Christopher Martin | Secret Love (Creep) | Official EP Audio

Christopher Martin's much-anticipated debut EP Steppin Razor is released by VP Records. The 5-song digital-only release balances sweetness, swagger and sex appeal and showcases Chris's versatility and vocal excellence.

Chris fires with formidable skill on each of Steppin Razor's songs. The upbeat "We Are The Vibes" (produced by TJ Records) and the braggadocios single "I'm A Big Deal" (produced by Troy "Troyton" Hinds) get the party started. On the sultry "Secret Love (Creep)" (produced by ZJ Dymond), Chris sings "nah tell you fi sneak, but if you a go sneak, girl, sneak, come love me...and if your man find out and waan walk out, girl be with me." His passionate vocals bring a renewed urgency to this well worn and (he admits) somewhat self-centered plea.

Christopher Martin | Secret Love (Creep) | Official EP Audio



"Hide Away," written and produced by the legendary Clive Hunt (whose credits include Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, Grace Jones, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff and VP Records' Etana), is the first song Chris has recorded that he didn't write. However he makes it all his own, incomparably delivering a swell of tender emotions over an irresistible, shuffling reggae beat. "Hide Away" is also featured on the soundtrack to the romantic drama "Destiny" released in late 2013, starring Chris as an aspiring singer attempting to navigate the music industry.

The title track, produced by Frankie Music, isn't the 1977 Peter Tosh classic (written by the late Joe Higgs, a mentor to Tosh and the legendary reggae group The Wailers) although it champions a kindred spirit of invincibility, in this case Martin's unrivaled appeal to the ladies.

Track Listing Steppin Razor EP
1. Steppin Razor
2. I'm A Big Deal
3. We Are The Vibes
4. Secret Love (Creep)
5. Hide Away

Follow Christopher Martin:

https://www.facebook.com/christopherm...
https://twitter.com/iamchrismartin
https://instagram.com/Iamchrismartin

Naptali & Arofat | Nuh Partial

Release 20/03/15
Produced by Moritz"DaBaron"von Korff & Benjamin"Benjammin"
Zecher for Oneness Records

#FBF | Poetic Pilgimage | Feminism and Islam

Rap music and Muslim women... they are not four words that usually come together. But two women from London are breaking down the boundaries for Islamic females across the world with their brand of inspirational hip hop. Together, Muneera Williams, 34, and Sukina Owen-Douglas, 33, form Poetic Pilgrimage - a self-described 'hiphop hijabis' duo that has created a new type of rap music for the masses that addresses religion, gender and issues of identity.

The women, who were both born and raised in Bristol to Jamaican migrant parents first entered the hip hop world after they moved to the capital together to study at the University Of London a decade ago. Since then, they have cultivated a global fan base of devoted followers from both inside and outside the Islamic community. The attraction for their followers is, in part, the unlikely partnership between the fact that they are Muslim women who have an impressive ability to write and perform verse.



Sukina and Muneera converted to Islam ten years ago, just three weeks before the 7/7 bombings, and while the path hasn't always been easy, they haven't looked back. They met at school in Bristol and first became friends while performing in a gospel choir, but only decided to form a group after moving to the capital to study at university. A few years later, they decided to convert to Islam after learning about the religion through the Autobiography of Malcolm X and academic books about Islam and Feminism.

Like most other female Muslims, they now pray five times a day, avoid alcohol and wear the hijab. The marriage of their religion and their profession has both inspired and upset many people though. Sukina told FEMAIL: 'There are people who have messaged us from all over the world who are appreciative of the bravery in our character. 'But on the flip-side there are people who have been unappreciative from both the Muslim community and the non-Muslim community. 'People who have suggested were using our hijabs as a gimmick to make money and that we aren't Muslim at all. 'Then there are people who are really derogatory. In the opening lines of the Al Jazeera documentary we did recently, I rapped about being taken from Africa as a slave to the Caribbean in the opening scene. 'I got comments like "You should be grateful that we colonised you, otherwise Africans would still be in mud huts." 'It's the nature of our technological society though, you get a lot of trolling.'

