Made In Jamaica

I watched this film last night and thought it was pretty good man. 

I liked Elephant Man on stage where he gets a skinny white man up on stage with him, when he is on tour in Europe, to get down and dirty with some women from the audience – one of them he calls “Lady Elephant”. 

Photo by luvey010677

I also liked the shots of Bounty Killer but desperately wanted to hear more from Lady Saw, Tanya Stephens and Vybz Kartel.  There was a bit too much old time reggae for my liking.

The film was a mix between documentary and social commentary on ghetto life and how it fuels the musical talent and also part slick music video staged shots going on. 

I would have filmed a more rough and ready version with a faster turnaround – most the the tracks were old old old – the thing was recorded in 2006 and only just showing now. 

But it had great music including Gregory Isaacs singing Denham Town as a funeral passes by and great scenic shots – cinematography was perfect. 

The start showed Bogle dancing and then how he got shot.

 

I interviewed Elephant Man at a club one time and he was really hating on John Hype before that shooting so there was a lot of animosity going around at that time.  RIP Bogle. 

 

Gaza or Gully?

Photo by h-sinc

Rather than paintings of Haile Selassie on the walls in Kingston, you are more likely to see tags saying Gaza or Gully right now.

Photo by amataiclaudius

The battle going on between dancehall artist, Vybz Kartel (who’s uncompromising and tough sound from the streets gives him the Gaza tag) and Movado – the singjay, a cross between DJ and singer – better known as the Gully God because of the place he comes from in Kingston- Cassava Piece, with its’  huge gully running through it.  This photo is not Cassava Piece, but just in case you’re wondering what a gully looks like.

So Gaza or Gully?

I have said on this blog before, that I am long standing Kartel fan, but I was feeling Movado more.  But there’s been a turnaround.  Kartel is back on top.  I’m really feeling his track, Money on My Mind and even ramping shop I was liking that.   But will musical battle spill over into violence?  I don’t reckon so, but with the mix of social problems that inner city Kingston has, I can understand why some might be worried.  Are you?

Vybz Kartel and Spice

Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel has done a photoshoot with female artists Spice and the photos are unbelievably raunchy.  It is so shocking!  They must be closer than just a singing collaboration – the rumour is that Spice’s boyfriend was not happy with them (would not blame him at all).  I am not going to put any of these photos on my blog but you can see them here.

The song is called Ramping Shop and you can hear it here.

It is XXXXXX rated, so I’m warning you now – don’t click the link if you are easily offended.

I don’t actually think it’s that good myself.  It’s like he’s trying too hard to get to the next level.  I used to love Kartel the most, but he’s really lowering a lot in my estimation.  Long live Movado!!!