Forward Ever

UK Dub Flex

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:43:00 +0000

Check the forthcoming UK dub DVD documentary Musically Mad, out soon.

SF Folks: Got bass?

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:29:00 +0000

King Jammy$, Redman Productions, Bobby Digital, Steely & Clevie Witty's, Techniques, Mr. Doo...

Those were the producers and labels doing all the ill Casio-driven 1980s dancehall music with artists like Daddy Lizard, Wayne Smith, Admiral Bailey, Cocoa Tea, Pompidoo, Clement Irie and others.

I'll be playing a special '80s Casio-dancehall set for Kid Kameleon's b-day this Sunday July 6 at the Transfer Bar, 198 Church Street/Market in San Francisco. It's free!

Do hope you can join us. Set times listed below...

8:15-9:00 - Kid K
9:00-9:45 - Maneesh
9:45-10:30 - Tomas
10:30-11:15 - Tones
11:15-12:00 - Subtek
12:00-12:45 - Ripley
12:45--close - Kid K

Touch-Screen Scratching

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:12:00 +0000

Coming to a club near you...

Final Technology // User Testing from Scott Hobbs on Vimeo

Written Bits Part 2

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:58:00 +0000

FowardEver celebrated an earthdate weekend in style with two amazing live shows and some DJing thrown in for good measure.

Although I missed the return pass of dubstep kings Benga and Skream last Wednesday at Mighty, authorities report that it was rammed, happy and bass-weight-driven. Read my review of Benga's Diary of an Afro Warrior.

F-E did manage to make it to two shows Sunday June 22, 2008, but not without a last-minute DJ fill-in gig for my man B-Love the night before at downtown watering hole Cantina.

The cozy bar's pan-Latin theme was well-suited for ForwardEver's soul, broken, afro-Latin and hip-hop beats. It was a night where Quantic, Willie Colon, Roy Ayers, Q-Tip and Antibalas rubbed shoulders on the Technics decks. The song that really brought the house down, though, was definitely Tarrus Riley's "She's Royal" -- a tracks that was shamefully underplayed on American urban radio. Guess the message is just too damn positive.

The next afternoon was spent basking under eucalyptus trees in Stern Grove taking in the US debut of Nigerian artist Seun Kuti. Fela's son did not disappoint covering both his father's hits ("Suffering & Smiling") and his own album's excellent tracks ("Many Things," "Na Oil"). Read my preview of the show and album here.

However, one of the day's additional highlights was baritone sax player Adedimeji "Showboy" Fagbemi (pictured above), leader of the Egypt 80 brass section. He opened the show with a convincing version of "Don't Bring That Shit To Me" and his solos were earth-shaking. Showboy initiated infectious call-and-response-vocals with the backup singers, bellowing with a mighty "whoa!"

Here's a brief video outtake from Sunday afternoon's show in the wooded Stern Grove ampetheater:

Hear a track by Showboy's early 70s namesake.

Finally, it was out to see Morgan Heritage, reggae's best live band, performing at The Independent on Sunday June 22.

Read more about them in my SFBG review.

On the night, Peter (pictured at top of this post), Gramps, Una, Mr. Mojo and the Heritage family came with a tightly-segued performance that included gems like "Politicians," "Nothing To Smile About" and "Raid Rootz Dance" from the new album Mission In Progress (VP) as well as stalwart hits "Down By The River," "Man Is Still A Man," "Main Squeeze" and "Don't Haffi Dread" (a crowd favorite that they should probably retire now).

Why are they reggae's best live band? For one, every member sings and plays and instrument, they even swap instruments and leads several times in a song. Two, they perform an album-perfect version of each song before breaking away into improvised dubs, acoustic versions and reprises. Plus they actively explain their tracks' meaning and intentions -- no mystery or hiding behind veiled patois for MH -- they're lyrical narratives are clear.

Excellent four-part harmonies, spirited but brief soloing and a solid 90-minute set add to their already golden reputation. Forget seeing Steel Pulse or Third World (both fine bands) for the umpteenth time. Morgan Heritage need to be at the top of your reggae concert list.

