Artist: Lady Saw

Label: VP Records

Released: June 9th

You may want to shout “at last!” when you get your hands on the new CD/DVD “Extra Raw… The Best Of Lady Saw“, as this  18-track album and DVD contains all the famous classics we’ve grown to love over the years. To the delight of foundation fans, the party gets going with “Find A Good Man”, the number one hit taken from her debut album “ Lover Girl”,  followed by “Hardcore” (It’s raining) and “Good Wuk”. The production is simple, but all the same catchy enough to make it stick as these songs still sound as monumental today as they did when they were first released. Still, you don’t need to be a genius to realize that you need more than three tunes to make an album.

Luckily for us, this album was made idiot proof as the Saw/Shabba Ranks combo “Want It Tonight” just as the Saw/Beenie Man “Healing” and the unforgettable 1997 Joyride riddim’s “Sycamore Tree” affirms that the hits on this production are by no means far from plenty, and you may you find yourself reliving your younger days when it was just about the music. But as though this album weren’t rich enough already, Extra Raw goes on to give us more explosive material like “Hice It Up”, “Don’t Even Stress Dat”,  “I’ve Got Your Man”, and “Loser” ft  Ce’Cile. There are no real glitches to lament and it really is very rare to find a selection with such consistently good songs.

Finally, the album concludes with “Silly Dreams” as Saw shows a softer side on a rather R&B-ish, albeit slightly marsh-mallowy production and “No Less Than A Woman” in which shows that she can relate to the struggles of any woman dealing with infertility.

This album is well put together as the old tunes have lost nothing of their appeal or expressiveness and can still safely be filed under the “good music” label. Those individuals who are interested in Saw’s new material will have to continue buying singles but for those of you who are looking for a earlier tunes from the First Lady Of Dancehall, this “Best Of Lady Saw” is sure to provide an interesting overview of her earlier work.

Remember Dancer Bruck Up? The same one who used to puff out his cheeks in a manner which totally contorted his face and fluidly move his shoulders and arms like they were made of rubber?

Well, that was 1999 and Bruck Up was quite the dancing sensation at Cactus, Mirage, Stone Love, you name it. he was there. Fast forward to 2009 and Bruckup, now residing in the States, is a bona fide reggae act, working on solo projects and also in collaboration with big name artistes in the music business.

Bruck Up, who earned himself the title, Mr Excitement, is about to drop a new single and video on the reggae market. Entitled I Wear My Sunshades At Night, it features reggae icon Shaggy, whose 2000 MCA Records album Hot Shot sold more than 10 million units worldwide.

“I am very proud of this new single,” a beaming Bruck Up declared. “I am also thrilled that I had the opportunity to work on this project with Shaggy, who has enjoyed international success with so many songs, including my favourites Boombastic, Midnite Lover and Lucky Day. I feel the song will be a force to be reckoned with on the dance floors and for many music lovers, it will bring back the fun in music,” he continued.

I Wear My Sunshades At Night is typical of Bruckup’s hybrid style and the release is a blend of reggae, soca and hip-hop. It is a song that compels the listener to tap his or her feet and dance. Anybody who has ever met Bruck Up can’t help but be awed by his infectious energy and the laughter that he brings, so it comes as no surprise that the record is already being embraced by reggae radio.

Dave Rodney, media marketing consultant and executive producer of the 151 Reggae Internet Show/ Axiomonline.tv, added: “Bruck Up is a rare synergy of a reggae artiste, dancer and comedian wrapped in one package, and the power of what he brings to the stage was on display the last time he was a guest on the 151 Show when he mesmerized the studio and the viewing audience, leaving fans begging for more.”

The video incorporates elements of the classic movie Revenge of The Nerds with Bruck Up’s unique contemporary twist. It was shot at various locations around New York City including at 50 Cents’ old office. It was produced by Reset Creative, a New York City production company, and directed by German videographer Zollo of Fat King Films. The clip was styled by two leading urban fashion companies, Tommy Hilfiger and Marc Ecko, and the dancing and the choreography was supported by New York’s favorite reggae dance group, Active Dancers.

