After delivery a powerful musical punch at this year's Brooklyn Music Festival in June, the '5 Star General' Bounty Killer returns to Brooklyn for round two this Labor Day. In celebration of the West Indian-American Carnival weekend, the General and his Alliance lieutenants will storm Brooklyn's Caribbean City nightclub on Monday, September 7th. After dominating Sumfest and Champions in Action, two of Jamaica's biggest summer stagings, the Warlord's return to Brooklyn is highly anticipated.
Billed as the 'After Parkway Jam,' the event--taking place immediately after the day-long carnival parade on Eastern Parkway--is a fitting close to the West Indian-American Day Carnival celebrations and the City's summer concert season.
"What better way to end the summer than to have 'the General' shut down Brooklyn," promoter and popular New York sound system selector Steelie Bashment (known as Brooklyn's 'Big Clock') questions. "Brooklyn was the first place to really embrace Killer. Back in early '90s, his first hit single 'Copper Shot' took off on the streets of BK first. Brooklyn people have continuously shown Bounty Killer mad love over the past 17 years. He's been a roll this summer, and it is only fitting that he comes back to Brooklyn to lock it down."
Authorities barred Jamaican rapper Bounty Killer from entering Trinidad for a weekend show where he was scheduled to appear, a concert promoter said Sunday.
Verne Extavour, spokesman for Jacho Entertainment, told The Associated Press that Bounty Killer was turned away upon arrival and flew back to Jamaica.
No explanation was given, Extavour said. Immigration officials did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
The last time Bounty Killer was in Trinidad, he was arrested on stage and charged with using obscene language. Authorities in Jamaica arrested him for the same reason during last year's Reggae Sumfest.
Best known for the album "My Xperience" and for collaborating with No Doubt on the song "Hey Baby," Bounty Killer was one of a number of musicians scheduled to perform at Saturday's concert.
Among them was Vybz Kartel, with whom Bounty Killer has a long-standing rivalry that has led to violence between their fans.
Promoters had said the concert would represent a truce.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Bounty bio- look out
Following on the dancehall project (anda bit ofa sequel to my friend Milton Wray's book on Beenie Man) I'cve embarked on an unauthorized bio of Rodney 'Bounty Killa' Price.
Look for title (after copyright) and chapter excerpts soon
Look for title (after copyright) and chapter excerpts soon
Friday, May 1, 2009
ALL the great dancehall
Now that I've put up the Top 100, I've decided, in the Spirit of Inclusiveness, to continue adding all the dancehall tracks (current, past and forgotten) that could conceivably be called great.
Starts Monday
Starts Monday
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
"More Dancehall, Please"
That was the bulk of the reactions fom the public (at least those shown on television) to the list of the 100 Best Jamaican Songs of the past 50 years.
First, I commend the committee that assembled to compile the list of 100 Best Jamaican Songs, and watched with interest (On TV news) the presentation at UWI last Thursday.
I feel however, that 650+ records (going by the report) is too small a sample given the voluminous output of or musicians over the period specified (1957-present) 1000 would have been more acceptable and even double that number, as much as I understand the time constraints of the panel.
Nonetheless, its a good thing to see and hear more debate and discusssion around our music. here's hoping we can sustain and deepen that.
First, I commend the committee that assembled to compile the list of 100 Best Jamaican Songs, and watched with interest (On TV news) the presentation at UWI last Thursday.
I feel however, that 650+ records (going by the report) is too small a sample given the voluminous output of or musicians over the period specified (1957-present) 1000 would have been more acceptable and even double that number, as much as I understand the time constraints of the panel.
Nonetheless, its a good thing to see and hear more debate and discusssion around our music. here's hoping we can sustain and deepen that.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
This list thing....its catching :-D
SYMPOSIUM TO SELECT TOP 100 BEST JAMAICAN SONGS BETWEEN 1957 AND 2007
News Release
The Department of Government at the University of the West Indies invites the public to attend and participate in a symposium on the top 100 best Jamaican songs between 1957 and 2007. This symposium takes place at the Undercroft, the University of the West Indies, Mona, on Thursday April 16th, 2009, beginning at 5:30pm.
