NOVEMBER 2011 | L3MAGAZINE.COM TWITTER.COM/L3MAGAZINE | FACEBOOK.COM/L3MAGAZINE | MYSPACE.COM/L3MAGAZINE | YOUTUBE.COM/L3MAGAZINE
WANYE WONDER
Alison Hinds
STEPPING OUT...PON DEM
KID FAMOUS ROAD TO CENTRE STAGE TOP FALL BEAUTY & FASHION TRENDS MUSIC REVIEWS
DAMIAN ‘JR. GONG’ MARLEY FAZE BETTY WRIGHT AND MORE!
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN
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WELCOME LETTER FROM THE EDITOR LIFE LOVE LYRICS
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L3 had the honor of talking to the Caribbean Queen, Alison Hinds!
L3 has a heart-to-heart with Toronto’s talented, Kid Famous and what’s next on his journey.
L3 sits down with none other than Wanye Wonder!
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W E L C O M E D E S T I N AT I O N N E X T
A PRIVATE SCHOOL GLORIA WILSON GOMEZ EDITED BY E. BADOVINAC
Theatre Arts! An aspect of Caribbean culture that is becoming more prominent in the North America’s is Theatre Arts. Every island across the Caribbean has programs promoting the rich and diverse landscape of its unique theatre programs. We happened to come across a small production that we found so funny, we had to share it with our readers. To enhance your appreciation of theatre, the story is shared in script format meaning it includes direction, so you read what the actors read when rehearsing for performance. The play continues from last month’s 2nd installment where Granny confronts Mr. Foolie about his willingness to be run by foreigners who have a controlling interest in his Private School. The last question she asked the principal last month was ‘where he’s running to when ‘they’ ring the bell!’
Granny:
Now let me get one thing straight. Yuh mean some foreign dollas in dis yah school?
Mr. Foolie:
O’Neil. What do you think of your school? Tell Mrs. Grundge.
O’Neil:
Kingston Private is the best school in the world. I believe that every student should attend this school, not just the bright ones but the um, ah…. This school gives us the opportunity to compete in all intellectual events in the world. This is my stepping stone to Oxford and a great career. I am proud and grateful to be here.
Mr. Foolie:
Well said. I couldn’t have said it better myself (said in an English accent).
Granny:
Bravo tuh you sah. How comes yuh accent change so? Miss Sassy deh pan yuh mind?
O’Neil:
Miss Sassy is a beautiful Lady Ma’am. She has our education at heart. She looks as if she has plenty of money.
Mr. Foolie:
Mrs. Grundge, why don’t you stay and listen to what Miss Sassy has to say? Maybe she might convince you to see how important this school is. You’ll probably have a better idea why we want to have the students look, behave and think a certain way.
Granny settles in her chair. Granny:
Mek mih tell yuh bwoy … me know Sassy. Me know Sassy an ah change Sassy nappy from since she was a baby. Me work dese fingas to dih bone inna Sassy Grandfadda kitchen (Granny reminisces). Ole Mr. Montgomery was a good sportsman. Him can play all kind ah sport. Hay!
flowas in dih garden an red and peach hibiscus ah move when dih breeze ah blow … an den Mr. Monte scores six runs... Granny looks composed and tranquil. Miss Curious rushes into the room. Miss Curious: Miss Sassy is here, Miss Sassy is here. Granny:
Calm down - stop behave like God ah come. Cho!
Miss Curious: That woman bothers me. Do you know what Miss Sassy is like when she comes to this school? She puts on all the fine airs of an English Lady. She expects us to cater to all of her whims. It’s “bring me this, bring me that, fan me, I’m too warm. I will never get used to this weather.” When she’s finished hemming and hawing, she says “bring me a pot of tea and make sure the pot is hot before you brew it. And when you butter the scones, please do not lick your fingers because its bad manners and I don’t want to catch anything.” And if that’s not enough, while I am buttering the fresh scones from Mr. Cutter’s Bakery and brewing the tea, she sits on her tushies and gets into my private life. She calls out “Betty, how is that young handsome Anglican minister doing? They are allowed to marry you know. I noticed that he was showing some interest in you at the conference last year.” Lord, I’d love to shut this woman up. O’Neil:
Don’t you like Miss Sassy?
Miss Curious: Of course I like Miss Sassy, but you are far too young to understand the likes of these people (the last part said under her breath). Some of them can send you straight to the bottle.
O’Neil:
Did he play cricket? I heard the West Indies always had good cricket teams.
Mr. Foolie is sitting at his desk, listening but pretends to not hear anything.
Granny:
Yes bwoy. An ah me tek wata fih dih playas all day inna dih hot hot sun, boiling hot Jamaica sun. When dih sun beat mih too much, mih siddung unda one big tree (Granny reminisces again). Big white houses wid beautiful flowas
O’Neil:
Do you drink Miss? I hope not. Statistics prove that alcohol taken over a long period of time adversely affects the liver. (he pauses). Miss, the last time Miss Sassy was here she promised to bring….
Mr. Foolie:
Oh? (He raises his hand in disbelief to think that O’Neil had a conversation with Miss Sassy.)
Mr. Foolie:
O’Neil:
Well Sir …
Miss Curious gives Mr. Foolie a dirty look.
Bogo comes rushing over to O’Neil. Bogo:
Bogo:
Two sah! One for me, one for you!
Mr. Foolie:
Yes, I heard that Miss Sassy has two exchange students. Are those the two you are talking about? I don’t believe Miss Sassy would have promised…. (O’Neil cuts off Mr. Foolie)
O’Neil:
Mr. Foolie: Granny:
No Sir. She promised us some information on the exchange program in Canada. I’m sorry Sir I didn’t have a chance to complete my sentence. I don’t want you young men getting any notions. There is enough time for that nonsense. Me love dih nonsense, especially when nonsense is looking me right in mih eye.
Granny looks at Mr. Foolie and he looks away. Suddenly a bell is heard and a door is slammed shut. A well dressed man enters accompanied by Miss Sassy and two Caucasian girls. The man seems to stand guard over the three women. Mr. Foolie rises from his chair and greets them. Mr. Foolie:
Miss Curious:
By all means Sir (turning to Miss Sassy) Oh, Miss Sassy, how was your trip in the morning? Was it good? It’s great to see you after all these months. You are the picture of good health and you have not gained an ounce (Sassy smiles).
Miss Sassy:
The trip was fine, just fine (she replies glancing at the well dressed man. She then changes the topic abruptly). This is Malcolm Burnhill and these are my two foreign students from Canada, Sasparilla and Jeanette. They are smart and beautiful, aren’t they?
Miss Curious:
Beautiful, yes. Smart, well, we have to see (Miss Curious smiles mischievously).
Granny:
Sometime too smart fih dem owna good.
Excuse me Sir, may I have a word with O’Neil? Here comes Miss Sassy and company. Dem nice!
O’Neil looks at Bogo and gestures ‘two’ with his fingers and they both smile.
Good fine day to you Miss Sassy, and to your beautiful companions, and to you too Sir!
Mr. Foolie was not as polite to the man as he was to the three ladies. Sasparilla, one of the girls, looks over at O’Neil. Her body language shows one of approval. She smiles. O’Neil lifts his hand and ripples his fingers to say ‘hi.’ Sasparilla whispers something to her friend Jeanette, her friend. Mr. Foolie and Granny catch their communication from the corner of their eyes.
Please, Miss Curious, make Miss Sassy and her guests comfortable.
Sasparilla shuffles nervously. She figures Granny saw her trying to get O’Neil’s attention. Jeanette:
Sasparilla, did you hear that lady’s remark?
Sasparilla:
Well, we’re young. We can do anything. They’re just jealous.
Jeanette:
Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll be just like them!
Sasparilla:
Never
Jeanette:
Do you think she heard our comment?
Sasparilla:
We were just some nice clean fun. We did not mean to disrespect you in any way. We do apologize ma’am (Sasparila puts her arm around Granny’s shoulders).
Miss Sassy:
Come girls. Neville (Mr. Foolie), it’s quite warm in here. Do open a window. Jeanette, please bring me my fan any cigarettes (Sassy lights up her cigarette and Granny fans the smoke away).
Mr. Foolie looks over at Miss Curious.
Miss Curious:
Miss Curious:
I, um, would you like some lemonade Miss Sassy? It’s fresh. The senior girls made this morning in the home economics class.
Miss Sassy:
Yes; anything to relieve this heat. I will never get used to it. Mind you, I would still like a cup of tea later on (turning to Sasparilla and Jeanette) girls, go talk to the young men. But be careful!
Miss Sassy smiles while the young people exchange happy looks. Miss Curious makes her exit.
(Raising her eyes to the heavens) Lord, I told you so. This woman drives me mad and she knows how to manipulate these stupid men. And those cigarettes! Hear her “Neville, it’s warm isn’t it? Do open a window.” And he looks at me as if to say, ‘why don’t you open it?!’ Me aggo give ah piece ah mih mind yuh see … afta Miss Sassy leaves. Wait a minute! What him name? Dat man wid Miss Sassy; Malcolm Burnhill! Who is he?
A Private School continues next month in the December edition!
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WELCOME LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Whether we like it or not, we are role models. To someone somewhere out ‘there’ we have connected with a person who was otherwise dis-connected. It may have been something we said, or something we did that sparked an awakening. That awakening has made us a subject whose every move, and every word uttered, is taken literally, and practiced. For some that is scary, for others, an opportunity to participate in the positive advancement of at least one human being. There are women in the industry who are my role models. Some names are obvious, and some you may not have heard of. First, Oprah. Oprah is the woman who gave me my ‘voice.’ It’s because of her pioneering spirit in television and journalism I have confidence to do what I do, and not just do it, but to be the best. Donna Makeda was the first woman in Canada to launch her own magazine catering to the Caribbean market; my Mom who was and is never afraid to try a new venture, and do it with ‘passion guns’ blazing. Londyn Nikole who is turning her dreams into reality through the launch of her Lip gloss line. Amelia ‘Milk’ Sewell, turned adversity into prosperity and is a success for it. The Caribbean Queen, Alison Hinds came up at a time where she was the only female performing Soca. She has cleared the way for the women behind her, creating the template for them to follow. The Diva Nikki Z also kicked down doors in the DJ element of the Dancehall industry that was tightly controlled by men. Angela Davis for being fearless in a time when fear was used to control the masses, and Venus and Serena Williams who were a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. Their tenacity changed the Tennis landscape and by extension, told the world that change can be made. As I mention the word change, I must include Michelle Obama. It’s not easy being married to the President of the United States; she makes it look so easy, women now refer to themselves as the First Lady … including me! This month, November, we inch closer to closing out the year, and are preparing to achieve our goals for 2012. I encourage you to reflect on your role models, and use their stories to help move you forward!
Natasha Von Castle
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CANADA WELCOMES PRINCE! Prince, one of the most prolific and groundbreaking artists of our time whose recorded music, live performances and powerful artistry have affected music and pop culture like no other, will bring his extraordinary live production to Canada with his spectacular tour, WELCOME 2 CANADA. This is Prince’s first multi-city national Canadian tour since 2002. Prince kicked off the Welcome 2 America tour in the New York area in December 2010 with a celebrated six night stand which received tremendous acclaim by fans and critics every night. Prince followed up with three intimate nights in Oakland and six special nights in the Carolinas where he performed many of his fan favorite mega-hits which had fans in every market screaming and dancing for more. The extraordinary run of shows continued with stops in Sacramento, Fresno and San Jose, with more than a quarter of a million fans joining him in Los Angeles. Prince welcomed a wide range of guest artists throughout his multi-hour sets, including Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys, Larry Graham, Sheila E., Mary J. Blige and many more. Welcome 2 America tour has been embraced with rave reviews in every stop made across the country. “He had the crowd panting as soon as he hit the stage…It was unbelievably great. Do you go to a Prince show for predictable consistency? Ah, no. You go for moments of divinely inspired madness — and last night, he delivered as many of those as a fan could expect.” – Rolling Stone The New York Daily News raved, “Prince is worthy of all royal accolades…The hit-friendly show had a kinetic confidence and racing pace that spoke of his singular place in pop history,” while the New York Times said “It’s easy to envision Prince as another Chuck Berry or James Brown, barnstorming for decades to come.” The San Francisco Chronicle raved “spinning, strutting and swaying in his towering heels as if no time had passed since the days he dominated MTV with his angular suits and perfectly sculpted hair… neither his fantastic voice nor his dynamic legs showing any signs of slowing down.
