Shaggy and Friends Charity concert will be streamed live online tonight starting at 7pm. The concert features headlining artist in Reggae, Dancehall and Hip- Hop. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation, which donates to the Bustamante Children’s Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.

Performers include Shaggy, the former Ruff Ryders first lady, Eve (who steps in for R&B crooner Ne-Yo), Maxi-Priest, Half Pint, Cocoa Tea, Deniece Williams, I-Octane, Romaine Virgo, Assassin, Wayne Marshall, Tami Chynn, Gyptian, Mr Vegas, recently added Lauryn Hill and more.

Proceeds from this year’s staging of Shaggy and Friends will go towards the construction of a 15-bed intensive care cardiac unit at the hospital. The annual concert was initially staged in 2009 and again in 2010, there was no show last year. The previous two editions of Shaggy and Friends raised over JA$57 million for the hospital.

The stream is available through iTunes. Download HERE

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Sean Paul is back with a new video for “She Doesn’t Mind”. While I love the artwork for the single (James Bond 007-esque) I’m not crazy about the video’s girl on girl action and the storyline didn’t fit the song. Although it kind of reminded me of a homemade youtube video,  I did want to know what the lead girl actually smuggled passed security. What do you think?

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Dancehall singer Keida is continuing to take the world by storm releasing new music consistently. Checkout the Wickest Thing & Riddim Sound Sweet.

“Wickedest Thing”

“Riddim Sound Sweet”

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The brand that is Vybz Kartel continues to expand with his own reality TV Show. On the Teacha’s Pet 20 ladies from around the world will compete for Vybz Kartel’s “heart” to be the last pet standing. We all know that these couples never last, but nonetheless it will be quite the entertainment. The show will air Jamaican TV station CVM on Friday nights, premiering tomorrow night. The show is produced by Carleen Samuels and directed by JayWill and features Amelia “Milk” Sewell as the substitute teacher. A press conference was held earlier this week, but Vybz Kartel did not attend.

Global fans can enjoy the antics via pay-per-view online at Teacha’s Pet website $5 per episode. I really think they should have found sponsors for the online version rather than making viewers pay for it. Since it will end up on the web anyway, it would have been a better branding opportunity for him and who ever sponsored it and a great way to connect more with his international fan base.

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Caribbean American Cultural Caucus Inc. presents the Caribbean Cultural Music Conference  at the Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036 beginning today through tomorrow Friday, September 23.

This conference has received official endorsements from the office of Brooklyn’s Borough President, Marty Markowitz, and the City of New York. In 2009 and 2010, the Caribbean Cultural Conference hosted a wide cross section of stakeholders including musicians, artists, attorneys, producers, educators, record label executives, music business students, and entrepreneurs, traveling from across the US as well as from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and other Caribbean territories. Panelists and guests from ASCAP, COSCAP, VP Records, Golden Krust, Headline Entertainment, Tunecore, SoundExchange, SiriusXM Radio, IRIS, A2iM, The Orchard and RightFlow were also present. We expect similar support this year. Check out the entire program after the jump.

CARIBBEAN CULTURAL MUSIC CONFERENCE 2011 PROGRAM GUIDE
DAY 1       September 22, 2011 
 

Topic: INSIDE THE PRODUCTION BOOTH
Panelists: Computer Paul, ED Robinson, Mastermind, James “Bonzai” Caruso 
11:40 am – 01:10 pm: Plenary Session 2

Topic: A look at Publishing
Moderator: Michelle Arthurton
Panelists: Alex Holtz, Jonathan Jones, Erica Smith, Heather Cunningham
01:20 pm – 2:50 pm: LUNCH
03:00 pm – 3:30 pm: One-on-one interview:

PITCH IT! (Music Service Company)
Jamaicansmusic.com
03:40 pm – 4:50 pm: Plenary Session 3

Topic: Brand Building, Endorsements + Marketing – Your Music in a Digital Age
Presented by: ASOM Production
Moderator: Irwine Clare
Panelist: Jay Warsinske, Stacey Bethel, Trevor Smith, Mario Evon, Keishel Williams
04:50 pm – 5:00 pm: Closing remarks

DAY 2 – September 23, 2011

Topic: Artist Management
Moderator:
Panelists: Camille Evans, Victor Lewis, Shamita Carriman – Natasha Andrews
11:10 am – 12:40 pm: Plenary Session 2

Topic: Navigating the New Music Business. What are my options?
Moderator: Karen Marie Mason
Panelists: David Weiss, Steve Gordon, Tyesh Harris, Kelly Griffin
12:40 pm – 01:25 pm                LUNCH
01:30 pm – 02:30 pm:

