Music

Ever since JayQ The Legend released “Body Talk,” he’s become a mainstay with a heavy presence on the Billboard charts and a stronghold on YouTube viewership. It’s true, not only did his Dancehall collaboration with Hood Celebrityy reach number one on the Billboard Reggae Charts, it also launched JayQ The Legend’s career into the upper echelon of brand-new artists back in 2019. Since then, he has expanded upon his discography by adding contemporary R&B to his repertoire. His latest drop, “Be Mine” has already become his most streamed hit to date. It’s a rhythmic banger that has helped the crooner from St. Croix drawn early comparisons to solo artists like Akon, Wyclef Jean and Mark Morrison. The music video for this Summer classic was created by the woman for whom he co-founded his record label with. “The director for this video was Miriam Bavly (the BreakOut Music LLC Co-CEO). Her vision was to have an authenticity in the ‘Be Mine’ video setting that could transport the viewer to a reality worthy of popcorn and movie night,” said JayQ The Legend. “The genre concept was hatched by Miriam with urban elements weaved in by J-Tweezy--who was one of the associate producers of the video.” The music video was published on August 17th 2021. The group’s rollout plan for ‘Be Mine’ set a nice precedence for a follow-up single. But when Hurricane Ida stuck the West Indies and Louisiana on August 26th, JayQ The Legend knew that he would have to pivot in order to help bring hurricane relief to the people from both of the communities for which he belongs. JayQ The Legend hails from New Orleans, but he’s rooted in the West Indian community. Therefore, a vast majority of his charitable work, in late August, focused primarily on New Orleans and Caribbean-American communities throughout Alabama and Florida. “After hurricane Ida, my label allowed me to take some time to buy several really good generators, water, and gasoline to donate in New Orleans. I chose to give support to people who would amplify the relief in the community, like churches and community leaders. We drove to Alabama and Florida to purchase these items several times. We loaded up the truck and drove around for 400 miles in total to make deliveries. In the initial gap between disaster impact and government relief I like to say: We all we got,” said JayQ The Legend. “My job is done. My spiritual commitment was fulfilled. My music, movies and life are always focused on uplifting myself, my family, my community. Anyone who identifies with the things I had to overcome such as child abuse can take ownership in my success as an artist. Any child who survived abusive parents can take ownership in my success. Africans all across the world were robbed of a legacy and dispersed by slavery, as far back as 500 years ago. I go hard for them in all that I do.” Indeed, the month of August was truly a time of triumph and trials for JayQ The Legend, but sometimes going through an emotional rollercoaster can help create the best lyrical content in music. If his next single is just as sincere as his charitable initiative during the Summer, our ears are in for a real treat and so are our hearts.

Jamaica meets Nigeria as dancehall superstar Konshens and afrobeats icon Davido connect on the new summer banger “Boom Bang.” Ricky Blaze and Jonny Blaze co-produced the track, which premiered via Rolling Stone, and is set to appear on Konshens’ forthcoming album, Red Reign. Complex today premiered the “Boom Bang”video, which was directed by Jamaican dancehall star Demarco in Atlanta. “We couldn't do Jamaica, we couldn't do Nigeria, so we met at the crossroads,” Konshens says of Atlanta, a major hub for both the Jamaican and Nigerian diaspora. “There is no storyline to the video, it’s just a fun vibe and that’s what we want going into the summer. The past year has been way too serious, so we’re trying to loosen things up now.” Known for international dancehall smashes like “Bruk Off Yuh Back” and “Gal a Bubble,” Konshens has represented the genre on collaborations with Nipsey Hussle, Cardi B, Doja Cat, The Chainsmokers, Nicky Jam and Rick Ross, to name a few. He can also be heard on the freshly released F9: The Furious Saga soundtrack, on the track “Real” alongside Justin Quiles and Dalex. Davido is one of the most influential artists in Africa, a global superstar known for making some of afrobeats’ most wide-reaching and immediately identifiable tracks, such as “Fall,” “If” and 2020’s “Fem.” “Boom Bang” follows the Spice and Rvssian collab “Pay For It” and the introspective “Can’t Stay Sober” as Konshens rolls out Red Reign, anticipated for release later this year through Ineffable Records. The album marks Konshens’ first release through the label arm of the multi-faceted Oakland-based music company Ineffable Music Group.

