02
Fri, May

Entertainment

Photo credit: Contributed from Official IG Page

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the DMV was treated to an unforgettable night, courtesy of Event Fanatics and their unmatched catalog of must attend events. The annual Dimensions event, known for delivering unforgettable experiences, exceeded every expectation this year with the DMV debut of breakout dancehall artist NeeQah, live at the Buena Vista Ballroom in Jessup, Maryland.

The stage was set for greatness with a lineup of powerhouse DJs: Sonic 71 featuring the incomparable TJ, the electrifying FreshBreeze, and the dynamic DJ Ablaze. From the first drop to the final beat, the night pulsed with pure musical excellence.

As we walked in the door, DJ Ablaze was masterfully wrapping up his first set, weaving a blend of dancehall vibes that kept the early crowd engaged. His keen ear and ability to curate momentum showcased his craftsmanship and set the tone for the night ahead.

Next up was TJ of Sonic 71. TJ entered the stage like a seasoned gladiator, launching his set with an irresistible wave of soca anthems. The room was instantly electrified — bodies moving, smiles lighting up faces. His precision in selecting feel-good rhythms created an atmosphere of pure euphoria, reminding everyone why Sonic 71 is revered throughout the region. TJ’s ability to command the crowd with infectious energy and seamless transitions made his segment a glowing highlight early in the night.

Following the sonic storm of soca, FreshBreeze took control and elevated the momentum even further. With a natural charisma and a refined ear for what the crowd needed, FreshBreeze orchestrated an experience that had the ladies confidently strutting to the dance floor, answering the call of the music. Their selections were perfectly curated — an intoxicating blend of hits and hidden gems that brought everyone into the moment. FreshBreeze's ability to connect deeply with the crowd made it clear why they are considered one of Baltimore’s premier musical forces today.

Then, the inimitable DJ Ablaze returned to the forefront, unleashing an absolute masterclass in crowd engagement. Opening with Meek Mill’s "Dreams and Nightmares," Ablaze ignited the venue in a collective eruption. When the legendary hook dropped, the entire ballroom transformed into a roaring choir, voices united in raw energy and celebration. Ablaze's instinct for building a set was flawless — each transition was a calculated strike, increasing the energy with surgical precision. As he steered into the apex of his set, he delivered a knockout blow by dropping Jamal’s “Time”, a track that sent shockwaves through the crowd, earning the largest forward of the night for him. The walls themselves seemed to vibrate from the sheer force of the response — a true reflection of Ablaze's exceptional talent and mastery in commanding the crowd.

With the energy at a fever pitch, the moment arrived: NeeQah’s highly anticipated performance. Making her official DMV debut, NeeQah took the stage like a queen stepping into her rightful throne. She held the audience with a natural and undeniable charm — each note she sang was delivered with precision, passion, and undeniable star power. As she ran through a medley of her signature tracks, the crowd was entranced, hanging onto every word, every movement.

NeeQah concluded her set with her anthem, "Gifted," a song celebrating feminine power, grace, and allure with intoxicating pride. The ladies in the building sang along in unison, their voices rising as one to affirm their worth and their blessings. "Gifted" seductively pays homage to the divine beauty and sacred strength of a woman’s essence. The moment was both empowering and electrifying — a shining example of NeeQah’s ability to connect and uplift through her artistry. Her performance solidified her status as an undeniable force on the rise in dancehall.

To close the night on the highest of highs, FreshBreeze returned to seal the night with a spectacular final set. Turning up the energy one last time, FreshBreeze unleashed a flurry of gal tunes, creating a perfect atmosphere of flirtation, celebration, and pure dance floor magic. Their ability to tap into the pulse of the ladies in the room and keep the party’s spirit soaring confirmed what many already know — FreshBreeze stands firmly among Baltimore’s elite selectors.

