The Doc and Tha Dr. Beenie Man Shaka Pow No Love Antidote Revealed

The Doctor Beenie Man and Dr. Garth "Shaka Pow" McDonald has an antidote for no loving which they sounded off on their brand new collaboration entitled, "No Lovin" produced by Chris Thomas of IWAAD Music, Executive Produced by Shaka's Outfytt Record label. Chris Thomas came up with the concept for the song after hearing both Beenie Man and Shaka Pow tracks on the Reggae Party Rythm and pitched the idea to the artists.

When asked how it was working with Beenie Man, Shaka Pow said, "Beenie perfect cuz him flexibility and energy as an artist ever ready to work and do it fi the music is a hallmark of  Moses undercelebrated. He has done a lot for the culture, producers, promoters, sound system, and fellow artist." Shaka Pow is an ardent supporter of Beenie's one time rival now very good friend, Bounty Killer, and has publicly supported Bounty on many of his charitable and other efforts so he was quick to distinguish his respect and support for both artists individually and as veterans in the business and explained, "you know Bounty a mi general, philanthropist and poor people governor, well celebrated. Just giving Beenie some a dah glory deh too as the man that opened the shows at UWI (University of the West Indies) when Beenie got his honorary doctorate from the students and Bounty got his professorship." 

With regards to public perception of "No Lovin" Shaka Pow said, "the feedback is tremendous. Me and Beenie voice range complement each other on the track, big voice, and singjay energies. People of all ages, nationalities, and creeds are loving it. There's a video in the pipeline too."

Shaka Pow's team is positive about a summer buzz for the track as well as the artist. There

are also other projects out or being worked on such as Govern on the Standing Fan riddim, produced by Jah Snowcone, and Outa Space on SpaceDem Riddim produced by Outfytt/IWAAD Music LLC. His independent Outfytt Record label is also making an impact in the industry and has released a number of riddims including, SpaceDem and have worked with the likes of Mr. Easy, Beenie Man, Lexxus, Doza Medicine, Shortboss Goody Plum, Harry Toddla, and General B. 

No Lovin by Shaka Pow and Beenie Man is available on all digital platforms. Music fans can follow Shaka Pow on social media @shaka_pow_outfytt.

Written by: Sophia McKay

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Jamaican Dancehall Artist Spice Latest "Go Down Deh" Song Hit Like A Pandemic

On the brink of the world's re-opening from the devastating effects of the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica's Queen of Dancehall, Spice, hit with a major collaboration entitled, "Go Down Deh" featuring reggae/dancehall superstars Shaggy and Sean Paul. The song trended at Number 1 worldwide for a week up to the time of this publication making Spice the first female Dancehall artist in recent times to hit this milestone. Interestingly, Go Down Deh surpassed all odds in the midst of a plunging reggae/dancehall music industry that has suffered a major setback over the past year. Both Shaggy and Sean Paul are also enjoying this major success but have whole-heartedly been more supportive of their female counterpart.

The Jamaican music industry has suffered insurmountable trials over the years but, to date, the effect of the pandemic is probably its greatest test. Like hope, Spice 'Go Down Deh' song featuring Shaggy and Sean Paul has turned the tides (at least for her) when a whopping 5 million and counting video views in a week, plus chart-topping iTunes Reggae, Apple Reggae Top 100 Songs, Tidal Reggae and Dancehall chart reflect, Dancehalls' sustainability. Go Down Deh forms part of her upcoming album which is reported to be executive produced by Shaggy via VP Records.

This hit song by Spice is one for her personal catalog of major hits. She is popularly known since coming into the business for racking up hits such as, Fight Over Man, Rampin Shop with Vybz Kartel which hit Billboard charts in 2009 and So Mi Like It which garnered over 100 million video views. Spice continues to push the envelope touting her entrepreneurial skills with the launching of GraceNoir clothing line, SpiceJamaica Restaurant and, is also known for her role in VH1's Atlanta, Love, and Hip-Hop reality series among other business ventures. She recently revamped her US team adding dancers, public relations representatives, vloggers, stylists, influencers/socialites, and more. 

Grace 'Spice' Hamilton has cemented her name as an achiever in the local music industry and her interesting story of perseverance, determination, and drive must be told here to stimulate the ambition of those to come.

Written by: Sophia McKay
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The Government of Jamaica Blames Specific Lyrical Content In Dancehall Music for the Cause of Crime in the Country

With a spiraling crime rate specifically murder and rape, an unstable economy, and the effects of a pandemic, Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness blames specific lyrical content from the music of some dancehall artiste as the cause of crime. His statement caused outrage within the music industry. 

