'Hardbody Riddim' | Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel

Wine Gyal - Mista Spine

This track comes to you via YouTube and was uploaded by Jam2vibes; it is presented here for promotional purposes only. This is one of the songs on the 'Hardbody Riddim' and is a production of Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel. 

The producer, Shawn Noel, is a Siparia native and former parang group member who learned to play the cuatro at an early age; later on he graduated to the keyboards while in the church choir. Soon he was creating beats and later on joined Censation Band, a band popularly known as Asylum today. The beat goes on and with Mistah Spine this team has produced one for the Gyals dem to wine too. 

HARDBODY Riddim (Megamix) by Shawn Noel for Mastamind Productions.

This is a bonus post that features two tracks:  I have included 'Wine Gyal' by Mista Spine and the Hardbody Riddim (Megamix) track that features music clips from Lyrikal, Buffy, Mista Spine, Kerry John, Prestan and Orlando Octave. Enjoy the music.   

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). Now lend me your ears... Enjoy!

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Mista Spine Wine Gyal (Hardbody Riddim) (SOCA 2012)

HARDBODY RIDDIM (MEGAMIX) - [Produced by Shawn Noel for Mastamind Productions]

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"Cat 1st, Dog 2nd" | Edwin Ayoung aka Crazy

We all know that dogs chase cats with very few exceptions - we all know that, but just like global warming has changed the climate and so to has man changed the dog and cat story. Many women call men 'dogs'; well if you did not know that then where have you been living? 

OK, so since women already call men dogs and we know that men are in love with the proverbial pussy (as in cat) then isn't it fitting that "Cat First"' as sung by Crazy, should use double entendre to convey the true meaning to the dog, man and cat story? Now don't tell me that you are still wondering what Crazy's story is all about. Do I need to spell it out? Come on, use your vivid imagination... Yes exactly!

I am so pleased that you understand the double entendre slant to this thought provoking topic and, as a result, I will let someone who can put the lyrics to the test to say it all in song.  Today, we feature another new release from Edwin Ayoung better known as "Crazy". This song is not just about the 'meow' of the cat but in true double entendre calypso format, he deals with man's love for pussy (as in cat?) - Well maybe!

So the question is really this: Which one is truly man's best friend? Is it the dog, cat or the proverbial pussy cat?

I am absolutely certain that you know the truth. Don't you just love how well these Calypsonians unravel the truth and, in song, can make you smile, dance and in the end know the truth! Enjoy the song... It is ah 'wicked one'.

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Cat First - Crazy 2012

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Show Me The Proof | Blackie

Pardna, it has been alleged that you 'gettin' horn'. Hell no that cannot be so... show me the proof because it has only been alleged. '

Have you heard these words before?  It is typical of  a man in a relationship with a member of the opposite sex will never believe that she is cheating on him. Blackie takes you into this world of deceit and distrust and shows you how easy it is for members of he masculine gender will quickly deny that he is getting horn.

Show me the proof, it's alleged is a line in the song that examines this situation that is a norm in many societies. The music is nice but the denial is consistent with someone who is in denial. Listen to Blackie as he tells his story in song. The problem is that most of the time the man really does not want the answers to the question. They prefer to live in denial - in this case, ignorance is blis!

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Blackie - Show Me The Proof (Explicitsoundzmusic.blogspot.com)

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Antilles Riddim

This Antilles Riddim is creating a stir in the homeland, yes, in sweet TnT! I heard DJ Devi of Wack Radio raving about Kerwin Du Boi's 'Baccanalist' - a song that was recently featured on this blog. The interesting thing about this 'Riddim' is that it really has a Soca beat! Now don't be amused that I made such a statement; everyone who has an ear to discern the beat will realize that most of the new 'Riddims' coming on stream are slanted towards a Dancehall flavor. This Antilles 'Riddim' is a breath of fresh air - we finally have an authentic Soca Beat!

I did not plan to do separate posts for the other songs on the 'Riddim' but now, because of the 'the noise created', I have decided to feature the other songs on the 'Riddim' that have been released to date. This post features music from Alternative Quartet (AQ), Erphaan Alves, Kerwin Du Bois, Machel Montano and Nadia Batson.

The following are notes on the production team sourced from Precision Production Facebook page:

"Precision Productions was established and run by Kasey Phillips and Nikholai Greene both  Trinidadian  born production duo ages 24 and 25.

Kasey "KC" Phillips, son of legendary producer, guitarist and engineer Mr. Kenny Phillips of Trinidad and Tobago has been producing & engineering since the age of 12 years after practically growing up and living in his Dad's music studio from infancy. He currently works with most of the top Soca artistes of Trinidad & Tobago , producing, mixing, mastering & engineering."  Kasey, surely is on the way up and with his good looks (obviously he got his 'good looks' from his mother) and raging talent that is beginning to blossom and obviously bear sweet fruit.... the sky is the limit for this young man and his sidekick. Trinizagada obviously wish Kasey all the best and raging success in this fickle music business - Good luck and let's hope this Antilles Riddim mash up all the fetes for the forthcoming carnival season.