Topic: Financial Management
Tips for Music Business Practitioners
Presenter: 
02:40 pm – 3:40 pm                    Plenary Session 3

Topic: The Do’s and Don’ts of Touring
Moderator:
Panelists: Oliver Millwood, Copeland Forbes, George Michailow – George Crooks
03:50 pm – 04:50 pm                  Plenary Session 4

Topic: The Changing face of radio
Moderator: Stan Smith
Panelist: Gary Bernstein, Pat McKay, Dubmaster, Sidney White, Kerry Dennis
04:50 pm – 5:00 pm        Closing statements

ARTIST SHOWCASE CLOSING PARTY
6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
LIVE Performances By Ed Robinson, Lyrikal, Mario Evon, Mastermind
Artist Showcase Contest, Caribbean Dance off, PLUS invited celebrity guest and host
MUSIC BY:  Road International
WEBSTER HALL @ THE STUDIO
125 East 11th Street NY N.Y 10003
ADM: $15.00
Sponsored By: RedStripe Tower Isles VP Records Road International ASOM

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Dancehall singjay Sean Paul took it to Las Vegas for his latest music video “Got 2 Luv U” featuring Alexis Jordan. The video was shot at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, and was directed by Ben Mor.

Sean Paul was also recently on 106 & Park talking about producing his own riddim and being at the forefront of crossover dancehall.

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Married to the MOB celebrated their seven year anniversary with a Fashion’s Night Out party at swanky midtown hotel, Yotel. Married to the MOB owner, Leah Sweeney teamed up with Dancehall artist Mavado for a celebration that included radio personalities, DJs and some flyest people in New York City. The success of the party and Mavado’s collaboration with New York City based streetwear designer, Married to the MOB (MTTM), proves that Caribbean celebrities can connect non-Caribbean brands without compromising their own their style. As Caribbeans, we are constantly consuming brands, specifically in fashion, from international designers and receive little credit or acknowledgement for contributing to the international fashion world. It was great to see the genuine connection between MTTM’s audience and Mavado’s fans.

 In an exclusive interview with both Leah McSweeney and Mavado we discuss their growth as artists, how they connected and what the future holds for their.

S&V: How did you get your start in fashion?
Leah McSweeney: When I was 12 I babysat for the editor of Seventeen Magazine and she would invite me to fashion shows during fashion week, she lived in my neighborhood. I went to private school and all the kids were dressed fly really young. Growing up in the city, no matter what school you go to, fashion is a big part of the city. Kids in New York grow up around fashion. Professionally, when I was 18 I started an internship at Mass Appeal magazine with the fashion editor. From then on I started assisting stylists, styling people on my own and from there I started Married to the MOB.

S&V: How did you come up with the name Married To The MOB?
LM: I came up with it at the time I was not working and at the time I said I had a Mob wife lifestyle kind of, minus the money and MOB was my crew of girls Most Official Bitches.

S&V: Tell about how you chose the direction of your line.
LM: I basically started from my personality. I’m basically putting out there stuff that I want to wear, that is for the MOB girl, not prissy stuff. It kind of takes a bitch with balls to where my stuff.

S&V: Tell me how the connection with Mavado came about?
LM: Because I have a friend of mine that’s a friend of his, I told him I’m doing this FNO / 7 year Anniversary party and we thought we’re kind of gangster in our own way, kind of evolving together. Music and fashion compliment each other so well.

S&V: Who are listening to right now?
LM: I listen to a lot of Lil Wayne, a lot of Britney Spears (laughs). I’ll be listening to Britney then throw on some Mobb Deep, then Buju (Banton). I listen to a lot of different stuff.

S&V: How would you describe your personal style?
LM: Simple. Sometimes I feel like I dress pretty boring to be honest with you. Simple, but tough and chic at the same time.

S&V: Where do you see your brand 3-5 years from now?
LM: I use to think so much about the future, I’m so in the moment. Doing what I want now matters. Thinking about what I want in the future doesn’t matter.

S&V: It must be a great feeling to do what you love?
LM: Besides my daughter it’s the biggest blessing. I’m so fortunate that I’m to be able to do it and I’m able to live off of doing it and it’s fun.

S&V: Advice for international designers who want to bring their brands here?
LM: Go for it and don’t take no for an answer, keep trying and doing it. It’s a great idea for Caribbean designers to bring their stuff here, we need some new shit! New fresh stuff.

S&V: How do you feel about coming back to NY?
Mavado: Great feeling. Now my music is better. My music can play everywhere. I’ve been in the game so many years now and I take my heavy step just to go higher. I’m always trying to learn something in the mean time. Now is just the perfect time for me to be here.

