CD Review: Various, Strictly the Best, Vol. 25

Various Artists
[VP Records]

Some of the biggest dancehall nuggets from last year have been assembled on VP Records’ annual “Strictly the Best” series. Volume 25, which was released in November, continues in the same vein as its predecessors–hype and entertaining.

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Reasoning with Norris Man

Norris Man walks into a room and you feel his energy. The type of energy that A&R reps call “it.” The “it” that packages chiseled looks, talent, youthful exuberance, and fervent spirituality. His energy acts as a magnet, drawing people towards him, hanging on his every word as if he were the wise sage just down from the mountain. Although his face displays a youthful innocence, the combination of curiosity, life experience and hardship smolders underneath the surface. Born in the Kingston ghetto of Trenchtown as Christopher Campbell, Norris Man has had a hard journey, but has persevered. For the 27-year old, the “it” has been a long time coming.  Read more... (3520 words + 4 images)

Mikey Dread at the Ashkenaz Community Center, Berkeley, California

by Matty Tice

November 19, 2000

The legendary Mikey Dread was at the controls November 19th at Berkeley’s Ashkenaz (visit www.ashkenaz.com), backed by the solid roots sounds of Wadi Gad and Jahbandis. Opening the show was the Bay Area’s own Wadi Gad, who heated up the dance with his original brand of conscious reggae. At midnight, Wadi Gad put down the microphone and took to the drum kit to lay the foundation for one of the most influential innovators in Reggae music, Michael “Dread” Campbell.  Read more... (377 words + 3 images)

Soca in a Rage

Featuring Anslem Douglas and Drupatee

at Casino San Pablo, San Pablo, CA
November 18, 2000

Woof-woof! H.A. Productions let the dogs out in the Bay Area at the “Soca In a Rage” concert on November 18, 2000 at the Casino San Pablo, in San Pablo, CA. Headlining the show was Trinidad soca star Anslem Douglas, who originally wrote and produced the huge hit “Who Let the Dogs Out?” The concert’s co-star was Drupatee-the Queen of Chutney music-who scored a big soca hit this year with the song “Real Unity,” a duet with Machel Montano.  Read more... (1838 words + 8 images)