A panel including Dr. Omar Davies, former Finance Minister and Opposition spokesman on Finance, who has an immense cultural and intellectual interest in Jamaican popular music; Mr. Bunny Goodison, founder of the Soul Shack Disco and creator and host of the popular radio show, Rhythms; Mr. Frankie Campbell of the Fab 5 Band and president of the Jamaica Vintage Artistes Association; Mr. Francois St. Juste, radio personality and General Manager for Radio at R.J.R.; and Mr. Wayne Chen, businessman, patron of the arts , author and Chairman of the National Gallery of Jamaica, will be presenting a set of criteria and arguments for selecting/recommending the songs/instrumentals that should be included in the top 100. However, members of the public attending the symposium are being asked to participate in the deliberations to shape the criteria and arguments for the selection, as well as to vote on the compositions to be included in the top 100. Come also to listen and to enjoy some of Jamaica’s best songs which will be played at the symposium.
Since the last half of the 20th century, Jamaica has become a power house of global popular music. Its impact on the aesthetic and ontological development and expression of global popular music is phenomenal. Jamaican lyricists, singers, players of instruments, sound technologists and producers have created and recreated some of the best songs/instrumentals in the last 50 years. By so doing, they have created a range of global soundscapes rooted in the rhythmic, linguistic, poetic language and imaginative culture and ritualized artistic movements of the Jamaican body to inspire the world.
This symposium opens another path to the expansion of the intellectual bases, scholarship and knowledge of Jamaican popular music, to celebrate excellence, as well as to strengthen the basis for its economic enhancement.
Contact
Clinton Hutton
Lecturer
869-7591/977-5935
tarharka@yahoo.com
News Release
The Department of Government at the University of the West Indies invites the public to attend and participate in a symposium on the top 100 best Jamaican songs between 1957 and 2007. This symposium takes place at the Undercroft, the University of the West Indies, Mona, on Thursday April 16th, 2009, beginning at 5:30pm.
A panel including Dr. Omar Davies, former Finance Minister and Opposition spokesman on Finance, who has an immense cultural and intellectual interest in Jamaican popular music; Mr. Bunny Goodison, founder of the Soul Shack Disco and creator and host of the popular radio show, Rhythms; Mr. Frankie Campbell of the Fab 5 Band and president of the Jamaica Vintage Artistes Association; Mr. Francois St. Juste, radio personality and General Manager for Radio at R.J.R.; and Mr. Wayne Chen, businessman, patron of the arts , author and Chairman of the National Gallery of Jamaica, will be presenting a set of criteria and arguments for selecting/recommending the songs/instrumentals that should be included in the top 100. However, members of the public attending the symposium are being asked to participate in the deliberations to shape the criteria and arguments for the selection, as well as to vote on the compositions to be included in the top 100. Come also to listen and to enjoy some of Jamaica’s best songs which will be played at the symposium.
Since the last half of the 20th century, Jamaica has become a power house of global popular music. Its impact on the aesthetic and ontological development and expression of global popular music is phenomenal. Jamaican lyricists, singers, players of instruments, sound technologists and producers have created and recreated some of the best songs/instrumentals in the last 50 years. By so doing, they have created a range of global soundscapes rooted in the rhythmic, linguistic, poetic language and imaginative culture and ritualized artistic movements of the Jamaican body to inspire the world.
This symposium opens another path to the expansion of the intellectual bases, scholarship and knowledge of Jamaican popular music, to celebrate excellence, as well as to strengthen the basis for its economic enhancement.
Contact
Clinton Hutton
Lecturer
869-7591/977-5935
tarharka@yahoo.com
Monday, April 13, 2009
AND NOW..........(Trumpets, Fanfare) The Ultimate Dancehall records
Well, here we are. The top of the mountain. The end of the line. The last word
Okay, so that's a bit of hype, but here are my choices for the Ten Dancehall/DJ records that Mattered Most over the last thirty years.
Look out for my extensive commentary on each of the Top Ten, beginning Thursday, and also check upcoming issue of BUZZZ magazine (May/June) for the list and feature, AND......... look out for the companion booklet, coming soon.
Thanks and keep checking this blog
1. Who Am I - Beenie Man
2. Murder She Wrote - Chaka Demus & Pliers
3. Look - Bounty Killer
4. Zunguzunguguzunguzeng - Yellowman
5. Ring the Alarm - Tenor Saw
6. Twice My Age - Shabba Ranks feat Krystal
7. Action - Nadine Sutherland & Terror Fabulous
8. These Streets - Tanya Stephens
9. Anything For You (various artistes)
10. Overcome - Mavado
Okay, so that's a bit of hype, but here are my choices for the Ten Dancehall/DJ records that Mattered Most over the last thirty years.
