Sandy Star “Leave The Door
Open” For A Comeback Wednesday, November 10, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES After a long hiatus from the music scene, Jamaican songstress Sandy Star has made a comeback with a Reggae cover of the Bruno Mars hit, “Leave The Door Open”.
The Spanish Town-born, Duhaney Park-raised singer, Ava Hayles, left a distinguishing mark on the Dancehall and Reggae industry with her hit track, “Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love (You Boy)” on the Taxi Riddim, a version produced by her uncle Dennis “Star” Hayles in 1990, before her 18th birthday. Most people thought she was a one-hit wonder but due to her age at the time and lack of knowledge about the business, Sandy was unaware of the impact her song was having on the public. Even to this day, many do not know that Sandy Star is the singer behind the megahit.
In October of 2021, Sandy was thrust into the spotlight when she went on Instagram Live to dispel the lies told by her former colleague and friend, Macka Diamond about her “abuse”. However, despite the disbelief of Sandy’s side of the story especially by Macka Diamond supporters, Sandy managed to sift through the clout and hold on to her composure, while using the opportunity to put it out there that she’s still doing music with a huge catalog to show for it.
These happenings garnered several online interviews including ones by DJ Tygga Ty on The Beat 105.5 FM in Rochester, New York and DJ Yagga on his Women Crushing Wednesday (WCW) program which broadcasted live on Clubhouse and a rebroadcast on Urban Tropics via jahknoradio.com. Her music has also been placed in several rotations especially by Stereo Freeze on Radio RaBe in Switzerland. Sandy Star has a plethora of cover songs in the works done on classic foundation Reggae beats, with plans to release them on a mixtape. “Leave The Door Open” was recorded on the Gunman Riddim and mixed by her brother, DJ Ali Patch, who also did the artwork. Released in September 2021 as a single that is not for sale, the track is available for free download via her manager/PR and sister, Lesley Hayles, who says that so far, it is most popular among European DJs. She states that the purpose of these songs and the mixtape is to show the vocal range and capabilities of Sandy Star.
Follow Sandy Star on Instagram here: @original__sandystar Listen to “Leave The Door Open” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ Wz709peCZgk Email Lesley Hayles at lesleyodyssey@outlook.com for a free promo download of “Leave The Door Open” and other Sandy Star tracks.
Zazzi Flames Shows His “Star Quality” With New EP Sunday, October 3, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES Two years after the release of his first EP, Living Out Your Dream, Zazzi Flames dropped his second, Star Quality. Given name, Nugent Whyte, the Saint Elizabeth-based recording artiste has recaptured the attention of his fans and gained more with the 4-track Dancehall/Reggae compilation.
Star Quality starts off with “Dem Alone Talk Tuff”, an up-tempo Dancehall track about persons who can only talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. Next is “Bannet”, a sexually explicit ode to his favorites: women and cannabis. “Really And Truly” is third on the EP and is more on the Reggae side. It’s a love song for a special woman in his life. The final track and the first single that’s currently being pushed, “Star In A Real Life”, exposes Zazzi Flames for the star he really is as he literally brags about his “Star Quality”.
The EP was produced by FrassOut Records and Zazzi Flames himself, releasing under the FrassOut Records label. It was distributed by Hapilos and was made available on all major platforms since October 5, 2021.
Zazzi Flames says he likes working with FrassOut Records and with neither of them not ones to waste any time, the third EP is already in the works.
Zazzi Flames on all social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook): @zazziflames
Subscribe to Zazzi Flames on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvEGfwtBLizJQgS8BBCzJDQ Purchase “Star Quality” EP here: https://music.apple.com/jm/album/star-quality-ep/1588765907
Zazzi Flames on Apple Music/iTunes: https://music.apple.com/jm/artist/zazzi-flames/1588765918
About: KELLARD THA LYRICIST Tuesday, November 9, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES Born Kellan Harding in Hanover, Jamaica, Kelard Tha Lyricist grew up in a Christian household and would mainly hear music of world when he went to the corner shop or city in taxis and buses. Though at the time he was not fussy about music nor being an artist, something eventually invoked a feeling in him since primary school.