All in all, a grand b-day week done ForwardEver style, regards to all the friends who came along for this ride...

SummerSoulBlend

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:14:00 +0000

(Stacy Epps and more in the "blend")

Umoja Hi-Fi SummerSoulBlend
74 Minutes of Vibes and Ting.

Grab It.

Tracklisting:
Roy Ayers – Everybody Loves The Sunshine-9thWonder Remix
Nightmares On Wax – Night’s Interlude
Erykah Badu – The Healer
Substantial – Q. T.
Stacy Epps – Floatin’
The Roots feat Chrisette Michele & Wale – Rising Up
Eric Rico – Make It Funky
Tanya Morgan – Be You (feat Czelena)
Instituto Sonido – Para No Vivir Desesperado-PSM Remix
Amp Fiddler – Scared
Rep Life – Put It Down feat. Kissey Asplund
Amerie – Gotta Work
PPP – Deep Inside
Michna – Swiss Glide
Luz Mob – Tabaco Y Ron
Nick Andre and E Da Boss – Left Side of the Brain
El Michels Affair – C.R.E.A.M.
Donald Byrd – (Fallin’ Like) Dominoes
Inverse Cinematics – Seven By Seven
Gagle – Eastern Voyage
Seun Kuti – African Problem
The Congos – Neckodemus

Mix notes:This mix was created using Ableton Live 6. Effects and echoes were intentionally thrown in there. I originally created this mix for a gig with GenVote in Washington DC. Much love to Chocolate City.

More Radio...

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:43:00 +0000

(Tarrus Riley says "Ease Off" on his new track)

Saturday Night Rockers radio show for June 7, 2008 on KUSF 90.3 F.M.
Download link.

Password = reggae

ARTIST -- -- TITLE -- -- LABEL
Pressure – Fire Getting Redder (Lustre Kings)
Jah Mason – Never Get Me Down (Lustre Kings)
Taurus Riley – Ease Off (promo)
Bugle – Nah Sell Out (DASECA promo)
Pinchers – Don’t Punk Me Out (Gargamel)
Davile – We’re Gonna Make It (Dill Ox)
Sizzla – Rastaman Chant (Dill Ox)
Anthony B – Territory (Bornfire download)
Queen Ifrica – Sensimillia (Flames)
I-Wayne – Free The People (VP)
Junior Kelly – Youths Them Nah Cool (Taxi)
Mutabaruka – Bring The Fire (Taxi)
Lloyd Robinson – Cuss Cuss (Trojan)
Judy Mowatt – Screwface (Shanachie)
Judy Mowatt – Concrete Jungle (Shanachie)
Black Culture – Hailie I Selassie I (Mt. Nebo)
Army – Tek Your Time (I-Grade)
Roots Underground – 20 Centuries (Riverstone)
Morgan Heritage – Politicians (VP)
Richie Spice – Ah No Me Dat (promo)
Alborosie – Call On Jah (Forward)

ForwardEver Reggae CD Report

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:18:00 +0000

Reggae CD Report for June 2008. New release albums by Augustus Pablo, Horace Andy, Morgan Heritage, Kingman and Richie Spice discussed and rated.

Radio Vibes

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:32:00 +0000

In case you missed it this weekend, here's the first 80 minutes of Saturday Night Rockers on KUSF 90.3 FM. Special guest in the studio Black Shakespeare (pictured above) of I & I Soundsystem LA.

DOWNLOAD LINK

PASSWORD = reggae

(left click on download icon). 109 MB

TRACKLISTING
Barrington Levy – Prison Oval Rock
Mr. Vegas – Mus Come A Road
Richie Spice – Ano Me Dat
Wayne Marshall – Have To Do My Part
Candyman/Luciano – Dem No Know Jah
Jigsy King – High Grade We Love
Duane Stephenson – August Town
Bob Marley – Jah Live
Lloyd Brown – Show Me That You Love Me
Tarrus Reilly – She's Royal
Cocoa Tea – Barack Obama

[Black Shakespeare Interview]
Black Shakspeare – Blaze Blaze Blaze
Black Shakspeare – Sound Bwoy

Al Poncho –Hold Di Faith
Lutan Fyah – Just The Way We Live
Spectacular – Long Life
Peter Hunningale – A Little More Time
Morgan Heritage – Nothing To Smile About
Jr. Reid – Ain't No Stopping Us
Capleton – Same Old Story

Do The Tune In Thing

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:50:00 +0000

It's not quite pirate radio but...

