Hip-Hop News

Pure rhythm & groove adventure reflecting on UK Bass related beat science & Dub Reggae roots.

2018 marks the 40th Anniversary of Bob Marley & The Wailers' KAYA. Recorded in part during Marley's and the band's 1977 exile in London, KAYA is very much the sibling record to EXODUS. Fittingly, as Ziggy Marley revisited the original session recordings for last year's EXODUS 40 celebration, this year sibling Stephen Marley revisits the original session recordings to commemorate KAYA, bringing a fresh perspective to this suite that's quietly referred to as the 'Peace Treaty' album.

2 track Single from Hux Brown / Tinga Stewart released by Power Pack/Dub Store Records

The unseen forces emitting out around ever being natures forces of destiny. Belief itself is God.

AURA's journey could be best described as a spiritual call to connect man and music.

Each new day brought in new and more difficult problems. In the hardest of times Aura lost their original lead guitarist. Green-Bird real name Dannie Stewart - a Jamaican, humble, handsome, and talented to the bones. He was too nice to die. He was drowned in a river within the historical city of Benin. All friendly hearts cried and cried, a memory too sad to recollect. Aura's journey sorrowly went along. Full of accedents, and frustration. We nearly crash-landed.

Thanks to Sheila, for her love and courage. Uzo, a true frendship that inspired every-body in Aura. He solved so many problems. Gratitude is the only word of our choice. The Lawsons and the Shotade family also have their very noble thanks; they were nice and helpful. Many more thanks to the numerous friends and heart-felt appriciations to Mr. J. H. Booth - Decca's new Director for his kindness and the entire staff that made this great 8 track maiden stereo album possible.

A solid belief in ourselves has pushed this group to this point; Aura making an "Astral Trip". This is an album which is a sincere sweet fruit of determination, soulful enough to turn you loose into true life experiences of good music.

All I owe you is love and appriciation.

2 track Single from U Roy / John Holt released by Inbidimts/Dub Store Records

This Is The Second Installment Of Deep Roots Rastafarian Reggae At Studio One And Features Classic Music From Some Of The Most Important Figures In Reggae Music - Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Jackie Mittoo, The Gladiators - Alongside A Host Of Rarities And Little-known Recordings, Such As A Truly Rare Mystic Revelation Of Rastafari Seven-inch Single, Willie William's First Ever Recording 'calling' And Horace Andy's Righteous (and Equally Rare) Masterpiece 'illiteracy. Black Man's Pride 2 Extends The Legacy Of Studio One's Ground-breaking Path In Roots Reggae Which Began At The End Of The 1960s And Continued Throughout The 1970s. The Album Tells The Story Of How The Rise Of Studio One Records And The Rastafari Movement Were Interconnected, Through The Adoption Of The Rastafari Faith By Key Reggae Artists - Everyone From The Skatalites And Wailers In The 1960s, Major Singers Such As Alton Ellis And Horace Andy At The End Of The Decade, Through To Major Roots Artists Such As The Gladiators In The 1970s - And How Clement Dodd Consistently Recorded This Heavyweight Roots Music Throughout Studio One's History.
The Sleeve-notes To This Album Also Discuss The Links Between Rastafari And Studio One In Time And Place, Noting How Both The Religion And Clement Dodd's Musical Empire Had Their Roots In The Intense Period Of Pre-independence Jamaica In Kingston, Expanded In The 1960s Following The Visit Of Haile Selassie In 1966, And How Roots Music Then Came To Dominate Reggae Music In The Early 1970s. Also Discussed Is How The Outsider Stance Of Both Reggae Music And The Rastafari Movement Relate Back Many Hundreds Of Years To The Original Rebel Stance Of The Maroons, Escaped Slaves Who Set Up Self-sufficient Enclaves In The Hills Of The Jamaican Countryside.

The Album From 1978 Gets A Limited Repress! Recorded And Mixed At Harry J Recording Studio With Sylvan Morris At The Controls. The Trio Of Culture Met The Producer Team Of Jaime Hatcher And Seymour Cummings And The Backing Band High Lites Sons Of Jah To Perform And Record Songs For The Short Lived New Jersey, Usa Label April Records.

