The Bonds of Promised Land

A documenrtary on which I worked, premieres at Kingston's Carib Cinema tomorrow evening. Below are a link to an early promo from YouTube, and the written intro:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMOrTZ-cHPc

Amid the rise and fall of empires, a nomadic people made what might be the greatest journey of all...

Britain, once the world's mightiest empire, finding itself in need of labour to shore up its battered sugar colonies,  turns east to....

China, a vast, ancient and mysterious land, being unravelled by the harsh hand of nature and internal strife

The two reluctantly tied together to pull thousands across the oceans and into a new land, with new challenges.

by bonding together, they would forge an entirety new identity over succeeding generations, growing from small shops to national and regional conglomerates.

This is the story of a people's movement, of how they overcame obstacles and  created a legacy of success.

Its an immigrant story, a Chinese story, a Caribbean story, a universal story.

Its the tale of those who took on....

The Bonds of Promised Land

Dancehall the Documentary, Riddim Me Dis

As drum machines and computers began to generally displace bands in the 80s, the toaster, or DJ in local parlance became increasingly front and centre and, a consequence, the development of backing tracks, or riddims, over which he could spit rhymes unimpeded, became the toaster paramount expression.

This riddim craze was dominate the genre for at least 20 years, and yielded some of the very best known tracks, the majority still guaranteed party movers to this day. The following list represents a minuscule portion of what's out there.

Sleng Teng
The "granddaddy of the computerized riddims, and the name of the monster hit ("Unda mI Sleng Teng") by Wayne Smith that popularized it. Smith found the computerized sound in Noel Davey's keyboard, and together he and Davey arranged the riddim, slowed it down, matched it to Smith's key, and rehearsed on it with lyrics inspired by Barrington Levy's "Under Mi Sensi" and Yellowman's "Under me fat ting", before taking it to Jammy's studio in late 1984. The riddim itself is apparently an attempt to recreate Eddie Cochran's 1959 rockabilly song "Somethin' Else." It is a pattern found in the Casio MT-40 home keyboard.

After the riddim was brought to the studio and Jammy heard it, he then slowed it further and placed piano and a clap on it.Jammy recorded a number of other artists on the original backing track including Tenor Saw (with "Pumpkin Belly"), and Johnny Osbourne (with "Buddy Bye"). The tunes were first unleashed at a now legendary soundclash between Jammy's own sound system and Black Scorpio at Waltham Park Road on February 23, 1985.
Some of Jammy's productions based on the rhythm were released on the albums Sleng Teng Extravaganza and Sleng Teng Extravaganza 95.

Playground

With its menacing keyboard intro launching immediately into hip-shaking drum patterns, the Jeremy Harding creation was exactly what the "Doctor" ordered, the 'Doctor" in this case being Beenie Man, whose career-defining global hit "Who Am I" surfed this premium riddim track to unchallenged success, the beat having already served Sean Paul ("Infiltrate"). It also served to introduce Mr Vegas - via "Hands In the Air (Nike Air)" who would later go on to collaborate with Sean Paul ("Hot Gyal Today") and establish himself as a hitmaker in his own right, even to this day.

Diwali

Keyboardist and producer Steven "Lenky" Marsden provided the soundtrack to many of the international dancehall hits of the early 2000s through this  Indian dance-music influenced track, which featured on hits by Sean Paul, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Lumidee, Brick & Lace (although the latter's record, "Love is Wicked" was actually a 2007 release), It is recognized as arguably the most prominent and popular riddim of 2002 based on the number of top-ten hit songs that charted in Jamaica or internationally that used the instrumental, such as "Get Busy," "No Letting Go," "Pon de Replay," "Never Leave You," "Overcome," "Elephant Message," "Sufferer," "Party Time," in addition to the aforementioned. To this day, the riddim and the songs sampling it are still guaranteed party movers. 

