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thisisjamaica:

Dancehall’s new steps

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The genre that spawned anti-gay anthems is back in the big time, with a fresh attitude, as Chris Mugan writes for London’s Independent.

With Bruno Mars and Wyclef Jean guesting on Diplo’s new Major Lazer album, Jamaican artist Busy Signal guesting on No Doubt’s comeback record and bass-heavy tunes heard in the UK’s hipster clubs, Jamaican dancehall seems to be enjoying a peak of influence on mainstream pop and underground dance. And yet, a decade ago, the genre was mired in controversy.

As a musical term, dancehall has been used since the Eighties to describe a distinct style emphasising rhythm over melody, with Sly & Robbie among its most famed producers. A step-change came with the ditching of in-house bands for pure digital instrumentation, providing a platform for the high-energy ragga vocalists that emerged in the Nineties and vied to provide the killer line over popular backing tracks, or riddims. Much of the lyrical content, about guns and girls, was instantly familiar to hip-hop fans, though it was the occasional homophobic number that proved poisonous when …[Full article HERE]

thisisjamaica:

Influential Jamaican saxophonist Cedric Brooks dies at 70

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One of Brooks’ sisters, Paulette Keise, said he died Friday of cardiac arrest at New York Hospital Queens. She said Saturday that he suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes and fell ill several years ago, losing his ability to speak.

Brooks began his music career in the late 1960s as a studio musician, playing in songs such as Burning Spear’s “Door Peep.” He also had hits with trumpet player David Madden including “Money Maker” and “Mystic Mood.” Brooks also was a member of the Jamaican ska band The Skatalites. He is survived by seven children and four sisters.

marniemoo:

datgirlwithdaem1:

Ackee & Saltfish, Fried Dumplings, Callaloo, Orange Juice.

Perfect breakfast! Can i wake up to this tomorrow please :’(

i need to go jamaica again.

(via 18-15n-77-30w)

(Source: diamondsbiiitch, via carib-n)

(Source: nirvana-ultra, via carib-n)

morphinginthepuhsea:

mybigdreaming:

wwwbeautifullensecom:

chocolate addiction

I want to do this one year..I mean ass in a thong dancing down the parkway

they so damn fine…

(via blackblonde)

thisisjamaica:

Reggae Artist Etana, Interviewed by NPR

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Earlier this month, Michel Martin interviewed Jamaican singer Etana, calling her “a reggae soul artist whose music is infused with strength and positivity.” In the interview, she talks to Martin about the inspiration behind her new album Better Tomorrow.

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: I’m Michel Martin and this is TELL ME MORE from NPR News. If you like to travel or if you just like music, then you know that for decades now Jamaican artists have established the island as a musical force with names like Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. But you might have also noticed that not many women have been mentioned in the top tier of those artists, so today we are going to meet a young woman whose soulful style and thoughtful lyrics have made her, at a pretty young age, one of the most respected women in reggae today. Her name is Etana and her third album, “Better Tomorrow,” has just been released. […]

MARTIN: […] But I understand that, you….[Full article HERE]