Marvin Sparks

This post details all the notable bashment moves that I can remember/think you'll be interested in from a London perspective. Can't speak of the UK cah mi nuh deh everywhere. Basically, I don't remember bashment having this impact on over here, as in British artists having so much dancehall material in it's rawest form in my lifetime. I weren't around for Saxon and Coxsone sound days, unfortunately. I'll show many examples of those song which have been popular, in addition to remixes of some of the biggest mainstream singles of the year and international artists that did their version of reggae/discount dancehall. I love it I tell ya. There's also a free mix tape type thing included, my top 5 songs and the interviews I did. Actually here are the links to interviews Sean Paul , Shaggy , Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor , Mavado , Lady Saw and dancehall artist Aidonia made a response interview to my explosive interview Vybz Kartel. Catch them both her...

As we should all know by now, Glastonbury took place last weekend. Yeah, Beyoncé etc. But I came across Aloe Blacc performing one of my favourite songs of the moment (still) "I Need A Dollar" on BBC2. Admittedly, I didn't know it from last year when it first hit the streets. I stumbled across his actual performance on stage when during a search for it on YouTube. Much to my surprise he did a reggae rendition and said the quote of the weekend: "Soul music comes in a lot of different forms and to me reggae is one of the best forms of soul music" - I've been trying to tell people this. Shame they're brainwashed into thinking if it doesn't sell it isn't cool enough to like. Watch and enjoy this performance Here is the acoustic version. Bee-yew-ti-full! With all the rubbish music about, we sometimes get caught up in criticising music in general. "Music is rubbish nowadays" is something we all say, but Adele, Bruno Mars, Aloe Blacc, Cee-Lo, E...

I've known Dionne for a while still. Doesn't add anything to the post I guess. I coulda sworn I've blogged her but I dunno where it is. Maybe I posted them on Facebook *shrugs* Strangely enough one of the two vids I thought I'd posted were Delete My Account (a song about Facebook) with the other being a cover of Lauryn Hill in an English accent. She's proper bubbly and stuff innit. She's actually jokes. Anyway, I heard her perform new single "Daddy Dear" last year at some Africa vs Caribbean show (yeah, they still do that backwards nonsense). First thing that surprised me is that it's a reggae riddim track, but it isn't a popular one. Anyway (again), she performed at Glastonbury this past weekend (see below) and the song has been added to Radio 1's playlist as BBC Introducing. Big well done to her. And putting reggae on BBC Radio 1 is never a bad thing. The riddim is called "Tears" from 2007. First time I heard Jamaica's hott...

There's a plethora of one-drop songs I'm feeling at the moment. I don't know if it's because I decided to delve deeper into roots reggae, but there's so many songs I'm feeling right now. I-Octane - Cry To The Nation If you've been following this blog you'll know I-Octane is my artist. Last year was his breakthrough year, where he had Jamaica going crazy for his dancehall anthems. As much as I rate his dancehall tunes, conscious one drop is where I initially heard him, so he'll always sound at home there. Nice to see him back on that vibe as he pleads with his people to worship God and bun all evil doings. This could easily be a gospel song. When reggae drops into gospel, it's usually a mad sitt'n. Exco Levi - Bleaching Shop Don't know much about the guy, but heard this on the radio the other day. Really felt the lyrics. As many reading will know, bleaching is a hot subject in Jamaica and Jamaican music right now due to dancehall artist Vy...

In the post below, I updated with a bunch of new dancehall videos (and some Protoje feat Ky-Mani Marley "Rasta Love" This has been floating since last year, but I didn't feel it at first, and since then I haven't blogged that much. But yes, good old song this. Don Corleon's protege, Protoje teams up with one of Bob's sons, Ky-mani Marley. If my memory serves me correctly, Kymani appeared in cult-classic Jamaican movie Shotta's. The first line of the chorus outlines the topic "She didn't know how to tell him she was in love with a rasta man". Etana "People Talk" Another big tune out right now courtesy of the strong one, Etana. Empowerment is what Etana does best and this is another example. "People Talk" talks fighting against gossipers and back-biters. Richie Spice "Black Woman" This has to be one of my favourite songs for the whole of 2011. In fact, the first line is arguably the best line of any love song for t...

Today I'm in a vibe to share tunes I've been feeling since year start. Feels like a long time since I shared some recent reggae and dancehall. We call this one here "Back on my Bashment" Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor - Bounce A Gal Girls them time. 2nd verse "Girlfriend walk out pon da one ya/ Some girl scary like Iguana/ Teeth full a mix up like piranha/ So how she ah say she favour (look like) Rihanna" Raaaaaeeeeeee!!! Tune mad enuh. Make the girl them feel nice. Probably won't do well outside of dancehall circles in the UK because it isn't x-rated. Mavado - Pepper "So all them a talk, man a stepper/ Ketch (catch) up them ah play man ah pepper" translates as "I'm hot they're normal". Catchy as fk... again! Mavado still has it all these years later. Vybz Kartel - Benz Punany Relatively old tune but I hadn't blogged it, so here it is. This is a sure fire hit from I first heard it. Catchy chorus, good beat, slack...