Bruck Up is no stranger to big times and bright lights as he’s had past performance and production collaborations with some of the music industry’s big guns, among them Teddy Riley, Swiss Beatz, Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick and Wyclef Jean.

“Bruck Up has been a powerful force in the reggae arena for a long time, and we feel this first single from his 2010 upcoming album – to be called Mr Excitement – will be a turning point in his career,” Gazoo, Bruck Up’s manager pointed out. The video clip is being serviced to all major TV and new media outlets including MTV, VH1 and BET.

And, while music insiders are buzzing about I Wear My Sunshades At Night, the tireless Bruck Up is being kept busy finishing up his album and taking acting classes to better equip himself for upcoming film and television projects.
“I put no limits on how far I can go”, Bruckup chimed confidently.

I Wear My Sunshades At Night was produced by Sound Boy and will be released on the New York-based Orchard label.

The highly anticipated Red Stripe Dream Weekend got off to a very exciting start Thursday with scores of patrons lining the redemption centre at Margaritaville Negril. It was evident that partygoers were looking forward to making their ‘dream’ a reality.

Beginning with Absinthe, The Mardi Gras Edition, hosted by Syndicate Events, the promoters ensured their guests would want for nothing. Sound systems such as Coppershot Disco, Static Outkast and ZJ Johnny Kool electrified the party with unstoppable vibes belting out the hottest singles paired with mind-blowing mixing and selections. There was great synergy among the selectors which added to the ease with which they rotated tunes throughout the night.

Held at Margaritaville the venue boasted a well-stocked Red Stripe main bar with patrons seen making several trips to ensure they got their hands on the brew. Smirnoff was not to be outdone as they provided a bar strategically situated at the rear of the venue ensuring partygoers easy access to their preferred brand of vodka.

Coppershot Disco got things going by playing songs such as Love is Wicked by Brick & Lace before moving into dancing selections like Weddi Time by the energy god, Elephant Man and Row Like a Boat by the Doctor Beenie Man. Coppershot passed the baton onto upcoming system led by DJ Supastylz who rocked the crowd with dancehall favourites such as Nuh Linga by Ding Dong, Sweep by Elephant Man among many hits which did not disappoint.

DJ Johnny Kool took the notch up with high tempo selections including Tipsy by J-Kwon, Wine by Vybz Kartel and Call On Me by Jah Cure. The Mardi Gras theme was in full force as the ladies were seen out in neon-coloured swimwear. The men, however, were not to be outdone as Hawaiian printed shirts were the order of the day. Responsible drinking was promoted by all the sound systems as partygoers were made aware of the Red Stripe Detox bar which overlooked the entire venue with treats such as chicken soup, coffee and water. DJ Cutty even encouraged the crowd to pause for five seconds then directed them to the detox bar.

According to Absinthe promoter, Gersham Greene, six years ago a group of friends now known as Syndicate Events dreamed of staging parties particularly in Negril during the summer now that has become a reality.

“Syndicate Events & the Absinthe brand was born out of that ‘dream’ and this Independence was the manifestation of another, that being to host a party in Negril. Absinthe – Beach Mardi Gras was phenomenal based on the responses of patrons and sponsors alike which is a clear demonstration that a mere ‘dream’ can become a reality…it only takes hard work & dedication. Our dream has come true,” Greene said.

The event winded down way past the scheduled 9:00 pm end time and for good reason; people were thoroughly elated to experience the undiluted vibes. They were encouraged to make their way over to Chances for the second event slated for the night, Twisted Spiritz.

Reggae star Richie Spice & Bajan soca star Allison hinds brand new music video for their single King & Queen, which is a tribute to US president Barack Obama & his wife Michelle Obama. The music video was shot at several locations across Kingston including Devon House, Victoria House and the Boliva Art Gallery, under the direction of Jay Will (Game Over).