Tune in this Saturday, 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. (PST) to KUSF 90.3 FM in San Francisco, streaming live via iTunes (go the Radio icon, and look under "Public").

It's the Saturday Night Rockers radio show -- three hours of crucial reggae music in all of its styles.

On tap I got new Richie Spice, Wayne Marshall, Lloyd Brown, Da'Ville and a mini Capleton tribute in honor of his appearance the next night at post-Carnival celebrations.

Plus we'll have LA's Black Shakespeare from The Lions and I & I Soundsystem in the studio for a chat, promoting his new album and show Sunday May 25 at Dub Mission at The Elbo Room in SF.

Email requests in advance to: kusfreggae AT gmail DOT com.

Video Day: Vegas Pon Road and Gnarls in Jamdown & more

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:40:00 +0000

Catch the video flex.

First it's Mr. Vegas' new single and video, "Must Come A Road" featuring Barrington Levy, on the Prison Oval Rock riddim. Nice!

Next, Gnarls Barkley go to Jamaica and link up with Ravers Clavers dancers for another one of the Amrerican duo's inspired videos...

Finally...Manu Chau's new single "Politik Kills" new video was shot on location in Monrovia, Liberia, featuring a former child solder... A remix EP drops early June:

POLITIK KILLS EP TRACK-LISTING

1. Politik Kills (Dennis Bovell Remix Feat. Linton Kwesi Johnson)
2. Politik Kills (Prince Fatty Remix)
3. Politik Kills (Chris Blackwell & Paul Groucho Smykle Remix)
4. Politik Kills (Rude Barriobeat Remix)
5. Politik Kills (David B. Remix)
6. Politik Kills (Prince Fatty Instrumental Remix

Click the link to view/

Written Bits

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:05:00 +0000

(Seun Kuti -- US tour this summer)

~Some written bits from the past few weeks...

Review: Guilty Simpson

Feature: Benga

Column: Bass Reaction (dubstep)

Conference: Propellerheads Reason 4 Producers Forum

Of course, check my weekly reggae update : Pon Di Wire

New Releases! (Artist / Title /Label /Date)
Deepchord Vantage Isle Sessions Echospace 5/27/08
Steinski What Does It All Mean Illeagal Art 5/27/08
The Herbalizer Same As It Never Was !K7 5/27/08
Kylie Auldist Just Say Tru Thoughts 5/28/08
Cyro Baptista Banquet of the Spirits Cyrobatista 5/29/08
Sonates Sonates Six Degrees 5/30/08
Zero Db Heavyweight Gringos Ninja Tunes 6/1/08
J-Live Then What Happened BBE 6/5/08
Various Jazzie B: School Days Trojan 6/9/08
Augustus Pablo Rockers Story Box Set Shanachie 6/10/08
J Rawls & Middle Child Rawls & Middle Dunn Deal 6/10/08
The Orb Dream Six Degrees 6/10/08
Booka Shade The Sun & Neon Lights Get Physical 6/15/08
Groupo Fantasma Sonidos Gold GF 6/17/08
Invincible Shapeshifters Emergence 6/17/08
Nomo Ghost Rock Ubiquity 6/17/08
Presto State of the Art Concrete Grooves 6/17/08
Seun Kuti Seun Kuti Disorient 6/25/08

Ball Bearing Beats

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:26:00 +0000

Puts a new spin on playing "live"...

Pressure Buss Pipe Video

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:39:00 +0000

Here's the latest video from St. Thomas USVI sensation Pressure.

His album Love & Affection is out now on VP.

Slouching Towards Seattle

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:28:00 +0000

In a few days ForwardEver will be winging it to Seattle for the EMP Pop Conference whose panels and discussions will extensively cover the role of revolution, conflict and resistance in music.

