Who Is Linton Kwesi Johnson?

Linton Kwesi Johnson, born on 24 August 1952 , is a Jamaican poet whose style of speaking his words over dub reggae music albums, is responsible for what came to be known as Dub Poerty. LKJ came to London in 1963 (aged 11) and starting writing poetry six years later. While still at school he joined the black panthers and simultaneously became involved in both politics and poetry. He became known simply as ‘The Poet’ and, usually in collaboration with British producer Dennis Bovell, Linton became the voice of the black people in Britain. He launched his own music label, LKJ Records, in 1981 and can still be found performing today…30 years on from his debut album.

What Is Dub Poetry?

Dub Poetry is a form of expression whereby the artist speaks, usually in Jamaican Patois, over dub reggae rhythms; it has much in common with Dancehall and Roots Reggae. You will find Dub Poetry a little different though as it is often highly political and tends to focus heavily on social justice. The term ‘Dub Poetry’ was coined to describe the musical style of LKJ just days after the release of his Dread, Beat An’ Blood album.

Dread, Beat An’ Blood?

This is Linton Kwesi Johnsons’ 1978 debut album, which expressed British black experiences like never before; police harrassment, the national front and violence in the black community are all issues he wrote about. Quite simply, this album is brilliant! It took everyone by surprise as LKJ voiced the concerns of a generation and it is amazing how fitting it is still to this day. The release of this album was a significant event both in Britain and beyond.

The album features tracks which include ‘It Dread Inna Inglan (for George Lindo)’, a protest song about George Lindo who was framed for robbery in Bradford before being released and awarded £25,000.

Anything Else?

Why yes….loads…for more Linton Kwesi Johnson please see his discography below.

Live in Paris - Wrasse, 2004
Straight to Inglan’s Head - Univeral, 2003.
LKJ in Dub: Volume 3 - LKJ Records, 2002.
Independent Intavenshan - Island, 1998 (Compilation).
More Time - LKJ Records, 1999.
LKJ A Cappella Live - LKJ Records, 1996.
LKJ Presents - LKJ Records, 1996.
LKJ in Dub: Volume 2 - LKJ Records, 1992.
Tings An’ Times - LKJ Records, 1991.
Dub Poetry - Mango, 1985 (Compilation).
LKJ Live in Concert with the Dub Band - LKJ Records, 1985.
Reggae Greats - Mango, 1984.
Making History - Island, 1983.
LKJ in Dub - Island, 1980.
The Best of Linton Kwesi Johnson - Epic, 1980 (Compilation).
Bass Culture - Island, 1980.
Forces of Victory - Island, 1979.
Dread Beat An’ Blood - Island, 1978

Here is Linton more recently with ‘More Time’

Trinidad and Tobago has begun to nurture its surge of reggae and conscious artists, more in 2008 than ever. In this light, the local reggae anthology can be regarded as the reggae roadblock of the Caribbean.

Due in part to its strategic location, the only island which blocks the Antilles from Latin America; in part to its heavy cultivation of marijuana fields; as well as in part to the reggae and conscious anthology presented by local artists…this island will begin to shine with the emergence of its reggae industry.

With its local humour indicated in the name, the Reggae Road Block is a compilation of the Trinidad local Reggae artists of the Caribbean Music Group label. These artists also perform in small group tours, uptown clubs and large park venue concerts throughout the country- and the compilation is strictly the best of Trinidadian reggae.

Although the local anthology started to grow in popularity late last year, it had been released since late 2006. But as the musicians began touring, performing and being heard, the Reggae Road Block can still be heard during morning traffic in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Road Block includes artists such as Million Voice, Isasha, Prophet Benjamin, Kig David, Mr. King, Ziggy, Royal Daintes, Jah Melody, Cutty and Isaac Blackman. Each and every time I hear the tunes on this album I smile.

I smile because we hear these songs on the way to and from work; I smile because we hear these songs while we smoke; I smile because there is a roadblock three times a week and more on holidays and I smile because I am Trinidadian and I am proud of the talent that hails from my country.