S&V: How do you think that your music has changed from the beginning to now?
Mavado: Back then I had competition, so it’s all about who’s the best, who’s putting out the most music. At that time we were going hard at each other. I think now, not I don’t have a competition. So now I’m taking advantage of it.

S&V: How do you plan to take advantage of the opportunity?

Mavado: Sky is the limit for me. It’s all about We The Best, Gullyside and I have my new label Mansion Records.

S&V: So from a business aspect, how have grown?
Mavado: I’m still learning, never too old to learn.

S&V: I know you have a great team around, but I’m sure the final decision lies with you, so how do you go about making the right decisions with regard to your career?

Mavado: It’s all about making the right decision, not being hasty. Take time to make the decision. I’m the kind of person that when I hear something I don’t just jump to it. I’ll have something for a couple of days thinking. You got to have a plan. You can’t build a house without a plan. So with my career I’m always thinking ahead, what’s the next step. My every move can be a complicated step.

S&V: You seem to have a reserved personality; do prefer to be on stage or in the studio?
Mavado: Both of them, it’s all about the music. I love music in the the studio, on the stage, I’m ready.

S&V: What’s your favorite song to perform
Mavado: I got so much of them.

S&V: Which did you get the best reaction to at Reggae Rhythm & Blues?
Mavado: All of them really, but true Delilah is that new hot song, as soon as my band drop the riddim on that song (hums the riddim) the crowd went crazy!

S&V: Speaking of Delilah, how did you come up with the concept for that song?
Mavado:  I’m from the ghetto. Walking 20 miles until you grow up and get a chance to buy a bicycle, but then here comes the man with the money and sometimes you as a young youth and you have this girl that you like. But you have some goal digger girls. I’m not saying you have good girl, you have excellent girls out there, but you still have goal diggers and you still have to be looking out for them. I think this song is an evolution, cause even I, myself have been through a couple “Delilahs” (laughs).

S&V: So I’m a female, what would I call the male version of “Delilah” ?
Mavado: (Laughs) I don’t know (laughs more) I really don’t know.

S&V: Tell me about your style, how do you go about picking out clothes for your shows and appearances?
Mavado: I’m a very picky person when it comes to my fashion. Cause no one can do my wardrobe for me. I have to do it myself. Whenever I have to do a show my manager is always like “dawg we ah go late, how much tings you ah go buy” I say “I have a few more stores dung deh suh”.

S&V: Is that what happened today?
Mavado: (Laughs) Something like that. I always want to look perfect cause I always want when my fans to see me they say “yo!” Cause the stardom come with the fashion and how you carry yourself and all of that.

Be sure to check out Mavado’s new single “Delilah” available on iTunes

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In a weekend where there are plenty of options for Caribbean entertainment, I chose to head to Roy Wilkins Park with good reason. Great music under the sun (and stars) makes a music festival that much better. It’s was one of the few family friendly events promoted and unlike stereotypical Caribbean events, they started on time and ending at a decent hour. Reggae, Rhythm & Blues at Roy Wilkins Park, organized by Irie Jam Media, is the first concert in the New York City area to combine Reggae, Soca, R&B and Dancehall on one stage. While the line up may have seemed like a mixture of artist, this is not necessarily a new set up. Music festivals with a variety of artists like Glasonbury Festivals and Jamaica Jazz & Blues have had years of success, but this is a first for Caribbeans living in New York City, but it’s no secret the Caribbeans love all kinds of music and this show was evident of that stance and truly set itself apart from the other concerts happening over Labor Day weekend.

I got to the park a little early and caught a few of the opening reggae and dancehall acts as check out a few of the vendors in the park — checking out some jewelry vendors, sampled sweet plantain chips from Grace Foods and got a refreshing Fruit Punch from a Pina Colado boothe.

I returned to the stage area just in time to catch the end of legendary Leroy Sibbles took the stage early singing all of his hits from his Heptone days as well as songs from his solo career.

The crowd got an early treat from Soca Monarch King, Machel Montano and the HD Family. This was my first time seeing Machel in concert and there was not a person in the crowd that was not whining their waistline. Although his energetic performance was abruptly disrupted by a power outage his band and dancers continued to perform somewhat a freestyle set until the power came back, proving his humble ability to rock a crowd regardless of the circumstances. We all know, had the same thing happened to some artist they would have just walked off stage. Performing “Bend Over”,  “Go Dung”, “Jumbie” and a slew of other hits hist performance was nothing less than outstanding.

