(May 4, 2006)

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    VP Records, in collaboration with King Jammy’s Sound, has announced the release of the most comprehensive retrospect of the legendary sound that triggered digital reggae music, commonly referred to as dancehall. Two compilations paying tribute to King Jammy’s will be released in 2006 that will include: international hits, unreleased tracks from King Jammy’s archives, deep cuts and rare behind the scenes footage.

    Recently, there has been a massive resurgence of digital “throwback” riddims, so the timing could not have been more precise for this original collection to be released. From  the reappearance  of the “Father Jungle Rock”  riddim in the Fugee’s reunion at the 2005 BET Awards and also on I-Wayne’s  hit “Can’t Satisfy Her,”  to the popular "85" riddim  featuring deejays like Assassin and Cham, to Ini Kamoze & Sly and Robbie’s “World A Reggae” riddim resurrected by Damien Marley in “Welcome to Jamrock,” to the famous "Sleng Teng Resurrection" revived by Bounty Killer and original vocalist Wayne Smith to the restoration of Admiral Bailey’s "Punany" on the current “Capital P” VP Riddim Driven Series, the presence of these classic rhythms prevail today.

    On July 18th, the first release ‘King at The Controls,’ a DVD and compact disc collection,  will unveil twenty of King Jammy's most acclaimed tracks as well as exclusive behind the scenes footage.  The musical set highlights the celebrated classics and gives you a taste of the highly anticipated ‘Selector’s Choice’ dual box set due out this fall. A few renowned tunes to look forward to are, "Sleng Teng" by Wayne Smith, "Music Lover" by  Shabba Ranks, "Punany" by Admiral Bailey, "Agony" by Pinchers and "Mr. Landlord" by Half Pint. The bonus DVD includes the first in depth documentary on King Jammy with exclusive interviews from Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Chaka Demus, Admiral Bailey, Wayne Smith (from Sleng Teng), and the King himself! It also includes never seen before historical footage from the Waterhouse community, Ninja Man’s recording sessions inside Jammy’s studio, as well as photos and live footage from King Jammy’s personal archives.

    The second release, ‘Selector’s Choice,’ will be a dual release of two 4-disc box sets coming this October. It will be the most all-inclusive tribute ever paid to the legendary producer, who sparked reggae’s digital revolution, revealing the rest of his most cherished and prized hits along with some hidden gems that have been preserved until now. This full collection will give the listener an enjoyable and educational journey into one studio's lifetime dedication and contribution to a crucial era of dancehall reggae. 
 
          *Producer John John lands his first number one in four years
 
 
    Producer Lloyd ‘John John’ James Jr. son of legendary record producer Lloyd ‘King Jammys’ James, has reasons to celebrate this week. His production of Beenie Man’s We Set the Trend on the Nookie rhythm, has taken over the number one spot on both the RETV Dancehall chart as well as the Choice FM Reggae chart in London.
 
    John John who said it was his mother who encouraged him to take up the production helm in 1990 while he was still a teenager, last scored a number one hit in 2002, with Bounty Killer’s Fitness on the G-String rhythm.  John John had a prolific period in the 1990’s scoring big hits with songs including I’m in the Middle (You Don’t Know) by Johnny P and Jamaican reggae singer Foxy Brown; Born Good Looking by Spragga Benz; More Gal by Bounty Killer; I Can’t Sleep Baby by Sanchez and Are You Still in Love With Me by Sanchez.  He has scored number one hits under the Father and Son and John John labels. These include Dedicated by Spragga Benz and Wayne Wonder (1994); Brown Eyed Girl by Sanchez (1994); Cellular Phone by Bounty Killer (which was the number one song in Jamaica in the last week of April in 1995); Pop Style by Terror Fabulous (1993) and Gal by Bounty Killer (1995).
 
    John John’s forthcoming projects include the MI6 rhythm, and the Battlefield.  We Set the Trend is Beenie Man’s first number one song in Jamaica since A Nuh Mi (Frame I and I) hit the top a year ago.
 
 
 
          * Da’Ville to release second album this summer
 
    Singer Da'Ville will be releasing his second album Can’t Get over You this summer. The album, which will feature all new original tracks, is the follow up to his recently released set In Heaven. The former ARP lead singer, who toured Japan earlier this year, said the contents of the album are self expressive. Among his hits are All My Life, Can’t Get Over You, Baby Bring it On, and In Heaven.
           
 
 
          * Danielle teams up with Morgan Heritage member Gramps
 
 
    On young up and coming female artiste in the business who is ready to make her mark is deejay Danielle. With credentials such as the boisterous Downtown Man single rotating heavily on video channels, Danielle earned a spot to record a track titled Sexual Healing, with Morgan Heritage member Gramps.  The song is a remake of the Marvin Gaye original, but Danielle decided to put her own spin on it.
               
    Danielle’s relationship with music dates back to her high school days. Back then she dieted on a steady feast of dancehall music, listening to the racy antics of Lady Saw, and the boastful lyrical bites of Beenie Man, among other leading artistes.  After completing studies in the US, she made her way around to some well known recording studios. She made her recording debut in 2004 with Turn Him On which featured Cecile.
            
          * Marlon Asher continues to ride with Ganja Farmer

    Trinidadian singer Marlon Asher a former church singer, has hit the right note with Ganja Farmer. The song which became a staple with sound system selectors in 2005 has topped several overseas reggae charts including the New York Reggae chart, and the Choice FM Reggae chart in London.

    But just who exactly is Marlon Asher? With his conscious reggae style he cites Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Barrington Levy as some of his musical influences.

    Marlon feels that reggae touches his soul and he wants to communicate that extension of spiritual soulfulness with the world. A gifted musician, Marlon teaches musical arrangement of the steel pan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, to youngster.

    The song Ganja Farmer was derived from an older selection named Ganga Man, which was also written by Asher. Asher maintains that he is not a ganja farmer and that the song does not promote the cultivation or use of the illegal substance. However, he hopes to create awareness for the work that farmers do, and to be mindful, that regardless of their crop, destroying any farm takes away someone’s livelihood.

    Marlon has been performing throughout Trinidad and Tobago and has opened shows for Beenie Man, Maxi Priest and Boyz II Men.
    Marlon is presently working on his debut album with Caribbean Underground Productions in Trinidad.
 

BITS AND PIECES
 
    Bling Dawg’s annual Summer Jam show will take place on July 6. Among the names set to perform are Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Vybz Kartel, Movado, Wayne Marshall, Busy Signal, Idonia, School Boy and others.
 
    Nadine Sutherland has a new single out on the 876 Records imprint. The song Keep Me Safe features a video which was recently directed by Nordia Rose. Additionally, 876 Records has released a new single for singer Chrisinti titled Runnings Run. Both artistes will take the tour bus across the US later this year for the 876 2K6 Summer Tour.
 
    Shaggy’s Wild 2 Nite featuring Olivia has been given a new remix and a new video will be shot, for an international release. The Jamaican born Olivia, who was featured on 50 Cent’s number one hit Candy Shop, can be heard on 50’s latest hit Best Friend.

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