Intence stages debut U.S. concert in New York City

Dancehall star Intence announces his debut concert in the U.S. will be staged at Jericho Palace in Queens Village, NY on 22 April 2023. The Gift from God live show will feature the “Yahoo Boyz” artist as the headliner, supported by the buzzing dancehall acts 450, Shaneil Muir, and Roze Don.

The Bronx duo Platinum Kids will present the event. Team Shella, Shampoo, Boom Boom, and Harry Hype are slated to DJ. 

Since 2017, Intence has proven himself one of Dancehall’s most reliable hitmakers. Songs like “Yahoo Boyz,” “Yeng,” “Heaven Passport,” “Clutcha,” and “NEW GEAR” have helped the artist born Tashawn Gabbidon cultivate a loyal following at home and overseas; he’s performed at festivals such as Jamaica’s Sumfest and has sold out venues such as the indigo room in London’s O2 Arena. 

In late 2022, Intence announced the release of VOYAGE, his debut album to be released in the Spring/Summer of 2023 via VP Records. It is led by the singles “NEW GEAR,” “OutRAGEous,” “DEEDS,” and “MUGGER.”

FEATURED: SHAGGY AND TEEJAY - GYAL DEM TIME

Shaggy and TeeJay Declare "Gyal Dem Time"

Diamond-selling and 2x Grammy Award winning recording artist Shaggy returns with another infectious, joy-filled single “Gyal Dem Time” featuring Teejay.  The song will be released by VP Records on February 3rd, 2023. 

“Gyal Dem Time” finds Shaggy once again embracing his Jamaican roots trading lines with Montego Bay vocalist Teejay (“From Rags to Riches,” and “Unfaithful Games”). The vibrant riddim, produced by Sheldon “Teflon” Harris and Shaggy, “Gyal Dem Time” is a fitting soundtrack for the pace and pulse of a buzzing dancefloor. 

Throughout his career, Shaggy, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, has dominated the Reggae and Dancehall landscape with anthemic songs that merge playful themes with infectious riddims including iconic classics like “Angel” and “It Wasn’t Me” to the recent successes of his Grammy Award winning collaborative album, “44/876,” with Sting as well as his most recent Grammy nominated album, “Com Fly Wid Mi” produced by Sting.

“Gyal Dem Time” will be released with a music video by esteemed director Jay Will, who also collaborated with Shaggy on the visuals for “Go Down Deh” – his chart-topping track with Spice and Sean Paul.

FEATURED THIS MONTH: ROGELIO GORIN - AKA EL MALEANTE

Meet this Panamian-based giant in Regaeton

Panama-based Reggaeton recording artiste Rogelio Gorin, aka El Maleante, is poised for success with the release of his debut album “Como Antes”.  The 8-track project is a musical affirmation of Reggaeton’s infectious qualities and romantic moods.

Regarded as a giant in Reggaeton, Maleante, the singer-songwriter is taking his music beyond the shores of Panama by including Reggae-centric sounds and deep Spanish grooves that appeal to wider audiences.  The first single from the album, “Como Antes,” was a mainstream offering with undertones of El’s former classic song “Quiero Bailar” which launched the artist to popularity.

Combining a broad spectrum of micro-genres and styles that blend traditional Latin rhythms with modern influences, and the consistent incorporation of the ‘90s sound (dembow rhythms of reggae and dancehall) with a touch of modern riffs puts “Como Ante” in the crosshairs for international appeal.  Fans will appreciate the artists’ versatility.

While sharing how he got his name El Maleante, stated that it was given while collaborating in the recording studio on the album "Muevelo" with "El General".  El General is a credited with being the father of Spanish Reggae and is Maleante’s main source of musical influence.

Shabba Ranks. The three inspirations can be heard on tracks “Como Ante,” in which the artist reminds Reggaeton fans of when it began in the 90’s and made people dance. “Hace un Año,” was a real life story when Maleante’s relationship was in turmoil and the artist had to make changes in his lifestyle to get it back together. “Donde Estabas tu” is a song that talks about how folks can only love you when you are famous but dislikes you when you are down. In other words, if you don't love me when I'm dirty then don't love me when I'm clean.

Under the management team of G'WAD Entertainment, El Maleante draws on common themes of love, overcoming life obstacles and fending off negative energy to reassure listeners that there are brighter days ahead.
 

“Como Ante” is distributed by VPAL Music, a division of VP Records.

FEATURED THIS MONTH: SPICE FEATURING NICHO

PO-PO by Spice featuring NICHO

Spice, Queen of Dancehall recently released her music video for the song “Po-Po” which features her son Nicho.

