Mr Vegas..Keeping His Head High In Reggae Dancehall

Clifford Smith, also famous as Mr. Vegas, developed an involvement for music at an young age. But it was the moment he voiced a single on the Playground Riddim for producer Jeremy Harding, even with a principal injury to his jaw, which fixed his fate in the business. Unfazed by the laceration and ambitious, Mr. Vegas laid his one-of-a-kind vocals and created Nike Air - an immediate hit!

Ever since Mr. Vegas lifted his way to the surface in 1997 with Nike Air and the follow-up smash Heads High, the singjay has never looked back. Heads High, with its lyrically formative information of resistance, found on-the-spot niceness with the ladies. It established heavy rotation on prevailing media outlets, not to mention MTV, and even sealed a post on the Billboard charts for quite a few weeks.

With the achievement of the single, a debut album of the same name was a normal next step. Published on the Greensleeves label, the Heads High album made the world stand up and take attention. With hit songs like Jacket, Sweet Pineapple and Everywhere I Go, Heads High was a chart topper. Not surprisingly, the singjay earned a coveted British Music of Black Origin (MOBO) award for Best Reggae Artiste, a clear indication that his fan base had expanded way beyond America and the Caribbean.

Skillfully riding a wave of creation, the artist in an assured manner affirmed his rank as reggae/dancehall's newest star with his sophomore Greensleeves release, Damn Right, which included a flood of favourites including Girls Time, She's A Ho and the monster hit Hot Gal Today on which he collaborated with Sean Paul.

Incidentally, Hot Gal Today was voted one of the all time ultimate collaborations by Vibe Magazine. With his progress to the Los Angeles-based independent label, Delicious Vinyl, Mr. Vegas broadcast his third full-length offering, Pull Up. The title track entered the Billboard Chart and again thrusted Vegas to international status.

During the years, Vegas has extended to issue well-crafted singles which have ensured his caliber as one of the most compatible and in-demand acts in the business. Tek Wey Yuhself, Hot Wuk and Nuh Friend From Dem, from his 2007 Hot It Up album were chart toppers, with Hot Wuk dominating all the major American, Caribbean and European charts. The single even made an passage on Billboard's Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Singles chart. His 2008 Daggering congested a wallop in the dancehall, and in true Vegas style, come 2009 and he again demonstrates his skillfulness with the gospel-flavoured I Am Blessed and Up Deh.

This singjay has took the stage on all of the Reggae industry's major shows, containing Guinness Sting, Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded and Reggae Sunsplash. In additiona to plug his way through the Caribbean, Mr. Vegas has also animated fans in Europe and the U.S. and Japan with highly rated performances

Tarrus Riley Tells Us What is Due Up From Him

Explained for his sweet-singing voice, Riley is showcasing his DJ'ing talents on Reggae riddims. What may come as a surprise to some of his devotees are current releases like Summer Fling for Chimney Records, Come Ovafor Seanizzle, Armagiddeon Time for Romeich Records and upcoming singles for the likes of Bombrush and others. He told us recently, “before me did start sing me used to deejay. Reggae Dancehall is our music, its part of my days and I’ve always embraced it.”

Even with testing the Dancehall waters, Riley says fans shouldn’t expect a switch in subject matter or more raw material from him. “Its the same Tarrus Riley, certain details a just nuh me dat. I’ve always talked about reality, about injustice, about love, and life so I plan to keep on singing about that,” he said.

He added, “people are loving the new songs, dem crazy bout it, dem sey mi tek too long to do it. Good Girl Gone Bad had gotten great reviews from back when, so it really is a long time mi did fi do more of those songs.”

For Riley, he believes in being flexible as an artiste and exploring when it comes to writing and genres. He said, “I have a rocksteady song coming out that I’m really excited about. Also songs like Love Scars and Cold Girls, just so much music. I think that artistes suppose to spread dem wings and try new things musically, which is something I’ve always done. I’m a person who gets bored fast, so I always try to mix it up.”

As well as upcoming Dancehall tracks, he has in the works an acoustic album set for release by the end of the year. The yet to be titled album, he says, contains some new material and others done over in an acoustic style. According to Riley, acoustic music is very personal to him and the idea for the album came from Dean Fraser.