From start to finish, Dimensions was nothing short of monumental. Every moment contributed to a night that transcended the ordinary and delivered a truly legendary experience. Massive congratulations to Event Fanatics for curating an evening that showcased the very best in talent, energy, and authentic Caribbean culture.

Follow NeeQah and Event Fanatics on IG.

When we say vibes, it's an understatement. DJ Bill Vibez’s Annual Birthday Celebration under the powerful theme Image Is Everything was an event that will live long in the memory of everyone who passed through. With a star-studded lineup featuring the legendary Boka Jagga B from Afrique, Unstoppable from NJ, Dr. Dre Movements, and Flava Roots Sound, this event was nothing short of magical.
 
As we entered the venue in Baltimore, MD, it was clear we were stepping into greatness. From early, you could hear Dr. Dre Movements setting the tone the real and proper way. His selections were electrifying, with the crowd rocking from left to right, giving forwards to almost every tune he dropped. The vibes were thick in the air, setting the pace for an unforgettable night.
 
Following Dre, Unstoppable took to the stage. While his segment had some energy, it leaned a bit more toward engaging the crowd for money pull-ups rather than pure juggling. Some patrons even shouted for more music and less talking. However, to be fair, Unstoppable still managed to keep a certain level of energy flowing and showed his passion for the mic, even if the execution didn’t land fully with the crowd that night.
 
Then came Jagga B, and the entire atmosphere shifted instantly. Jagga B, true to his legendary Afrique roots, took us all on a beautiful journey back to the 90s. From anthems to dubplates, it was a golden era experience! If you lived through that time in dancehall, your heart would have been full. Bere fire! This was when the event officially shifted gears — and it never looked back.
 
In a grand and stylish entrance, Jagga B introduced the man of the hour, DJ Bill Vibez, who absolutely embodied the Image Is Everything theme. Dressed in a fitted olive green and black suit, paired with darkas, Bill Vibez stepped out looking sharper than a razor! His appearance was a clear reflection of excellence and pride — standing tall, confident, and every bit the star of the night.
 
Afrique continued to serenade the crowd, taking us deeper into nostalgia. For those who understood the richness of that era, it was a pure blessing. Forwards were fired from every corner of the room, as every tune struck a sweet chord with the patrons.
 
Flava Roots Sound, featuring Karbyne and Jahsung, was up next, and to say they delivered is still putting it lightly. Having heard these two work in tandem for years, last night was something different — something divine. There was a new inferno in them that ignited the dance floor, and the energy they generated was on a different Richter scale! Karbyne's seamless juggling, fused with Jahsung's razor-sharp MC skills, kept the momentum soaring. They received multiple forwards, and deservedly so. It was artistry at its finest — professional, polished, and powerful!
 
To close out the night, Dr. Dre Movements returned to the controls. And people, if you weren’t there, you missed a night of pure fireworks. Dre blazed the place with an intensity that words can hardly capture. His juggling was masterful, weaving in and out of rhythms like a true virtuoso. But when Dre went into the belly of the juggling and dropped Vybz Kartel’s "Box Lunch" on the Wul Dem Again Riddim, the entire place lifted up!!! The roar from the crowd was immaculate — a real, authentic uproar that shook the walls! And when he transitioned into Alkaline's "One Inna Dem Head", the energy surged even higher, with tables being banged and the crowd losing all sense of inhibition! The thermometer could not even measure the levels of fire Dre unleashed. Lights came on, but the crowd still wanted more — a true testament to the unforgettable night he orchestrated. Dr. Dre’s masterful set reaffirmed that true artistry and experience transcend trends — a seasoned selector doesn’t need the latest hits to ignite an event!
 
This event was more than just a party — it was a celebration of culture, realness, and excellence. Bill Vibez, a realist who has never been shaky and has always moved solid, once again proved why real recognize real. Congratulations, Bill Vibez, on a phenomenally successful event! Your hard work, authenticity, and dedication shone through every detail.
 
This one is definitely going down in the books!
 
