Marvin Sparks

Based on official UK top 100 singles chart week commencing 15th April 1. Drake featuring Wizkid & Kyla Don't listen to the afrobeats or UK funky claims, Drake made a dancehall song with elements of the aforementioned. But I addressed that in the ' Mis-Appreciation of Jamaican Culture ' post. 2. Sia feat. Sean Paul - Cheap Thrills Sidenote: Song declined by Rihanna 5. Zara Larrson - Lush Life Sidenote: Allegedly a song declined by Rihanna. Not sure how true that is. 10. Rihanna feating Drake - Work (peak chart position 2) 13. Major Lazer feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG- Light It Up (peak chart position 7) Sidenote: Nyla is part of Brick & Lace fame. They dropped one of the best written dancehall pop crossover songs ever in Love is Wicked . I believe she's the singer although she singjay's on this. 26. Justin Bieber - Sorry (peak chart position 1) 39. AlunaGeorge feat. Popcaan - I'm In Control 43. Kygo - Stay (peak chart ...

So, Craig David and Kano are having renaissance moments in the UK. "feat. Sean Paul" is also having a bit of a revival. 13 years (yes thirteen years) on from his grand entrance into the mainstream market with the unstoppable dance floor smash "Gimme di Liiight". Obviously, it was followed up by the US #1 " Get Busy ", " Like Glue " and " I'm Still in Love With You  " but in and amongst all of that, Sean Paul became a go-to guy for features to make singles hot. That melodic dancehall wave from a Jamaican was fully in.

This ain't in a particular order because how innit? And to be fair, its the first 20 songs that spring to mind. That's gotta be a good way to tell. I think anyway. And it ain't factual, its just my opinion. There will be a lot of songs I like that aren't on here so yeah, wul dis. I did an awards ceremony you can check here but this one is a way to share the song's I rated. The world a reggae and bashment ones here . Stay locked. But anyway, here goes...

So as I pointed out the other day, " no long talk. " is the new vibrations from the Marvin Sparks camp. First one out the box is Kabaka Pyramid . If you are familiar with the artist, you know he's one of the best lyricists in Jamaica, well-respected by his peers, deals with truths and rights, highlights western hypocrisy and has in-depth knowledge to back his passionate rebel music. He, along with Protoje, Chronixx, Dre Island, Jah 9, Jesse Royal, Keznamdi, Kelissa, Hempress Sativa, Iba Mahr etc., are part of the new wave of Jamaican artists' bringing forth the roots, rebel reggae message frequently called the " reggae/roots revival" movement . Individually, they bring different vibes, directions and slightly different inspirations amongst them. Whereas Chronixx, Dre Island and Jesse Royal continue the dancehall singjay vibe, like Protoje and Keznamdi, Kabaka Pyramid brings a more hip hop construction to the stylings accustomed to reggae chatting. I th...

I don't think any other living Jamaican artist has scored a hit in every decade since first entering the UK charts with chart-topper "Oh Carolina". While Shaggy's career began in New York, he scored his first ever hit in the UK. We buss him. There definitely hasn't been one from a dancehall background. This is something worth shouting about, and if I don't do it, who will? Ay?

So basically, I went to Chronixx's show at the prestigious Somerset House on Sunday. Had the time of my life again. Decided I'm not gonna write a review on Monday because what else is there to say? I've seen him five times (six if you include the time babylon locked off proceedings cos of curfew in Jamaica. Seven if you include his appearance at Rebel Salute) and been impressed every time. How do I keep retelling the same story? "You have to see this guy. It is one of the best shows you will experience in these times," will forever be the moral. If you wanna read a review of this show  go here . You can take in my reviews of Chronixx in 2014 and 2013 . If you wanna do that and wanna hear what I've got to say, stay here.

Just gonna drop these videos here to show the line of UK mic chatting music. Cos sets from these Jamaican's - Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid and Lady Saw And UK ragga deejay's: Tippa Irie (from Saxon Sound a.k.a. the first UK mic chatters to chart in UK top 40 a.k.a. the sound that popularised fast-chat/double-time "rapping"), Sweetie Irie and General Levy. Please note this is the foundation of UK mic chatting culture. Accept no rewording of our history. Thanks in advance. UK garage MC's from So Solid, Pays As U Go and Heartless Crew Grime MCs Lethal Bizzle, Dizzee Rascal, BBK, Tempa T, Footsie Look pretty familiar, alie? To quote this Skepta interview : Hypetrak: Were people in Jamaica aware of grime? What’s their perception of the genre? Skepta: When we got to the airport, kids were outside welcoming us screaming "Boy Better Know." The internet has made everything so small. They understand of the grime beats because it’s similar to danc...

