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FUTURESPECTIVE
THE ROSENBLUM FOUNDATION AND THE MICHAEL MARGULIES ARTIST AGENCY PRESENT THE GROUP SHOW
“FUTURESPECTIVE,” CURRATED BY KIKI VALDES
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he Michael Margulies Artist Agency and Kiki Valdes announced “Futurespective,” a group installation focused on the exciting times in Miami’s art scene. From striving local talent to a growing impact on the international art conversation, “Futurespective” encapsulates Miami’s new era while highlighting significant developments in the city. The forward-thinking, emerging and mid-career artists showcased in “Futurespective” offer new, artistic perspectives by experimenting with contemporary media and exploring different themes to encourage new discourse.
HEIKE DEMPSTER
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FUTURESPECTIVE
The group show featured works by local artists Christopher Carter, David Marsh, George Sanchez-Calderon, JeanPaul Mallozzi, Jel Martinez, Johnny Robles, Kiki Valdes and Ruben Ubiera as well as Argentine artists Nichola Constantino, Constanza Piaggio and Florencia Rodriguez Giles. Each one differs in practice; however, all share a forward-driven vision based on a pattern of new discoveries in the Miami art landscape. Curator and artist Kiki Valdes’ close connection to each member of the group allows Valdes to mix and match the works, “like a jigsaw puzzle,” until the vision of “Futurespective” came to life. Interpreting themes individually, Christopher Carter’s heavy, powerful sculptures with deep roots in history and David Marsh’s abstract, visual paintings with layers, materials, techniques and the place of the painter himself are impactful. George Sanchez-Calderon’s large-scale projects engage in the modern condition while JeanPaul Mallozzi adds his distinct paintings of emotional observation. Jel Martinez puts an urban spin on art going beyond graffiti with explorations of erasure, removal and texture.
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FUTURESPECTIVE
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Johnny Robles’ work ranges from murals to the juxtaposition of delicate black and white renderings with bright colors and site-specific installations. Kiki Valdes’ expressionist paintings explore the multidimensional complexities of people, religion, American-life, sex, and superstition. Ruben Ubiera’s Post-Grafism, centered on urban life and the Diaspora culture of the city via installation and mixed media, adds to Miami’s present and future representation. Nicola Constantino, Constanza Piaggio and Florencia Rodriguez Giles add views from behind the lens. Constantino’s photography explores female identity and questions the ambivalent codes of conduct in modern society. Piaggio uses visual language to transcend barriers and explore the unknown while Rodriguez Giles examines transcultural themes such as spirituality.
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ART BASEL
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MARCH 2013 | NO. 019 CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VP & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
NATASHA VON CASTLE DOMINIQUE RAPHAEL L3 GROUP OF COMPANIES - KEVIN SMALLS PAIGE HARRIS
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR & LIFESTYLE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & MUSIC EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR MUSIC REVIEW EDITOR BEAUTY EDITOR COPY EDITOR SENIOR WRITER CARIBBEAN CORRESPONDENT CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
ALLIE MASON TRICIA SPENCE TRE CARN SAIDAH GOMEZ JILL MAHONEY LONDYN NIKOLE XAVIER RAPHAEL STARLEETAH BROWN NATASHA THOMAS HEIKE WOLLENWEBER, MARCUS WELLER, NIYAH MYC, KARLA ASHLEY, ANASTASIA SARADOC, AEYOLA GEORGE, MIMI MAMICHULA, MARCO, ZAKADA MILTON, LANRE DAVIES, KERRY K. TAYLOR, KENDON POLAK, JENNIFER MENSTER INTERNS EDWARD BISHOP, ALICIA KEMP, JONATHAN NEWTON ART
ART DIRECTOR SENIOR DESIGNER ART ASSISTANT RETOUCHER INTERACTIVE WEB DEVELOPER
SANDRA HERNANDEZ SANCHA DESIGNS JAMALL THOMPSON JEROME MABINI TENIKA JONES
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“L3” (ISSIN 1020-2000) is published monthly (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec) by L3 Group of Companies, 123 blank street, Scarborough, ON L1R2H2. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Copyright © 2011. Title “L3” registered CAN Patent and Trademark Office. Printed in Canada. MANUSCRIPTS AND ART: The Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES (CAN) 1-289-217-2800 or l3magazine@hotmail.com. SUBSCRIPTION RATES and Possessions: 14.95 CAD/Year plus applicable taxes. SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS call 1-289-217-2800 or email l3magazine@hotmail.com.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Greetings;
Natasha Von Castle
The highlight of my February every year is to watch the Grammy’s. As these awards are the highest honor in music, I like the exposure this institution gives me in terms of learning about the best in other genres. This year, the powers that be decided to honor our legend, Bob Marley, and they got it completely wrong. They begin the tribute with Bruno Mars performing one of his songs, then continue to Sting, then bring out Ziggy Marley, then Damian, then call it a wrap; exactly in that honor. Let me not forget to mention, neither Bruno Mars nor Sting performed a Bob Marley song. As I continue…. Other tributes were held that evening, notably, Kelly Clarkson’s tribute to Carole King in which the starlet performed 2 of Carole’s famous songs. Kelly didn’t perform her own songs during the tribute, so why did Bruno Mars and Sting perform theirs? I’ll tell you why. Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich was looking for a reason to get Bruno Mars to perform at the Grammy’s, and put together this ‘concept’ to make the artist accept. In other words, Bob Marley, the global / universal legacy he’s left, was acknowledged because Mr. Ehrlich needed a ‘concept?!’ Really? Moving forward, I hope the Grammy’s continue to honor Reggae legends, and showcase it in their televised prime time production. The correction I suggest to the Grammy’s is that they not use Reggae as a means of getting a performance from an artist they really want on the stage. Instead they should hire people from the Reggae industry who are passionate about the genre and its genuine inclusion in an awards show that honors the best in music – all genres of music. Apart from the huge faux pas of a tribute designed to get Bruno Mars to perform this year, Ziggy and Jr. Gong showed them how we ‘Set Up Shop!’ As always I welcome your feedback >>> @NatashaVonC
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF THE CARIBBEAN MARCUS WELLER
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
The word influential is defined in www.dictionary.com as being a person who exerts or can exert strong influence. In the Caribbean, we have several women who define this word. From Trinidad & Tobago to Barbados to Jamaica, we explore the personalities of these women, who, coming from different backgrounds are serious leaders in their own right, and the very women influencing how we view ourselves ‌.
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ANYA AYOUNG CHEE One of the Caribbean’s most recognized Fashion designers is Anya Ayoung Chee. Her designs have been featured in the most prominent fashion magazine and television show around the world, making her one of the most celebrated designers. We know about her fashion in terms of the beautiful pieces that are worn on the runway by top models, and this month we look at the history that makes Anya one of the most influential women of the Caribbean. Born in New York to parents originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Anya called Trinidad home from the age of two. She is the only daughter of eight children and recognized her passion for the arts at a young age. She pursued classical ballet training as well as art and design, studying Graphic and Interior design in New York and London. Crowned Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe in 2008 Anya’s eye for detail and vision for fashion design with Caribbean flair came to the fore when she entered as a contestant in Season nine of project runway. Winning the prestigious competition, Anya went on to launch her own fashion line called Pilar. Her commitment for championing the causes of young people is exemplified as a member of the TallMan Foundation. Founded by her family, Anya is one of the spokeswomen for the group at the request of the United Nations Association of Trinidad and Tobago (UNATT).
