“King of Kings” Will Celebrate Two-Year Anniversary with Determine and Local Selectors

4/9/04

The night of Sunday, April 18, 2004 will be a milestone for DJ and promoter, Yaro Ayam-Ephram “DJ Smoky” DeSmidt. His Sunday club night, “King of Kings” at Berkeley’s Shattuck Down Low Lounge began two years ago as a grassroots effort, bringing together DJs and fans who loved reggae and dancehall music and culture. The Sunday night event has grown into an East Bay staple, consistently solid week after week, thanks to DJ Smoky’s hard work and determination.  Read more... (952 words + 2 images)

CD Review: Bushman, Signs

4/16/04

On April 13, 2004, VP Records released the latest CD from conscious “Nyah Man,” Bushman, entitled “Signs.” Label reps are pushing the CD hard, a noticeable difference from Bushman’s 1997 debut on VP, “Nyah Man Chant,” when he, along with other upcoming artists, were disappointed with the label’s treatment, or rather neglect, of lesser known artistes.  Read more... (603 words + 2 images)

Haitian Rapper Justeece

4/9/04

Justeece

Tagged as the Caribbean’s most impoverished and troubled nation, Haiti has seen all the ferocity its streets have to offer. Poverty has reigned simultaneously with President Aristide, dragging with it the usual desperate costs of violence, starvation and struggle that recently led to the revolt that drove him out.  Read more... (485 words + 1 image)

CD Reviews: The Boot Box April 04

4/16/04

Wailing Souls: At Channel One [Pressure Sounds, 2003]

Rating: A  Read more... (3486 words + 8 images)