The beat is characterized by syncopated clapping, and it was given the name Diwali for its. The riddim has been featured in American television commercials via Sean Paul's song "Get Busy

Joyride

Buju Banton, Frisco Kid and Lady Saw ("Sycamore Tree") were but a few of the acts who rode this propulsive riddim from the reclusive "mad scientist" of dancehall, Dave Kelly, to local and regional chart joy. Having transitioned from sound engineer to producer at the famous Penthouse Studios, Kelly departed and formed his now famous "Madhouse" imprint with perhaps his most famous collaborator being Cham (aka Baby Cham) for whom he produced the worldwide smash "Ghetto Story" and Terror Fabulous, who voiced another worldwide topper, "Action" with Nadine Sutherland.

Pepperseed

Again from the fertile, well-guarded mind of Kelly, comes this somewhat underappreciated gem of a riddim. It may not have resonated on international pop charts the way that Diwali and Playground did, but it powers some much-loved, authentic dancehall hits such as Frisco Kid's "Big Speech" and Daddy Screw's "Big Tings A Gwaan"

Military

Shane Brown, son of legendary Treasure Isle engineer Errol Brown, conceptualized this hardcore staple, which backs Sizzla's 'I'm With The Girls" Elephant Man's "Badmind Anthem" and "Step Pon Dem" by Assassin/Agent Sasco among others. Its marching syncopation, drum rolls and military-style keyboard lines made it an instant hit that will still get "forwards" at sessions and parties.

Drop Leaf

Not a strict dncehall riddim in its initial conception, this simple yet haunting guitar riff was nonetheless quickly adopted by the likes of TOK ("Footprints") Tanya Stephens ("After You") and Bermudian star Collie buddz ("Young Girl") after providing the 'breakout' (pardon the pun) hit for the then incarcerated crooner Jah Cure - the lyrically prescient "Longing For". Drop Leaf was the creation of Donovan "Corleon" Bennett who, along with his cousin Oje - latterly known to the music world as Protoje - came up through the sound system route (the Vendetta sound in their native Manchester

Music: Dancehall, the Documentary IV, Casts and Crews

Scare Dem
In 1995 four aspiring dancehall dons, based in Seaview Gardens, Kingston, Jamaica, joined forces under the guise of the Seaview Family before changing to the Scare Dem Crew.The crew consisted of Boom Dandimite (b. Donovan Stewart), Elephant Man (b. O’Neil Bryan, 11 September 1975, Seaview Gardens, Jamaica, West Indies), Nitty Kutchie (b. Andrew Reid) and Harry Toddler (b. Patrick Ricardo Jackson, 1975, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies). In the mid-90s the crew culture dominated the dancehall scene; Scare Dem’s competitors included Monster Shock Crew, Shocking Vibes and the Main Street Crew. Scare Dem were guided by Johnny Wonder, who had masterminded Bounty Killer’s early rise to prominence, and he repeated his success, with the crew proving equally popular. He insisted that Scare Dem should complete an apprenticeship in the dancehall, where, in addition to demonstrating their vocal skills, they proved an exciting visual act. Their unconventional approach during the cultural revival proved especially popular with teenage girls in Kingston. The adulation inspired the group’s successful debut, ‘Pure Gal’, produced by Steely And Clevie. Gloating that, ‘Pure gal, pure gal, pure gal want we’, the crew were proved right when, driving through Western Kingston in their BMW, a group of girls smashed the windows in order to be closer to their heroes.
The group members released a number of singles individually, although all of the crew provided backing in the studio. With Elephant Man and Harry Toddler handling the lead, the crew had a hit with ‘Nuh Run Dung Gal’, while Nitty Kutchie released ‘Go Baby Go’, and Elephant Man issued ‘War Start’. The group’s profile was further enhanced when they released the popular ‘Jailhouse Nuh Nice