To say that the woman have cornered a niche in the market is an understatement - their lyrics are based around feminism, Islam and political issues. Sukina said: 'We talk about political situations but we try and take a different stance. 'For instance, with something like the Palestine issue we talk about someone who has lost a husband or someone who is a mother. 'So we talk about it from a female perspective.' At first, the women had a difficult time convincing the Muslim community that they should be onstage rapping. But in the last ten years, they have turned the prejudice around. Sukina said: 'In the Muslim community it was very difficult because the topic of hip hop is very flammable. It's everything that can be wrong with the world - drugs, violence and everything. 'Parts of the Muslim community do find it very difficult. 'People have approached my husband and asked "why do you allow your wife to do this? Why do you allow your wife onstage? I would never let my wife go onstage, I would never let my wife travel without me." 'He's a rapper as well, he's in a band called Native Sun and he has always known me as a rapper, so for us there has never been even a consideration that this shouldn't happen. 'But that is hard for people to understand. 'But in the last few years people have come to understand that it is a very positive thing and we have been asked to speak on panels at conferences on Islam.'

While there may have been problems with the way the women have been received, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive overall. One of the biggest surprises for the women was how wide their fan base was when they started. Sukina said: 'When we first converted to Islam we though tour main following would be young Muslim girls from England. 'But at that time it was the beginning of Myspace - it was the first independent platform to put your music online - and some comments we got from people blew our minds. 'We had amazing comments from people like a middle aged white guy from Austria or a couple from Portugal. 'It wasn't just people from the Muslim community. 'It is hard to put it into a box, we represent the voice of women, the voice of black people and the voice of people from Islam.' And with a huge surge in interest into their music over the last few months, their popularity is only going to grow. Sukina said: 'Some of the reaction we've had from people is amazing - we can't get our heads around the attention we've got. 'Ours is not a story of sorrow, we are not women wounded, rather we have found strength in what may seem strange to overs and we wouldn't have it any other way.'

Rebelmadiaq Sound presents Disobey Riddim

www.REGGAEVILLE.com
OUT ON FEB 17th. 2015
Limited edition of 200 copies.
2 x 7" vinyl.
Includes front and back packing designed by Cisco KSL.
Great Pressing, High Quality Sound.
Get your copy!

Rebelmadiaq Sound presents DISOBEY RIDDIM.

Tanto Metro And Devonte | Miss Dynamite | WOW Riddim | Biggy Music

"WOW Riddim" is a new riddim produced by Biggy Music realised on January 20, 2015. Featuring Jamaican Artists like Assassin, Kalado, Natel, Ninja Kid, Pamputtae, Ranco and Tanto Metro & Devonte. ""WOW Riddim" will be avalaible for purchase on ITUNES and Others Digital Music Platforms this Janaury 20, 2015.



Produced by Biggy Music (Twitter @RnBiggy)
PROMOTED by Mediaz-Empire.biz (Twitter @MediazEmpire)
BPM : 95

Etana | "I Rise" A Day In The Life | NYC

Etana | "I Rise" A Day In The Life | NYC



Rise up and follow "The Strong One" of reggae, Etana as she takes over New York City to celebrate the release of "I Rise". This historic album marked the 1st time in nearly two decades that a female reggae artist made it into Billboard's Top 10 Reggae Chart! From the stop over at SiriusXM radio to the grand finale performance at SOB's. . . just another day in the life of Etana.



Download on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/IRiseiTunes

Strong Ones! Let us Rise!: http://www.etanathestrongone.com/

Follow Etana:
https://www.youtube.com/etanaVEVO
https://www.facebook.com/OneEtana
https://twitter.com/EtanaStrongOne
http://instagram.com/etanastrongone

Top Reggae Album of 2014 | United Reggae

By Erik Magni/United Reggae

Last year I made a list collecting 25 sets, but this year I aimed for 30, and succeeded. As usual no reissues or compilations were allowed.

This year’s list is however a little bit different compared to previous lists. Why? I have included two straight dub albums. And it could actually have been no less than four dub sets, but Natural Numbers’ Natural Numbers in Dub and The Lions’ This Generation in Dub, the roaring dub counterpart to their beautiful This Generation, didn’t make the final cut.



The list below collects 30 roots, ska, rocksteady, dub and dancehall albums in no particular order.



Jahmali – We I Open
We I Open equals sun-burnt skin, sand between your toes and salty hair. A cheerful contemporary rub-a-dub set with lots of light to wash your troubles away.





Black Roots – Ghetto Feel
Deep and profound vintage roots reggae. This album could easily have been released in the early 80s.





Sly & Robbie – Dubrising
Heavy as lead, yet melodic and refined, and with adventurous dub mixing by the legendary Paul “Groucho” Smykle.





Blue King Brown – Born Free
A powerful sonic experience with slower jams and militant anthems.





Etana – I Rise
Another excellent set from one of Jamaica’s leading voices. A set that effortlessly blends infectious love ballads and tough roots anthems.





