Gen's Rhapsody

Tarrus Riley - Come Ova (Official Video)

2011-11-19T02:09:00.001Z

Tarrus Riley - Come Ova
Seanizzle Records
Directed by Storm

Jah Cure Giveaways

2011-11-16T00:07:00.001Z

It's always nice when artists give something back to their fans, but it feels extra nice when it's an artist of Jah Cure's stature! Going out to his lovely fans, here are his newest singles all available for free download. Also, don't forget to follow him on Twitter @IAMJAHCURE

Nothing Is Impossible - Jah Cure

Directed by Preplex Productions

Yes, it's true! This track from the World Cry album really is up for free download. Despite being one of my favourite tracks of the moment, the video alone tells a beautiful story and really captures the heart. Congratulations to Jah Cure and Kamila McDonald as they start their new life together!

This next track is brought to us on the Heart & Soul Riddim and is entitled 'From My Heart.' As you'd expect from the title, the words in this one seem to come straight from the Heart! Have a listen to the track below...

This next Jah Cure track is brought to us on ZJ Chrome/Cr203 Recordings' Cardiac Strings Riddim which compliments Jah Cure's voice and really encompasses that classic reggae sound. Surely this one needs no further introduction, so here is Jah Cure - Nothing...

The fourth and final track which Jah Cure has kindly given away is Mother Earth which features on the mighty Monte Carlo Riddim. Whilst being a beautiful soundtrack, we must remember that this one is actually sending out a very important, yet often ignored message...Download all of these tracks here.

Lesson Time in Dancehallogy

2011-11-14T21:43:00.001Z

Having started their musical journey as a collective over 20 years ago now, the iconic sound system Bass Odyssey have travelled to places all over the globe spreading the sounds of Reggae and Dancehall. Without a doubt they are one of the most sought-after sound systems in the World, and have most certainly earned their reputation by winning countless numbers of sound clashes with their unique style of juggling, and their catalog of dubplates.

Having been anticipating a Sound Clash in the UK for quite a while now, it's an understatement to say that I was elated when I heard their newly released mix, or shall I say lesson. Entitled Dancehallogy, this mix can only be described as the 'original Bass Odyssey juggling style of mostly dub plate specials in a unique hardcore party style.' Supporting artists from all over the World including the UK, Dancehallogy features the hottest tracks from 2011 so far including summer anthems such as Every Gal by Mavado and Chipmunk, Chan Dizzy's 'Strange Face' and Aidonia's 'Nuh Tek Chat.'

Despite selecting some of the biggest tracks from the year so far, their high level of expertise as a sound also sees them feature some of the baddest riddims to come out of the year so far. Being my personal favourites too, the mix features riddims such as ZJ Chrome's 'Contra Riddim,' Roach's 'Overproof Riddim' and TJ Records' 'World Boss Riddim.' Download the clean version here, or the raw version here.

I'll let the dub plates and the mix do the rest of the talking but I do hope that you enjoy your Dancehallogy lesson as much as I've enjoyed mine. I wish I got taught this subject in school...

R.I.P Kirk 'Squingy' Bennett (1972 - 2009) who was a highly valued and much loved selector in the Bass Odyssey sound. Whilst he may be gone, he will never be forgotten!

What is Dancehall Without The Dancers?

2011-11-09T23:57:00.000Z

From the very first time that I watched this video, I really liked it for a number of reasons. Despite the variety of dancing and the soundtrack, it was the concept of the project that really grabbed me. With the concept being to get into the minds of dancers today and to hear about their lives, their influences and what dancing means to them, we begin to see that the dancers are being heavily overlooked these days.

In this video we see Konshens get personal with the dancers on a one-to-one level, and really explore the role that dancers play in all types of music and music videos globally, but most particularly in Dancehall. On a final note, I'd like to big up all of the Dancers involved in this project; Untouchable, Stacia Fyah, Elite Team, Keiva, Raddy Rich,

Konshens - Do Sum'n

Subkonshus Music

Ward 21 Production

Bruts - Welcome To The Jungle (Freestyle)

2011-11-05T12:31:00.000Z

Bruts - Welcome To The Jungle

Filmed and edited by Jay Cass

OvsTv

Popcaan - Clean (Official Video)

2011-10-31T15:33:00.000Z

Popcaan - Clean

Snapback Riddim produced by TJ Records

Video directed by Road Block Films

Hot Off The Press: Official Mavado Video

2011-10-29T15:30:00.001+01:00

Mavado - Settle Down

Overproof Riddim

Directed by Steven Bernard

JA Productions

Reggae Roast Presents Gappy Ranks Live

2011-10-19T14:45:00.000+01:00

Having recently returned from performing in Australia, Gappy Ranks and friends will be performing with his live band in London tomorrow night before he jets off yet again to tour the US with Collie Budz!