Ward 21
named after the infamous psychiatric ward at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Comprising Ward 21 are renowned producers and have created hit dancehall riddims like "Badda badda", "Da Joint", "Bellyas", and "Volume" as well as hit singles like "Haters" and "Judgement Day".
The group formed in the late 1990s and originally had four members — Kunley McCarthy, Andre "Suku" Gray, Mark "Meandawg" Henry, and Ranaldo "Rumblood" Evans. They were mentored by King Jammy and acted as selectors for his sound system.After leaving Jammy they signed to New York label Natural Bridge.They had their first success with the "Bada Bada" riddim in 1998, which was the basis of tracks by Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Chuck Fenda. As well as success as producers they had hits in their own right with tracks such as "Haters", "Judgement Day", and "Blood Stain".^[2] The group's first album, Mentally Disturbed, was released in 2001.
In 2005, the group went on a tour through Europe, playing shows in Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. They also performed at Europe's biggest reggae festival, Summerjam, later that year. Evans left the group in 2008.
Ward 21's productions include Capleton's "Slew Dem" and the Wayne Marshall/Bounty Killer duet "When The Smoke Clears". In addition to countless singles (released mostly on King Jammy's label) and tracks on compilations, Ward 21 have released three albums on the reggae label Greensleeves. The band had participated in 311's remix of Amber song in Supa Dups Remix. They also appear on Major Lazer's second album Free the Universe, on the track "Mashup the Dance".

Innocent Kru
The Innocent Kru's sound defies an easy categorization, as each member draws from a multitude of influences, musical and otherwise. Among the recordings they have already completed are; "The Innocent Train" produced by Jamaica's Grammy award winning "Riddim Twins" Sly & Robbie. This song was supported with a major video that to this day still receives brief airplay on BET. ..The actual song "Impossible Train" was the only recording for Sly & Robbie on the Mission Impossible Riddim and the song itself took both Jamaica and New York by storm! The Innocent Kru has worked consistently with the Riddim Twins and has other records found on Sly & Robbie's Taxi Gang label including; "Cha Cha" and "Turn It Up". Other releases from the Innocent Kru include "Tell A Gal She" and "Resurrection" both produced by renowned producer Bobby Digital

The son of noted Jamaican musician Ainsley Morris, Hemsley Morris Jr. "Benzly Hype!",  also fulfilled his musical pedigree by attending the former Jamaica School of Music. With the encouragement of Ricky Villa of La Benz sound system and others, Benzly was quickly a regular on the Sunday block party scene in Patrick City/Duhaney Park. It was after performing on one such show that he forged the links that would lead to the Innocent Kru. ..

Main Street
Thouhg lots of others get the hype these days, Danny Browne's outfit was arguably the most prolific starmaker in the dancehall genre. Goofy, Red Rat, Hawkeye, Degree, Buccaneer, Madd Anju, Lady G, all under the ears of Browne and his brother Richard. Each of the above-mentioned acts had a hit or two (or more) as part of the Main Street family and the catalog includes some of the most beloved and "singable" dancehall tunes like Red rat's "Sharlene" and Degree's "The Pianist" and Anju's "Chess"

Monster Shack
The core of this entertaining crew is a trio, Roundhead, General B and the unique phrasing singjay Ghost, who singly and together are responsible for the overwhelming majority of their hits, including 'Never Heard Ah We" "Bodyguard" "Eastside Motel" and others.


Alliance
The Alliance was formed in 2003 by iconic Dancehall artist Bounty Killer and close friends as 'the heavyweights'. These included Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall, Mavado and Vybz Kartel. Vybz Kartel, as all would by now know,  later left after a heated dispute to form what eventually became referred to as simply the Empire (see  below). The Alliance then comprised the core members and many Jamaican Dancehall artists. Serani and his production label DASECA is also part of the crew.

In 2011 The Alliance further expanded with the formation of The Alliance Next Generation

Empire
Always the enterprising sort, Vybz Kartel was never likely to remain under the stewardship of the "5-star General" Bounty Killer for too long. Bwetween 2009 and 2010, the DJ with the predatory toothy grin put together his own crew, initially as the Portmore Empire, but now just Empire.