During my writing process in preparation for this event FE has had the pleasure of reasoning for a second time with both Blood & Fire's Steve Barrow and Randy's/VP Records' Clive Chin. (Definitely check Red Bull music academy's CC video interviews) Incidentally, Mr. Chin kindly asked FE to check and see if the museum still had the organ from Randy's studio that he loaned them for an exhibit. Apparently return of the item is overdue!

Chin revealed that his father, Vincent "Randy" Chin, who opened a studio at 17 North Parade in downtown Kingston, recorded Lord Creator's "Independent Jamaica" in 1962 as the country gained full independence. This later became the first single to be issued on Chris Blackwell's Island imprint.

While FE has always been inspired by political reggae from Linton Kwesi Johnson, Yabba You, Bob Marley and Prince Far-I, this exploration of reggae's revolutionary spirit caused to more deeply appreciate some artists who still haven't got their full due or respect: Pablo Moses, Junior Delgado, Max Romeo, Big Youth, Delroy Wilson and Lee "Scratch" Perry among only a few.

Forward-Ever may posts some informal blogs from EMP summarizing a bit of the panel discussions and atmosphere. For now, some releases out now and soon to check:

Innocent Youths-- Earth, Roots, Water (Light In The Attic) OUT
Morgan Heritage -- Mission In Progress (VP) OUT APRIL 15
Augustus Pablo -- Rockers Story Box Set (Shanachie) OUT JUNE

Jah Warrior Shelter Win the Clash

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:01:00 +0000

In a very contentious competition at a packed-to-capacity Pier 23 in San Francisco, SF's Jah Warrior Shelter soundsystem prevailed at the 4th Annual Club Dread Soundclash this past Saturday night March 29.

The clash featured Fresno's Reality Sound, Marin, CA's Broken Silence, Oakland's Lone Star and the aforementioned Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi crew.

More fan comments about the clash.

Video from the last knock-out round, and the dub-fi-dub!

Garrison Thoughts

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:45:00 +0000

Mavado's latest video for "Last Night/Gully Side" is brutal. It's simply a gunblast of Kingston gully/garrison realism.

On the garrison topic, this Unreported World documentary attempts to figure out why the wars dem still a gwaan. This doc is a little less sensationalist than Ross Kemp's "On Gangs: Jamaica" episode, but gets props for taking it to the government officials a.k.a. patrons of ghetto misery.

This week I wrote about Japan's Mighty Crown winning their second World Clash Jamaica: Death Before Dishonor title. That follows a win at World Clash New York a few months ago, and leaves the sound crew with a giant target on their back when they face Killamanjaro, Rodigan, Bass Odyssey and others at April 5's UK Cup Clash.

Oi oi! This cat Prince Fatty is the heat right now. Cat just did a fine remix of Manu Chao's "Politik Kills". (download). Also just heard an excellent new Prince Fatty cover of Dr. Dre's "Gin & Juice" featuring Horseman (classic rub-a-dub DJ) and Winston Francis. Massive. (listen here)

Because ForwardEver readers get the news early out -- I'm currently prepping feature on US ragga emcees that incorporate or work with electronic music producers or DJs. DJ Collage a.k.a. Mr Chatman (Seattle), Juakali (NYC), ZULU (Chicago) and Treasure Don (NYC) are a few who will be featured. Look for this mid-summer in a publication to be announced.

Those dem weh know can catch me live inna Seattle at the EMP Pop conference giving my talk, "From Nanny to Ninja Man" Revolution in Jamaica Music and Culture" Saturday April 12, 9 a.m.

More news and mixes soon come...

Charts Ting -- Umoja Sound Top Tens

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:06:00 +0000

(Busy Signal is talkin' street sit'in)

DJ Tomas – Umoja Soundsystem & Voltage Music San Francisco

The top tracks I’m spinning in the clubs and on radio.

