THE SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 25 REGGAE CHART      3/5/10

TW LW WOC TITLE ARTIST LABEL HPR

1      1      19      TIME AND A PLACE (6) BUJU BANTON  JOHN JOHN       #1

2         2         13         Million $ Check                  Mojo Morgan                  Gedion Soldiers         #2

3         3         12         Harry Hippie                           Leroy Sibbles                  Bright Beam                  #3

4         4         10         In The Living Years                  Stevie Face                  Boot Camp                  #4

5         6         10         Life Hard                           Gyptian                  John John                  #5

6         12         5         Heaven In Her Eyes                  Gappy Ranks                  Peckings                  #6

7         11         5         One More Night                  Busy Signal                  Turf Music                  #7

8         5         14         Only You                           Peetah Morgan         Gedion Soldiers         #2

9         9         8         Unfair Officer                           Wasp                           WMP                           #9

10         7         11         Long Time                           Shaggy                  Big Yard                  #5

11         8         10         Rolling Stones                  Spanner Banner         Penthouse                  #8

12         10         9         Struggle                           Freddie McGregor         Raw Moon/Top Tier         #10

13         15         7         Ruff Times                  Nico D/Jah Mason         Tad’s/Kontractor/J.A.M         #13

14         16         6         Precious Gift                           Sizzla                           VP                           #14

15         19         4         Let’s Drink                           Richie Stevens         Boot Camp                  #15

16         23         2         Rise Again                  Caribbean Artists For Haiti         Birchill Records         #16

17         18         5         Something Ah Go Happen         Vybz Kartel                  Fire Links                  #17

18         13         17         Bad Boy                           Chuck Fenda/Sammy Dread   No Doubt         #2

19         21         3         My Everything                  Twiggi                           Richmar                  #19

20         22         3         Searching                           Peter Lloyd                  Cannon                  #20

21         14         7         Man A Gallis                           Mr. Vegas                  CR0203                  #14

22         25         2         Real Dancehall                  Jahmel                           Andy’s                           #22

23         17         16         My Life                           G Whizz                  TJ Records                  #4

24         20         22         Suspicion (4)                           Manley                  Heavy Beat                  #1

25         -         1         King And Queen                  Richie Spice/Alison Hinds  Black Coral         #25

THE SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 25 REGGAE CHART      2/26/10

TW LW WOC TITLE ARTIST LABEL HPR

1      1      18      TIME AND A PLACE (4) BUJU BANTON  JOHN JOHN       #1

2         3         12         Million $ Check                  Mojo Morgan                  Gedion Soldiers         #2

3         4         11         Harry Hippie                           Leroy Sibbles                  Bright Beam                  #3

4         7         9         In The Living Years                  Stevie Face                  Boot Camp                  #4

5         2         13         Only You                           Peetah Morgan         Gedion Soldiers         #2

6         6         9         Life Hard                           Gyptian                  John John                  #6

7         5         10         Long Time                           Shaggy                  Big Yard                  #5

8         8         9         Rolling Stones                  Spanner Banner         Penthouse                  #8

9         10         7         Unfair Officer                           Wasp                           WMP                           #9

10         11         8         Struggle                           Freddie McGregor         Raw Moon/Top Tier         #10

11         13         4         One More Night                  Busy Signal                  Turf Music                  #11

12         15         4         Heavens In Your Eyes         Gappy Ranks                  Peckings                  #12

13         9         16         Bad Boy                           Chuck Fenda/Sammy Dread  No Doubt         #2

14         14         6         Man A Gallis                           Mr. Vegas                  CR0203                  #14

15         17         6         Ruff Times                  Nico D/Jah Mason         Tad’s/Kontractor/J.A.M         #15

16         18         5         Precious Gift                           Sizzla                           VP                           #16

17         12         15         My Life                           G Whizz                  TJ Records                  #4

18         20         4         Something Ah Go Happen         Vybz Kartel                  Fire Links                  #18

19         22         3         Let’s Drink                           Richie Stevens         Boot Camp                  #19

20         16         21         Suspicion (4)                           Manley                  Heavy Beat                  #1

21         23         2         My Everything                  Twiggi                           Richmar                  #21

22         25         2         Searching                           Peter Lloyd                  Cannon                  #22

23         -         1         Rise Again                    Caribbean Artists For Haiti         Birchill Records         #23

24         19         20         Life On The Street                   Nadine Sutherland         Penthouse                  #2

25         -         1         Real Dancehall                  Jahmel                           Andy’s                           #25

THE SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 25 REGGAE SINGLES               10/23/09

PLEASE NOTE:

The SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 25 REGGAE CHART is compiled by Clinton Lindsay.

