Their love story began in the early 1990s when they were introduced by mutual friend Duane Martin. Despite initial hesitations, fueled by Will Smith’s then-marriage to Sheree Zampino, their romance blossomed after Zampino filed for divorce in February 1995. The couple embarked on a whirlwind romance filled with lavish gestures and luxurious getaways, including a Thanksgiving vacation in Jamaica.

In a candid chapter of her memoir, Jada recounts a heated argument with Will sparked by a phone call with Zampino’s family. Insecurities surfaced, exacerbated by a bit too much rum punch, leading Jada to seek reconciliation in an unconventional manner.

Taking a daring leap, both figuratively and literally, Jada climbed onto the roof and jumped into the pool, professing her love for Will mid-air. Despite the risks, her bold move paid off, drawing a smile from Will and ultimately bringing them closer together.

Their love story continued to unfold over the years, culminating in their marriage in 1997. While their journey has seen its share of public scrutiny and challenges, including a highly publicized separation and recent controversies, their bond remains resilient, rooted in shared experiences and unwavering affection.

The post Jada Pinkett Smith Jumped Off A Roof In Jamaica To Profess Love For Will Smith appeared first on Dancehall Report.

Originally released in September 2005, “The Trinity” swiftly attained platinum status within just five months. This marks another significant achievement for the 18-track album, following the success of Sean Paul’s previous platinum-selling album, “Dutty Rock,” which is currently certified 3X Platinum in the US.

Recorded entirely in Jamaica, “The Trinity” boasts collaborations with renowned producers such as Donovan “Don Corleon” Bennett, Rohan “Jah Snowcone” Fuller, Steven “Lenky” Marsden, Craig “Leftside” Parks, and Supa Dups.

Featuring vocal contributions from artists like Wayne Marshall, Nina Sky, Tami Chynn, Looga Man, and Kid Kurup, the album also saw an expanded international edition with additional collaborations including Carlos Santana, Joss Stone, and Rihanna on “Break it Off.”

The standout track “Temperature” emerged as a chart-topping hit, marking Sean Paul’s second solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 after “Get Busy” from “Dutty Rock.” Additionally, “Temperature” has achieved triple platinum status in the US and double platinum in the UK.

Other notable tracks from “The Trinity” include “We Be Burnin’,” which peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100 and certified platinum, and “Give It Up To Me,” featuring a version with Keyshia Cole reaching No. 3 on the Hot 100 and earning Gold certification.

“The Trinity” album peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart, No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, and No. 11 on the UK Albums chart. It currently holds Platinum certification in the US and Gold in the UK.

Sean Paul, a prominent figure in the Dancehall music scene since the early 1990s, has released eight studio albums to date, starting with “Stage One” in 2000. Notably, “Dutty Rock” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2004, while “The Trinity” secured a nomination in the same category in 2006.

With eight Grammy nominations under his belt, Sean Paul continues to leave his mark on the music industry, with recent albums “Live N Livin” and “Scorcha” reaching respectable chart positions on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

The post Sean Paul’s ‘The Trinity’ Album Certified 2X Platinum In The US By The RIAA appeared first on Dancehall Report.

Despite facing legal issues in the past, Popcaan’s lawyer emphasizes his contributions to the community. Popcaan, known for his association with Drake’s label OVO Sound, has released albums and EPs under the label, consistently charting on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.

The post Popcaan Gets In Tussle With Police appeared first on Dancehall Report.

The renown music magazine states that “as the genre evolves and many artists from rock, pop, and hip hop incorporate elements of dancehall into their music, the mainstream media tends to whitewash Dancehall’s influence on popular music. When it hits, It’s retitled and packaged as something else.”

Rolling Stone Magazine’s since-edited review of Rihanna’s “Work” defined it as “a tropical house-flavored track featuring Drake,” while a Wall Street Journal article positioned Justin Bieber’s What Do You Mean? as “pioneering the ‘Caribbean, beach-party vibe’ of tropical house in the mainstream”.