Look out for my extensive commentary on each of the Top Ten, beginning Thursday, and also check upcoming issue of BUZZZ magazine (May/June) for the list and feature, AND......... look out for the companion booklet, coming soon.
Thanks and keep checking this blog
1. Who Am I - Beenie Man
2. Murder She Wrote - Chaka Demus & Pliers
3. Look - Bounty Killer
4. Zunguzunguguzunguzeng - Yellowman
5. Ring the Alarm - Tenor Saw
6. Twice My Age - Shabba Ranks feat Krystal
7. Action - Nadine Sutherland & Terror Fabulous
8. These Streets - Tanya Stephens
9. Anything For You (various artistes)
10. Overcome - Mavado
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Days Upon Days - The Teens
Just one more block left in our dancehall quest
11. Untold Stories - Buju Banton
12. Pain - Brigadier Jerry
13. Jus One Of Those Days - Sizzla
14. Mi God , Mi King - papa levi
15. These Are The Days - Busy Signal
16. Impossible Train - Innocent Kru
17. Wanga Gut - Tiger
18. Lazy Body - Little John
19. Tempo(Temper) - red Rose
20. If A War - Bounty Killer
11. Untold Stories - Buju Banton
12. Pain - Brigadier Jerry
13. Jus One Of Those Days - Sizzla
14. Mi God , Mi King - papa levi
15. These Are The Days - Busy Signal
16. Impossible Train - Innocent Kru
17. Wanga Gut - Tiger
18. Lazy Body - Little John
19. Tempo(Temper) - red Rose
20. If A War - Bounty Killer
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Top 30 starts Monday
Only 30 more selections to go to round out the list. I'll resume on Monday (March 30)
Keep checking and give your feedback on the choices
Keep checking and give your feedback on the choices
Saturday, March 7, 2009
"What A Day": The Roaring 20s
Yes, a liitle late, but the 20s are here. Keep checking. Thanks, friends for the verbal feedback on the streets. Luv to see some posts, critical and otherwise
21. Real Ghetto Story Cham
22. Jamaica, Jamaica Brigadier Jerry
23. Mama Baby Wayne
24. What A Day Tanya Stephens
25. I'm Getting Married Yellow Man
26. Mud Up Super Cat
27. Too Fat Charlie Chaplin
28. Me & Dem [Baby] Cham
29. Emergency Vybz Kartel
30. Okubit Aidonia
21. Real Ghetto Story Cham
22. Jamaica, Jamaica Brigadier Jerry
23. Mama Baby Wayne
24. What A Day Tanya Stephens
25. I'm Getting Married Yellow Man
26. Mud Up Super Cat
27. Too Fat Charlie Chaplin
28. Me & Dem [Baby] Cham
29. Emergency Vybz Kartel
30. Okubit Aidonia
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
“Censorship in Paradise”: Dancehall's unlikely defender
Had to interrupt the countdown, for this, which I agree with 100%
Statement
by
William O’Shaughnessy
President, Whitney Media
Editorial Director, WVOX and WVIP
The new “rules” announced on Saturday by the Jamaican Broadcast Commission to ban songs and music videos in that magnificent island nation is ill-advised. And dangerous.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding is a man of great intelligence and character who does not need to be reminded about the wisdom of our First Amendment which has served America so well for so many years. It is thus to be urgently hoped th at the Prime Minister will “crack down” on his own government regulators who are trying to stifle free expression.
The broadcasters of Jamaica are “permittees” and “trustees,” with a fiduciary relationship to the airwaves which rightly and properly belong to the people of their country. Many, most of them, believe that a radio station achieves its highest calling when it resembles a platform, a soapbox.
Someone has to tell the Jamaican Broadcast Commission in no uncertain terms that the popular songs of the day deserve protection – no matter how gross, raucous, raunchy, vulgar, outrageous or “explicit.”
Like we said in the attached piece: Some of it ain’t so pretty … but all of it needs to be protected.
A song is like an eyewitness report. The writers of those songs write of the daily life in Jamaica, the daily passions of their countrymen, the milieu in which they live. They write in the vernacular and with the currency of the day.
In any society there’s a fine line of taste that constantly changes. The populace redraws it every season and government can’t stop it.