Track Listing:

Track 01 :Pretty Boy - Prophet Benjamin
Track 02 :Don’t You Know - Isasha
Track 03 :Picture of Selassie I - Khari Kill
Track 04 :Oh Laventille - Mr. King
Track 05 :Usual Suspect - Prophet Benjamin
Track 06 :Coming from Moruga - Prophet Benjamin
Track 07 :Politricks - Queen Omega
Track 08 :If I Didn’t Love You - Juicy aka Jah Bami
Track 09 :One Family - Million Voice
Track 10 :Saving All Your Love - King Shom & Prophet Benjamin
Track 11 :Got Something - Benjai
Track 12 :Jesus - Khari Kill
Track 13 :Bad Man - Scientist
Track 14 :Old Dog - Mr. King
Track 15 :Herbalize - Juicy aka Jah Bami
Track 16 :Coming from Bronx - Prophet Benjamin

Article written by Jamie Jaggernauth

I was looking throught my 120 gigs worth of reggae music on my laptop wondering what I can share with you all today when I noticed that there are a few tracks I have with multiple versions of the same song. After having spent the last hour of my life listening to some songs I never even knew existed…I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite reggae remixes.

As you may well know, it is commonplace for artists to offer remix versions of some of their popular tracks; if they don’t do it you can be sure that someone else will! It’s a bit of a mixed bag and I am sure you will all know the originals but as reggae fans we want the remix, right?!

1. Taurrus Riley - Stay With You (John Legend)

2. Wyclef Ft Eve - Your Love (The Outfield)

3. Alicia Keys Ft Junior Reid- No One Reggae Remix

4. Trevor Walters - Stuck On You (Lionel Richie)

5. Singing Melody - Let Me Love You (Mario)

Do you like these remixes? Do you have any that should be featured? Feedback and Comments are always welcome!!

Reggae - [Reg-ay] - noun

a style of Jamaican popular music blending blues, calypso and rock & roll, characterized by a strong syncopated rhythm and lyrics of social protest.

The term was thought to have been coined by Frederick Hibbert of ‘Toots and the Maytals’ in a song entitled ‘Do the Regay’, 1968. Rege meaning ragged! Since then, reggae music has been used as a rather broad term to encompass such a wide range of spin off genres and I wanted to introduce you to the more popular sub-genres that have now become so entwined with the name Reggae.

Ska

The documentary I posted on Reggae History offered a great insight on how Reggae music was born from ska, itself a Jamaican derivative of American Jazz and R & B. Ska is characterised by the leading horns and the ‘Skank’ guitar upstroke on the off beat while the drums keep a 4/4 beat. Following Jamaicas Independance from the UK in 1962, great Reggae artists such as Prince Buster, Derrick Morgan, Desmond Decker, Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, The Skatalites and the Ethiopians produced something that took the country by storm.

Recomended Ska Listening:

The Beatmasters - Train to Skaville

Derrick Morgan - Tougher Than Tough

Desmond Dekker - Pretty African

The Skatalites - Guns Of Navarone

The Gaylads - Soul Sister

Dub

Dub is genre of reggae music that is highly, if not totally, instrumental. It is usually built around the use of electronic remixing equipment to add a number of effects to existing tracks and playing mixing them with a low pitch bass guitar. Dub was very influential in modern dance music and artists the world over will often have a dub version of at least one of thier tracks. Important names to know in the world of Dub are: King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Scientist, Sublime and Augustus Pablo.

Recommended Dub Listening:

Iration Steppas - Locks

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry - Rainy Night Dub

Scientist - The Golden Goal

King Tubby - Waterhouse Rock

Augustus Pablo - Pipers Of Zion

Roots Reggae

Roots Reggae, is undoubtedly the most popular form of reggae today; it is arguably my favourite. With lyrics carrying positive messages, mostly recognised thanks to Bob Marley, roots reggae also speaks of marijuana and Rastafari. Other highly admired roots reggae artists are: Peter Tosh, Horace Andy, Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, and The Abyssinians.