Welcome 2 Canada Tour Dates: November 25 -Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre - Nov 4 @ 10am November 26 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre - Nov 4 @ 10am November 30 - Halifax, NS - Metro Center - Nov 5 @ 9am December 02 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre - Nov 5 @ 10am December 03 - Ottawa, ON - Scotiabank Place - Nov 4 @ 11am December 05 - London, ON - John Labatt Centre - Nov 4 @ 10am December 08 - Winnipeg, MB- MTS Center - Nov 4 @ 10am December 11 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union Center Nov 4 @ 10am December 13 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place - Nov 4 @ 10am December 16- Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena - Nov 4 @ 10am December 17- Victoria, BC - Save on Center - Nov 4 @ 10am
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SUITE DREAMS AYUNG RIVER POOL VILLA, KUPU KUPU BARONG VILLAS AND TREE SPA, BALI
KANOO WORLD TRAVELLER MAY 2011
CONTRIBUTED
Overlooking the river and lush, rice paddy-packed valleys below, this setting could soothe even the most highly strung traveller. This spacious, single-storey villa flanks a private outdoor plunge pool, lounging pavilion and timber sun terrace, but if you’re in need of further pampering you could always drag your poor world-weary self to the Mango Tree Spa – or simply gorge on exquisite French-Indonesian food under the stars at La View restaurant (if you book early, you can nab the atmospheric table for two, which floats in the middle of the infinity pool…). www.kupubarongubud.com
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WYNWOOD ART FAIR HEIKE WOLLENWEBER
Heike Wollenweber on the streets with a captivating mural for the Wynwood Art Fair
Art byFranky Cruz
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midst spray cans, paint, pencils and power drills I discovered salt sculptures, tap dancing and a giant green rat. I saw light boxes, graffiti and a banana split that made me get some delicious cup cakes by Miami art collective FriendsWithYou. I wondered through Alvaro Ilizabe’s black and white maze, painted a t-shirt for my boyfriend and had a poem sewn into a blazer. (“Even the sun-clouds this morning cannot manage such skirts” - Sylvia Plath). If you’re wondering where I did all this then let me tell you more about the Wynwood Art Fair. The first annual Wynwood Art Fair took place from October 21 to 23 in the exciting new art hot spot in Miami - Wynwood. The booths along 6th Avenue were occupied by the Miami Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Bakehouse Art Complex, Barry University, the Hadley Martin Fisher Collection, Dorsch Gallery, 101/Exhibit, Gallery Diet and many more when the Wynwood Art Fair started off on Friday morning in glorious Miami sunshine. The row of gleaming white tents, bright pink signs and empty canvases filled with artists and volunteers setting up art and entertainment with the occasional refreshment stall in between (the pain au chocolate and the chili dogs were a delight!). Performers such as the tap dancing Minsky Sisters and many other performing artistes added extra entertainment throughout the weekend. The event was organized by Constance Collins Margulies to benefit the Lotus House Women’s Shelter in Wynwood. Money was raised for the shelter via an art auction as well as via donation, which will ensure that Mrs. Collins Margulies can continue her work helping many homeless women in Miami to start
Karla Livingston and Vincent Harrison of the NAC Gallery
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Art by Ruben Ubieura
Lotus House Thrift Store
Artist GG at the Wynwood Art Fair
The Minty Sisters
The Wynwood Art Fair was a joy to art lovers and everyone who enjoys creativity, friends and a good time. Art was indeed everywhere and everyone was invited to participate. Children and adults alike were drawing, painting, sculpting and exploring without a boring moment in sight. I personally had an inspiring time getting involved with every sense and bringing out my inner artist. I also had some interesting conversations with some of the participating artists. Ruben Ubiera, a post-graffism artist represented by Mike Margulies showcased some of his latest work and explained how music and his Dominican heritage inspired his art incorporating found pieces. Venezuelan artist GG produces fine art inspired by street art. In his work he juxtaposes happy sceneries and bright colors with dangerous aspects such as landmines and piranhas in an aquarium of bright cartoon-look a-like fish. Sharon Broit, a British artist based in New York created “the Secret Series”, which was very interesting to see. The abstract paintings hold a secret indeed! Once you turn them around, a second piece of art is revealed! Inside the back of the painting a 3D scenes involving toys Sharon finds. Jerry Mischak captured my attention with his sculptures made out of furniture and colored duct tape in red, silver and purple. He arranges the furniture at odd angles and ties various pieces together and covers everything in layers of the tape, leaving maybe a chair leg to peek out at times. What is interesting about the sculptures are first of all the created shapes and lines but also the less literal significance. As Jerry explains to me, the furniture is taped together in a similar way as homeless people transport their possessions. Homelessness of course was the core issue the Wynwood Art Fair addressed. The NAC Gallery presented artist Karla Livingston, who is a photographer creating art by placing the photographs into custom made light boxes illuminating her photography to produce outstanding imagery. Her favorite subject, skateboarding, and the associated movement are what drive many of the images. Primary Flight, one of Miami’s prime art collectives, made quite an impression with their Miami artists, namely Jessy Nite, Franky Cruz and Gustavio Oviedo, who all painted an individual original art piece from Friday to Sunday and fair goers could witness the creation of art and the painting process step by step. Jessy Nite painted the aforementioned banana split.
Franky Cruz’ “The Real Last Live Painting” is a galaxy of gold, pink, yellow, green, orange and every other color imaginable while Gustavo Oviedo presented a modern abstract piece involving patterns in fluorescent pink and green mixed with blue on a black background. One piece which really stood out to me was “Participate and Perpetuate” by Gorilla Tactiks, a collaborative art group doing socially and politically driven work. This particular piece was a wooden room with holes cut out for faces to look inside. On each wall inside was a different painted scene, featuring people in hurtful situations such as a boy being beaten by his peers or a man yelling at a woman while she looks at a boy leaving the house with his clothes packed. Moving around the four walls one looks inside from a different perspective, as the face of a different character every time. Each participant becomes part of each situation and looking at various changing faces for the characters on the other walls. A VIP reception brought artists, gallery owners, art collectors, the women of Lotus House, volunteers and media together to taste some amazing food and participate or observe the Sotheby’s art auction. All proceeds of the auction also were in benefit of the Lotus House Shelter and the art work donated and auctioned off included artists such as Takashi Murakami, Jonathan Meese, Carlos Betancourt, Peter Zimmermann, Peter Riginato and Alouishous San Goma, who also created the logo for the fair and the Lotus House Shelter. The Wynwood Art Fair was a joy to art lovers and everyone who enjoys creativity, friends and a good time. I am already looking forward to an even bigger event next year and pledge my support. For more information on how you can support Lotus House please go to the website www.lotushouseshelter.org Heike Wollenweber is a writer, publicist and radio personality who is travels throughout the Caribbean and North America. Follow her on Twitter @axesmedia
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ACOUSTIC TOUR LANRE DAVIES
After touring extensively as a member of the award winning contemporary gospel collective GK REAL, Lánre British, singer / songwriter of Nigerian heritage, starts on her own personal musical journey with her acoustic guitar. Lánre has spent the past eighteen months playing her songs in cafés, bars and various charity events across London. She was one of the eleven UK singers and songwriters selected to be part of the Prezzo live tour; performing at various UK restaurants of the Italian chain. Her music can be best described as acoustic soul with influences from her Nigerian heritage of storytelling and folk music along with her background in gospel music. Lánre has taken her Singing for Change acoustic tour to various venues and events like the Greenbelt Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival on the Royal Mile and Toronto Canada. Her debut solo album Pen Voyage Chapter One: Singing for Change was officially released on the 30th September 2011.
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IN 30 SECONDS...
8 QUESTIONS WITH STACIOUS LESLEY HAYLES
1 | What was some of the early inspiration growing up that made you want to be an entertainer?
4 | If you are to do a collaboration who would you want to do it with?
Listening to Bounty Killer, Lady Saw and Cobra. I just wanted to do what they do and be good at it.
5 | If you were trapped on an island with one of these men Bounty Killer, Mavado, Vybz Kartel & Aidonia who would you want it to be?
2 | Do you remember your first recording?
6 | What does Stacious love to do?
Yes, “Thug Gal” produced by Computer Paul in 2003.
3 | In this business do you think relationships can work? Yes, as long as you willing to put in the effort and committed to that person it can work.
Bounty Killer
No answer
Cook and Sleep
7 | Are there plans for kids in the future? Yes. One.
8 | If you weren’t doing music, what career would you choose? Actor or any Media Personnel.
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10 SIGNS YOUR WIFE IS CHEATING ON YOU BERTAN BUDAK She has a mysterious new friend: Peter Spalton, also known as ‘The Dating Doctor’, says that women who cheat will often create superficial friends to throw suspicious partners off course. He says: “You may find that she goes out with these friends regularly, maybe the same evening each week. She might even come up with a reason, maybe work or a hen party, so she can stay overnight.” She Acts Powerful: A study in the Psychological Science journal found that women in powerful positions at work, such as CEOs and high-ranking managers, are as likely to cheat on their partners as men. Researchers believe highflying women are more confident and become increasingly hardheaded over the course of their affair. She becomes moody: Experts say that women suffer from bouts of mood swings when they’re plagued by guilt. They claim breakouts of temperamental behaviour are a reflection of the turmoil she feels inside, so if all of a sudden, she starts throwing fits out of the blue, it could be that she’s blaming herself for something. Or she could be troubled by something else - either way, it’s worth finding out. She puts more effort into her looks: Spalton says women who cheat will change their appearance in order to entice the man they’re having an inappropriate relationship with. He says: “She spends much longer in the bathroom before she goes out, and tries to hide her anticipation as she’s getting ready. She might even play it down and suggest that she doesn’t really want to go out, but can’t let her friend down.” She sleeps with you less often: If your partner suddenly develops a low sex drive or simply isn’t in the mood to get amorous, it could be a sign that she’s getting her sexual pleasures elsewhere, says Spalton. “She might keep finding reasons not to have sex or might even give you the cold shoulder when you try to cuddle or kiss her,” he says. She’s more secretive: According to Spalton, if your partner becomes increasingly secretive out of the blue it’s one of
the obvious signs she’s got something to hide. He says: “She has her phone on silent vibrate and carries it with her all the time. She gets up when you’re both watching television in the evening to go to the loo and takes her phone with her. She seems anxious and gets agitated if you ask her if everything is all right.” She acts more distant / detaches herself from you: A study in the journal Psychological Science found that women in adulterous affairs are often more concerned about their relationship ending than men are. This means if she’s slowly distancing herself from you, she could be taking steps to deal with the likelihood of your relationship ending. She becomes defensive when you question her schedule: While many things can disrupt a couple’s schedules - such as a last-minute work trip or meeting - if it’s a common occurrence and your partner is being discrete about it, you may have good reason to worry, says Spalton. He says: “She may become very vague about where she’s been or what she’s done, saying something like, ‘we just met up for a girly chat’. Or she might give you lots of detail in a very formal way as though she’s rehearsed a story for you.” Her lingerie and jewellery collection seems to have grown: Spalton says the best way of determining whether your partner is cheating on you is by taking a peek at her wardrobe. He says: “She will probably have updated her underwear, and even got some rather sexy items that she never wears for you. She will probably have also got some new items of jewellery - gifts from her lover - particularly around her birthday and Christmas.” Your Gut Tells You So: The most important thing is to follow your gut feeling. You know her better than anyone else so can instantly pick up on any irregularities, whether it’s in her wardrobe or daily routine. If you suspect anything, don’t be afraid to investigate further. After all, if she’s got nothing to hide then she needn’t worry.
