Best New Reggae Artist for 2016

And we are off, bolting into 2016 musically,  lots of music and artists on the horizon, we have combing through the clutter to give you a heads up. These are  the artists to watch for 2016 that we think have maaaad potentially and we expect big tings in 2016. All are young talented and set for success.

Firstly Keznamdi also known as Kez, part of the new generation of  roots revival which includes Chronixx, Protoje, Kabaka Pymarid and Kez's sister Kelissa. Though the story of Chronixx emergence is well known look out for maaad things from Keznamdi.

This sing- jay standout tunes include Weekend,  Champion, Gideo and Live for Today with Kelissa

Positives why we think he will succeed.
great song writing skills, good stage presence, strong management with Prezi and the team
a marketable image and
Good clarity and strong production

Genuinely  humble and yet confidence strong pillars to stardom.
Check him out, dis ya youth is maaaaad talented 



Vershon
This young artist has early hits in Bounce,Tun it Ya Now and Inna Real Life. The best showcase of is energy and our personal favourite, is his chune Ruff up di World,

Ruff up di World

Vershon has a a lot of reasons why 2016 him going to be #Way up  and #uplike7 for him
he has a credible management in Chris Birch and the Birchill records team, an uncanny ability to build memorable hooks, marketable image, selective release of quality singles and confidence of a star.

Just needs to work on his stage craft and audience interaction which will come with musical maturity, him musss buss big time in 2016.

Just under the radar
Toi aka Toian
This Jamaican star based in Florida has been bubbling under the radar fro a minute, had a stint with Don Corlene a few years back with moderate success but must people know her voice but not her person.

She has a sweet tone, good looks and ability to crossover. She needs only to get on more local riddims, sing some part tunes and establish a better presence on Jamaican riddims but 2016 we hope will truly be her break out year she is just one hit away. she has the goods to be a star.

Here she is with Vybz



Plus a more softer Toi


5 Star
Something about this artist shows great potential. this is the debut single for 5 Star. On this retro dub single he shows potent lyrics and good melody gives him our mark to truly watch in the future.

Best Reggae Riddims Ever (Classic Edition)

On Wednesday was Bob Marley's birthday and this month we all celebrate Black History month and of course Reggae Month. So we figured lets go for something to celebrate all of these achievements.

We got a lot of feedback on our last best riddims feature and we painstakingly pointed out it was just the Dancehall Riddims (Vibes edition) and more was to come so here we go again this time Reggae riddims which we call the Best Reggae Riddims Ever (Classic Edition)

These riddims are considered Classic because of their intrinsic musicality, their longevity and just their inherent popularity. Some other sure signs that these songs are classics are:

• There are endless "lick over"or versions of these tracks.
• Non Jamaican artists use these tracks frequently to try and "reggae-ize" their songs 
• Constant use as samples in hip hop tracks.
• These songs are so timeless you can sing or DJ a modern song over it and it still sounds good
• Any Reggae DJ of any credibility must have one or all in their catalog
• These "chunes" can be pulled at any modern dancehall and still get ratings

And our Maaaad Winners are :

1. STALAG RIDDIM

A very popular riddim or rhythm, which produced by Winston Riley's Techniques label  and became popular in the 1970s. It was a foundation for dub instrumentals.

The rhythm also influenced early hip-hop, and can be recognized on Public Enemy's hit 'Don't Believe the Hype'. In 1980, reggae superstar Bob Marley's band The Wailers used the riddim as an introductory theme to the Uprising Tour concerts, with keyboardist Tyrone Downie chanting "Marley!" over the riddim while Marley comes to the stage (therefore the intro is commonly called "Marley Chant" among fans).

Hits include:
Ring the Alarm - Tenor Saw

2. SLENG TENG RIDDIM

The digital revolution was built around this riddim and it unquestionably started the digital dancehall era.
 
The riddim was voiced in the 90s and is the foundation and used also used in other genres like Dubstep and hip hop tracks. 

I had the privilege of going a while back to to Seaview Gardens and visiting the studio with Wayne Smith himself and the most amazing thing about his studio is its size, I kid you not, it is a least 5 feet by 3 feet you literary have to turn sideways to move through just enough for a voicing room and a mixing board but it is the birthplace of one of the most popular and easily recognized riddms to this day

3. THE REAL ROCK RIDDIM

The Real Rock from Studio One also very recognizable and very unforgettable, released in 1967 the instrumental was done by Sound Dimension, one of the in house bands of producer Coxsone Dodd

According to a 2004 New York Times article, Dodd considered the song his crowning achievement. 

Hits include  such classics as as Dennis Brown's Stop the Fussing and Fighting

4. PUNANNY

A minimal riddim that became and an enormous digital hit. Admiral Bailey voiced on this King Jammy's riddim in  1986  despite its sexual brashness it went on to define a Punanny hysteria with countless versions from every dancehall star and his cousin.


Hits include Needle Eye - Shabba Ranks,
Come back Sonia, Cocoa Tea

5. BAM BAM RIDDIM

Produced and arranged by Sly and Robbie this perennial hit still has currency today and is known for its infectious chant worldwide. Known as the Bam Bam or Murder She Wrote riddim it was released in 1992  and this is a true example of good music has endless legs.

Built around the 1966 festival winning song by Toots Hibbert & the Maytals " Bam Bam " 

The riddim pattern is also  credited as the  foundation for reggaeton rhythms .

Hits include Nardo Ranks Dem a Bleach


Honourable mentions goes to:
TEMPO RIDDIM

A stone cold classic digital riddim,created in Firehouse studio from King Tubby and crew! Anthony Red Rose's version is the definite and original ,but here are plenty good ones!
 Hits include  Tensor Saw"s Fever

Special Mention should go to these other outstanding riddims:
Mad Mad "Diseases" Riddim
Taxi Riddim

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad