$$

Preview “Original Dancehall” by Tarrus Riley

Original Dancehall – Tarrus Riley – #FreedomShines – Truckback Records 2012 by Truckback Records
$$
Truckback Records has released a brand new version of one of dancehall reggae’s best loved rub-a-dub riddims, Freedom Blues, to mark the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence in 2012. Starting with the bubbling, seductive melodies and bass line originally made a staple of Jamaican dancehalls by Pinchers, Admiral Tibet and Brigadier Jerry, Truckback producers Adrian and Steve Locke injected the dancehall classic with up-to-the-time vibes for Jamaica’s biggest stars. Now, for the first time, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Busy Signal, Warrior King and Turbulence contributed contemporary narratives and are excited to team up with Truckback on this brand new commemorative release, called Freedom Shines, that will connect longtime dancehall fans and the newest generations. Truckback’s Steve Locke says the Freedom Shines riddim is one way for Jamaica’s older and younger generations to come together through the music. “Going into the project, we wanted to use the power of music to unite Jamaica. Freedom Shines brings together the old and the new — everything old is new again!” Adrian Locke adds, “Tarrus, Gyptian, Busy, Warrior and Turbulence loved the idea of reintroducing a classic with a special spin on it.” Indeed, freedom certainly shines on Truckback’s first release of 2012.

Follow #FreedomShines #2012Jamaica on twitter @truckbackrecord @lockedacity @tarrusrileyja @busysignal_turf @realgyptian @warriorking9 #turbulence
$$

Preview “Tell Dem Already” by Busy Signal
Tell Dem Already – Busy Signal – #FreedomShines – Truckback Records 2012 by Truckback Records
$$

Preview “Time and Wisdom” by Warrior King
Time and Wisdom – Warrior King – #FreedomShines – Truckback Records 2012 by Truckback Records

$$

Truckback Records

$

$$

$$
Preview + Download “Caribbean Jab”
Caribbean Jabb- Busy Signal – Truckback Records & Turf Music 2012 by Truckback Records
$$
Preview + Download “Real Spenders”
Real Spenders – Busy Signal – Truckback Records – Turf Music 2012 #RealSpender$ by Truckback Records

$$

TRUCKBACK RECORDS

Purchase on

Truckback Records says their “Question It” riddim is the answer to what will be the big summer hit. Featuring Mr Vegas, Beenie Man, Stacious, Natalie Storm, Major Mackrel, Red Rat and more they might just be right.

Connect with Truckback on Facebook : Twitter

—

?QUESTION IT Riddim – Answered summer 2011 Dancehall by Truckback Records

—-

1. Glen Washington – “All The Love” featuring Jhaytea
2. Courtney John – “Love Is”
3. Soulo – “Breeze”
4. Dynamq – “Reggae Feeling”
5. Natural Black – “Forgiveness”
6. Bill Blast – “Long Story”
7. Cocoa Tea – “Dem Start The War Again”
8. Louie Culture – “Jah Is The Way Out”
9. Yvad – “Higher Meditation”
10. Dubmatix – “Mousetrap Dub” featuring Eek A Mouse
11. Ginjah – “Walking Store”
12. Jahdan Blakkamoore – “All Comes Back To One”
13. Deh Deh – “Would A Know”
14. Mr Vegas – “Mi Believe”
15. Beenie Man – “Hardest Way”
16. Crookers – “Arena” featuring Poirier and Face T
17. Buju Banton – “See Dem A Come Deh”

Bonus Track (iTunes only): Crookers – “Arena” featuring Poirier and Face T (Warbox Radio Edit)

Dread and Alive’s The Lost Tapes music series is “new territory in the collusion of art and Jamaican music.” – the Jamaica Gleaner read more

Find Dread & Alive’s The Lost Tapes V5

+ +

.

1. Glen Washington – “All The Love” featuring Jhaytea

Raw, husky vocals have placed Glen Washington in the upper echelon of Jamaican lovers reggae singers. This previously unreleased recording showcases all the experience, and All The Love, Glen Washington has to offer in a cool combination with Jhaytea’s rhymes.

2. Courtney John – “Love Is”

Three out of every four reggae songs recorded in Jamaica are supposedly love songs and Courtney John is doing his part to make sure they are excellent love songs. Courtney John’s “Love Is” stands out as a link between the future and the roots of reggae music.

3. Soulo – “Breeze”

Either a soul artist with roots in reggae or a reggae artist steeped in soul, Gregory ‘Soulo’ Lyons doesn’t need to worry. “Breeze”, a previously unreleased track from Naya Records, is like a breath of fresh air coming out of your speakers.