 
 

Big moment for the culture — Vybz Kartel is officially back in New York after more than 20 years, and he didn’t just come back quietly. Last night, he lit up the Barclays Center for his first show back on U.S. soil, and let me tell you, it was something special.
 
This event was brought to life by none other than CJ Milan — a prominent concert promoter extraordinaire who's been making major waves in the culture. She didn’t just organize a show, she curated a historic moment. The energy in the building? Unreal. People came from all over, just to witness history. The man touched the stage and ran through the hits like he never left — classics, new joints, everything. You could feel how much it meant to the fans and to dancehall as a whole. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a celebration of resilience, legacy, and straight up greatness.
 
And the best part? He’s doing it all over again tonight for night two. If you missed the first one, tonight’s your shot to catch a piece of history in the making. Brooklyn is the center of the dancehall universe right now, and Vybz is showing exactly why his name still rings bells around the world.
 
This isn’t just a return. It’s a statement.
 
Follow @cjmilan and @vybzkartel on IG

RECAP: THE DMV ROAD TO I-OCTANE CUP CLASH – A NIGHT OF SOUND WAR SUPREMACY! 

Bowie, MD was the epicenter of sound clash culture this past Saturday, March 29, 2025, as Revo Entertainment & Tek 9 Promotions delivered a thrilling, high-energy battle that had patrons on edge from start to finish. The venue was jam-packed with die-hard clash fans, all eager to witness history unfold in the DMV Road to I-Octane Cup Clash.

The air was electric, and the anticipation was high as five formidable sounds—Polo International, Jah Sound, Trinity Sound International, Gangsta Shack International, and Lion Vibes International—stepped into the war zone. Each sound came fully armed with exclusive custom dubplates, razor-sharp selections, and a hunger to conquer. But when the dust settled, one sound stood victorious—Trinity Sound International. The Guyanese-born, DMV-built clash warriors defied expectations, proving once and for all that their dub box is deep, their skillset is unmatched, and their presence in the arena is downright fearless. Now, they move on to New York to represent the DMV at the prestigious I-Octane Cup Clash.

BREAKDOWN OF THE CLASH 

Round 1 – The Warm-Up
The first round served as an introduction to the war ahead. Each sound got a chance to flex their musical arsenal, setting the tone for what was to come. With no eliminations in this round, it was all about feeling out the crowd and establishing dominance. The energy was palpable, and the audience was locked in, ready for war.

Round 2 – The First Elimination
The second round turned up the heat, and each sound came in swinging.

  • Lion Vibes International played a wicked custom dub by Lady Flame, which got a strong response from the crowd. However, despite this moment, their overall performance didn’t resonate as powerfully, and they found themselves struggling to maintain momentum.

  • Polo International, the youngest competitor, refused to be overlooked. He commanded attention, rinsing out some heavy Masicka dubs, receiving thunderous forwards in return.

  • Jah Sound surprised many by holding their own, unleashing a lethal combination of Bounty Killer and Beenie Man dubs, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

  • Trinity Sound International came in like seasoned war generals, dropping custom Bounty Killer and Buju Banton dubplates that had the venue erupting in massive forwards. Doubters were quickly silenced.

  • Gangsta Shack International also brought the heat, ensuring the competition knew they weren’t here to play, securing strong forwards from the audience.

Elimination: After the hand vote, Lion Vibes International was counted out.

Round 3 – The Battle Intensifies
The clash warriors continued their relentless pursuit of victory.

  • Polo International started strong but faced a momentary dip with some of his selections, receiving boos. However, he quickly recovered, proving he belonged in the battlefield.

  • Jah Sound returned with undeniable energy, dropping more Bounty and Buju dubs, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep them in the competition.

  • Trinity Sound International came in with relentless power, maintaining their dominance and carrying the momentum from earlier rounds. Their dubplates hit hard, leaving the crowd in awe and securing them multiple forwards. Trinity's fearless execution left no doubt that they were here to win, continuing to set the stage for a dramatic final showdown.