Kelard migrated to Canada in 1990 at age 9 with his mother and 2 siblings, where the rest of his knowledge and education was accomplished. Being in a new environment now exposed him to a plethora of unfamiliar sounds, strange lingoes and new genres such as Rap, Rock, R&B and Pop. Kelard made friends who had an interest in the Rap culture. Out of mere curiosity, he started listening to Hip-Hop and was instantly a fan of the genre. With such artistes as Ice Cube, Snoop Dog, MC Hammer, Nas, Tupac, Biggie Smalls, LL cool J, Ghostface Killah, Scarface, Jay-Z and others.
Dancehall wasn’t prominent in his circle so Kelard didn’t have much access to the culture unless it was at a BBQ or some kind of Jamaican family gathering. His stepfather migrated to Canada a few years later, bringing with him cassettes of the sound systems at various events in the Dancehall. This reintroduced Kelard to the roots of his culture. He instantly reacquainted himself with the artistes of old and was introduced to the new ones such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Shabba Ranks, Ninja Man and others, then later on to Baby Cham, Lexxus, Spragga Benz, Scare Dem Crew and Mad Cobra.
2018 saw Kelard on a local talent scouting show called Buss – The Canadian Showcase, where he did very well and was pegged as someone to look out for. He performed on other shows and kept building his name and following. Kelard released the songs “Seduction”, “Birth Right” and “Weh Mi Do Them”, with his first video for Gaga Productions.
When COVID hit in 2020, Kelard wasted no time, taking it as a sign to go into solitude and re-calibrate. He recorded 2 collaborations with another Toronto artiste, Planky, called “Top Choppa” and “Street Craft”. Later that year, Kelard also released another song titled “Hustle Hard” for Planky’s Strike 1 Production label along with a few videos. He also collaborated with multifaceted singer/producer/songwriter Black Orchid to do a steamy, sensual song called “Show Yuh”. Kelard, Planky and Black Orchid performed virtually on Buss and were a crowd favorite. This set the tone for 2020, ready to take 2021 by storm.
Kelard registered an indie record label and publishing house, Idiosyncratic Muzyk Inc., with his business partner, Magna Huratio, signing himself and released “Wave”, his first song under their label, boasting their styles and lyrical dexterity. Kelard released the video for “Show Yuh” with Black Orchid and was an instant fan favorite. He followed up with “Set Mi Up”, produced by DJ Laasco.
Kelard will close 2021 with the release of another single, “Real G’z”, with golden voice singer, Dipherence, which speaks about the murdering of friends and the emptiness that is left behind after they’ve departed. This one aims to be an instant anthem for those who can relate.
Kelard Tha Lyricist shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. His career is actually finally in a great position and he wants capitalize on it.
Follow Kelard Tha Lyricist on social media Instagram: kelard_lyricist Facebook: Kelard Tha Lyricist
Canada-based Artistes, Kelard Tha Lyricist & Dipherence, are
“Real G’z”
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES Jamaican-Canadian Dancehall artiste, Kelard Tha Lyricist, teamed up with fellow compatriot Dipherence, a long-time colleague and singer in the business, on a single called “Real G’z”. The track is about the violent loss of a friend and the emptiness it caused.
Produced by Christopher “Dmaestro” Grant of Dmaestro Beatz, “Real G’z” was released on November 11, 2021 at 11am. The date and time were deliberate as the world celebrated Remembrance Day, at the 11th hour, and "Real G’z” being Kelard’s 11th song he’s released: the 11th song at
Dmaestro had sent the beat to Kelard through his engineer, Don One. Sitting on the beat for a while, Kelard knew what he wanted the song to be about for over 2 years but couldn’t find the right words to satisfy the message he was trying to bring across in a deep way that he knew would resonate with people.
A mutual friend suggested that Kelard should do the song with Dipherence. Kelard reached out and they linked up in the studio. Within 2 minutes, the first verse was written, tears flowing down his cheeks, with all kinds of emotions coursing through his body as he reminisces on the family and friends he’s lost. After losing friends in 2005 and again in 2018 to gun violence, the events rocked Kelard to the core as the latter is an unsolved murder to this day. This he mentions in the second verse. Kelard also drew on the experiences of others around him. Dipherence came up with the hook and upon completion of the entire track, Kelard instantly knew it was going to be a hit relatable to all. This encounter also proved positive as it garnered a close-knit relationship between the 2 artistes, manifesting into other projects in the works.
