Getting Through to Busy Signal (Interview)

ZIF Interview (Busy Signal)

On this fine Chewsday, Busy Signal drops his new album Reggae Music Again in stores across the US via VP Records. I chopped it up with Busy this past week, give the interview a listen and see what the Dancehall kingpin has been up to on this “reggae only” album. Highlights include: his live performances, recording in Tuff Gong studios, future business and even a culinary suggestion or two.

All reggae and Busy Signal fans can cop the new album here.

Favorite track off the album.

Modern Day Slavery

Korea, Say Hello to Spragga Benz [UPDATE]

Korean reggae artist meets Spragga Benz? You know I had to post this! My personal Korean nationalism aside, I am a huge fan of randomness, especially collaborative randomness. And yes, a Korean “reggae” artist by the name of Skull doing work with Jamaican main stay Spragga Benz qualifies as absurdly random. I’ll definitely follow up with the full length video when it drops, so far it sounds like Spragga took the track seriously.

Here is the full length video:

Buju’s Fate In 12 Strangers Hands [News]

We told you guy’s a while back about dancehall legend Buju Banton’s run in with law enforcement. Specifically being charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence; and using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offence. There was some talk of a mistrial late last year, but from what I follow, that fell through. Buju’s liberty is now in  the hands of the jury to decide, the judge addressed them for about 30 minutes after the trial moved to the deliberation stage. From what I can tell, all that means is that the judge broke down the whole reasonable doubt angle, and how it applies to the specificity of Buju’s case, all standard court procedure. I’ve tried to stay optimistic about this trial, and from the minimal evidence I’ve read, it truly seems as though the case is much stronger against the other two defendants (the people actually arrested at the scene). But my gut [which my girl made fun of recently] is telling me that this is trouble, I’ve got a bad feeling. I will be sure to keep you posted on the outcome, Buju is a wonderful artist, one that deserves our empathy.

The Drug Trial Arresting Jamaica: BUJU IS FREE? [News]

Infamous dancehall deejay Buju Banton has been enduring a serious breach of his freedom since early this year. His trial for drug and gun running just hit a major development, a mistrial. Don’t celebrate yet, the case will be reassessed in December, but here’s hoping Buju posts bail and enjoys a brewski and a tree. Yo Buju, take it in stride bredren, and remember Wha‘ noh poison, fatten.

ZIF Video Of The Week: Patwa – What Can I Say

Patwa : What Can I Say [HD]

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This chick Patwa, formely known as Trinity, is going to be labelled as a female Shyne, and that’s a shame. Not that she could shine Shyne’s shoes as far as rapping goes, but that all her hard work is so easily compartmentalized into a simple passing judgement. What it must take for a female emcee with Jamaican roots in New York City to make it to a stage even as acute as World Star Hip Hop, I can only imagine. But if you know Patwa’s team, holla at your boy, I would love to hear her take, I’ll have my translator on call.

ZIF Video Of The Week: Spragga Benz – This Is The Way

SPRAGGA BENZ – This Is The Way

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Spragga Benz captured my patronage in the Jamaican gangster film Shottas, though he was never my favorite dancehall DJ, I couldn’t help but appreciate his genuine gangasta persona in that flick. Since then I’ve come to learn that he’s a man of talent, and has been lacing the dancehall scene with serious tunes for going on two decades. He even captured some recent hip hop blogger love for his track with Kardinal Offishall and Swizz Beatz.

This is a little pre-interview hype, I’m speaking with the man tomorrow, stay tuned for some grimey goodies from Spragga…

Nas and Damian Marley Advanced Our World Today [Advance Copy of Distant Relatives LP]

This is a 7 track advance of the upcoming Damian Marley and Nas album, Distant Relatives. The LP drops May 18th, which is 20 days too far away. I’ll be sure to review the album, and hopefully get an interview when they perform at UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival this year. But for now, sit back, get acquainted with some distant relatives.

