Jamaican Descent Rapper, Biggie Small, is No. 1 on the BBC Greatest Hip Hop Songs List
In a BBC Music poll of the best hip-hop songs of all time, rapper Biggie Small was selected No. 1 for his “Juicy” single in a poll of more than 100 critics in over 15 countries as No. 1. The American artist, aka The Notorious B.I.G. to fans, captured the interest of rap and hip-hop […]
Reggae Superstar Buju Banton’s 24-Year-Old Album Certified Gold by RIAA
The name Buju Banton is a familiar one to any fan of reggae and dancehall music. The artist recently had the satisfaction of seeing his “Til Shiloh” album certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America – 24 years after its release. Professionals in the music industry cite two primary factors in the album’s […]
Did you Know Jamaica Gave the World the Air Horn You Hear in Today’s Music?
The sound of a portable air horn can be heard at sports events, concerts, raves, and broadcast media. What was utilized as an audience communication device in Jamaican dancehall music became a staple in hip hop and reggae. The popularization of the air horn can be attributed to New York’s Hot 97 Radio DJ, Luis […]
Jamaican Artist, Spragga Benz, Makes Music History at Spotlight Series
Jamaican music artist, Spragga Benz, made history on Oct. 3, 2019 when he became the first reggae/dancehall artist to be featured in the Grammy Museum Experience’s Spotlight Series. Held at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, the legendary artist performed many of his biggest hits from a career spanning more than 30 years. He also […]
Bob Marley’s London Home gets Blue Heritage Plaque
The music of legendary reggae artist, Bob Marley, affected the lives of people around the world and now the house in west London he shared with the Wailers in 1977 is getting its own recognition. An English Heritage blue plaque was recently installed at 42 Oakley Street in Chelsea where Marley recorded his famous “Exodus” […]
“Life’s Too Short to Worry About Feeling Guilt Or Regret” — A Conversation with “Paradise Plum” Singer Naomi Cowan
Naomi Cowan is an international singer and songwriter who has performed in Jamaica, Trinidad, New York, Toronto, and Miami. She was raised by reggae music producer, songwriter, and former road manager for Bob Marley, Tommy Cowan and reggae artist Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan, OD. In 2019, her hit “Paradise Plum” brought her to the top of […]
New York Times Article Features Four Women Changing Jamaican Dancehall Music
The New York Times published a feature about the changes occurring in Jamaican dancehall. This genre of music is known for its provocative style of explicit sexual content and its hard-core approach that has been dominated by male musicians. There were a few female dancehall artists performing in the 1980s and 1990s, including Lady Saw, […]
Jimmy Cliff Names His Five Favorite Albums in Rolling Stone Interview
Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae legend and star of the iconic 1970s film “The Harder They Come,” named his five favorite reggae albums in an interview with Rolling stone magazine in which he also discussed the new-50-year anniversary of the film and its release on Blu-ray disc. “The Harder They Come” put Jamaican’s film industry and […]
The Top 100 Reggae Songs From 1962 – 2019
Jamaica gained independence in 1962 and about that time reggae music emerged. Reggae music has influenced the world and even started a few other genres of music. Over the years on my Saturday radio show, Reggae Voyage With Madman Donovan, on WESU 88.1FM, I compiled a list of songs from requests from listeners and past […]
15 Best Bob Marley Romantic Songs
A unique voice in the music industry was silenced when legendary Jamaican reggae artist and pioneer, Bob Marley, lost his battle with skin cancer in 1981. He’s known around the world for music that advocated for freedom, social justice, political protest, and righteous revolution. The artist also sang about love in all its many forms, […]