Mixx Master Prince Chops it Up with CVWA

Mixx Master Prince
Photo Courtesy of Tunnelz of Vision
Photography

Anyone who has been around the Jacksonville reggae scene for any length of time has inevitably crossed paths with deejay, promoter, and entrepreneur Mixx Master Prince.  Whether he is spinning at De Real Ting, Eveready, or any number of other venues, or running his Northside music shop, Prince has made a notable name for himself among reggae fans, artists, and business owners.  Recently, he took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for CVWA.

CVWA:  Tell us a little bit about yourself.  How did you get started as a deejay?

MMP:  My name is Mixx Master Prince, Prince Foster, born 1974 in Kingston, Jamaica.  I moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1982 and to Jacksonville in 2001.  I've been playing music all my life and started playing professionally in 1989.  I've worked at De Real Ting Cafe at 128 W. Adams  St. for the last twelve years and also worked on Cool Runnings and Danger Zone Sound.

CVWA:  Who/what are some of your favorite artists/songs to both listen to and spin?

MMP: My favorite artists are Bob Marley and Bounty Killer.  My favorite song right now is 123 by Alkaline.

CVWA:  Give us a little history about your shop, Prince Music World, and your new venue, Reggae Boyz.

MMP:  I own Prince Music World/Mixx Master Prince One Stop Shop, at 8933 Lem Turner Road.  I've been in business for over nine years.  I'm about to open up a sports bar called Reggae Boyz at 101-1 48th St. (inside the Winn Dixie Plaza on Main Street).  I'm also working on a reggae internet station to broadcast about our community.

Prince Music World
8933 Lem Turner Road
Jacksonville, FL 32208

CVWA:  What would be your dream show to promote/deejay for?

MMP:  My dream show would be Jah Cure live inside Plush.  He has never been here before.

CVWA:  How can we keep in contact with you?

MMP:   Email:  Princemixxmastaprinceonestopshop@gmail.com or  mixmasterprince@msn.com
www.facebook.com/mixmasterprince

Free Download-Dub Rockers Mixtape Vol. 1

courtesy of VP Records/With Love PR

VP Records has collaborated with the Vans team, famous for their shoe line popular among skaters, to produce the Dub Rockers Mixtape Vol. 1.

DJ Juan Love, who actually was a professional skater and whose real name is John Cardiel, produced the mixtape and has an inspiring story of his own.  In 2003, after a terrible car accident, doctors predicted that he might never walk again.  He used reggae music as part of his recovery and began DJing.  Today he is a brand ambassador for Vans, a professional DJ, and a judge of both skating contests and DJing events worldwide.

The mixtape has 21 tracks and features mixes of the latest music by reggae heavy hitters including Alborosie, Morgan Heritage, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Alpha Blondy, and Tarrus Riley.

You can stream or download the mixtape for free at the VP Records SoundCloud page by clicking on this link:

Dub Rockers Mixtape Vol. 1

Tracklist:

1. Java (Prince Polo Remix) - The RBC featuring Augustus Pablo & Tommy McCook
2. Lighter's Up - Snoop Lion featuring Mavado & Popcaan
3. Change - Natty featuring Alborosie & Busy Signal
4. The Gold (Dubmatix Double Dutch Remix) - John Brown's Body & Peetah Morgan
5. In My Arms Riddim - Fat Eyes
6. Easy To Love - Maxi Priest
7. In My Arms - Beres Hammond
8. Never Be Alone Again - Nikesha Lindo
9. Never Be Alone Again Instrumental - Fat Eyes
10. I'm Not Crazy - Don Carlos
11. Long Time Ago - Eek-A-Mouse
12. Heartland - Stick Figure
13. Dawn of Time - Tribal Seeds
14. Here Come the Kings - Morgan Heritage
15. Rebel/Worldwide Rebellion - Tarrus Riley/Captain Sinbad
16. Stop Fight Reggae - Anthony B
17. By Jah Will - Luciano
18. Super Powers - Alpha Blondy 
19. Positive - Fortunate Youth
20. Smoking Bomb Bud - J. Boog & Fiji
21. Ska Militia - Sacto Storytellers

Video of the Day: Morgan Heritage - Ends Nah Meet

This is a powerful video from Morgan Heritage, off of Here Come the Kings, their first studio album in five years.  Produced by Maximilian Shelton, the vocals and instrumentals show why the group is true reggae royalty.