Tuff Scout Allstars – Inna London Dub
Harder than most contemporary dub albums with ridiculously deep bass lines and hypnotic grooves.





Sara Lugo – Hit Me with Music
Bright and positive from start to finish. Sara Lugo explores the gentle side of reggae with influences from soul, jazz and light electronic pop.





Earl 16 & Manasseh – Gold Dust
Beautifully crafted with Earl 16’s delicate and dreamy vocals floating on top of the at times partly acoustic backing.





Lloyd Brown – LB 50
Yet another harmonious set from one of most reliable and hardest working artists in the reggae industry.





Roberto Sánchez & The Rockers Disciples – Blackboard Jungle Showcase Vol. II
Excellent vintage-sounding roots and dub from some of Europe’s finest musicians.





Popcaan – Where We Come From
A remarkable, exceptional and unique dancehall effort that hopefully can start a new trend in the otherwise very busy and non-consistent dancehall industry.





Raging Fyah – Destiny
The melodies and the arrangements are beautiful and it’s impossible not to get struck by a sweet piano ballad like Brave or pulsating non-stop rocking rockers like Barriers and Step Outta Babylon.





Hezron – The Life I Live(d)
Hezron’s debut album, but it sounds mature, partly because of the well-produced riddims by some of Jamaica’s finest, and partly because he sings like he has never done anything else in his life.





Lee Perry – Back on the Controls
A dark and dense album showcasing Lee Perry’s signature style.





Soul Majestic – Setting the Tone
With its angelic vocal harmonizing and alternating male and female lead vocals – this is a sublime, beautiful and uplifting album.





Hollie Cook – Twice
Nine tracks and over 40 minutes of discofied reggae in its greatest form. Free your mind, take off your shoes and hang on, this is a rollercoaster into dreamy territory.





Earl Sixteen – Natty Farming
Organic and analogue with Earl Sixteen’s pleading voice floating elegantly over the throbbing and syncopated riddims.





Bugle – Anointed
Probably best known for singles like Doh, What I’m I Gonna Do, Journey and Don’t Give Up, and if you dig those you’ll love this album.





Sizzla – Born a King
Wickedly well-produced, balanced and detailed. This scorching album is definitely one of the strongest sets from Sizzla’s more than extensive catalogue.





Alpheus – Good Prevails
Skip the poorly sounding rocksteady reissues and go for this meticulously constructed and well-produced set. This is the sound of real reggae music.





Chronixx – Dread & Terrible
Solid debut set from this youthful and passionate singer that has focused on quality rather than quantity.





Clinton Fearon – Goodness
Yet another fine example of how Clinton Fearon and his Boogie Brown Band takes the reggae legacy into contemporary territory.





Black Symbol – Journey
A spiritual and sometimes meditative journey with sublime harmonizing and beautiful back-up vocals courtesy of Empress Bev. Her touch gives the album a character of its own.





Addis Pablo – In My Father’s House
Its 17 tracks takes the listener on a meditative, haunting and melodic roots reggae journey.





Tarrus Riley – Love Situation
Slick, polished and timeless with lots of classic and vintage sounding riddims.





Gentleman – MTV Unplugged
The MTV Unplugged format was immensely popular in the 90s and I thought it was dead, but this album shows that it’s still very much alive and kicking.





I-Octane – My Journey
The culture and lovers themed My Journey is an entertaining and lively album filled with lots of energy, beautiful hooks and memorable melodies.





Ziggi Recado – Therapeutic
A little something for both body and mind.





Pressure – The Sound
Pressure’s fourth album and is his best to date. It includes the usual sweet arrangements and backing provided by Zion I Kings.





Nicodrum & Friends – Back to Fundechan
Music with a big heart, a solid pulse and lots of soul.

Jojo Abot Performs 2 Songs Off Her Forthcoming EP Debut, ‘Fyfya Woto’

Ghanaian Afro-Soul Singer Jojo Abot Performs 2 Songs Off Her Forthcoming EP Debut, ‘Fyfya Woto’



Ghanaian afro-soul songstress was in the midst of readying her debut EP, Fyfya Woto, a conceptual project produced by Copenhagen’s Jonas Rendbo which will focus on “a woman’s right to choose.” While we await news of an official release date, Abot has previewed two new singles off the record in the form of live videos filmed at Copenhagen’s Millfactory Studios with Abot and her three-man band.

