State of Emergency for Trends

With IRT Ryddimz’s much anticipated 3rd issue finally on display, the IRT Boyz open up a traditionally secluded branch of the music industry to unprecedented audiences. Chronicling Reggae music and culture from a New York City perspective, Ryddimz’s all-exclusive content is highlighted in a format surpassing any other exposure of Reggae and Dancehall in both originality and production, “IRT Ryddimz editing and quality is top notch. I watched it straight through from beginning to end,” says DJ Str8 Heat of Jugglers Soundsation. Adding unparalleled authenticity to this list, the “State of Emergency” DVD continues toraise the bar of sophistication for the genre.

Focused on what’s next, rather than what’s pop, IRT follows Jamaican dancers Black Blingaz during their recent visit to the U.S., as they discuss their single “Simmer Down” and upcoming plans for their group. Ricky Blaze, so named for the fire he has unarguably been bringing to the streets, takes IRT into his production house and explains why his blend of Techno/Pop riddims with a Brooklyn twist are in such high demand by top dancehall artists.

Perhaps the most controversial segment this issue, Reggae phenomenon Shaggy explains his immense success and why he believes there is “no such thing as a dancehall scene in New York.” “State of Emergency” also sheds light on dancehall production powerhouse, Don Corleone Records and two of its most promising artists, Pressure and Alaine, including footage of live performances. Noah “Di Yute With the Power” provides comic relief in a behind-the-scenes visit to popular Brooklyn station, Waah Gwan Radio. Continuously pulling the viewer in closer, IRT’s personal portrayal of the legendary Luciano gives the artist a chance to candidly discuss the hardships of his childhood, what drives his daily inspiration and the sentiment behind his new album “Jah Is My Navigator.”

IRT’s well-known ability to forecast trends brings into view talent underappreciated by commercial media. “Reggae and Dancehall have evolved greatly and IRT Ryddimz reflects that in its timeliness and content,” says music marketing professional Keisha Smith. In line with this hard-earned reputation, “State of Emergency” extends the reach of this powerful subculture and serves as the bridge connecting Dancehall and Reggae to the mainstream. “State of Emergency” is available at www.nyc456.com, www.myspace.com/irtryddimz as well as various points of sale throughout the five boroughs listed on its web presence.

Assassin Sets Aim on new tracks

Assassin has been busy in the studio working on some new material to keep his insatiable fans satisfied. With the production expertise of Daseca Productions, Ward 21 and Don Corleon, his new releases are guaranteed to make you “bump-your-head-to-this-track”.

Same Ting Again is a production of Coby from the Daseca camp and sees Assassin flexing his muscles on a Reggae/Hip Hop fusion. He explores the routines of daily life – ghetto people struggles are never-ending and even though there’s no money, they’re still experiencing problems. Surveillance is another song that is done under Daseca Productions and speaks to those men who are ever keen to their women’s every move.

Badness Nah Wear shows off Assassin’s dexterity where he tackles a serious issue, courtesy of Ward 21. Assassin acknowledges that “Reggae and Dancehall music glorifies guns and violence and it is not the absolute reason for what we see happening in society”. However, he does admit that there is the legitimacy of the “gangsta” factor, where music touts it as fashionable and so with Badness Nah Wear, he completely dispels this idea.

His latest tune with Don Corleon Records, The 1 Way is one that Assassin failed to expound upon. Instead, he cheekily invites his fans to make their own interpretations of the song as he left it open to their imaginations.

His other recordings, Money Machine (featuring Sadiki) and Dem Nah Look Nuh Gal, have been gaining momentum in the streets and have become the theme song of many.

Assassin tries to do songs that are relatable. He uniquely and adequately transforms issues discussed around domino tables and adds his own artistic twist to it. The end-product is an undeniably catchy song that just makes you want to simply, “bump-your-head-to-this-track”.

DON CORLEON APPEARS IN AMERICAN PRIMETIME

Platinum producer extraordinaire Don Corleon is back in the limelight, as the featured guest musician in the hit American television series, Girlicious, airing tonight on the CW Network (9 PM EST).

Donovan Bennett, known to the masses as Don Corleon, has been putting his indelible signature on the top sounds emanating from Jamaica to the world, and is best known for crafting chart-topping tunes for dancehall icons Sean Paul and Elephant Man, but that's just the beginning of his realm. He's produced Billboard hits for pop princess Rihanna, and talented R&B mainstay Keyshia Cole, who regularly treks to Kingston, Jamaica to work with Don in his Vendetta Studios.In fact, Don reveals the track featured on Girlicious was first composed for Cole. "I made it for Keyshia's last album but it didn't make it, but Ron Fair at Geffen Records loved the track and wanted to save it for something good. So I got the call and went to L.A. (Los Angeles) last year and we did the show."

The featured song on tonight's episode of Girlicious is titled "Leave You Alone," with music by Don Corleon and lyrics by Pressure, who just saw the release of his second album, Love & Affection, on the Don Corleon Records label.The Corleon track was used as the centerpiece in a vocal expression challenge for the girls, who are competing to become the next Pussycat Dolls, a female burlesque singing act that eventually landed a record deal, which made them and their lead singer Nicole Scherzinger household names.

Click here to view the clip as Nicole joins Don Corleon in the Geffen Records studio to teach the girls, and the millions who tune in tonight, how music is properly done.

Also, click here to listen to the latest productions from Don Corleon, before you see it on TV!