Video of the Day: Thunder & Lightning - Sgt Remo

Jacksonville reggae artist Sgt. Remo is back at it with the release of his latest video, "Thunder and Lightning", from his Life is for Living EP.  To find out more about this up-and-coming singer, check out his interview on this blog.

Alborosie Releases Sound the System LP on Greensleeves Records

Sicilian-born reggae singer Alborosie released his self-produced album Sound the System in North America on Greensleeves Records September 30.  Available in Europe since July, the album continues the singer's mission to produce top-quality riddims and conscious lyrics that promote his Rastafarian beliefs.  A tour is scheduled beginning February 2014, with dates and locations to be announced.

Highlights of the album include a guest appearance by Ky-mani Marley for a remake of "Zion Train", as well as a special collaboration with the iconic group The Abyssinians, who sing in Amharic on "Give Thanks", paying homage to Ethiopia, the country dear to the hearts of Rastas everywhere.  Alborosie also shows that he can more than hold his own among the dancehall crew with tracks like "Rock the Dancehall" and "Who Run the Dance".

Alberto D' Ascola was born in the town of Marsala in Sicily. In his teens he moved to Milan, where he eventually joined the band Reggae National Tickets.  Touring with the band through Europe and eventually Jamaica completely changed his life.  He relocated to Jamrock and started working at Gee Jam Studios in Portland.  Over a decade later, he is still going strong and leaving a lasting imprint on the roots reggae scene.

photo courtesy of With Love PR

Sound the System Track Listing (Greensleeves Records)

1.  Intro
2. Play Fool (To Catch Wise)
3. Rock the Dancehall
4. Zion Train (featuring Ky-mani Marley)
5. To Whom It May Concern
6. Who Run the Dance
7. Goodbye (featuring Nina Zilli)
8. U Got to Be Mine
9. Love is the Way
10. There is a Place (featuring Kemar)
11. Positiveness
12. Don't Pressure It
13. Warrior (featuring Nature)
14. Give Thanks (featuring The Abyssinians)
15. Shut U Mouth
16. Outro

Video of the Day: Tessanne Chin - Hide Away

Today's video of the day is "Hide Away" by Kingston, Jamaica native Tessanne Chin. She is actually a contestant on this season's The Voice.  Though most Americans don't know who she is, including the four judges on the show, reggae fans know how amazing her voice is.  "Hide Away" was on the Reggae Gold 2007 compilation.  Love this tune!

Tickets on Sale for "Welcome to Jamrock" Reggae Cruise

The "Pearl" courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines

On Wednesday, September 11, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley announced the first annual "Welcome to Jamrock" Reggae Cruise.  Departing from Miami, Florida on October 20, 2014, the cruise will make stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, returning to Miami on October 25.

Confirmed artists for the cruise include Marley brothers Damian, Stephen, and Julian, Shaggy, Jah Cure, Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, Morgan Heritage, Sean Paul, Christopher Ellis, Black Am I, Wayne Marshall, Etana, and Jo Mersa.  In addition, iconic sound systems and DJs' Stone Love, Mighty Crown, Renaissance, and David Rodigan will be on hand to ensure that passengers are never without a moment's entertainment.

The Jamaica Tourist Board has officially endorsed the cruise as a way to bring attention to the beauty that Jamaica has to offer and at the same time providing top-notch entertainment to reggae lovers from across the globe.

Tickets are on sale at the official Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise website, where you can check out the itinerary as well as view the different cabins available.  You can also order by phone at 1-800-248-7471. Payment plans are available with deposits starting at $250 per person.  If you are interested, you need to jump on this now, because the cruise was just announced and some cabins are already sold out according to the site.