The data is gathered from a combination of sales report, listeners’ requests, and airplay.

Participants include VP Records, Rainbow Variety, LYNKS 104.7fm.

The numbers in brackets indicate how long at the No.1 spot.

TW/This Week, LW/Last Week, WOC/Weeks On Chart, RE/Return,

NFAP/Not Fit For Airplay, HPR/Highest Position Reached.

THE SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 25 REGGAE CHART can also be heard on the following stations:

KISS 100fm w/David Rodigan/London, WHUR 96.3fm w/John Blake/Washington, DC,

KKUP 91.5fm w/Robert Rankin/San Francisco, WRFG 89.3fm w/Jason Walker/Atlanta,

WHPK 88.5fm w/Microphone Bill/Chicago, WESU 88.1fm w/Donovan Longmore/Hartford,

WZBC 90.3 fm w/Robin/Boston, KXLU 89.9fm w/Junior Francis/Los Angeles

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (2009)

PLEASE NOTE:

The SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 25 REGGAE CHART is compiled by Clinton Lindsay.

The data is gathered from a combination of sales report, listeners’ requests, and airplay.

Participants include VP Records, Rainbow Variety, LYNKS 104.7fm.

The numbers in brackets indicate how long at the No.1 spot.

TW/This Week, LW/Last Week, WOC/Weeks On Chart, RE/Return,

NFAP/Not Fit For Airplay, HPR/Highest Position Reached.

THE SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 25 REGGAE CHART can also be heard on the following stations:

KISS 100fm w/David Rodigan/London, WHUR 96.3fm w/John Blake/Washington, DC,

KKUP 91.5fm w/Robert Rankin/San Francisco, WRFG 89.3fm w/Jason Walker/Atlanta,

WHPK 88.5fm w/Microphone Bill/Chicago, WESU 88.1fm w/Donovan Longmore/Hartford,

WZBC 90.3 fm w/Robin/Boston, KXLU 89.9fm w/Junior Francis/Los Angeles

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (2009)

THE NEW YORK TOP 30 REGGAE CHART  3/3/10

TW             LW            WOCTITLE                                   ARTIST                               LABEL            HPR

1         1         19         TIME AND A PLACE (6) BUJU BANTON              JOHN JOHN  #1

2            2            14            Million $ Check              Mojo Morgan                                  Gedion Soldiers #2

3            4            12            Long Time                            Shaggy                                    Big Yard            #3

4            6            11            Harry Hippie                         Leroy Sibbles                                    Bright Beam            #4

5            5            12            One More Night               Busy Signal                          Turf Music            #5

6            8            7            In The Living Years               Stevie Face                             Boot Camp            #6

7            3            13            Life Hard                            Gyptian                                  John John            #3

8            12            6            Let’s Drink                           Richie Stevens                        Boot Camp            #8

9            9            12            Rolling Stones             Spanner Banner             Penthouse            #9

10            7            15            Only You                             Peetah Morgan                      Gedion Soldiers #2

11            13            9            King And Queen              Richie Spice/Alison Hinds            Black Coral            #11

12            15            6            Searching                                Peter Lloyd                           Cannon            #12

13            17            5            Heaven In Her Eyes                Gappy Ranks                          Peckings            #13

14            14            9            Ruff Times              Nico D/Jah Mason             Tad’s/Kontractor/J.A.M #14

15            10            11            Suspicion                                Manley                                    Heavy Beat            #10

16            18            6            Precious Gift                           Sizzla                                       VP                   #16

17            20            5            Never Let Me Go                   Shaggy/Tessanne Chin            Big Yard            #17

18            11            9            Unfair Officer                         Wasp                                       WMP              #11

19            25            2            Rise Again              Caribbean Artists For Haiti                Birchill Records #19

20            16            17            Bad Boy                             Chuck Fenda/Sammy Dread            No Doubt            #2

21            22            5            Something Ah Go Happen            Vybz Kartel                          Fire Links            #21

22            24            4            Lose A Friend                          I-Octane                         Truck Back            #22