Controversy dogged the outfit and its mercurial leader right from the start, and we all know that in 2014, he was, along with Shawn Storm and two others, convicted of murder in the matter of Clive Lizard Williams (an appeal is pending) . Up to the time, so to speak, of his incarceration, the Empire included STING Clash winner Blak Ryno, Shawn Storm, Doza Medicene, Lisa Hype, Popcaan, Gaza Indu, Gaza kim, Sheba, and Dotta Coppa.

According to former member Deva Bratt the group was founded by himself and Nuclear who is also a former member. After Vybz Kartel rebelled against former group The Alliance in late 2006, he came to like the name and Deva allowed him in the group as its leader. After Deva Bratt found himself in a carnal abuse/rape charge he was kicked from the group and the "EMPEROR" Vybz Kartel announced that only those signed to his addijaheim records are official members.

Of course, there are others - but these are the ones that in my opinion had most impact on the dancehall scene. Throw in your preferences or ones that  you feel should make this cut



localjoe.myorganogold.com

Music: Dancehall, the Documentary, the Arenas

The genre itself got started, like most, in the streets, among small gathering places, corners and open-air lawns, but when dancehall became mainstream, so too did the venues shift, and one in particular, has now notched over three decades as the greatest one-night gladiatorial contest for DJs. That is the event known as....

STING
Founded by former enforcer cop Isaiah Laing back in 1983 (still a transitional time for Jamaican music), Sting is virtually unparalleled in all of popular music. On one stage, all of dancehall's latest and greatest meet tot try and impress a notoriously demanding crowd, who have been known to air their displeasure with the throwing of bottles and other missiles, and there has also been gunfire. What they really want to see however, are the on-stage conflicts, as the hottest DJS, male and female, take on each other. These hot lyrical battles have often overheated into physical contests, and the epic feuds between the likes of Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, Vybz kartel and Mavado and more recently 'clash king" Kip Rich and Blak Ryno have played out on the STING stage at JamWorld in the St Catherine plains. More recently, STING entered the realms of pay-per-view, pulling in even more audiences globally and more bucks for Laing and directors, including cash-rich producer Joe Bogdanovich

Reggae Sumfest dancehall night
Reagge Sumfest superceded the now defunct Sunsplash largely on the appeal of its own mid-summer version of a one-night dancehall extravaganza  Indeed, Sumfest Dancehall night is where many artistes essentially "make their bid" for consideration on the STING line-up as the hottest act in July will certainly be offered a spot on Boxing Day (night) . The Sumfest stage has also seen its share of conflicts and controversies, but also some wild and crazy entrances (by the likes of Shabba and more recently, Spice) as well as some memorable performances


Fully Loaded

held at the James Bond beach in scenic St Mary, Fully Loaded spent roughly a decade as the big bad day-into-night beach party of dancehall

Music: Dancehall, the Documentary, the Brands

" wearing Gucci and Armani, feeling rich like Wesley Snipes"

In the dancehall world, image might not be everything, but alongside the sound, its arguably the ONLY thing

And in their pursuit of the right image, dancehall's finest have name-checked some of the foremost luxury brands (if not the most exclusive, so no Vertu or Aston-Martin). Here's a quick look at the dancehall top shelf

Gucci
Guccio Gucci was the grand-grand daddy of high fashion. His monogram(and the interlocking "Gs" logo) has adored scores of items and been knocked off thousands more. Everything from the now iconic handbags and jeans to caps, watches and even a special anniversary edition of the Fiat 500.

Armani
The dean of Italian menswear started his eponymous company in 1975, nd has turned it into a one-name empire encompassing various types of couture and ready-to-ear brands as well as fine dining and now accommodations. Credited as one of the pioneers of "red carpet fashion" Armani is lionized by dancehall artists in too many songs to mention.