"Out in the streets, they call it murderrrr!!!!"  De cruise gwaan be mad mi seh!

Local Reggae Artist Sgt. Remo Chats with CVWA

When thinking of the home countries of most reggae artists, naturally the Caribbean islands are foremost in mind, followed by England, America, and even France.  Rarely do people think of reggae artists hailing from Mexico.  Sgt. Remo,who currently makes his home here in Jacksonville but hails from Mexico, shows that good reggae crosses cultural and geographical borders.

Sgt. Remo is making waves in the reggae scene both locally and abroad with the recent release of the official video for "No Man Stranded", off of his EP, Life is for the Living, released towards the end of 2012.  "No Man Stranded" is a conscious tune that reassures listeners that Jah will never leave "no man stranded".  It was featured as a Video of the Day on this blog in June.

Recently, Sgt. Remo took time out of his busy scheduled writing and performing to answer a few questions about himself and his music.

CVWA:  Tell us a little about yourself.  How did you get started in music?

SR: My name is Remo and I was born in Juarez, Mexico. I grew up there until I moved across the border to El Paso, TX. A lot of people ask me how I sing reggae music being from that area and I guess it's a valid question. That area does not have a strong Caribbean population or a strong influence in reggae but I started following reggae music from a young age and just fell in love it from day one. I've always sung from a young age but I began to chant dancehall around the year 2000-2001. When I lived in Corpus Christi, TX I met a Guyanese named Ali and a Jamaican by the name of Mistah Blaze and we started working together voicing over riddims and recording mostly dancehall songs. We recorded a few mix tapes and did a bunch of dubs but it never really went anywhere for me although it set a foundation for what would come later.

In 2005 I began to be more active in performing which took the music to a next level. I could say I honed my skills when I moved to New Mexico and lived there from '04 to '08. I was very surprised to find a strong reggae community in New Mexico.  I performed quite a bit there with Brotherhood Soundsystem and a lot of stage shows. During this time I started recording more reggae and less dancehall. During the last few years I realized I needed to grow not only as an artist but also as a businessman in order to be successful in the music. The only route there is for most artists today, especially in reggae, is as an independent and this can be a tough road if you are not well prepared. So I have made a lot of effort to improve myself musically, of course, and also in different areas such as production, marketing, and distribution. 

CVWA:  What inspires you?

SR:  Today my music is more reggae than dancehall although if you listen closely you can tell I'm still more of a lyricist than a singer. I grew up on Supercat, Buju, Barrington, Shabba and that era of reggae so my influences are in the dancehall but I like singing as well. I don't sing slack lyrics because my children are my biggest fans so whenever I write I have to write something worthy of their listening. As I've grown I've realized the impact of music on our culture and how powerful of a tool it can be. With this in mind I try to make a positive impact through my music. There is already too much negativity in the music and, although I respect some of it as entertainment, I think we should be mindful of what message we put out there and how that will affect the listeners.

CVWA:  What is your latest project?

SR:  Since last year I have stayed pretty busy with music with the release of my EP and a few releases on various riddim albums. Late last year I released my EP titled Life is for Living. This is my first solo project and I have been steadily promoting it since then. This past July I released the official video for the first single titled "No Man Stranded" which was filmed here in Jacksonville. It was a fun experience being involved in the production and editing from start to finish. I learned quite a bit from it. I just finished filming a second video a few days ago in New Mexico. I traveled there to do a performance and also to shoot a video for the song "Thunder & Lightning", also from the EP. I am also planning to shoot a third video for another song from the EP. That should wrap up the promotion for the EP.

In September I will be releasing an extended play single titled "Call on Jah". Don Goliath, a producer out of Germany, reached out to me about voicing on one of his riddims and after a few weeks we had the finished product. It sounds really nice. It’s a little different. He is a dubstep producer and he also sings a real catchy chorus on the song. The next big project I am working on is a follow up to the previously released Reggae SoulJahs Worldwide Vol. 1 which we released in 2011.