The LA Times, have described pop dancehall tracks as “Caribbean-flavored house beat” or “airy tropical-house bangers.”

Bieber’s Sorry, first released by Def Jam records and produced by Skrillex and Bloodpop, became one of the biggest singles of 2015 and is the most successful dancehall song of all time based on US certifications. The song peaked at No. 1 on the global YouTube charts and spent three weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The success of Sorry helped to ignite popular music’s interest in Dancehall and several Dancehall-influenced hits followed post 2016, including Drake’s One Dance and Controlla, Rihanna’s Work, Ed Sheeran’s Shape Of You which has sold more than 41 million units worldwide.

While in Jamaica dancehall is viewed as non-charting, aggressive music, sped up flows, “poor people” messaging and hardcore delivery, dancehall has giventhe world some of its biggest and most memorable hits. If it sounds like dancehall and has a riddim like dancehall, regardless of the singer’s nationality, it is dancehall.  

With Sean Paul as the most certified dancehall artist of all time, these are the dancehall songs with the most commercial success in the US and UK.

The post Biggest Dancehall Songs Of All Time appeared first on Dancehall Report.

• The warrant that was reportedly out for Skeng was an error on the part of the court’s staff. 
• Skeng who was in Los Angeles with Nicki Minaj last week was present at court this afternoon. 
• Attorney Christopher Townsend made an application to set the matter for another date which the judge agreed to. 
• Skeng had no previous run ins with the law and Townsend made it clear to WMV that this matter would not attract a finger print. 
• Skeng was arrested along with two members of his entourage at the Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, Jamaica last May.

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Skeng, the Jamaican dancehall recording artist, was overjoyed when his airport disorderly behavior case was dismissed in a corporate area court on Thursday (March 9, 2023).

Attorney Christopher Townsend, who represented Skeng in the matter, told World Music Views that the warrant that had previously been issued was an error on the part of the court‘s staff. At the court hearing, Townsend argued that it would be an abuse of process to allow the prosecution to have another adjournment after the case had already been there for almost a year.

Skeng, who was in Los Angeles with Nicki Minaj last week to announce new acts signed to her label, was present at court this afternoon. The judge agreed with Townsend‘s argument, and the case was dismissed without a fingerprint being taken.

The 21–year–old recording artist had been arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica last May, while on his way to a show in Trinidad. He was charged with disorderly behavior and resisting arrest. After being offered bail, Skeng appeared before the court for the first time on June 21, 2022.

The post Skeng freed of disorderly charge, in negotions to sign to a major label appeared first on Dancehall Report.

2022’s top YouTube streaming artist Chronic Law is sticking to the script and dropping music of a particular kind and dropping them often. His latest “Holistic Approach” revisits his outsider themes where the singer examines the dark recesses of his mind and questions other he was “born on the right planet.”

Ishawna “New Child”

Ishawna is back on the prowl with a new song titled “New Child” and a pink themed music video. In her usual man bashing style Ishawna DJs about her lack for moving on.

“Low me low low me low me” she sings as the lead singer of a choir in a European church hat. It is the highest  trending debut this week at No. 24

I difference in theme and sound from her last song “Brace It” featuring Ed Sheeran which was a groovy 90s inspired modern dancehall beat.

On “Brace It” the Only Fans content maker had matched Sheeran’s seductive energy back and forth as they suggestively said what they wanted to do to each other in nuanced dancehall lingua.

Vybz Kartel -“From Me Born”

Fresh from the news of his U.K. certification for “Fever” Vybz Kartel tackles social issues and questions liturgy with his anti-church lyric video for “From Me Born” examining the church’s role in society amidst all the atrocities and chaos during the pandemic.

3. 10Tik, Spragga Benz – “Badness A Badness”

10Tik draws for Spragga Benz whose voice is sampled from the “Shottas” movie but Spragga also offers a conscientious verse about street violence.

The post Iswhana’s “New Child” and 3 More Trending Dancehall Music Videos To Check Out This Weekend appeared first on Dancehall Report.

