21st Hapilos Digital Productions Launches First Project SWA (Sleep With Angels) Riddim

As an all around veteran in the music business, Johnny Wonder has worked and produced some of the biggest name in the reggae/dancehall music business. From playing sound systems, working alongside legendary King Jammy to Being a Record Executive and A&R for over 20 years, his keen ear for music makes this latest project "Sleep With The Angels" riddim an instant success.

Enlisting stars of reggae and dancehall gives the riddim a diversity in rich sound and style. From the intense dynamic vocals of international recording artist Tarrus Riley on "Nah Mek You Mad Me" to the energetic deep sound of Spragga Benz "SWA (Sleep With Angels)", the riddim offers music lovers distinct songs that are sure to please even the harshest critics.

The riddim also features Demarco with "Ketch the Light", Bugle "Nuff Man Gone", I-Octane "Yuh Bredda Dat", Jah Vinci "When the Party Hot", Khago "Pushing Me Away", Charly Black "She Loves Me Now", Flexxx "Party from Mi Born", Navino "Gal Never Look Dem Yet", Stein "Wine Yuh Waist" and Ishawna "I Can't Love You".

The riddim was created by talented duo Jordan & Hizzle of Chimney Records who hold under their belt a long list of hits such "Star Bwoy Riddim" and "Chill Spot Riddim". This feel good riddim brings a reminiscent sound an old school era injected with a 2012 freshness. Sleep With Angels riddim is now available on itunes via digital distribution giants 21st Hapilos.

Montreal International Reggae Festival Closes the 2012 Season with a Sold Out Audience!

The 2012 Montreal International Reggae Festival season comes to an end on a high note, seeing a sold out audience pack the Old Port for 3 days of sweet Reggae and Dancehall from the Caribbean’s best artists.

Fans were given a variety of talent and themes to enjoy.  Night one, deemed Dancehall night, featured Cham and his Wife O.  Canada’s #1 DJ, DJ Poirier, who also hails from Montreal, rocked the crowd with a combination of musical selections from Shabba Ranks, General Degree and Busy Signal.  Joining the veteran DJ on stage was Juno Nominee Face-T who slick Dancehall delivery had the audience chanting for more, as did the fiery presentation and performance of Fire Lion who had patrons form the Usain Bolt pose during his performance. 

The official after party was enjoyed by Sound Clash diehards who backed EB Lounge to witness Rootsman from Toronto, Showtime from New York and hometown favorite Little Thunder battle each other for the favour of the crowd.  Toronto’s Rootsman Sound won the Clash taking all three rounds played.

Night two featured Konshens, whose chart topping singles “Gyal Ah Bubble,” “Ah So Mih Tan,” and “Good Girl Gone Bad” earned the screams and cheers from his adoring female fans, and fire salutes from the male fans in attendance.  Another crowd pleaser was Christopher Martin who had to wheel up his sizzling song “Cheaters Prayer” several times, and the newest Dancehall sensation, Popcaan worked the stage and the crowd into a frenzy.  Hotta Maestro also touched the crowd prior to Assassin who’s moving performance called for encore’s.

Night three, Reggae night, featured Romain Virgo and his soul moving song “Who Feels it Knows it” had the audience singing along with him.  Tarrus Riley, backed by Ruff Cut band gave fans so much of what they wanted to hear, tweets about Mr. Singy Singy were sent the moment he was announced to be at the venue to the end of his set.  Fans knew every word to every song, and acted as his backing choir when he performed “Stay With You” which was truly moving.

Froggy Madd Squad had the audience in festive spirits, opening for Jimmy Cliff!  His set include Reggae anthems that had lighters and flags in the air!  Remembering the milestone of Jamaica’s 50^th year of Independence from Great Britain, the Madd Squads leader included rare Festival music from his music library, impressing fans both mature and young!

Undoubtedly, Jimmy Cliff was the shining crescendo to an already perfect Festival.  Donned in his red green and gold scarf and leather suit, the legend and Order of Merit holder gave Montreal his heart and soul as he performed his hits that made him famous (“Many Rivers to Cross,” “Reggae Nights” and “Miss Jamaica”) as well as songs from his new album recently released.

Backed by his band, Jimmy reminded all of the years he’s put into the industry, and his undeniable role in shaping the path that others have followed.  He is truly a legend!

Look out for the Montreal International Reggae Festival 2013 where Eric Blagrove, the Festival’s producer, celebrates 10 years with surprises and feature presentations!

In the meantime, all updates will be posted at www.montrealreggaefest.com, or by following @MTLReggaeFest and @L3Magazine on Twitter!

L3 Magazine August, 2012 Edition

Team L3 is in festive Olympic spirits this month as we receive news and updates about Caribbean athletes competing at the world’s highest level of competition.  We are pleased to bring our readers some of the best photos that capture the essence and the feel of the Olympics prior to the closing ceremony on Sunday August 12^th, 2012.

Tricia ‘Sparks’ Spence interviews No Maddz, a band from Jamaica, who is a shining success for the world to see and hear.  The group has been together for years, has played and performed in multiple cities, and is one of the few to say they are endorsed by major corporations.  How they achieved success, and their plans for the future is covered.  Did we mention the fact that they have an uncontrollable sense of humour?!

 

Heike Dempster covered Jamaica’s premiere Reggae Festival, Sumfest, 2012.  Reporting on the performances, and including her impressions, Heike gives us a full recap of one of the Caribbean’s best shows, and includes photo highlights such as the Emperor, Shabba Ranks performing as well as Lady Saw being officially crowned Dancehall Queen!