People have been making songs to reflect their environment since the beginning of time.
Jamaica has given wonderful gifts to the world from the collective genius of Bob Marley, Byron Lee, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tesh, Desmond Dekker and Bunny Wailer. They wrote and sang in the vernacular and with the currency of their day.
Nothing “encourages” people to sin or change history. Songs are signs, banners: they do not make history.
Restricting language is only possible in a totalitarian atmosphere. It was possible in Germany, in Bulgaria, in Cuba. It is possible where only one mode of communication dominates. So, no, you can’t sing an off-color song in Bulgaria. But even without such songs, they have drunkenness, adultery and suicide – but not on the radio.
Apparently the Jamaican Broadcast Commission wants a world that is uncomplicated, without pain for their children, not obscene, not profane. But it is a great mistake to blame songwriters, musical performers and broadcasters for the coarsening of the culture which is occurring worldwide.
John Updike writes that “popular” composers, from generation to generation, “if they do not teach us how to love, do lend our romances a certain accent and give our courting rites and their milieu … a background of communal experience.”
It should never be left to government to decide what is “worthy” or meritorious, even one as wise and prescient as the one presided over by Prime Minister Golding who, after only one year, seems so well begun in the hearts of his countrymen and in the eyes of the world. Nor should it be the province of a regulatory authority to decide what isnot.
Let the people of Jamaica exercise the only permissible form of censorship – by tuning out offensive material.
Jamaica should get out of the business of censorship and stick to the vital business of hospitality and tourism for which it is so justly renown.
Statement
by
William O’Shaughnessy
President, Whitney Media
Editorial Director, WVOX and WVIP
The new “rules” announced on Saturday by the Jamaican Broadcast Commission to ban songs and music videos in that magnificent island nation is ill-advised. And dangerous.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding is a man of great intelligence and character who does not need to be reminded about the wisdom of our First Amendment which has served America so well for so many years. It is thus to be urgently hoped th at the Prime Minister will “crack down” on his own government regulators who are trying to stifle free expression.
The broadcasters of Jamaica are “permittees” and “trustees,” with a fiduciary relationship to the airwaves which rightly and properly belong to the people of their country. Many, most of them, believe that a radio station achieves its highest calling when it resembles a platform, a soapbox.
Someone has to tell the Jamaican Broadcast Commission in no uncertain terms that the popular songs of the day deserve protection – no matter how gross, raucous, raunchy, vulgar, outrageous or “explicit.”
Like we said in the attached piece: Some of it ain’t so pretty … but all of it needs to be protected.
A song is like an eyewitness report. The writers of those songs write of the daily life in Jamaica, the daily passions of their countrymen, the milieu in which they live. They write in the vernacular and with the currency of the day.
In any society there’s a fine line of taste that constantly changes. The populace redraws it every season and government can’t stop it.
People have been making songs to reflect their environment since the beginning of time.
Jamaica has given wonderful gifts to the world from the collective genius of Bob Marley, Byron Lee, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tesh, Desmond Dekker and Bunny Wailer. They wrote and sang in the vernacular and with the currency of their day.
Nothing “encourages” people to sin or change history. Songs are signs, banners: they do not make history.
Restricting language is only possible in a totalitarian atmosphere. It was possible in Germany, in Bulgaria, in Cuba. It is possible where only one mode of communication dominates. So, no, you can’t sing an off-color song in Bulgaria. But even without such songs, they have drunkenness, adultery and suicide – but not on the radio.
Apparently the Jamaican Broadcast Commission wants a world that is uncomplicated, without pain for their children, not obscene, not profane. But it is a great mistake to blame songwriters, musical performers and broadcasters for the coarsening of the culture which is occurring worldwide.
John Updike writes that “popular” composers, from generation to generation, “if they do not teach us how to love, do lend our romances a certain accent and give our courting rites and their milieu … a background of communal experience.”
It should never be left to government to decide what is “worthy” or meritorious, even one as wise and prescient as the one presided over by Prime Minister Golding who, after only one year, seems so well begun in the hearts of his countrymen and in the eyes of the world. Nor should it be the province of a regulatory authority to decide what isnot.
Let the people of Jamaica exercise the only permissible form of censorship – by tuning out offensive material.