C R E D I T S
Bass: Clynton Rowe
Drums: Glen Washington
Guitar: Merrick Dyer
Keyboards: Phillip Williams
Percussion: Bernard Shaw, George Subratie
Lead Vocals: Joseph Hill
Vocals: Albert Walker, Kenneth Dayes
Backing Band: High Lites Sons Of Jah
Engineer: Sylvan Morris
Recorded And Mixed At Harry J Recording Studio.
Produced By Jaime Hatcher And Seymour Cummings

"phantom Dancehall" Is The Exploration Of The Greensleeves / Vp Records Catalogue By Dj Spooky Aka Paul Miller. The Musical Tapestry Is Built On Samples From Familiar (and Not So Familiar) Reggae Tracks Over Electronic Beats And Melodies Produced By Miller And Protégé Stephen Levitin (stage Name Apple Juice Kid). Selected Tracks Include The Keyboard Work Of Alex Thompson Aka Fourth Shift. Guest Vocals From Walshy Fire (major Lazer) And Dancehall Newcomer Sanjay Added To Vocal Samples Of Busy Signal, Lady Saw And Garnett Silk Give The Project An Eclectic, Modern Dancehall Flavor!

Paul Miller, Better Known By His Stage Name Dj Spooky Is A Music Producer, Arranger, Dj, Author And Performance Artist. His Unique Brand Of Experimental Hip-hop, Dubbed 'illbient' Has Resulted In Collaborations With A Diverse Range Of Artists Including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Kronos Quartet, Lee "scratch" Perry And Killa Priest. With Remix Projects For Trojan Records, Manifold Records And Six Degrees Among Others To His Credit, Miller Created "phantom Dancehall" For His Exploration Of The Greensleeves/ Vp Records Reggae Catalogue.

For Fans Of: Major Lazer, Dj Shadow, Kevin Yost

Home recorded above a lawyer's office and next door to a brothel, the retrospective is lead by the earth shattering digi stepper Rock Steady. Originally intended for an abandoned dub album, Rock Steady and Fantasy Dub were saved from the cutting room floor by Australian CD-only compilations on Creative Vibes and vital collective Clan Analogue, while Green River was never released. Now demanding wider appreciation, the dubs finally find union with Green Man's New York hip hop/dancehall style, lifted from his second solo album The Blue Hour Vol. 3: Deep Blue. Humbly excelling in all electronic forms, Rantzen helped guide techno-rave duo Itch-E & Scratch-E through the 90s with Paul Mac. Winning the inaugural Best Dance Release category at the 1995 Aria Awards, Mac thanked 'all of Sydney's ecstasy dealers, without whom this award would not be possible,' while Rantzen stayed at home. The two would also operate incognito as Boo Boo & Mace and Screensaver, often collaborating on looney dubs with Sheriff Lindo - the master of seismic shocks down under. Rantzen's earliest work stretches back to Pelican Daughters, an ensemble who proliferated industrial-leaning ambient and tape loop experiments. Vital Sales Points: Will I Dream DJ support from Hunee, Lena Willikens, Blackest Ever Black and Illum Sphere Andy Rantzen will appear on more Efficient Space titles in 2018

* Debut single from Eva Keyes from Limerick, Ireland who has hooked up with Partial Records and the Echobus stable out of Dublin to create an incredibly catchy, uplifting tune without losing any edgy militancy associated with the releases on Partial Records.
* Production-wise, encompassing both the digital and live sound with a subtle minimalist dub wise excursion from Dan Taliras.

The Ethiopians Was One Of Jamaica's Most Popular Bands During The Late Ska, Rocksteady And Early Reggae Periods. Their Third Album Woman A Capture Man Is A Quieter Record Than Their First Releases. During That Time Reggae Music Was Shifting From The Rough And Faster Songs Towards A Smoother And Slower Level. With The Vocals Of The Ethiopians In Front Of The Mix And The Organ Sound In The Background They Recorded Some Harmonic And Sweet Songs. Woman A Capture Man Shows Us A Band That's Still Developing And Changing, In A Good Way.

Reissue of 1978 release

2 Track Single From Hot Rocks Released By High Music/dub Store Records

* Log On Records & Signature Sound Studios in conjuction with ISR Records, present the latest collection of Roots Reggae Vocals from esteemed producer Martin Campbell. The album features a plethora of new artists from the San Diego area. The album was compiled during 2015/2016 Stateside and then the final mix was produced by Alien Dread at AD Studio (UK) late 2016. This is 'the' eagerly anticipated new release from Martin, with his 5000+ fans on Facebook giving the early demo tracks a rapturous reception. Featured artists: Louie Castle,James McWhinney, Marcie Lee,Danny Dread,Ilex Monique,Pappa Monte,Ivan Garzon,E.N.Young,Davey Roots, drian"AK"Cisneros,Jarrod King. * 12'LP on Log On label in Picture Sleeve, cellobag outer. * Produced by David Hahn (San Diego) & Martin Campbell * Mixed By: Alien Dread at AD Studio (Uk). * Special limited editon of 500 only, album release featuring new artists.