Songs on the Riddim include the following:

1. One Family by Alternative Quartet

2. In Your Eyes by Erphaan Alves

3. Bacchanalist by Kerwin Du Bois

4. Vibes Cyar Done by Machel Montano

5. SHiver by Nadia Batson

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

320 Version - Alternative Quartet - One Family (Antilles Riddim) (Soca) 2012 (Precision Prod)

320 Version - Erphaan Alves - In Your Eyes (Antilles Riddim) (Soca) 2012 (Precision Prod)

320 Version - Kerwin Du Bois - Bacchanalist (Antilles Riddim) (Soca) 2012 (Precision Prod)

320 Version - Machel Montano - Vibes Cyah Done (Antilles Riddim) (Soca) 2012 (Precision Prod)

320 Version - Nadia Batson - Shiver (Antilles Riddim) (Soca) 2012 (Precision Prod)

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"Trini Coconut Massive" | A Cut Above the Rest!

I saw this YouTube video posted by my friend Stephanie Semper on Facebook and thought that it was worth posting here. We have seen these guys do this at home (Trinidad) so many times that we have taken it for granted. However, a side by side or in this case a video comparison sheds some light on how efficient Trinidad Coconut vendors are when it comes to opening coconuts.

I will not get carried away with this video because there are coconuts and then there are coconuts. The one that the gentleman from Hawaii opened in a very mature coconut and is much tougher than the one used in the Trinidad video. However, either way you cut it (did I intend to use this pun? Go figure...smile.), the final cut was impressive. 

This is a 'Trini win' hands down... and, yes it is a cut above the rest. Now hand out the Gold medal. 

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'Bacchanalist" | Kerwin Du Bois

My head is spinning with all these new releases. This is my fourth post today (all new music); we present Kerwin Dubois with some really sweet vibes (he is not sleeping on the job at all). This one is on the 'Antilles Riddim' and is called "Bacchanalist". 

For first time visitors to the blog I will provide some information about the word Bacchanal and how it is used in Trinidad and Tobago. It depends on the situation and as such, 'Bacchanal' can be interpreted in many ways. It could mean a 'large noisy happening', 'scandal', a big party or even be associated with a confusing state. For most Trinidadians bacchanal is associated with some troublesome situation. In the case of this song or for any type of music or party situation (fete), bacchanal is associated with 'a reveler' and simply means 'having a really good time' while drinking and celebrating with friends. 

Kerwin Dubois has done a really good job once again. This upcoming Carnival celebration already has my head spinning with all the new music releases so early in the season (this is October 2k11 for heavens sake). This can only mean that we will have a long list of songs to choose from for 2K12 - don't you just love it?

♫Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Bacchanalist by Kerwin Du Bois 2012

Addendum: 12/16/2011

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"Reach On Out For Love" | Beta One feat. Machel Montano

Are you ready for Machel Montano doing something outside of Soca music? This one is not like the Pitbull collaboration that was full of power and sexy ladies in the video promotion. A dance track with World appeal is in the offering from the artiste. The name of the son is "Reach On Out For Love"; it is a mix of pop and dance music styles with, of course, an underlying taste of infused Soca.

The song was the idea and creation of "Beta One" out of Toronto, Canada. I have decided to post two versions of the song for your listening pleasure. The first version will run for about 3:37 minutes while the second version will entice you with a run time of about 8:49 minutes. The second version is the party crazy Club Mix. 

The following is from the producer's website and is reproduced here for promotional purposes:

Beta One, a Toronto-based remixer and producer of house, dance and pop music,  has teamed up with Trinidadian-born soca innovator and leader, Machel Montano, for the creation of "Reach On Out For Love". Beta One, a moniker for James de Pinho, has released a tech-house EP of original material, as well as many remixed from his base in Toronto over the last fifteen years. 

Beta One's vision was to create a song that was relatable from the heart, and contained a positive and encouraging message. After writing the lyrics and music, he recorded a demo production of "Reach". Beta One then began his quest for the right artist to bring the song to life and into the mainstream with a sound that would appeal to many markets, and a voice that would authentically carry its message.

Ready to move forward, Beta One contacted Machel Montano with "Reach" and immediately found a willing and able partner who was equally anxious to record the song. Machel, featured artist and fellow act with many performers, has a massive appeal and popularity in the Soca world. Having recorded 35 albums of his own, Machel welcomed the opportunity to break into new music territory. 

Machel is constantly working toward his goal of successfully ushering soca into the realm of mainstream music. It is his dream to see Soca being enjoyed in the international market. Moreover, due to soca's crossover appeal, Machel states, "We want to use our experience to take soca international," he says, "I have been pushing the envelope, trying to revolutionize soca, trying to improve its quality. It is very difficult to bring this music to the mainstream and at the same time stay grounded at home but we have created a sound that we believe is palatable to all markets and can play on the radio in rotation with other popular songs. That is a dream I have always had and something I look forward to achieving."

♫Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Beta One feat. Machel Montano - Reach On Out For Love (Official Video)

Beta One ft. Machel Montano - Reach On Out For Love (Club Mixes)

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"Beautiful Day" | Destra Garcia

Wow...These Trinidad artistes are amazing this year since they have taken the plunge into taking the music to another level. Lady Destra Garcia is doing beautiful things with this 'House-Music' track. This is not Carnival music but I am certain when she performs it for Carnival 2k12 it will have a strong Soca slant to appease those partying at home. 

I love it that the singers are willing to take a chance and do something different. This will provide opportunities abroad that Soca alone cannot do...you just have to love it. At the same time the Calypso and Soca purists will cringe when they hear this one. However, one has to always keep in mind that it is the youth today who will continue to be the driving force behind music sales. Give them what they want and spread your wings a little and success will eventually be achieved.

