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I-OCTANE IN DEFENSIVE MODE

Kingston Jamaica - Singjay I-Octane has released two brand new singles and they both share one thing in common — his staunch support! In Wah Money on the Ja Productions label he adds his voice to the poor as he chants “politician come back fi unno gun dem ... a more money fi di slum dem, ghetto youths better than big rifle, ghetto youths nuh wah fi dead... before segueing into the chorus of “The people dem wah money, di people dem need money..” The song is another intense look at the stark reality of ghetto livity. The Digicel Brand ambassador shows his insight into the plight of suffering youths on this one. A while back the singjay stirred some controversy with his hugely popular ganja-loving song Puff It ... well the Good Good Productions’ Bun It and Laugh could easily be dubbed part two. In this one I-Octane doesn’t hold back his fondness for the herb that “give him a charge”. After listening the only thing to say is “gi mi di light!” Listening to the two singles there is no doubt that they have the makings to follow in the steps of their predecessors such as Lose A Friend and My Life. The videos for Wah Money and Bun It and laugh will be done by Scorpio 21 no strangers to working with him as they also did My Story, Jiggle Fi Mi and L.O.V.E. Y.O.U. The singjay is definitely on a roll and there seems to be no end where his creativity is concerned. Coming hot from a performance at Great Adventures in New Jersey alongside Barrington Levy and Mavado - a week after being released from hospital he will now set his sights on Dominica where he will perform for the first time this Sunday, August 26.

ASID REIGNZ MUSIC PRESENTS… ‘SPEAK OUT RHYTHM’

Produced by: Major Riddimz

Mixed by: Andre ‘Suku’ Gray

A&R: Michael Palmer

Executive Producer: Ian Dyer

The ‘Speak Out’ rhythm is indeed an exciting one, and features 10 lively tracks, which predominantly addresses the females, describing in most instances, male/female relations and sexual prowess. However, there were at least three tracks that opted to run from the norm and highlight different topics, ranging from bad mind to gangsters, the latter seeking to discourage violence.

The ‘the doctor’ Beenie Man’s Mr. Feel Good, immeiatey gets the vibe jumping, as he sings about his date with a female, declaring, ‘she sey she neva know mi woulda touch ar suh good…she neva know a me name Mr. Feel Good.’

Mr. Easy’s Hotta Dan Dem is again geared towards the females as he encourages females not to listen to the ‘bag a chat’, because ‘dem cyan stop yuh ting outta road’.

However, Konshens shifts gears in his Hot City song which appeals to the gangsters, ‘a nuh everytime yuh haffi prove sey yuh bad…moretime yuh haffi easy an jus let God lead the way.’ This is indeed a change from what listeners have come to expect from Konshens.

Spragga Benz, however, jumps right back into the dominant ‘girls tune’, as he declares, Gyal Ah Call Mi Name, before Esco and Fresha Dan instructs How To Love.

Tek Style’s Dem Nuh Like Yuh offers a similar message to Mr. Easy’s Hotta Dan Dem, which would more describe a ‘wifey-matey’ situation and the possible confrontations that may arise.

In Nuh Response, it was inevitable that two of the biggest stars featured on the rhythm, Spragga Benz and Mr. Easy, collaborate. But no surprise here, as the two are all about the females.

Gappy Ranks had no problem singing about Ugly Face, as he says, ‘ask dem who an who a run di place again?’

Mr. Easy returns for the third and final time on the rhythm with a track called Badmind Prayer which seems to be a topic that is almost just as prolific in the dancehall as ‘girl tunes’ and ‘gangster tracks’.

 Esco and Fresha Dan rounds out the rhythm with How Fi Wuck, and no surprise here, it’s another ‘girls tune’…this one a little more explicit in both the song’s title (which has been altered for press) and the actual lyrics. Nevertheless, this is one of the tracks that will definitely have the females gyrating and behaving badly in the dancehall.

Overall, the Speak Out rhythm offers a good listen and will be one to create a stir in the dancehall, as it has that ‘feel good’ vibe to it and there’s never a dull moment.

Track Listing:

1.    Mr. Feel Good - Beenie Man

2.    Hotta Dan Dem – Mr. Easy

3.    Hot City – Konshens

4.    Gyal Ah Call Mi Name – Spragga Benz

5.    How Fi Love – Esco & Fresha Dan

6.    Dem Nuh Like Yuh – Tek Style

7.    Nuh Response – Mr. Easy & Spragga Benz

8.    Ugly Face – Gappy Ranks

9.    Badmind Prayer – Mr. Easy

10. How Fi Wuck – Esco & Fresha Dan

‘EXPECT SOMETHING SPECIAL AT SUMFEST’ – I-OCTANE

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - Sumfest 2011 for I-Octane was a special one for both he and his fans as the artiste literally almost set the venue afire! 
This year, he’s back and just what will happen … that’s left to be seen on Dancehall Night, Thursday, July 19 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment complex in Montego Bay. 
The artiste has been blazing a trail leading up to the big night by his dominance on the local charts. 
Last week at the Music Industry Awards the Digicel Brand Ambassador copped two awards — Singjay of the Year and Prince of Reggae. 
At the 2012 staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) I-Octane beat out tough acts such as Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Luciano, Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica to  to cop the award for Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer. 
“I have worked really really hard and the awards are like of acknowledgement of what I was doing,” the singjay said about the accolades.
Commenting on his upcoming Sumfest performance he said he can’t wait. “Trust me, I think I have matured a whole lot more over the past year and I am eager to show my fans that. They can expect something really special from me,” he said. 