4. Dynamq – “Reggae Feeling”

Reggae music’s so-called ‘golden era’ of the early 1970s saw the music take off worldwide. On “Reggae Feeling”, Sudan’s very own Dynamq conjures up that wonderful period of ‘when dance was nice’.

5. Natural Black – “Forgiveness”

A native of Guyana, Natural Black built a reputation for himself after moving to Jamaica and becoming once of the leading cultural voices of the new millennium. Whether for love or for personal reasons, “Forgiveness” is a timeless tune sung in a hard to resist style.

6. Bill Blast – “Long Story”

Jamaican culture is an oral culture and spoken word as well as dub poetry have always been important to Jamaican popular music. The story behind “Long Story” is therefore much too long for this space but if a picture is worth 1,000 words, then a song has to be worth at least as much. Just listen…

7. Cocoa Tea – “Dem Start The War Again”

A voice sweet as honey and always with his finger on the pulse of social commentary, Cocoa Tea is an all-rounder as they say ‘back a yard’ in Jamaica. “Dem Start The War Again” combines both Cocoa Tea’s skillful lyrical relevance and magnetic vocals.

8. Louie Culture – “Jah Is The Way Out”

Louie Culture’s dancehall tunes are considered crucial for any reggae sound system seeking glory in the dancehall today. A cultural artist first and foremost, Louie Culture’s “Jah Is The Way Out” is a gem of a roots reggae anthem for collectors and sound systems alike.

9. Yvad – “Higher Meditation”

Another previously unreleased tune brought to light by Dread & Alive’s The Lost Tapes, Yvad’s “Higher Meditation” is so full of dread and so alive with roots rock reggae, dub vibes and Yvad’s on point lyrics it is ready to burst. Dread and Alive indeed.

10. Dubmatix – “Mousetrap Dub” featuring Eek A Mouse

Stretching the limits of vocal creativity has made Eek A Mouse one of Jamaica’s most well-known reggae ambassadors. Stretching the limits of sound has been Dubmatix’ specialty of late and here Dubmatix creates a musical trap Eek A Mouse just couldn’t resist.

11. Ginjah – “Walking Store”

Planted firmly in reality, Ginjah recorded “Walking Store” on behalf of street vendors whose works and wares are at the center of everyday life in Jamaica. Ginjah’s driving vocals and the groovy bass line mean this tune is sure to be well received by the market.

12. Jahdan Blakkamoore – “All Comes Back To One”

A symbol of the melting pot of world music, Jahdan’s style is nothing short of inspired. With one foot in Hip Hop and one in reggae, “All Comes Back To One” demonstrates the unique link between Jahdan’s native Caribbean roots and his adopted New York City.

13. Deh Deh – “Would A Know” (> click to download <)

‘Deh Deh’ in the language of Jamaican Patois signifies being present in the here and now. Recording duo Deh Deh draws the listener in with a reggae ballad based on crossover beats to critically reflect on the here and now. It’s the right music for right now.

14. Mr Vegas – “Mi Believe”

Considered among the top international reggae artists for over a decade, Mr Vegas shows no signs of slowing down. His signature seductive style combined with Kirkledove’s boogie-woogie-ish reggae riddim will make believers out of everyone.

15. Beenie Man – “Hardest Way”

No one has been in the game longer than Beenie Man (he got his first hit at age 10). On “Hardest Way”, recorded on Truckback’s rock reggae Springblade Riddim, Beenie makes it easy for us to understand why.

16. Crookers – “Arena” featuring Poirier and Face T

Reggae music hasn’t only been pushing boundaries, it has also been crossing them. Italy-based DJ-production duo Crookers here link up with Montreal’s reggae DJ-production-artist team in Poirier and Face T for a one-of-a-kind hit in any language.

17. Buju Banton – “See Dem A Come Deh”

A living legend in Jamaican music, Buju Banton is at his best weaving together bubbly, bassy riddims in his inimitable gruff and edgy style. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, “See Dem A Come Deh”, an Arrows Records production, is audible proof.

iTunes Bonus Track: Crookers – “Arena” featuring Poirier and Face T (Warbox Radio Edit)

Crookers enjoyed the “Arena” project featuring Poirier and Face T so much they decided it was worth repeating… with a twist. Legendary UK remixer Ashley Beedle was asked to step in and the Warbox Radio Edit is the dubby dance floor result which we include as an exclusive iTunes bonus track.