This event will be taking place down at the Jazz Cafe in Camden, so why not come along and join Gappy and his friends, such as Christopher Ellis, performing a variety of tracks throughout the night.

The night is presented by Reggae Roast who are known for having put on a series of sold out events at this particular venue, so there is no doubt that this one will also adhere to the trend. Gappy Ranks himself will be performing a catalog of his hits ranging from the hugely successful 'Heaven in Her Eyes,' to this Summer's smash hit 'Tun Up' which is featured on his most recent album 'Thanks & Praise.' Below is a video of Gappy Ranks performing live a couple of weeks ago in Australia...

To purchase tickets, you can click here.

Summary of the details

Venue: The Jazz Cafe
Date: 20/10/2011
Address: 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PG
Cost: 12.50
Times: 19:00 - 01:00

Gappy Sundayz - 09/10/2011 - Champion Squad

2011-10-19T02:58:00.001+01:00

Having attended the Gappy Sundayz Launch night a few weeks back, a few things were noticeable to me upon my arrival. Firstly and most importantly, the night seemed to be growing in numbers with more and more people realising that Gappy Sundayz is the only way to end their weekend! With enough attendees to fill the capacity of the dance floor and create a nice partying atmosphere, the night was ready to get into full swing...

Upon my actual entrance to the venue, resident DJ Bugzy Sound was building up a vibe, people were still arriving, and drinks were being ordered by the bar. In the atmosphere, a slight sense of excitement lingered and the anticipation of the set from the guest sound Champion Squad could be felt all around the premises. Even I found myself glancing at the clock to try and estimate when they were going to grace the decks!

Travelling all the way from Miami, Florida, Champion Sound made their debut in London at Gappy Sundayz on Sunday 9th October 2011! Being a memorable date for this reason, and the fact that the majority of the crowd, including myself, were unaware of their musical ability up until this date, this edition of Gappy Sundayz was one that was likely to stick to mind.

Playing Dancehall, Reggae, and Bashment, Champion Squad ensured that they left an everlasting memory in our heads and set the levels for the guest DJ’s scheduled to DJ at the event in the forthcoming weeks. Whilst exhibiting the quality of their music collection, they also took the time to remind us of who they were throughout their set by playing a series of dubplates. Not that we were going to forget who they were after the selection that they laid down on the night! Here is a clip taken live on the night to give you a little insight of the set which they delivered... (The video quality is not the best, my apologies!)

If that wasn't enough for you, you can download the full set here!

Now from the look of things, the set was enjoyed by all including the CEO Gappy Ranks, and the duo from the night which was of course DJ Reem and Hypa Snypa who together form Champion Squad. I personally loved their set to the point that I didn’t want to vacate the venue and I had my cab driver outside waiting for me! On a final note, I have now vowed to keep up-to-date with the current activities of these guys, and listen to them on a regular basis. I look forward to their return to London and I deeply hope that they won’t keep me waiting too long!!!

Hot Off The Press: I-Octane & Versatile Official Video

2011-10-17T09:47:00.001+01:00

In Remembrance of Alton Ellis

2011-10-10T21:22:00.000+01:00

Today marks the third year since the passing of reggae legend Alton Nehemiah Ellis. Also commonly referred to as the 'Godfather of Rocksteady,' the Jamaican born musician's influence in the world of music has been truly remarkable. Whilst his music is still recognised Worldwide by millions of people, he is still very much alive and lives on with us today.

Below I have posted one of Alton Ellis' trademarking songs, accompanied by a quote from the man himself regarding both the track, and how the emergence of 'Rocksteady' actually came about. Whilst 'Get Steady - Rock Steady' was noticeably the first song to use the term "rocksteady," and illustrate the more laid-back tempo which later evolved into reggae, 'Girl I've Got A Date' was in fact the very first rocksteady song.