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Beautiful Day - Destra Gracia (2012)

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"Wine For Your Lover" | Ziggy Ranking

This one is so hot you will definitely wine for your lover. Ziggy gives this one a feel of the good days back in school. It has a old school feel. I can see children playing, dancing and singing this song. This is a modern sound with an 'ole school feel to it'. 

Now you know that I am not lying when I tell you that this one will definitely mash up Trini fetes. Mischievous facial expressions will surely be the norm with serious dance moves. This will not be the 'dingolay' type of dancing but serious gyrating but saucy adults. 

Ziggy has done it again. I loved 'Mango Tree' and I will add this as one of my favorite tracks from the man, Ziggy Ranking. It is Carnival again so be prepared and don't hesitate when you sweetheart puts on her special groove for this song. Just enjoy the ride and wine back (nicely eh) for your lover... that is what Ziggy has to say!

 
Right here you can wheel and come back again but with the audio version only... just follow the lead below!

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Wine for your lover - Ziggy Ranking

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"Celebrate Life" | Kevon Carter featuring Shal Marshall

This is a Groovy one from Kevon Carter and features the voice of Shal Marshall. These two guys know how to celebrate life in song -Sweet, smooth and sexy indeed. The production was done by Fryktion and GBM Studios.

This song will creep up on you and will be one that you will play over and over again. The more you listen to it the more you will find something to like about it. The track was mixed and mastered by GBM productions.

Indeed this is wining season but this time we will celebrate life in 'ah different style'. This is not a case of waving yuh rag and getting on ruff and rowdy. This is groovy music that will allow you to gentlly wiggle and wine in slow motion. It is sweet and sexy and you will smile and wine in style. This is just the start of the Groovy side of Soca for 2012 and it is one that will set the standard for this music category.

Kevon Carter was born and nutured in sweet TnT. He is a singer and song writer and a class musician. Kevon now resides in NYC where he performs in the club scene. His Trini roots has led him to the source and that has brought us to this collaboration with Shal.

I have featured Shal Marshall's music on this blog previously along with Supa Jigga. Shal is now spreading his wings and has really hit the sweet spot with this one

I really like this song and you will also; It would be interesting to see how well this one does in the International market because it does have that appeal to it. Let's see if the local radio stations in TnT will jump on this one. Don't let this track get by you, tell your friends about it - it is a wicked one!

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Celebrate Life - Kevon Carter featuring Shal Marshall

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"Winning" | Super Jigga TC

Here is another another groove using the Charlie Sheen Riddim. This one comes to you via the 'Jigga Man' - Super Jigga TC who is also a radio DJ but is getting more notoriety as a Soca singer now. This track was produced by Dwain "Dwaingerous" Antrobus on the Charlie Sheen Riddim. 

This 'Riddim' is getting licks up and down the Islands with so many artistes dropping lyrics to the tracks. We now have the Jigga man but the 'Riddim' also features Farmer Nappy, Zan, Patrice Roberts and even Machel Montano. Some may say that is is all so  boring and lacks creativity but at the same time  you get more good music if you like the 'Riddim'. You can get the various artistes on the 'Riddim' and run the tracks and seamlessly move from one song to the other without missing a beat! Rest assured that there will be many who will complain about the new trend to use a 'riddim' to push a new song. Everything changes, nothing remains the same - keep that in mind!

In the final analysis it is you, the consumer, who will decide on the pros and cons of the music and the final success of the song. Listen to the song and if you really like it please leave a comment and it will be listed here with the posting.  Do you like it? Well do you?

♫Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

New Super Jigga TC - WINNING [2012 Trinidad Soca][Charlie Sheen Riddim]

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The Creative Process | Machel Montano and Destra Garcia

How do they do it? Song after song, hit after hit, year after year these artistes produce music that keeps Trinidad and Tobago on top of the Caribbean music scene. If you doubt it then look around the Caribbean region, look to the Canadian and US Labor Day celebrations and, oh yes, look to the Crop Over festival in BIM and you will see the name Machel Montano... Machel and HD are the headliners of Soca music today!

Then when you feel like 'Wukking Up' we feature Miss Sexy, Lady Destra Garcia. We take these artistes for granted and keep looking for hit after hit after hit. So how do they do it? Well in the following video that was featured by Carnival TV both Destra and Machel give us some insight regarding their creative process. Listen as they explain how they do it, and what makes the music and lyrics work to make a hit song.

One may ask what makes a good song? In the case of Machel, he said that he about creating a good album not just a good song. So is it a good winning song, a jump and wave song that could capture the 'Road March Title', sound social commentary or as Machel says something for nation building, a wake up call with rhythm for Jouvert morning, or simply something new something groundbreaking? Well in Machel's World his music his songs should capture all of the above and then some from Kernel Roberts and the HD crew.

In Destra's case she starts with the melody then work on the lyrics to accompany the music. Her creative process is the World she lives in... She absorbs her surroundings and produces energy filled music. Pressure and Energy is the feel of a Destra production. Let's listen to the artistes tell us how they do it compliments

Carnival TV.

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"He Madd" | Crazy 2012

This is the latest release from Calypsonian Crazy for Carnival 2012. The lovable lunatic is back in St. Anns creating mad music with crazy vibes for the lovers of Calypso music. Edwin Ayoung aka Crazy is not the mad one in this song. He sings about someone else who is mad and where else did he meet this man? You guessed it St.Anns!