Music will be provided by dancehall DJ’s Kurt Riley, Creep Chromatic, Jr Chromatic, Ritchie Feelings, Ari Cooper and DJ Banka.

Less than a month ago rapper Ja Rule performed in Kingston, Jamaica for the first time along with Ashanti 20 years after his hey day back to back appearances at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay. In 2002 as part of a legal requirement the Murda Inc. front man had negotiated a plea deal in an obscenity case after he used swear words during a performance the previous year at Sumfest according to MTV.

Fast forward to Saturday November 26 at Sabina Park, Rule and Ashanti took fans down memory lane as they perform a music video infused set at “Yush” which placed patrons smack in the middle of the BET 106 & Park era.

Ashanti dressed in a Jamaican colored half body suit with a glistening smile and a toned body showed out her vocal skills on songs like Foolish, Mesmerized and Always On Time which had its 21st anniversary the same night.

“Always on Time” spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in February and March 2002, becoming Ashanti’s first Hot 100 number-one single and Ja Rule’s second. In 2009, it was named the 33rd-most-successful song of the 2000s on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the 82nd-most-successful song of the 2000s on the Hot 100.

With a 20 year track record, Scott Dunn, Dream Entertainment director and a promoter for Yush, explained that the event has been the “favourite ’90s music event” for partygoers since its introduction to the scene.

Dunn told The Gleaner, “Yush uses a similar formula as most events: nice venues, good drinks, a safe environment, but especially the music, because ’90s lovers come to a party like Yush to ‘bruk out’.”

The post Yush Returns To Christmas Eve Staging appeared first on Dancehall Report.

The director speaking with Dancehall Report from Geneva Switzerland via WhatsApp messenger said there is “no list” of songs to be banned but the directive applies to any song that fits the description outlined. On Tuesday the Jamaican music community reacted to the news of the Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission’s “Halt On All Versions Of Music & Music Videos That Promote Violence & Drugs Use”

The statement issued today under the heading “BROADCAST COMMISSION ISSUES DIRECTIVE ON SONGS PROMOTING ILLEGAL ACTIVITY” outlines that television and radio stations operating in the island should halt “any audio or video recording, live song, or speech which promotes and/or glorifies scamming. illegal use or abuse of drugs (e.g. ‘Molly’), illegal or harmful use of guns or other offensive weapons, “jungle justice” or any other form of illegal or criminal activity.”

According to the Commission’s website the entity is mandated by the Broadcasting and Radio Re-diffusion Act (BRRA) to monitor and regulate free-to-air television, broadcast radio and subscriber television (Cable) services to ensure their operation at appropriate levels in relation to technical, programming, and service standards.

In the last four years much of the music that has saturated Jamaica’s airwaves first got recognition via YouTube and other streaming platforms and then radio disc jocks include edited versions of those songs in their playlists.

That practice can no longer happen for songs that fall in the category stated as the Commission further stated that all edited versions of songs that had the promotion of illegal activities should not be played on the airwaves.

“Any edited song which directly or indirectly promotes scamming, illegal drugs, illegal or harmful use of guns or other offensive weapons, jungle justice, or any form of illegal or criminal activity. This includes live editing and original editing (e.g. edits by producer/label) as well as the use of near-sounding words as substitutes for effective lyrics, expletives, or profanities.”

Dancehall artist Skeng has the two most streamed songs in Jamaica as more and more young people are moving away from radio and television as their main mode of consumption.

Radio Disc Jock Bloodline Franco of Fame FM told our affiliate World Music Views that his organization had already take steps to ban the songs containing drug use and violence.

“The RJR Gleaner group has already take a stand in house, so for any DJ in the RJR Gleaner group we were not able to play these songs regardless, but I think there will be some dissonance between what the younger demographic wants and what can be played on air. So we have to see if the radio listener will be appreciative of the difference in catalogue in what you hear in the parties vs in the radio,” he said.

“Or will they use new media and new platforms that technology provide for their fill of music vs listening to traditional broadcast radio. The onus is now on radio DJ and radio producers to add more value than just talk with more radio personalities other than just playing song A and Song B. This will force radio to have to do more to engage the listeners. We can no longer relay on ready made hits,” he continued.