"I was off the scene for a while during the ska period and when I returned and joined the Treasure Isle studio, I came there with a different mood. The musicians picked up on that and we kept on going in that direction. The music became slower, which gave the bass player the time to play more notes. In 1965 I named it rocksteady. The first rocksteady song was 'Girl I've Got A Date'. That one was still a bit up-tempo, leaning towards ska. It turned the tide and made Treasure Isle the number one studio." - Alton Ellis

The pioneering reggae artist's catalog of music stretches over many years, featuring a number of artists and also entails a number of great hits on record labels such as Trojan, Treasure Isle and Studio One. The next track is one that I heard many a time on a Sunday morning whilst Mum and Dad were in the kitchen cooking. Holding many memories for myself and people all over the World, I simply could not resist...

This next video which I have chosen to include shows the late great Alton Ellis performing live at the Jazz Cafe in the very same year that he passed away showing that he still had it right up until his dying days.

Whilst Alton Ellis may be physically gone, his legacy certainly lives on! Here, his son Christopher Ellis does a tribute to his father, as well as a cover of the Alton Ellis classic 'Willow Tree.' Whilst paving the way for himself in his very own musical career, the talented recording artist clearly takes after his father and is a living memory of the late great Alton Ellis.

R.I.P Alton Nehemiah Ellis xx

Gappy Sundayz Launch - Review

2011-10-03T02:52:00.002+01:00

A plush venue, an intriguing line-up, and a wide selection of music throughout the night pretty much sums up my first experience of Gappy Sundayz! Presented by Hot Coffee Music and featuring different special guest DJ's from all over the World each week, Gappy Sundayz at NW Wine Bar is definitely the only place to be on a Sunday night.

Don't worry if you hadn't yet heard about this new night up until now, because it only begun last week on Sunday 25th September 2011. Although it has to be said that you haven't missed much, you've certainly missed enough! After travelling down to North West London to review the Launch of the event last week, here's my take on what occurred on the night...

Not quite knowing what to expect at the event, I ventured down to NW Wine Bar to find resident DJ's Bugzy Sound, Doopz Squad, and Ants International each taking it in turns to provide the musical entertainment. After initially wondering what sort of music would be played at the event, it wasn't long before my mind was set to rest.

Upon entrance to the venue, Kelly Rowland - Motivation happened to be one of the very first songs that I heard, and I think it's safe to say that there is no shortage of versatility in the selection of music at this event. Whilst it is understandable that some people might have expected a night provided by Gappy Ranks to consist purely of Reggae, Dancehall and Bashment, this was certainly not the case!

The genres provided by the entertainers ranged from R&B and Hip Hop, to Reggae and Dancehall which coincidentally took us on a musical journey which stretched over the years. Reminiscing on Dancehall riddims that we don't hear everyday such as the Joyride riddim, Log On riddim etc, and then ending the night selecting tracks such as Ashanti - Foolish, the DJ's successfully fulfilled their purpose of catering for all types of music lovers on the night.

With a very warm and welcoming atmosphere inside of the venue, I would say that Gappy Sundayz is the perfect way to end your weekend, or on the other hand, to kick off your week! Perhaps not in the sense of feeling revitalised, but in the sense of living life to the fullest and enjoying each day as if it were your last. Ladies have no excuse whatsoever seeing as admission for them is free all night, whilst guys will only be charged a mere £5 on the door! With no obligation to buy tickets or be charged a substantial amount on the door, it can easily be a spontaneous decision for a nice night out each and every Sunday! Starting from 9pm and lasting up until 2am, why not come down and check it out for yourself!

The details are as follows...

What? Gappy Sundayz

Where? NW Wine Bar, 61 Warm Lane, London NW6 4QR (Next to Willesden Green Station)

When? Each and every Sunday

Why? "Everyting tun up!"

Hot Off The Press: Bugle Official Video

2011-09-30T11:53:00.003+01:00

Bugle - Friends
Contra Riddim - Produced by Cr203 Records
Directed by Jerome Hyde

Bedroom Bully Mix by Gappy Ranks (Free Dungload)

2011-09-25T19:37:00.002+01:00

Press play... (No P.Diddy!)

What you just heard was 'Cool Water' by Gappy Ranks which is Track 13 on the Bedroom Bully Mix CD and also happens to be my favourite track featured on the mix! Back in February you may recall me doing a review of the 'Dusty' Mix which was 100% Gappy Ranks and was presented by the one and only Moviestar Johnny. Since then, Hot Coffee Music have continued to give back to their supporters giving out a countless number of free tracks as well as the 'No Long Talking' mix CD from their artist Redd.