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
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CARLA “BABBZY” BABB She’s raw, she’s truthful and she’s gorgeous! She’s Babbzy, and she’s the Caribbean’s leading lady in all matters of gossip, news and entertainment. In less than a year, Carla “Babbzy” Babb’s website www.strictlybabbzy.com has become the most visited site by the Caribbean-Urban demographic averaging 2 million hits per month (500,000 per week). Visitors from around the world, namely the Caribbean, Canada the UK, Indonesia as well as a growing fan base from Africa namely Zambia and Ghana tune in for the most up to date news about the hottest topics, which includes background spin; Babbzy is the most trusted source for the raw truth. Babbzy has been featured as a host and emcee on numerous fetes and events in North America and the Caribbean. This Bajan-Canadian female phenomenon is the third most followed female from Barbados on Twitter (Rihanna is ranked #1, Shontelle Layne #2), is the most requested female host for events worldwide and is the only female who has a fan base that takes action based on what she says! With her own Youtube channel, U-Stream channel and Facebook page, her blogs have become very common in households throughout the world. Growing up in Toronto under the ruling of 2 Bajan parents, many of the views and experiences Babbzy discusses leverage off of her West Indian heritage. This is what makes her relatable to so many fans. Having minimal West Indian representation in the media, Babbzy has managed to tap into an un-touched fan base. Combining comedy and seriousness, Babbzy touches on topics most don’t want to go near. Starting her blogging career in October 2009 Babbzy quickly gained popularity among West Indians in the Caribbean as well as the Diaspora. Her blogging touches on various topics ranging from the upliftment of women to current events all through the eyes of a “BajanCanadian” as she commonly refers to herself as. In 2013, Babbzy launched an organization to assist women around the world in building on their dreams and achieving their goals in business.
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
DR. MARCIA FORBES Dr. Marcia Forbes is an influential communications specialist and media veteran who is known as being the person to successfully transform the Government owned Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) into the privately owned Television Jamaica (TVJ) who is the industry leader in free-to-air broadcasting. Achieving her goal of efficient management of TVJ, Dr. Forbes went on to pursue her goal of a Doctorate in Media. Serving an intense year as Permanent Secretary (referred to as Vice Minister in some countries) with the Government of Jamaica in the Ministry of Mining and Telecommunications, and later when it changed, in the Ministry of Energy and Mining, Ms. Forbes returned to her well-established family business, Phase Three Productions Ltd. Melding business with academia, Dr. Forbes multi-faceted nature allowed her to include writing in her already hectic schedule. Her 2010 book, Music, Media & Adolescent Sexuality in Jamaica is her first book which explores the influences of television on adolescents. The book is now recommended text at the University of the West Indies for Gender Studies as well as communications studies at CARIMAC. Her second book, Streaming: Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles analyzes the manner in which communication technologies, in particular mobile phones and social media have altered lifestyles, especially among youths. To learn more about Dr. Marcia Forbes, visit http://www.marciaforbes.com/
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR Kamla Persad-Bissessar is a woman of firsts in the Caribbean and around the world. As Trinidad and Tobago’s first female Attorney General, and now as the countries first Prime Minister, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, upon taking office made it clear that “the time has come to set new goals and reach new heights. We want to make Trinidad and Tobago the place we always dreamed it should be.” Representing the Siparia constituency since 1995, and passionate about Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla is the seventh Prime Minister whose wealth of political experience includes being the political leader of the United National Congress and leads the People’s Partnership, a coalition of five parties. Musically, Kamla says she was most influenced by Bob Marley which was chiefly inspired during her 14 years living in Jamaica in the early 70’s where she was a lecturer and her husband studied medicine at the Mona Campus. In a speech given in 2007 dubbed the ‘No Woman No Cry Speech,’ Kamla said “I have often been the lone woman’s voice in a huge sea of men. That is what I have stood out for in my political career...being the first woman to do several things. I remember clearly what drove my decisions in those days as I voted for certain bills, and as I contributed to debates in Parliament and took certain stances in the country. It was the full and complete knowledge that I was in a rare position...as one of the few female representatives of this country...it was my duty to assume the natural role of mother when it came to national issues. In that sea of men who argued and cussed each other...I knew I had to be the rare voice of fairness, nurturing, caring and love. I knew that my vote was always influenced by the thought of how those policies or stances would affect the heart, mind and bodies of the country. My maternal instincts made me choose sometimes not by my head, but my heart. But as any true mother, those instincts were never wrong. And so, I cared for the people of my constituency, my party and the nation, as a mother. I did it because of the great love of my country. I am the woman who has awoken and I will never turn back.”
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SONJAH STANLEY NIAAH A highly sought after Jamaican public intellectual, Sonjah Stanley Niaah is the inaugural Rhodes Trust Rex Nettleford Fellow in Cultural Studies (2005) and Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) at Mona. With qualifications spanning the disciplines of Geography, Social Psychology and Cultural Studies, Stanley Niaah has been teaching and researching Black Atlantic performance geographies, ritual, dance, popular culture and the sacred, cultural studies theory and Caribbean cultural studies for many years. She is the author of Dancehall: From Slave Ship to Ghetto (2010, University of Ottawa Press), and editor of “I’m Broader than Broadway: Caribbean Perspectives on Producing Celebrity’ (Wadabagei, Vol. 12: 2, 2009). Having published over twenty articles and book chapters in journals and edited collections locally, regionally and internationally Stanley Niaah is a leading author on Jamaican popular culture, and Caribbean Cultural Studies more broadly. A Jamaican nationalist and Caribbean regionalist at heart, she is involved in efforts to promote national and regional development through her recent work as Assistant Chief Examiner for the Caribbean Examination Council advanced proficiency examination in Caribbean Studies, and her service on the board of the Museums Division of the Institute of Jamaica. She also serves on the editorial boards of many scholarly publications and holds membership in numerous academic associations. Dr. Stanley Niaah currently serves as Vice Chair of the international Association for Cultural Studies for which she coordinated the first conference held in the Southern Hemisphere at the UWI (2008). Sonjah Stanley Niaah is also an avid tweeter (@culturedoctor) and has an interest in social networking which she incorporates into her communication with tertiary and other students. She is also the mother of two sons and married to Dr. Jalani Niaah.
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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
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ON THE SCENE
IBA MAHR AT REBEL SALUTE!--------
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ON THE SCENE PROTOJE ALBUM LAUNCH!
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D E S S E RT W I T H TA M U C H A M B O
PLANNING A SPECIAL EVENING MEANS PLANNING A SPECIAL MENU WHICH WE HAVE FOR YOU...
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L3’S DESSERT MENU SELECTIONS WITH
TAMBU CHAMBOTT
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D E S S E RT W I T H TA M U C H A M B O
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CAKE
Nonstick spray for baking 2 ¼ unbleached organic pastry flour +2 tablespoons for sprinkling on chocolate ¾ cups organic sugar 1 cup packed muscavado sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon cloves ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet baking chocolate, chopped into chunks (1 1/2 cups) ½ cup finely ground flaxseeds 1 cup boiling water 1 1 1/2 pound pumpkin, shredded 3/4 cup grapeseed oil 2 tablespoons raw sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9” round cake pan with either grapeseed oil or nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix all but one ounce of the chocolate with two tablespoons of flour and toss to coat. In a large bowl combine remaining flour, organic sugar, brown sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix flax seed meal with boiling water and allow to sit for 3-4 minutes then beat with a whisk- the mixture will appear thick and somewhat slimy. This is our egg substitute. In another bowl combine pumpkin, grapeseed oil, vanilla and flax seed mixture. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stir until combined. Add chocolate mixture. Stir until combined. Pour batter into cake pan. Top with last of the chopped chocolate and sprinkle with raw sugar.
Complimentary Beverage:
Freshing Herbal Tea
1 pinch baking soda 2 cups boiling water 6 type of leaves: mint, lemon balm, basil, lemongrass, dill & strawberry (any desired amount it all depends on how strong you would like it) Honey to taste 6 cups cool water
Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into a 64-ounce, heatproof, glass pitcher. Pour in boiling water, and add your leaves. Cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Remove leaves, and discard; stir in honey until dissolved. Pour in cool water, then refrigerate until cold. Serve with lemon wedge.
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C H A K A L AT E S
CHAKA KHAN INTRODUCES CHAKALATES! CONTRIBUTED BY ELECTRONIC URBAN REPORT
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resenters at the 2013 Grammy’s received an extra sweet treat thanks to international music icon Chaka Khan, and her new Chakalates chocolates and signature candles! Chakalates and Khana Sutra candles are available to the general public online at www.chakakhan.com. Chaka’s sweet and sexy gourmet chocolate line is a reflection of the legendary singer, who knows her chocolate. And befitting a chocolate that bears Chaka’s name, it’s a “sweet thing” for your heart and your soul. Through this relaunch of her chocolate line, which was previously sold exclusively in Neiman Marcus stores around the country, she invites people from around the globe to “eat something good.” Chakalates are gourmet delights from Chaka’s recipe of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, with velvety bass notes. It’s a quiet storm of flavors and textures, garnered from the four corners of the world. The health-conscious diva, who recently combatted diabetes and high blood pressure by losing 75 pounds and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, lets us know that these 12 sumptuous candies are not as guilty a pleasure as one might expect. Dark chocolate, she notes, is good for our hearts and brains, help lower blood pressure, and, can help control blood sugar. But her chocolates are still candy, so indulge in these sweets in moderation, she advises. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the chocolates will benefit the Chaka Khan Foundation, which supports women and children in crisis.