Reggae Top Ten Singles
1. Queen I-frica – Choppa Grade (Nice Time)
2. Alborosie/Nicky Burt – I Don’t Want To Let You Go (Birchill)
3. Chakademus & Pliers – When King Tubby’s Used To Play (Pull Up Mi Selecta)
4. Lutan Fyah – Ganja Outlaw (Fireball)
5. Bounty Killer & Sugar Minott – Tune In (Taxi)
6. Sadiki – One Touch (Jasfar)
7. Jah Cure – Forever (Nice Time)
8. General Levy – See A Man Face (Heartical)
9. Beenie Man – In The Streets (357)
10. Terry Linnen – No Time To Linger (Joe Frasier)

Dancehall Top Ten Singles
1. Anthony B – Bad From Long Time (digital)
2. Busy Signal–Street Sit’in (Jam 2)
3. Mavado/Jay-Z – On The Rock (VP)
4. Serani – Mama Still Hungry (Daseca)
5. Demarco -- Fallen Soldiers (Star Kutt)
6. Mykal Rose – Shoot Out (John John)
7. Demarco -- Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten (John John)
8. Mr Easy -- Have You Ever (Big Ship)
9. Serani/Bugle – Doh (Daseca)
10. Vegas – Hottie (Massive B)

Still bubbling: Mavado – Brown Bottle

Latest DJ Tomas Mix

Forward To Zion: Mikey Dread

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:47:00 +0000

Michael "Mikey Dread" Campbell, the legendary Dread At The Controls, has forwarded on to Zion. The singer, DJ, TV broadcaster, producer, label owner and legendary performer died Saturday March 15, after battling a brain tumor for the past six months.

Look for I-fficial announcements soon at Mikey Dread's website.

And at Dread At The Controls.

Jamaican Observer article on his illness.

XLR8R Magazine Profile.

Cocoa Tea For Obama

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Reggae singer Cocoa Tea has a bonafide hit with his Barack Obama-endorsing new single.

Cocoa Tea - Barack Obama
Uploaded by jahsensie

Read the AP news story:

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Barack Obama has won what could be an influential endorsement among reggae fans: Jamaican singer Cocoa Tea, who's backing the Illinois senator in a new tune. "This is not about class nor color, race nor creed," the veteran dancehall crooner sings in a version posted on the video Web site Dailymotion. "It's about the changes, what the Americans need."

The song goes on to call Obama a "trendsetter" and urge Americans "to unite as one" behind him.

Cocoa Tea, whose real name is Calvin Scott, said Sunday that the tribute song "Barack Obama" will be released this week by New York's VP Records.

"The young people who are supporting him want change — and that's what he represents," said the singer, whose laid-back lyrical style made him a local star in the 1980s. He becomes the second major Caribbean musician to endorse Obama in song, joining Trinidadian calypso star Mighty Sparrow who recently recorded a track titled "Barack the Magnificent."

Reggae Record Crate

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:19:00 +0000

Bunny "Striker" Lee works are reissued

Scanning the reggae record crates and new release lists several crucial titles are knocking around.

Germany's Moll-Selekta has a new 17-track collection of Bunny "Striker" Lee's varied '60s and '70s reggae tracks. Lee is a dominating producer, having worked with legends and greats galore. This comp offers classics from Delroy Wilson, Barry Brown, Cornell Campbell and his signature artist Johnny Clarke.

There's tremendous gems like Roy Shirley's "Israelites Leave Babylon," on the same version as Ronnie Davis's "Jah Jahovia." Davis's own "I'm just a Man" is also included, as is the absolutely heavy 12 inch version of the King Tubby engineered Horace Andy tune "Zion Gate" (listed here as "I Don't Want To Be Left Outside." A word on Ronnie Davis: get to know this singer.

Although Striker Lee was the originator of the "flying cymbal" sound, a steppers-type rhythm with upswinging hi-hats that resembled a disco meter, the majority of the Moll-Selekta comp is traditional easy-tempo reggae and rocksteady.

Also bubbling nice is the Joe Higgs reissue Life of Contradiction recently reissued on the UK's Pressure Sounds. Higgs was supremely respected for his ska-era vocal tracks as Higgs & Wilson, and for coaching a youthful Robert Nesta Marley and his Wailing Wailers singing group in the art of harmonization. But Life is his towering recorded achievement. No other reggae record sounds quite like this.