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L.I.A.T.I. PROJECT PREMIERS “BELIEVE” VIDEO ON THE TEMPO CABLE NETWORK HEIKE WOLLENWEBER The LIATI Project premiered its new “Believe” video throughout the Caribbean and the United States on October 20th on Tempo Network’s hit show “Cross Caribbean Countdown.” Tempo, cable television’s most popular outlet for viewing Caribbean music videos and events airs locally across the Caribbean. The video follows last month’s international release of the “Believe” single featuring Virgin Islands artists Pressure Busspipe, Verse Simmonds, Mada Nile, Rena Faith, Elijah Vegas, and Reynaldo “TSR” Canton. All artists, who also appear in the video, donated their time and lyrics to the project.
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According to Executive Producer Cheryl Francis, President of STB and wife of U.S. Virgin Islands Lt. Governor Gregory Francis, the video is the next step in delivering a message of peace and love to all Virgin Islanders and to people all over the world. The ‘Believe’ single has gotten rave reviews and prominent airplay on local, Caribbean and mainland radio stations, and on numerous online stations since its debut, said Francis. “We know that our video is going to be just as popular as it builds on our LIATI theme in a big way. LIATI is an acronym for Love Is All There Is and we will always present positive images through music and lyrics to counteract the negative messages our children so often hear and see in today’s media,” she said. According to Kareem Francis, Coordinator of the LIATI Project, the video has a storyline of victory over adversity. “A young runner, artist, and dishwasher with great aspirations overcome obstacles such as bullying, parental neglect, and minimal skills training in pursuit of their dreams to achieve higher stations in life,” he explained. They triumph in the end because they dare to believe. “We see these problems everyday; we want our young people and others to know that there really is hope if you believe in yourself.” Francis said that the video can also be seen at www. stopthebleedingusvi.org and on YouTube. The full length “Believe” song can be purchased at local record shops and online from iTunes, Amazon.com, Zune, I Heart Radio, Myspace music and Verve life. It is also available as a ringtone. Musical genius Masai Harris, who has the ability to electronically generate almost any genre of music including R&B, Rap, Hip Hop, Soul, Reggae, and Calypso, spearheaded the studio production of the “Believe” song. Harris began his early musical endeavours as a pianist with the St. Croix Educational Complex High School Band. He has performed with such famous artists as Beres Hammond and Junior Gong, played back up to Pressure Busspipe, Nyorah, and the famous calypsonian Short Shirt from Antigua and played with the Fusion, Rupshun, and Outer Limits Bands. Michael Nissman of St. Croix’s Aqua Media directed and shot the video for Stop the Bleeding. Tempo is the brainchild of St. Croix native Atty. Frederick Morton, Jr. Over six years ago, Morton envisioned an entertainment network dedicated to Caribbean music, culture, cuisine, and social awareness. Its content is developed to rise beyond entertainment to inspirational, progressive and educational programming. TEMPO currently broadcasts in 26 Caribbean islands and on the east coast U.S. to more than three million viewers. Trinidadian artist Patch and St. Croix’s Janeisha John, Miss Universe Virgin Islands 2010, host the “Cross Caribbean Countdown” and introduced the “Believe” video to Tempo viewers. Stop the Bleeding Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering accountability in the U.S Virgin Islands community regarding the mistreatment, violence, abuse and hurt of children and families through effective communication, inter-agency
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RCA EXECS EXPLAIN JIVE AND ARISTA LABEL SHUT DOWN SHIRLEY HALPERIN
In an interview with THR, CEO Peter Edge and COO Tom Corson explain why it was time to “retire those brands” and how the artists reacted. Amid some big changes in the music industry, new RCA Records CEO Peter Edge and longtime colleague Tom Corson, who was promoted to president and COO in August, have officially shuttered historic labels Arista and Jive. J Records, launched by Clive Davis in 2000 as an “instant major,” will also see its artists bequeathed to RCA. “The path we’ve taken is to refresh RCA, so we’re going to retire those brands,” Corson says in a new interview. “There may be a reason down the line to bring them back, but it’s a clean slate here.” Jive Records, run by Barry Weiss for nearly 20 years, was home to multi-platinum pop stars Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Arista was founded in 1974 also by Davis, who signed Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Barry Manilow to the label. In recent years, it saw releases by Usher and Pink. All artists will now fall under the RCA Records banner. In the digital age, one might think these closures mean there is little value, awareness or loyalty to a label by
name, but the execs insist it’s quite the opposite. “The concept is that there is value in branding RCA and not having it confused or diluted by other labels,” says Corson. “The artists have all been supportive. We didn’t make this move without consulting our artists, and we haven’t had any push-back. Frankly, they’re the brand. We’re defined by our artists.” The move follows a round of layoffs in which dozens of staffers were let go, including longtime executives Richard Palmese (J’s EVP of promotion, who had been Davis’ right hand man for three decades), Tom Carraba and Peter Thea (both Jive EVP’s) and roster cuts made (American Idol season 9 winner Lee DeWyze was a casualty), all in an effort to significantly downsize the label. “We’ve learned to work with less and hopefully accomplish the same or more,” Corson adds. “But by definition, the business has shrunk – the staffing has shrunk, our rosters are smaller. But we’re still profitable.” The music industry has posted 18 consecutive weeks of positive sales with album sales up 3 percent from 2010 and digital tracks up 11 percent. So after years and years of steady decline, it’s clear why a music exec would happily take this moment to break with the past. New RCA Records CEO Peter Edge, 50, even hesitates to call his company a record label. After all, it would be foolish to limit a label’s scope to the business of selling records or to use a term as outdated as the concept itself.
“My vision for RCA is to be more of a music company,” he says. “You have to reinvent, and that’s what we’re doing.” Indeed, after a tumultuous year that saw a new leader in Sony Music CEO Doug Morris, several dozen layoffs and the confirmed shuttering of historic labels Arista and Jive (with their major acts bequeathed to RCA), the pressure is on. U.K. native Edge’s roster now boasts some of the biggest names in pop and rock, including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ke$ha, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and Pitbull, making parent Sony the No. 2 music company in terms of market share (founded in 1929, RCA is also the second-oldest label in the U.S., behind fellow Sony property Columbia). Helping Edge realize his vision is Tom Corson, 51, a longtime colleague from J Records, founded in 2000 by Clive Davis, who was its marketing guru and is now RCA’s president and COO. Edge, who is single, and Corson, a married father of two, spoke from Sony headquarters in New York. SP: What’s driving this good sales news? PE: What we’re witnessing -- finally, maybe -- is the digital turnaround that’s long been discussed, where people feel comfortable buying music and building their collections digitally. People want songs available on their phones, computers, wherever they go. … Even though there isn’t the income of 10 years ago, it’s interesting that music seems to proliferate even more into our world. But the business has gotten considerably smaller. Has RCA adjusted accordingly? We’ve learned to work with less and hopefully accomplish the same or more. But by definition, the business has shrunk -- the staffing has shrunk, our rosters are smaller. But we’re still profitable. Like any other business, you have to make money. But we’re an efficient machine.
We’ve doubled our market share, and we’re competing with the top label groups in the industry. I was at J when it started, Jive’s a wonderful moniker, and Arista speaks for itself. They’re all great, historic labels. But our goal is to refresh and rebrand RCA. And the artists have all been supportive. We didn’t make this move without consulting our artists, and we haven’t had any pushback. Frankly, they’re the brand. We’re defined by our artists. There were layoffs and roster changes. Where do you see RCA’s role in the greater Sony picture? PE: Doug is intent on making A&R the focus of RCA and the new focus of Sony Music. The big initiative here is to spend more money on artist development, making more records and making better records and less on all of the other stuff. I happen to agree with him. Peter, you’ve said Spotify’s streaming service changed your life. How do you feel the service is doing on these shores? PE: It’s going like gangbusters in certain markets. They’ve had fantastic pickup for their first three months, compared with how Spotify started in European markets. This is not a company that’s launching with Apple money, so it’s not going to be this thing popping up like iPad commercials everywhere; I don’t think they have that kind of budget. But the moment that Apple decides to run a similar service, they’ll have serious competition. Without sounding like a commercial, it’s pretty great. I’m music-obsessive, and wherever you go, you’ve got your record collection available to you.
During the past decade, RCA has amassed an impressive rock roster, but with the genre losing ground on the radio dial, what does it mean for your investment in such bands as Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon? TC: We’re lucky we have a bunch of superstars -- Dave Grohl Was it really necessary to close the famous imprints Jive, and Foos, Kings, Strokes and Ray LaMontagne -- and through J and Arista? the Jive side, we have Three Days Grace and Cage the Elephant. The path we’ve taken is to refresh RCA, so we’re going to retire We’re heavily invested in rock. Our belief is that the touring, those brands. There may be a reason down the line to bring merch and festival business is robust, and we’re structuring new them back, but it’s a clean slate here. signings to reflect that with 360 ancillary deals. Jive made its name because of such multiplatinum successes as Spears and Timberlake. Does this m there’s not much value, awareness or loyalty to a particular label these days? TC: The concept is that there is value in branding RCA and not having it confused or diluted by other labels. RCA is big now.
Speaking of touring, Kings of Leon canceled their summer tour unexpectedly after singer Caleb Followill had an onstage meltdown. What’s the story? Did they break up? TC: No. They’re doing what rock bands do -- especially if you’re brothers and family. This is par for the course for the Kings.
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Tom, you’ve worked with Foo Fighters since the very beginning of their career at Capitol. To what do you credit their longevity? TC: They’re as big and loud and exciting as ever. And Foo Fighters bring everyone into their world. It was great the way Grohl stood up to the Christian right recently. [The band donned hillbilly garb as the Westboro Baptist Church protested their Sept. 20 performance in Kansas City, Mo.]. This is what art and entertainment and our rock stars are supposed to do. After nine years of partnering with American Idol to mixed results, Sony is now the music arm of The X Factor. What did you learn from your Idol experience that you’re applying to X Factor? PE: What people aren’t always cognizant of is the fact that the best American Idol results come from doing great A&R. The TV platform provides amazing coverage, but if you don’t have the right songs, it doesn’t really mean a hell of a lot. Those where the A&R wasn’t the best, or they weren’t willing to be A&R’d, they didn’t last. TC: Make sure you’re passionate about it. We’re not obligated to take anybody, whereas with Idol we were. It was just a part of the arrangement. We were happy to do it, we did very well, there’s no grumbling about it, but my take is: let’s make sure we’re excited.
Under the Sony Music umbrella, now headed by Doug Morris, RCA was founded in 1929 and is the second-oldest label in the U.S. (behind fellow Sony property Columbia). Together, the labels have boosted their parent company’s market share to comfortably place it in the No. 2 spot, behind Universal Music, Morris’ former employer and Weiss’ current home, where he is Chairman & CEO of Island Def Jam and Universal Motown Republic Group. Says RCA’s Edge of his label’s place in the greater Sony picture: “Doug is intent on making A&R the focus of RCA and the new focus of Sony Music. The big initiative here is to spend more money on artist development, making more records and making better records and less on all of the other stuff. I happen to agree with him.” (This interview and article was first printed in The Hollywood Reporter October 14th, 2011)
“All the fat has been taken out of the music business. It’s very lean and functional now.” — Corson
Outcast was signeed to the label as well.
MISS NOVEMBER
STACEY CALLENDER
Thanks to our friends at www.NikkiRichModels.com, we have been introduced to super HOTTT model Stacey Callender! Whether runway, print, art or fashion, Stacey does it all! Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Callender is pursuing her childhood dream. Always the professional, this model is willing to take risks to get the perfect shot. Stacey has a fresh, new exciting look which is perfect for your next project. Contact Stacey via @NikkiRichModels on Twitter!