As if that wasn't enough freeness for you, Gappy Ranks has just provided us with yet another giveaway. This one is a mix entitled "Bedroom Bully - Gyalis Order, Volume One" and is 100% Gappy Ranks, Ladies Choice. Featuring the likes of Alison Hinds, Lisa Hype and Timber-Lee, there is no reason as to why this mix should be limited to the just the ladies because there is definitely something on there for the men too!

Despite one interlude that I'm not too keen on, this Mix CD is a must have for the collection. You can download the mix by clicking on the image of the front cover above, clicking here, or you can even request a hard copy here! Signing out with something that Gappy himself would say...

"Ah bedroom bully she call me!"

Jay Sean - The Mistress - Review

2011-09-21T00:41:00.000+01:00

Where do I start?

Well I can still remember the days when I used to sing along to "Eyes On You" and wiggle my hips to the "Oh-oh your body's whining, oh-oh oh-oh bumpin' and grindin." I know right, I cringed at the thought too!

Since then, Jay Sean has come an awful long way since his debut album "Me Against Myself" back in 2004. Being one of the few British artists to conquer the US, Jay Sean has paved the way for other artists and has shown us that whilst it might not be the easiest thing to do, you can make the music that you want and still be highly successful. Regardless of him having being the first British artist to be signed to Cash Money Records, the first UK Urban Act to reach number 1 on the Hot 100, and the first artist of South Asian decent to reach number 1 on the Hot 100, he certainly is no finished yet!

"If the next step after America was the moon, I can guarantee you I'd be on the first rocket there." - Jay Sean

Despite all of his success, it seems as though there is still time for a freebie, and I'm certainly not complaining! At the same time as giving something back to his fans, his latest mixtape entitled 'The Mistress,' reminds us of just how talented this singer/songwriter really is. The first and last tracks on the mixtape were purely created by Jay Sean himself, and by this I mean no instruments, no backing track, just beatboxing! If that's still not enough for you, the mixtape features Jay Sean's cover of the legend Bob Marley's "Waiting in Vain." If you have not yet been enlightened to this cover, you have definitely been missing out! Each and every time that I hear it, it sends shivers down my spine and even if that track is the fundamental reason that you choose to download this mixtape, it would be a pretty good one! You can download the "The Mistress" by clicking here and I thoroughly hope that you enjoy it as much as I do! (Find the Waiting in Vain cover below)

Konshens With Something Special For The Ladies

2011-09-17T20:26:00.000+01:00

"Konshens when I hear your voice I get wet..."

Now this was the very first thing that I heard when I began to play the files from my freshly downloaded folder, but don't think for one minute that this discouraged me from listening!

Branded as strictly for the ladies and presented by the Kingston AllStars, this one is entitled the 'Konshens Girls Mixtape.' There are a variety of tracks available making it quite diverse and more importantly enjoyable for many. Some of the tracks featured on the mixtape take the form of freestyles on R&B hits such as "What's My Name" "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" and the very sexy "Motivation." Whilst showing his adaptable nature as an artist, the mixtape also includes some of the most popular and well known Konshens' tracks such as "Good Girl Gone Bad" featuring Tarrus Riley and my personal favourite "Gal Dem A Talk!"

In Konshens' very own words "The music nice to rahtid" so I would strongly suggest that you start downloading and unzipping because Konshens is really about to make the girls dem talk! Click here to download. Also, don't forget to follow Konshens and the Kingston AllStars on Twitter!

Hot Off The Press: Mr Vegas Official Video

2011-09-13T16:00:00.000+01:00

Now I've been itching to see this video for quite a while now! In fact, I can still recall the very first time that I listened to the track and if I remember correctly, I kept rewinding it and singing along to the lyrics for a good 3 or 4 hours straight! At first I was imagining being out in a little dress and pair of heels dancing away to the lyrics 'Bad man nuh dress like girl...' and then suddenly hearing this get mixed in! This then lead to my recurring thought which is along the lines of 'Damn, why can't I mix and do this myself?! '

However, going back to my original point, this track is one of my favourites from Mr Vegas this year for a number of reasons. Firstly because the lyrics are very relevant to the events which are occurring at this very moment in time. (If you know what I mean, then you know what I mean!' Secondly, this brand new official video actually features the one and only Harry Toddler who made the original track 'Nuh Dress Like Girl' on the Sniper Riddim back in 1998, and you have to respect Mr Vegas for bringing this one back because it is a Classic Dancehall riddim which we all know and love. Not only has he brought it back, but he has also managed to do it very well! I will leave you with the lyric 'Well as a man yuh haffi know certain law, weave on and false hair ah fi Lady Saw!' (Funnily enough, this is exactly what I tweeted when I first heard the track.)