Reggae SoulJahs Worldwide Vol 2 is shaping up to be a huge project with a strong lineup of artists. The goal of Vol. 2 is to gather a truly “worldwide” group of artists, not only from JA but from around the world to showcase the vast global reach that reggae music has accomplished. I can’t really mention the list of artists just yet, except for myself, since we are still negotiating with several artists but this project is going to be great when we are finished. We have carefully reached out to artists who proudly represent their countries but are still delivering genuine culture reggae music. I am working with EA Productions from St. Petersburg, FL who has already produced several of my songs including "No Man Stranded". Some of the countries which will be represented include Jamaica, UK, Germany, Norway, Gambia, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Suriname, Netherlands and possibly a few more.

CVWA:  What plans do you have for the future?

SR:  I have so many plans for the near future and also down the road. I will probably be finished with a full length album next summer after the promotion of Reggae SoulJahs Worldwide Vol 2. I would like to do a tour next year as well throughout the US, Central and South America.  I've really had a good time filming videos and I would like to continue to put out some good quality videos that are interesting to watch. There is so much left to be said in music. I want to cover a few topics that I think are not being addressed fully. Family is the strength of our societies. Families set the foundation for young people to carry on the legacy of their predecessors and I don’t see these values being promoted in mainstream media. If anything, I think there is an assault on the value of family and I think we can do a better job of bringing this, and many other important topics, to the forefront. So I’m not sure how we will be able to accomplish all of this but I know Jah will continue to provide the guidance.

CVWA:  How can we keep in contact with you?

SR:  Official Website www.sgtremo.com

Youtube  www.youtube.com/sgtremo

Facebook  www.facebook.com/sgt.remo

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sgt.-remo/id405263776

Twitter @sergeantremo

Check out the official video for "No Man Stranded", filmed here in Jacksonville

COOJI Presents Masqed De Boatride August 10 2013

The Carnival Organization of Jacksonville, Inc. (COOJI) presents its annual carnival boatride on August 10, 2013.  This year's theme is Masqed De Boat Ride and celebrates the independence of the Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.  Team COOJI invites masqueraders to board the Lady St. John at 1501 Riverplace Boulevard starting at 10 p.m., with the ship sailing promptly at 10:30 for a night of eating, drinking and liming on the water.  There will also  be prizes for the best masquerades.

Selectors for the evening are Rage Kulanji of New York and Kemis D Mixologist from Orlando.  Tickets are $25 in advance and will be more at the pier, and can be purchased at Caribbean venues throughout the city, including LaParkan Shipping, Caribbean Sunrise, and Caribbean Connection.  Tickets are also available online at the Jacksonville Carnival website.

See you there for a night of fun with Team COOJI!

Video of the Day-Burning Spear "Free Nelson Mandela"

Blessed 95th Earthstrong to Nelson Mandela!  Today's video is a tribute that was originally done by reggae icons Burning Spear in 1987 as part of the big Free Mandela push worldwide.  We love you Madiba! Feel free to comment below and add your thoughts and well-wishes for him!

Beres Hammond One Love, One Life Tour Coming to Jacksonville

Photo by Martei Korley courtesy of VP Records

VP Records has announced the dates for Beres Hammond's North America tour, One Love, One Life, promoting the album of the same name that was released November 2012.

The tour kicks off in New York City on August 2nd and works its way down the East Coast, including a stop here in Jacksonville on August 28 at Plush Nightclub.  Hammonds performed at the same venue in 2011 to a packed crowded, with an opening performance by Wayne Wonder.

Hammonds Jacksonville performance was awesome, a full two-plus hours of nearly non-stop energetic renditions of his greatest hits, which are quite numerous, starting with "One Step Ahead" and "What One Dance Can Do", on into "Who Say", "Rockaway", and "They Gonna Talk", and many more.  His One Love, One Life two-disc album reached #1 on Billboard's Top 10 Reggae Album chart.

Jacksonville is unfortunately sometimes known for cancellations by artists because of low ticket sales, but Hammonds ability to sell-out even our tough crowds is testimony to his popularity and skill as a performer.  He will definitely give you your money's worth and I would suggest getting tickets as soon as they go on sale.  See you there!