So far, “Real G’z” is receiving massive airplay in Canada and Jamaica: ZJ Bruce Lee on Zip FM, Zabrick on Roots FM and SJ Weedsead on Suncity FM, as well as gaining traction in Toronto on several mixtapes with the official audio on YouTube picking up over 100 views within the first hour of release, which Kelard is proud of as an upcoming artiste. A video will be shot in various locations around Toronto.
Kelard is also celebrating his 500th spin in Australia for his song called “Show Yuh” with Black Orchid. With everything falling into place, Kelard expects nothing but greatness from here on and expresses extreme gratitude for the moment, those who have played “Real G’z” and his fans who show him so much love and support.
“Real G’z” is out now on all major platforms. For promo download, DJs can contact Kelard’s PR, Lesley Hayles, via email here.
Purchase “Real G’z” on iTunes here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/real-gz-feat-dipherence-single/1594770863 Listen to “Real G’z” on YouTube and Spotify here: https://youtu.be/g4Klg7eXNbc https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W6VgsfFEQ0sHFr2N0gJrn?si=upsbEj7BSS6CQNWYhY06SA
Xyclone & Skillibeng Tops USA iTunes Charts – Great day for Dancehall Friday, October 15, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES
Imagine this: Cardi B throws a Dancehall party for her birthday in Los Angeles, Safaree promotes Coote Boss’ Rifle Walk dance move in Miami, including at the Best Of The Best stage show, then boom! Xyclone and Skillibeng tops the iTunes charts in the USA! What a week!
It was the week of Columbus Day in America, and Dancehall was placed on the map but it was on Friday, October 15th, that the week closed out on a high. Not one, but two international artistes dropped two albums on D-Day and won. Dancehall took another leap into the stratosphere as these recording artistes made history with chart-topping success.
Xyclone and Skillibeng each released an album but it was the Congress Society artiste, Xyclone, who finished the day on top. Many would seem surprised but it’s not the first number 1 placement for the artist. Xyclone has charted every year since his second album,
Don’t think Skillibeng’s album is one to be downplayed. The highly anticipated “Crocodile Teeth LP” is definitely one to get for any Dancehall lover. With the expected explicit and sexually charged content that is synonymous to the artiste, it’s a hit for all his fans.
The charts were closely watched over the weekend and in the coming weeks to see who will remain on top. No matter who stays, the motive was achieved: Dancehall Can't Stall!
Follow Xyclone on social media for updates: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/xycloneofficial Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/xyclonemusicredsq Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/xycloneredsq YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/xyclonevevo
Support Xyclone on streaming media outlets: iTunes – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/xyclone/286138097 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MahnQmv4JAYFE5eUTliDI Amazon Music – https://music.amazon.co.uk/artists/B001GT0XHY/xyclone Tidal – https://tidal.com/artist/4750485
The Sounds of South America by Xyclone https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sounds-of-south-america/1588423888
Xyclone Scores Sixth Number One Album Xyclone tops the USA iTunes charts, again!
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES Xyclone tops the iTunes charts in the USA! Dancehall was placed on the map on Friday, October 15th, a great day for Dancehall, closing Columbus Day week on a high. The international artiste dropped an album, “The Sounds Of South America”, and won. Dancehall took another leap into the stratosphere as Xyclone made history with chart-topping success.
Skillibeng had also released an album on that day but it was the Congress Society artiste who finished on top and is still above the Crocodile Teeth artiste to this day. Many would seem surprised but it’s not the first number 1 placement for the artiste. Xyclone has charted every year since his second album, "From The Basement To The Big Leagues", in 2016. Now, with "The Sounds Of South America", Xyclone has continued his upward trend towards the “big leagues”.
Dropping his 7th studio album which debuted at number 1 on iTunes and stayed there for 4 days straight, Xyclone later grabbed the number 1 spot on Amazon as well. The Dancehall/Reggae artiste also charted in the UK, debuting at number 4 on the iTunes Charts there, but most impressively, “The Sounds Of South America” peaked at number 27 on the USA top 200 albums on iTunes. With over 50,000 streams on Spotify alone within the first week, Xyclone has high aspirations for this album. Xyclone now eyes the Billboard Reggae Charts, aiming for the
On the same day, Xyclone also released a video for his lead single “It’s You That I Need” that was produced by the legendary Bobby Konders of Massive B and remixed by Willy Chin from the Grammy winning group Black Chiney. The song has seen thousands of views in its first few days and is a popular trend among Jamaican TikTok-ers.