The reggae city of Leeds gets a celebration on the new serious stepping release from Scotch Bonnet Records. The Yorkshire capital's production partnership Danny T and Tradesman, who released debut LP Built For Sound on Scotch Bonnet last year, pair with legendary soundman Mark Iration for a rare vocal outing that shows his hidden talents. Over the thumping kick-drum and room-shaking bass you'd expect from Mark's sound Iration Steppas, Up Deh is a reality tune about the dangers of life and rewards of music in the ghetto. Across two different flipside dub mixes, Danny T and Tradesman create industrial-strength soundscapes that translate the message into pure unspoken vibes.

teppas Records presents 'Osaka Steppas' Vol. 3, the third in a series of releases showcasing the Japanese underground dub movement. This edition features Osaka producers Hiroshi and Roots Masashi in collaboration with Spanish producer Ojah and well-respected UK singer Rudey Lee. The Osaka Steppas' raw and unrelenting sound developed in the subterranean clubs of Osaka, a port city famous for its counterculture night life. Inspired not only by the sounds of Jamaica, but also drawing inspiration from UK and European soundsystem culture with enough bassweight to test even the toughest of soundsystems. Presented in a beautifully designed full colour sleeve inspired by the works of the legendary ukiyo-e woodblock artist, Hokusai. This release is not to be missed.

Side A features an earth rocker riddim from Ojah & Hiroshi, with conscious lyrics sung by the legendary Rudey Lee.

Side B features a much sought after dubplate from Osaka producer Roots Masashi, a deep, dark & mystical steppa.

Continuing Ostinato's Series Of Cape Verde 45s Showcasing Diasporan Bands That Are Staples In Europe's Cape Verdean Communities, Ostinato Records Presents Timeless Dance Music For The Summer By Conjunto Jovens Africanos, Founded By Ze Orlando, A Respected Producer Originally From São Tomé. Formed And Originally Based In Lisbon, The Band Fused Raw Funaná Rhythms From The Cape Verdean Island Of Santiago With Syncopated Electric Guitars, Raucous Synthesizers, Relentless Percussion, And Addictive Vocals That Kept Their Compatriots On Their Feet Across Little Known Krioulu Nightclubs In Europe's Major Cities. First Released In 1984, Conjuntos Jovens Africanos' "nhu Jhon" And "volta Pa Terra" Are Stellar Representations Of Modernized Funaná's Endless Energy.

'pound For Pound', Is A Twelve Track Collaboration Between Much Loved Music Makers The Nextmen, And Leeds To London Lads Of Live Dancefloor Destruction, Gentleman's Dub Club.
This Is Both A Musical Masterclass In That Uniquely Uk Tradition, Blending Dancehall, Dub, Ska, Reggae, Roots And Rap, And A Foray To Fields Of Future Fun: Meticulously Tight And Precise Production That's Soaked In Swagger And Sway. This Is An Album To Put On And Instantly Warm To, And Repeat And Repeat And Repeat. Featuring A Raft Of Raucous Guest Vocals Including Eva Lazarus, Kiko Bun, Joe Dukie (fat Freddy's Drop), Chali 2na (jurassic 5), Hollie Cook, P Diggs (shapeshifter), Gardna, J Man & Parly B. We're All Aware That The Nextmen Know A Good Groove Having Been The Purveyors Of People's Pleasure For Two Decades Deep. Releasing Their Own Albums, Setting Clubs And Festivals Ablaze And Working With Everyone From Ztrip, Public Enemy, Wilkinson, The Pharcyde, Ms ynamite, Groove Armada, Plan B, Fat Freddy's Drop, Tippa Irie, Cutty Ranks And A Million More, This Duo Are The Doyens Of The Dancefloor. Nine-piece Gentleman's Dub Club's Live Shows Are A Legendary Mix Of Unbridled Talent, Frenzied Fun And Infectious Energy, Reflecting Their Desire For A Damn Hot Dubbed Out Paradise Of Pure Celebration. Their Studio Albums Carry That Same Cool To Coddle, Embracing Sounds So Wild And Free With Focus, Passion And Precision.

A great collection of classic roots recordings from the mid-70's for the singer who came close in challenging Bob Marley & Dennis Brown for reggae's crown. All re-mastered recordings available as 30-Track 2CD-Deluxe Digipak and 23-Track 2LP-set in a gatefold sleeve, both with in-depth sleeve notes by Noel Hawkes. The release is supported by several summer festival appearances.

Only Johnny Clarke would come close to challenging Bob Marley & Dennis Brown for reggae's crown, his unequaled run of hit songs, powered by Bunny Lee and King Tubby's aggravating versions, continued without a pause during the mid-70's leading Johnny to twice being named Jamaica's Artist Of The Year (and the signing of a two album recording deal with Virgin's Frontline label). Many of Johnny Clarke's classic roots recordings gathered here were first given wider international exposure in 1998 with the release of Blood & Fire's excellent 13-Track "Dreader Dread - 1976-1978" compilation, which has disappeared from the market for several years. Now re-mastered and drastically expanded, with a new artwork and entitled "Creation Rebel" the release captures the very essence of what is now regarded as the golden age of roots music!

