Video: King Driis f. Shadow, “Hold On”
So, Idris Elba raps. Not like in the Joaquin Phoenix kind of way of putting drunken slurs into a rhythm that he calls hip-hop. What’s amazing is that Idris is so good that this new side of himself has to be given a proper alias, King Driis. Resepect this man’s conglomerate because he not only flips the script from his British accent, his Jamaican patois is so authentic (especially considering he’s half Ghanaian) Taye Diggs would quit studying Marked for Death and start taking notes from King Driis. Check out the video for “Hold On” produced by 9th Wonder after the jump.
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Video: Buju Banton “Optimistic Soul”
The dance that Buju does on stage during the video is actually the same dance we do in our sleep to wake ourselves. Never mind that we’re exposing ourselves to the risk of shaken baby syndrome, we love to appear sprite from the moment we open our eyes. Buju on the other hand looks quite great doing it and doesn’t have his pajama pants fall down, exposing him to the frigid morning air. We’re thinking about wearing belted PJs.
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Video: Chevaughn f. Ding Dong, Craig (Voicemail) & Christopher Martin “Tables”
This video is a little outrageous but whenever we hear the words “Ding Dong and/or Voicemail” we get a little excited. The best part is the “BASED ON A TRUE STORY” at the beginning which means some girl is getting shouted out on this tune. Although the story could honestly be real and has probably happened to like, well everyone. We believe Mike Jones said it best—”Now I’m hot they all on me”—but we digress. Chevaughn’s voice is as strong and pleasant as any of the other well-known dancehall singers. He kinda reminds us of a certain Mr. Teddy Pinderass with those red sunglasses, yardie version. Peep why we love Ding Dong though: hes yelling into a phone while on a date and the girl is just sitting there jammin to the tune. That, friends, is true G.
Video: Demarco f. Craig from Voicemail, “Show It”
Old song, new video, which hopefully Demarco can us to pull himself back up into the American mainstream (or at least as mainstream as he was with “Fallen Soldiers,” his peak). Judging from the amount of reggae slowjam crossovers as of late (see: Mary J Blige and Jah Cure, Nas and Damian Marley), seems like the American palette is broadening for its annual “nothing sounds better than dancehall in the summer” vibes exchange (is that everywhere, or is it just Brooklyn?) so maybe Demarco does have a fighting chance. Or he could just pull up Craig from Kingston trio Voicemail. Either way, some babies are probably gonna get half-made to this one.
Parental Advisory: Mary J. Blige f. Jah Cure, “Each Tear (Reggae RMX)” MP3
Check for updates on what your parent’s favorite musicians are doing in our weekly Parental Advisory post. This week’s soul pioneer still making a stamp on music: Mary J. Blige.
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Re-Issue: Peter Tosh
Each week, FADER Media Style Director Chioma Nnadi will comment on the throwback style and fashion of a Suite903 artist. Today’s Re-Issue: Peter Tosh.
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Barrington Levy f. Kardinal Offishall, “No War”
There are some very random things in this video. We see Rick Ross in a ski mask, Barrington Levy not in Jamaica and then there are Levy’s outfit choices. The song’s message is a familiar one, but Barrington Levy is an OG of the game the autotune just breaks our heart. He was making weird melodic sounds back in the day, pre-T-Pain. (Please see “Shooobaleewhopaloobadadee………Whoaaaa”). This video is as if they asked all the extras to leave the set of “Run This Town” because they were too drunk and violent. But lastly, if the song is called “No War” why are these people going apeshit in a junkyard?—Judnick Mayard
Video: Iyaz, “Replay”
We think we hear this in our lucid dreams every morning when our alarm goes off and Hot 97 is playing, but we might be projecting. This is definitely pop, but it’s got just enough island vibes that we’re singing it in our brains already, which is appropriate since Iyaz’s shawty is like a melody in his head that… you get the drift.
Suite903 DJ: Qool DJ Marv
Suite903: No. 4
There is a method to his magic in the way Qool DJ Marv presents and plays music. He tunes into the atmosphere of the venue and the energy of the people, and then he blends what he sees with what he hears. Intertwining many styles for many faces from many places, Qool DJ Marv captivates you with his blend. The effortless flow & continuously ascending momentum of his wide ranging sets is inviting, hypnotic, & breathtaking. Qool DJ Marv crafts an unforgettable feel good get down party where everyone in the room will hear something that they enjoy. It’s as if he knew you were coming.
An inventive pioneer, Qool DJ Marv deliberately defies categorization to great effect. An evening of Qool DJ Marv may include mind boggling array of selections spanning many eras and decades of music including Rhythm & Blues, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Latin, House, Jazz, Funk, Rock and Soul classics, and Eclectic beats from around the world.
It’s Qool DJ Marv’s laid-back demeanor and the playfully enchanting smile that you 1st notice. He’s genuinely pleased to meet you and despite his even keel, he’s bubbling at the thought of what he has in store for your listening, dancing, and celebratory pleasure. There’s an exuberant idealism in Marv’s appealing mix that bridges us all – with a universal vibe, everybody gets down.
Listen: Suite903: No.4
Courtney John, “Lucky Man”
Courtney John’s new album Made in Jamaica is a celebration of old school lovers rock so this throwback video is perfectly appropriate and awesome. Is his voice not like butter?