F A S H I O N & B E A U T L OI FVEE
S Y
FASHION & BEAUTY
MUST HAVES TO STEP INTO FALL SEASON INSTYLE... THE LONG SKIRT
POLKA DOTS
FEIRCE ANKLE BOOT
EVERYONE FROM KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN TO OLIVIA PALERMO IS ROCKIN THE LONG FLOWY SKIRT, IN BOLD COLOURS AND VARIOUS PATTERNS. FOREVER 21
WEATHER A BLOUSE OR A SIMPLE CLUTCH POLKA DOTS MAKE A STATMENT FOR FALL. FOREVER 21
GOES WITH LONG SKIRTS, BASIC TIGHTS, JEANS AND DRESSES. ICON SHOES
A BRIGHT COAT
SHELEEN ROYAL
FALL /WINTER SEASON CAN BE DRAB AT TIMES, SO WAKE UP YOUR CLOSET WITH A BRIGHT HUED COAT. ZARA
THE CAPE THIS PREP SHERLOCK HOLMES LOOKS HOT FOR FALL! WINNERS
FAUX-RABBIT TAIL HANDBAG CHARM THE 80’S ROCK INSPIERD CHARM IS BACK!!!! FUN TO HANG FROM YOUR FAVORITE TOTE OR EVENING BAG. ALDO
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FASHION & BEAUTY
Our Beauty Editor Londyn Nichole answers your beauty questions!
Q A
I’ve been wearing eyelash extensions for the past 3 years and have decided to stop. My eyelashes are bare and still growing back in. What is the best mascara to use while my lashes grow back?!
First...NO TO EXTENSIONS!!! They DO pull out your lashes and it limits lash growth. So I’m soooo proud of you for stopping that! I would suggest using a lash primer to condition your lashes and give them some strength. I’m in love with Loreal Voluminous Volume Building Eye Mascara, Carbon Black ($8.99). It’s amazing!! Two coasts of this will have your lashes looking AMAZING; no false lashes needed!!
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ASK THE EXPERT!
ESSENTIALS WONDER SKIN CARE
SISLEY ECOLOGICAL COMPOUND DAY & NIGHT CREAM $117.50
CLARINS DAILY ENERGIZER CREAM $25.00
KIEHL’S ACAI DAMAGE REPAIRING MOISTURISER $74.00
LOVE
I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DJs WE LOVE TO HEAR SPIN AND YOUR EARDRUMS WILL FALL IN LOVE TOO! OLIVA LEWIS
DJ MANY
THE INDUSTRY’S YOUNGEST Born and raised in Frederiksted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, DJ Many is one of the youngest DJ’s to amass such an impressive resume. At the age of 13 Many began playing on the wheels of steel; by age 18, Many became a Coast 2 Coast DJ, and an on air personality on the islands 100 WSTX FM and 970 WSTX AM radio stations. Although young in age, Many shows musical maturity which is reflected in his popular mixes available on YouTube (http://www. youtube.com/user/djmany56). Some of Many’s career highlights include being one of the youngest people to be on air 5 days a week with the #1 Drive Time show, as well as being the go to DJ for artists who want to break their music on the island. Many has worked extensively with several artists including Delly Ranx and the Dancehall Trinity. Specializing in all genres of music, Many isn’t afraid to flip from Reggae to Dancehall to Hip Hop to R&B. Tweet with Many on Twitter @DJMany
DJ AL FINGERS
CERTIFIED REMIXER FROM THE UK Not too much is known about DJ Al Fingers on a personal level and perhaps that is because he allows the music to do the talking for him; his remixes to be exact. A staple on the UK scene, Al is entrenched in Reggae and Dancehall as he effortlessly bridges some of today’s best music with classic riddims of the past and vice versa. To date, he’s remixed Kings of Leon’s song “Sex on Fire” to Mtumbe’s “Juicy” beat as well as Erica Badu’s “On and On” to the Go Go Riddim, not to mention, Sean Kingston’s “Beautiful Girls” to the Last War Riddim, and those are just a scratch to the surface. What brought the producer, remixer, refixer, blender and mash-up artist to our attention (on this side of the Atlantic) is the remix he did of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin On” over the Truth’s and Rights Riddim. In addition to his impressive remix catalog is his even more impressive riddim and compilation mixes he’s done for Shane Brown’s Nylon Riddim and the Silent River riddim as well as Greensleeve’s The First 10 Years anthology. Some of Al’s influences include Minnie Riperton, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Biggie Smalls, Stevie Wonder and Joni Mitchell. Once a month, Al interviews influential artists; last month the subject was Reggae’s Lukie D! Learn more about Al Fingers by Tweeting with him @ djalfingers or visit his YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/djalfingers
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TI NH VE E AS LT TI EN RG N A T I V E B E A T
THE ALTERNATIVE BEAT ALLIE MASON
THE DECEMBERISTS
THE SECRET SISTERS
Full of ethereal folk goodness, the Decemberists have hit the wooden nail on the head with this acoustic ballad that will have you envisioning simpler times. The intuitive harmonies of Laura Veirs and Annalisa Tornfelt draw along the narrative of the song in a way that the Decemberists are famous for.
It’s no secret that these sisters can sing. Their rendition Bill Munroe’s classic, love-torn track has all the right components for giving you a serious chill. The simplicity of the piano and folk guitar accompanied by the haunting vocals of Laura and Lydia Rogers might even lull Bill back from the grave.
“E. WATSON”
“THE ONE I LOVE IS GONE”
ARMY NAVY
“PROUVE”
In preparation for their sophomore album, the LA-based indie band is proving their intentions of maintaining the momentum from their debut record, The Fever Zone (2008). The pop-like simplicity and catchiness of this previously unreleased tune is just sweet enough, but not so much that it’ll rot your dental work.
THE DAMN QUAILS
SUMMER CAMP
There’s nothing quite like the steel guitar of a classic country ballad, but if you listen closely, The Damn Quails are different from your run-of-the-mill country band. Although they depend heavily on many of the minor chords used by traditional country and bluegrass musicians, their lyrics are modern and meaningful.
Even though this London band is considered lo-fi, their new single “Down” definitely plays up their pop-synth propensities. The back-and-forth male and female vocals and harmonies are delightfully charming. While you won’t quite be feeling high, you’ll be feeling anything but “down” after a few listens to this track.
“CALIFORNIA OPEN INVITATION”
“DOWN”
LOVE
COUNTDOWN
DOWNLOAD
ON THE
FT. 11 PITBULL SEAN PAUL & LUDACRIS
“Shake Senora”
FARRAH BURNS 1 “New York State of Mind”
NOTICE 2 “InFURTHER My Bed” GERALD LEVERT 3 “Can’t Help Myself” PRODIGAL SON 4 “Love Me Like This” PRESSURE 5 “What Ya Gonna Do” RDX FT. VOICEMAIL 6 “Splice”
SINGING MELODY 12 “Collide” SOUL 4 SOUL 13 “Changes” G. STARR 14 “Spot Check” TRE FT. EMERSON BRROKS 15 “Over There” UNCLE JONNY 16 “Jamaican Girls”
REESE BADDA 7 “Hunger For More”
BOBBY TENNA 17 “Still Alive” DAMIAN MARLEY 18 “Set Up Shop” JESSE ROYAL 19 “Butterflies”
MAFIA MCKOY 8 “Crab Inna Barrel” PEERSONILE 9 “Ganga Man Blues” SERANI 10 “Sweet Love”
DESTINY PIZ FT. JOE’L 20 “Yawa”
LOVE
ON BLAST
MUSIC ON BLAST!
CHICAGO’S
BINO BALLYHOO ANGELO BYRD
Chicago is known for its mighty wind, good meat, gangster history and notorious South Side. This capital of the Midwest has also become known in more recent history for producing incredible music artists; from R. Kelly to Kanye West, Twista to Lupe Fiasco, rapper Common and more. The cities urban music style is impossible to categorize. Bino is a native of the South Side, hailing from the “Wild 100’s.” Bino is not a new face to the music scene in his hometown as the artist has numerous projects under his belt. Performing with his group 3rd Shift, as well as releasing his own solo mixtape, his record company Yacht Boys has been making strategic moves. As the CEO of his label, he and partner Boo Illa keep their goals simple and within reach. Each is motivated to achieve success using their talents as an artist and management respectively. Bino recently released the song “Whatever She Wants” with Ray J, and is slated to work with The Olympicks, Kay Fox, Young RJ, Joe Blast, The Bake Up Boyz, and MC Breed). His upcoming mixtape, The Green Light, Volume 1, is sure to be an instant classic in the streets of Chicago and worldwide.
CONTRIBUTED CONTRIBUTED
The recession is over! Thanks to Damian Marley and his simple economics, all ghetto youths have been given their permanent pass out of dire circumstances, now replaced with a life of financial security and abundance. Using a stripped down and frill-free riddim composed of a hardcore drum pattern and bare bass line, Marley almost chants the message into consciousness when he DJ’s “we hear say man ah look a breakfast/ hear say ghetto yute ah set up shop.” Said at the beginning of the song, Zilla sets the tone for the upcoming message which is that your winning lottery ticket out of the circumstances you are in, is to ‘set up shop.’ To emphasize his point, the artist goes on the DJ “if you love yourself / then my suggestion / unno set up shop….” Without limit, Marley lists everything from selling peanuts to selling baby one-zies as a means of making money. Geography is not respected as countries such as Canada, America, England and Jamaica are called into action to set up shop. Not one to leave out a continent, Africa is thrown into the mix leaving the listener with the reinforced message that no matter where you come from or what your circumstances are, you have an opportunity to live the life you want, and the only way that is going to happen is if you set up shop! The record was first broken in England on Total Kiss FM by the legendary David Rodigan who is quoted as calling the record a ‘massive chune.’ In California the record was broken by Byze One who is one of that states most respected Reggae DJ’s / Selectors and a Soundation resident. Recorded on the Tuff Gong label, this song will build momentum through the winter months, clearing the path for summer 2012 and record profits for those seeking a payday! Follow Damian Marley on Twitter @DamianMarley
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DAMIAN MARLEY SET UP SHOP
STRINGZ RIDDIM REVIEW CONTRIBUTED Rumble Rock Recordz has done something that we don’t see too much of; they released a beautiful riddim with a majority of artists we’ve never heard of before! The Stringz riddim is melodic Reggae and a perfect balance between the strings of a symphony and a pulsating bass line. Stand out songs on the riddim include Sophia Squire’s “I Live I Learn,” Jhaytea’s “Like Heaven” and “Love Remains The Same” by Buggy Nhakente. If you’re a person who appreciates good Reggae music and are looking for quality over ‘brand names,’ this riddim is for you! Additional riddims produced by Rumble Rock Recordz include the Step By Step Riddim and the Opus Riddim.
LOVE
ON BLAST
MOONLIGHT RIDDIM REVIEW CONTRIBUTED
When the moon shines, it shines on every inch of the earth. In the case of Dancehall, the moon has shined on Jamaica and Europe at the same time, resulting in the Moonlight riddim. Produced by Riga for Hemp Higher Productions (Europe) and Phantom for Inspired Music (Jamaica) as a tag team, the riddim is a beacon of light Dancehall fans can look to for inspirational lyrics, spiritual lyrics and a shield from haters. To ‘wet’ your appetite for this riddim, we’re going to share one line of lyrics that you will appreciate: Bugle: “Jamaica ah mih place / ysh so mih born / yah so mih grow / yah so mih base...” Cali P: “Fih see dih yutes live betta / dat ah wah mih prefa / money ova war / an gyal ova beretta...” Di Govanah: “Why yuh wanna kill the innocent that don’t call for / no mih nuh gully or no gaza...” Gappy Ranks: “Mih wah see dih fyah from dih lightas / an dih fyah from dih torch / dih whole place ah scorch...” Jamiel: “Nah stop from do it my way” Kibaki: “Nuff gyal hot and dem ah freak ... “ Masicka: “Right now mih have bills fih pay and pickney fih feed” Mr. Midas: “We have to sing for the poor people / ghetto people rise up...” Randy Valentine: “Shorts weh you inna buff / mean yuh kitty phat...” Serani: “Dem lose / whether inna Sun or Moonlight ... “ Hemp Higher Productions is a Reggae and Dancehall label that is lead by Swiss Irish producer Riga. The label is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and has produced the Ova Seaz, Burn Up and Brainfood riddim to name a few. The label also collaborates heavily with Cali P (they, alongside Anil ‘Phantom’ Montaque produced Cali’s newest album Unstoppable, as well as the Like a Lion official movie soundtrack), and have also collaborated with Serani, T.O.K., Gappy Ranks as well as several other well known artists. The Moonlight riddim received great feedback from its initial limited release, and is available on iTunes and all leading online music retailers!