R&B songstress Monica has a great catalog of hits like “So Gone”, “Love All Over Me” and “Still Standing” which she seemed to run through them all too quickly. Her songs resonated with the audience, but it seemed like we were watching a rehearsal more than a performance and she was dressed for a lazy brunch.

Babyface had a phenomenal performance! It was my first time seeing him as well. Dressed in a full white suit Babyface was looking dapper and ready to please the crowd! The R&B vertaran not only did songs from his own extensive catalog “Whip Appeal”, “Never Keeping Secrets” and “Cool In You”, but also performed hits which he wrote for Bobby Brown, Tevin Campbell, Johnny Gill and Boyz II Men. Babyface’s performance simply delightful, the newly added R&B line up to the roster proved to be a success, this addition was the best part of the night.

Dancehall newcomer I-Octane has been making quite a name for himself and is probably one of the hottest artistes right now, with only five minutes to perform the talented singer breezed through songs like “No Ramp Wid We” and ‘Mind Who You A Diss” . The crowd definitely wanted him to stay longer, but he was under time constraints.

Tarrus Riley did a mini tribute to Buju Banton before delving into a few of his songs including “She’s Royal” and “Contagious”.

Closing out the night, The Gully God, Mavado was clearly the most anticipated in the crowd. This weekend was the first time he’s performed in the U.S. in two year. The singjay was clearly happy to greet his fans with a few of his well known songs “On The Rock”, “Money Changer”, “Last Night” and his latest hit “Delilah”.

Irie Jam also honored recently murdered producer and VP Records own Joel Chin in a video montage. In addition Jamaican American U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke honored the King of Dancehall, Beenie Man for his contribution to music for over 30 years.

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While some head to the Hamptons, Caribbeans in New York City – or those visiting the New York area – head to Brooklyn! Labor Day weekend has become synonymous with Carnival in New York (aka the West Indian American Day Parade). Caribbean events will be at an all time high this weekend and it’s one of the best times to partake in festive events as sort of a last “hoo-rah” of the summer. The weekend is filled with fetes and festivals sprinkled throughout the boroughs. Here’s a list of a few events on my radar that you may want to check out over the weekend.

Hot 97’s On Da Reggae Tip is hosted by Bobby Konders & Jabba. The duo have been holding down the riddims on Hot 97 every Sunday for years with their radio program On Da Reggae Tip, this concert is an extension of their program and has become the unofficial kick off to Labor Day weekend. Performances by Mavado, Stephen Marley, Barrington Levy, Gyptian, Demarco, Elephant Man, Stephen & Chino McGregor, Ding Dong. If you can’t make it to the concert, the after party at BB Kings.

Reggae Rhythm & Blues is one of the first attempts in the New York City area to present Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and R&B on one stage. On Sunday, Sept. 4 Babyface, Monica, Mavado, Machel Montano, Tarrus Riley and recently added John Holt and I-Octane will all hit the stage in true reggae festival style at the outdoor venue, Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.  As a family friendly event, children under 12 are free, for additional details and ticket information click here.

The artist line up for 5 Alarm Blaze looks like you may get exhausted (in a good way) so make sure you have enough energy for this concert/party Sunday, Sept. 4. Damian & Stephen Marley, Elephant Man, Mr Vegas, Bunji Garlin, Faye-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, TallPree, Serani, Ding Dong, Ricky Blaze & more will perform Sunday night, Sept. 5 at Webster Hall.

Taking in the parade on Monday, Sept. 5 is a must! Whether you are playing mas or watching from the sidelines, the West Indian American Day parade is a great time to see Caribbeans coming together carnival style. The elaborate costumes, the music blasting from huge speakers, the flags waving, hips gyrating … and the food!  It’s a great time for newbies to experience Carnival culture and if you’re not into the parade you can always participate in J’Ouvert to see the floats setting up. Check out the West Indian American Day Carnival Association for parade route and details.

If you’re not too tired, head to lower Manhattan for Rice and Peas Party. The Labor Day edition of the monthly party kept every first Monday of the month is sure to be filled with good vibes to close out your Caribbean weekend.

For additional parties and events going on this weekend check out sites like Trini Jungle Juice, DatzWhatzUp and Event Bug.

Stay tuned for the my NY Carnival Survival Kit, everything you need to survive this weekend!

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Lenny Kravitz is gearing up for a new album Black and White in America. He enlisted the help of rapper Jay-Z on a song call “Boongie Drop”. The title is a little crazy, but the song has a nice infusion of Dancehall and Hip-Hop.

Lenny Kravitz feat. Jay-Z DJ Military – Boongie… by funked00

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