He explained, “the acoustic album is being produced by Dean Fraser, there are like 13 or 14 tracks. We do over some songs weh people nevah get to hear the right way like Larger Than Life, which we redid, and it sounds different. This album will be like a songbook of Tarrus Riley songs.”

Vybz Kartel Promptly To Be The Next Dancehall Reggae King?

Vybz Kartel (whose real name is Adidja Palmer) began his Reggae Dancehall singing job as a yout in 1993 when he recorded his very first single "Love Fat Women." Soon after he released his first album titled "One Heart," which he then went on to join the three person group Vybz Kartel (which is now his individual name). The group was short-lived and Vybz Kartel quickly joined with another Dancehall veteran Bounty Killer after disbanding his original three person crew. He wrote about 25 songs with Bounty Killer. It wasn't until 10 years after his first single that Vybz Kartel began to build, and eventually become an icon in the Dancehall world.

The Seed Of Acceptance For Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel began to implode in popularity when he wrote various top-hits in Jamaica in 2010. While his songs were what won him his spot in the Dancehall celebration, it was his clash with opponent artist Ninjaman that won him countrywide popularity. While the clash itself was immature to say the least it created an extensive attention storm with neverending media coverage. Soon after their violent clash on-stage the two made a press release broadcasting their peace.

Establishing Notnice Records

Vybz Kartel continued recording, but made very few songs worth perceiving until his resurgence in 2010, which came along with the creation of his new record label Notnice Records. A few months after generating his record label he announced one of his best and most highly approved albums to date "Pon Di Gaza 2.0." His single "Clarks" from the album still remains one of his largest successes; a year after its recording it still remains one of the top-3 reggae songs worldwide. Since his rise to fame Vybz Kartel has collaborated with extensive artists such as Akon, Eminem, Jaz-Z, and Busta Rhymes to name a few.

Gathering Popularity - Vybz Kartel's Music Awards

Also contributing to Vybz Kartel's boom to fame were the several public music awards he's received - many of them came before his huge biggest hits, and likely attributed to the national experience that paved the way for his huge success in 2010. Among his most strong music awards are lyricist/Songwriter of the year (EME) in both 2009 and 2010, as well as WBLS Caribbean artist of the year in 2010.

Vybz Kartel has always originated fresh and unique music since the beginning of his career in 1993, and hasn't stopped since. Now in 2011 Vybz Kartel is expecting to release yet another album, and it's promised to be an even greater hit than his 2010 success Pon Dis Gaza 2.0 ." While he's already fulfilled fame in the Reggae world Vybz Kartel is expected to proceed to grow in acclaim and has already shown his understanding to hook up well with other artists in other music genres; something he's expecting to continue doing gaining him knowledge worldwide.

A Fast Crash Course on Dubplates - A Noob Generous Handbook

For those of you who are new to sound systems as well as dubs, you will want to read this article. In this article, you will learn the key information about soundclashes and dub plates.

It all goes way back to when sound clashes has just begun in the year 1950 as an avant-garde culture. This all began shortly after the World War 2 had ended. Jamaicans began buying imposing amounts of radios. The radios were bought mainly for two purposes:

1. They wanted to listen to the USA military channel.

2. They wanted some sort of fete channel, which was provided via a huge measureless wave of popular American music.

During the earliest step of this latest thing, Dancehall sound systems were made up of some very basic devices. They usually consisted of a turntable, a simple amplifier and pre-amp, and any large speakers they could find.

Sound systems gather up all the musical supplies they could get and held live sweet-sounding events all over Jamaica. Over time, local music began to improve as a culture and latest thing, and has since then replaced any other type of foreign music. With this happening all over the country, sound systems started becoming the local celebrities and garnered more people and fans than any other local celebrities. This is the point that they started to name there sound systems. Some of the earliest were Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd & a host of other smaller sounds. Now there are hundreds if not thousands across the globe and some of the top are Jaro, Mighty Crown, Bass Odyssey, Downbeat, and many, many more

As time vanished by, the equipments used by the sound systems got better and better. A system now consists of several Disc Jockeys, sound engineers, and MC's and usually plays Dancehall Reggae, Reggae, Hip Hop and Jamaican music genres. Events known as sound clashes are being held, where different soundsystem would lock horns for the crowd's support.

