Mighty Crown Steals When Dubs Did Nice!

Mighty Crown "The Far East Rulers" thrilled fans in Toronto, Canada recently by inviting surprise iconic dancehall artists Brigadier Jerry and Johnny Osbourne to perform live dubplates on their sound during a hardcore sound system exhibition. The event, geared at capturing the historical essence of 'sound clashing' - called for the use of real 'steel' dub plates and surprise guest artists. This proved to be a landmark moment on Mighty Crown's "Driving Force Tour" for numerous reasons, as Johnny Osbourne has not performed in Canada in over 20 years and has not performed with Brigadier Jerry in over a decade.

"It was a historical moment performing on Mighty Crown with the legendary Brigadier Jerry," says Johnny Osbourne. "This performance brought me back to the good old days....Big up to Mighty Crown for respecting Foundation artists!"

"I had a blast! The crowd gave us such an overwhelming welcome with whistles, yells and cheers....it was a sight to see," says Brigadier Jerry enthusiastically. "It's been a good while since Johnny Osbourne and I have worked together and he performed wonderfully. We did a combination that was even more wicked than a solo performance....this event was really, really nice and I am ready to do it again!"

These two purveyors tore the place down performing live dubplates. Can you say wicked? The moment was monumental as the two artists vied for the crowd's attention, delivering a flawless exchange of lyrics and vocals.  Osbourne belted dubplate style versions of his hits while Brigadier Jerry leveled the crowd with his unique lyrical flow. Mighty Crown certainly moved heads with this feat, bringing the rare combination of these powerhouse acts to Toronto. Let's just say, this epic performance sealed the deal for Mighty Crown as leaders in the sound system arena.

One of Mighty Crown's goals on the "Driving Force Tour" is to show fans that through all the success and ventures, music is the root....music is their DRIVING FORCE. What a great way of celebrating their ode and passion for music with the delivery of music legends Brigadier Jerry and Johnny Osbourne! Mighty Crown's explosive Toronto performance recaptures the essence and deep connection of sound systems and artists. Think of it as a history lesson for the new generation of dancehall fans in attendance, as before actual dubplates these took the form of live and unique performances by artists on sound systems. See Mighty Crown on their highly acclaimed "Driving Force Tour." Check out their complete schedule

HERE: http://www.irishandchin.com.

Innocent v. Madd Squad Sound Clash!

Sound Clash has always been an integral role in Sound System culture where Reggae and Dancehall is concerned.  Usually between 2 sounds, the Clash is aimed at earning the respect and 'forward' of Clash fans who determine which sound won the Clash and thus hold the title of Sound Clash Winner!

On Saturday June 30th, two of Florida's largest sounds, Innocent and Madd Squad face off for an event called 'Duppi Affi Mek.'

If you're not from a Caribbean background, a 'duppi' is a ghost, and a ghost only appears when a person is dead.  To put that in the context of the Clash, one of the two sounds will die, thus becoming a duppi.

This event is significant for two reasons:  1.  It marks the re-emergence of the Clash industry which was kick started by Clash innovators and Aficionados Irish and Chin, and 2.  It marks Froggy Madd Squad Clashing which hasn't happened in years ... several years.

Clash fans are asking if Froggy has what it takes to defend his sound seeing that Striker has been the one to Clash in behalf of Madd Squad in the past.  Other fans are asking how deep into the dubbox does Froggy plan to go as his dubs are extensive (he's been selecting since his teens and has relationships with several artists).  Additional fans want to know if Innocent has the musical ammunition to counteract Froggy's piercing dubs.

The only way to find out is to attend the Clash.  See the flyers for details.  If you see a ghost, don't get frightened; 'duppi affi mek!'

INTENSE CLASHES EXPECTED FOR GUINNESS SOUNDS ROUND 2

Over the past four weeks Jamaica and the world have been treated to what has been a top class display of the sound clash craft with Guinness Sounds of Greatness on TVJ. Now the show moves to Round 2 and the performances are expected to be that much more interesting.  The series, which began on Saturday September 3 has already seen eight Hot Shot sound systems battling it out in the hopes of winning over $1Million in cash and prizes and the bragging rights of being labelled Guinness Sound of Greatness 2011.