Follow Xyclone on social media for updates: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/xycloneofficial Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/xyclonemusicredsq Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/xycloneredsq
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/xyclonevevo
Support Xyclone on streaming media outlets: iTunes – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/xyclone/286138097 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MahnQmv4JAYFE5eUTliDI Amazon Music – https://music.amazon.co.uk/artists/B001GT0XHY/xyclone Tidal – https://tidal.com/artist/4750485
The Sounds of South America by Xyclone https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sounds-of-south-america/1588423888
New York-based Producer, Ricky Peela From Peela Productions, Tops US iTunes Charts With Xyclone’s New Album Friday, October 15, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES The album “The Sounds Of South America” by international Dancehall recording artiste, Xyclone, debuted at number 1 on the day of its release, October 15th, 2021. Ricky Peela, the producer and owner of Peela Productions was pleased about this news, as “Realness”, a track with Xyclone and Amlak RedSquare is a production of his that was placed on the chart-topping album. The New York-based producer had high hopes for the song and even anticipated the album’s success on the iTunes Reggae Charts. Born Ricardo Grant in Kingston, Jamaica, Ricky Peela began producing in 2006. He has worked with
Luciano, Lukie D, Ras Charmer, Ras Myrhdak, Fyakin, Erup, Amlak RedSquare, Briggy Benz, Devonte, Wasp, Screechie Dan, Devin Di Dakta, Pastor Son, Star Cole, Kalado and more. His record label, Peela Productions, is based in New York. The link with Xyclone all started from 2012 when Peela met him in New York. Peela introduced himself to Xyclone as a producer who worked with various artistes. At that time, Xyclone was a young and promising artiste, while Peela was working on his third rhythm compilation. There was the need to have Xyclone on the project and he never hesitated. Originally, Peela had sent the “Realness” instrumental to Amlak RedSquare to record on, who came up with the idea to collaborate with Xyclone as a main artiste on the track as well. Anyone who listens to the song, knows that it speaks for itself. All age groups can listen to it and almost everyone can relate to the lyrics. Personally, Peela thinks it’s one of the best songs he’s produced, if not the best. When asked what was his reaction when he found out that his production will be on a charting artiste’s album, Peela responded, “It’s a tremendous feeling in regards to this huge accomplishment, one that I am truly grateful for. I knew that the song would have found a spot on Xyclone’s album, “The Sounds Of South America”, because the song is worthy of its place.” Knowing beforehand that the album is a potential number 1 success, Peela plans to secure his place in the business. The meditation from day one shows that his place is already secured from the moment he decided to start producing music. Peela just needs to continue releasing music professionally, maintaining a good business plan, partnering with an excellent marketing team and live with the results to come. The world will decide. Basically, Peela is aiming to get people to notice his production and to make it stand out on the album. The collaboration was a great opportunity to act on, knowing that Xyclone is widely known as a successful Dancehall artiste and Amlak RedSquare from the Reggae genre, having both of them on a unique Reggae beat equals magic.
Peela hopes to gain from the success of Xyclone’s album. It is just the right opportunity to give other producers and musicians the motivation to never give up on chasing their musical dreams. “Where there is a will there is always a way and slow progress is better than no progress,” said the inspirational Peela. Currently, many more projects are in the works and will be released in a timely manner. This is not the first nor the second song Peela has done with Xyclone and he emphatically stated that it definitely won’t be the last. The chemistry is there to stay. Contact and music links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peelaproductions/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/peelaproductions Twitter: https://twitter.com/peelaproduction YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/Peelaproductions SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/peelaproductions Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/peela-productions
REALNESS on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/realness/1588423888?i=1588424326
Lesley Hayles Rides The South American Wave Sunday, November 28, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES Jamaican female entertainment manager, Lesley Hayles, has ventured into the South American market by teaming up with Chilean Reggae superstars, Balaguero and MC Dealer, on a her latest production titled “Ride Me Mami”, slated to be apart of the second compilation of the Ride Me Riddim album.
