Those who know reggae’s history, know that Niney the Observer is deeply rooted in the evolution of its sound. Niney came up from the streets with a rebel sound and attitude at a time when recording studios were accessible to the people for the 1st time. (Similar to independent labels sprouting up to reduce dependency on the majors…) Niney launched the Observer label in 1971 with “Blood and Fire” which in turn influenced the music of Big Youth, Burning Spear, The Wailers and more. (I credit Niney for the change in The Wailers’ sound when it became more militant, rebellious and dark – my favorite era of Wailers music.) Niney has worked with many of reggae’s most recognizable names like Lee Perry, Dennis Brown, Beenie Man and Freddie McGregor (father of Steven di Genius McGregor who’s killing it in dancehall today).

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Freddie McGregor is working on his next album, while his son Stephen has been busy in the studio producing a dark series of riddims, such as “Darker Shadow” and “Dark Again.” A handful of major record companies have been vying for Stephen’s signature lately and the producer chose to go with EMI. This will gain him a lot of attention internationally and will open a lot of doors for him to bring his music to his fans. He’s been working on albums for Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul and Elephant Man this year and I hope that he will create a tune or two for his father’s next album. Vibe Magazine recently named Stephen MacGregor a “producer to look out for.” ([More →])

The rest of this year is going to be very kind on the ears with new and “new” reggae releases from Dennis Brown, Ras Shiloh, Israel Vibration, and I-Wayne whose upcoming album features a duet with the legendary LADY G!!! BooYah! ([More →])

The first ever Reggae Rising Music Festival will bring together so many reggae music heavyweights, they better build a rock solid stage to hold them up! ([More →])