Sound Trooper Makes Radio Debut

Sound Trooper

Famed Dancehall selector Sound Trooper formerly Ricky Trooper has officially joined the Sound Chat Radio Network, adding radio personality to his growing list of accomplishments.  Trooper's Monday, March 2 debut on the Irish and Chin owned radio network in New York made history, as listenership peaked, reaching an all-time high.  The iconic sound man did exactly what he is famous for, setting his own trend by playing the music his way. Free from hype and every day selections, the massive listening audience loved every minute of Trooper's new show.

"Ricky Trooper is a major contributor to sound system culture and is undeniably responsible for a lot of today's talent, says Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin" a release stated.  "In order for the sound culture to regain it's foothold and well deserved respect, Ricky Trooper is needed...we are glad to have the honour of presenting him on Sound Chat Radio. He is a great fit."

Trooper radio debut does not come as a surprise as Dancehall fans have been abuzz ever since it was announced he would join the station. The syndicated show streams from irishandchin.com every Monday from 10pm - 12am EST.

Ricky Trooper boasts a legendary sound clash career in the Dancehall entertainment industry, which matriculated on the world renowned Kilamanjaro sound system and later his own effort, Sound Trooper. He has competed against and defeated the best of his opponents in Dancehall clashes.  

The Sound Chat Radio Network offers listeners 24-hour sound system driven radio programming. The network boasts some of the sound industry's biggest names and its eponymous talk program with hosts Garfield "Chin" Bourne and Rohan "Ninja" Henry, along with other select programs, is syndicated on more that 20 traditional and Internet radio stations worldwide.

#NIPnews

Dancehall Artiste Assassin labeled 'Dancehall's crossover king' after being featured on Kanye West and Kendrick Llamar songs

Assassin aka Agent Sasco

"Neither Vybz Kartel nor Mavado, the definitive dancehall deejays of the last 10 years, can boasts appearances on projects as high-profile as Yeezus or Kendricks as-yet un-titled sophomore LP....."

Writer Jessie Serwer published a very enlightening piece about one of Jamaican Dancehall most talented, focused, persistent and conscious artiste on fader.com headed, Why Kanye West and Kendrick Llamar keep putting Assassin on their songs."
Character Breakdown
The piece which describes 'Assassin' also known as 'Agent Sasco' as 'Dancehall's newest crossover king' begins with what seems like a clarification of the name Assassin, known for signing his songs with catchphrase "Ah Murda!" and drew comparisons between the character and other Dancehall characters, his career is notably slim on the controversies and clashes that litter the resumes of colleagues from Beenie Man to Busy Signal. It also outlay a distinction between the alias name Assassin and Jeffrey Etham Campbell, one of few college graduates working in dancehall; and a dad who from his instagram posts, ....his three kids are adorable and he seems like a really great dad.

Admirable Skill and Work Ethics
"He's committed to his work and organized" the piece quoted manager Sharon Burke as saying about Assassin and in regards to his records the piece reports, though, Assassin's voice cut through riddims with a force befitting his name. His rugged flow ---a big, booming, Buju Banton sort of beast ----and appointed, observational lyrics have made him a staple, if not an outright star, of Jamaica's dancehall scene since the early 2000s...

On Assassin's sound, "Assassin has one of the most amazing voices in music" Serwer wrote. Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall, a friend and collaborator, told me by email, "Me and Bunji Garlin always say how his voice is just unfair, because when he opens his mouth, it's like the whole earth shake."

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait
On the collaborations that have now brought about international scrutiny of Assassin, Serwer wrote; For Assassin, an artist who'd laboured for years in dancehall's trenches with little recognition from the wider music market, the features have been game changing...Neither Vybz Kartel nor Mavado, the definitive dancehall deejays of the last 10 years, can boasts appearances on projects as high-profile as Yeezus or Kendricks as-yet un-titled sophomore LP.  "They (John Baker/Producer Geejam studios) were reaching out to some of the local artistes to lay some stuff down and they would take it back to Kanye" Assassin told Serwer.  "I did some verses here and a chorus here, and I was helping other local artistes who were there put verses together.  I was looking at it as an opportunity for Dancehall, and all music and not there to represent me" he concluded. The rest is history, Assassin would meet Kanye December 2014 when he was introduced to him by event producer Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins and they took a picture.

Though yet to meet Kendrick, Serwer wrote; Kendricks fans may soon be able to put a face to the voice on " The Blacker The Berry " which has become, "an explosive statement on race relations and personal hypocrisy sure to be relevant for years to come..." Kendrick's team has indicated plans to include Assassin in the song's video.

No man is an army
While the Kanye and Kendrick cameos have doubtlessly raised Assassin's profile, it's worth noting that he is not acknowledged as a featured artiste on official releases of either record, leaving it to dancehall fans and astute observers to note and celebrate his role in each.

Assassin the Optimist
Curious for his take on his new found recognition (and occasional lack there of) Serwer quote a telephone conversation where Assassin said, "I can only think about all the good things."  "There is so much great intent in these developments that I can't even see a negative...." Further to that conversation Assassin made it clear that, "controversy sells, but I'm not trying to sell controversy. I'm just trying to do the music that I love, and I hope that my contribution to this artform can help it to continue to move forward."