Its a raw, unvarnished rebel record recorded at the Black Power movement's height, and is imbued with striking soul-drenched vocals, and anguished freedom songs. Heavy roots I-yah.

But if you're looking to take the thinking cap off and put the grooving shoes on, then Sound Dimension: Mojo Rocksteady Beat is your ticket. This is Studio One's finest instrumentals, the absolute most recognizable and beloved rocksteady gems, all in one package. From Real Rock" to "Heavy Rock," "Rockfort Rock"...no rock, em, stone, is left unturned.

Easy Juggling 60 Min Reggae Mix

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:21:00 +0000

DJ Tomas of Umoja Soundsystem and Voltage Music Presents:

Easy Juggling – Reggae Mix – 60 minutes (53mb)

Download Link

Alternate Link

ARTIST – TITLE – (LABEL) RIDDIM

Vybz Kartel – Ghetto Youths Rise (Track House) Tear Drop
Mavado – Changing Times (Track House) Tear Drop
Ginjah – Revelation (Hyperactive) Kool Runnings
Alborosie – Police (Forward)
Meditations – Cool It (Digital English) Selassie I
Don Angelo – Selassie I the 1st (Digital English) Selassie I
Mykal Rose – Want More Weed (Cousins)
Uton Green – Jamaican Blend (Sweet Beat) Get In The Groove
Junior Cat – A That We Love (Sweet Beat) Get In The Groove
Beres Hammond/Louie Culture – Extra Loving (Fat Eyes) African Beat
Terror Fabulous – Jah Works (Fat Eyes) African Beat
Roger Robin – Love Can Take You Higher (Joe Frasier) Stars
Pam Hall – Hold It Down (Joe Frasier) Stars
Pressure –Ghetto Life (Don Corleon) Baltimore
Lutan Fyah – Africa (Taxi) Baltimore
Tony Rebel – Fire (Taxi) Baltimore
Chronicle – Serve Jah (Heartical) Fade Away
Chrisinti – My Enemies (Supersonic) Devil’s Angel
Millions Styles – More Life (Supersonic) Devil’s Angel
Bunji Garlin – Mr. Murder (Supersonic) Devil’s Angel
Freddy McGregor – We Don’t Need To Fuss (Itation) Higher Meditation
Sizzla – Bus Out The Youth (Itation) Higher Meditation
Chino – What Mek Dem Vex (Itation) Higher Meditation
Alborosie/Nickie Burt – I Don’t Want To Let You Go (Birchill) Dreams
Pressure – Love You Tonight (Birchill) Dreams
Chuck Fenda – Hurry Come Home (Birchill) Dreams
Voicemail – Love (Birchill) Dreams

Notes on the mix: It’s been a minute since I’ve dropped a new selection – and I have few others in mind for future – but I had to kick it off with a slice of the reggae tracks that have been moving me lately. For this batch I focused on new roots and one-drop tracks – but best believe I’ll drop a dancehall sit’in sometime soon as well. The title “Easy Juggling” means just that – an unrushed mix, with a few effects thrown in for flavor – representing tunes I’m feeling at the moment.

As for these tracks – some interesting ones include Vybz Kartel and Mavado voicing conscious lyrics – and doing it well. Those are not one-dimensional artists. Ginjah’s track is the B-side of a Bunny Rugs (from Third World) single – Ginjah is an artist for those who like Chezidek or Ras Shiloh. Alborosie needs no intro – the Italian singer is bursting with great singles these days. Then, inst comes di steppers! Digital English’s Selassie I riddim is strictly UK steppers style, with some great voices on there.

In most cases, where I list the riddim tracks, I’ve noted the original rhythm track. For instance, Uton Green’s “Jamaican Blend” is listed on (Heptones Studio One hit) Get In The Groove riddim -- but others would call it Up Park Camp or Rikers Island – since both of those songs became synonymous with that riddim. (Note: Junior Cat’s lyrics on “A That We Love” are relentless – his best in years!) Likewise, Roger Robin’s “Love Can Take You Higher” is listed on the (Cornel Campbell) Stars riddim – but most know it as Beres Hammond’s “Full Attention.”