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NOBLE SOCIETY’S PPM
JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN
Depending on your age, you would know that one of the most anticipated segments in a Dancehall event is the Soul segment. Usually taking place at the very beginning of the dance, Soul music was played to warm the crowd, and give lovers music to dance to together. One classic artist who regularly blessed these sessions is Betty Wright. The soul in her voice was such that it was distinguished. In addition to her voice, Betty was known for her accurate lyrics which most women said spoke for them. One such hit chune that spoke for the ladies is “Thank You Baby.” This anthem breaks down in the ‘most-simple’ way the depth of Love a woman feels for her man. Not because of money, possessions or status, but because he is himself, and loves her in the process. Betty sings: ‘I have so much to say / but in the least most simple way I love you / I have so much to share / and to show you that I care I thank you / I just wanna say thank you for the many things you’ve done...’ Born Bessie Regina Norris, Betty Wright’s journey through music began at the age of 2 when she and her 6 siblings formed the Gospel group Echoes of Joy. At the age of 11, Betty moved from Gospel to Rhythm and Blues and released two singles which earned her attention in her home town of Miami. Her hit songs “Clean Up Woman” (released at the age of 17) and “Tonight is the Night” marked the launch of her long standing and successful career. As a pioneer singer and song writer, Betty is one of the few black female artists who achieved Gold selling status on her own record label as opposed to a major. Ms. Wright appeared on the MTV reality show Making the Band as the vocal coach for the cast members, and later Danity Kane, was a co-producer on Joss Stone’s Grammy winning album Mind Body & Soul, and produced tracks for the ever classic artist Tom Jones. The most interesting highlight is the fact that in 1979 she opened for Bob Marley for the Survivor Tour in the U.S. and Africa! Betty’s music has been sampled by Afrika Bambaataa, Mary J. Blige, SWV, Colour Me Bad, Beyonce and more! Betty continues to record and perform, and has plans to release another album in the near future (her first in 10 years).
BETTY WRIGHT THANK YOU BABY BALLYHOO
ERIC VALDEZ
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Noble Society is one of the most promising bands of its generation. Coming from Brooklyn, New York, their sound can’t be classified. Walking the musical landscape, Noble Society is between Hip Hop and Dancehall with a Dubstep beats and flamenco melodies. This musical wealth comes from the multiple influences of each member of the band: Jahdan Blakkamoore, Delie and Diego “Fuego” Campo. Acclaimed as “Kings of Urban Reggae” by the American press, you will remember Noble Society because of their mix on their new album called “PPM”. All tracks were mixed by Guy Buss in London, England (Lowkey, Sway, Call P, Diabolic, General Levy). Some of the albums powerful tracks include “For Life” and “Live Large” where Jah Dan shows his ragga (Dancehall infused) flow mixed with the crushing Hip Hop flow of Delie. This is a great combination. Flipping things up Hispanic influences are
found “Lonely Stranger” which features Fuego. The electronic keyboards are mixed with Dubstep beats and conscious lyrics true to Hip Hop values in “How We Gonna Get There” and “No Competition;” we can also find sweet and emotional melodies such as “Girl I’m Gone”. The album was mastered by Masterdisk studio in New York City. The sound engineering got the famous Tony Dawsey touch. Tony engineered three of Hip Hop’s best albums by Jay‐Z (“The Black Album,” “The Blueprint,” and “The Blueprint 3”), and has also worked with Redman, Akon, Burning Spear and Moby for his emblematic album “Play”. An inspired band with carefully produced music, PPM is Noble Society’s fourth studio album. The group is signed to Ovaground Records. They continue to achieve success in New York’s Reggae Hip Hop world.
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ON BLAST
FAZE AH JUSS LIFE DAT CONTRIBUTED
If there’s anything a person needs to know about life, they need to know that ‘you can’t let mouth get you down.’ These words are according to Dancehall artist Faze, and they happen to be absolutely true. The newest single from the artist is taken from the Hang Over riddim, and features lyrics that every person should hear, regardless of their background, and what part of the world they come from. The name of the chune is “Ah Juss Life Dat” and is a chune every radio personality, and every selector should play! Flexing lyrical prowess, Faze Sing-jays: “No matter how them wah fih see me fall / tell dem pon Jah name mih call / no matta how hypocrites chat mih nuh worry atall / ah juss life dat ....” Musically, the riddim connects with both Reggae and Dancehall masses; Faze achieves this in two ways. First his choice of bass line is one that listeners will hum to and move to. The second way is the clever use of the ‘hey / hey / hey’ echo used throughout the chune. As simple as the addition appears to the song, the familiarity of hearing it to the listener is just that: familiar making the listener either want to hear it again! Vocally, your encouragement can be heard in Faze’s voice as his it is getting stronger and more confident. He’s becoming bold, and I like it! Enough of my babble! Take a listen to the chune and tell me what you think! Broadcasting at 320kbps, catch Faze’s newest hit single “Ah Juss Life Date” at the links below! P.S. For interviews, or to include Faze on Riddim productions, email him at faze4uall@hotmail.com and tell him Natasha sent you! Box.net Link: http://www.box.net/shared/mf7s1asgcduht7ajr30b Mediafire Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?8hdvsckk8nsjbpe *To be a DJ is a Career, not a hobby ... collecting records is!
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THE LYRICAL JOURNEY AWAITS...
AH ALISON HINDS
THE CARIBBEAN’S REIGNING QUEEN NATASHA VON CASTLE
CALVIN FRENCH
Alison Hinds is The Caribbean’s Reigning Queen. Blessed with a commanding voice, and a body to be adored, Alison has the genre’s most recognized voice, and her face is the most visible. Alison’s journey to her throne began in England where she was born. She moved to Barbados at the age of 11, and, after graduating from High School, joined the band Square One. Soca, set into her veins, and the grooming of a Queen began. Having travelled the world to perform for her fans, and having spent countless hours in the studio, producing hit record after hit record, Queen Hinds never gets tired or weary of connecting with her fans. In fact, when she performs, her fans are as much a part of the performance as she is! Alison sings comfortably in Spanish, French and any other language she encounters. For example “Faluma” is a song transported from Africa via Suriname, and performed in its native language. Her success as a vocalist has gained popularity in all the islands of the Caribbean: Suriname, Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia, Santo Domingo, Belize, Mexico, Haiti and the list goes on. Wherever the Caribbean Diaspora exists, Alison Hinds is a household name. She is probably one of the most popular female singers that is known for current forms of dance music being played in the Caribbean. She is sought after by many of the contemporary artists in the region to record duets or combinations and we will be seeing much more of that in the near future. We are blessed to have the opportunity to speak to the Queen in Barbados!
L3: When you decided to pursue a career in music, particularly Soca, did your parents give you encouragement, or were they not too thrilled about your career choice? AH: My Parents had split up at that time, and I had moved to Barbados and so it was just me and my Mom. My Mom was actually very supportive. She knew that I was going to go into this industry to the best of my ability. As a kid growing up in the England, I used to come home and sing songs to her. She would always make time to listen to me sing the latest songs I learned at school. I was in the choir as well and she knew that I always loved singing, and she had faith in me that I was going to do my best. She supported me from the very beginning. Your career performing Soca began with Square One. At what point did you realize that your fans wanted you to perform solo, and had crowned you the Soca Queen? Is there anything you would have done differently? For the first part, it wasn’t so much the fans. I didn’t leave Square One because of that. I came off the road when I got pregnant with my daughter. I had to come off the road because of that. After I had her, is when I began to think about what I wanted to do, and how I wanted to continue my career. Did I want to go back to Square One (no pun intended), or did I want to continue as a solo act. I took some time to think about it because I had the time. I weighed the pros and the cons. One of the pros was that being solo would give me some more freedom and flexibility because I would be my own boss, and I would be able to satisfy (after consulting my manager) when I wanted to be home and when not. With Square One it’s a group effort, so I would not be able to say ‘I can do this show and not that show’ because it wouldn’t have been fair to the band, and I didn’t have that type of control. Having a child, especially when she was younger, as a baby going into being a toddler, there were a lot of things I didn’t want to miss, and I didn’t miss. Things like seeing her first tooth come in, and taking her first step, first day at pre-school, first day at big school, her first sports day; all those things I have been present for. There are very few things I have not been able to make since she’s been born, and that’s very important to me. These are her childhood memories and I didn’t want her to grow up saying ‘Mommy wasn’t there for this, and Mommy wasn’t there for that,’ no, I want her to say Mommy was there for everything. From an artist point of view, I wanted to explore some more. I wanted to do more things and grow. Even though I’ve gone solo, I still work with some of the members of Square One even though the band doesn’t exist anymore. I work with
Terry Arthur who was the bands musical director. He wrote and produced a lot of my stuff when I was with Square One, and he writes and produces for me; I work with Andy ‘Young Blood’ and his band Soca Kartel during Crop Over and a few one off gigs. I’m still in contact with the other guys. I saw Cecil and Paul the other day; we’re all in contact with each other and that’s a good thing. It wasn’t a bad break up. The second part of the question, being named the Soca Queen! I can’t tell you exactly when that happened. It’s something that just developed. It came when I was with Square One. We were always advertised as Square One. I realized that the promoters were advertising the band as being Alison Hinds and Square One. Somewhere during that time, I began to be referred to as the Soca Queen. It was something that just stuck. It was given to me by the fans, and that’s why I appreciate it so much. My title has now evolved into Caribbean Queen which is just as much of an honor. It took me a long time to see myself that way. You were the first female in Barbados to win the Road March title, and the Party Monarch title in the same year. Did you ever experience sexism from fellow Soca artists in Barbados, or has gender never been an issue in this male dominated industry? For me personally, I cannot say that I came across any sexism at all. I didn’t have that kind of issue. My problem, which I see still happens in some cases, is that back stages are not set up properly to accommodate female performers. When I was coming up, that was the main issue. As you rightly said, in the early days, there were very few females, and we were the first to come to the forefront. We females were forgotten! We had one big tent, and we had to change for our performance in front of everybody in the one big tent. That was my issue; never sexism. If anyone had troubled me like that, the guys from the band would have taken care of the issue immediately. They were all very protective of me, and that’s a part of the reason why I never had any problems. What?! They would have dealt with that immediately! They are my big brothers, and they’re still quite protective! You’ve recorded with world renowned artists such as Shaggy, Vybz Kartel, Richie Spice, Gyptian, Jah Cure, Harmonik (Haitian Band), to name a few. Your voice compliments the Reggae / Dancehall genre. Are there artists in the Pop, Dance or even Techno genres you would like to work with? Yes! For sure I would LOVE to do something with Rihanna! She
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I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE FEMALES COME OUT AND BE STRONG, AND BE CONFIDENT. I WOULD LIKE TO BE IN A POSITION TO HELP THEM OUT TOO!