23            26            4            Ears Hard                            Vybrant                       Major Links/Jan Biggs #23

24            19            16            Struggle                                  Freddie McGregor            Raw Moon/Top Tier      #5

25            28            2            Real Dancehall                    Jahmel                                     Andy’s             #25

26            21            24            Life On The Streets (3)            Nadine Sutherland                  Penthouse            #1

27            30            2            Angel To Me                          Ringo Roots                           Angel Power            #27

28            -            1            Hot Like A Fire                  Toya                                        DownSound            #28

29            23            7            Man A Gallis                           Mr. Vegas                          CR0203            #18

30            -            1            Don’t Call Me No Dog            Richie Spice                           Sankofa            #30

THE NEW YORK TOP 30 REGGAE CHART  2/24/10

TW             LW            WOCTITLE                                   ARTIST                               LABEL            HPR

1         1         18         TIME AND A PLACE (5) BUJU BANTON              JOHN JOHN  #1

2            4            13            Million $ Check              Mojo Morgan                                  Gedion Soldiers #2

3            3            12            Life Hard                            Gyptian                                  John John            #3

4            5            11            Long Time                            Shaggy                                    Big Yard            #4

5            6            11            One More Night               Busy Signal                          Turf Music            #5

6            7            10            Harry Hippie                         Leory Sibbles                                    Bright Beam            #6

7            2            14            Only You                             Peetah Morgan                      Gedion Soldiers  #2

8            12            6            In The Living Years               Stevie Face                             Boot Camp            #8

9            9            11            Rolling Stones             Spanner Banner             Penthouse            #9

10            10            10            Suspicion                                Manley                                    Heavy Beat            #10

11            11            8            Unfair Officer                         Wasp                                       WMP              #11

12            16            5            Let’s Drink                           Richie Stevens                        Boot Camp            #12

13            13            8            King And Queen              Richie Spice/Alison Hinds            Black Coral            #13

14            15            8            Ruff Times                          Nico D/Jah Mason  Tad’s/Kontractor/J.A.M            #14

15            20            5            Searching                                Peter Tosh                            Cannon            #15

16            8            16            Bad Boy                             Chuck Fenda/Sammy Dread            No Doubt            #2

17            21            4            Heaven In Your Eyes                Gappy Ranks                          Pecking            #17

18            19            5            Precious Gift                           Sizzla                                       VP                   #18

19            14            15            Struggle                                  Freddie McGregor            Raw Moon/Top Tier #5

20            25            4            Never Let Me Go                   Shaggy/Tessanne Chin            Big Yard            #20

21            17            23            Life On The Streets (3)            Nadine Sutherland                  Penthouse            #1

22            24            4            Something Ah Go Happen            Vybz Kartel                          Fire Links            #22

23            18            6            Man A Gallis                           Mr. Vegas                          CR0203            #18

24            26            3            Lose A Friend                          I-Octane                         Truck Back            #24

25            -            1            Rise Again              Caribbean Artists For Haiti                Birchill Records  #25

26            27            3            Ears Hard                            Vybrant                       Major Links/Jan Biggs   #26

27            22            19            My Life                              G Whizz                          TJ Records            #3

28            -            1            Real Dancehall                    Jahmel                                     Andy’s             #28

29            23            22            Talk If You Talking (2)            Cherine Anderson                    Taxi                 #1

30            -            1            Angel To Me                          Ringo Roots                           First Solution            #30

THE NEW YORK TOP 30 REGGAE CHART 1/20/10

TW     LW            WOC            TITLE                               ARTISTS                           LABEL                   HPR

1 1 18 LIFE ON THE STREETS (3) NADINE SUTHERLAND PENTHOUSE  #1

2          2            14            Time And A Place                Buju Banton                                    John John             #2

3          3            14            My Life                              G Whizz                          T J Records                        #3

4          6            11            Bad Boy                             Chuck Fenda/Sammy Dread            No Doubt              #4

5          8            9            Only You                          Peetah Morgan                        Gedion Soldiers            #5

6          4            17            Talk If You Talking (2)            Cherine Anderson                        Taxi                                   #1

7          10            10            Struggle                           Freddie McGregor                        Raw Moon/Top Tier      #7

8          11            8            Million $ Check              Mojo Morgan                                    Gedion Soldiers            #8

9          9            12            Feels So Good                                    Barbee                                           Rare Diamond                        #9