***Double Vinyl Includes 2' X 2' Colour Poster Of Album Cover Art, Created By Tony Mcdermott - Newly Created Album Package Combines Classic 1981 Album With Vocal Hits On The Same Rhythm Tracks***

The only authorised reissue of all time classic dub album originally released by Starlight Records on 1981 Now matched with a second disc of original vocal versions Includes previously unreleased tracks from Junior Reid and Ranking Dread Roots Radics at Channel One, produced by Linval Thompson and mixed by Scientist

A Matter Of Time is the follow-up to reggae superstar Protoje's critically acclaimed 2015 full-length, Ancient Future.
Always positive and politically conscious, A Matter Of Time sees Protoje again working with producer Winta James and includes two new collaborations with Chronixx, as well as recently released hit singles "Blood Money", "Truth & Rights" and "Bout Noon".

Protoje will be touring in support of the new album in the US throughout May and June before heading to the UK and Continental Europe for a full schedule of Summer Festivals. He will be the first reggae act to play the main stage at Reading & Leeds festival for many years.

2 Track Single From Frankie Paul Released By High Music/dub Store Records

2 Track Single From Hopeton Crawford Released By High Music/dub Store Records

2 track Single from Anthony Chambers released by High Music/Dub Store Records

2 Track Single From Michael White Released By High Music/dub Store Records

Dennis Alcapone was one of the first sound system deejays to rise to island-wide prominence, following the incredible success of U Roy's fluid toasting style, which took Jamaica by storm during the late 1960s. Alcapone, who was born Dennis Smith in the country town of Culloden in Westmoreland, southwestern Jamaica, first made an impact on a sound system called El Paso, based in the rough-n-ready west Kingston district of Waltham Park. Initial recordings for Keith Hudson were strictly underground, but an album for Studio One and popular work for Duke Reid significantly boosted his profile. Dennis Alcapone worked closely with hitmaking producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee from the early 1970s, establishing a friendship that has lasted to the present day; Investigator Rock, which dates from 1977, sees the toaster riding Striker's rockers-styled hits, voiced by the likes of Cornell Campbell, John Holt, and Johnny Clarke.

The second features Exile Di Brave, the rising star of the Jamaican reggae revival scene, and a new vinyl-only instrumental dub mix of of the Skandal Version.

J.Robinson WhoDemSound meets former Maasai Warrior member Kai Dub in a steppa style feat the one and only Don Fe on flute

The first is a double A featuring the Qabala Luciano in combination with emerging JA talent Dan Giovanni, back to back with Myki Tuff, original mic man for Wassifa Sound

7"

A ludicrously rare outing from Jah Rej and the Jah Works crew appearing on vinyl for the
first time.
.*Dating from 1989, `Carrion Bird' has only previously surfaced on the cassette-only various artists set `One Foundation' released on the Jah Works label.
*A deep meditative instrumental (apart from a hint of Donette Forte's voice drifting into the mix) dropping on a moody head-nodding mid-paced rhythm.
*Backed with `John Crow' a retrained dub mix by Rej from Channel One UK studio.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Trojan Records comes 'Trojan Ska & Reggae Classics', a double vinyl album comprising 24 of the most celebratory Jamaican music hits from the iconic label's legendary catalogue.

Released in tandem with the TV advertised 3CD version of the same name, this joyous collection showcases the very best in classic Caribbean sounds, from rude boy ska to dancehall anthems, with the set featuring an incredible 22 Top 50 UK chartbusters, including 4 UK Number 1s and 13 Top 10s.

The perfect musical accompaniment for the summer of 2018 and beyond, this blistering 2LP vinyl collection compilation ably demonstrates just what makes Trojan so special and why it remains the world's greatest reggae label, half a century since its launch.

As an integral part of the Trojan 50 marketing campaign, the LP will be heavily promoted via the label's website, Facebook & Twitter pages, Instagram and YouTube channel.




















[T] D2 | Desmond Dekker - You Can Get It If You Really Want

Self-produced and recorded at Channel One studios, the Gladiators create a deep roots sound from the minor-key melodies, with the swollen atmospheres conjured up by the obligatory militant beats, throbbing basslines, and sharp riffs that swell around the brass and keyboards. Songs like "Marcus Garvey Time," "God Bless," "Prayer to Jah," and "Rich Man Poor Man" are the standouts, the latter one of several cuts on which Clinton Fearon takes lead vocals.