Recommended Roots Reggae Listening:

Culture - Never Get Weary

Johnny Clarke - Crazy Baldheads

U Roy - Natty Rebel

Peter Tosh - Legalize It

Steel Pulse - Chant A Psalm

Lovers Rock

Lovers Rock was popular in the late seventies to the mid eighties and can be characterized by its soft, quiet and somewhat tender musical style, infused with a smooth reggae beat. With Origins highly tied to south London lovers rock is also known as British lovers rock and was essesentially Jamaican reggae artists doing reggae versions of popular love songs. Here are some good examples of Lovers Rock Artists - Janet Kay, Ken Booth, Trevor Walters, Boris Gardener, Sugar Minott, John Holt and Dennis Brown.

Recommended Lovers Rock Listening:

Gregory Isaacs - Loving Pauper

Dennis Brown - Money In My Pocket

Alton Ellis - La La Means I Love You

Sugar Minott - Good Thing Going

Trevor Walters - Stuck On You

Dancehall

Dancehall is a more electronic form of reggae music, with heavily synthesized rhythms or ‘riddims’. Otherwise known as ‘bashment’, dancehall usually involves some highly controversial lyrics and is widely accpeted as the predecessor to modern Hip Hop. Artists to look out for include Elephant Man, Buju Banton,  Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Shaggy, Vybz Kartel, Capleton, Beenieman and Bounty Killer.

Recommended Dancehall Listening:

Wayne Smith - Under Me Sleng Teng

Tanya Stephens - Big Ninja Bike

Mavado - Gangsta For Life

Elephant Man - Pon De River, Pon De Bank

Capleton - Or Wah

Reggae Culture

Reggae Culture is a more modern form of Roots Reggae, with notable artists including Morgan Heritage, Freddie McGregor, Tony Rebel and Sizzla. It is a mixture of methods from both dancehall and reggae, giving emphasis on the singing than the more electric sounds of the dancehall. The message is still that of socially conscious issues and Rastafari practices.

Recommended Reggae Culture Listening:

Morgan Heritage - Don’t Haffi Dread

Freddie McGregor - I See It In You

Sizzla - Dry Cry

Natty King - No Guns Town

Stephen Marley - Mind Control

You could be forgive for thinking that Trinidad & Tobago is a strictly soca music, as it is famous for it’s carnival, soca, calypso, the limbo dance and steelpan. Having a lot of Trini friends, I have been very much influenced by all sorts of Trinidadian music and will cover that later for all those guys who I know read this blog. For now though, I wanted to take a moment to let you know that Trinidad has some wonderful Reggae Artists too. Here are a few Trinis that you really ought to know about!!

Reggae Artist - Positive

Taking influence from the likes of Sizzla, Jah Cure and Richie Spice - Joel Murray aka Positive openly states that Reggae is his first love. From a young age, Positive has always wanted to take his music beyond the shores of Trinidad and Tobago and with early success with the release of his second single ‘Never Let Go’, he has set up Lion Of Judah Records and releaseed a new album which will do just that! Positive is exactly as his name suggests and he looks to spread the word of peace, love and unity with his music. I have attached his hit single ‘never let go’ but if you want to hear more then just head on over to his myspace page here. I highly recommend you listen to the track ‘I Will Survive’.

Reggae Artist - Marlon Asher

The Ganja Farmer! Marlon Asher is a very conscious reggae artist who, much like his mentor Bob Marley, uses his blesses voice to send a message. His first song ‘Ganja Farmer’, though controversial, was a huge hit and is known the world over as a classic. Marlon has a great voice and his music is brilliant. I will not dwell too much here, just go listen. Again, if you like what you hear then go check out further Marlon Asher tracks here.  The track I have chosen to show those who don’t know Marlon already is the powerful track Scandals - dedicated to Kenya, ft Empress Rita and Henry Tigan.