10        13            7            Life Hard                            Gyptian                            John John             #10

11        14            6            Long Time                         Shaggy                                          Big Yard                #11

12        7            13            Excuse Me Miss                Danglin                            Digital B                #7

13        15            6            One More Night               Busy Signal                                    Turf Music                        #13

14        16            5            Harry Hippie                                    Leroy Sibbles                                    Bright Beam                        #14

15        5            16            Wanna Go Home              Romain Virgo                                    Vikings & Peat            #5

16        18            6            Rolling Stones                        Spanner Banner             Penthouse              #16

17        12            21            Proverbs 6 (2)                                    Stevie Face                                    No Doubt              #1

18        20            5            Suspicion                          Manley                             Heavy Beat                        #18

19        24            3            Unfair Officer                                    Wasp                                            WMP                              #19

20        17            18            All About You                                    Wayne Wonder                        Big Ship                 #4

21        23            10            Heavy Load                                    Tom Laing                                    Raw Moon/Top Tier      #18

22        25            3            King And Queen              Richie Spice/Alison Hinds            Black Coral                        #22

23        19            21            Touch Me (3)                                    L.U.S.T                             Joe Fraser              #1

24        27            3            Ruff Times                                    Nico D/Jah Mason             Tad’s                                  #24

25        21            15            Good Love                                    Wayne Marshall                        Yard Vybz             #7

26        -            1            The Living Years               Stevie Face                                    Boot Camp                        #26

27        22            12            Mockingbird                                    Mavado                            Fire Links               #12

28        30            2            Man A Gallis                                    Mr. Vegas                          CR0203                #28

29        26            13            I Do I Do                                    Robert French                                    SingJock               #10

30        29            9            Hope And Pray                 Mavado                            CR0203                #20

THE New York TOP 25 REGGAE Chart               10/21/09

PLEASE NOTE:

The New York Top 30 Reggae Chart is compiled by Clinton Lindsay.

The data is gathered from a combination of sales report, listeners’ requests, and airplay.

Participants include Moodies Records, Tony Ryan’s Records, WVIP 93.5fm/NY.

The numbers in brackets indicate how long at the No.1 spot. TW/This Week, LW/Last Week, WOC/Weeks On Chart, RE/Return, NFAP/Not Fit For Airplay, HPR/Highest Position Reached.

The New York Top 30 Reggae Chart is counted down by Bobby Channel One on WVIP 93.5fm,

Thursdays @ midnight, and can also be heard on the following stations:

KISS 100fm w/David Rodigan/London, WHUR 96.3fm w/John Blake/Washington, DC,

KKUP 91.5fmw/Robert Rankin/San Francisco, WRFG 89.3fm w/Jason Walker/Atlanta,

WHPK 88.5fm w/Microphone Bill/Chicago, WESU 88.1fm w/Donovan Longmore/Hartford,

WZBC 90.3 fm w/Robin/Boston, KXLU 89.9fm w/Junior Francis/Los Angeles.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (2009)

THE NEW YORK TOP 20 ALBUMS/CD’s                                   10/21/09

THE SOUTH FLORIDA TOP 15 ALBUMS/CD’S CHART                  3/5/10

TW         LW         WOC         TITLE                           ARTIST                           LABEL

1      1      15      STRICTLY THE BEST 40 (6) VARIOUS ARTISTS   VP

2         2         8         Vibes                                    Glen Washington                  Cousins

3         4         6         Now And Forever                  Sanchez                           VP

4         7         6         Escape From Babylon         Alborosie                           Greensleeves

5         3         7         Crucial Times                           Sizzla                                    Greensleeves

6         6         9         The Sun Shines Through         Twiggi                                    Richmar

7         5         28         Rasta Got Soul (4)                  Buju Banton                           Gargamel

8         12         2         Reggae Anthology – Volcano Eruption   Henry “Jungo” Laws    VP

9         8         18         Fulfillment (1)                  Chuck Fenda                           VP

10         10         8         Brand New Me                  Gregory Isaacs                  Tad’s

11         11         19         Tell It Like It Is (3)                  Stevie Face                           Boot Camp

12         9         14         Strictly The Best 41                  Various Artists                  VP

13         -         1         Pon Di Gaza 2.0                  Vybz Kartel                           Tad’s

14         -         1         Songs For Reggae Lovers         Various Artists                  VP