The song, addresses a communities fear of the police and some of the triggers that arise when an encounter with them occurs. Spice and son Nicho re-focuses the Black Lives Matter narrative by expressing a mother’s protection of her male-child and the youths fear of being stopped by police.

The song and its lyrics are thought-provoking, and King Jammy, one of the most respected producers in the Reggae space has added his weight to the song by producing a dub mix which we are pleased to share with you today!

• story and images courtesy of VP Records

FEATURED THIS MONTH

Love Salute
BY
Tarrus Riley

February is for lovers and lovers of reggae music:
To kick-off the celebration of love - Valentine’s Day and Reggae Month, check out this recently released track from the legendary, Tarrus Riley!

Image, track and story ~ courtesy of VP Records

…it was the 2007 release of the single She’s Royal, which became a mega smash, that really initiated the massive success he would go on to have.

The story of Tarrus Riley, though still ongoing, is a beautiful tapestry of music, culture, and lifestyle with spirituality at its core. Born Omar Riley, he grew up with his mother and father veteran singer Jimmy Riley, between Jamaica and Miami. Being surrounded by iconic sounds and musicians like Dean Fraser, Earl Chinna Smith and many more who were colleagues of his father, greatly influenced his penchant for music. Even at a young age, Tarrus would rally around the music just to soak it up.

At around age 25, Tarrus released his first musical body of work released in 2004 and by virtue, his introduction to the audiences of Jamaican music worldwide. Challenges was the fourteen-track album released on VP records, that gave Tarrus his initial boost in the world of music. Songs like Don’t Give Up, The Other Half and I’ll Be Your Friend, served to highlight the uplifting nature of Riley’s music. Where tracks like Jah Will, All Is Vanity and Rastafari At The Control, were clear indicators of his spiritual alignment and devotion to the Rastafari lifestyle. This lifestyle or spiritual practice is one handed down to him by his parents, and those close friends of his family who were of a similar faith.

Yet, despite the success of this album, it was the 2007 release of the single She’s Royal, which became a mega smash, that really initiated the massive success he would go on to have. His sophomore album “Parables” would follow, which included She’s Royal, along with fourteen other tracks Lion Paw and Family featuring Damian Marley.

Two years later Tarrus would release his third album titled Contagious, which was received with critical acclaim. Songs like Love’s Contagious, and Human Nature, became smash hits in no time. Good Girl Gone Bad featuring Konshens, which was a cover or retelling of Robin Thicke’s original, remains one of Riley’s many popular dancehall songs. Contagious was a platform for a young Tarrus to explore both reggae dancehall and the ways in which they blend. This was a surprising but refreshing release at the time, especially since hit songs like She’s Royal were often used by audiences to categorize Tarrus as a reggae artist.

In late 2010, Riley released what would eventually become one of his biggest records to date Shaka Zulu Pickney, which was an anthem of sorts for Africans and the diaspora worldwide. The single received so much support, that film director Storm Saulter shot a music video/ short film for the song the following year, which gave it even more legs. The momentum behind the song eventually became so great, that fans suspected it was the precursor to a new album. But that was not the case, as the next time Riley would release an album would be Mecoustic in 2012. Mecoustic sported fifteen tracks, including a few previously released songs in acoustic form. To The Limit, and Love Situation released 2013 and 2014 respectively to similar acclaim and warm reception.

In 2019, Tarrus Released a new EP titled BLEM, containing six tracks as he worked on what he anticipated would become his next album. Unfortunately, the global pandemic drastically shifted the world and Riley

felt as though the music he had already produced was not tailored for these tough times. Thus, during the lockdowns, Tarrus’ latest album Healing was created. With a mom who is a nurse and a dad being a musician, for Tarrus Riley, making healing music before the word was a trend, was always innate in Tarrus to make feel good music even during a serious time. Healing comprises twelve tracks, including Lighter featuring Shensea, My Fire featuring Dexta Daps and Great Equalizer featuring legendary saxophonist and singer Dean Fraser.

Racking up prestigious awards and recognition from several different institutions, Tarrus continues to be one of the most decorated artists of the last decade. From Jamaica Observer’s 2007 Artist of the year, to Best Reggae Song, Most Popular Song (both for "She's Royal"), Best Solo Male Vocal Performance, and even Breakthrough Reggae Artiste at the Reggae Academy. He’s also a MOBO nominated artist for Best Reggae in both 2009 and 2014. His Journey continues, but his achievements so far are unrivalled within the Jamaican music space and his musical talent is unparalleled in the global space. Tarrus Riley is a truly unique and fearless artist.

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