Buju Banton performed this past weekend in Miami. For those of you that may not know he was on trial for conspiracy to deal cocaine. The first trial ended in a mistrial because the jury couldn't reach a verdict innocent or guilty. The retrial is set for February I believe. While out on bail, babylon in Florida allowed him to perform a concert to help raise funds for his law fees. Highlights include guest performers showing support Tarrus Riley, Nadine Sutherland, Spragga Benz, Sean Paul, Gramps Morgan (Morgan Heritage)and Wayne Wonder: Here's footage of the concert. Sadly Beres Hammond couldn't make it due to his performance the night before at Rebel Salute. Heard he turned in a standard great performance Buju performing to sold-out 10k audience in Miami this past weekend: Think he was a bit overwhelmed by the occasion to be honest but I can't blame him. A whole year in jail. Possibility of a long time in prison. Still looms over his head really. He poses a question dur...

Gregory Isaacs dies Gregory Isaacs: 1951-2010 Reggae legend Gregory Isaacs has died after a battle with cancer. Isaacs, who was 59 years old, died on Monday morning at his home in London where he spent part of his time. He leaves behind a wife and children. Close friends told BBC Caribbean that he had originally been diagnosed with cancer of the liver which had then spread. The Jamaican reggae singer, who was nicknamed the Cool Ruler, was best known for the song 'Night Nurse'. Source Was gonna do a thoughts for the day but nothing else can even level with this news. As a Jamaican, Gregory Isaacs is up there with Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, John Holt and Alton Ellis as an artist your parents have at least 4 dusty vinyls of. Although he didn't release many records over the past decade, he remained very active through touring. One of the best voices in reggae history. My grandma's favourite artist. She'd go to the record shop and ask for any new "Gregry". That...

This song by the dude who used to be with Katy Perry (Travis McCoy), teamed up with the dude from B.o.B's smash Nothin' On You (Bruno Mars) was brought to my attention. Reggae-lite x hip-hop to promote a message of capitalism, like wealth is the route to happiness? Rasta nuh promote dem deh ting deh. Still a catchy song though, I'll give it that. The above song reminds me of the following song. I'm sure it's because Travis McCoy reminds me of the lead dude from Arrested Development NOT because of the light-skinned factor (I don't think anyway). But they adopt a slight reggae style ("Buda by by by"), Travis is on a slight reggae beat... Either way this tune was BIG! Conscious messege. Arrested Development - People Everyday Thought I'd turn this into a continuation of the FlashBack Friday from last week where I celebrated the chees reggae songs. Pato Banton & UB40 'Baby Come Back' ("And mi CD collection of Bob Marley") UK #1 UB4...

Now, I don't know if you saw my tweet yesterday about Natty, born Alexander Akiloe Philip Modiano. If you did, thanks for following, if not, I'm gonna repeat/expand on it. I don't get the guy. To me it seems as if he's pimping his dreadlocks making reggae-lite songs, with a faux-Jamaican accent, trying to be conscious like what is expected of him as a man with dreadlocks. Disclaimer: even if he is part of one of the 12 tribes to disprove how I described him, "Natty, this is your life... (Michael) Aspel" #DrakeBar. I miss the days when reggae-lite songs were actually good. Today's FlashBack Friday is dedicated to a time when reggae was in-demand commercially. Regularly charting in UK Top 10s, regular spins on the radio and TV channels (The Box "Music Television you control"). I know there are a bunch of guilty pleasure songs in this list. Don't be afraid to say you like them lol So Natty, here's how you do it. A whole bunch of guys with d...

Second video from the Rising Out of The Ghetto EP (click here for the first) . I've actually got it in my yard. Will digest then review in due course. Tune mad! Mr. Ranks has released some good material over these past couple years. Hope the momentum stays until the eventual release of his long-awaited as-yet untitled album. Check my interview with him by clicking here .

Sun is in the sky, music sounds so much better with sun, especially my chosen genre, reggae/dancehall. Well obviously, it's made in the sun so naturally it feels summery. Anyways, I always get asked about hottest songs, 'cos many people don't keep up with dancehall/bashment and reggae like I do plus they appreciate my ears to the streets and the speaker box. I appreciate that trust greatly, there are DJs I rate that rate my opinion. My top 5 picks for summer from a Euro-centric point of view, as of songs released to date, in no particular order are: First up, the "Gully Gad" Mavado's seductive 'Come Into My Room' featuring vocals on the chorus from the Gully Squad's first lady Stacious. Guys you are guaranteed to get a slow whine this summer to this tune, unless it's the stush UK Funky girls that like high-tempo music so they can dance with their girls Next up, Gyptian's 'Hold You' . Bwoy, this tune has the reggae world in the Car...