What are your favorite Beres Hammonds tunes? Feel free to post below.

Video of the Day- Beres Hammond "They Gonna Talk"

Oh, the memories from this song!  I had to take it back today!  Beres never goes out of style!

Video of the Day- Ras Indio "Summer Vybez"

Check out Belizean reggae artist Ras Indio with his newly released single, perfect for this hot summer weather!

Big ups to the Belizean crew!

Review of Bob Marley's Legend Remixed

When I first heard that there were plans to come out with a remixed version of Bob Marley's classic album Legend, my first thought was, 'why mess with something that doesn't need fixing'?  However, after listening to Legend Remixed I have to admit that overall, I was pleasantly surprised.  There were a few stumbling blocks for me but in the grand scheme of things it is a really nice album.

The album was produced by Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, and Jason Bentley, and features production help from reggae heavy-hitters such as Z-Trip with Lee "Scratch" Perry, Jim James from My Morning Jacket, Pretty Lights, and Thievery Corporation.

Standout tracks on the album include "Stir It Up", remixed by Ziggy Marley, "Get Up, Stand Up" remixed by Thievery Corporation, and "Easy Skanking", remixed by Stephen Marley, all of which are really impressive dub-flavored renditions of the original songs.  Another surprising gem was Nickodemus and Zeb's remix of "Jamming", which has a bit of a dub sound, but with a little bit of a house beat thrown into it to twist things up. Stephen Marley also did a nice job with "Buffalo Soldier", adding a heavy synth beat that works surprisingly well.

The songs that I had the hardest time with are Stephen Marley's remix of "No Woman No Cry", and Ziggy Marley's remix of "Redemption Song". Perhaps I am biased because these are two of my all-time favorite songs from Brother Bob, however, I felt that they just veered too far away from the original vibe of the songs.  These two songs epitomize the meaning of the phrase, 'don't mess with perfection'.  These tracks were not flawed to begin with, they worked with the poignant lyrics, the simplicity of the melody, and Bob's voice shining through, with no help needed at all.  The songs that worked best on this album, in my opinion, were the ones that kept the original flavor of the songs while adding a new twist.  "No Woman No Cry" and "Redemption Song" both had different twists, but at the expense of the original perfection of the songs.

 Classic songs and albums are often re-mastered or remixed to introduce them to new generations of listeners, however, Bob Marley's music needs no reintroduction because it has never gone away.  His songs remain some of the most recognizable tunes in the world and with a crew of talented offspring who seem to channel his spirit in their own artistic efforts, there is no chance of his music fading away.  Legend Remixed offers a new interpretation of an impeccable album and is another example of the Marley sons working to make sure that their iconic father retains his role in musical history as a true legend.  Their voices are so hauntingly similar to their father's that despite synth, house, or dub beats, his stamp is undeniably there.  It is easy to listen to this album and imagine him smiling down on them in the studio.  Whether remixed, remastered, or left alone, his is genius is truly Legend.

Legend Remixed (Island/Tuff Gong/UME)

1. Is This Love (Jason Bentley Remix)
2. No Woman No Cry (Stephen Marley Remix)
3. Could You Be Loved (RAC Remix)
4. Three Little Birds (Stephen Marley and Jason Bentley Remix)
5. Buffalo Soldier (Stephen Marley Remix)
6. Get Up Stand Up (Thievery Corporation Remix)
7. Stir It Up (Ziggy Marley Remix)
8. Easy Skanking (Stephen Marley Remix)
9. One Love/People Get Ready (Photek Remix)
10. I Shot the Sheriff (Roni Size Remix)
11. Waiting in Vain (Jim James Remix)
12. Redemption Song (Ziggy Marley Remix)
13. Satisfy My Soul (Beats Antique Remix)
14. Exodus (Pretty Lights Remix)
15. Jamming (Nickodemus and Zeb Remix)
16. Punky Reggae Party (Z-Trip Remix featuring Lee "Scratch" Perry)

Reggae Island Grille Grand Opening June 28

People living and working along the Phillips Highway/Southside Boulevard corridor now have a new option for good cuisine.  Starting Friday, June 28, Reggae Island Grille will be operating in the Avenues Mall Food Court, serving up fresh, authentic Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken, jerk pork, curried chicken, ackee and saltfish, and fried dumplings.