The nice hook for this song is the following:

"But he more crazier than me

Take off he Clothes

-IN the middle ah the Road

And he hold up he thing

-Like he holding ah hose

Oh Lard - Oh Lard

Only the lovable lunatic could come this good. The singer we know however this one was written by Jason Shaft Bishop. Looks like a good marriage for the lyricist and singer. This is a funny one and a pleasant song to listen.

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

He Madd - CRAZY

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"Baddist" | Destra with Kerwin Du Bois

I heard this one today and did not want to wait until tomorrow to drop it as a blog post. Here is my favorite lady performer from Trini Land - Destra Garcia.

Lady Destra, the sexy mama, from the land of Calypso and Soca gets some serious help with this one from the suave one, Kerwin Du Bois.  Kerwin is a multi-talented person. He co-wrote the song with Destra, produced the track and even sang on it - Kerwin is the man! This one will definitely 'mash-up' Trini fetes across the land... If they lift the curfew restrictions... Lordy!

Until that time comes you can rely on Trinizagada to bring you the latest hits as they come on stream some of which will never be heard on some of the radio stations at home.

Here are some notes about the song... 
Singers: Destra Garcia featuring the voice of Kerwin Du Bois

Written By: Kerwin Du Bois and Destra Garcia

Produced by: Kerwin Du Bois

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Destra with Kerwin Du Bois - Baddist

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Rum lyrics to be screened for 2012 Chutney Soca | The Trinidad Guardian

Rum lyrics to be screened for 2012 Chutney Soca | The Trinidad Guardian:

'via Blog this'

Soca music is the definition of 'wine on meh music' while Chutney music is defined by its relationship to rum - yes we are talking about 'Rum Songs'. This is the chief complaint about Chutney music for many years now. Why waste such good music on rum lyrics? This has bothered me for years. Persons of East Indian extract have been stigmatized as cane-field rum drinkers and the music has followed suit. Well apparently this is all about to change and I like the shift.

So why change now? Simply put it is a sound business decision that will eventually lead to better lyrics and prompt the creators and innovators of the genre to think and become more creative. In a way it will open the door for persons, other than East Indians, to take a chance in the competition. The only issue for persons of other ethnic backgrounds will be the singing of the Indian lyrics - Chutney music is a mixture of English and East Indian lyrics. 

The promoters of the show want to have a greater impact on the Carnival celebrations starting in 2012. The decision to move the competition from Southern Trinidad to the Big Yard (in the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain) is a move to bring the Competition into Prime Time and to tell the East West corridor populace that this show is 'for you too'. They want the emphasis to be placed on the show as a singing competition that showcases Chutney music and not to be typecast as an East Indian Show. This is a grand move and will take time to be accepted by the East-West corridor population. However, Trinidadians like a good party and if the show moves in the right direction then the support will follow. They are counting on the traditional supporters to come 'to Town' and show their support to continue the successful run of the show thus far. 

Lyrical content.

Simply by stating that they will be monitoring lyrical content is a very smart way to guide the singers away from singing 'rum songs'. As I said before I really disliked this aspect of Chutney music but the music is really good. As a matter of fact the management of the competition are looking for uplifting lyrics. If a singer composes a song about rum then it must be sensible and have a positive message. Songs must not be degrading in any manner or form. 

Originality.

This is also key for the competition. If you listen to Chutney music today you would soon come to realize that quite a few of the well known bands are taking Bollywood music and giving it a Trinidadian Chutney Soca twist - no Bollywood melodies will be allowed in the competition!  Indeed the music and covers are very good but this will not be accepted for the competition. The fact that they are looking for originality bodes well for the competition - another move in the correct direction!

Behavior and Conduct.

Last year's competition did not end well and as a matter of fact one of the competitors ended up in court defending himself as he was accused of encouraging supporters to show their disgust with the results. People threw items on the stage causing a very uncomfortable situation. This year there is a code of conduct in place for those involved in the competition. 

Future Stars.

Next year will also see the first Junior Chutney Soca Monarch. This too is a good move as it will create a new pool from which the future Chutney Soca Stars will come from to compete for the adult competition.

This competition will become stronger and better as the years go by. The management team are thinking and are about to create a shift in strength for the Chutney Soca Artistes. Soca now has a little brother that will grow up quickly with the support of Chutney music lovers across the country. They have made a wise decision to re-brand the music and sell a product that already produces sweet music. In time to come, as Calypsonian Crazy would say in song, this show will be one of the major headliners for Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival.

Photo Source: Google Images

♫ Please press the play button (small triangle in circle) to listen to Mahendra's 2012 Chutney Soca offering. Mahendra is from Guyana.

Mahendra - We Go Party 2012

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Soul Train Award Show 2011 Nominates Machel Montano | "Bend Over"

Soul Train, Soul Train... that show, the sound and the organization created by Don Cornelius is known around the World as the main outlet to showcase Black Music Entertainment. A nomination from this organization will surely lend to the entertainers exposure in the World music scene. 

The Soul Train Music Awards still lives on today and now incorporates music from the Caribbean region. The upcoming Soul Train Music Awards for 2011 has nominated Machel Montano's song "Bend Over" in the category of 'Best Caribbean Performance'.  Machel and "Bend Over" are up against several well known Caribbean artistes. The rest of the nominations are as follows: “Man Down” - Rhianna (Winner! updated 11/27/11); “Wotless” - Kes (The Band); “Summer Time” – Vybz Kartel and “Delilah” – Movado. Once again the category is "Best Caribbean Performance."  The official taping date for the show is scheduled for November 17, 2011 and  will be shown on Nov 27th  @ 9:00 PM Simulcast broadcast on CENTRIC and BET channels.