The eclectic singer cites South African reggae icon Lucky Dube as one of the musical influences that shaped the making of Fyfya Woto, and the first track “To Li” bears witness to this influence as Abot spits in Ewe and English over a midtempo reggae groove. On “Pi Lo Lo” (named for the Ghanaian children’s game similar to hide and seek) Abot shows off her vocal versatility over a slow-burning electronic beat anchored by ethereal synths while exploring the risks of infidelity and the consequences that come with openly expressing a forbidden love. Watch both videos below. For more on Jojo Abot read the preview of Stocktown’s Afripedia, a new 5-part documentary series on creatives in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Angola, and Senegal.

Rocky Dawuni | African Thriller

"African Thriller" is the first single from the African star Rocky Dawuni's new album "Branches of the Same Tree," which will be released in March 2015 on Cumbancha.



BUY ON ITUNES:
http://bit.ly/1rYzTnJ

"African Thriller," sung in West African pidgin English, embodies Rocky Dawuni's unique "Afro-Roots" sound, a funky blend of soul, pop, Afrobeat and reggae grooves that have made him a household name in his native Ghana and earned him a wide following across the globe. Jeremy Sole, a DJ, producer and host on the taste-defining Los Angeles radio station KCRW, remixed the single version of "African Thriller". Sole has previously remixed tracks for Femi Kuti, David Bowie, Thievery Corporation, and Quantic, among others.

Shot in Los Angeles, the highly polished music video, directed by Glen Wilson, and choreographed by Kara Mack, offers an explosion of West African inspired dance moves, rich colors, and a celebratory atmosphere. Wilson, who directed Dawuni's earlier "African Reggae Fever" video, was inspired by one of his favorite documentaries, When We Were Kings, which documented the famous Ali/Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" bout that took place in Kinshasha, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) on October 30th, 1974. The video also references Afro Funke', Rocky's world renowned cross cultural dance club in Los Angeles, and offers visual tributes to Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.

According to Rocky Dawuni, "'African Thriller' is a persona, a concept and a vision of what contemporary beauty and excitement will emerge from the confrontation and collision of cultures. The video hints at historical and cultural signposts in a metaphoric expression of how the dance floor is one of the ultimate and most colorful places for global unity, celebration and liberation."

Rocky Dawuni and his team are excited for this video to inspire others to "shake it till it go be hot, hot!" Rocky is asking fans to post their “African Thiller” inspired dance-videos to his Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/rockydawuni) and will soon be announcing an upcoming remix contest. Sign up for the email list for more details: http://eepurl.com/bKNe

Rocky Dawuni is a musician and humanitarian activist from Ghana, West Africa. Named one of Africa's Top 10 global stars by CNN, his recordings and thrilling live performances have attracted thousands to his concerts around the world at top festivals and prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Dawuni has collaborated and performed with Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Bono, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae and John Legend, among many others.

Dawuni's eloquence, cultural diplomacy and successful melding of music and activism have led him to become a passionate spokesperson for various global causes. He has joined forces with Product (RED), UNICEF, the Carter Center and the UN Foundation. In 2012, Dawuni was appointed the Tourism and Cultural Ambassador of Ghana and World Ambassador for the Musicians Union of Ghana. The same year, he was named a United Nations Foundation Ambassador for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, alongside actress Julia Roberts and chef José Andrés.

Influenced by the soulful beats of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, the positive messages and deep grooves of Bob Marley and the infectious, sing-along anthems of Michael Franti, K'naan and Matisyahu, Rocky Dawuni's songs straddle the musical boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the US to create a universally appealing sound that unites generations and cultures.

CONNECT WITH ROCKY DAWUNI:
http://www.rockydawuni.com
http://www.facebook.com/rockydawuni
http://www.twitter.com/rockydawuni
http://www.youtube.com/rockydawunimusic

CONNECT WITH CUMBANCHA
http://www.cumbancha.com
http://shop.cumbancha.com/releases.html/
http://www.facebook.com/cumbancha

White Tiger Society (WTS) | Trailer

White Tiger Society | Trailer

Captain Planet | Fall All The Way

,



Order the 'Esperanto Slang' Album on 2xLP, CD, Digi or Vinyl Deluxe Pack:
bastardjazz.bandcamp.com/album/esperanto-slang-2

Released by:
Bastard Jazz
Release date:
6 October 2014

RAS x Kala Ra | Come In | Shot By @chosen1films

RAS x Kala Ra | Come In | Shot By @chosen1films

From forthcoming album ARMS African Riot Music | Ambassidor Sound (label) Beat Prod. by Rhom



Production Redlox Thundergong Music

Lilou Red Bull BOOMBUS Tour Episode 1 | ARRIVAL

Finally arrived in south of France, Pélézinho & Lilou try to installe the camp. Follow their journey with action and smile all around different city. time to enjoy holiday, site seeing and dance everywhere.