.TRACKLIST

1. Mutabaruka – Dis Poem
2. Turbulence – On And On
3. Perfect – Mt Zion
4. Abijah – State Of Emergency
5. Kiddus I – Different Strokes
6. Freddy Locks – Wake Up
7. Kenyatta Fire – Keep Off My Enemies
8. Odel Johnson – Fire In The Hole
9. Bunny Rugs – Curfew
10. Jahmali – World Spins Round
11. Erup – Trample Dem (feat Nature)
12. Lady Saw – Lord, Lord** *

.

.*

After combing the hills of Jamaica, the ocean lapped shores of the Pacific, the wide open spaces of North America and the far reaches of Europe, Soul of the Lion and Zoolook have unearthed a treasure trove of tunes. From roots and culture to dub,this is just the beginning of a musical voyage to accompany the adventures of Dread and Alive.

+ + 4

* * *

01: Mutabaruka – “Dis Poem”

Noted by Billboard Magazine as “Reggae’s premier dub poet”, Mutabaruka is a an internationally acclaimed poet, reggae performer, radio host on Jamacia’s #1 station IRIE FM, actor, social commentator, cultural spokesman and former visiting professor at the University of the West Indies. “Dis Poem” was one of his first to receive worldwide attention.

02 Turbulence – “On And On”

“On and On” is a special international effort in which a Jamaican contemporary reggae vocalist meets US-based record label (Itation Records) meets French production team (Tune In Crew). The result, a captivating ode to the Most High by one of Jamaica’s finest conscious vocalists, is part of Itation’s World Go Round riddim set and a crucial reason why the riddim won the 2008 United Reggae Roots Riddim of the Year.

03 Perfect – “Mount Zion”

Blessed with endless stores of lyrical creativity and a warm vocal presence, Perfect is comfortable in any situation. This is why linking with Jamaican-based French producer Sherkhan (Tiger Records) has been so rewarding. Taken from their recent release, French Connection, “Mount Zion” is a monumental achievement with poppy guitar riffs and seductive reggae drum-n-bass.

04 Abijah – “State of Emergency”

A focus on uplifting reality music has made Abijah one of Jamaica’s most well known cultural ambassadors in recent times. “State of Emergency” is signature Abijah with a poetic lyrical and ebb and flow matched by catchy hooks over a quintessential reggae riddim track.

05 Kiddus I – “Different Strokes”

A leading political activist of the 1970s, Kiddus I launched his international career with a guest spot on the hit 1977 reggae film, Rockers including a stunning live performance of the conscious reggae anthem “Graduation Unto Zion”. Fast forward to 2010 and hear Kiddus sing a new tune on “Different Strokes”, one far from controversy and recorded on Naya Records’ groovy, soulful riddim track produced by Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith and Nathan Sabanayagam for the album Green Fa Life.

06 Freddy Locks – “Wake Up”

Portuguese reggae singer Frederico Pedro Ferreira Oliveira, aka Freddy Locks, is keeping the conscious reggae vibe alive with a roots rock reggae flavor that belies its time and place. “Wake Up” is Freddy’s passionate call to all to “wake up and start living”!

07 Kenyatta Fire – “Keep Off My Enemies”

Kenyatta Fire’s eerily cool vibe on “Keep Off My Enemies” puts a contemporary R&B and Hip Hop spin on modern roots reggae with magnetic results. Ambient production that test the electronic boundaries of the music rounds off the edges of Kenyatta’s hard hitting lyrics for an inspiring and innovative sound.

08 Odel – “Fire In The Hole”

Rockers unite! “Fire In The Hole” carries the swing of conscious reggae music from the golden era. An official song of the non profit MgM (Menschen gegen Minen/ People against Landmines), “Fire In The Hole” is also a poignant reminder of the power of reggae’s message in music today.

09 Bunny Rugs – “Curfew”

Bunny Rugs, of international pop reggae group Third World, has built a career on, and dedicated himself to, using music to highlight and bring attention to issues of human rights. Recorded in 2010, “Curfew” creatively intersects popular culture and current events, for a rocking tune that gives a voice to the voiceless.

10 Jahmali – “World Spins Round”

Roots reggae music has long had a close relationship with soul. Jahmali is an excellent example of the current generation of Jamaica’s soulful leanings. On “World Spins Round” Jahmali holds nothing back, going toe to toe with both wide ranging guitar riffs and piano solos for a rewarding journey from reggae to soul to rock and back.

11 Erup – “Trample Dem” (featuring Nature)

Billboard charting dancehall reggae artist Erup (“Click Mi Finger”on Truckback Records Gearbox Riddim) returns with a superb example of modern reggae vibes. Erup’s edgy modern-day message of resistance is complemented perfectly by the soaring vocals of Nature over a bubbly reggae beat.