Machel had this to say: 

“Both myself and Team HD feel honored and delighted that “Bend Over” has been nominated as we know how much energy that is pumped into each time we perform, always keeping it fresh for each show and always keeping the audience mesmerized.”

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Machel Montano - Bend Over (Soca 2011)

Here are the lyrics to sing along with Machel:

Oh Oh, yea (x2)

[verse 1] This gyal, she wukkin up a storm Wining in a circle, watch how she perform She so cold, when she wine and freeze People stop and staring, got man on dey knees And bawling, oye Gyal de way you roll yuh bumper cause heart attack Making me go crazy, oye Just standing hear and watching you wine like that Yuh making it so hard for me

[chorus] Gyal bend over Drop to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper

Gyal bend over wine to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper

[verse] Slow wine, wukking up your waist Gyal on you I focus, how to get a taste I doh mind standing in one place But I feel you should be right up in my face And bawling, oye Gyal de way you roll yuh bumper cause heart attack Making me go crazy, oye Just standing hear and watching you wine like that Yuh making it so hard for me

[chorus] Gyal bend over Drop to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper

Gyal bend over wine to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper (x2)

[bridge] Say, touch your toes, gyal wine and bend over To the ground now, go down to lota Tick tock gyal, wiggle up your bumper Bring it up right back, start it over Real wine, real wine, gimmie wine up Real girls to the front of the line-up Doh stick wine it, keep the time up Take the slip, slide up and...

[chorus] ... bend over Gyal drop to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper

Gyal bend over wine to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper

And bawling oye Gyal de way you roll yuh bumper cause heart attack Oye, making me go crazy Just standing hear and watching you wine like that Yuh making it so hard for me

[chorus] Gyal bend over Drop to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper

Gyal bend over wine to the ground Me love how you do your thing Girl you amazing, and you know say you proper.

Lyrics via http://www.metrolyrics.com

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"Push the Creator Out" | Ras Shorty I and the Love Circle | Jamoo Music!

!

The late Garfield Blackman (October 6, 1941-July 12, 2000) aka Lord Shorty and later on as Ras Shorty I, gave the Global music community Soca and Jamoo music. Today Soca music is in transition with so many people using the name 'Soca' to promote music that has moved away from the original sound created by Lord Shorty. However, that is not the case for Jamoo music.

Jamoo music has been called "Jehovah's Music" that was pioneered by Lord Shorty after he became disenchanted with the direction of Soca music in the early period of the music's development. He became a christian and wanted a new direction for 'his music'. As the creator of Soca, he thought that he was in the best position to transition the music. He went on to create a distinctive sound, a unique blend of music that was sweet,mellow and spiritually uplifting with lyrics that impact so many lives today. 

Jamoo music,as mentioned earlier, was stated to be "Jehovah's Music'. Maybe this is the reason that singers today have shied away from it - there is no bacchanal or scandal in this music but just thought provoking lyrics to wake up the spirit. We are blessed and thankful that Lord Shorty who became Ras Shorty I gave us this new music. 

Today his music lives on with the 'Love Circle' - the music lives through the efforts of his children. This post was not done to pay tribute to Jamoo music but was originally conceived as a platform to promote one of Ras Shorty I's song "Push the Creator Out". I was thinking about the situation in Trinidad and the proliferation of crime. I listened to "Watch out my Children" a song used by te United Nations to promote a positive direction in the fight against the use of drugs (especially the use of cocaine) and Push the creator out. The latter song is the song that saw it coming and the poet (Ras Shorty I) addressed the distress in song.

Yes it is Jamoo music and it carries with it the trademark sound of Ras Shorty I and the Love Circle. Jamoo music has overtones of Gospel and Reggae influences but more importantly it is music to uplift the soul and bring about a positive feeling. 

Enjoy the music of the man and some of his children (Love Circle) as they sing this classic song. Listen for the message and realize that he saw the onset of trouble to come; he recognized the trouble that has now spread as a cancer in Trinbago's society today. 

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Push the CREATOR Out - Ras Shorty I and the Love Circle

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Pull Up | Mr. Renzo featuring Ravi B

It can be described as a Chutney Soca with Latin influences 'kinda t'ing' but one thing is certain, and that is, the music created is uniquely Trinidadian! As a matter of fact, when one listens to "Pull Up", as sung by Venezuelan born (nutured in Arouca, Trinidad) Laurenzo Gonzales (Mr. Renzo) and Chutney Soca star Ravi Bissambhar (Ravi B), this 'unique' sound makes one wonder about the future of both Chutney and Soca music. Well one thing is certain, this means more variety and sweet music from Trinidad and Tobago.

In an interview with the Trinidad Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Renzo said that the lyrics to the song were done in one night at the studio. He said that there was "no story really" when asked about the song just "a guy dancing with a pretty girl at a party". I can relate because in this era of 'wine on meh' it appears that all Soca relates to wining on somebody. If Mr. Renzo and Ravi B simply want to tell the story of a guy dancing with a pretty woman then I can go for that. 

There are many collaborations enticing music lovers to 'get that chune it real wicked' but the chutney mixes don't seem to get the airplay that collaborating Soca artists will get. It may me that the music is still evolving and will soon break out in a big way... we will have to wait and see. 

Recently, I featured a really sweet remix of Terre Yaad/Hold You Down that featured Melobugz and Zan and it did not have the impact I expected... the music is wicked and you should take a listen. Link to the Post Here: Melobugz and Zan. This song by Mr. Renzo and Ravi B may realize the same faith but it shows that the music is growing and people are listening and wanting to be a part of this new revolution in music.