Check out UK dancehall/bashment/reggae's hottest property Gappy Ranks' new video Rising Out of the Ghetto (Produced by Dolomite for Suncycle). (Filmed & Edited by Simon " Spliffberg " Favier) Taken from " RISING OUT OF THE GHETTO " - DIGITAL EP - IN STORES APRIL 16TH Check my interview with Gappy Ranks by clicking here (yes click what you are reading for the old dears) What you think? Good song? Bad song? Can gwaan? Mad decent? Shot? Sell weh?

Haven't blogged in a while, and for that I apologise. Thought I'd share this tune with you whilst I'm here. Been bubbling for a good month now, hasn't quite buss in England yet, but it's only a matter of time - even if that time is about 3 months from now, you know how these top 40 commercial urban DJ's take forever. Got that slow whine/scrubs against the nearest wall/ pilar/ mampi (2010 is the year of using mampi's as leaning posts. Obese girls need love too even if it's only 2nd hand). It annoys me that he says Votswana instead of Botswana, unless there is a new country in Africa I'm unaware of. Send answers on a stamped & addressed postcare to marvin.sparks220@gmail.com At this point I would like point out they used a Kylie chorus Now you may or may not remember this blog post from my " Real Badman Never Afraid " series where I showed examples of the urban world under the influence of Kylie, and you probably LOLd. But as the young wi...

I'm sure you've heard all about Simon Cowell pushing a bunch of his X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent artists with a few others here and there. You will have seen Jay-Z, Bono & Rihanna on George Clooney's Haiti thingy that I boycotted (I saw the video listed on WorldStarHipHop for the smart ones). But believe it or not, Haiti is in the Caribbean and guess what? "What?" There have been Caribbean artists paying tribute to the thousands of unfortunate Haitian's who have lost their homes limbs or lives. Not only that, nurses and doctors have been flying over, as have volunteers. That leads me onto why I boycotted (exaggeration - I mean I didn't care for it) that ceremony. Why was Rihanna the only Carib to pay tribute (besides Wyclef obviously)? I heard she did Redemption Song which is quite a funny/apt song choice considering the reason Haiti are in a mess. Point is: surely Damian & Stephen Marley could have done the job instead! I mean, excuse the...

Queen Ifrica is one of my favourite artists of any genre. One of the fiercest lyricists in dancehall matched with thought-provoking concepts equals me loving her music. Serve & Protect tackles police brutality; a topic we all speak about, but artists rarely voice on record. This is why I love reggae! Featured the audio of this track on my blog a while ago, glad to see a video has been made. Hopefully this gives what is a heavily slept on track (over here in England anyway) a much needed push. Maybe some follow fashion DJs will see this and play! Gotta love the Fiyah Momma; whether it be child molestation (Daddy), turbulant relationships (Below The Waist) Government neglecting the poor (Rise Ghetto Youths Rise), skin bleaching (Mi Naah Rub) or as above police brutality, she always delivers. Had the chance to interview last year. Peep that here . Big up Jay Will, one of the top music video directors bringing the reggae/dancehall visuals at good quality.

As the year draws to a close, it's always a time when life reviews take place. Have I done what I wanted? How can I fix what I did wrong this year in order to improve for next? What's the motive for next year etc. Another prominent question in my head is who really deserves my time next year. Nuff suckers, leeches, users, whatever about amongst the people I can depend on for a good conversation, creating memories, chucklin etc. This song is another one of those dancehall songs which ring off because it talk a real topic everyone can relate to in a simplistic, easily digestible way. Singer/DJ (rapper)/producer DeMarco sings about frenemies. Riddim up my seleckta Initially, I was going to blog about why I love dancehall, but I think it's more a recurring theme as apposed to something I can do in one post - 4th dancehall post in-a-row. Whether it be social-commentary, struggles ghetto youths face, poltical, inspirational, death, religion (conscious tunes), straight up thriller...

Another day, another vid (no WorldStarHipHop) After releasing two singles at approximately 138bpm (that's like really fast), dancehall's flag bearer Sean Paul slows it right the way down with this lovers anthem Hold My Hand Finally the Sean Paul 'Imperial Blaze' success can begin. Rated this song from I first heard it at the listening session back in July (click for album listening party review) . I actually prefer the solo version over the duet with Keri Hilson. Here's a blog where I asked for this song to be released . Glad to hear my prayers were answered. Nice video too

For a brief (in comparison) on point review head over to my dargette NewsyChick . For one of my in-depth play-by-play, continue. I was excited when I first heard the show announced via @HanifBoogie's twitter back in August/early September. Not only would this be the first Shabba show in 13 years, it would also be the first dancehall show at Brixton Academy in almost as long. However, with the excitement came curiousity as to what this Shabba in 09 will be like. "Will he be off his head on drugs like so many of our legends are? Will he be overweight and lack the energy we all came to know? Has his time away turned him into a recluse and mad at the world?" were some of the questions that ran through my head at the time. Undoubtedly the biggest one was "Will the show actually happen?" We all remember the well-documented interview on The Word. Surely Peter Tatchell and his gang will come out in full force, won't they? Well they didn't and praises to Jah for ...