  • Gangsta Shack International also delivered a solid performance in Round 3. His dubplates were heavy, his selections on point, and the crowd responded positively, sending strong forwards his way. Gangsta Shack showed no signs of slowing down, continuing to fight for his place in the competition as the battle raged on.

Elimination: After another intense hand vote, Jah Sound was sent home.

Round 4 – The Warzone Narrows
With three sounds left, the competition reached new heights.

  • Trinity Sound International came in fully charged, delivering a monumental performance that shook the venue. The forwards were relentless, leaving many stunned by the precision and firepower they brought to the round.

  • Gangsta Shack International received some decent forwards, but his round lacked the explosive impact needed to secure a top spot. The boos at the end sealed his fate.

  • Polo International had moments of brilliance, receiving massive forwards early on. A few selections caused a dip, but he fought back, ensuring he wasn’t underestimated.

Elimination: The votes were cast, and Gangsta Shack International was eliminated.

Final Round – The Tune Fi Tune Showdown
With only two sounds remaining—Trinity Sound International and Polo International—the stage was set for a legendary showdown.

In a best of five tune fi tune battle, the crowd was hanging on to every intro, every riddim, every lyrical attack. The tension was intense, but in the end, Trinity Sound International proved to be superior, delivering the most lethal selections and securing a decisive victory.

THE CHAMPIONS – TRINITY SOUND INTERNATIONAL!

Against all odds, Trinity Sound International proved why they are elite war generals. Born in Guyana, built in the DMV, and forged in the fire of sound clash warfare, they demonstrated fearlessness, strategy, and an undeniable mastery of the art. Many underestimated them, but they didn’t realize that Trinity’s dub box was deep, their executions were precise, and their hunger for victory was insatiable.

Now, they move on to New York to represent DMV at the I-Octane Cup Clash, carrying the DMV’s legacy on their shoulders.

BIG UP TO ALL PARTICIPANTS & PROMOTERS!

This clash was nothing short of spectacular. Every sound brought their A-game, making it a night to remember. Big up to Revo Entertainment & Tek 9 Promotions for keeping the clash culture alive in the DMV. The patrons were fully engaged, the vibes were intense, and the competition was fierce—everything a real sound clash should be.

For those who missed out or want to relive the experience, Episode 3 of the Sound Clash Countdown series by Carib Life Media takes you inside the minds of top selectors as they prepare for war. Don’t miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Watch the full episode now on Carib Life Media’s YouTube channel.

Sound Clash Culture Lives On!

 

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE: 

Photo credit: Contributed

On February 18, 2025, rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of two felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident where his former friend, Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli), accused him of firing a gun during an argument in Hollywood. Despite being offered a plea deal, Rocky refused to take it, standing his ground because he knew he was innocent. His decision was risky, as he faced the possibility of prison for something he didn’t do, but he chose to fight for the truth rather than accept a conviction. When the verdict was announced, Rocky was overcome with emotion, leaping over to hug Rihanna, who had supported him throughout the case. She was visibly emotional, and the moment highlighted just how much was at stake—because an innocent man could have been sent to jail for nothing.

 

Photo credit: Contributed

Lisa Hyper, born Felicia Gooden, is a prominent Jamaican dancehall artist known for her bold lyrics and dynamic musical style. She gained significant recognition as a part of the Gaza camp, the iconic music collective led by the legendary Vybz Kartel. Her affiliation with the Gaza movement helped cement her place in the dancehall scene, where she quickly became known for her raw, unapologetic style and fierce stage presence.

Known as the Femme Fatale of dancehall, Lisa Hyper has once again asserted her dominance in the genre with her latest release, “Hard Drive" produced by Knack Outt Productions. A track infused with raw emotion, evocative lyricism, and a melody that lingers in the soul, “Hard Drive” is more than just a song—it is a reflection of the profound artistry of a woman who has spent years perfecting her craft. With pen in hand and an unyielding spirit, Lisa Hyper continues to solidify herself as one of the most formidable and fearless voices in dancehall music.