Reggae Artist - Khari Kill

Khari Kill burst onto the reggae scene with a debut single ‘Picture Of  Selassie I’, which went straight to number one in the reggae charts. Another versatile Trinidadian whos humble beginnings in La Horquetta have stuck with him and are often portrayed in his lyrics about poverty and injustice. Combine that with his brilliant lyrical ability and you can see why Khari Kill is a star reggae artist. Listen to ‘Mary Grandson’, ‘Rainy Weather’ and below  ‘Picture of Selassie I’.

Reggae Artist - Prophet Benjamin

A reggae artist from the south of Trinidad and a determined one at that. It took Devon Samuel aka Prophet Benjamin more than ten years to get into the mainstream and he has arrived every bit as if he belongs. With his strong faith and tireless work ethic, Prophet Benjamin is taking the reggae scene by storm. His lyrics are close to the line sometimes, but all in good humour but this should not deter from the fact that Prophet Benjamin is a talented reggae artist in his own right. Recomended listening includes ‘Field Ah Weed’ and ‘Pretty Bwoy’ and below I have posted ‘Adore You’ for your intro to Prophet Benjamin.

Reggae Artist - King David

David Michael Nieves Jr, aka King David, grew up as the youngest of three children and attended a fairly prestigious school in Trinidad before going on to work in a large corporation before deciding to follow his dream. King David started touring the clubs in the US and became somewhat of a local hit when he returned to Trinidad. While King David is not strictly reggae as he is a versatile artist who delivers reggae, dancehall and soca, he is a great talent and you should listen to tracks like ‘Live Here’, ‘Answer to Jah’ and his first hit ‘Everything’.

Music from King David and all the above artists, along with a number of Trinidadian reggae artists, can be found out TriniJungleJuice.

For over 30 years, the legendary Beres Hammond has helped prove that reggae music is a noble music, he enjoys international recognition and is considered the the voice of hope!

The voice of hope, the Jamaican Marvin Gaye or the man with the golden voice, as Bob Marley used to say. Call him what you will - Hugh Hammond Beresford, ‘Beres’, was born in Jamaica in 1955 and went on to be one of the best singer/songwriters Jamaica has known. Since his childhood, Beres Hammond took influence from his father’s collection of American soul and jazz and he later took to music like rocksteady and SKA. He has helped prove reggae music to be a noble form of music and still enjoys worldwide recognition today.

It was a local talent contest which led to his first record, “Wanderer.” Beres then joined a band by the name of Zap Pow, as a lead singer, and went on to release the hit single “system” in 1978. He left Zap Pow in 1979, looking to make it as a solo artist after early success with two early hits - “One step ahead” and “I love” both of which are great tunes and became the catalyst for two more albums in the early eighties. After starting his own record label, Harmony Records, Beres departed Jamaica for a new start in New York, 1987, after thieves ransacked his house leaving him tied up. It was in New York where he recorded the duet “How can we ease the pain” with Maxi Priest.

Beres signed with Penthouse Records in 1990 and returned to Jamaica with the dancehall hit “tempted to touch”. This is one of his most famous songs internationally and featured amongst other hits including “Is this a sign of” and “Respect for You Baby” on his Love Affair album.

Recording five more albums in 1990’s, as well as several collaborations, Beres established himself as one of the leading lovers rock artists. With a total of 19 albums to his name and a list of awards as long as my arm it gives me grat pleasure to include Beres Hammond in mt list of favourite Reggae Artists. I could not leave you without a littel taster of what Mr Hammond is all about. It is hard for me to choose my favourite Beres Hammond tunes but I recommend “Pull It Up” which he recorded with Buju Banton, “Rockaway” which is an all time classic and finally “They Gonna Talk” has to be up there in my all time favourites. He really is the man with the golden voice.

Here is a couple of Beres Tracks for you to enjoy. 1- Lovely Day and 2 - They Gonna Talk. Enjoy!

Beres is still out there doing his thing and below you will find his upcoming dates, if you like what you have heard and you get the chance, I strongly recommend you go and see one of the greatest ever reggae artists.