Okay Acoustic: Liam Bailey | On My Mind

One of Okayplayer's artists to watch this year, soul and reggae singer Liam Bailey gave us an intimate acoustic performance of his recent release "On My Mind."



Producer: Allison Swank
Videographers: Jake Remington + Jay Sprogell
Editor: Jay Sprogell

Okayplayer
http://www.okayplayer.com
http://www.facebook.com/okayplayer
http://www.twitter.com/okayplayer

Knox Brown | Harry's Code

You should never judge a book by how many superstars it’s written songs for, but with new artist Knox Brown’s star-studded roll call of Jay Z, Aloe Blacc and Mary J Blige, it’s almost impossible to look past it.

“They heard my music and wanted to work,” explains the Jamaican-born musician. “I feel so humbled and slightly gassed. This is what I’ve been dreaming of for the longest while!”

The first Knox Brown track to surface explored dreaming, but not necessarily his. In ‘Redemption Song’ he samples Martin Luther King, Muhammad Ali, Louis Farrakhan and Nelson Mandela to construct a powerful, piano-led track with a smooth Marley-inspired vocal hook over a Southern-style hip-hop beat.

“It wasn’t something I had planned, it sort of happened,” admits Knox, “but the message in that song is basically me looking back at the past and learning from these role models, seeing what people go through and still persevere. Out of a bad situation may come inspiration.”

He’s working on a EP now, and recently released another number called ‘Harry’s Code’ online. Where ‘Redemption Song’ felt more like a bite of Knox’s influences and beliefs, this track is a more complete single. He champions seeing music “without barriers”, and it starts off appropriately, like a classic dub cut, before the electric guitars and percussion slip into a funk and soul swagger, emphasising Knox’s lyrical potential and Jamaican English delivery.

“My first real introduction was when I was at a friend’s house,” begins Knox, explaining his musical genesis. “He put this game called Music 2000 in his PlayStation and my addiction for music production was born after seeing how he was making beats. Whilst in Year 10 at school, I made my first mixtape the summer after and sold 20 copies.”

It’s hard to believe, but the Knox Brown story is only just warming up.

Maxi Priest | Loving You Is Easy

Easy To Love is a fine representation of lovers' rock, an effortless blend of reggae, R&B and dancehall with universal appeal. The sophistication he brings to these tracks is the mark of true quality. His delivery and phrasing are impeccable, and his choice of material and collaborators are strategic and brilliant.

The title track was a No. 1 hit on reggae charts last summer, evidence that Maxi Priest has a gift for staying fresh. The song features the legendary Jamaican drum and bass duo Sly & Robbie, who've played on some of Maxi's biggest hits, including "Wild World," "Some Guys Have All The Luck," "Close To You," and "Housecall" (featuring Shabba Ranks) as well as the new album track "Every Little Thing." WATCH "Easy To Love" video.

Maxi's been tugging on women's heartstrings ever since the mid-80′s. New and long-term fans alike will relish hearing irresistible tributes of enduring affection like "Loving You Is Easy," "Holiday," "Still In Love," and "Gravity." The soulful "Without A Woman" features Jamaican legend Beres Hammond and even echoes the themes and intensity of James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's World."

There are many more highlights on Easy To Love. While "Hearts Across The World" is a song for our times and pleas for people of all races to love one another, other tracks like "Fire In The Skies" simply defy categorization and are living proof of Maxi Priest's musical versatility. The delicate, aching need of "Angel Wings" also demonstrates just how far reggae has evolved in the new era.

Maxi Priest | Gravity | Lyric Video

Maxi Priest | Gravity | Lyric Video

Junior Reid | Bubbler | Official Music Video

Junior Reid | Bubbler | Official Music Video

Alkaline | Everyday

John Brown's Body | The Gold | Official Music Video

Shot in Bull Bay, Jamaica - primarily at Bob Marley Beach & Jamnesia, and features Jamaican professional surfer, Icah Wilmot and some of Jamaica's most-talented up and coming surfers including Ivah Wilmot and Eli Shama Beckford. It also features a bunch of the kids that participate in Jamnesia's youth development program.

The Gold (Double Dutch Dubmatix Remix) is a featured track on Dub Rockers Volume 1 - preview the album here:
http://smarturl.it/DubRockers



© 2014 Dub Rockers