15         13         15         True Worship                           Carlene Davis                           Glory Music/VP#16

17            13            20            Pull It Up (2)                         Mikey Spice               Joe Fraser              #1

18            20            5            Struggle                                  Freddie McGregor            Raw Moon/Top Tier            #18

19            22            5            Heavy Load                            Tom Laing               Raw Moon/Top Tier            #19

20            15            14            Mama You Alone              I-Octane             Arrow’s                      #7

21            23            4            Only You                             Peetah Morgan            Gedion Soldiers            #21

22            25            4            Hope And Pray                 Mavado                      CR0203                      #22

23            18            14            Ghetto Vibes                           Lady G                        House Of Hits                        #10

24            26            3            Million $ Check              Mojo Morgan                      Gedion Soldiers            #24

25            21            12            Street Life                              Richie Spice               Sons Of Spoon/Tad’s            #15

26            29            2            Life Hard                            Gyptian                      John John                #26

27            24            17            One In A Million                        Gramps Morgan            No Doubt              #4

28            -            1            Long Time                            Shaggy                        Big Yard                #28

29            -            1            One More Night               Busy Signal              Turf Music              #29

30            -            1            Rolling Stone                           Spanner Banner            Penthouse                   #30

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (2009)

PLEASE NOTE:

Clinton Lindsay is heard on THE FOUNATION RADIO NETWORK.COM

MONDAY – FRIDAY 12:00 – 4:00p.m.

The New York Top 30 Reggae Chart is compiled by Clinton Lindsay.

The data is gathered from a combination of sales report, listeners’ requests, and airplay.

Participants include Moodies Records, Tony Ryan’s Records, WVIP 93.5fm/NY.

The numbers in brackets indicate how long at the No.1 spot. TW/This Week, LW/Last Week, WOC/Weeks On Chart, RE/Return, NFAP/Not Fit For Airplay, HPR/Highest Position Reached.

The New York Top 30 Reggae Chart is counted down by Marlon on TheFoundationRadioNetwork.com with Marlon @5:00p.m., and can also be heard on the following stations:

KISS 100fm w/David Rodigan/London, WHUR 96.3fm w/John Blake/Washington, DC,

KKUP 91.5fmw/Robert Rankin/San Francisco, WRFG 89.3fm w/Jason Walker/Atlanta,

WHPK 88.5fm w/Microphone Bill/Chicago, WESU 88.1fm w/Donovan Longmore/Hartford,

WZBC 90.3 fm w/Robin/Boston, KXLU 89.9fm w/Junior Francis/Los Angeles.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (2009)

Researched and compiled by Clinton Lindsay
_________________________________________________________________________________                

Last year this time, Cocoa Tea’s “Barack Obama” was capping its fifth straight week in the pole position of the NY chart. The race for the presidency was in full gear, and Cocoa Tea’s ode to candidate Obama was a driving force in getting Jamaican-Americans to the polls. R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan shook up the local industry with her run-away hit “Need U Bad” which moved into the No.2 slot.

Newcomer I Wayne was logging his third week at No.1, some five years ago this week. He joined that executive club of artists that shot to the top with their first chart entries. The late Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, had his last chart entry (thus far) five years after his passing, with the semi hit “Problems” at No.5

Ten years ago, Terry Linen was closing out the 20^th century with his adaptation of Whitney Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love” – spending its sixth consecutive week in the top slot. This was Linen’s first chart entry.

The old Gonga Lee himself, Louie Culture, was enjoying his fourth week with “Gonga Lee” some fifteen years ago this week. However, the old gangsta faced a big challenge from Ini Komoze’s crossover monster hit – “Here Comes The Hot Stepper” as it jumped into the No. 2 position. More to come on this one!

Another newcomer, Little Lenny, was holding onto the No.1 spot for the eighth week with his radio-friendly “Healthy Body” – twenty years ago this week. This was also Patrick Roberts/Shocking Vibes first chart topper in the Big Apple. Junior Reids’ “One Blood” was refusing to back down. It moved back into the No.2 position, after finding new life on urban radio – thanks to the late Frankie Crocker and WBLS. Bigger news is to come from this anthem!