These clashes usually are held outdoors. If not, they are held in dancehalls, clubs or larger venues. The way they elect the winner of the clash is easy - which ever sound system gets more assistance and better response from the crowd.

It all depends on the backing of the crowd. The best way to make a Dancehall sound clash really fierce is by playing dubplate specials.

If the specials are new and exceptional, the crowd will show a greater degree of support. Without a single doubt, this music trend has boosted the popularity of many Jamaican musical genres all over the globe.

So, What Are Dubs?

Now you might be wondering, just what dubplates refer to. Dubplates can refer to dubs, specials and samples. All of these three have their own special characteristics which you will find out soon enough.

A dubplate is a song done by some Reggae Dancehall or Reggae artist which "bigs the soundsystem up".

The effect of a dubplate is simple - it serves as a very important endorsement by an artist for the soundsystem. It immediately boosts the stage cred of the system as well as the crowd response.

We must also understand that dubplates hold important roles in soundclashes for a few reasons:

1. It can be hard to find celebrities and artists who are willing to big it up for you.

2. It's an expensive effort. Expect to pay thousands of dollars to get a dubplate done from a top performing Dancehall Or Reggae artist.

For these reasons, the audiences usually hold very high regards for soundsystems, which are capable of getting them. If the sounds plays a dubplate specials done by a very fashionable and respected singer or DJ, then the crowd will show the support and respond at a much higher degree.

Dubplates vs Specials Vs Samples
Most amatuers always confuse the difference between a dubplate, a special and a sample. A dubplate is a song that any sound that can get from an artist, if they can afford it. A special is a song that the artist agrees to make for only one particular sound system, which means no other sounds can play the special, and it adds up a lot to the exclusivity part of the game.

A sample is very much like a special, except that it's unique and has a style that the world has never witnessed before.

Getting Dubplates:
There are a few ways to get dubplates. Nowadays, we can even purchase dubplates online. But in the end it still comes down to connections and who you know. If your new to the soundclash game then its best to seek out others who you can trust to help you obtain dubs from smaller less known artist until you build up a trust for someone else to handle larger sums of money for the bigger artist.

To get a dubplate created by a newly rising star, expect to pay about $50-75 at the very least. The price of the dubplate goes up to $500 to $1000 depending again on who you know, the artist, etc.

Another way to get dubplates is via the traditional route. You will have to have a huge connection to get a dubplate this way, but if you do have the influence, then you will be able to locate highly respected artists and celebrities to do dubplates for you. This can cost you at least a few thousand dollars.

Reggae Sound Systems...Various Styles Around The Universe

Dancehall Reggae sound clashes have extended all over the world and can happen on any given evening. You can find yourself a good sound clash though there is a change in the form of music played by the assorted sound systems around the universe. With of course Reggae music being conceived in Jamaica, the Jamaican and mostly North American sound systems are going to lean toward a different type of vibe then your European counterparts who also have a loyalty for Reggae Dancehall but much more for foundation then what is actual basic right now.

Any time you have an experience with two sounds one hailing from Jamaica or North America and the other from Europe, if you listen close you can tell the difference in the selections that are being played. Both sounds are going to use dub plates (that's a given in a sound clash) but what you'll find is the most often European sounds are going to choose dubs from foundation Reggae artists rather than the up-to-date vibe that's going around the Dancehall. Take for illustration world clash where you have sound systems from various parts of the world all playing Dancehall music. You can hear the difference from the Jamaican sounds versus the European sounds in these selections that they play. The Jamaican sounds and North American sound are going to play the hot artist with the newest riddims and the European sounds are thus selecting foundation riddims & the foundation artists.

Is this to say that one sound system from one part of the land or world is better than the other? Not at all it is just a subtle feeling that you can get from the respect of the music from two sides of the world. Everyone can agree that Reggae music got its love and leap in Jamaica without a doubt but it seems that the European sound systems like One Love, David Rodigan, Sentinel, Heavy Hammer (who won Riddim Clash 2010) and so many others, have far more regard for the foundation of Reggae music than it seems their counterparts. Do Jamaican sound systems have deep, deep dub boxes with foundation artist & riddims, of course they do but, they don't get played as much in the Dancehall related to what you would hear from an European sound who would mostly play the whole set or roughly their whole set if they could of foundation music. It just goes to show that the love for Dancehall Reggae music is literally worldwide but with a little tip more on the European side to the love of foundation Reggae music.