Remember Lucas DiPasquale "that white boy from Canada singing Popcaan songs" acoustically? Well, he went to Jamaica earlier this summer on a promo trip but Popcaan was out of the country so they didn't get to meet. However, couple weekends ago, the dream came true at Dream Weekend. Popcaan brought him out to shell the Dream Live event. So many artists still haven't got a reaction like this in their lives. Big up him. Look forward to hearing the official releases

As premiered last night by 1Xtra's don Mista Jam, "Drunk & Incapable" is the first official single by Krishane features Melissa Steel and dancehall legend, Beenie Man. Melissa's fresh off a top ten single of her own [ click here to read more ] and a dancehall legend in Beenie Man to seal it is a good look. Little boy-girl singing duet and reggae-tinged vibes with the breakbeat. Hopefully this won't be judged on the summer season, but allowed to flourish in the post-summer settings. FYI Krishane is the 20 year-old son of dancehall icon Barrington Levy. Born and raised in Jamaica, now living over here in UK. Harlesden a.k.a. Brixton if it was in northwest London to be precise. Recently signed to Atlantic so expect to see a proper roll out of this single in the not too distant future. Check out the first song I posted last week,  Typical . Lovers rock vibrations produced by KZ, nephew of Caron Wheeler (Soul II Soul)

So, I revisited Mavado's debut album, Gangster for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks, this week. Released seven years ago this month (how fast has time gone?), the album is exactly what it says it is - a quintessential biographical gangster album. One of my favourite albums of all time. One of the greatest dancehall albums of all time. In fact, there hasn't been a dancehall album this good ever since.  I'm not sure this is certified and celebrated the way it should be. This is probably due to dancehall not being an album-driven genre, but also because we're a silent culture when it comes to celebrating classic music moments. At the top of the album, the narrator announces "This CD is rated G for Gangster, it' audio contains graphic lyrics manifested and inspired by authentic ghetto experiences. Served with infectious melodies." Really and truly, I can end this post here. That is exactly what this album is. Gangster lifestyle anthems, introspective gangs...

I've written about Melissa Steel's debut single featuring one of dancehall's finest exports, Popcaan,  here . Watch the video below. Proper nice video to match the song. Shot in Jamaica. Obviously. Really think the song suits here to a tee. Pre-order here:  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/kisses-for-breakfast-single/id865122962

Quick updates on some videos for songs I'm feeling Keznamdi dropped a well shot video for acoustic jam "I Don't Wanna" for the ladies them. Catch this one on the 'Bridging the Gap' EP. Kabaka Pyramid reverts to a more hip hop vibe with "Liberal Opposer", but importantly, retains his Jamaican identity. Video shot during his time in London. Can't go wrong with fire pon babylon. "Pon di battlefield, I'm a rebel with a cause. Never pause Babylon ah devil" Mavado "Tie Yuh" on the impressive Sex Mate riddim is one of the best gal songs Mavado has done in a bit. Wicked melody on the chorus. Second half of the video is the best Mavado gal song in recent time for me, "Friends With Benefits". Same speed as "fire pon babylon" songs, you can't go wrong with sexy dancehall. Busy Signal demonstrates flows upon flows on "Bou-Yah". Ok, so its a Mavado diss subliminal, but ignoring that b...

Seems like the #TeamUnruly King is in demand amongst English artists. Last year saw him on a track with north London rapper Sincere, this week saw two releases of audio boasting a Popcaan feature. First up, Atlantic records recent signee, Melissa Steel "Kisses For Breakfast". The Yorkshire lass cut a version of the Wundah-produced should've-been-a-hit single by Lea-Anna in 2012, however, this obviously has more flavour with the unmistakable Popcaan assistance. Check it out below and look out for the video. The other is on a hip hop-based beat with co-mic controller Kano. As K-A mentions, he's done songs with Kartel, now here he is with a protege.

Yeah I said it. That statement may come as a surprise to narrow-minded folk that believe it's impossible for someone who loves bashment (like me) to give an afrobeats artist that accolade. Maybe that's the case for some, but I have no qualms, mate. Here's why: He makes the truest music of any black artist in the UK on a known level right now (no bedroom guys/girls). His music is relevant to what's happening here in the UK - with the proliferation of house music in charts and dance floors - and his home country, Ghana, at the same time. There's very little compromise in what he's doing too. He's still the same guy we first knew to now - both lyrically and musically. And it works across generations. Kids love it, teens do and grown ups too. See, the reason why what he's doing stands out a whole lot more is mainly due to the rest of these guys out here replicating what goes on in a country we're already exposed to. Not to cuss 90s babies, but crit...

