On the eve of his nearly sold-out tour, Jah Cure faces protests in the U.K. by women’s rights groups who think it is inappropriate that Cure has regained his celebrity status so soon after his release from prison. Campaigner Paulette Coombs commented to The Guardian: “He is able to move on with his life. Who cares about the young woman he raped?” Meanwhile, Cure’s representatives maintain that the singer is sincere about using his music and fame to promote healing and peace.
Former lead singer of Black Uhuru and successful solo artist Junior Reid has made major inroads in the American rap market after an appearance on Mims’ single “This Is Why I’m Hot.” He recently performed in New York City at Radio City Music Hall alongside the rapper Fabolous. The reggae singer known for the anthem “One Blood” has a combination joint on “Real Gangsta.” “Right now, Reid ah record with the hottest set of youth who ah run the place inna the U.S.,” son Wadda Blood told One876. “He has done tunes with Jeezy, Snoop Dogg, a track that hasn’t come out yet, he has worked with Rick Ross, he has a song on Mims’ album, he has a song with Sean P, formerly of the Youngbloodz, called ‘Good Look.’ Reid is hot right now.”
Singer and actor Ky-Mani Marley will star in BET’s reality-TV program Living the Life of Marley. The show examines how he and his siblings are carrying on the legacy of their father. “The show touches a little bit on how I was raised in the inner-city ghetto (Liberty City, Miami). I was growing up in a two-bedroom place with nine people. It explains a bit of why I am the way I am, the way I am musically,” reports Marley.
Producer Don Corleon is currently working with hot shots Munga Honourable, Alaine, and Pressure. The DASECA producers are working with Bugle and Serani, and have produced and helped buss numerous hits for Mavado. According to Craig Harrisingh, “Usually, [it ’s] the young artists that will take the time to the producers, which makes for a better song.”
Ever wanted to raise your child like a Jamaican? Author Dahlia D Welsh wants to teach you how by explaining, “Everything, starting with the accents. I love patois and speaking in patois–it is so lovely and lyrical. Of course, the food, and my parents always made sure to keep us connected by having us spend summers in Jamaica, which really helped us preserve our culture and our roots.” Welsh, a second-generation Jamaican living in Brooklyn, also emphasizes hard work, attention to school, and humility in her tome.
Chino, son of reggae legend Freddie McGregor, will be dropping his Unstoppable album in mid-October, via JVC Victor Japan. The debut contains his popular singles “Inna the Club” and “Red Bull and Guinness,” as well as a collaboration with the late Dennis Brown called “Handwritings.” “We’re going all out,” says Chino, “There are only two collaborations on the album because I wanted my first album to display my talent.”
Plenty of new riddims for the end of the year are starting to creep into shops. Birchill’s electro-dance-inspired Madness riddim features Sean Paul, Ele, Tami Chynn, and TOK. Producer Birch started out as a musician and later began his production tenure at Shaggy’s Big Yard stable; his previous riddims include Thrilla, Military, Salsa, Ghetto Blues, and Stage Time.
Beres Hammond sings on his own Greatest riddim, which also features Taxi Gang veteran singer Jimmy Riley’s “Love For Life.”
Known for hyper, techno-dancehall, H2O label’s Blue Tooth riddim should satisfy dancefloor fans with new joints by Pressure, Assassin, Mavado, and Munga.
Sly & Robbie’s classic Baltimore riddim already delivered Pressure’s massive “Ghetto Life.” Now, follow-up versions come from Tony Rebel and vocalist Courtney John. John’s latest album, Unselfish, offers a new look at the singer formerly known as Yogie, whose distinct voice should earn him fans the same way Anthony Cruz and Da’Ville have in recent months.
The U.K.’s Maximum Sound label is already on the charts with its Black Board riddim (a hip-hop remake of Lee Perry’s “Blackboard Jungle”), but don’t sleep on its recent Ashanti Warrior riddim, which features solid tracks by Natty King, Warrior King, Jah Mason, and Anthony B.
Reggae Source’s Top Five Reggae Albums
1. Sizzla I-Space (Greensleeves)
2. Mavado Gangster for Life (VP)
3. Ras Shiloh Coming Home (VP)
4. Various Artists Reggae Gold 2007 (VP)
5. Cocoa Tea Biological Warfare (Minor 7 Flat)