Hayles had previously released the rhythm compilation on her birthday of November 2020, her first ever try at producing. It featured Jamaica-based Ganggoolie and two upcoming artists, Star Stain and 1Leedah, with the remainder being based in the United States; Lajik from New Jersey, as well as the only two females, Mzs Quanny from Pennsylvania and Sandy Star, Hayles’ big sister, now based in New York. The title track performed by Mzs Quanny, “Ride Me”, was written by Hayles, also a first for her.
Now, poised for her second release, Hayles is anticipating “Ride Me Mami”, a single from the Ride Me Riddim Part 2, set for a date in December 2021. The track sees Balaguero as the main artiste featuring his compatriot from Chile, MC Dealer. “Ride Me Mami” is produced by Hayles for her Lesley Hayles Music label and is co-produced alongside her little brother, DJ Ali Patch. This version of the track, however, was mixed and mastered by Dee Master from Colombia, known for his role on “Percolate It” off Xyclone’s chart-topping album The Sounds Of South America.
Though classified as a Dancehall track, the lyrics are in Spanish, hence the appeal towards speakers of the language and lovers of Reggaeton. A lyric video was upload to Hayles’ YouTube channel on November 28, 2021 as well as the official audio. DJs can contact Hayles via email for a promo download of the song here. “Ride Me Mami” is just a smidgen of what is to come from Lesley Hayles Music. The song can be previewed on YouTube here: Official audio https://youtu.be/XKerUm-rD68 Lyric video https://youtu.be/yK9xrzW8lQ4
Follow Lesley Hayles Music, Like, Subscribe and Share https://www.facebook.com/lesleyodyssey https://www.twitter.com/lesleyhaylesmus https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeM2P3Ha_parCiscz5MUHzg https://open.spotify.com/artist/08J1k3SPswiIfRm3MhJfuq?si=G9FaLtEaQC2DeUWgmv7rvQ https://www.instagram.com/lesleyhaylesmusic https://www.soundcloud.com/lesleyhaylesmusic https://classic.onerpm.com/lesleyhaylesmusic “Ride Me Mami” Pre-Save link https://onerpm.link/286921840360
Jinyus Gains Attention of International Stars Tuesday, November 30, 2021 By LESLEY HAYLES Underground Dancehall prodigy and songwriter, Jinyus, says he is confident that his next EP, has what it takes to earn him a Grammy nod next year. With all the attention he’s received in 2021 with his current EP, “Yuh Zimi”, it would not come as a surprise if he did. The Portmore native is now based in New York and has always been known for his freestyles and witty word plays. This somehow gained the attention of some very popular American superstars, including 8-time Grammy-winning producer, Scott Storch. Storch co-produced the first single from the “Yuh Zimi” EP called “Welcome To Jamaica” in collaboration with SOS Dynamiks, a Jamaican Grammy-winning producer, alongside JJ Wizzle, a DJ and upcoming producer currently making waves on the Dancehall scene. Storch passed the finished product to his celebrity friends who praised Jinyus for his creativity and contacted the artiste via Instagram. In May 2021, Jinyus even managed to grab the attention of 2-time Grammy nominated rap superstar, The Game, who said that his music was fire, in the following screenshot Jinyus posted on Instagram. In the Direct Message, The Game can be seen saying, "Saw u & Scott Storch put in work I can see why bro ya sh** fire". Others have also been reaching out to the young songwriter to tell him how much they love his work.
Comedian/actor, DC Young Fly from Wild ‘N’ Out fame, offered some free advice to Jinyus in July but complimented him on his hard and talent level. “Yo u go in, u just need the push imma be honest with u. The views don’t match up to the talent level….” Then in August, Uncle Murda, a rapper known for his 2018 hit single “Get The Strap”, now turned actor on the Netflix movie, Reprisal, and who also just visited Jamaica this past October, noticed the work Jinyus was putting in and messaged him to hopefully help Jinyus get some plays: “Yo. What’s up gang I see u working what you got coming out?! I got a few plays I want to put you on.”
Other songs on the “Yuh Zimi” EP were produced by newcomers KLJ Productions and KwanKussion Records out of Maryland. It was released independently under his label, Jinyus Music, on all major streaming platforms and on his birthday, September 12, 2021. Follow Jinyus on Instagram: @jinyus
“Yuh Zimi” EP purchase and streaming links: hyperurl.co/0h8xjw