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C H A K A L AT E S
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Whether Chaka is in a different country, an unfamiliar hotel, or a new venue, candles are what make every new and unique place “home.” The first thing she does when entering her hotel or dressing room is light a candle to “purify” the space. With this in mind, Khana Sutra by Chaka Khan was born to soothe the mind, relax the senses, and center the body. Khana Sutura candles are formulated with natural soy wax and the highest quality lead-free wicks for long lasting and lean burning candles. The nature-inspired fragrance of pine is made with the highest-grade essential oils and natural ingredients, concentrated perfectly to quickly scent your space without overpowering. Fragrances are compounded with the ultimate combination of top, middle, and bottom notes to ensure that the “warm throw” (scent while burning) matches the “cold throw” (scent while cold). This year, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of Chaka’s career in music and entertainment. The year-long celebration will include the release of a series of new albums, titled the iKhan Project. The first installment will be released on March 19, 2013, and will coincide with her 60th birthday celebration. The iKhan Project: Commemorative Limited Edition will feature her new single, “It’s Not Over” and some favorite classics. The anniversary celebration will include a US and international tour and several other surprises. One of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians, with a rich musical legacy, the songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist has influenced generations of recording artists. She has the rare ability to sing in eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. Chaka is revered by millions of fans as well as her peers for her timeless, classic and unmatched signature music style and ability. Throughout her legendary career, Chaka has released 22 albums and her recorded music has produced over 2,000 catalogue song placements. With a new svelte look, new music, and a great enthusiasm for her new and expanding activities in music, philanthropy and entrepreneurial ventures, Chaka is enjoying every moment of this celebration of a lifetime.
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C H A K A L AT E S
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PAY TO P L AY
PAY TO PLAY GEORGE HOWARD
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B
elow is a case study focusing on Payola. In case you’re not familiar with the term, “Payola” is the practice of exchanging money (or some other item of value) for radio play of a song. The practice is illegal under U.S. Law (47 U.S.C. § 317). Payola—in one form or another—has been going on since pretty much the dawn of radio, and continues to this day. I wrote about this at length in a much-discussed article on the TuneCore blog. Arguments vary over whether or not payola should be illegal, or whether or not payola is good or bad for the business/artist. But what is undeniably true, is that lack of transparency in any business is correlated to unethical activity. The question explored in the case, however, presents the competing forces that those in the music business frequently face: (A) adhere to your core values, and run the risk of reducing your chances of success; or (B) abandon values/ethics, and do whatever it takes to make it. I very much look forward to your comments on what you would do if faced with the situation described in the case study…
PAY TO P L AY
Your New Record Label
You are a young music executive who after years of successfully running smaller divisions has recently been put in charge of a large record label. This label has recently gone through some changes in ownership, and is now owned by a parent company that is in part owned and financed by a major investment bank. As president of this label you maintain a degree of autonomy from your corporate parent, but, because they provide funding, you are in fact closely tied to them. Your label employs approximately 40 full-time employees, and has an artist roster of about 15 active artists (i.e. artists who are touring and releasing records every year or so), and another approximately 300 catalog titles (records that are distributed to stores but not heavily promoted). The label has been in existence for nearly 20 years, and has carved a niche for itself by acquiring and exploiting these catalog titles. In fact, the active artists are, in some ways, kept on the label to bolster catalog sales. This strategy is in alignment with the industry reality that very few new (i.e. active) artists make money for record labels. In other words, the record label never recoups the costs invested in these artists. While this strategy keeps the label from being viewed as a “sexy� type of entity in comparison to other labels that concentrate on breaking new artists, it has allowed the label to stay in business far longer than many of its competitors. Additionally, this business strategy offers a degree of security for the label’s employees, as well as the artists and estates who entrust their records to the label.
Adding a New Artist
The new corporate owners of the label have recently begun (strongly) suggesting that the label should sign some more current acts, specifically one artist who would be just the type of marquee name that would energize the label from both a reputation standpoint and a financial one. As president of the label, one of your principle duties is A&R (artist & repertoire); it is your job to find and sign the talent for the label. Given the mandate from your corporate parent to sign this marquee artist, it is your job to do so. During numerous meetings with the artist and her manager, you find that this artist had a very successful career as a major label artist. She holds the record for longest-charting song on an important radio chart. Her three albums have sold roughly 700,000 copies each. Her videos had been aired frequently on both MTV and VH1. All of this success, however, occurred five years ago or longer. In the ensuing five years, she primarily fought with her label over creative issues, and, ultimately, both the artist and the label agreed to part ways. What this artist wants now, more than anything else, is creative control, and she is willing to forgo the big budgets offered by major labels in order to make the type of records she wants. You explain to her that artistic freedom is the philosophy of the label. You also tell her that even with her reduced expectations, by virtue of her past successes and the pressures being put on you by your corporate parents, that this is a big risk for the label, and one that will involve a budget several times higher than those for other active artists signed to the label. The vast majority of this budget will go towards attempting to capitalize on her past successes at radio. L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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Needed: Radio Play
While your label has consciously never attempted to break an artist at commercial radio, you are well aware that the costs of attempting to break an album at radio are so high that the risks typically outweigh the rewards for a label of this size. For this marquee artist, however, there simply is no other way to achieve even a fraction of the sales she garnered for her prior records without radio. In fact, radio play is the only way the vast majority of her fans will know she has a new record out. Assurances are, therefore, made by the artist that she will deliver a track suitable for radio, and the label, in turn, promises to invest the money and human resources required to try and achieve significant radio airplay. The deal is made. A sizable (relative to your label’s history) advance is paid to the artist, and a massive budget is allocated for radio play. This artist is the label’s new number one priority. As president of the label you must get the staff excited and motivated to work on this new artist’s behalf. Though a difficult task, it is made somewhat easier by the fact that the employees soon realize that their livelihood is potentially dependent on the success of this one artist. While your employees are feeling the pressure from you, you, in turn, are feeling the pressure from your corporate parent, as they have grown increasingly concerned with the flow of money being invested…and the radio campaign has not even begun. You begin hiring radio consultants to help devise the plan that will make or break the record.
The Plan
As the radio team begins to take shape, so too does the strategy. A prominent jean manufacturer has agreed to give away hundreds of jeans to radio stations who will use them for contests in exchange for your marquee artist appearing in their ads. This artist will appear at dozens of radio station events (all travel picked up by the label). There will be various subtle remixes of the single (the song that is pulled from the album to go to radio), so that stations can have the one that works best for them (again the label picks up the tab). A video will be made, in part to send directly to stations so that they may have a visual image of the song, but also because radio stations want to know, that should a record begin getting airplay, that a video will be available to be aired and thus drive even more demand for airplay (the label pays for a video). The label’s sales staff pushes as many records into the marketplace as possible in order to assure the radio stations that when they play the song their listeners will be able to find the record in stores (the cost of getting records into stores is huge, and, of course, the label pays for this). You, as president of the label, approve all of these expenses, and explain/justify them to your corporate parents. While the dollar figures are exponentially larger for this artist, these costs and this plan is not radically different from ones you’ve approved in the past. You feel like you are properly setting the record up. As the date to bring the record to radio and attempt to get the song “added” to the stations’ playlists approaches, you begin another of your scheduled conference calls with the rest of the radio team. This team is comprised of the members of your radio staff, who are employees of the label, as well as five or six consultants hired by the label who have relationships and expertise in the radio format(s) which you are trying to reach.
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PAY TO P L AY
Right or Wrong?