Rebranding Important to SEO-friendly browsing
Assassin is in a unique position among veteran Dancehall artistes to rebrand himself, and, perhaps his genre. And his occasional use of SEO-friendly Agent Sasco could afford him some freedom to find his place.

To read the full publication click Why Kanye West and Kendrick Llamar keep putting Assassin on their songs

#NIPnews

Protoge's "Ancient Future" album out now

Protoge has released a brand new album entitled 'Ancient Future' that is already receiving great reviews across the Reggae entertainment industry worldwide. The 11 track project is produced by Winta James for Overstand Entertainment and Protoje's own In.Digg.Nation label. Featured tracks includes opener, Protection featuring Mortimer, Bubblin, a tune that perfectly captures the concept of Ancient Future. Originally released by Zap Pow in 1978 and contains a chorus sample of Beres Hammond (Reggaeville review), Criminal, Who Knows featuring Chronixx, Stylin, Love Gone Cold, Sudden Flight featuring Sevana and Jesse Royal, All Will Have to Change, Who Can You Call, Answer To Your Name and closing track The Flame featuring Kabaka Pyramid.

The album is really good and identifies with Protoje.  Check out Gardy Stein-Kanjora's review Protoje is one of the few modern story tellers who deserves to be called a Griot on Reggaeville that describe in a nutshell, the body of work on the album as, "What becomes clear is that the present round, feels like a homecoming, like the way his music is supposed to sound like." NIPnews draw the same conclusion, 'Ancient Future' is definitely a good collection for reggae music lovers. Be sure to download a copy!  

Congratulations are also in order for Reggaeville having voted Best Website for the fourth year in a row by Riddim Magazine Readers Poll 2014.  Congratulations also goes out to Protoje also won in the poll, 
#1 International Artiste
#1 International Song - Who Knows ft. Chronixx
#1 Best Live Act
#3 Best Music Video - Who Knows ft. Chronixx

Check out the tweets below regarding the album from fans who has been listening over and over....

RT @gibbopresents: Playing #AncientFuture real loud this morning @Protoje @overstand_JA@lornavbennett https://t.co/4sCCdF15vR

3 hours ago

RT @Khaos_Music: @protoje this album is very solid. Thank you for sharing! #AncientFurturehttp://t.co/itnaLdF3Dt

3 hours ago

RT @WattaSage: Mista @Protoje is killin it Congratulations on being number one reggae!! RASTAFARI! i&i

3 hours ago

RT @JuniorRodigan: EVERYTHIN u heard about the new @Protoje album #AncientFuture being WICKED is TRUE & then some. Congratulations Protoje & @overstand_JA #WOW

#NIPnews

Moods - Insta Hot Picks

"Our Insta Hot Picks this week was inspired by reflections, different mood of some of our favourite artistes as they go about their daily routine.  Artistes are some of the most persistent people plus there is a lesson to be learned from everything around us so lets take a look at some posts and captions and in your own reflection see if there's anything you can take from it, see if it had any effect on your mood today."

#EnjoyDoingWhatYouLove - "Oh my God another video!!! One might ask what's there to learn about Busy Signal's pics and our answer is, Attitute.  Oh how we love those red bottoms too! Our first reaction to this post was a very broad smile you know the type that have you thinking #turnup yup, which would have changed our mood right? But interestingly we questioned his lil scheme, like what is he really up to? These shots were taken from yet another an un-named video shoot which marked several over the past weeks.  Is Busy Signal planning to drop a 'video-album?' he stay quiet but lets wait and see.

#OhWhatASmileCanDo - Isn't she lovely?  This pics of Samantha J is like a ray of light that brightens up your day.  Simple but lovely no words needed.

#TenderHeart - Jah Cure got us like Awe-zzzz ...feeding this 'goat kid' the caption got us saying even more awe-zzzz too "I love Jah's creation. Every living creature he made is perfect and deserving of our love #LifeWeLive

#SmilingBountyKiller - Truth is, when you see Bounty Killer smiles this much in a photo, go buy the lotto it's a winning smile.

#BeInspired - Iba Mahr is one interesting character which is why we stay following him. Its the little things that reminds us of the good ole days so of course we were brought back to that moment in time when mama use to dress us, what was/is your favourite style and fashion? Well this is what Iba Mahr thinks #DiamondSox with #arrowshirt and #MeshMerino is not a melodic reggae/dancehall single but it's also how we carry ourselves! picking up from my Daddy #GlendonGreaves and Grandpa #VincentGreaves #Roots

#NIPnews

Shaggy Enters Top 40 with I Need Your Love

Shaggy is back and enters the Top 40 at #39 with "I Need Your Love," featuring Mohombi. The Diamond selling, Grammy winning recording artiste and Philanthropist who is known for massive hit songs such as Oh Caroline, "Boombastic", "It Wasn't Me," "Angel" and more acknowledges the chart entry on IG with a post captioned "Great job' much luv goes out to my team for the hard work! #INeedYourLove #ranchent #bklynknights #ralsony.

Currently receiving over 20 million views on YouTube, "I Need Your Love" featuring Mohombi, Faydee and Costi is yet another master piece by one of Jamaica's most successful artistes to date. Congratulations Shaggy!

Enjoy watching "I Need Your Love" video here:-

#NIPnews