Music

Runkus “99%.”

Runkus’ “99%.” is a trap x dancehall anthem for the rest of us. The lead single from Runkus’ upcoming debut LP, classisHim, “99%.” represents a new musical path for the Jamaican singer known for upful reggae tunes like “Move Yuh Feet” and “Run.” Tackling the global issue of financial inequality from a distinctly Jamaican perspective, Runkus delivers an impassioned yet playful lyrical performance over bouncy, trap-inspired production from fast-rising Jamaican producers iotosh and Kone. Striking just the right balance between serious business and lighthearted fun, “99%.” is truly an anthem for our times.

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Natural High “Be The One” feat. Tessanne Chin

Featuring an all-star cast of top-flight Jamaican talent, Urban Roots II is the sophomore album from Kingston-based production duo Natural High Music. Guests on the project, which updates classic roots reggae vibes and vintage dub style with the sample-based flavors of ‘90s hip-hop include Capleton, Jesse Royal, Wayne Marshall, Royal Blu, Kabaka Pyramid, Tessanne Chin, Keznamdi, Eesah, Indie Allen. The late “Crown Prince” of reggae, Dennis Brown, also makes a posthumous appearance alongside Jesse Royal on “Run Run Run” thanks to a decades-old unreleased vocal track located by the group.

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BRBN “Yo Soy”

Just in time for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City comes “Yo Soy,” a fresh Boricua anthem from Bronx-born singer BRBN (pronounced “Bourbon”). Inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the resilience of BRBN’s fellow Puerto Rican people, “Yo Soy” blends BRBN’s bilingual vocals with a sample-driven beat that’s sure to resonate across cultures and languages.

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Royal Blu “Hype”

Jamaica is on the verge of a new sound: One that is informed equally by the island’s own creations, reggae and dancehall, as it is by hip-hop and all manner of global influence. Stepping boldly into this future comes Royal Blu, whose multi-faceted vocal delivery finds him maneuvering between the roles of a rapper, dancehall deejay and singer. For his second single of 2019, Blu reconnects with beatmaker J.L.L. for “Hype,” a self-assured commentary on the notions of fame, hard work and talent. “Hype” is out now through Delicious Vinyl Island, which will release Royal Blu’s as-yet untitled EP later this year.

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Los Rakas – Manes De Negocio LP

Los Rakas’ LP Manes de Negocio takes it’s listeners on an urban Caribbean expreicnnes, carrying the street sounds of Latinx Trap with records touching the roots Tropicale/Trap/Reggaeton. The majority of the album was Latinx Trap street sounds, however, once they teamed with Adrian L. Miller (Executive Producer of Anderson .Paak, Mereba) he suggested they should integrate all of the Raka sounds; Tropicale/Trap/Reggaeton. Manes De Negocio is colorful with moments that soar such great heights without slighting. Los Rakas weaves through sounds and paints their neighborhood a flagrant rainbow, which boasts confidence equally serene and solid. Guest appearances include Amara La Negra, Jhoni The Voice, I-Majesty, Tree Thomas, CRSB & Youngin Floe.

Yaadcore “Ready Now”

Having cemented his place as one of Jamaican music’s most influential reggae selectors, YAADCORE is now making his mark as an artist with his debut single, “Ready Now.”Co-produced by Yaadcore, Rian Wiliams and Ian McKee, “Ready Now” premiered earlier with Sir David Rodigan on BBC1Xtra. The single is now available on all digital service providers via Delicious Vinyl Island and Yaadcore’s own 12 Yaad Records.

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Los Rakas “Devorame” feat. Amara La Negra

Los Rakas, the California-by-way-of-Panama duo known for their bilingual blend of rap, dancehall and reggaeton, deliver one of their catchiest, most accessible tunes to date in “Devorame,” the second single from their upcoming album, Manes de Negocio (“Men of Business”). Dominican-American songstress Amara La Negra (“Ayy!,” Love and Hip-Hop: Miami) guests on the sexy, intimate reggaeton track, the title of which translates in English to “devour me.” This collaboration from two of Latin music’s most unclassifiable acts is sure to be moving hips in clubs worldwide as the Summer heats up.

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Royal Blu “Style And Pattern”

Two of Jamaica’s brightest young talents connect on this potent showcase of modern reggae with a lyrical, hip hop-flavored twist. Up-and-coming vocalist Royal Blu delivers a rhyme clinic on his latest single “Style And Pattern,” dropping double-time flows over a multi-layered riddim from producer J.L.L.(Kranium, Popcaan). Fans of Damian Marley, Protoje and Koffee will find much to enjoy in the blend of lyrical dexterity and cultured reggae vibes

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Natural High Music x Kabaka Pyramid “Sticks & Stones”

Jamaica’s Natural High Music and Kabaka Pyramid effortlessly blend hip-hop and reggae flavors on “Sticks & Stones”. The song is the third single from Urban Roots II, the upcoming full-length album from Natural High, the Kingston-based production duo behind such tracks as Chronixx’s “Black is Beautiful” and Wayne Marshall’s “Glory to God.”

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Mr. Vegas “Killa Body” feat. Los Rakas

Jamaican music icon Mr. Vegas (“Heads High,” “Bruk It Down”) teams with the Grammy-nominated, Panamanian-American duo Los Rakas for “Killa Body,” an international party anthem blending dancehall with shades of reggaeton and Latin trap. The track, produced by Robertino, pairs Vegas’ signature “singjay” delivery with the West Coast Spanish flows of Los Rakas MCs Raka Rich and Raka Dun, for a lively, cross-cultural celebration of the female form.

“Killa Body” is the latest release from Delicious Vinyl Island, the new Caribbean music imprint from iconic indie label Delicious Vinyl, and a teaser for both Vegas’ upcoming EP on the label as well as Los Rakas’ sophomore LP, Manes de Negocio, coming in May.

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