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is the girl, the woman; she is it right now. She knows how to work it; she knows how to keep herself fresh and current. She comes out with hits, and I mean real hits; hit after hit after hit, and she’s hitting it right. She’s doing what needs to be done. She’s not afraid. I would love to do something with her. Another artist I would like to work with is P!nk. She’s a white girl who’s got soul. Man! She can sing! I like her edginess and the fact she snubs her nose at the pretty, dainty girls who are out there! Her attitude is ‘nah, I’m rough and tough and I do my own thing. The other person is Gwen Stefani. When she was in the group No Doubt, I always loved the fact that she’s not a follower, she’s a leader. She had her own style. I really love music; all kinds of music. I can see myself doing a Rock track, or even alternative. I made my name in Soca, but I sing ballads, jazz, dancehall, chant; so many things I can do musically. As for the guys, if I had a chance to do something with Prince, I would pass out! When they bring me to, I would throw down in the studio! I’m a huge Prince fan … I love him! Soca has moved from individual releases to riddim releases. What are your thoughts on individual releases versus being a part of a riddim line up? I think it depends on the artist. It also depends on what you want. There are some artists such as (maybe) Skinny Fabulous, Peter Ram, and Lil Rick who came from Reggae and Dancehall over to Soca. They bring their flavor to Soca, which is how the rhythms came in to play (I think). The good thing about it is it gets a lot of artists out there at one time on one rhythm. It’s not often that you get the majority of the songs on the rhythm being popular, especially when you have 15 and 20 artists on
one riddim. There are only a few songs that will rise to the top and be in regular rotation. For me as an artist I like both. I will release an individual track and I’m open to going on riddims. The riddims get you into rotation, especially when the riddim is really popular, and you have a good song on the riddim. That’s what happened with the Tight Choonz riddim and the song “Explode!” It only had 3 or 4 artists on it. The 2 hottest tracks came from me and Mr. Dale (with the song “Wow”). When that riddim was played, those were the two songs in rotation. Also, the song “Brace and Wine” on the Go Go Riddim which featured Beenie Man, Peter Ram, Lil Rick etc, also gets good rotation in the riddim line up, and on its own in various markets. As long as the riddim is good, and it doesn’t have a million people on it, I’ll perform on the riddim. As for the individual releases, they work for me too! When you first began in the industry, there were not a lot of female performers. Now, there are several females whom you carved a path for. Do you feel complimented to see so many female performers in the Soca genre, and what do you think of the industry overall when you compare it to the earlier days? Are things better in your opinion? Yes, I’m happy! I’m happy to not be out there by myself! I’m complimented to see so many females coming out and doing their own thing. I love to see them step out and say: ‘I’m here, I’m beautiful, I’m talented etc as a woman in this genre of music. Most of those women at some point have come to me and said they remembered seeing me for the first time in the “Ragamuffin” video. They would also tell me that they followed my career and my performances which was their encouragement to go out there and claim something for themselves. I’m very happy. I would like to see more females come out and be strong, and be confident. I’m not seeing enough come up in Barbados. I see them come up in Trinidad, but not so much here. The girls who are coming up need more strength in a few areas because they’re unbalanced. They might have the voice, but don’t have the appeal in terms of stage presence. They might have appeal, but they don’t have the appeal, conviction, or right song. Whatever it is, I would like to be in a position to help them out too! Speaking of female empowerment, you have been a source of strength and role model for women, especially ladies who are bigger in size. How do you feel when women tell you their stories about how you’ve inspired them? I’m happy and honored and humbled to know I have a positive effect on women who are bigger, otherwise called being ‘fluffy!’ We women have a lot of challenges as it is, and weight is a
challenge. I didn’t have to deal with that issue until after I had my daughter so I understand. My body changed, and I had to work that much harder and I’m still working. If my experience has inspired bigger women to embrace themselves, I am very happy. One thing I have to emphasize is that we have to be healthy. We can be big, and we must be healthy. If we carry more weight than we should, we are at a higher risk for diabetes and high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, joint pains etc. So it’s ok to be big, just make sure physical exercise or some type of physical activity is included in the routine so we can be healthy. Go to the gym; if that’s not for you, go for a walk in the afternoon, go for a bike ride; just get active! You must make the sacrifice, but it’s worth it. An international anthem for ladies is the chune “Roll It Gyal.” Please tell us the inspiration for the lyrics, and what did you envision while you were in the recording booth recording the song? Well the lyrics were written by Shontelle who is a signed artist now. When I first got the song, I fell in love with it. It just hit me one time and that was it. I knew the moment I got it; I said ‘this is a song!’ When I recorded the song at Slam City studios, I told Chris Allman ‘I need to record this song, so I’m going to do a rough vocal and come out.’ That was my intention. I went in the booth and Chris started the track, and I recorded and didn’t stop. When I was done, Chris said ‘but Alison that is not a rough track, that’s done.’ What the public hears is what I went in to do as a rough track. I just connected with the song so much. It was almost too easy. That song resonated with me on so many levels. I hoped it would touch all kinds of women from different backgrounds. When the song was finished and mixed, I was a little nervous to take it to the radio station to launch it. We released the song during Crop Over, and the song was not straight ahead Soca. I wondered how the people were going to respond to the song, but I hoped the people would like it for what the song represented. When I heard the final mix in my truck, I knew that this was a hit! At the radio station, it was a hit. The feedback was instant. Canada, America, the Caribbean, all over. The feedback was immediate.
I received letters from women around the world who appreciate that song even to today. When the song was released, it wasn’t intended to be a ladies anthem, but that’s what happened. The women made it their anthem. Having performed on so many stages around the world, having recorded so many records, having given so much of you to the world, what are some of the things that keep you inspired and motivated to keep making great music for us, your fans? My family; my daughter and my Husband, but especially my daughter. I want her to be proud to say she is Alison Hinds daughter. When she sees me perform, or hears my music, I want her to be happy. My Husband is very supportive which helps motivate me. Also, when I go and perform live, and I step out on the stage, and I see the fans, and I feel their energy and the love, it’s amazing! There are people who get high on drugs; my drugs are music and performing. My fans are my drugs … they are my high. When I see them with their hands in the air, and their singing all the words to my songs and their smiling and happy; there is nothing like that. Those are the things that keep me going and inspire me to do what I do. I Love what I do, and even after all these years, I still love what I do! What general advice can you give our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? On life. I don’t want to sound cliché, but you have to make the most of life. No matter who you are, how much money you have or don’t have, you have to make the most. We only get one go around at life, so you have to make the most. Don’t dwell on
things you can’t change, or things you don’t have control over. The only thing you can control is you. Seeing that the only thing you can control is you, you do your best, and everything else will fall into place. Stay spiritually grounded in whatever your beliefs are, whatever your religion is. As much as you can, do what brings you joy. It doesn’t make sense to look back and say ‘I wish I did this or that.’ Whatever decisions you made, you made them at that point I time; when you know better you do better. Love is a very complicated thing but it’s worth it if you can find the right love for you. There’s love you have for your children which is different to the love you have for your parents, which is different than the love you have for your husband / wife. Your love for your children will be tested; trust me they test you! They might get into trouble which is when that love has to come to the forefront because that’s what you’re going to use to help them. Your parents are not perfect. I left England when I was 10 going on 11, and I lost contact with my Father. The next time I heard him I was in my early 20’s. We had a struggle getting back on track. I made conscious efforts to meet him face to face (up until that time communication was via telephone) to get certain things out. I’m glad I did that because my Father passed away February 1st of this year from cancer. I was glad I was able to work things out with him before he passed. That puts things in perspective because we don’t know how long we have on earth. Whatever you need to work out with your parents, make that effort to work it out. Just work it out. Your husband / wife are going to bring challenges. You’re going to get mad with one another; you will have cuss outs but don’t hold on to it. Let it go. I’m heading on 8 years of marriage, but my husband has taught me to not hold on to things. We argue, we get it out, and move on. Don’t go back to it and don’t hold on to it. That’s love! Lyrics have to do with life too. We are each writing our own books whether spiritually or physically. You are writing in your own book of life. Make sure that when you look back at those lyrics, you’re going to be happy with them, or at least satisfied.
Make sure you stay connected with the Caribbean Queen, Alison Hinds at www.AlisonHinds.com or Twitter @AlisonHinds
KF KID FAMOUS
FAMOUS ROAD TO CENTRE STAGE NATASHA VON CASTLE
There is no other talent in the Universe like Kid Famous, and there is only 1 word to describe him … Energy! We’ve watched this lyrical genius blossom in front of our eyes, and now stare with pride as his brand permeates the world. One of the keys to Famous’s success, and the reason why he leaves a mark wherever he goes, is because his brand is so recognizable. From his stage performances, to his website and eblasts to his music videos, Famous is unforgettable! His marketing and branding ingenuity is so spot on, he launches pre-release marketing for singles and mixtapes. His
CONTRIBUTED
newest single, “This Chick Is Crazy” featuring Melanie Durrant is one such example. Teaming with artist and cartoonist Sean Ward, Famous paints a visual backdrop for the single, which sees 3 chicks ready to go for the lead characters jugular vein after it’s discovered that he’s been playing games! After reading this interview, you will feel like you know Famous, and you’ll feel like you’ve graduated with a degree in Marketing. Presenting Famous…
“THE ENERGY COMES FROM SIMPLE THINGS, LIKE LIFE! JUST LIFE ITSELF AND KNOWING THAT AT ANY POINT IT COULD BE GONE.”
L3: Your ‘I Rap Now’ EP was the transition from ‘common man,’ to ‘Famous!’ Where did you get your start in music? Was it in High School, post high school; maybe your parents playing music on a Saturday morning, or a combination of all the above? F: Generally, as a young youth, you get inspired by the music you hear growing up. My Mom and Dad were always listening to music in the kitchen on Sunday’s. Apart from that, I got started in high school with talent shows. I would pretend I was Puffy, and I would be dancing in stage. I didn’t rap my own lyrics; I would perform the music of the people I looked up to like Kriss Kross, Puffy, Jay-Z and things like that. When I started, I didn’t want to be a rapper ser say, but I knew I loved entertainment, and I loved to entertain people. You proudly represent Hip Hop, and not only do you represent Hip Hop, you are proudly Canadian. Have you ever thought of going the ‘American’ route with Rap as opposed to Hip Hop or do you think the two (Rap and Hip Hop) are interchangeable? F: How I see Rap and Hip Hop is that Hip Hop is the culture, and Rap is the revolutionary African poetry where it revolutionizes as the years go by. I don’t think I would say American v. Canadian in the sense that music is universal. Now, if you’re talking from the point of business, I definitely would like to travel abroad and do business abroad – yes. In general I think Toronto and Canada is a beautiful place and is good for home base. It’s the fourth largest city, it’s not boring, it’s a lot of fun and I love being Canadian. As times get better, I hope to have places around the world. Hip Hop and Rap is universal! Your guerilla marketing promoted your career to heights no one else in Toronto or Canada had achieved in the Hip Hop genre. You were nominated for a Juno Award and MuchMusic Video Award for your debut EP, The I RAP NOW EP. You had contributions from Grammy nominated producers Boi-1da and Tone Mason, and the project spawned 5 songs, 4
4 videos, 3 radio hits, 2 major nominations, an MTV Live performance, a cross country tour, opening gigs with Nas, The Clipse and Method Man and 1 ‘Best New Artist’ award south of the border from 93.7 WBLK. You turned your dream into a reality. Tell us about that whirlwind 2 years! First, you have me blushing! Second, I wouldn’t say my dreams have come true, I would say I’m exactly where I want to be as this is what I planned for myself. To go back on those past 2 years, I didn’t realize what was going on until I looked at the music videos and the pictures. A lot of times things are changing, I’m trying to keep up with the pace, and I’m trying to plan ahead of time. It’s not often that I get a chance to look back, but with you saying it, I have to say oh my gosh, yes, that was me! As an artist, our goal is for people to see that we are working on our craft, and that’s what those 2 years were all about. I didn’t get a chance to see it because I was busy making sure people saw me. Thanks for taking me back; I’m a little hype now and want to do more where my artistry is concerned! One of the things I do remember that stands out is telling my Mom that I had been nominated for a Juno. The Juno’s is a huge thing in the house because we watch it every year. When she heard about that, and saw the nomination slip, it became ‘oh wow, he’s really doing this!’ When I won, she was so happy and so proud. She actually has the I Rap Now EP in a glass case; she’s really proud – my family’s proud. While I’m at it, I think back to Boi 1 Da and Tone Mason, and I remember when I used to go to 1 da’s basement where we had beats, X-Box and Fruit Loops. Now, he’s Grammy nominated, and one of the richest people I know! We came through it the same way, so looking back, this feels really good, and there’s more to come of these! By the way, my next 3 records are produced by Boi 1 Da, so it’s gonna be good! We’ve seen you perform live. The energy is so intense, that a person who has never heard your music has no choice but to move! Is that energy something that comes to you right at that moment, or is that the way you are in the studio which is also what comes through on stage? You have no idea! This energy never stops! If there’s anything you can ask anyone around me, ask them about my energy and they’ll tell you ‘this guy always has energy – he’s always hype!’ The energy comes from simple things, like life! Just life itself and knowing that at any point it could be gone. I’m doing what I love to do so I have no choice but to be energized. This is so much fun. Think about it: my job is to go out there and perform and make the crowd rock with me! How am I going to make them rock with me if I’m not rocking with myself?! Also, I’m confident in what I’m saying and how I’m performing and the crowd feels that, whether it’s on stage or in the vocal booth. They connect with it, and that feeds my energy! Speaking of crowds connecting, we heard an interview you did with Spex the Boss on Toronto’s Flow 93.5 FM last year (2010), and you intro’d your song “Big Man Tings” featuring Trinity Chris in the most unique way! You gave it a countdown, live on radio that we had never heard before, and your energy was so infectious, we never forgot that intro! You just brought back more memories! That was my first radio interview, and
“THE MESSAGE IN MY MUSIC HAS BEEN MY STRONG POINT, AND I THINK THAT’S WHY PEOPLE CONNECT WITH MY MUSIC...”