Soca music, for Carnival 2012 looks like a "Riddim Festival" and I don't see why the Chutney blends won't find its place in the carnival, as Calypsonian Crazy would say, "in time to come". Until that time take a listen to this Chutney Latin Collaboration and let us know what you think about it...

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Ravi B & Mr Renzo - Pull Up (2011 smashing hit)

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Soca Ska Riddim | Shal Marshall & Supa Jigga TC

Shal Marshall - "Trouble" | Super Jigga TC - "Bang Bang". Two for one today... SOCASKARIDDIM featuring the Songs BangBang and Trouble.

These two songs by Shal Marshall and Super Jigga TC clearly show the change in the music. It is being marketed as Soca released for Carnival2012. However, if you listen to the main beat of the song the it is easily understood that this is not Soca and has nothing to do with Soca except to be used as a selling tool. 

The Soca Ska Riddim is clearly more Ska that anything else. I dare anyone to point out the Soca Rhythms in these two songs! (Please note that the word 'Riddim' is Jamaican slang used for 'Rhythm').

I have said it before and will say it here again the music being marketed as Soca does not have the traditional Soca beat but is really a hybrid music being marketed under the name of Soca because they are created for the Carnival season. 

If these songs were released some other time no one would be saying "Soca". However, this is the time that the new music for carnival is released. This has nothing to do with Calypso (traditional Carnival music). This music, in my opinion has been supplanted by the new music for the fetes... this is the dance music of Carnival. The Calypso is now reserved for the tents, Dimanche Gras and Panorama competitions. If you feel like listening to Calypso then tune into stations like Wack Radio from San Fernando (on the web go to www.wackradio901fm.com) to listen to Calypso music.

This post was created to feature two songs on the 'Soca Ska Riddim'. The singers are part of the new generation of party music singers... I don't even know if it is safe to call them Soca singers and we know for sure that they are not calypsonians. Well,  let's do what we came here to do and feature the two songs.

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Trouble (Soca Ska Riddim) - Shal Marshall

Bang Bang (Soca Ska Riddim) -Super Jigga TC

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"When will it End?" | Kurt Allen 2012

Finally something for 2012 outside of the Soca scene and it is a good one indeed... a thought provoking Calypso sung by one of our best Calypsonians - "The incredible Kurt Allen!" The song is titled, "When Will It End?"

He calls himself, 'The Last BadJohn Of Calypso' (LBC) and was the 2010 Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago; he delivers one that leaves you in awe of his talent. Kurt Allen  attacks the topic of crime in the country asking "when will it end?" He then wails about the fact that "every day is a murder, somebody dead!" He is brilliant and articulate and delivers the message with passion and pain in his voice.

If you love Calypso (and who doesn't?), you will love this one. When Kurt asks the question, "When will it end", he is asking the question that almost every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago is asking. He approaches the topic from every angle including the innocent victims, the politicians, the corrupted ones in the society and the innocent children. The song is a reflection of our own failings as citizens and shows that in the end  it is all confusing for every citizen. "Trinbago was like ah starch mango... so sweet." Isn't that so true? Who ever thought that we would reach the point that the only answer to help solve the problem is a 'State of Emergency?' Listen to Kurt tell the story...

When you listen to the song, the story teller's voice expresses the pain, the confusion and despair felt by everyone caught in this very difficult situation. I just love listening to this brilliant young son of the soil. This is a collector's item - get it!

From the Artiste:

Kurt Allen 2012 Social Commentary; dedicated to the people! It's a simple song about our beloved Trinidad and Tobago; entitled: “WHEN WILL IT END”

Check it out, and if it meets your likings, share it with a friend and you'll qualify for a free download - YES FREE DOWNLOAD!! - as we celebrate Calypso History Month... "BLESS!"

You can see the video from Kurt's Page at this link: Kurt Allen's YouTube Page!

♫ Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

When Will it End - Kurt Allen

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SOCA | Soul of Caribbean Artform?

Lord Shorty must be turning in his grave! S.O.C.A explained as Soul of  Caribbean Artform is a new musical effort by UK based artiste Scrappy; it was launched on itunes on Friday October 14, 2011. Nothing is wrong with his interpretation of the music (as he feels it); but once again we have someone telling the World what SOCA music is without a word about the origin of the musical art form. 

Scrappy may love SOCA Music but so many people are using the name Soca to promote a brand of music that is really a hybrid of the original music created by Lord Shorty in Trinidad. The sad thing is that most people reading 'Scrappy's' terminology will come to believe that Soca stands for "Soul of Caribbean Art form" and not the "Soul of Calypso" as explained by the creator of the music.

When Lord Shorty created the new music, which he called Sokah, it was misrepresented in the press as SOCA... The name Soca stuck. He called his music  the 'Soul of Calypso' (not Soul Calypso) which, he explained, was a blend of African and East Indian rhythms with the prime focus on bringing the races together with what he called a "Dougla Rhythm" (a Dougla is a person of mixed race, one parent East Indian and the other African). Some even went as far as saying that SOCA came from SOul of CAlypso, where the SO from Soul and the CA from Calypso were used to create the word SOCA. Let the genius creator of 'SOCA' (Sokah) tell you how the music genre came about and how the name was misspelled by Ivor Fereira of the Punch newspaper.... SOCA became mainstream!