12 Lady Saw – “Lord, Lord”

Considered reggae royalty for years, Lady Saw she wears her crown well. No nonsense from beginning to end, “Lord, Lord” is a wild whirlwind of reggae, gospel and dancehall from the international smash Gearbox Riddim.

BONUS TRACKS (CD ONLY)

13 I Octane – “Stab Vampire” (bonus track, CD-only)

I Octane represents the current generation of conscious reggae vocalists driving the development of roots reggae in Jamaica. And “Stab Vampire”, which was one of a clutch of hits recorded over Arrows Records’ Tears Riddim and topped local and international charts when first released in 2007, is widely recognized as the tune that propelled I Octane into the leadership role.

14 Lutan Fyah – “Jah Will” (bonus track, CD-only)

When conscious reggae music needed a spark, Lutan Fyah (born Anthony Martin) re-energized the genre with hard-hitting messages softened by catchy hooks and a magnetic lyrical flow. Recorded over Tune In Crew’s supernatural drum and bass lines, “Jah Will” is an Itation Records release on the Clearly Riddim that captures the very same dread and ‘fyah’ principles of Dread & Alive’s super hero, Drew Mcintosh.

15 Toussaint – “Be You” (bonus track, CD-only)

With a husky tenor that is the epitome of soul, and musical influences that range from roots reggae to gospel to hip hop, Toussaint carries a sound true to his nickname, “the Liberator”. Recorded for the Virgin Islands-based I Grade Records, “Be You” demonstrates Toussaint’s amazing reggae/soul vocal range but also the importance of I Grade’s critically acclaimed musical foundation.

16 SOJA – “Rest Of My Life” (bonus track, CD-only)

Jamaican reggae music unites people of all countries, all races, and all religions with a sound that is dedicated to searching for the answers to life, to conflict, to humanity, to the world, to love. From their base in Washington D.C., SOJA is on the forefront of this revolution and the song “Rest Of My Life’ is a fitting example of how reggae music crosses all boundaries while not losing sight of core musical and social principles.

While Jamaican culture is known for its ingenuity, Truckback Records has taken resourcefulness to an entirely new level. Founded by brothers Steve, Andrew and Adrian Locke, Truckback Records is just what it claims to be, a recording studio built inside the cargo compartment of a retired (but still working) container truck. That was in 2006. And since then, Truckback has grown up fast. The Gearbox Riddim notched two #1 songs in Jamaica (Erup “Click My Finger”, Harry Toddler “Don’t Run In”), a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 R&B/Hip Hop chart (Erup “Click My Finger”) as well top ten hits in London, New York, Miami and Japan, “Rhythm of the Year” nominations in 2007 and 2008 as well as a nod for 2008 Producer of the Year by the EME and HYPE-TV Awards committees. Shout outs from Fader and XLR8R magazines have minted the studio’s unique place in reggae and dance culture worldwide.

Connect with Truckback Records: facebook / twitter

Click on the image to go to TV-J website

‘Intense’ is Jamaica’s answer to entertainment television on TV J with the most intense fashion, talent and interviews every week.

On Saturday, June 12, Truckback Records recording artists, Deh Deh (the brothers Denroy and Devano Mclean) will be featured guests where they will chat with Intense about their new hit single, “Would A Know”.

‘Intense’ is broadcast Saturdays on TV-J at 8:30 PM.

Released for free to the public the last week in May 2010, the song is now on playlists worldwide and has already been praised as “hitbound” (Dancehall.Mobi).

Preview and download “Would A Know” courtesy of Truckback Records

Musically arranged and composed by Steve Locke with contributions from Keyboard maestro, Nigel “Sleepy Splu” Staff and Adrian Locke, “Would A Know” was mixed and mastered by the skillful and accomplished Phillip ‘Junior Arrows’ Linton of Arrows Productions.

This time, Truckback is again breaking barriers as “How We Ride” takes a new turn for dancehall, and Jamaican music in general, with straight ahead rock guitar lines going toe to toe with Erup’s signature laid back dancehall lyrics and Truckback’s driving drum and bass. Reminiscent of the fuzz guitar FX from 70s psychedelic rock bands, “How We Ride” crosses time and musical genres to create a new sound for a new generation of music fans.

“”How We Ride” is featured on the Greensleeves Records release, Ragga Ragga Ragga 2010.

Purchase Ragga Ragga Ragga 2010 on