my first interview with Spex. The record was produced by Boi 1 Da, and featured Trinity Chris. That record actually came about because of Spex, because at the time I was interning at Flow, and I would always hear Spex talk about ‘big man tings,’ and the words just stuck with me. At the same time, 1 Da had just produced the beat, and we put Trinity on the record and the whole thing just worked! The way we intro’d the song that Sunday on Spex’s show is the same energy we had when we were in the studio recording. If you think I have energy, you need to see Spex! He has energy ion a whole other level – he’s the one who inspires me! I was feeding off his energy, and Trinity was feeding off mine, so the whole countdown came across live on the radio the way it did. It was and is a beautiful thing! Your music focuses on the message … the lyrics if you will. You site Bob Dylan and Chuck D as influences in that capacity. Do you enjoy carrying the ‘message’ torch alone, yet within a sea of ‘hype’ music? Right. As a rapper, that’s one of the things we fight sometimes where it’s an easy thing to say, and not an easy thing to do. The message in my music has been my strong point, and I think that’s why people connect with my music the way they do because I do have a story you don’t normally hear from other artists. You get to see the story at the end, and not before or during. I live a life like the general public who consumes Hip Hop music; I’m the generation of people who are purchasing Hip Hop so I enjoy the music from artists whose story I believe. Like Jay-Z and Kanye West – I relate to their message, actually we relate to their message. For the people who don’t, you can hear their story and relate to that story in a different sense, but there’s still a relation. What music is coming down to now, especially if you want to last in this game, you have to have that connection with people, and my message is been that connection. It’s a lot easier to write that connection. Writing bullsh&t can’t be easy or fun but when you’re living it and being true to yourself, you make it live. It’s easier, there’s so much subject matter because you’ve been through it and that’s the connection. Lyrics such as ‘don’t sleep on me like I’m a mattress’ is ingenious. Do you play with words on a regular to keep your lyrical presentation fresh? I think what it is that I like unique-ness. I like to write as if I’m listening. It takes a lot of cleverness to get me to pay attention to a record, so when I write, I try to have that same cleverness. I like to take the obvious and flipping it. For example, I could
say, ‘I got so many rocks on my wrist’, say, ‘I got so many rocks on my wrist’, but what about flipping it and saying ‘I stop time when the Kid comes through shining.’ I just flipped it, but have essentially said the same thing. I tend to do that a lot. I’ve always been that out of the box thinker; really quick on my toes, quick on reactions, quick to think of lyrics for a particular subject, and that’s what it really comes down to. Also, I put a thought into it. Some people don’t think about what they’re writing and don’t stay on subject. Tell me the last time you heard a song where the first verse had something to do with the second verse? In rap music, it doesn’t happen too much. So I decided to paint these stories through these verses. Your smash hit “I Wanna Know Your Name” featuring Oh was a smash hit in the techno realm. How were you introduced to that song and who produced it? Originally it was produced by F Burning Keys – that was the original producer. While I was working at Flow, I met one of the sales guys named Sean, and he left to do production. One day, he hit me up and said ‘Famous, come listen to some beats,’ so I went to see him, and I told him I’m thinking about doing a remix to “I Wanna Know Your Name,” like a House or Techno remix. I left the files with him, and he called me 2 weeks later and said ‘come listen to this!’ When I heard it, it just HIT! The beat just bumped and it became more popular than the original to tell you the truth. It’s crazy! That one song got me booked in places like France and India and a lot of other places. It’s just that song that makes everybody feel good, people move to it and everybody has fun with it. It’s been a huge record for me! I gotta say working with Oh is like … we’ve worked on so many records so working with him is easy. He came through the studio, and I said I need a hook, and that’s what he came up with in 20 minutes! The video has the most cameos in Canadian history. Everybody who’s somebody is in that video. It was done a small budget, and the concept was to show the world how Famous parties. James shot the footage, Rez and I edited, and that’s the end result. (view Famous’s “I Wanna Know Your Name” here). The last thing I want to say about the video is there wasn’t going to be a video. At the last minute we just decided to do it, so what I want to say about that is when the opportunity presents itself, just do it! You never know what additional opportunities are going to come to you by doing things last minute. Just do it! It’s also important to communicate with everybody because you don’t know what people can bring to the table until you start that dialog.
“MY NAME IS FAMOUS, THEREFORE, THE LOGO HAS TO LOOK DIFFERENT, AND IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE. IT’S A LOGO, IT HAS TO BE APPEALING. THIS IS IMPORTANT...”
You pay particular attention to your branding, down to the detail in the font you chose for your name, Famous. Does this further exemplify how meticulous you are when it comes to detail with your music? It’s Crazy! It’s good, and it’s definitely a problem. I guess because I’m so particular, down to the last detail. I come up with the concept, and then give it to the team, who then brings it to life; I am really meticulous. The imagery and the branding is all me so I have a responsibility to make sure everything is right. So many things go through my head, and the ways ideas come into my head are from the craziest things. I think it’s the glory of God that puts it upon me; I’m going in the right direction and things just always come into hand. As far as branding goes (just to go back a little), that’s my bread and butter. I always think, when I’m developing a concept, ‘what would I think?’ If I get a CD with chicken scratch on it and no info, that’s common and not nice. Why would I invest my money in something that’s not nice? Why would a fan invest in something that is not nice? A lot of this is just common sense. My name is Famous, therefore, the logo has to look different, and it has to make sense. It’s a logo, it has … to be … appealing (Famous purposely slows his speech to make his point!). This is important because people like to cut ends. People will say ‘this guy is good, but it’s going to cost me, so I’ll get my boy to do it.’ No! Don’t do that! If you put that out, that’s what people perceive about you, and you won’t have a chance to explain why your logo or image looks so bad. A lot of times people miss that crucial point. Right now, I’m planning 6 months to a year ahead. Some ideas and concepts take longer than others because you’re dealing with other people and their schedules and their clients’ schedules etc. Deadlines can get blurred, so we have to plan ahead. Another example of us working together to catch attention is the website www.hesbetterthanyou.com. That is a concept we developed for Raheem. Notice, it’s not ‘I’m better than you.com, it’s he’s better than you. When people see that, they connect with the concept that he’s better. Now when he says it, it sounds like it’s coming from a third party as opposed to coming from an arrogant person saying ‘I’m better than you.’ There’s a lot that goes into our concepts and what we do, and there’s a lot of development as well. Once we have the concept developed, we then go into way to promote the concept. We have a lot of conversations with people and we ask for feedback. Nothing goes out in a rush. I send it to my boys; they give me REAL feedback, not just what I want to hear. Let’s talk about I Rap Now.com. That’s at a next level because the imagery tells you everything without you having to ask or hear. Visually, that was a huge success because we conveyed the message that I rap Now! You see the before with me working at Mc Donald’s, being a paper delivery boy, working at footlocker etc, and then in the middle, I’m standing with a shirt that says I Rap Now. That to me is common sense, and another example of a concept coming to reality. I had the idea; Bryan Brock made it come to life. I work with a good team, and a lot of talented people! Continuing on the theme of branding, your video for “Slow Down” featuring Rich Kidd is bananas. What was it like being in the UK and how much of a lasting impression do you think you made?
That video right there! We took my boy Zack Tracks on the trip to England, and we just went out and patrolled the streets of London. Zack recorded everything we did. We got back to the hotel, and he edited what he shot, and that’s exactly how that video turned out! The energy was amazing. Rich Kidd is not new to this – he has a presence himself, so the two of us was just incredible! We caused some madness out there! We had shows, we had interviews, it was crazy and we had a blast. Shout out to Canadian Blast and my boy D.O. (Dwayne Gibson). We had so much fun! Your commercial for the iAmFamous App for the iPhone is ingenious. I was going to ask how long did it take to put that concept together, but now I’ll change it to how much fun did you have putting that together?! We didn’t have a budget, and I didn’t want to be in the video, so we went through YouTube and looked at commercials. In no way is it an original concept. What we did is take a screen shot and created our own app, our own dialog and our own music. Trix, the comedian from Toronto, who is absolutely amazing, is a good friend of mine, so I called him over and asked him to do the audio. If you and your readers ever hear the uncensored version … my God! We put the images in front of him, Rex hit the record button, and Trix just said whatever came to mind based on the concept. We took the censored stuff and put it out there. We had the most fun! I still can’t believe I have my own App! As an artist who has benefited from the path cleared by Dream Warriors, Maestro and Kardinal to name a few, what do you think the younger generation will say of you clearing an aspect of the path for them? Man! What a question. The younger generation, and even my generation, is not the type to appreciate the path cleared, and that’s sad to say. They don’t appreciate the older generation as much, and you see that when you’re in it. The youth don’t care and don’t
understand until they’re in that position. That’s a sad thing. My story is I’m down to let the kids know what I’ve been through in this industry. They don’t want to know, they’re not going to reach out. They don’t understand. Kardi (Kardinal Offishall) is my mentor and I watched what he did. I saw what he went through to reach where he is today such as label deals that got him jammed for a few years etc. I interned at record labels and the radio station so I could see things from the inside out and see things I didn’t want to necessarily see as an artist. Kids today don’t do that. They think it’s a game, but it’s a business first. Believe me, this is a business. They must get educated on the business, and that’s the side of me that I’m opening up. Your fans get to watch your journey through your video Road to Centre Stage. Which artist would you like to have seen chronicled in a similar way? Another good question. J. Cole, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj. I would like to see them because their stories are not fantasy stories. Their success came from hard work. They are the younger generation, and it came down to that big break! You have a HUGE project dropping on November 11th, 2011 called ‘Road To Centre Stage.’ This is a mixtape hosted by New York’s DJ Kay Slay which is a really good look. How were you introduced to the NY heater, and what was his response to working with you on this tape? There is one thing you need to understand about working with Americans, especially the ones who have money. They are different! There is no time for bull sh&t. None. Talking to Slay was straight. It was ‘send me the records’ and that was it. I’m a Core DJ so I got to meet him and get to know him a lot more personally and developed a relationship with him so that was that. Bottom line, no one has time to waste and its all business. As for the EP, it’s a 3 part series that will be released over 6 to 8 months; we’ll be putting out a lot of visuals, and will let people follow the journey, the creation of ideas etc. If people go to www.roadtocenterstage.com, they can see the cartoonist I’ve teamed up with whom I met on Twitter. What general advice can you give fans on Life, Love and Lyrics? Life – enjoy it – live it. I used to work really crazy hours and my boy would tell me that I’m not enjoying life. Get sleep, and just enjoy life. As for Love, you have to love what you do because you’ll probably be doing it for the rest of your life. When it’s all said and done you don’t want to look back and say ‘I hated my life,’ no, so love what you do. When you love what you do, you’re so busy loving it, it’s not work! As for lyrics; put thought into what you say. In Hip Hop, we’re definitely going in the direction of people paying more attention o what rappers are saying, so lyrics are important; you can learn a lot from them! Follow the Kid on Twitter @TheKidFamous
WW WAYNE WONDER RUNNING OUT PON DEM! NATASHA VON CASTLE
CONTRIBUTED
It’s hard to believe Wayne Wonder has been doing music since the age of 16. Writing his own lyrics, engineering, and recognizing talent are just some of the elements that make up the reasons why he is a mainstay in music. Having just completed an extensive tour with Beres Hammond this past summer, Wayne is currently in the studio working on new material to release for fans at the end of 2011, going into 2012. From day 1, Wayne has worked with the greatest in Reggae and Dancehall. From King Tubby to Dave Kelly, Donovan Germaine and more, Wayne has been in our lives musically without fail. He’s seen us through anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and every significant life event. Today, Wayne sits down with us so we can get to know him, the person in music!