After dialing into the conference you realize that it is only you and the head consultant on the phone. The head consultant states that the radio campaign is at the make-or-break stage. That while some stations are reacting well to the sound of the song and the other promotional activity taking place, sufficient numbers of stations are not reacting strongly enough to cause the record to succeed in a major way; i.e. succeed in a manner that would result in airplay and thus sales that would recoup some of your investment, and allow the artist to succeed. You listen attentively, and ask what can be done. She states that certain stations need a push. A monetary push. Very quickly she gives you an address (no name), and tells you to send twenty-five American Express gift checks in $10,000 intervals to this address. As you don’t say anything, she continues. She tells you that these gift checks will be used to push those stations that are on the edge, over—so they will begin playing the record. She tells you that this is done all the time, and that because they’re AmEx gift checks, they’re untraceable. You tell her that you’ll get back to her and hang up the phone. You are now faced with a decision. You know that payola (the act of paying for a song to be played on the radio) is illegal. You also know that not only have your corporate parents mandated that this record be a success, but that many of your employees have mortgages and kids, and that the success or failure of this record will determine whether or not you will be able to continue paying them. Last, but not least, you’ve promised the artist that you would do all that you could to make the record a success, and thus revitalize her career. Making the record a success is certainly contingent upon the song being played on the radio. What are your ethical obligations in this situation? What do you do? Send your email comments to L3Magazine@hotmail.com and we’ll forward them to George. L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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LIFE
AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES! Grab your copy here today!
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L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | J U LY 2 0 1 2
MARCIA GRIFFITHS
&
TANYA STEPHENS
WANT LOVE KIRKLEDOVE RECORDS
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES! Grab your copy here today!
L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | J U LY 2 0 1 2
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MISS MARCH 2013
JASMINE Photo: Jerome Dupont of Neu Era Photography Twitter: @imjeromedupont
LOVE ADVICE
L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2012
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LOVE
L
O
V
E
L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | J A N UA RY 2 0 1 3
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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
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S
SOUND INC. The Sound Inc Family or just simply Sound Inc is one of the hottest Caribbean mobile DJ and Sound Systems with expertise in the Caribbean and North American markets! Hailing from Boston, Sound Inc has been providing music to the biggest events for the past 20 years. “We are a traditional “DJ Soundsystem” meaning we do in fact own a complete large scale PA system inclusive of several dozen loudspeakers and multiple racks of high power amplifiers. When you see Sound Inc. DJ’ing on the road for Boston Carnival be advised that we own and have constructed the sound” says Diamond Dale with pride! In addition to Boston, Sound Inc. has supplied road and party music for a number of the Caribbean Carnivals in North America including but not limited to Toronto, Connecticut, New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C and Miami. Sound Inc. is your complete Carnival Solution! The Sound Inc Family can be heard on D’ Qway Zay (www.qzradiohd.com) Every Friday Night from 8pm - 10pm EST and Big City Radio 101.3fm (www.bigcityfm.net) on Saturdays from 1pm - 3pm EST.
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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LOVE
D I G I TA L D OW N L OA D S
DOWNLOAD
L3’S
1 2 3 4
CHAM
8
CHAM
9
“Stripper Pose” “Lawless”
KONSHENS
“Ah So Mih Tan”
KING ALI BABA FT. OCTAYNE
“Superstar”
58
5
“The Girl is Mine”
6
“Bad Gyal Bubble”
7
“This Morning”
MORGAN HERITAGE MICHIE MEE
JESSE ROYAL
10 11
SHABBA RANKS
PATEXX 15 “Wine n Go Dung”
EVII FT. NATEL
KONSHENS 16 “Stop Sign”
“Who Win The War”
“Around the World”
BUSY SIGNAL
“Come Shock Out”
CALI P
“Sweetest Thing”
12
“Can I Have You”
13
“Don’t Give Up”
14
“Baddy”
FAZE FT. PATRICE BUGLE
JAH CURE 17 “Thank You” MAHR FT. 18 IBA JAH MALI
“The Time is Now”
TARRUS RILEY 19 “Gimme Likkle
One Drop” (New Entry)
DELLY RANX 20 “Got It Forever”
ALISON HINDS
Charts are based on the most active DJ downloads via the L3 Music Distribution service.
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
RIDDIM SELLERS
TOP
HOTTT DANCEHALL RIDDIM SELLERS IN CANADA Compiled by Jah Chozen from TreaJah Isle Rcords and Tapes
1
BIRCHILL RECORDS
2
DJ SMURF MUSIC
3
UIM RECORDS
4
TECHNIQUES
5
FLIP MONEY RECORDS
THE KING RIDDIM RADIO ACTIVE RIDDIM JUPITOR RIDDIM ANIMAL INSTINCT RIDDIM RAW CASH RIDDIM
HOTTT REGGAE RIDDIM SELLERS IN CANADA
1
MAXIMUM SOUND
2
DIGENIUS RECORDS
3
CHIMNEY RECORDS
4
BAMBINO MUSIK & JUSBUS NATION
LEGGO DI RIDDIM MOVING RIDDIM TROPICAL ESCAPES RIDDIM
GYAL SEASON RIDDIM
5
SILLY WALKS DISCOTHEQUE HONEY POT RIDDIM
CANADIAN SOCA
TOP 10 CHARTS 60
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
TOP 10 SOCA MUSIC CHART Compiled by Soca Sweetness
1
BUNJI GARLIN
2
MACHEL MONTANO
3
DESTRA
4
BLAXX
5
FARMER NAPPY
6
PATRICE ROBERTS
7
NADIA BATSON
8
KERWIN DUBOIS
9
SKINNY FABULOUS
10
“DIFFERENTOLOGY”
“NO LIE” “CALL MY NAME” “LEH GO” “DRUNK” (PARADISE RIDDIM)
“BUBBLE”
“MANAGER”
“BACKAZZ”
“MONSTER”
SWAPPI “CHA-OS”
SOCARIFIC SELECTIONS
AMERICIAN TOP 10
1
SUPER BLUE
2
MACHEL MONTANO HD
3
MACHEL MONTANO HD
4
BUNJI GARLIN
5
MACHEL MONTANO HD & KERWIN DUBOIS
“FANTASTIC FRIDAY” “FLOAT” “THE FOG”
“SAVAGE”
“POSSESSED”
RHYTHM INTERNATIONAL’S MC FIRE KYLE TOP 10 SOCA Compiled by Rhythm International’s MC Fire Kyle
6
BUNJI GARLIN
7
BLAXX
8
5 STAR AKIL
9
BENJAI
10
RAVI B
“DIFFERENTOLOGY” “LEH GO” “PARTIER”
“FETER”
“PRESCRIPTION”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIRE.KYLE Twitter: http://twitter.com/mcfirekyle L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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RICO VIBE’S TOP 10 VIDEO PICKS FOR
TOP 10 CHARTS
MARCH
Compiled by Rico Vibes
62
1
BUSY SIGNAL
2
KONSHENS FT, DARRIO
3
ALISON HINDS
4
PROTOJE
5
TARRUS RILEY
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
“REGGAE MUSIC AGAIN” “GYAL SIDDUNG” “FALUMA MAKELELE” “KINGSTON BE WISE” “SORRY IS A SORRY WORD”
6
KAYLA BLISS
7
AMMOYE
8
TIFA FT. SPICE
9
LADY SAW
10
“LITERAL LOVE” “RADIO” “WHY YOU MAD” “HEELS ON”
ELEPHANT MAN FT. KHAGO “SLAP WEH” LADY SAW “HEELS ON”
NEW RELEASES
MIND THERAPY RIDDIM
BOOST HAR UP REMIX
ANIMAL INSTINCT RIDDIM
FIRST CAPITAL RIDDIM
CELEBRATION
BITING ANTS RIDDIM
Kurt Riley for Techniques Record
So So Def
Konshens Ft. Patrice
Armz House Records
Wiletunes
LOVE
MUSIC REVIEW
THE
SPARKLING RIDDIM SPARKLES
T
aking the middle music road is the glittering and shining Sparkling riddim produced by ZJ Sparks and Zionnoize Freeze Records. Not falling into the Reggae, Dancehall or Island Pop bracket, the Sparkling riddim stands out for its universal appeal on the rhythmic level, and for limiting artistic contributions to just three groups. Designed for the Ladies listening pleasure and speaking on behalf of the men in their lives, Leonardo, Laza Morgan and T.O.K make vows, serenade and romance. They croon us into sweet hush so we can hear every word they say, yet we feel compelled to sing along with them, especially T.O.K. when they sing “Oh, I’m missing you, tell me why the road turned” which is an audio ode to the Diva Diana Ross and her forever classic song “Missing You.” Included in the package of 3 songs is the instrumental which is beautiful and will make a perfect backdrop for you and your lover to record your own song! L3’s rating is 4.0 out of 5