Sometimes it is a good thing to repeat a statement for emphasis; and I want everyone to know the truth, so here we go again now that we have a soon to be muddled situation through this newly released album: Soul of Caribbean Art form. However, lets listen to Lord Shorty explain what he created in this 1995 GBTV interview.

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"Pelt" | Skinny Fabulous (Whistle Riddim)

Today we feature another track using the 'Whistle Riddim'. This one by the very popular Skinny Fabulous from St. Vincent and The Grenadines. Take a listen... This one is hot and was done for the Barbados Crop Over. 

It is the same 'Riddim' used by Machel Montano for his hit song 'Gyal Wuk'. Both tracks are hot; Pelt, Pelt and more Pelt... this one will also be a hit for Carnival 2K12 in Trinidad!

Produced By Kevin "Bubbles" Marshall and Darian Bailey @ Studio B / Studio B #3 Chancery Lane Christ Church/ 2011 Barbados Crop Over

ARTISTE: SKINNY FABULOUS (Gamal Doyle)

COUNTRY: St. Vincent & The Grenadines | RELEASED: 2011

RIDDIM: Whistle Riddim

♫Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Pelt - Skinny Fabulous - (Whistle Riddim)

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Shame and Scandal in the Family | Lord Relator

Shame and Scandal in the family is a classic calypso that has been covered by many artistes over time. This version presented here is done by a classic calypso singer who is also a very versatile calypsonian. The Lord Relator (Williard Harris) is not only a gentleman but is also a brilliant singer. He sings calypso in a the traditional style and did this song as part of the Dirty Jim's Swizzle club and calypso grandeur album.

The album is part of a film documentary and comes with eighteen songs sung by legendary calypsonians. Shame and scandal in the family is track number two on the album. This album is a tribute to singers who sang wonderful songs during a very trying period of Trinidad's development. THe album is a tribute to the these singers and is set in the reconstituted  "Dirty Jim's Club" that was the place to be in Port-of-Spain Trinidad.The following songs are listed on the album.

1. Lord Superior - White Man Wife

2. Relator - Shame And Scandal In The Family

3. Bomber - Ugly Woman

4. Rum & Coca Cola

5. Lord Superior - Interlude

6. Lord Superior - Jean & Dinah

7. Bomber - Bam Bam

8. Relator - Nora

9. The Mighty Terror - Interlude

10. The Mighty Terror - Life In London

11. Relator - Matilda

12. Bomber - Doctor Kitch

13. Lord Superior - Never Ever Worry

14. Mighty Sparrow - Memories

15. Rum & Coca Cola (Instrumental - Bonus Track)

16. Sheldon & Bomber - Extempo

17. Lord Superior & Relator - Jean & Dinah (Unplugged)

18. Bomber - United States Of The West Indies

"The "Calypso @ Dirty Jim's" boxset contains a CD of Calypso classics since the 30s by the most famous artists of the genre and a DVD of a musical documentary - colourful and moving - both of which are a sensible and original evocation of the Golden age of Calypso." via Mondomix Music.

The original song was done by another son of the soil,. Sir Lancelot originally wrote and sang the song during the 1940's. It is reported that he returned to Trinidad to him hometown of Cumuto where he was not accepted because he chose to sing Calypso. This was not the kind of songs a gentleman would sing. Apparently he came from a 'well to do' family who did not take kindly to his singing of calypso. Lancelot Victor Pinard took the sobriquet 'Sir Lancelot' for his calypso career. Sir Lancelot was a pharmacist by trade but instead took a different path in New York. This scorn led to the song "Shame and Scandal in the Family". Sir Lancelot went on to have a very successful singing and acting career in the US. The song Shame and Scandal is also known a "Fort Holland" and was sung in the movie "I walked with a Zombie (1943) by Sir Lancelot.

Now let us sit back and relax and listen to the unique singing style of the Lord Relator as he tells the story of  of a young man looking for a wife. This is a very funny story in that every woman the man meets turns out to be one of his father's 'outside children' (Trini for illegitimate children). In the end it turns out the man's mother  add the ultimate punchline giving him permission to marry the woman: "Yuh daddy ain't yuh daddy but yuh daddy don't know" Not if that isn't 'Shame and scandal in the Family' then what is?  What a wonderful tribute to a classic song.

Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Track 02 Shame and Scandal In The Family

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"Wine on It" | Shurwayne Winchester

Shurwayne Winchester is at it again. This Soca Mega Star has a new hot, hot, hot tract titled, "Wine On It". What Shurwayne wants you to wine on will have to be determined by listening to the song.  I like the song but I am not enamored with this video production. The girls don't look 'Trini' (they look like 'Spanish Girls') and, if you look at the video, you will notice that the National Flag of Trinidad and Tobago is wrongly oriented on the wall of the container. 

As a result I will feature the song and you can watch the video on YouTube (if you are so inclined) at this link: Shurwayne Winchester/YouTube - "Wine on It".  The song follows the lyrics posted below. The lyrics came from Shurwayne's official music page. Please visit the artiiste's offficial website at the following link.: Shurwayne's Official Site.

For those whom are interested in the production details the following information is provided:

Composer: Shurwayne Winchester
Riddim - Overproof Riddim
Producer - Ja Productions
Directors - Robin Chin & Red Dragon
Studio - Enhanced Realizm Studios
Year - 2011 (Released for Trinidad and Tobago's 2012 Carnival Season.