Today’s music has moved far the ‘soul’ it once had until you meet and hear the voice of, Leela James!  L3’s Jennifer Menster sat down with the 2012 Soul Goddess in California just before the release of her tribute album to Etta James.  Leela is fun, playful, few on words but oozing positive and colourful energy that melts the most hardened of hearts.  Having traveled the world with her music, Leela is one trademark we are pleased to present in our folds!

We were on the scene in Japan for Lukie D and Iakopo’s well received performance, hosted by Tokiyas Sound as well as in Toronto for Caribana’s Junior Carnival hosted by Yorkgate Mall in the Jane and Finch Community!

Rounding out the August edition, we tell you why Spike Lee is experiencing a ‘spike’ in popularity, review new music from Kafinal, and Hemphigher Productions as well as take a look at bridesmaids dresses ladies can wear beyond a wedding.  We give you a few reasons to visit Washington DC as well as beauty tips that include baking soda.  All this plus Ms. August, Kristin, shot through the camera lens of our Centrefold editor, Jerome ‘Neu Era’ Dupont.  All this and more available here:  http://bit.ly/S8DIp1

Emperor Shabba Ranks Triumphs in the Studio with “War!”

Since his performance at the 2012 staging of Reggae Sumfest in beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica, Shabba Ranks has been on fire in the performance arena, and in the recording arena.

Teaming up with one of Jamaica’s hottest younger generation producers, Calibud (Son of legendary producer Bobby ‘Digital B’ Dixon), Shabba recently returned to the studio to record the powerful song “War.”

Performed on the rebuilt riddim used to back Bob Marley’s song of the same name, Emperor Shabba Ranks denounces war of all types including psychological and physical, and appeals to the powers that be to keep the war away from his people.  Turning to his community, Shabba calls for us to unite in order that his people to be uplifted.  Using the song’s punch line to emphasize his point, Shabba simply asks “Ah who win the war; the police in the jeep or the soldiers in armored cars?”

Recorded live at the family’s recording studio on Ron’s Road in June in Kingston, Jamaica, Shabba expressed how happy he is with the outcome of the recording.  “I’m very pleased with the song,” said Shabba.  “I look forward to adding this song to my performances when I perform for fans.”  In addition to Shabba’s satisfaction with the song, several artists in the Reggae and Dancehall fraternity have been touched by the riddim which has led to the decision to make a full riddim including the vocals of Cali P, Tarrus Riley and General Degree.  “I’m very excited about the War riddim,” said Calibud.  “This is a riddim that will help to unite the people and tell the world how great we are.  This will be a great riddim.”

Bobby ‘Digital B’ Dixon, who has kept a watchful eye over his Son and the project, agrees that this riddim is “ready for the world” and is very proud of his Son including his musical accomplishments.

The single is available on iTunes here:  www.itunes.apple.com/album/war-single/id548298215?v0 

Jimmy Cliff Counts Down to Montreal's Reggae Festival!

Giving us songs that represent the pride of Jamaica and all peoples across the Caribbean and around the world, Jimmy Cliff is a living legend whom the Montreal International Reggae Festival is proud to have on its stage.

Beginning his career at the age of 14, Cliff worked with Leslie Kong who produced the music for Cliff’s first hit single “Hurricane Hattie.”  Since then, the internationally loved artist has released songs that have defined our times, our nations and our Caribbean culture.  Songs such as “The Harder They Come,” “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Miss Jamaica” are stalwarts in our musical fabric.

For generations, these and the rest of Cliff’s discography have served as motivation to get through some of our tougher times.  At this years’ Festival, these songs help us celebrate 50 years of Independence from Great Britain and what a party it’s going to be!

For the 9^th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival, Jimmy Cliff invites you to relive the musical memories that helped define us as a people.  Make sure you’re there when he sings “The Harder They Come” and more!   

Still Deh Deh Part 2!

We haven't posted in a while but we still deh deh!  Balooba Sound and Charly Black give us the perfect mix to satisfy our Dancehall vibes!

SINGLE TRACK

http://www.mediafire.com/?22abdeld0i11akq


SPLIT TRACKS

http://www.mediafire.com/?zoxa915rd911cu

P.S.  Make sure you hit Balooba Sounds website >>> www.baloobasound.com

Chris Martin and the 9th Annual Montreal Reggae Festival!

Exploding into the hearts of fans worldwide in 2005, Christopher Martin has consistently been playing on radio for the past 6 years, and now performs live for his fans in Montreal at the 9^th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival!

Getting his start in 2005 by competing in the Digicel Rising Starts Competition, it didn’t take long for Jamaica to realize one of its hidden gems, and by extension, the world discovered too!  Working with producers such as Robert Livingston at Big Yard Music Group, Donovan Germaine at Penthouse Records and Shane C. Brown at Jukeboxx Productions, Chris’s work ethic helped to develop his lengthy and extensive catalog which is played by fans young and mature.

Successfully performing Reggae, Dancehall and Island Pop, Martin has racked up hits such as “Jamaican Girls,” “Take My Wings” and “Stay Faithful.”  With his 2012 international anthem “Cheaters Prayer” Martins fans want to sing the song with him which MIRF organizers have gladly coordinated!

For the 9^th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival, Christopher Martin welcomes you to take in his performance at the Old Port.  How many thousands of ladies will be screaming for the young star?  Come out to see and hear for yourself!