CONTRIBUTED
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MUSIC REVIEW
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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LOVE
MUSIC REVIEW
TIME FOR THE
GYAL SEASON RIDDIM 68
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
MUSIC REVIEW
W
e first got the teaser about the Gyal Season riddim last year (2012) when Kes the Band released the song “Tuesday on the Rocks.” When we heard the song, there was immediate excitement. The song was fresh and laid back and encouraged gettogether’s with friends and loved ones. We knew Justin Nation and Bambino (producers of the riddim) had a hit on their hands and were expecting more immediately … fast forward to 2013…. Finally, after waiting several excruciating months, the duo released the riddim and we can officially say it has been worth the wait! Featuring the best in the business, including Busy Signal, Tanya Stephens and Spragga Benz, we knew these artists were going to impress us and that they did. What we didn’t know (well hidden secret) was that Tessanne Chin was also on the riddim. This powerhouse vocalist engaged us in her every lyric with her performance on the song “You Got What I Need” featuring Bambino. This is the kind of music that makes us want to see her perform live. Another female vocalist to impress us is Sophia Squire as well as Denyque. Hands down, we were pleasantly surprised by the delivery of Antigua’s Drastic who song “Think About Me” got everyone on the office singing the punch line and collectively asking the same question; “who is Drastic.” We liked his vibe so much, we had to feature him in this month’s edition of the magazine. A definite crossover and international hit song comes from Etana and features Busy Signal. “Love, Love, Love” is literally loved by all, and the glow in Etana’s voice as she sings is just as beautiful as the smile she wears as she sings it. Nice! Salute to Justin Nation and Bambino for including the pioneer Joe Lickshot on the “Vintage Concert” version which is a collaboration of all the songs on the riddim as well as a distinguished spotlight on the voice that marked an era in Dancehall. This is what sets Justin and Bambino apart from the rest, and this is why we give them a #Salute! L3’s rating is 4.5 out of 5 iTunes link >>> https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gyal-season-riddim/id594052574
CONTRIBUTED
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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LOVE
MUSIC REVIEW
PROTOJE’S 8 YEAR AFFAIR
P
rotoje is in unison; in unison with the taste of his fans, in unison with the music (which is a vibrational reflection of the artist) and in unison with his words. This unison shines in the 8 Year Affair. Giving us music we’ve come to expect, Proto (as he is affectionately called) draws us in with track 1 “The 8 Year Affair” which is performed against an acoustic backdrop with guitar and flute. The artist explains what the 8 year affair is, and why it is, and our role within that affair. When we say ‘our’ we mean all fans of his music. On the romantic side, “Hold You Now” epitomizes everything women want from a partnership / commitment / relationship from their men; to be held, not held down. The artist even goes as far as to describe his love going beyond the mind and body; his love reaches her every molecule. Deep. Track 5 “Someone Like You” featuring Tessanne stirs every emotion you can possibly have while listening to music. Wow! Track 10, “Come My Way,” is the blueprint by which all male suitors will achieve success with their Ladies. Select militancy is used to deliver the message in songs like “Who Dem A Program,” “This is Not a Marijuana Song” and “Reggae Revival” featuring Romain Virgo. Proto understands that he doesn’t need to ‘beat’ home the point but rather he can ‘music’ home the point which he does using Word; Sound; Power and the point is well made. The final track on the album is announced by the sound of royal trumpets, making way for the royal proclamation from the King who makes “Music From My Heart” and not for the charts. The only aspect of this album we don’t like is it ends too soon which we suppose is a good thing. Whenever you have the chance to see Protoje perform live, do it … it’s unison! L3’s rating is 4.6 out of 5
CONTRIBUTED
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MUSIC REVIEW
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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MUSIC REVIEWS
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH
SOUL REGGAE
P
roduced by Nature’s Way Entertainment from Jamaica, the Soul Reggae Riddim does what its title says; it touches the Soul of Reggae. As much because of the caliber of artists on the riddim and as much because of the musical composition, the crew strikes the right balance as they draw upon the emotions of each artists ‘soul’ and apply it to Reggae. Songs like Christopher Martin’s “Change My Plans” and Mr. Melody’s “Still in Love” touch on the soul application as does Wayne Wonder’s “Never Gonna Say Goodbye.” Mr. Hot-Ed, Busy Signal, delivers one of his best performances with “You and Me.” Using the majestic sound of trumpets, Busy sings “baby you and me, for eternity, you will always be my lover” and those words reassure every female of the love they want to experience deep within. Busy has become every woman’s dream man. This riddim is a definite must add to your music collection and one that is sure to add a romantic touch to your evening with your Boo! L3’s rating is 3.8 out of 5
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CONTRIBUTED
MUSIC REVIEWS
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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LOVE
LOVE ADVICE
2-Lined Music Hut Malvern Town Centre 31 Tapscott Road 416-264-3999
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LOVE ADVICE
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ON BLAST
GETTING TO KNOW
TILIBOP
CONTRIBUTED
D
o not go where the path leads, go where there is no path and blaze a trail! That’s the expression Tilibop lives by, and the artist is doing just that. This talented innovator of the Reggae Music Alternative movement has garnered rave reviews as his 38,000 friends on his social network pages will attest, along with 1.5 million music lovers listening with rapt attention. This Reggae sensation had an appreciation for music, since his humble beginnings as a young child in St. Mary, Jamaica growing up amidst the turmoil in the streets of Augustown, Jamaica. Initially listening to music served as an escape from life’s daily struggles, however the music found the entertainer in him, in a surprising way; while singing to a friend, a stranger overheard his melodic voice and invited him, to a recording session. Tilibop, unhappy with his first time out, was determined to not only improve, but to excel. He went home and wrote a song, and then practiced, and continued to practice until something stirred within him and he hasn’t looked back since that fateful day twelve years ago. It’s that same introspective quality and work ethic that make Tilibop the consummate vocalist he is today. Tilibop loves and appreciates all genres of music, from old school Soul, to The Beatles, Nina Simone and Pavarotti to name a few. His roots are in Reggae and in his Reggae Music Alternative Movement is music with substance that provides great dancing grooves, while providing thought provoking lyrics. His is music you can feel! His first single “Ghetto Town” has an easy dance beat, and inspiring message of struggle and determination, and you can feel that unique sensibility listening to his song “Champion.” His latest single “Neva Book Fih It” features Beenie Man and is doing well with audiences. Connect with Tilibop via Twitter >>> @TILIBOP
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ON BLAST
L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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ON BLAST
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ON BLAST
OH YES! THIS IS
DRASTIC!