L3: For an artist who has seen and done just about all there is to do within a career how is your view of the Reggae / Dancehall landscape these days? WW: Right now, I classify myself as being a veteran, and as such, I see that there is a big difference with artists today. A lot of them are very aggressive which can sometimes make it bad for the business. I’m an optimistic type of person, and I know there is better to come. Music, especially good music, will always last. There are some artists who are doing really good work and are not being recognized because of the brute force and the bullies in the industry. We have situations where DJ’s are forced to play music which means good music doesn’t get a chance. I have hope for the industry because good music will always rise to the top! If we were to use YouTube as a measure as to how much your fans love you, you would be one of Jamaica’s most loved artists. Do you ever tune in to YouTube to read what fans say about you? Have you ever read a comment that really touched you? Definitely! I keep up with YouTube all the time! I’m touched when I read fans comments, especially the ones where they say ‘the song No Letting Go’ is their favourite of all times. Things like that really inspire me. Also, I read one fan say that because of a certain song he met his Girl, and he got married and played that particular song at his wedding etc. Things like that, comments like that really inspire me and push me to keep doing what I’m doing. YouTube is one of the greatest things for that reason, and because the music reaches so many people from around the world at the same time. It’s great, and I’m thankful for the love! With a catalog of music as extensive as yours, what song or songs hold the most sentimental value to you and why? I would have to say “Saddest Day!” I wrote that song as a teenager, and I got the idea from my Girlfriend in high school that one day out of the blue, just looked at me and said ‘I don’t see our relationship going anywhere.’ As a youth, the only think I could do was put pen to paper and write out how I felt … it was the saddest day. The song is a classic now, but that’s the true history of the song. That was the saddest day and the song is one of my all time favourites. Your music easily flows between ‘mainstream’ and ‘people stream’! Was this by choice, as in you’re purposely decided to do this with your career, or is this how things worked out? For me, being a singer, there isn’t any type of music I hear that
I can’t put lyrics to, so it comes over as mainstream and people stream (as you say)! I have always had a thing inside of me to go for music. Yes I can go hardcore Dancehall, but I really want, and I really do music. The people appreciate it. I can put my touch to music period, and it’s accepted by the fans. That’s what’s important to me … the music. It just so happens that it goes for both main stream and people stream! It’s not intentional; it’s just a result of the love that I have for music. Hits songs come as naturally to you as breathing. Has there ever been a time when you thought a song was not going to be a hit but it turned out to be one? As an artist, I don’t look at it that way to say this or that will be a hit. No. When I go in the studio, my creative juices are flowing, and I’m vibing, and I write from my heart and hope for the best. I don’t think about a hit. You could look at it like I’m in the factory producing all these things. I’m sending out the product because it comes from me, and I think the people will like what they hear, and so far they do. I do have to say that every musicians dream is to have a hit song, but we don’t go into the studio thinking ‘ok, we’re going to make a hit today,’ it doesn’t work like that. The formula is to put my heart into what I do and let the fans decide! Your fans have decided that all of your songs are hit songs, especially on YouTube! It’s definitely a good outlet because some music is limited in Jamaica. If it’s not a Gaza or a Gully, you won’t get much attention, but when you have mediums like YouTube, people can listen to music as much as they want, and they don’t have to wait for someone else to play it. It’s a really good outlet for artists. We are the rest of the artists who make up the industry and this is where I referred to earlier as intimidation. With YouTube, its fan based so artists don’t have to worry about a DJ being bullied into playing music. The fans decide which is good … which is what it should be. You’ve collaborated with Sean Paul, Trina, Reggaetone rapper Reptile, and so many more. Are there any artists you haven’t recorded with but would like to? I have to correct you! I haven’t collaborated with Sean Paul, I’ve collaborated with Shaggy! I wanted to do a song with Sean, but we’ve both been busy so it hasn’t happened yet! As for whom I would like to collaborate with, definitely Alicia Keys. To see her sitting at the piano opens up a great vibe. I can see us writing a song just based on her playing at the piano.
“WHEN I GO IN THE STUDIO, MY CREATIVE JUICES ARE FLOWING, AND I’M VIBING, AND I WRITE FROM MY HEART AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.”
We read that you and Buju Banton have an extensive history, and you were actually the first person to take him to a recording studio. Tell us about your relationship with the artist over the years. We met in early 1990. I had heard about him before, and we met and I could hear his raw talent. Going to the studio as a new artist, he was sometimes overlooked because he was new. I would get him every morning, and we would go to the studio; he definitely had the raw talent, even from back then. We wrote songs together long before people knew who he was. I would call him up on shows, and I would assist him along the way. A lot of people don’t know that, but it’s true. We co-wrote a lot of his hits such as “Deportee,” “Murderer,” just to name a few. This is important for people to know, as in you are not just a singer. Singing is one aspect of what you do. It’s something about the music, and the vibes I get when I’m in the studio. I can’t explain it more than that! With writing there is a chemistry. There’s no mood, no ego’s, just you and the paper. There are no visuals; it’s just you as the artist, with the music, and the work that needs to be done which is to make the music. That’s how I see it. When you compare the recording process between your first days with King Tubby’s to the ‘self record’ generation where an artist can record without a studio, do you ever scratch your head and think ‘how did we get here?!’ Actually, it’s just a process. I’m glad I came through the old school, where we actually put on the 24 track and do the foundation work, especially waiting for your time. I guess the new generation only knows pro tools or logic. I didn’t get into it in those days; I got into production because I record myself also. I have my portable studio so I can get my work done no matter where I travel to in the world. For the past 8 years I’ve been recording myself. Songs like “Love and Affection,” “I Still Believe,” “Put Your Drinks Up” was recorded in my home studio for Honorebel etc. Most of the young producers I work with send me the sound files electronically, and I record, and send back the vocals electronically. This is the new way, the 2011-2012 way of keeping the vibes flowing! Your music has allowed you to travel around the world performing for fans. Has any one city / country inspired you to write songs more than another? I wouldn’t day that because it all depends on the mood and the
mood and the energy. I might go to a studio in France, and hear a piano riff that inspires me and takes me back to a memory that I write about which then becomes a song. Inspiration doesn’t come from a city or a country for me. I’ll give you an example. I wrote the song “No Letting Go” in New York which is my most popular song. I went to Japan, and that’s where Buju and I wrote “Murderer.” We got a phone call from Jamaica that one of our friends was murdered, so, it’s not a city or a country, it’s the coming together of vibes and things I might hear, or something I might see that brings the inspiration. Music is in the air! When thinking of the many countries you have travelled to, do you ever look at your passport and say ‘wow’?! Yes! Sometimes when I look at my passport, I say ‘I used to see these countries when doing Geography reports or Integrated Science,’ so I reflect a lot of times and am thankful that my music has reached so many great places and has allowed me to travel to them. Looking at the accolade list, you’ve won several awards over the years, what has been your most treasured award so far in your career? I received a few songwriters’ awards and A Grammy nomination which I treasure and the reason why is because when I started out in Jamaica, at that time, there were a lot of artists doing covers of popular American songs. I was just breaking into the business, and producers at the time didn’t want original lyrics, they wanted covers. That time (era) took away from creating original songs, but I did it to get my foot in the door and establish myself until it was time for me to be me. I started writing and knew I would perform my own material one day. When I got the BMI award for Songwriter of the Year, I was truly honored because I didn’t give up on my original plan to perform and be successful with my own lyrics. I stood by my own words, and it paid off for me. While we’re comparing, you’ve worked with Dancehall greats such as Dave Kelly. What do you think today’s producers can do to bring more authentic Dancehall vibes back to the music? For me, and my observation, Dave Kelly really put in a lot of time in his productions. Night and day we were in the studio. Even in the mixing process, we put a lot of time into it, and the point to all of that was to get a vibe. We might leave from a studio, go to a dance, and then go back to the studio because we caught a vibe!
For the new generation, it’s mainly about egos. That’s what takes away the authenticity in the music. There is no real Dancehall vibes. If you listen to some of the music today, you can hear that it’s heavily influenced by Hip Hop which is not Dancehall. Some of these kids need to take a step back and do some research and find out why Dancehall was the way it was, and vibe the real heritage of the music, not what they think is Dancehall. Thinking Dancehall and staying true to Dancehall is different things. Younger producers such as Robot Head (Honorebel – Sound Cloud Riddim), Froggy Madd Squad, Taranchyla and Delly Ranx have invited you to record with them. These recordings have resulted in two songs receiving much radio play (“Put Your Drinks Up” and “Run Out Pon Dem”). What was it like working with these younger producers? These are youths I know in the business coming up. When they started their projects, they approached me and said ‘Wayne, listen to this and tell me what you think,’ so it’s out of respect I recorded. In the case of Froggy, he sent me the Island Breeze riddim, and I immediately liked the riddim. It’s been a while since I’ve heard a real authentic Dancehall vibe like that so I immediately gravitated towards it, and recorded the chune “Run Out Pon Dem.” As for Delly, Delly is my bredrin from long time. We’ve done a lot of work over the years through Tony Kelly so we go way back! He sometimes comes by my house because we all live not too far from each other. We all live close to one another so its vibes! With Honorebel, he sent me the riddim and I recorded the vocals in my studio, and sent the files back to him because I liked the riddim. We are all close and work well together! So to add to everything else, you have a great ear for production! When you’re in the studio, and you hear good productions so much, you just have an ear to know when a riddim is good, and what riddim to voice to. It’s one of those things you get with time. You learn how to focus on the effective parts of music. I learned that from Sly & Robbie. When you put drums together, it doesn’t have to be a lot of sound, it’s just the important sounds. When it comes to riddims, you don’t have to stack it with a lot of stuff, just the most important. Switching things up and having a little fun! What one aspect of your personality do you think your fans would be most surprised to know about you?
“MY ALTER-EGO’S NAME IS SURPRISE, AND WHEN PEOPLE HEAR HIM, THEY THINK IT’S A NEW ARTIST I’M WORKING WITH BUT IT’S NOT!”
I guess everyone wants to know about my alter-ego! My alterego’s name is Surprise, and when people hear him, they think it’s a new artist I’m working with but it’s not! Surprise is the DJ! Sometimes I’m vibing, and there isn’t a DJ in the studio to DJ that part of the song for me, so Surprise has to do it. This started years ago. When Wayne Wonder is down, Surprise is the energy that picks him up. I call him my Vybzologist! If I’m writing a song, and I feel it’s not going the right way, Surprise steps in as my alter ego, gives it and me that energy, then I go back to it as Wayne Wonder! It’s not a secret anymore … Wayne Wonder is Surprise and vice versa! What general advice would you give our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? Life is worth living. Love is lovely and war is ugly. Lyrics are word power and sound. Tweet with Wayne Wonder @WayneWonder25
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