As We Enter

Strong Will Continue

Promised Land featuring Dennis Brown

Angola (Friends)

My Generation (feat. Lil Wayne and Joss Stone)

Africa Must Wake Up (feat. KÆNAAN)

Strong Will Continue (Nas Version)

Friday Free Joints

Download: Bounty Killer – Social Responsibility

Download: Doc Ish ft. Saigon, Inspectah Deck, Ransom & Quan- Cut My Throat

Download: Mavado – War Is In The Air

Download: Shawnna – Hide & Seek featuring One Chance and Sophia Fresh [produced by Bishop Jones]

Download: Ski Beatz – Aerials (Feat. Stalley, Currensy, Whosane, Terri Walker, And Mos Def)

Download: The Lox – Slow Down Lox (You’re Killin’ Em)

Download: Uncle Murda – Slow Down (freestyle)

Weddy Weddy Wednesday, err…Thursday

SIZZLA & DIANA RUTHERFORD – A NEW DAY

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The age of Aquarius has come, everyone is scurrying around, making “changes”. Here’s a new Sizzla joint. New guidance. Jah Rastafari.

Would you snitch on Gargamel if you got paid 3 million dollars?

If you’re even somewhat interested in the Jamaican music scene, you know who Buju Banton is, and it’s also quite likely that you’re aware of the intrinsic cultural stigma associated with snitching on criminal activity that permeates urban environments across the globe. Last December, Buju was arrested in Florida for attempting to purchase 5 keys of coke, a Federal sting had been operating with the sole intension of baiting and incarcerating the dancehall great. This fact was compounded in court this week when Buju’s defense attorney pointed out a myriad of significant facts about the “informant” and his previous manifestations of crummy character. The most significant evidence contrary to Buju’s guilt, is the sheer money factor, it appears as though the informant was paid a total of 3.3 million dollars over the last few years in an effort to “assist” his investigation. Long story short, Buju was caught with a gun “aiding and abetting” his homies who were down to cop the 5 keys from the millionaire passing off as a snitch.

Catch a laundry list of reasons to doubt the snitch in this case after the jump. I’m going to commission the printing of “Free Buju” shirts sponsored  by ZIF. This is a no brainer. Free Buju.

Friday Free Joints

Download: Capone-N-Noreaga – The Streets Got A New Face

Download: Devin The Dude – We Get High

Download: Ski Beatz-Prowler 2 (Feat. Jean Grae, Jay Electronica, Joell Ortiz, And Mos Def)

Bad People Riddim

Download: Busy Signal – Bigger Heads

Download: Elephant Man – Run Dem Weh

Download: Movado – Gyal A Mad Ova

Download: Flexxx – Have Wah Mi

Sweet To The Belly

Vybz Kartel – Thank You Jah

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I know I said there would be more Lutan Fayah footage uploaded today, but I’m going to spend some time editing that tonight. In the meantime, this should get all my dready’s ready. New Vybz video, enjoy with some of his rum! Click the bottles below to delve into the entrepreneurial world of Mr. Kartel.

More Lutan, More Fyah [updated]

I promised footage from last night. Here you go. More to come. Lutan put on a really short set, but we taped all of it, so we got you covered.

I don’t have money or a car but I’m going to this tonight…

The Infiniti is making weird noises, and I done spent too much money this damn month already. But sometimes you have to spend even when that means Top Ramen later. Lutan Fyah is arguably the hottest name in dancehall music, I’m expecting a big big show. Stay tuned for footage, you know it will be HD, and fiyah. Check him out at Reggae Rising last year, we took some footage (below).

Gyptian’s Voice Alone Holds You

A new melodic anthem from the smoothest voice in contemporary dancehall music, the one, the only, Gyptian. According to VP Records “Hold You” is featured on Ragga Ragga Ragga 2010 and will be released as a digital single on March 23. This new track from the soulful singjay has been burning up the airwaves in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Download: Gyptian – Hold Yuh