A Absolutely Mighty Sound Station..We Welcome Black Kat Sound System

Black Kat sound system is a destructive killing sound out of Spalding, Manchester Jamaica. As a result Pink Panther, its selector, has been clashing with other leading sounds in the trade. He has the power and talk, and is easily one of the most hugely skilled selectors worldwide. One of his fatal traits is his talk which that alone can kill a sound bwoy.

Pink Panther has been In this market for a long time. Since the days of school yard clashing with a radio he is now taking his self-confidence across the world and defending the Black Kat sound system in many sound clashes.

When he was just starting out he would look up to sounds in the area and one in particular was Super Saint. From there he would start off bit by bit and build a small rep on now the sound that is known as Black Kat

Black Kat sound is not like other sound systems in Jamaica. They are known as a strict clash sound where, as they wont do any juggling dates or jiggy jiggy dances. Hardcore is what you could call this sound system.

Since being in the sound business, he has performed among the great sound systems like Body Guard, Mighty Crown, David Rodigan, Luv Injection, One Love, Jaro and many more. He has yet though to clash with Stonelove and this goes for many other sounds for that matter.

Black Kat has played the world over and has a deep deep dub box that has helped them win sound wars. They have a few specials that many Black Kat fans know and once it hits the turntable pure air horns & lighters a flash in support.

With the many wins over the years Black Kat sound system is still out there sounds. They can be found clashing on most big clash events such as World Clash, Death Before Dishonor, and many other clashes held all over the world.

Black Kat Dubplate Mix

Black Kat Sound System

Black Kat vs Jaro

Arrows The Ambassador A Reggae Dancehall Sound System From The Past & And Living Through Sound System Fans

Most any Dancehall Reggae sound systemlover and of course those into old sound systems have heard the name Arrows more commonly known as Arrows Hi Fi or Arrows The Ambassador.

This Dancehall Reggae sound system got its start in the Kingston area of Jamaica it was started first by Robert (really a family friend) and the brothers of Phillip & Ivan. The sound system started out with the name of Arrows Disco doing small dances around their own city and town. The sound system at that time was known for their hard bass and their choice for hard-core Reggae and Dub.

During the mid-70's Arrows Disco at this time changed the name to Arrows Hi Fi and can be found entertaining many sessions around Kingston and beyond. At that time some of the main posse was Jah Mikey, Cruthches (who is a main man of the sound as far as DJ's goes) and also Puddy Roots who for some may not know but before he took that name he was going by Puddy Lion as a DJ. .

Coming now into the 80s Arrows is starting to grow greater as a sound system around Jamaica. Now the posse that is traveling with Arrows are Shaka Shamba, & his sparing partner Liberty, Hugo Brown & others. If you listen to many of the live session tapes that can be found at DJ14K's Tapes R Us, you can also hear other sessions with Arrows brining in DJs like Capt. Sinbad, Peter Metro, and big man himself Briggy.

Into the late 80's and early 90's Arrows The Ambassador (as they are more known now) did start to fold out from the sound system arena but their name carries on with the many tapes and CDs that can be had. Although not really known as a clashing sound system you can catch them clashing with sounds like Jaro, Black Scorpio, Volcano, Jammys and more.

One place of reference that carries a huge variety of foundation sound systems is DJ14K's Tapes R Us (www.DJ14K.com ) They have been on the the net since 1995 serving serious fans of Dancehall Reggae sound systems hard to find and classic sound system clashes. Arrows among many more Dancehall Reggae sound systems can be found on the site as well as up to date sound clashes and jugglin dances not to mention those Reggae mix tapes.

Be sure to visit the site as its adjusted on a very general basis and sure to have one of your favored Reggae sound systems in there massive catalog!

Yellowman Is What They Call The King Of Dancehall Music

For any FIRM Reggae Dancehall fan, when someone says the name King Yellowman you know right away who they are talking about. For those just coming into Dancehall Reggae lets see if we can at least shower some light on who really is the King Of Dancehall!