Damian Marley, I-Octane shine at St Kitts Jazz Fest

The St Kitts Jazz and Blues Festival has come and gone but lingering in the minds of those who went are some of the scintillating performances that unfolded.
Friday, June 29 performers are no doubt some of the artistes enjoying rave reviews from patrons.
Scheduled to begin at 9:00 pm it was an hour late. Things kicked off with Ruff Kutt taking the stage to back Jamaica musical comedian Lovindeer. He was in his element having patrons cracking up with his facial expressions and witty lyrics.
Mr Festival Eric Donaldson brought back sweet memories as he injected the festival spirit into the venue singing songs such as Cherry Oh baby, but it was the on festival songs that had the fans singing away with him like Lonely Nights and Living On Free Food Ticket.
Following a band change it was time for British saxophonist Courtney Pine who showed why he is rated among the best.
Next up was Digicel’s brand ambassador I-Octane who just seems to get better with every performance.
It was heightened excitement when he took the stage at Warner Park backed by Ruff Kutt. He blasted on stage with No Love Inna Dem — that was certainly not an issue with his fans in St Kitts though as they gave that aplenty to him.
Nah Wash, Some Bwoy Too Licky Licky were some of the other numbers he performed before calling up a female fan to do Once More.
The singjay closed off his half-hour long set with Puff It and love di vibes — but the fans would have none of it as he had to take back the stage to sing Puff It again and he also did badmind fi the year and thank you father!
Following a strong set as the one he delivered it took a group like Morgan Heritage to keep the energy flowing - that they did and then some.
Pop Caan was next and his act turned out to be sole blur on the night as he failed to ignite the estimated 8,000 patrons. Performing on tracks did not help his cause any.
Closing act Damian Marley made up big time when he took center-stage. Energy revitalized he immediately set about getting the crowd involved in a sing-along to songs such as Affairs of the Heart, Welcome To Jamrock and In Too Deep.
The Marley heir brought the curtains down on the event in superb style. 

I-OCTANE GEARS UP EXCITING TOUR FINALE

• Looking forward to Sumfest

Kingston Jamaica - Singjay and Digicel Brand Ambassador I-Octane is eagerly anticipating the climax of his tour which saw him making stops in places such as Canada, parts of Europe and in the United States. 
It has been a busy season for the artiste with some impressive achievements under his belt. Not the least of which being four number one songs since the start of the year – Burn Dem Bridge, LOVE YOU, Jiggle Fi Me and Love Di Vibe.
Topping the charts has not been the only accomplishment for the artiste he has also signed a two year contract with Guinness for the Caribbean; he has represented the Digicel brand so well that he also resigned on for the second year straight.
With slow sales of reggae albums generally I-Octane managed to penetrate the lazy market with his debut album Crying To The Nation earning rave reviews in the process from music industry magazines Vibe, MTV Iggy and The New York Times. It also premiered in the number 7 position on Billboard Reggae Chart.
When it comes on to finding hits the singjay seem to have the midas touch – his latest single Who A Fool Dem on the Hell and Powder House riddim is proof of that. It has not been released a month yet and already it is receiving massive airplay on the airwaves and in the dancehalls.
Come Friday, June 29 the busy artiste will bring the curtain down on his tour at the St Kitts Jazz and Blues Festival.
“I have something special planned for my fans. I’m always at my best … but it’s jazz and blues – so you know it’s gotta be something extra,” he teased.
His next major assignment will be Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night on July 19 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.
His performance last year dominated the headlines – the ‘My Life’ artiste is promising another ‘wow’ moment for fans. 

BUSY SIGNAL PLEADS NOT GUILTY

POPULAR Jamaican deejay Busy Signal, pleaded not guilty to one count of failure to appear in court yesterday.

Busy Signal, whose real name is Glendale Gordon, is accused of fleeing the US to avoid a drug trial a decade ago

Gordon could face up to five years in prison if convicted on that count. He was ordered detained pending his trial.

He was charged in February 2002 with two counts related to cocaine trafficking. He fled before his trial was to begin in Minnesota and has been a fugitive for the past decade, Assistant US Attorney Andrew Dunn, said in court.

Busy Signal was detained by authorities in London last month who suspected he was traveling with false documents, including a passport that listed a different name. He was allowed to fly to Kingston, Jamaica, and was arrested at the airport there.

Gordon waived his right to an extradition hearing.

The cocaine charges still exist, but because of extradition treaties, any future prosecution on those counts would have to be worked out between the Jamaican and US governments.

Gordon's attorney, Bill Mauzy, said in court that the US doesn't have jurisdiction to prosecute Gordon on the drug charges.