I was having one of those days (classic reggae tune by Sizzla) yesterday and ended up walking home in the pouring rain. A far cry from the Caribbean I know but, with trusty iPod in hand and plugged in to some really great reggae music, I made it home with a smile on my face. I will often be heard as referring to reggae as ‘happy music’ and for those music lovers (of any genre) out there you will know what I mean. Music is a power that can transport you to any place, it can move you, shake you and take you back in time. With the right tune playing you could be anywhere!

I thought that as a treat I would share with you the 50 top played tracks from my ipod this week. I have tried to link them all so you can have the pleasure of hearing them without having to search hard yourself. I’ll put some of my favourites here too. You don’t have to listen them all at once but keep coming back and picking them off. That’s what this site is all about…what’s that brilliant reggae track I heard? I know….it will be on Reggae-Artists.com

Let me know your favourites. I hope you enjoy!

Jah Cure - Forever

Turbulence - Ex-Girlfriend

Luciano - Over The Hills

Sizzla - Be Strong

Natural Ites - Picture On The Wall

Jah Cure - My Life

Tarrus Riley - She’s Royal

T.O.K - Tears

Junior Kelly - Love So Nice

Marcia Griffiths - I shall Sing

Anthony Hamilton - Everybody

Duane Stephenson - August Town

Pressure - Love and Affection

Shaggy - Bonafide Girl

I-Wayne - Lava Ground

Chuck Fender - I swear

Queen Ifrika - Below The Waist

Beres Hammond - Rockaway

Morgan Heritage - New Time, New Sign

Collie Buddz - Mary Jane

Anthony Cruz - Halfway Tree

Richie Spice - Crying Out

Bob Marley - Jah Live

Errol Dunkley - Happiness Forgets

Freddie McGregor - I See It In You

The reggae scene in Trinidad and Tobago has always been quite prevalent, as Trinidadian music has evolved from simple calypso, to eclectic mixes of reggae, ska and a bit of soca and R&B.

Much like the multi-cultural population itself, the reggae music that emerges from this island is also quite hard to pinpoint.

Such up coming artists such as Isasha, Million Voice, Jamelody and Marlon Asher have all echoed their Rastafarian chant through the Caribbean and have all begun to spread their song throughout the US and UK.

On a global level, there are artists that hail from Trinidad and Tobago; and have been classified as performers on the reggae front. This includes Machel Montano, Kees and the Band and the Orange Sky.

Machel Montano, who has been a soca performer for just over twenty- five years, released his second to last album in time for the 2007 Carnival celebrations. Having revealed his “Book of Angels”, Mr. Montano has re-vamped his soca style for the reggae remix of his number one hit, “Higher than High”. Performing on stage with the internationally renound, Sizzla, Machel has proved that Trinidad can not only make a presence in the soca arena; but can represent for the reggae industry as well, with his kettle drum beats.

Kees and the Band has been performing (with a few name changes) since the 90’s, and front man Kees, has performed with his youth and vibrance throughout Trinidad and the Caribbean, Canada and the UK, has surged the good vibes of reggae music through his 2007 album, “Lion”.

The Orange Sky has also been emergent in Trinidad and Tobago, touring through various locations, and has been one of the first bands to put Trinidad and Tobago on the map for a more ska-type sound. This was most prevalent for the daunting sound of their soulful cover of “Peace Train”.

Just the beginning of the journey, Trinidad and Tobago is making its name on the reggae scene. With young talent and stellar ambitions, these men will carry this small Caribbean nation deep into the reggae jungle.

Written by Jamie Jaggernauth.

I am delighted to introduce to you all my friend and international reggae artist, Daddy Roots. Born a Rasta on April 23, 1977 in North Valley, Anguilla; the youngest of fifteen children. Roots left school at an early age and gained great education in life from the day-to day living in the streets of Anguilla. Roots elaborates:

Nothing comes to you on a platter unless you have a certain position in society. If you are the underdog, you don’t get anything and have to fight for everything.

Daddy Roots’ religion is love - his reaction to anger and hatred is to walk away with love in his heart and a smile on his face. Daddy Roots believes that around the corner of depression lies hope and his songs titles including “Love And Honor“, “I Am At Peace With Myself”, “Walk Away From War”, “ Happiness” and “Moving On” express his philosophy of peace and harmony for everyone.