Yellowman as we know him was born as Winston Foster on Januuary the 15th 1956 in Kingston, Jamaica. He was not raised by his parents, instead he spent his time at a few different places such as Maxfield Home, Eventinde Home and the famous Alpha Boys School (famous for many artist spent time here as well).

He started to get his start as a DJ when he won the Tastee Patties talent show around 1978. From that time he went on to play with Dancehall Reggae sound system Aces International (DJ14K.com has thousands of foundation Dancehall sound systems like Aces). Then in 1981 he won the DJ title at Skateland and then moved on to Gemini Disco. Getting more famous for his xxx rated lyrics, he performed at Reggae Sunsplash 1982 and blew away the crowd.

What makes King Yellowman a more high-level DJ then his counterparts was he was able to also be outstanding with a string of LP's he released. His first LP was "Them A Mad Over Me" for Channel One & then the next year (1982) he released Mister Yellowman for the owner of Dancehall Reggae sound system Junjo Lawes & his Volcano label. He was one of the first Reggae Dancehall acts to be signed to a major label in the USA (CBS Records) and this LP also got him a Grammy nomination. Along with his sparing partner Fathead they would release more LP's & nuff singles to the likes of Dancehall fans everywhere.

Now coming into the 1980's tragedy hits Yellowman as he was told he has skin cancer and because of this, parts of his jaw were removed to make sure the cancer was out. This did not stop him however from recording and performing. He continued to release more LP's & singles but this time moving a bit from the slackness and more to Roots & Culture Reggae.

To this day, he is non stop playing and does not let anything get in his way. King Yellowman is a true performer in any music form and the Reggae Dancehall world is lucky to still have him around giving us plenty of vibes each and every time he takes the mike!

Yellowman Live On Killimanjaro Sound System 1983

Metro Media & Yellowman DVD 1987

Aces Intl 1981 With Yelloman & Others

Foundation Dancehall Sound System Stereophonic...Disaster In The Dance!

From the era of the 1970's and going into the 1980's Stereophonic sound system played an important task in the expansion of Dancehall sound systems. The sound system had started out around the year of 1976 and was known at that time as Sir John The President because of its keeper at that time known as Big John. It was based in the east of Kingston Jamaica, near Windward Road. In mid-1979 they moved a short distance to their new nerve center called Bionic Lawn, also on Windward Road.

Their chief DJ's at that time was Welton Irie, and in 1977 the Stereophonic massive consisted of Welton Irie, Colonel Flux as selector and sometimes would DJ still, and box boys Papa Dennie and Donovan. The last two would soon perform as DJ's on the set in years to come. It was at this time Madoo was brought in to Welton Irie at the Bionic Lawn by his bredrin Scarley, and he later was impressed by the DJ with his singing, so much so that Madoo got on the sound system at the next dance.

With Welton and Madoo at the wheel the sounds demand continued to expand and another piece of the puzzle fell into place with the emergence of DJ General Echo. He had first tried his luck with his own set, which was known as Echotone, before making his way onto the Ray Symbolic Hi Fi. He advanced his own standout style, which joined storytelling, impersonations, gags mixed with a penchant for dirty lyrics.

Echo's drive on the microphone combined with the singing of Madoo,  demonstrated to be a big hit with the Dancehall massive.

Even when Welton moved on to Gemini, the crowds, in particular in the countryside, flocked to the many Stereophonic sessions to catch the dynamic duo live.
According to Madoo, the philosophy of hands-on owner Big John was, maybe initially, that only Echo and Madoo should control the mic, not even Flux.

DJ Jah Scott, who was the Stereophonic hanger oner, was often chased away from the control tower by owner Big John when trying to get a turn on the mic. Luckily though Donovan, Django, General Echo's student Papa O Lord and eventually Jah Scott did manage to progress through the ranks and they could often be seen playing on the sound from 1979 forward.

Uniquely for a sound system they also gave opportunities to female DJ's. Possibly the best known, Sister Nancy was only 15 years old when she started on Stereophonic. Others like Sister Charm/Charmaine, Sister Pauline and Echo's one time girlfriend Sister Blossom aka Flora Lee also appeared on the set occasionally.

Colonel Flux was the main selector for the sound but he was helped in time by Papa Dennie, Parson, Fletcher, Jungle, mixer Solgie and later Big John's step sons Dennis and Boogie linked the crew.