M
ake no mistake about Drastic when you hear his voice on the radio, or see him perform live in concert. He is exactly what fans love about their favourite performers! Part Songwriter, part Musician, Producer, Writer, Athlete and Husband, Art Philip transforms into the Entertainer known as Drastic when he takes the stage and when he’s in the recording booth. Beginning his career professionally in 2007, Drastic achieved the milestone of winning the Virgin Islands Idol competition (a title which is also shared by friend Brandon Varlack aka BV), and used that win as a stepping stone to explode on the Soca scene in 2010. His song “Sugary Waistline” proved to be so popular, he reached the Finals for Antigua’s 2010 Soca Party Monarch Competition, which was his first time entering the competition and first time doing a Soca song in his music career. Within one week of posting the song on Youtube “Sugary Waistline” received over 18,000 plays. The song also received the award for best Soca music video from CariVibez in 2011. Drastics accolades don’t stop there! He’s been #1 on the Reverb Nation website in the Nation of Antigua& Barbuda. Over the past two years he has worked with other heavy hitters in the music industry such as Sean Kingston, Spragga Benz, Honorebel, Jemere Morgan [of the Morgan Heritage Family] and Jah Cure with whom he and B.V teamed with to record the song “Kiss Me Girl.” The official music video for “Kiss Me Girl” landed on the #1 spot on Tempo’s Cross Caribbean Countdown and #6 on MTV Base Africa. A number of his other music videos have made it to #1 on Tempo including “Life II Live” featuring BV, “So Seductive” also featuring BV, and “Blasting Away” featuring J. Nation and LogiQ Pryce of Them Island Boyz. The “Blasting Away” 2D Animation video was awarded “Most Creative Use of Anime in A Music Video” in the 2012 Animae Caribe Animation and Digital Media Festival in Trinidad & Tobago. Drastic has collaborated with Richie Loop out of Jamaica on the song “Winna” and most recently Shal Marshall from Trinidad with “Bam Bam Remix.” His most recent release “Think About Me” on the Gyal Season Riddim is quickly becoming an international success. Drastic will be dropping his first solo album “U.F.O. (Umbrella for Oblivion)” in Spring 2013. Connect with Drastic via Twitter >>> @ThisIzDrastic CONTRIBUTED L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2013
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ON BLAST
LOVER’S ROCK SOUL THANKS TO
CBLOCK
O
ne of the UK’s most talented singers, songwriters and producers whose music is impacting the world one song at a time is CBlock! Originally from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, CBlock was exposed to music from a young age thanks to his Father who was a recording artist. Always with a fascination for music, CBlock found his way to Area 52 Recording Studios where he recorded his first song. Since then, there has been no turning back! With a solid arsenal of original songs made especially for Lover’s, “In My Arms and “Wifey” have become international hit songs for the artist. Working with diverse elements of R&B, Reggae, Soul, Pop and Acoustic Reggae, CBlocks voice and brand of music are quickly identifiable. Describing his music as positive, creative and uplifting, CBlock has been able to perform in various parts of the UK such as London, Nottingham, Northhampton and Wolverhampton, sharing the stage with some of the industries’ best known artists. In 2011 he made his debut to his European fans in Yaam, Berlin and was met with great enthusiasm, especially from his female fans! Drawing on aspects of his daily life, there is no ‘block’ to the soul-filled flow of music that comes from CBlock. Recently, CBlock worked on riddim projects for BBC 1Xtra’s Robbo Ranx. The song, “Swagga Mih Seh’ was voiced to the radio personalities Champagne Riddim. CBlock is currently working on his album which is due to be released soon, and will have some of the best Lover’s Rock soul audiences have heard in some time. Connect with CBlock via Twitter >>> @CBlock45
CONTRIBUTED
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ON BLAST
L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | O C TO B E R 2 0 1 2
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L Y R I C S
GR GAPPY RANKS AND JACOB WILLIAMS PORTIA CLARKE
G
appy Ranks first came to international attention for his performances on classic Treasure Isle riddims. This collection was put together for the world to enjoy on the album ‘Put the Stereo On’ which was produced by Chris Peckings. Not long after the album’s release, Gappy expanded to include Dancehall in his catalog. Some people appreciated the addition, and others did not. Gappy did what he felt was right for him. He now enjoys success in both lanes. Now an international artist with a strong catalog of hits, Gappy sits down with us to answer all the questions we have about music, food and beef!
PC: What’s the difference between Gappy Ranks and Jacob Williams? GR: Jacob Williams is the name I was born with and who I am. Gappy Ranks was born through Jacob Williams by the power of music. As time passes, the two become one because of daily habits and public awareness. After so long, it becomes difficult to separate the two in terms of carrying work home. I hope Jacob Williams shines bright through the voice that is Gappy Ranks. Seeing that you’ve started using your real name within your career, do you find people call you both now? For a long time in my community of Harlesden, London, people called me Jacob, Gappy, So Ghetto or Papoose, all of which can still be heard today. For a long time I have let the world know more about the life behind Gappy Ranks which is Jacob Williams. It is also the name given by my parents whom I love and respect dearly. Do you have a nickname other than Gappy?! Other than the ones I mentioned previously, no! Gappy was the first name given to me at the age of six in my community of Harlesden. I have a gap in my teeth and still do. This was the reason for Gappy which I took with honor amongst my friends and family. The Ranks was added due to the music delivered by the great Cutty ranks. It never changed since, and is becoming known worldwide! You are proclaimed to be the Reggae / Dancehall artist from the UK that put the UK on the map. Does this proclamation put pressure on you to do quality songs over quantity songs? The music today is being made as a fast pace which is faster than usual. As artists worldwide can record at home and deliver a production and seek rewards via sites such as YouTube. Music from the UK had declined for a long time and yes I did do my part to renew its history, and I still do, but I didn’t do it alone. Artists within the UK have been trying for years just as hard as Gappy Ranks, so it would be wrong of me to not see and credit and give respect where it’s due. I think we still have a lot of work to do in the UK in terms of holding up and rewarding our talents more. Being from the UK, what aspects have you embraced in your music? Well as you know, the UK is where I’m from, and it’s one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world where people of all backgrounds live together. This has had a huge impact on the music I make. Being from North West London where Reggae music dominates, and coming from a West Indian heritage, it’s natural for me to incorporate its values and mannerisms in the other genres of music I make which appeal to multiple cultures.
You’re a songwriter as well as an artist. Where did your talent for writing come from? If you had to choose, which would you rather; songwriting or being an artist? At a very young age, writing became a love of mine as I would script poems and stories at primary school level. My love for the English subject also elevated my songwriting and use of wording and syllables. As a recording and performing artist, I think it’s very important to have the art of songwriting as it enhances how you perform and deliver music. I always say you have to ‘write it to sing it!’ Gaps (I hope you don’t mind me calling you that!), you’ve done songs with so many artists in the Reggae and Dancehall industry and across the board in general. Is there a feature that you’ve done so far that stands out and why? That would be hard for me to comment on but doing features with artists such as Beenie Man, Freddie McGregor, Delly Ranx, Christopher Ellis, Busy Signal and more is such a great collective of artists and material. My attitude to doing more collaboration is never based on fame or name; it was and still is based on talent and passion for the music being made. I always have the view that we are all equal no matter the celebrity status or wealth. Which living Reggae artist would you like to work with? I have had the chance to work and perform on stage with a variety of artists from the late Alton Ellis to the legend Beres Hammond. I think when in the right place, and at the right time, collaboration will be created naturally.
“AT A VERY YOUNG AGE, WRITING BECAME A LOVE OF MINE...MY LOVE FOR THE ENGLISH SUBJECT ALSO ELEVATED MY SONGWRITING AND USE OF WORDING AND SYLLABLES.”
Which Dancehall artist would you like to work with and why? I think my previous answer can be applied to this question, but I will add that more unity must be forged between artists. We can look at other genres unity in terms of creating a stronger industry and we can all work together to be successful. For too long there has been division and a lack of a productive attitude towards getting along with each other. I myself have to try harder and I acknowledge the dedication to the efforts needed. Speaking about features, its only right we talk about one of the hottest tracks out right now with Mr. Busy Signal called “Money Finger.” How did that feature come about as Busy doesn’t generally do too many features with foreign artists? I’ve known Busy personally for a few years. We were introduced through Alliance member Jagwa while both were on tour here in the UK. Since that introduction, I’ve been o many shows with Busy abroad and he has always kept in contact with me especially when he comes to the UK. Before his incarceration (he served six months and was released), we recorded a number of records in London, one of which was “Hottest Hothead.” I produced and recorded a video for that track, and one of the other tracks was the “Money Finger” collaboration. Did you expect Money Finger to be such a big hit with fans and the media? You never know the impact a song is going to have on the public as the attention span is so short and we’re in a fast paced industry. I knew the idea of the collaboration with myself and Busy would get an awesome response. The music was composed by Trinidad and Tobago born, and now UK based producer Wundah who captured the right attitude of melodic instruments that ignited the lyrics written by myself and Busy Signal. I’m happy for the feedback from the worldwide community. I understand the song is also on the charts all over! Can we expect a video for Money Finger? Yes definitely! I have been having meetings with French Director and Film Maker Joachim Maquet who has done a number of projects with me already. We want to deliver a great video that will be played and enjoyed by everyone. We’re fine tuning the scheduling so the video is done properly. It should be completed and delivered before the end of spring, 2013! As an artist, how do you keep your music and lyrics relevant? I think what most people would attribute to my nature is the eclectic and versatile music I make as well as my performance. Keeping up with the world is very important and artists should never trap themselves in a time box. Image and trends and lyrics have to be created and changed from time to time in order to stay ahead with what is current and by extension what fans want to hear. Gappy you tour so much and very often. We know touring is exciting, but what we really want to know is what 3 things do you always bring on the road with you?! Seeing the world is something that has enhanced the name Gappy Ranks and has also helped me understand more. Different locations will demand different luggage etcetera so it tends to vary, but, I never leave home without my family values and knowledge that I must stay true to who I am no matter how far away I am from home. Material things can be replaced at the blink of an eye, but your life cannot.