There are some industry players who agree with the Prime Minister's views but several popular artists have come out against it using constructive and insightful arguments to make their points. It is also important to note that the Prime Minister in his last election campaign during the peak of the pandemic, had dubplates recorded mimicking some of the same content to which he refers and even taps into the music culture bearing an alias name as he sported Clarke's shoes to demonstrate his 'down-to-earth persona and attract targeted young Jamaican voters. Aspects of the election campaign replicated a hardcore "Dancehall Clash."

While this writer must agree that some lyrical content heard in songs recorded by some dancehall artists is graphic one cannot ignore the fact, that people, in general, gravitate to that which is attractive to them as well as, that which is popular (as in the case of the PM's election campaign) but usually make decisions as it relates to choices based on personal preferences. In other words, the person who takes a gun and kills another person would have had that intention already. The music to which that person chooses to listen in that context supports his idea whether the writer of that specific song or songs intended to create such perception. An example could be that of a love song written specifically about an artist's own personal life but resonates with fans because they can relate to the content or, perceive the lyrics to be sensual, loving, warm, sensitive, or bold. 

Most fans who listen to explicit and graphic dancehall songs, more often than ever, do not carry out violent acts of any kind more rather, quite the opposite. The music is perceived and interpreted in several different ways based on the individuals who listen to it.  There are those who are impressed with the mode of the music which will always be perceived on the basis of good or bad. A song depicting a tough, rough, gangster can also be perceived to demonstrate specific qualities such as competitiveness, strength, dominance, greatness as opposed to violent, arrogant, murderous.

There is also the case of inspiration behind the construction of a song. There is no denying the fact that an artist (or individual) can find themselves involved with crime, but to say the music is the cause of crime, and not, a specific crime, is wrong. The increase in crime in Jamaica has grown with successive leaders and is, at this point, at its highest under the present leadership. The underlying crime management issues are still to be addressed and have over the years evolved resulting in, among others, the continuous creation of musical content by some artists that are disgusting, threatening, scary, and violent to law-abiding citizens yet reflective of a society that lacks good governance and leadership, security and failure to address the real cause of the problems albeit willingly or unwillingly.

Sophia McKay
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Tarus Riley Drops New Single, Tells Daily Beast "Music Is Going Through A Change "

New York, April 12, 2021 - Known for his evolutionary sound, Taurus Riley is set to kick off the summer with his new single, "Just Like That", produced by DJ Frass Records. The single, which was released April 2nd, garnered solid streaming numbers via Apple music and on Apple US iTunes charts, has been receiving airplay on various mainstream stations in the US and UK.

Tarus Riley, known for his impressive catalogue, "Good Girl Gone Bad", "Lion Paw", soca track with Machel Montana "Memory", classic single "She's Royal" to his EDM hit with Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding "Powerful", is no stranger to hits as well as experimental sounds. "Just Like That", which is a fuse of dancehall and R&B flavour, has a groove, which will get females dancing and feeling beautiful at the same time.

In an article written by Pat Meschino titled, Are Jamaica's Biggest Stars Leaving Reggae Behind for Daily Beast, Tarrus Riley said "don't watch the tempo because I like doing new things. People are concerned with names, labels, trap, rap, hip-hop, dancehall, I can't bother with them things. I have always been doing different kinds of sounds and I will continue. Music is going through a change right now, people are blending and fusing, everybody wants to call it a name, but I just call it good music."

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Source: Destine Media 

Tribute Pours In As Toots Copped 2021 Grammys Plus Other Music News

The late Toots Hibbert is 2021 recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album and the tributes have once again started pouring in. Toots, "Got To Be Tough" album snatched the coveted prize over nominees, The Wailers, Buju Banton, Skip Marley, and Maxi Priest, at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, held March 14th, 2021. Freddie McGregor in his congratulatory post on Facebook said, "Toots my brother, you're a true Reggae icon, you've gone too soon! I wish you were still here to celebrate this great achievement with the Reggae community." 

In other posts/tributes, Steven Cat Coore wrote, "Yes my brother, for the FOUNDATION, for Jamaica, forEVER we love you." 

For Shaggy's post, he commented, "the only thing better would've been him (Toots) being here to collect and celebrate his win. Well deserved." 

From his Twitter page young Skip Marley tweeted, "Bless up Toots and the Maytals on di Grammy win. Di whole foundation of wah wi ah do now is thanks to dem man deh, dem pinnacles of reggae music. Nuh only reggae, blues, funk, soul, energy him bring, everything. Nobody nuh does di stage like Uncle Toots."  

In acknowledging the achievement a post from Toots and The Maytals Twitter page read, "Very honored to have Got To Be Tough win the Grammy for Best Reggae Album! A very special way to remember the legacy of Toots Hibbert! We are very grateful to everyone who helped make this happen." #Tootsforever

Both late great reggae icons Bunny Wailer and Toots Hibbert were acknowledged in a  Musical Remembrance tribute at the Grammy ceremony.