During the election year of 1980 the political violence between Jamaica's two main parties was rife. Hundreds were killed throughout this year and on 22nd November, General Echo, Big John and Colonel Flux were travelling on Constant Spring Road in Big John's Lincoln Continental when they were stopped by police who then opened fire on the occupants killing all the passengers.

Even after this catastrophic event Stereophonic managed to continue with Big John's son Rocky taking over the executive of the sound with Rattigan helping him out. A large memorial dance was held at the Tivoli Centre in the aftermath of the tragedy and the sound managed to carry on until 1983. It was in this year that Madoo decided to immigrate to America and now with all the main players departed, this was in all probability  the last straw for Stereophonic, one of Jamaica's most influential Dancehall sounds

Dancehall Reggae Sound System Information For Fans Of The Culture!

Sound systems are a part of Dancehall way of life in Jamaica and it's a way for the people to hear Reggae music and for the top artist also sometimes perform. With so many sounds starting out in Jamaica and abroad we are here to shed light on just a few to help you learn a bit more about them and have the chance to hear them as well.

Supplied for you is a list of a few known sound systems from both the 70's to 90's to see where some of your favorites got there start!

African Star sound system was initially founded in Canada by Stewart Brown and then moved to the island of Jamaica to stay in 1986. Capleton, who is now aninternational Dancehall Reggae star got his start on the sound back around 1989. Along with the sound, Stewart also formed African Star record label. Nuff singles were released by Capleton on the label as well as artist like Terry Ganzie, the late Pan Head, Don Yute, the late Dirtsman, Michael Rose and a whole heap of others.

Ambassada hails from Wembley London and played during the 1980's. They were not a huge sound system but still played out dances. DJ's performing on that sound were Winston Irie, Bullet Dread, and other locals from the area

Arrows HiFi was a good sound outta Dunkirk. It was a family thing with its owners of the sound begin Ivan & Phillip Linton (brothers). Through out the 1970's some of the artist to call Arrows home were Sinbad, Crutches & the singjay style of Puddy Roots. Moving to the 1980's the sound then carried Cutty Ranks, Liberty, Shaka Shamba, ZuZu, Chicken Chest, & Mellow Ranks.

I'm sure there are plenty more sounds from this era that we can acknowledge here but at that time not all were as known as the ones above. Good to know that sound systems are still performing and clashing everyday some where in the world promoting Dancehall Reggae music to the max!

For more information on ech sound system check out some of there dances below from DJ14K's Tapes R Us!

African Star Dubplate Mix

Ambassador Sound System Jugglin 1988

Arrows Hi Fi Early Dance 1977

Reggae Dancehall Still Keeping Culture Alive With The 7" Format

Dancehall Reggae is very trendy around the world. With so many different DJs and Singers coming out every week, It's very hard to keep track of the brand-new artists that are rising out from Jamaica and beyond.

Unlike other forms of music Dancehall Music still relies on an old favorite and that's the 7" inch single. Most of you may read this and say 7" single? Since much more of the youth are accustomed to CDs and MP3s unless they're deep into the Dancehall Reggae it's hard for anyone to think that singles or even LPs still come out.

For Jamaican music this 7" single is a common staple of the bedrock of the music. Your most run of the mill pressing in a single is going to come with the vocals on side An and the ever brilliant dub or instrumental on side B. Some now even come with an acapella so those can create a remix of a hit song.

If you're a Dancehall Reggae DJ even though you're probably spinning CD's it is a MUST to keep at least some of the foundation singles in your dub box. Few online stores today have many Dancehall Reggae 7" singles available on hand most notably DJ14K's Tapes R Us

DJ14K's Tapes R Us has a special grab bag because of the mass variety of 7" Dancehall singles they have, there is a feature product of 25 random titles for just 20 bucks! With some places charging as much as three dollars per single this is the place they get trailer load of Reggae Dancehall singles ready to make your next Dancehall Reggae mix CD.


So if you're new to Reggae Dancehall and of course you got your everyday set of Technique 1200 turntables, then it's a must to fill your crate with the most Dancehall Reggae singles that you can and make sure you run the place with your selection of Reggae music!