Being an artist I’m sure people always pre-judge you, what is the biggest preconception people have about you? I think the biggest preconception any artist or person in the public eye will have to face is people thinking you’re always happy. This goes back to what I said earlier about two becoming one over a matter of time (Gappy Ranks and Jacob Williams). I’m still a human being living on earth. I would love people to understand more about the life behind an artist, that way I think it will bring the people closer to what we represent and stand for. You’re known for being very outspoken. Taking advantage of you being outspoken, I’m going to ask the question most people want to know! Are Gappy Ranks and Stylo G in a musical or personal beef? The answer to that is no. I think Stylo G is a great artist and has proven to the UK and to the world that he is capable of delivering good music and maintaining that fan base. I personally know and have seen his elevation and dedication that he’s put into his music to take him where he is right now. His songs “Call Me A Yardie” and “Winter Swag” are great songs that I myself listen to; however we have both achieved a great response from the music world. There are some people who encourage competition and beef between us but I have no time for a beef with Stylo G or anyone else trying to make something of their lives and who are doing good music, especially in the UK. Do you think musical beef is a plus or a negative within Dancehall? I think artists definitely need to have a competitive drive but only to be generated into creating great work and to keep on their toes. I grew up seeing a lot of violent things and I know so many people who lost their life to beef. I would be a fool to want to live my life for war; nobody wants that. I would never want to see anyone hurt because of my music, especially another artist. You have a label called Hot Coffee Music. Tell us about that! I started my label in 2010. I wanted to spread the production and awareness of UK talent. I actually got the name for the label from an incident involving a Mac Book Pro and a cup of coffee (he laughs). Go figure! Is Hot Coffee a Reggae / Dancehall Label? How many artists do you have on the label and what can you tell us about them?! Hot Coffee Music is not a Reggae record label but we have a string aroma of Reggae! My intention is to produce artists regardless of the genre they perform in. We’ve started producing for artists such as Chino McGregor, Gyptian, Busy Signal, Redman UK, Bugle, Delly Ranx, Khago and more as well as my own material. My focus is to rise and be a positive part of the industry.
Gaps I know you’re into food so it’s only right that I ask … if I take a look in your fridge, what would I see?! Eating healthy is important to me and it’s easy to get carried away with all the food, especially take out, that’s available. I love to cook for my family every chance I get so I can tell you what you WON’T find in my fridge which is alcohol, Pork and red meat! Ok so tonight is your night to cook, what are you cooking? It would definitely be my specialty which is Chicken Mangifera Indica which is my own personal recipe! I might also make Stewed Mango Pulp Chicken Breast with lemon grass corn on the cob, mixed vegetables and coleslaw. FILLING IN THE GAPS! I Love………Everything That Is Good About The World I Hate .......Everything That Is Bad About The World Music Is My……..For The People By The People My Fans Are……….Part Of Who I Am Gappy Is ……..Learning Everyday Jacob Lee Williams Is ……….Trying To Do The Best He Can Follow Me On Twitter …………..And I Will Follow You My Message To My Fans …………Is Thank You For All Your Support And Love. Connect with Gappy on Twitter >>> @GappyRanks | @Hot_CoffeeMusic
SS 20 QUESTIONS WITH
SAMMI STAR AYEOLA GEORGE
Sammy “Sammi Starr” Poitier the son of two ministers, husband to a gorgeous wife and father to a beautiful daughter is one of the Bahamas leading talents. He got his start in church playing the drums and singing in the choir, then playing the piano when the keyboardist left to reside on another island. Though he may not have thought of it while pursuing his law degree years later, his start in the church watching and learning from his father Rev. Oswald Poitier (who founded the group Gospel Music Train) and his mother Sabrena he was destined for a career in music. As a teen Sammi took part in several local talent shows, including the Junkanoo Song competition and has performed at additional Bahamas events such as Make ‘Em Listen Productions showcase, Reggae All Stars 2008 and 2009, and Miss Bahamas World among others. In 2010 he was one of the closing acts along with Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Diddy at “Miami’s Best of the Best.” Under his Starrboy Productions, Sammi Starr has released hits such as “We Winning,” “Good to Know You,” “I’ll Never Leave” and more and also includes production in his portfolio.
AG: Your upcoming album is called black gray white. What inspired the name why isn’t it white gray black? SS: It’s actually three albums. The first is Black Vol. 1, then Gray Vol. 2, and White Vol.3. Black is rigid it has to start and stop at some point. It is an introduction of who I am. Gray represents a little clarity but not quite there. With White, the entire thing is being brought to light; everything is clear. By then you know Sammi Star, you know what his music represents you’re now a fan. So the first album (Black Vol.1 is due in the Summer but before that I am also releasing a mixtape (Da Mixtape) in April 2013. Is your wife involved in any decision-making in y our career? Yes. Other than the people in the studio she is one of the first to hear my music. Of the four people who critique to determine whether or not to release a song, she is number one on that list. What made you decide to go into politics and now that you’re no longer a political candidate do you think you accomplished what you set out to do originally and was it worth it? It was a bittersweet experience. A little bit of history. I actually always wanted to go into politics before I decided to be an entertainer. I went to school to study law, the whole nine. My uncle is a well-known politician; he was a minister for almost 30 years so I was supposed to follow in his footsteps and be a member of parliament, then minister, then possibly prime minister; that was the plan. While I was in college in the US is when I really got wind of what an entertainment career is like. That’s when I started watching all the video channels. I realized I had a passion for that and I kinda shifted my focus. When the opportunity arose; when the new party (Democratic National Alliance) came about, I then realized that I had a lot of impact on young people in the Bahamas so they asked me to run. They looked at my background, my family members, and the political ties I had to them. I set out to do it for two reasons to prove that the average man (not just lawyers, successful businessmen) could be politicians, and secondly, because I believe that people younger than thirty needs an example to show that they need not feel like they have to be old men or women to make their contribution politically to society. I think I was successful because I had a lot of support. Like I said I represented the average man which is the majority of the electorate. A couple of things went wrong between the party and I and I ended up no longer being the candidate. The bittersweet part of it is I had to step away for the most part from performing and continuously putting my image out there as an entertainer. I had to step away from that in order to run a successful campaign. So that kind of took away from my continuous growth as an artist. So it kinda put me in a position where I had to work a little harder to get back out there. You remind me of Ne-Yo who speaks of being a gentleman. Is that really who you are or is that the image of Sammi Starr or as someone called you, the Renaissance man? That is actually who I am. To be honest with you I don’t really know how the other artists do it in terms of creating an image I never actually took the time to do that. I just made the music and I made it based on the way I live, the way I speak, my personality, the way I interact with persons in my family. If you take away the music it will still be the same in terms of me the person. I think the word gentleman describes who I am. I like to party, but I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t club. I’m pretty much a laid back guy.