The New York Reggae Chart

The South Florida Reggae Chart

                                      CD REVIEW By CLINTON LINDSAY

 TITLE: Now                                    

ARTIST:  Sandra Cross                                

LABEL:  Joe Fraser

Rating: ***Good

Regarded as one of the leading forces of England’s “lovers rock” era, singer Sandra Cross is back with her first full album in over a decade. Thanks to the determined efforts of producer Lloyd Campbell, who in 2005, found Cross living in obscurity in Barbados. The United States, England, Japan, and the rest of the world, can once again share the sweet harmonies of this gifted singer. Cross came of age during the original outbreak of the UK’s lovers rock movement in the early seventies. She composed her first number-one song – “I Adore You” – when she was only fourteen years old. Over the years, she went on to record over twenty albums for various producers and accumulated an extensive list of hit singles. During that time, she became one of the most admired lovers rock singers in the business. She earned the BBC listener’s “Britain’s Best Female Reggae Singer” for six consecutive years – between 1986 -1991. Following several personal and professional turmoils, Sandra Cross left England to relocate in Barbados.

Not many people in this part of the world is familiar with Sandra Cross’ past achievements, most is hearing of her for the first time. So Now is truly an introduction to her. However, for the past year or so, Campbell has been releasing singles here and there, basically, to slowly move her into the American reggae market. Tracks like  “At Last” “Take A Bow” “Someone Special” and “Beautiful Picture”, have done well for her, and are included on Now. In addition, there are other outstanding tracks that are worth mentioning. Among them, her update of “I Adore You” her take on The Wailers’ “Soul Shake Down Party” Peter Tosh’s “Brand New Second Hand”, The Stylistics’ “Country Living” the classic “What About Us” and “The Sweeter He Is.” There are also some original compositions that are dealing with what appear to be personal issues.

Initially, I had reservations of British styled lovers rock making it across the Atlantic, Campbell and I have had several arguments on the subject. But over the years, he proved it can. Under his tutelage, singers like Lloyd Brown, Don Campbell, Peter Spence, and Donna Marie, have had moderate to massive successes Stateside, especially Lloyd Brown. Sandra Cross can continue this momentum with Now. With this combination with Lloyd Campbell and his team of top musicians like Lloyd Willis, Sly Dunbar, Mafia & Fluxy, Robbie Shakespear, Robbie Lyn, Computer Paul, Dean Fraser, and Michael Fletcher, she is poised to capture new fans in the US, and  rekindle her old European base. Now is a special gift to all, from a singer who is sure to leave an everlasting impression on those who get a copy of this CD!

CD Review

By CLINTON LINDSAY

TITLE                                      ARTIST                                   LABEL

The Ultimate 2009                 Various Artists                       Tad’s

Rating: ****

Back in 1989 VP Records, started a compilation series of some of the year’s hottest and best hit songs. Being Reggae’s main distributor in the United States, VP Records has access to many of the independent producers’ vault of hits. So it was a very good idea to offer these many hits on a single album. For collectors, and the record-buying public alike, it was a God-sent idea. And over the years, many others distributors have adapted the idea of this hit-laden compilation.

Since the return of Tad’s Records a couple years ago, they have also embarked on releasing their own hit-laden compilation, namely The Hit List, Reggae Jammin’, and this, the third installation of The Ultimate (previously named The Ultimate Dancehall Xperience). And what a compilation this is!  This time, Tad’s Records seems to outdid itself. All twenty-three tracks are major hits (or in the process of becoming such).

 It opens with Gramps Morgan “Wash The Tears” follows by Buju Banton’s “Time And A Place” -which is now making its way up both the NY and SF charts. One of my favorite young and upcoming artists today is Romain Virgo, his “Wanna Go Home” is included. “A Thousand Miles Away” by Ras Penco, “Life” by G Whizz, “Good Life” from Wayne Marshall, “Mama You Alone” by I-Octane, and “Completely” by Vybz Kartel and Gaza Hindu, are among the tracks that are making their presence felt on the New York and South Florida Reggae charts.

Again, this is major economic deal for the record-buying public. There are other outstanding tracks on The Ultimate 2009. Queen Ifrica’s “Nine Out Of Ten” will no doubt be a big hit, it is already garnering massive airplay. “Holiday Inn” by Terry Linen was a recent No.1 in SF. Mr. Vegas with “I’m Blessed” is a major tune, so is the combination of Jah Cure and Jahranimo on “I’m Free.” I especially like “You Nuh See It” by Richie Spice, and “Forever Yours” by Tami Chin. Only disappointment is the inclusion of Beenie Man’s “Stack And Pile” – they could have found a better track from The Doctor, and there is no Beres Hammond on this volume!