Franco said artists like Skillibeng, Squash and Intence and other artist who do hardcore dancehall are really in favor now, so young listeners know their songs. Radio disc jocks capitalized on their popularity when they go on the radio. Still he says the ban may not apply to older songs from Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs which are noted to reference the use of marijuana.

“I do believe Bob Marley songs like Kaya that mention marijuana or Gregory Isaac’s “Night Nurse” will still be played because it’s not as explicit as the newer songs.”

Franca said the prejudice lies in the how vs the what, “It is the way artists express their songs vs what they are expressing,” he concluded.

Producer Stephen Di Genius responded sarcastically to news of the halt from the Broadcast Commission, “Yay!!  Crime and violence gonna magically stop now . Jamaica the most sample place on earth.”

Di Genius followed up by saying, “Just another manifestation of the lack of accountability from the powers/showaz that be. It’s always gonna be music that’s causing all the issues . All if grace thrillers and love 101 start run di place crime won’t budge”

One comment on twitter said he is not convinced this will have the desired effect.

Music producer and promoter Romeich posted on instagram:

“While I understand why people feel like this and even I don’t agree with glorifying guns or any use of any drug at all, we can’t stop the creatives (artistes) from singing about what they see around them or grew around.
Jamaica has one of the strictest regulations against music, OUR OWN DANCEHALL MUSIC and what is to be played…so not even edited music can’t be played? Are you going to ban Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud and other platforms where the same people have the same access to the same songs? For example there are strict regulations against anything sexual (even edited) being played on local radio because children listen to radio…is Jamaica the only country that has children? Because the same children listen to these same songs elsewhere.
Ok if that’s the case since you want everything off of radio, what if promoters stop spending money on radio? Cause at this rate no one will be listening to radio soon cause all that will be on radio is international music ONLY so promoters won’t need to advertise there. Then what?”

Multiplatinum and billion streaming Producer Rvssian responded by saying, “Good thing we don’t need radio anymore. I can’t remember last royalties they paid me. . YouTube d ting Deh anyway.”

Producer Notnice also commented: “Waste of time, tell me the last song radio buss.”

Listen to audio from the Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission Cordel Green here.

The post Exclusive Interview With BROADCASTING COMMISSION Executive Director Cordel Green : Audio appeared first on Dancehall Report.

The genesis of dancehall music had toasting at the forefront, that is the ability to talk lyrics on a mic based on what was going on live in the dance. Ikel Marvlus, is part of a new breed of dancehall toasters that are taking the culture into unconventional parts of America. His unique flavor has made him stand out in a sea of other well known youngsters in the music industry. His group “Team Shella” lives up to their name in every city they perform.

“I started out in the business from 2007 and grew from there, but actually started to deejay in 2005. I had a passion for entertainment since I was a child I was an actor at my primary school ( Excelsior primary school) so that’s where my charisma and humor came from and growing up I listened a lot of dancehall tapes from some of the greats that’s how I learned to toast mostly,” he told Dancehall Report.

As dancehall transitions into its next generation of musicians and selectors Ikel and his “Team Shella” are not afraid to say where they got their inspiration from. Although dancehall is mostly an adult sport, it was during Ikel’s school days that he used old tapes of live dances to mentor himself and sharpen his skills.

The 34 year old Jamaican says, “My inspiration came from Tony Matterhorn and Firelinks when I was attending Kingston College and taking the Waterhouse mini bus to Downtown Kingston then off to the institution ( KC) after every morning listening to the audios and told myself that’s the level I wanna be.”

Since then he got the opportunity to take his skills all over the Jamaican diaspora in North America and the U.K. His last show was in Las Vegas at the Milk White Brunch where he and Team Shella shared the headline​ billing​ with Selector Boom Boom and Harry Hype.

“I started traveling in 2015, I have been to Cànada, Guyana, Suriname, St. Marteen, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, 25 states i​n​ the U.S. and England,” he says.