Jamaica should get out of the business of censorship and stick to the vital business of hospitality and tourism for which it is so justly renown.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
"More Life" in "Sweet jamdown": the 50s
51. Sweet Jamdown - Tony Rebel
52. More life - Vybz
53. Lightning Flash Shane-O
54. Solid As A Rock - TOK
55. OK - Wayne Marshal
56. Dem A Bleach - Nardo Ranks
57. Mystery Is The Man - Bounty Killer
58 Gully Sit'n - Assassin
59. Break Out - Sean Paul
60. Log On - Elephant Man
52. More life - Vybz
53. Lightning Flash Shane-O
54. Solid As A Rock - TOK
55. OK - Wayne Marshal
56. Dem A Bleach - Nardo Ranks
57. Mystery Is The Man - Bounty Killer
58 Gully Sit'n - Assassin
59. Break Out - Sean Paul
60. Log On - Elephant Man
The 60s - A 'Beenie' bracket
61. Blackboard Beenie Man
62. Kung Fu Future Troubles
63. When I See You Smile Singing sweet
64. Good Looking Gal Buju Banton
65. Pop Style Terror Fabulous
66. Bun Fi Bun Capt Barky & Wickerman
67. Judgement Day Ward 21
68. Yu Body Good Red Dragon
69. Miss Goodie Goodie Colin Roache & Galaxy P
70. Sketel Concerto Beenie Man
62. Kung Fu Future Troubles
63. When I See You Smile Singing sweet
64. Good Looking Gal Buju Banton
65. Pop Style Terror Fabulous
66. Bun Fi Bun Capt Barky & Wickerman
67. Judgement Day Ward 21
68. Yu Body Good Red Dragon
69. Miss Goodie Goodie Colin Roache & Galaxy P
70. Sketel Concerto Beenie Man
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Best Baby Father, and others
71. Jail Busy Signal
72. No. 1 Pon De Look Good Chart Capleton
73. Gal Seh Woooee Tanto & Devonte
74. Kimbo King Reggie Steppa
75. Best Baby Father Shabba Ranks
76. First Position Mega Banton
77. Dying Mavado
78. Model Pon Yu One Time Man Daddy Screw
79. Hole in the Bucket Kojak & Liza
80. Leggo De Bwoy Kip Rich
72. No. 1 Pon De Look Good Chart Capleton
73. Gal Seh Woooee Tanto & Devonte
74. Kimbo King Reggie Steppa
75. Best Baby Father Shabba Ranks
76. First Position Mega Banton
77. Dying Mavado
78. Model Pon Yu One Time Man Daddy Screw
79. Hole in the Bucket Kojak & Liza
80. Leggo De Bwoy Kip Rich
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Rankings Resume Monday
After a hectic weekend covering Jmaaica Jazz fest, will get "back to de matta" of dancehall come tomorrow
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The 80s
Continuing up to the Top 10, here's the 80s bracket:
81. Tan So Back Super Cat
82. Nice Up De Dance Michigan & Smiley
83. No Pet Gal Alozade
84. Pretty Looks Done Major Mackerel
85. Cellular Phone Bounty Killa
86. Do It To Me Ce'cille
87. Stab Out De Meat Lady Saw
88. Check Madd Anju
89. Jack It Up Spragga
90. Dwayne Red Rat
Monday, January 19, 2009
From 100
Okay - delayed, but here goes. Start taking your shots now.
91 Freeze Mavado
92 Make My Day - Buju Banton feat Wayne Wonder
93 We Run Tings Flourgon
94 Diseases Michigan & Smiley
95 Telephone Ting -Kip Rich
96 Hol' A Fresh - Red Dragon
97 Lovin' Excess - Wayne Wonder w/ Don Yute
98 Leggo Mi Han' Josey Wales
99 Big Tings A Gwaan - Daddy Screw
100 One Wheel Wheelie - Early B
91 Freeze Mavado
92 Make My Day - Buju Banton feat Wayne Wonder
93 We Run Tings Flourgon
94 Diseases Michigan & Smiley
95 Telephone Ting -Kip Rich
96 Hol' A Fresh - Red Dragon
97 Lovin' Excess - Wayne Wonder w/ Don Yute
98 Leggo Mi Han' Josey Wales
99 Big Tings A Gwaan - Daddy Screw
100 One Wheel Wheelie - Early B
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Top & lowest 10 next Week
beginning next week, I'll post my provisional choices for the lowest 10 and the top 10. look outfor ti, send your criticisms and comments to this blog or to liveplug22@gmail.com
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