Popcaan Strikes Gold

Spotify's 2020 second most-streamed Jamaican Dancehall artiste Popcaan has another big milestone to celebrate certifying GOLD by the RIAA for I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)' by Jamie XX ft. Young Thug. Just three months into the new year and Andre 'Popcaan' Sutherland's career continue to strive on an impressive path that has lead to his success between 2008 and 2014 when he signed with Mixpak Records and released, Where We Come From album. Recently he gave us a surprising performance when he appeared at the Beres Hammond Virtual concert performing their single God Is Love and we watched Rihanna vibing to "Silence" one of his biggest tracks from Where We Come From album. 

Freddie McGregor Beres Hammond Marcia Griffiths & Beenie Man YGB Icon Hall Of Fame Inductees

In other news,  Veteran singers, Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor, Beenie Man, and Marcia Griffiths have been inducted into the Young, Gifted and Black (YGB) Caribbean Music Entertainment ICON Hall of Fame in New York in recognition of Black History Month 2021. Freddie McGregor on acknowledging the award said, "Once again, I am extremely gratified on receiving the 2021 Caribbean Icon Hall Of Fame Award from YGB."

Carl Gray, president YGB, said the ICON Hall Of Fame was established to memorialize trailblazing individuals in their roles as historical members of their culture and of society. Carl Gray founded the YGB awards in 2006 in honour of Black History Month, and since its inception, the awards program has grown in prominence and is now a civic event with significant importance in New York. The program attracts public and private sector leaders who have local, national, and global appeal. The awards provide peer-to-peer recognition of "Unsung Heroes & Heroines for the Talent, Ambition, and Achievements towards the Continued Pursuit of Success in hopes that their stories will inspire others towards achieving their goals.

Bounty Killer and Beenie Equity Stake after Verzuz

Both Beenie Man and Bounty Killer will benefit from the "Sale of Verzuz" the musical battle recreated by Swizz Beats and Timbaland during the pandemic that attracted millions of views across social media. According to reports, the Jamaican Dancehall icons are among 43 creatives with an equity stake in the Triller Network acquired by Swizz Beats and Timabaland's Verzuz Platform. 

The American ace producers have now become members of Triller Network management team but did not forget to show their appreciation for the artists that took part in the Verzuz battles and who helped them to build a successful and sought-after brand.

NIPnews

Bunny The Last of the Great Wailers Trio Has Died

The legendary Bunny Wailer, the last founding member of the Wailers trio, has transitioned. Legends in their own rights the Wailers, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer will be spoken of for eternity. As Jamaica and the worldwide reggae music industry mourns their loss, those left behind must now work to secure their legacies and carry on we must.

A generational shift is taking place during this pandemic, a whole generation has transitioned or is transitioning, including some great black leaders, motivators, inspirators, icons, role models, and legends as if sudden, or unprecedented. The years 2020 - 2021 have been like no other and although death is inevitable, waking up to the news of the passing of another as it unfolds deepens the sadness.

Born Neville Livingston on April 10th, 1947 in Nine Miles, St. Anns, and died at age 73 at the Medical Associates hospital in Kingston on Tuesday, March 3, 2021, Manager Maxine Stowe confirmed the ion's death (via the Jamaica Observer). While no cause of death was given, Bunny Wailer has been in and out of hospital since he suffered a stroke in 2020.

On behalf of the New Image Promotions family, we send condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the late reggae icon. Walk good sir and may your soul rest in peace R.I.P.

Written by: Sophia McKay

Inezi "Rise" With New Song

"Rise" is a powerhouse! Arguably one of the hardest roots-reggae tracks to hit the air-waves since the start of the year." Sophia McKay.

Since our first introduction, NIPnews has absolutely no doubt that roots-reggae singer Inezi is a force to be reckoned with and we've watched him grow, consistently putting out music that gets better with every new song. His first release in 2021 is a heavy-sounding, drum and bass, roots-reggae, and dub-wise track called, "Rise" produced by Switzerland-based producer Addis Records. The producer's authentic rhythm and Inezi's soft tone, oftentimes, melodious vocals synchronizes as he effectively speaks on several topical issues as well as offered solutions.

"Rise" is a powerhouse! Arguably one of the hardest roots-reggae tracks to hit the air-waves since the start of the year. Its heavy beat has already sparked flames among several sound-system deejays (see review below) and is the ultimate hardcore, social commentary type of song one listens to when driving on the highway. The level of consciousness on this track makes it a hit in this writer's view, forcefully yet pleasant on the ears. 

Unity Sound Review "Big Tune or Big Flop"

Inezi is known for songs like Roots and Culture produced by Teflon Zincfence, Straight Away on the New Vision One Record label, Music is Life, produced by Pon Di Corners Records and Gold Mind Production, and Sorry Fah also produced by Addis Records.