Lisa Hyper, who has long been recognized for her distinctive voice and bold presence, unleashes an unparalleled level of vulnerability with “Hard Drive.” Released on February 14, 2025, the track delves deeply into themes of longing, desire, and emotional depth. It is a candid expression of her yearning for a love that still occupies her heart, a poignant reflection on a relationship that continues to hold significance in her life. This unguarded moment of emotional rawness speaks volumes, as it captures the complex beauty of love, loss, and longing.

What sets “Hard Drive” apart from other tracks in the genre is the seamless fusion of traditional dancehall rhythms with contemporary sounds. Lisa Hyper, an artist known for her versatility, continues to evolve and expand her musical horizon. The song showcases her exceptional ability to weave heartfelt emotion into each lyric. Her lyrical artistry, which is both introspective and accessible, demonstrates her command over the craft of songwriting—an ability that only comes with years of experience and dedication.

The accompanying music video, released shortly after the track, has already captivated audiences and amplified the song's impact. With striking visuals and a compelling narrative, the video enhances the message of “Hard Drive,” further showcasing Lisa’s multifaceted artistry. This is a song that resonates with listeners on a deep, personal level, while also serving as a reminder of Lisa Hyper’s impeccable ability to translate complex emotions into art that speaks universally.

Like many public figures, Lisa Hyper has recently found herself at the center of media scrutiny. Conversations about her mental and emotional well-being, along with alleged tensions with members of the Gaza music collective, including Vybz Kartel, have sparked widespread debate. Through interviews and social media, Lisa has been candid about her struggles, making it clear that after enduring significant hardships, she is now prioritizing herself and her growth.

While her candid expressions have fueled speculation, they also highlight her unfiltered passion and commitment to standing up for herself in an industry that has not always been kind to her. Rather than letting the noise define her, Lisa is using this moment to reclaim her narrative, proving that she is both fearless and unstoppable.

Looking ahead, Lisa continues to make her mark on the dancehall scene, with her upcoming EP, The Golden Fleece, set to release on April Fool’s Day. The EP promises to further solidify her legacy as one of the genre’s most compelling and influential artists. With the release of “Hard Drive” signaling a new chapter in her artistic journey, fans eagerly await the EP, which is expected to showcase even more of Lisa’s exceptional talent, emotional depth, and boundary-pushing creativity.

In conclusion, Lisa Hyper is not just an artist—she is a visionary and a force in the dancehall world, constantly evolving and challenging the limits of her craft. With “Hard Drive,” she has once again proven why she is one of the most formidable voices in the genre today. Whether she's crafting deeply emotional ballads or commanding the stage with her dynamic presence, Lisa Hyper's artistry is unmatched, and her reign over dancehall is far from over.

 

Follow @lisa_hyper on Facebook

Photo credit: Jamaica Star

Jamaican dancehall artist Danny English has sadly passed away at the age of 54 due to complications related to diabetes, according to reports.

Danny English, born Donald Cox in Kingston, will be fondly remembered for his unique contribution to dancehall music. He gained widespread recognition with the 2002 hit “Party Time,” featuring Egg Nog, which was set to the iconic “Diwali Riddim” created by producer Steven “Lenky” Marsden. This riddim, which gained global fame that year, has also been sampled in popular hits like Rihanna’s “Pon de Replay,” Sean Paul’s “Get Busy,” and Missy Elliott’s “Pass That Dutch.”

English’s gravelly, distinct voice paired beautifully with Egg Nog’s smoother tones, creating a lasting legacy within the genre. Starting his career as a teenager, he drew inspiration from dancehall legends like Buju Banton, Shaggy, and Tuffy Melody, leaving a mark on the music industry that will not be forgotten.

To his family, friends, and fans, I send my deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace, and his music live on forever as a testament to his talent and contribution to Jamaican culture.

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