However, with a nice liner note from Richard “Richie B” Burgess of Hot 102FM, in Jamaica, The Ultimate 2009 may eventually be Tad’s biggest selling album since coming back in the business. Congratulations to Tad Dawkins and crew, nice collection of hits. Fans around the world are thanking you too. This is truly what a strictly the best compilation should be, the best. Keep them coming!

By CLINTON LINDSAY 

TITLE:                             ARTIST                            LABEL

Rated G                           Lady G                             GstringRecords/Tad’s

Lady G is one of the longest reigning female DJ’s in the business. Right now, I can only think of Sister Carol and Lady Ann who came before her and are still performing and recording. However, unlike some of her peers, she has not changed her name or reinvented herself, to survive more than twenty years in this male-dominated industry. Her latest album “Rated G” demonstrates her enduring ability to chat biting lyrics and ride tight riddims. I was pleasantly surprised when I first listened to this CD. For instance, her writing skill is still intact, and her lyrics are still thought provocative. To this point, check out the tracks “Ghetto Vibes” and “What A Gwaan.”

Rated G also contains songs that address the conflict between the sexes. “Free” “The Question”- featuring Lovindeer, “ In The Mood”and “Last Time” are examples. Other outstanding offerings include “Look At Her Now”, “Right Time” w/Anthony B – (disappointingly, this combination does not have the fire she had with her mentor Papa San on “Legal Rights or “Roundtable Talk”) – and “Know Your Rights” which features the late Danish rapper Natasja, who died in an auto accident in Jamaica in 2007. Among my picks are “Why” “Look At Her Now” and “Jah Above All Things.”

Co-produced by Lady G, Clive Hunt, and Vincent Wright, Rated G is a testament to hard work and self-confidence. Janice Fyffe has illustrated to all artists (male and female) that one can survive the changing fads that is dancehall music, stick to a conviction, stay focus, and twenty years later can produce an excellent album! Legendary musicians like Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Steven Marsden, Donald Dennis, Kirk Bennett, and Kenroy Muir, have made their contributions in the production of Rated G.

The album is distributed worldwide by Tad’s Records, and is already doing well on the market, at home and abroad. Congratulations… and do we hear another twenty years?

CD REVIEW
By CLINTON LINDSAY

TITLE: The Focus Riddim
ARTIST: Various Artists
LABEL: Raw Moon/Top Tier

One of the hottest new riddims making the rounds right now, comes in the form of the Focus riddim.
According to artist and co-producer Anthony Thomas aka Fragga Ranks “your focus depends on your faith and what it has in store for you, so always internalize positivity and you will be what you want to be.” And with this in mind, a closer and a more serious look, are taken in the review of this dancehall compilation. Focus features a satisfying balance of new and established artists, both showcasing a collective message and conscious views on the human condition.

New artists like Lori Lava & Ras Faracon deliver a moving duet on the track “Pain Cry”, while Shanti Reb-Lah does well for himself on “Be Not Afraid”, Rhonda Schuster appears to have a future, check her out on her own composition “It Don’t Really Matter.” This is just for starters, because the big supes are not taking a back seat. The veteran Freddie McGregor, is in fine style with “Struggle,” Anthony Cruz offers “A Wha Dis”, Lutan Fyah with “Bugga Yaga” and one of my favorite New York-based artists – Bigga Haitian, is burning up the riddim with “Love Life.” Even though he might be new to most folks in these parts, Fragga Ranks has had several major hits in Europe – especially England. On Focus, has the title song – which opens the compilation. Other outstanding tracks come from Cherry Rock with “Realms Of Life”, Leopard on “Trodding”, Jah Mason with “Life Has Been Good” and “Heavy Load” by Tom Laing.

Focus offers a refreshing approach to the one-drop riddim, now becoming more and more popular in dancehall circle. Producer John “ESQ” Hewitt, has really put some thought into his selections of artists to be recorded on the riddim. Not listed are the musicians that played on the track. However, it is obvious they know something about laying down a catchy mid-tempo, horn-laden, jamming bass line riddim, that will no doubt be copied in the years to come. The bottom line is, Focus is a very good album to have in your collection. Focus is highly recommended!