What do you like most about yourself? I think I like my compassion most about myself. I like my compassion even more than my talent. It feels really good to help and relate to others. What do you like least about yourself? Umm … my height. I’m like 5’5! We talked about your fashion sense very vaguely and indirectly with the gentleman question but let’s tackle it right now. Who or what inspires your sense of fashion? It’s kind of difficult to say I don’ know where to start there are so many things. If I had to pinpoint it, it has a lot to do with the way I was brought up. My parents were ministers in church and my dad in particular; I am a replica of my father in terms of being a gentleman and having compassion for people. I have never seen a man with a bigger heart than my father. So just growing up watching him being taught to treat women right, listening to his instruction and growing up and realizing it was the right thing to do, all that influenced my fashion. What do you like most about being Bahamian 2-4-2 all day! Oh man where do I start?! What I like about Bahamians is the freedom of who you are as a person. We can adapt to pretty much any society that we need to blend in but at the same time we stand out in such a way that you ultimately know that this person is different. Freedom is a big thing here; to be who you want to be, patriotic etc.! What are the top three songs in your iPod?! Faith Evans- “Never Let You Go” Destiny’s Child- “Cater to You” Kiara Sheard- “Praise Him Now”
What is your favorite? Breakfast food: Stew snapper and potato bread Cologne: Gucci Guilty Thing to do on a boring day: watch drama movies Caribbean city outside the Bahamas: Montego Bay Workout song: “Stronger” by Kanye West Go With Your Gut! Run or lift weights: Lift weights Knowledge or wisdom: Wisdom Boxers or briefs: Neither! Boxerbriefs Hot tub or hot spring: Hot spring Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child) or Carrie Underwood: Carrie Underwood definitely! Finish It! My daughter is the most beautiful little girl I have seen in my entire life I feel sexy when I’m naked Condoms: I’m married so I have no need for them Sometimes I sing while I am walking on the beach Sammi Starr is definitely working and will never stop Connect with Sammi on Twitter >>> @sammiepoitier
CP CALI P
IS THE LYRICAL FYAH TRICIA ‘ZJ SPARKS’ SPENCR
W
hen you meet Cali P, the air immediately lightens up. His demeanor is light and effervescent. His smile is radiant and his spirit is vibrant. I just knew this was going to be a fun interview. Dressed in all white with his floor reaching locks tied neatly, we sat down and spoke like we knew each other for a long time.
TS: Hey Cali, introduce yourself to the world. (He’s all big smiles and giggle for a bit) CP: I am from Guadeloupe. My dad is from Guadeloupe and my mother is from Switzerland. Cali P is a Reggae Dancehall artiste that has the lyrical fire. How did you get started in Reggae music, because when I think of Guadeloupe I don’t think Reggae, I think more of French music like Zouk. You would be surprised still because Reggae and Dancehall are big in Guadeloupe as a Caribbean island, but it’s true they do Zouk music and cultural drumming music. That is where my father comes in, he builds drums and play drums, he is a Rasta man and a percussionist that plays big drums. He is the one that really introduced me to Reggae music because he used to tour with some Reggae bands and at the time we were living in Europe. He used to play percussion with them and he would carry me on the movements enuh (you know). At what age did you start moving around with your dad and being exposed to Reggae music like that? From a very young age enuh. I remember singing on stage from as young as 3. I would go on stage and sing songs (he gesticualtes wildly) and play drums. As a young youth I used to play concerts enuh. I used to play drums. My first concert was when I was 12 with a band. Music was always my love, playing drums, sing songs and writing. Everything music. So when did you start taking music seriously; what made you decide to pursue it as a career? This decision came for me when I was 15 and finishing school in Switzerland and you had to decide what you were going to do with your life. For me at that moment, music was what I did best and what I feel I could bring best, so mi just decide that. So from that time I work on that, I used to do sing in sound systems, record songs and do dub plates and go everywhere in Europe. Which sound systems? At that time it was The Gideon Soldiers sound system, a Rasta sound system enuh and I did emcee for dem enuh touring Switzerland, Italy, Germany and so on. That is when I really realize that when I start to sing inna the dance people really love the vibes. That time enuh, we play with 7” and we would turn it around and play the riddim (version) and sing chune and people would rail up. I said to myself, ‘yeh, that is the thing I need to work with enuh!’ Did working with a sound system bolster your confidence as an artiste, help with your stage performance and affect how you record music? Definitely. Really and truly checking Reggae music from an elder time definitely come through the sound system. The artiste that really have the voice and artistical thing comes through the Sound System. You cannot fake anything, you need to perform make the people them hear what you have to say enuh. So that is really where my thing come from enuh. In going to the studio that really help me and my confidence. It help my performance because it teach me how to interact with people cause you need to get the people attention. Putting that together with a positive message, I think that give me the lyrical fire.
How did you get the name Cali P? Cali is from the herbs enuh and that is what mi defend from the younger days since school time enuh. We used to do mixed tapes and somebody jus call me Cali from then and mi just stick with it. How did you end up in Jamaica? Alright, dat jump deh have like 10 years in between. In those 10 years me really build my ting, record songs, release albums and ting. It reach at a point where I had a studio in Switzerland with my brethren. It was cool, but really truly it was limiting because when I would record songs and need harmonies on the track I didn’t know who to call. If I wanted someone to play a wicked guitar, I didn’t know who to call. At the same time I had some bredrens from America and they wanted to build a thing and was encouraging me to go there, but when I really check it out, I said to myself if I really going to do this then it is better that I go to Jamaica. I love the vibes here, the music scene and I feel comfortable living here. What, you feel comfortable living here? You have lived all over Europe and in Guadeloupe and you are here saying to me that you love Jamaica for professional and private reasons and are comfortable here, so how comes many Jamaicans don’t share your point of view?! You cannot say every Jamaican! I didn’t say every Jamaican, I say a lot of Jamaicans. You are not even a Jamaican, so what are you seeing?! Well, I see the positive in it! First of all there is a lot of positive here. There is the love, unity and respect in the people enuh. Sometimes me hear people say everything lost, but I don’t feel so because there is a lot of respect inna the livity that Jamaicans have. Mi like that people straight up and this is how I am. To me, here living with the people them, I feel I can bring a motivation same way to the Reggae music that really need that because more time I feel that it is underrated and underestimated in Jamaica, their own music that they have created and sent out to the world. It is so big right now, even though they say its an underground music.
Why you think we underrate it, yet you, an expatriate like yourself just embrace it so much? Mi just feel the vibes enuh, that is jus I and I and I choose to contribute to that. Why do you feel a lot of Jamaicans don’t embrace it as much? Dem nah go tell you they don’t appreciate it and that dem don’t love it. I think them don’t get exposed to it as much as other music. Really and truly, that is what I think. When I zip thru the TV, I don’t even hear some of the authentic music from long time and even some of the nowadays yute. Appreciation should include where we’re coming from, the roots, as well as music from other genres. I can understand that. Yes! What are you currently working on? I am working on an album with Bobby Digital, who is, in my opinion, one of the greatest producers in Jamaica. In addition to the countless riddims that he produced that help to make Reggae what it is today, he produced albums for legends like Garnett Silk, Shabba Ranks, Morgan Heritage and Sizzla. Now Cali P will be added to his catalog and mi pride-full bout dat.
What is the central theme of the album that you are working on? The album is called “Musically Speaking.” It is exactly what I talk about; exposing the people to music weh build inna Jamaica from scratch. We paid a lot of attention to the details and the quality of the music. We believe this album has music that you can get nowhere else in the world. How did you make the link with Bobby Digital? When I first came here in 2009 for the first time, I just lived around the corner and a bredren tell me that Bobby Digital studio was around the corner. I said ‘what?! mad ting that’. One day I got a call from a friend who was at the studio and him say ‘yow a bredren want to talk to you’ and him make mi talk to Bobby Digital stepson, Collie Bud. Him say to me ‘yow you need fi come a di studio’. I went and naturally, I just feel a family vibe and we just start recording songs. Are there any collabs on the album? Yes, right now the album will drop mid 2013 real soon, we still working on it. All the songs are already recorded, we just doing the mixing right now. You see that album deh, to me, we want when it release it just fresh, it just new. Dem not supposed to know what on it, that is how I used to buy album. When I buy an album, I don’t know what is one there, which is why I bought it, so I could find out wah gwan with every song. That is what I want to give to the listeners. What do you have to tell the readers of L3 Magazine? Keep reading and stay focused cause reading is a good thing and will build not only your knowledge but your understanding. More life and more powers. Bless up! Connect with Cali P on Twitter >>> @therealcalip
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DJ ECOOL
MADE IN NAIJA
2011 CULTURE MIX DJ KARIM
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