Jamaican dancehall star Konshens has shared the new Collie Buddz-produced single “Blaze Away,” out today on all DSPs from California’s Ineffable Records. The high-grade ganja anthem, which premiered yesterday in an interview with High Times, appears on the upcoming compilation Cali Roots Riddim 2021, set to drop in full on May 28th (pre-save/pre-order HERE). Cali Roots Riddim 2021 features 26 artists, including Alborosie, Anthony B, BLVK H3RO, Demarco, Kabaka Pyramid, Konshens, Groundation and Felt (aka rappers Atmosphere & Murs), putting their own spin on a reggae rhythm produced by Collie Buddz and Johnny Cosmic. The project is a joint release with — and derives its name from — the California Roots Festival, the biggest reggae festival in the United States. It follows last year's highly successful Cali Roots Riddim 2020 project, which featured tracks from Jesse Royal, Yellowman, Collie Buddz, Etana and SOJA, among others, and has amassed over 25 millions streams on Spotify alone. Konshens, best known for his gyal tunes and turn-up anthems, wears his ganja man hat on “Blaze Away,” toasting to his favorite weed destinations from Humboldt to NYC while noting, “Nothing like a good draw from Jamaica.” More than a simple weed anthem, the track testifies to cannabis’ therapeutic powers. “Blaze Away” drops as Konshens continues to roll out his upcoming album, Red Reign, expected for release in Q3. He’s recently dropped two singles from that project, in the introspective “Can’t Stay Sober” (WATCH) and “Pay For It” (WATCH), a melodic collaboration with fellow dancehall icons Spice and Rvssian. The album marks Konshens’ first release with Ineffable Records, the label arm of the multi-faceted Oakland-based music company Ineffable Music Group.

K'Coneil releases new song "Finesse & Style"

With Marcia Griffiths name duly cemented in reggae history, a Queen stands among the greats. The indelible soulful artist with the haunting distinctive voice has once again gifted music lovers with the upcoming release of her 16th album aptly titled "Timeless".

Buju Banton and his team are planning to release his album in the late summer!

Over the weekend, Omari premiered the video home in Anguilla with a live show accompanied by his band. The event took place at the famous Dune Preserve, home of Moonsplash, the Caribbean’s longest running independent festival.

From prestigious Forbes magazine to Huffington post, BET to NY Times, former professional athlete, now renowned guitarist, singer-songwriter Omari Bank’s charm, musical delivery, versatile lyrics ranging from consciousness to sensuality and memorable performances have all been recognized and praised internationally. " At six foot five, dark and handsome, with long dreadlocks and a cool Caribbean style, you can’t help but be drawn to Omari Banks, His music is dynamic and has many influences ." - Huffington Post His distinctive style blending rock, reggae and blues, have given Omari a unique panache and amassed the soulful troubadour a legion of dedicated fans worldwide. The latter self evident as Omari who in 2018 made headlines by introducing Reggae Summertime with a tour in India, is now slated for the St.Kitts Music Festival alongside Buju Banton, French Montana and Smokey Robinson to name a few. “ Omari Banks, who commanded the stage with a Jimi Hendrix-reminiscent presence. Rocking a multicolored “Rolling Stones” cut-off tee, a bandana, leather pants and his signature dreads, Omari showed, that “He did not come to play — He came to slay .” - BET Already boasting an impressive discography, Omari is adding one more to the list with his upcoming “ Half Way or Half Empty ” single. The meaningful track features such notable musicians as Micheal Fletcher, Ottmar Campbell, and Shaun Dawson. Recorded in Jamaica at Tads recording, with some vocals and over dubs done in Anguilla at Ama (Anguilla music Academy), “ Half Way or Half Empty ” was mixed and engineered by Stephen Stanley. “ The song Half full or Half empty is about our perspective on life and our experiences and how we interpret them, its about having a optimistic view of whatever situation we are faced with and be grateful for the now .” Explained Omari. “ Just observing life and seeing how two people can have the same experiences and have a completely different outlook as well as realizing that some people prefer to look outside themselves to place the blame of their instead of changing the mindset that is limiting them. ” To honor the release of his new single, and as fans of Omari permeate every continent, armed with his guitar from Anguilla, the crooner will give a live social media performance on May 3rd, 2019, “ Half Full or Half Empty ” release date. The aforementioned is in addition to a documentary to be released Thursday April 25th, giving insight into the making of the single and video .