In Round 1, the first clash between Rich Squad and Crazy Chris saw Rich Squad reign supreme and prove that they had the strength of character and skills to move forward in the competition. That clash was followed by Bredda Hype versus Area Code 876 on September 10. Bredda Hype reached for greatness and walked away with a win.

The third clash in the series was between Kingston based sound system Coppershot and Westmoreland sound Black Blunt. Contrary to many expectations, it wasn’t a walk over as Black Blunt had to work hard to secure a win. September 24 saw what was expected to be the wickedest clash of round one, Maestro and Boom Boom, and Jamaica was not disappointed. The clash was so intense that there had to be a tie-breaker which Maestro won with a vintage Everton Blender.

This Saturday October 1 will see the start of Round 2 with the four Hot Shot sounds who reigned supreme in Round 1 squaring off against each other and four veteran sounds also competing to be the top sound to reach the final.

Round 2 will begin with Rich Squad squaring off with Bredda Hype. Rich Squad which comprises DJ Izzle, Paro, Reagan and of course head honcho Little Richie, started only two years ago.  Little Richie who leads the sound has had stints with radio station Hitz 92 FM and sound system Swatch International. On the other hand, Bredda Hype, the man at the helm of the sound system of the same name, says his affiliation with the art began from a very tender age as he would follow closely the trends in the business. The sound system which started in 2005 comprises Bredda Hype, Hammer Head and Fire Finger.

The second Clash in Round 2 airs on October 8 between veterans Bodyguard and Silverhawk. This is said to be the most anticipated clash of the series as these two sounds have never met in all sound clash history.  Bodyguard, which hails from Clarendon, was formed in 1987 and is no stranger to the sound clash world with many titles under its belt. The outfit was the first World Sound Clash winner in 1993 in London.  Their formidable opponents, Silverhawk, brainchild of producer Steely who died in 2009, were heavyweights in the clash ring from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.  Silverhawk has had several memorable clash wins, decimating the likes of Stone Love, Bass Odyssey and several others.

Saturday October 15 will see a return to one of the greatest rivalries in Jamaican sound clash history: Black Kat versus Ricky Trooper. Black Kat, based in Manchester and lead by Pink Panther, has been in the sound business for more than 17 years and has the envious reputation of winning five world clashes back to back.  Ricky Trooper, who now runs the Sound Trooper system, has a long history of clashing against Pink Panther, especially when he was the lead toaster on Kilimanjaro. According to Trooper, he has killed the most sounds, won the most trophies and played in the biggest dances.

The last clash of Round 2 will be between two of the hottest sounds in the competition: Black Blunt and Maestro. Maestro, a native of Western Kingston, credits the founding fathers of Reggae and other genres as the life blood that fuelled his passion for music. Formerly of Swatch International, Maestro knows the dancehall crowd and has a great feel for selecting the right songs at the best time.

Lead by their charismatic leader, Avatar, Black Blunt hails from the parish of Westmoreland.  Formed approximately three years ago, Black Blunt is seeking to prove that talent from rural Jamaica is just as good as, or even better, than urban talent.  Avatar’s infectious and animated personality allows the audience to feel what he is feeling. Avatar is joined by fellow front man selector Young Blood and describes the sound system as the voice of the ghetto people.

This Saturday October 1, Round Two of the Guinness Sounds of Greatness unfolds with exciting matchups as four veterans compete for a chance at maintaining their dominance and winning over $1Million in cash and prizes. On the other hand, there are four Hot Shot sounds that all want to be etched into dancehall history by beating a veteran for the title of Guinness Sound of Greatness.  Watch the show every Saturday night on Television Jamaica at 9:30pm as sound clash history is created.

Sound Clash Returns to Toronto!

Sound Clash is a culture that you are either born and raised in, appreciate as a fan, or destined to compete in as a sound system owner operator.

One of the hottest clash destinations in North America is Toronto.  Known as Clash central, it's the city that makes a sound or breaks a sound.

Toronto's top Clash promoter, Ron Nelson gives Clash enthusiasts two nights to satisfy the Clash drought that has hit the city for the past few years.  Details of the Clash (Part 1 and 2) is available in the flyers below.

Let us be the first to welcome Clash back!