We (I) posted the audio on here a couple days after it dropped, today I post the video. Quite simply the music the world is missing. True rebel music. I'm telling you, there;s no movement like the reggae revival movement right now. Large up Kabaka Pyramid in every aspect. I mean, how can you hate this sentiment? That's right. You can't. Video's shot really well too. Witnessed him perform it live at Hootananny in Brixton surrounded by Rastafarians and reggae lovers alike who respect the same livity and viewpoint. Pree an accurate review here . Definitely something everybody should experience. Hear how the music touches people. If you like the mood of the above, my thoughts on the Reggae Revival movement and some recommendations on more  here

I kinda got a bit annoyed with the length of the previous post so here's a part deux of my favourite songs at the moment. The last had commercial house and d&b, afrobeats and a helluva lot of bashment. First up "German Whip" by Meridian Dan featuring JME and Big H This song is awesome. This has top 20 written all over it. Meshes US trap sounds with British drums and London accents. Sounds so refreshing. Dan shows it doesn't matter if you weren't the most talked about MC previously, a big tune changes everything. Club tunes are much easier to convince radio. As I've said for the past 2-3 years. Out tomorrow. Get on iTunes and buy the tune. We need it. Moelogo (ft. Giggs) - "The Baddest" Bayoz Muzik laced Moelogo something Giggs should've or would've had circa Let Em Ave It. That undeniable club flavour which made Giggs incredibly popular beyond UK rap fans. Them beats which merge a few influences, but ultimately BANG! Thankfull...

I've already gone on about how much I love the original when I posted the remix with Machel Montano . Well anyway, Sean Paul has gone and jumped on the riddim and cut a hot video in (what looks like) Miami with nuff bum bum. Not gonna lie, Machel's version is better, but hey, Sean garners more interest and he got the vid so he'll win. Woulda been so much more bless with all three on there though. That woulda been phenomenal in fact. Something that's undeniable is Sean Paul is making more interesting music now than he has for the last about 4-6 years. "Front & Back", this and Fuse ODG "Dangerous Love" (I'm saving my post on that until the video drops or the week of release. Most important record post incoming). And I'm sure he's fulfilled his label commitments so something tells me it's due to that. I'm putting 2+2 and definitely getting 4. Viva afrobeats x bashment Sourced from yah'so .

Reggae Regeneration artist/member and grade 8 pianist, Dre Island, takes to JussBuss TV for a live acoustic rendition of breakout hit "Rastafari Way".  When is the last time you saw a deejay/rapper take to the piano in such style and fashion? Was blown away recently when I heard him play this song, "Uptown Downtown" on the piano in Tuff Gong Studio for David Rodigan on BBC Radio 1Xtra. I rate "Reggae Love" too. Nice little summer reggae on the pop side of life tune. Check out some more acoustics on the JussBuss channel . Some good stuff on there with Chris Martin, Keznamdi, Assassin and more. Will post some more another day in case you can't be arsed to check it now. And check my post on the Reggae Revival movement here

Yeah, I turned the artist + song title into a riddim in the title. And guess what you have to do? LOVE IT! Busy Signal isn't a novice on this afrobeats ting. He jumped on Sarkodie's "U Go Kill Me" last year when he made " Same Way ", today is the turn of one of the songs I posted in my songs I'm feeling post yesterday , P-Square "Personally" Check out Busy using the same flow in a dancehall style below. Said it before, saying it again, I love the crossovers with bashment (dancehall), afrobeats, soca and even reggaeton at the moment. Definitely what I like.

Hi. Thought I'd pop up couple songs I've been feeling since the year started which haven't already been posted yet. Boombox riddim Best riddim I've heard so far this year. Two best pieces are the Spice (repping for the ladies) and talk of the island, Alkaline. Alkaline does to this Notnice riddim what I reckon Vybz Kartel would've done for his former producer. This is the closest we'll get to a Kartel on Not Nice riddim so just enjoy it. Spice does what Spice does. Empower the women to express their sexuality. This is the new term since Beyonce got away with it. Spice is a patron saint of feminism. You can catch some Russians wining to it here (second song). I don't think this is what they're stepping on Ukraine for but its an interesting watch all the same. Speaking of Russians... Rvssian riddim A while back I tweeted some hope for a return of Latin-leaning dancehall music. When I say "Latin-leaning" I mean reggaeton so...