Certain Law (Remix) - Mr Vegas ft Harry Toddler

Barbwire Riddim

Produced by D.Blake and C.Smith

Directed by Terminal 4 Media

Hot Off The Press : Stylo G Official Video

2011-09-12T13:15:00.000+01:00

This track has certainly been doing its rounds on the music circuit over the last few months, and I'm sure you will all be pleased to know that the long awaited wait for the official video is now finally over.

Stylo G - Call Mi A Yardie

Produced by Kody

Warning Records

Hot Off The Press: Stylo G Promo Video

2011-09-08T23:00:00.000+01:00

This is undoubtedly my favourite Stylo G track and from previous blog posts, it is evident to see that I rate and support him as an artist so I don't feel the need to repeat myself. However if you did miss the previous posts which I wrote on this artist, you can download his mixtape presented by Robbo Ranx here, and you can watch the official Swagga Dem video here, but for now...

"None ah dem cyaan go 'round his style!"

Hot Off The Press: Lights ft Ghetts Official Video

2011-09-08T14:15:00.000+01:00

Once I'd clicked play on this video, the beat of the track instantly made me want to hear more. With the track having a very catchy element to it, I'm probably going to spend the rest of my day uttering 'Not a New Era, Snap Back!' *covers eyes*

You cannot deny the fact that the video fits the concept of the track perfectly, and to be fair I don't see what else they could have done with this one. Although I can't agree that it's all about Snap Backs because it might have to be a 'Straight Jeans and Fitted' situation as Russian stated, but either way I really like it so big up Lights and Ghetts on this one!

Hot Off The Press: Stephen Marley ft Melanie Fiona Official Video

2011-09-07T20:00:00.000+01:00

I have not gone one day without listening to this track since having downloaded Stephen Marley's EP entitled 'Revelation Part 1 : The Root Of Life,' so I was most pleased to find that the official video was now available for viewing. For such a powerful track, I expected no less than an oasis of serenity, and this was certainly accomplished in this video. With the warm landscapes in the background throughout the video complimenting the soft and mellow tone of Stephen Marley's vocals alongside the sweet vocals of the beautiful songstress Melanie Fiona, I can only suggest that you sit down, relax and forget about all of your troubles as you enjoy this one. Even if it is just for the 3 minutes and 44 seconds which it lasts for!

Stephen Marley ft Melanie Fiona - No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room)

Director - Fatima Curry

Hot Off The Press : Gappy Ranks Official Video

2011-09-05T12:09:00.002+01:00

With yet another inspirational and uplifting track from Gappy Ranks' second album 'Thanks & Praise,' comes a brand new official video to accompany it! To download the track on iTunes click here.

Gappy Ranks - The Road

Produced By Clement / Animal Sons

Video Filmed & Edited By Jojo

My Riddim of the Month

2011-08-21T10:03:00.002+01:00

This is a riddim that I first heard at the beginning of the month and has stuck in my mind ever since. With Russian on the buttons, this is another big riddim coming from the Head Concussion Records camp that has had me smiling from ear to ear whenever I've heard it. Entitled the Rio riddim and featuring pieces from a number of artists such as Voicemail, Hyah Slice and Gyptian, this is definitely a riddim to take notice of!

To download this riddim on iTunes (USA) click here.To download this riddim on iTunes (UK) click here.

Hot Off The Press: Coldsteps Official Video

2011-08-09T18:46:00.000+01:00

The majority of people will probably be most familiar with Coldsteps due to his simple yet effective hooks and punchlines such as 'Say No More' and 'I Will Be There.' Having launched his solo career a while back, Coldsteps has continued to work on building up his reputation as an artist. So rather than just being seen as a host and being spotted out and about on the club scene, he has now launched his debut video so that you can watch him from your computer and perhaps even TV screens. Still refusing to lose the original 'I Will' element of his hooks, this track is entitled 'I Will Never Love Again' and features Darren Martyn. This single is set to be released via Whoa Records very soon but for now, here is the video!

Coldsteps ft Darren Martyn - I Will Never Love Again
Produced by Darren Martyn
Directed by Mark Potter

Hot Off The Press: Khago Official Video

2011-08-08T15:58:00.000+01:00

Khago - Tun Up Di Ting - Overproof Riddim
JA Productions
Directed by Steven Bernard