Reggae Island Grille opens at 10 a.m. on June 28 and offers free delivery on orders of $50 or more and within a five-mile radius.  A $5 delivery fee applies to all other delivery orders.  Orders can be placed online at the Reggae Island Grille website and by calling 904-738-8217.  Or, just drop by and sample some of their great menu.

Gun Charge Against Buju Banton Thrown Out By Judge

Buju Banton, the renowned Jamaican reggae artist, won a small legal victory on Wednesday when Judge James Moody threw out a gun charge against him.  Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is currently serving a 10 year sentence on drug charges and if the gun charge had been upheld, he could have faced an additional five years.  Judge Moody also had serious questions for juror Teri Wright, who admitted that she did research about the trial, in direct violation of instructions to the jury.  She can be held in contempt if she can't come up with a plausible defense.

Supporters of Banton have clamored for his release all along, stating that the drug charges were trumped up and that he was framed by federal agents. They are also stating that if a juror violated instructions, as Ms. Wright has admitted to doing, then the verdict should be thrown out and he should be granted a new trial.

Stay strong Buju!!!

Soul Movements Radio Spinning Independent Reggae and Hip-Hop

Did you know that a local reggae artist has created an Internet radio station dedicated to showcasing the best in independent reggae and hip-hop music?  Well, if you didn't, you know now.  Conscious reggae singer Jah Eyes runs Soul Movements Radio, and hosts a reggae show with all the latest hits every week day at 12 noon, and the Midnight Storm at midnight each week night, featuring lover's rock tunes.

Every Wednesday at 2 p.m., is The Hip-Hop Showcase, followed by R&B and neo soul at 4.  On Sundays, Jake the Roadstar 2K hosts Caribbean Beatz.    In addition to streaming online, the station can also be heard on 87.7 FM in southern New York on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3-5 p.m.

So tune into Soul Movements Radio and make a request to played over the airwaves, or submit your own music to be featured in the Sound Clash on Mondays at 7 p.m.  Spin it selecta!!

Video of the Day-Busy Signal "Nightshift/One More Night"

Busy Signal-"Nightshift/One More Night"-a wonderful reggae remix of two classic songs from a hot VP Records artist

Video of the Day: Sgt. Remo's "No Man Stranded"

This is a local independent artist named Sgt. Remo.  This single is called "No Man Stranded" and has a great riddim and conscious lyrics.  Loving this tune!!!  Mad mi seh!!

Video of the Day-Jah Cure's "That Girl"

Official Video for Jah Cure's That Girl-this song is hot right now!

Reggae Royalty Morgan Heritage Reunited for Studio Album "Here Come the Kings"

Kings of reggae Morgan Heritage is back with their first collaboration in five years, aptly named Here Come the Kings (VP Records).  Gramps, Una, Peetah, Luke, and Mojo have nearly twenty years in the industry, producing ten albums that have placed them solidly in the ranks of some of the greatest reggae artists of all time.  Here Come the Kings was released on June 11 and is available in stores and online.  Featuring a wonderful cover of the Michael Jackson/Paul McCartney duo "Girl is Mine", along with their signature Rasta roots sound on songs like "Looking for the Roots" and "Man Has Forgotten", the studio album will surely impress Morgan Heritage fans.  The first single, "Perfect Love Song", has reached number one in Toronto and is on the way to the top in Jamaica.  The group beings a European tour on June 26, with U.S. tour dates to be announced.

Here Come the Kings Track Listing

1. Man Has Forgotten

2.  Here Come the Kings

3. Holla

4.  Call to Me

5. Perfect Love Song

6. The Return

7. Looking for the Roots

8.  Love Stoned (featuring Shaggy)

9. Dem Ah Run Come

10.  Ends Nah Meet

11. Stand Up