drop
Swatch International Part I
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Swatch International Part II
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Warrior King
Click here for the drop
Snagga Puss
Click here for the drop
Predator
Click here for the drop
Passion
Click here for the drop
Mr. Lex
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Jagwa
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Galaxy P
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Fanton Mojah
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Determine
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Danny English
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Chrisinti
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Boscom X
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Devonte
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Capleton
Click here for the drop
Blessed (Toronto)
Click here for the drop
Daville 1
Click here for drop 1
Daville 2
Click here for drop 2
Daville 3
Click here for drop 3
Cocoa Tea
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Gabriel
Click here for the drop
Richie
Stevens
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Jah Cuttah
(Montreal)
Click here for the drop
Bobby Konda
(Massive B)
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BabyCham
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David Rodigan
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Shinehead
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Capleton
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Tika D
(Toronto)
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Mawga K
(Montreal)
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Mawga K
(Montreal)
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Mr. Easy
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more coming real
soon...
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