WINE ON IT

(Chorus:)

(Wine) Wine hard on top this gyal

(Wine) Cock back an wok this gyal

(Wine) Try yuh cyah brok this gyal

(Wine) Wine on it, gyal wine on

(Post Chorus:)

Whe de wine,wine wining girls

The hot girls

Yes mi ah fi see you / mi ah fi feel yuh

Wine on it wine on it

(Bridge)

Wine on it gyal do what yuh want gyal

(Gi me little)2 gyal hot up the dance hall

(VS 1)

Gyal get in position

Do whe yuh want

You don,t need no permission

Wine and drop

Any where any mission

For you mi petition

You ah you ah top girl, you ah you ah top girl

in they face yes show yo,re the bubbler

In yuh box leh me put in mi speaker speaker

(Vs 2)

Gyal show whe yuh sick on

Stretch for your toe

6:30 position

Quarter to seven on the fence baby hold on

Now me get turn on

(Show me what you got gyal)2

Out a road they call you the bubbler

And fun yuh box ah have a new type a speaker

Hot gyal in the place snap yuh finger

then stamp in they face

Chorus

Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Wine on it - Shurwayne Winchester 2K12

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"Nothing Less" | K Rich 2K12

Ladies shade your eyes because a star is born. The young and handsome Kenneth Richards aka K Rich has a Groovy Soca Track to make the ladies swoon. 

So who is K Rich? Well he is the step-son of one of our greatest ever Soca Stars - Austin "Superblue" Lyons. K Rich credits SuperBlue for teaching and helping in his musical development. this family is blessed with the likes of Fayanne and Terri Lyons and of course Bunji Garlin. K Rich only adds to the music stock of this musically inclined family. The young man's music is good.

K Rich did not just happen overnight - he has paid his dues. Singing back up for SuperBlue at age 8,  he was in the midst of SuperBlue's greatest performances. K Rich also performed as lead singer for the Rock Band 5 Miles To Midnight and in the Calypso/Soca circuit with Reelest 8. He has made his rounds and is only 22 years old. 

Last year he released a track titled "Slo Mo" that was his first try with Soca music. This year he follows up with a Groovy track titled, "Nothing Less" that has already taken hold with the youth. 

Is K Rich a Trini? Well he was born in Staten Island, New York to a Trinidadian mother (more than likely he has dual citizenship). His mother was smart and did the right thing by immersing the young man in 'Trini' Culture. The Soca music industry is growing and K Rich intends to put his signature stamp on the industry. Let's wait and see how well the song does on the radio and music  charts.  Here is some additional information about the music:

"Nothing Less": Written by GBM, Ken Richards and Faine Richards. The music was produced by GBM/GB and Nutron/GBM Studios.

Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Nothing Less - K - Rich - (2012 )

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Lotala (Remix) | Sonny Man, Denise Belfon & General Grant

This is an old one but it is Mash up the place music... Lady Belfon with the General guiding Sonny Man to the buy some barra with pleanty pepper and anchar. Ha... Well this is sweet Trini rhythyms that deserve to be featured (even though it is an old track) and as one of the many comments on YouTube rightly say...  "Big Chune!"

The General and Denise bring Dancehall and Sweet Trini Soca/Calypso style to this Chutney remix. Is it worth listening? Well, you don't have to be a music critic to know if something is good or not... Either you like it or you don't. Never, let anyone make you feel like you need to be musically inclined to make a statement about any song. Just remember that without you music will not sell and stars will not shine... Every singer out there needs you to make it big!

Now back to lotala. It is a unique combination of artists who got together to make this work. Denise Belfon is  a 'lady force' who can wine to the ground while belting out verses that match her gyrations. The General is a masterful Trinidad Dancehall singer. Yes, for those of you who don't know he is Trinidadian and produces some really sweet music. I recently featured "Rock My Soul" a song he did with SuperBlue and H20 PHLO - a song I like a lot. Finally Sonny Man... He is a Chutney singing legend out of Chaguanas Trinidad who, along with Sundar Popo, have been dubbed the Kings of Chutney music - that was from a time past.

The real beauty of this track is the fusion of African and East Indian cultures. Can this be considered real Dougla music? Not exactly because the Indian rhythms are too dominant in this track. However, it should be noted that the fusion of East Indian and African music was originally started by the calypsonian of the country who poked fun at the East Indian culture in song with some East Indian musical rhythms infused in the music. 

Kim Johnson noted in her article "Unity of Dougla music, The beat of a different drum' that, "Using Indian rhythms, Killer made a hit in 1947 with: "Every time ah passin gal, you grinding Marsala." That very year, perhaps prompted by "Grinding Massala", Albert Gomes pointed out that, "the calypso singer has begun to announce in his songs that our ethnic 'potpourrie' is a reality". But not every skin teeth is smile. So too, miscegenation in our Afro-European world didn't begin with love, and many of these early "Indian" calypsos celebrated bigotry and exploitation. Hindi words and Hindu names, real or invented, were ridiculed by black calypsonians: "Long ago was Sumintra, Ramna-lawia," sang Killer, "Bull-basia and Oosankilia."

Read Kim Johnson's article at this link: Unity of Dougla Music.

We have come a long way but still have many predujices to overcome. However, one thing remains constant... The music keeps us moving to the beat. Don't you see hope?

Now let's enjoy the Music of Sonny Man, Denise Belfon and General Grant. Here it is Lotala... Enjoy!

Please press the play button (below) to listen (small triangle in circle).

Lotala (Remix) - Sonny Man, Denise Belfon & General Grant

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