Prada
The company was started in 1913 by Mario Prada and his brother Martino as a leathergoods shop – Fratelli Prada (English: Prada Brothers) – in Milan, Italy. Initially, the shop sold leather goods and imported English steamer trunks and handbags. Despite her father's belief that women should have no role in business, daughter Luisa took over the reins in the mid-1950s, and her daughter Miuccia would come in as of 1978 and transformed it into a global brand

Burberry
Plaid (Tartan, to be exact) can be cool. Who'dathunkit? Dating back to 1856, Burberry is actually most famous for its trench coat (not exactly tropical wear), which was designed by founder Thomas Burberry. The company has branded stores and franchises around the world and also sells through concessions in third-party stores. Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales have granted the company Royal Warrants, which have been maintained despite Burberry's closure of its factory in Wales.

Dolce & Gabbana
Perhaps the most famous pair in fashion, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana met whilst working at another fashion house, starting their own business in 1985. the 'D&G" logo is among the world's most recognized, and the appeal of their T-shirts is yet to wane.

Hugo Boss
the only German makes on this list, and one whose founder had the dubious distinction of being a member of the Nazis. The company he founded was banned after WWII, but resucitated and run by his sons and associates. Boss made its name initially with fragrance, before adding suits and then branching out globally, growing to revenues of 2,4 billion Euro (2013).

Moschino
Despite Beenie Man's famous criticism of its founder, Moschino remained a much-loved fashion brand among dancehall exponents and their followers and, like The brand was originally created in 1983 by the late Franco Moschino (1950–1994). Moschino and his fashion label became famous for his innovative, colorful – sometimes eccentric – designs, for his criticisms of the fashion industry and for his social awareness campaigns in the early 1990s. After Moschino's untimely death, Rossella Jardini, his former assistant, became creative director. The brand has been part of the Aeffe fashion group since 1999

Versace
He may have used the Medusa head as his logo, but Gianni Versace, known as 'Vuhsawshi" in dancehall parlance, set a standard for looking good and letting everyone know it. This sense of theatre helped propel the Versace brand to global status and thus when the founder was gunned down at his Miami home in 1997, there were shockwaves throughout the fashion and entertainment worlds.

Ed Hardy
The recently departed (10 July) creator of the Ed Hardy brand, Christian Audigier (born Ginutti) lived long enough to see his brand achieve a level of ubiquity that few before him or since have managed in such a short space of time. Suddenly, it seemed sequined skulls and garlanded rogues were the only things to wear

Hennessy
its position atop the "baller's drink pyramid may perhaps never be successfully challenged, so deeply integrated is this three centuries -plus cognac brand, which was in fact founded by an Irishman, Richard Hennessy by name. Today, Hennessy moves about 50 million bottles annually worldwide, with no telling how many of that is downed by dancehall artistes, their hip-hop cohorts and their supporters and wanna-bes

Music: dancehall, the Documentary, Prelude

So, waaaaay back in 2009, before social media and instant sharing became the rage, I wrapped up this project. Yes, I know, there's no sign of Popcaan, Tommy Lee, Dexta Daps or any of today's "stars" but as this seies wears on I'll be covering those who, in my opinion (always, never subsidized) really mattered. Take a hop and a skip down "memory lane"

Posted by jazzofonik at 9:14 AM No comments:

Monday, April 13, 2009

AND NOW..........(Trumpets, Fanfare) The Ultimate Dancehall records

Well, here we are. The top of the mountain. The end of the line. The last word
Okay, so that's a bit of hype, but here are my choices for the Ten Dancehall/DJ records that Mattered Most over the last thirty years.

Look out for my extensive commentary on each of the Top Ten, beginning Thursday, and also check upcoming issue of BUZZZ magazine (May/June) for the list and feature, AND......... look out for the companion booklet, coming soon.