He continued about his favorite stops, “The best place I performed is in Jamaica, St. Marteen, Cànada and America.”

As dancehall experiences a record sales problem he says live shows are much appreciated by fans based on his observations because at the love dances selectors guide the experience with humor, music and culture.

“America appreciates dancehall when the right Jamaican selectors present it to them with solid introductions that collaborate with the songs and bring humor with our culture and also keeps it in a violence free space.”

The post Ikel Marvlus Says If Dancehall Unite, The Culture Can Take Over America appeared first on Dancehall Report.

Kerry Omar Bell is a musician from a line of creativity. His great grand uncle was the distinguished poet Claude Mckay, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. A fact in which Bell takes much pride. Like his Uncle, he was born in Jamaica and migrated to America in pursuit of the dream but carried with him his culture. Bell, ​was​ the leader and deejay in a band that has been recognized by the U.S. congress and along with his wife Mona, are championing the cause of dancehall culture in Las Vegas. For the past three years they have staged an authentic dancehall event titled Milk White Brunch and this year they plan to take it up a notch on September 18 in Sin City. Dancehall Report speaks exclusively with the Band leader who is also a professional electrician about his journey in music.

Where are you from?

Okay I’m from James Hill Clarendon, home of the great Claude Mckay.

How did you start out in music?

I started music in church because my grandfather was a pastor, so I was heavily involved in the choir and special events.

What is the name of your band?

The name of our band is Bonafide Reggae Band.

Where is the best place you have ever performed?

Wow the best place I’ve performed was in Hawaii with the band and an artist named Fiji. Those people really appreciate our culture and music. It’s the ultimate high and I performed in Los Angeles California with the great Wyclef Jean, another ultimate moment on stage.

Who are some of the artists you have worked with?

To name a few, Luciano, Damian Marley, Vybz Kartel , Mr Lexx , Busy Signal , Etana, Fiji , and Jboog.

How important do you think the music business is to a musician’s development?

Knowledge of the business is one of the most important parts. I wish someone had told me that in the beginning(laughs). Yes, especially in our genre, that’s why it’s very hard for some of our legendary artists to retire gracefully, but I think the younger artists now are learning the business side more and doing a lot better.

Where is the band now?

We discontinued the band and I just ventured off into more of the promotion side of the business to create more opportunities for my brothers and sisters in the business

And we formed a company one love promotions.

You are doing a party with your wife now to bring dancehall culture to Las Vegas?

Yes, that’s part of the promotion and yes we are bringing the big bad Milk All White Brunch Soiree on September 18th which is my wife’s birthday celebration too. This is the third staging of MWB but kind of the first year that we can really promote it fully because we started in the pandemic so it was kind of low key for the first two stagings. So this one we are very excited about what we have lined up. It’s a great team promoting Echovibes Entertainment.

What can patrons expect?

A great atmosphere, real Jamaican food, hookah services and the entertainment, oh my goodness we have the world team featuring World Boom and Harry Hype straight Jamaican settings, Ikel Marvelous and Flabba Dabba, the entertainment will be electrifying and Atlanta’s own ​R​ep ​S​quad. So just know you will be experiencing Jamaica in Las Vegas come September 18th.

If ​you are​​ coming to Las Vegas in the summer expect the heat, it’s a different kind of heat but for the good part it’s 24 hours of entertainment, lights, camera and action all the time.

Who are your top 5 reggae artists?

My top five reggae artists are Bob Marley and the Wailers of course, Beres Hammond, cocoa tea ,Barrington Levy , Steel pulse , it’s hard (laughs).

For dancehall it would be Beenie Man , Mr Lexx, Vybz Kartel, Agent Sasco ,and Buju Banton.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to enter the music industry?

My advice and always will be to love the music. It’s the only real way to last in this business and you have to be thick skinned. It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s a tough business but beautiful if it’s your passion.

The post How Kerry Bell, The Relative Of Renown Poet Claude Mckay Is Taking Dancehall Culture To Las Vegas appeared first on Dancehall Report.