........by the way, which song is the

[Islandman]

Dutty Dancehall...has a nice ring to it!

[Bricktop]

Historian likes to lump when it suits him...when it is successful it is reggae...when it isn't it's dutty dancehall...

[World Fan]

Some are lumping the genres nowadays.

[Gamma]

The few times I ha e listened to his music, it was nothing special. Him trying, I give him credit there and I like that genre, but he does not distinguish himself IMHO

[Bricktop]

Shaggy & Sean Paul is reggae now Historian?

[Historian]

Most Definitely!

Yes there is still hope for reggae. Howecer the genre needs a breakthrough artiste, someone who can sell albums and not just the isolated single.

No disrespect to the vintage artistes but reggae shows look like a graybeard convention these days.

Dancehall can stay in its own lane, no reason both cannot thrive.

I understand your point, ‘Iman, but reggae today is not dependent on only old men and women (lol). In this thread we already highlighted some 20-plus and 30-plus year-old reggae artists, and there are more that I could list.

Regarding your point that a “breakthrough artist” is needed, this is so true. However, until someone with the music industry muscle and the genuine interest such as Chris Blackwell gets involved, talented artists will just be “another reggae singer.” The last really big reggae breakthrough artists we had was Shaggy, followed by Sean Paul.

In the case of dancehall, it is a valid and popular music form and, handled properly, one of which we can all be proud. In previous posts I mentioned that I truly enjoy much of the stuff by artists like Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, and many others including Papa San (one of the most genuinely talented deejays we’ve produced), Super Cat, Cutty Runks, etc. I have NEVER privately or publicly hit out at these genuinely outstanding dancehall icons.

My consistent criticisms from day one has to do with the lack of quality, anti-social attitude and poor lyrical direction of many of today’s artists. So far, in my view, we’re lucky that fed-up regional governments haven’t placed an across-the-board ban on the genre. You would be shocked how many people, including people in Jamaica and government figures in the region, privately regard certain artists as contributing to some social problems they are experiencing with teens and young adults. The Gaza vs Gully conflict is one of several examples. In fact, there are today Gaza and Gully sub-groups in one or two places elsewhere in the region, with similar anti-social attitudes.

[Bricktop]

I don't understand the Romaine Virgo hype...i think he is awful actually...

[Islandman]

Yes there is still hope for reggae. Howecer the genre needs a breakthrough artiste, someone who can sell albums and not just the isolated single.

No disrespect to the vintage artistes but reggae shows look like a graybeard convention these days.

Dancehall can stay in its own lane, no reason both cannot thrive.

[Historian]

You Are Correct

Yes I like Virgo too, has a good strong voice. chronixx sound kinda special to me though. I thought Sizzla was a bit overrated, I like Chronixx a lot more and I think he has a style that can crossover without watering down the music.

I agree fully with every sentence here. (I actually consider myself among the biggest fans of Chronixx.)

Not meaning to raise an over-discussed issue, but hopefully you’ll see why I’ve tended to push for mainstream reggae as opposed to Worl’ Boss, Bounty and others in those camps? Truly talented singers like Romain Virgo, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Cherine Anderson, Etana, etc. represent a very rich future for our outstanding musical culture!

[Islandman]

Yeah, he is fresh and reggae sorely needs good young artistes so I can see why the demand would be there for him. Lets hope he gets some good guidance.

[Assasin]

Sizzla was good but he overkilled himself. After the first Album he had, he should have just concentrated on making good music but instead he did any and everything that came to mind.

Yeah Chronixx can reach a good market but he has to be careful not to overexpose himself too. I hear he is in demand on the reggae cuircut in Europe.

[Islandman]

Yes I like Virgo too, has a good strong voice. chronixx sound kinda special to me though. I thought Sizzla was a bit overrated, I like Chronixx a lot more and I think he has a style that can crossover without watering down the music.

[Islandman]

Yes, we'll put together song.

One of the things I like aboout him is that he is versatile, doesn't fixate on one particular type of song

[Assasin]

I think he is talented especially with lyrics and timing. Voice can work a little. Have some songs I live very much. I like some of the young artists like Chronixx, Jah9, Romain Virgo(I think he is very talented).

yeah man there is a good rivival on the way.

[Historian]

Now You're Talking My Language!

BTW Lazie , Sass etc how do you rate Chronixx? I am just lately getting into his music and I am impressed. Seems to really put some thought into his lyrics, and I believe I heard he is like 20 or 21?

Looks like he has built a following in Africa. Love dat. Hope him can stay grounded and go to higher heights.

I’ll slip in my opinion under your “etc.” (in your subject line).

Chronixx is an important part of the positive future of Jamaican music! This is a talented young man who I listen to often, and he’s definitely one of my favorite singers anywhere. He reminds me in some ways of that other outstanding reggae singer, Gyptian.

Check out, for example, Chronixx’s “Smile Jamaica.” This is a well arranged, well produced recording:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vofff0Ei3kk

Great recording artist, boss!