Thanks and keep checking this blog



1. Who Am I - Beenie Man

2. Murder She Wrote - Chaka Demus & Pliers

3. Look - Bounty Killer

4. Zunguzunguguzunguzeng - Yellowman

5. Ring the Alarm - Tenor Saw

6. Twice My Age - Shabba Ranks feat Krystal

7. Action - Nadine Sutherland & Terror Fabulous

8. These Streets - Tanya Stephens

9. Anything For You (various artistes)

10. Overcome - Mavado

JAMAICANS ON.......BEING JAMAICAN

New Documentary Celebrates the Uniqueness of Jamaicans

What does it mean to be Jamaican?

With the 50^th anniversary of Independence approaching ever closer and the prospect of another record medal haul at London Olympic Games ever closer to reality, interest in the Jmaaican brand is at an all-time high – and that’s saying something.

But, the question remains…..what defines” Jamaicanness”?  if such a terms can even be used.

It’s a question that has some hilarious answers, as fans, sponsors, media and well-wishers found out at the sneak preview of the One People documentary, held in Kingston on Tuesday evening at the Sir Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts on the University of the West Indies’ Mona Campus.

Producers Justine Henzell(right) and Zachary Harding

Those attempting to unearth the answers are Zachary Harding(marketing vet and brother to dancehall super-producer Jeremy Harding), Justine Henzell (daughter of “Harder they Come” visionary Perry Henzell) and with Kevin McDonald, of the recent smash “Marley” docu-film serving as executive producer

The presentation began oddly enough, not with a Jamaican, but with an admitted expatriate, against the expansive vista of southern St Elizabeth, with the broad plain surrendering to high escarpment. Its an ideal summation of the seemingly disparate elements that make up Jamaica and the dynamic characteristics of Jamaicans, who feature prominently in the vox pop-type clips that follow

There was much accountability to corporate sponsors, including National Commercial bank, whose principal owner, billionaire Michael Lee Chin recalled his first job, cutting grass at Port Antonio’s famed Frenchman’s Cove resort.  The producers also approached William Mahfood of beverage makers and brand representatives WISYNCo) and a number of  other corporate titans.

Corporate sponsors Coca-Cola (repped in Jamaica by the WISYNCo Group ) used the opportunity to launch their own Jamaica 50 inntitiative of a younger orientation. Run Di Track is a competition that gives aspiring producers and “riddim-meisters” the opportunity to create the “next hot riddim” utilizing – if necessary – a specially designed mobile recording studio (which was on hand at the preview) that will run the length and breadth of the island to afford access ot those who might be otherwise denied.

The producers know, however, that the greatness of Jamaica lies way beyond the corporate suite, and so the audience heard from a wide spectrum of personalities, including two former prime ministers, athletes and entertainers ranging from Romain Virgo and Sean Paul to producers King Jammys and jack Scorpio. Much use was also humourously of the “Jamaican fabric”: expletives ending with  “claat” (cloth), with artist busy Signal explaining “its just an expression people.”

But of course, there was more august and reflective inputs from the likes of Ret. General Colin Powell, who quipped about the dual pronounciations of his first name (“Coal-lin” and “Caul-lin”) among his American and Anglo-Caribbean compatriots respectively, and Harry Belafonte, who made reference to Jamaican national hero Marcus Garvey, his own mother being a Garveyite.

Still, amid tasty BBQ pig’s tail and tall glasses of Coke,  the  night was about the sounds, looks and prefernces,  ackee and saltfish – itself a meal of dual ethnic identity , is still the dish of choice among Jamaicans across generations. It was really another embattled entertainer Elephant Man (Busy has his own problems with the US Federal Gov’t) ,who added a special Olympic-level dimension to the culinary treat: “Ele” seated comfortably in a studio in contrast to his present surroundings, took the audience mentaly to Central Jamaica, one of the epicentres of yam production and sales. On the famed Millrose Bypass, roast yam, sliced open and slathered with butter, is a perennial favourite. With favourite son Usain Bolt set to defend his Olympic crown in London on August 5, a day before Jamaica’s official Independence anniversary and the scheduled grand premiere of “One People” this could be the revival of the “yam craze” that Bolt initiated with his record-beating runs.