Daddy Roots left Anguilla in 2002 to pursue his musical dreams and, early that same year, started his first ever tour in the States…..going from the west to the Midwest and hitting clubs like The Independent (San Fransisco), Malibu Inn (Malibu), Belly Up, OC Tavern, West Coast Festivals before heading out for some colleges in the Midwest and onwards to Chicago’s premier reggae club “Wild Hare”. He is also thankful the opportunity to perform in New Orleans before the world was rocked by Katrina.

Roots then got invited to perform at Ghana’s Panafest and Emancipation day in the summer of 2004 and spent a couple of months playing out there and expanded his musical repertoire.

In 2005 Daddy Roots’ song, “Magar Goat”, was in the movie “Broken Flowers” starring Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Sharon Stone and Jessica Lange. “ Magar Goat” was also used in a Canadian TV Lifetime Movie “Fugitive”. He also has a song, “It’s All Good” on the soundtrack of “Rastafarian Dreaming” documentary, an independent film produced in Toronto, Canada and shown around in Reggae Festivals in the United States.

Daddy Roots won BEST REGGAE VOCALIST 2006 at the 16th Annual Los Angeles Music Awards held at the Music Box, Hollywood, where Gwen Stefani and Black Eye Peas got one of their earlier awards from.

In Late 2007 Daddy Roots aka ZKing of Hearts completed a new cutting-edge album, Happiness, featuring the likes of Wailers/Steel Pulse producer Karl Pitterson, St. Maarten producer Connis Vanterpool and West Coast deejay/producer extraordinaire Peter “Peas” McEvilley.

Daddy Roots is now back in North America to promote his latest CD which, since its release, is spreading blessed love throughout the airwaves of North America and the Caribbean. The release was one of the most added CD to radio playlists nationwide according to CMJ’s New World Chart where it still remains a favourite among programmers. Over 60 stations are spinning Daddy Roots now, including non-commercial powerhouses such as WBAI in New York and KPFA in Berkeley where it received Top 10 status. Leading airplay tracks include the timely “Make Love Not War”, which peaked on Mediaguide’s top reggae songs, and the irresistible herbal anthem “Weedy Wop”. “Are You Willin’?” showcases Daddy Roots’ creative depth and many styles which have already shown great promise of crossover potential.

ALBUMS:
2001 “Two Sides of Love-Chapter One”
2002 “Love and Honor”
2003 “All Here Now”
2007 “Happiness (is in your heart)”

Often described as ‘Bob Marley meets Ben Harper’, Roots recently said to me of his own musical influences:

I am blesssed to have met so many positive people. I left my tiny island I have to admit a bit naively because I thought the rest of the world would be as warm as little Anguilla. I got the chance to work with Zion Trains genius Neil Perch in Germany/Croatia and with Tippa Irie in the UK and I tell you he is one of the best human beings…so kind, humble, considerate and professional on top of all that. Pato Banton is another great man who is also a great positive influence in my life. I am honored to call him a friend.

On that note, I am honoured to call Roots a friend and hope you have enjoyed reading about him. Watch out for more too come from this great reggae artist!

If you followed the reggae history series I recently posted then you will already know that the seventies heralded a brilliant time for Jamaican Music. Since ska turned to rocksteady and rocksteady to roots, we saw reggae music being used more and more as a medium to send out a message to the people. The lyrics of this more conscious roots reggae spoke of social issues, poverty and freedom from oppression. Fuelled by religion beliefs and the powers of Marijuana, artists such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh and Horace Andy took reggae music to a whole new level.

I happen to be a really big fan of Roots Reggae and cannot get enough of the relaxing melodies associated with this music. I had to share with you a track that I thought would not only be fairly up to date but one that demonstrates perfectly the messages of Roots Reggae.

Here is Jamaican Reggae Artist, Cocoa Tea, with his recent tune Barack Obama. I am not making this a political post myself but in both the lyrics and the melody, this is a prime example of Roots Reggae.