Other tracks of note include Chronicle – whose mainly recorded for Bobby “Massive B” Konders – “Serve Jah” is on the French Heartical label – a soundsystem and studio. Itation Records Higher Meditation riddim is a great showing for the Stateside label. And we close the mix with one of Christopher “Birchill” Birch’s latest riddim sensations Dreams – worth it alone for vocal trio Voicemail’s uplifting track “Love.”

Probably the best place to find most of these singles is Ernie B Reggae Distribution. But I also recommend supporting your local vinyl retailer also.

For now, enjoy the “Easy Juggling” sound. Peace! -- DJ Tomas/Umoja Sound S.F.

"Maul Y'All Like A Shopping Center,,,"

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:48:00 +0000

It's Guilty Simpson -- from Detroit. Best emcee in the game right now.

Ode To The Ghetto drops March 25 on Stones Throw. Put on the oven mits, its hot.

More Guilty. More videos.

Survival In West Oakland, CA

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:06:00 +0000

This video documents life just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco in the Lower Bottoms neighborhood of West Oakland, CA.

Hoodstarz and more rep "Stay In School":

Reggae Round Up

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:04:00 +0000

News from around the reggae and dancehall scene.

Jamaican security forces made a series of raids at holiday reggae concerts in December around Jamaica, going so far as to shut down major events with capacity crowds well before headline acts had appeared. This was apparently done to capture criminals who associated with entertainers, and in some cases, nab entertainers themselves.

Now comes word that Jamaica's notorious investigative unit Operation Kingfish are on the hunt for some of dancehall's rising stars. Could the badman dancehall artist soon be an endangered species?

**
Forward-Ever spoke by phone this week to Esco, who has two blazing new tracks -- "God Is Love" and "Dun Dem Credit." As half of Leftside & Esco he was responsible for the massive Dem Time Deh riddim and the huge hit "Tuck In Your Belly." Now the youth is moving from strength to strength, with a grip of singles about to drop, and a US college tour in the works for spring.

**
Yard Flex has a nice photo set from the February Reggae Month photo exhibit in Kingston. Crucial images!

**

Lutan Fyah, Queen I-Frica and Little Hero are in the top slots of this week's reggae top ten charts.

**
Check this Brazilian blog for all your rocksteady and ska tunes. These skins are authentic reggae enthusiasts.

**

The 27th Annual RaggaMuffins Festival in Long Beach (a.k.a. Bob Marley days concert) takes place Sat./Sun. Feb. 16/17 and features: Beenie Man, Capleton, Anthony B, Sly & Robbie, Rootz Underground, Collie Buddz, Cherine Anderson, Cultura Profetica, Soul Majestic, Idren, and New Dimension Band / Sun. Feb. 17 - Alpha Blondy, Midnite, Sly & Robbie, Gregory Isaacs, Anthony B, Queen Ifrica, Gentleman, Tarrus Riley, Ed Robinson, and The Aggrolites Long Beach Arena, 300 Ocean Blvd.Downtown Long Beach

**
Sean Paul's new single "Pepperpot" features acoustic Spanish guitar strumming, and slick three-part harmonies. Its straightforward pop reggae ballad for the masses; it'll probably chart big in the States though, where artists are trying to match Sean Kingston's success.

**
SF DJ Stepwise has free new full-length reggae mixtape hosted by Mr. Vegas. Download here.

**
Shaggy, Sizzla and Collie Buddz new single "Mad Mad World" sounds like it could be a major hip-hop crossover track. It has a catchy Fugees or Gnarls Barkley feel -- but all three artists are spitting reality. Pure heat.

**
For more reggae updates, check XLR8R's Pon Di Wire, weekly Wednesdays.

PS: Dub I.D.'s new dub track "I-Man Groove"

Poetry In Motion

voltagemusic@gmail.com — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:40:00 +0000

Apathetic youth?

Not the young cats at Ill-Literacy, four spoken word artists who redefine message music for a new generation.

Watch Nico get raw with the verbals.(political heads, definitely check this out!)

Then here's Dahlak on Davey D's Hard Knock radio.