Via Boomshots & MrVegasTV…

October has been a trying month for Dancehall artist Mr. Vegas. Since news of his then girlfriend’s infidelity broke Vegas has weathered the storm and even though after publicly voicing his feelings on the matter he has shown a resilience not easily matched by many in the same situation. The times are still tough for Mr. Vegas, but he has latched on to the one thing that has always brought him happiness, his music, which has proven to be a great asset is his healing process and now with a new sense of purpose he has been knocking down hours in the studio. Fresh off the press Vegas blessed Boomshots with two new cuts, “Rise Again” which he recently performed at Joe’s Pub in New York City for a fundraising event benefitting the Rochouse Foundation and a special bonus track “Bare Tingz” both guaranteed to get heavy rotation. Remember where you heard it first – Run tune!

Check out the video for “Bare Tingz” after the jump…

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Norman Manley with a group of children celebrating Jamaica’s Independence ca. 1962, via.

For those who don’t know, 50 years ago today Jamaica became an independent nation after more than 300 years of British rule.

While the contribution of Jamaica and it’s people to the world are countless, there’s no better way to celebrate the occasion with its music.
Thankfully, the folks of British sound system the Heatwave are up to the task. Check out their mix below, 5 Million Rewinds, via HLS…

Not to be outdone, Mr. Vegas has assembled an all-star group of djs for a remix of his hit “Sweet Jamaica.” Check out the video below….

Tomorrow night, some big names are coming together to raise funds for Japan earthquake relief led by Japanese sound system Mighty Crown. Check out the details below…

“Reggae 4 Japan” is a benefit concert being produced by Japanese sound system Mighty Crown and their management team Irish and Chin, in conjunction with VP Records, to support Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief on June 5, 2011 at York College Auditorium in Queens, New York. Additionally, IrieJam Radio is the event’s official media sponsor. Profits from the event will be donated to the American Red Cross — Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Efforts.

This unprecedented benefit concert will bring together members of the Reggae music fraternity/industry to support relief for Japan. To date, top artists including Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Maxi Priest, Freddie McGregor and the Big Ship family, Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Mr. Vegas, Gramps Morgan, Peter Morgan, Alaine, Tanya Stephens and Etana have committed to the cause and will perform at “Reggae 4 Japan.” The artists on the line-up have an overwhelming amount of respect and concern for Japan, as the country is on the ground responding to the disaster and continuing recovery operations. All of the artists are thankful for Japan’s great endorsement and genuine love of Reggae music and culture over the years, displayed through decades of successful tours, commercial success and fan support in the country. The artists deem their involvement with “Reggae 4 Japan” as a way of saying thanks and giving back. Ultimately, the producers are grateful that the concert will financially support relief efforts, continue to shed light to the public on the crisis in Japan as a result of the Earthquake and Tsunami and further display the& Reggae music industry’s commitment and support of Japan during this critical time of need.

When : Sunday 5 June 2011 Doors Open 4pm Showtime 6pm
Where : York College (9420 Guy R Brewer BLVD, Jamaica NY)
Admission : $75 VIP, $60 General, $50 Balcony

To purchase tickets, click here: Reggae 4 Japan.

…via.

Can’t make the show? You can still contribute by purchasing Deadly Dragon Sound’s Charity Tee.

Given the tomfoolery put out there recently, it’s nice to have someone giving people the other side of the coin.

Check out the video below…

…via.

Various tunes that I’ve been stacking to share with the people. Check out the goodness below…

Check out a few videos and links to download after the jump…

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Federation Sound previewed their new Flatlands Riddim recently on their blog. The riddim features Mr. Lexx, Mr. Vegas, Natalie Storm, Flippa Mafia, Bling Dawg and Terro 3000.

Via The Heatwave, comes this hour-long starter kit on Dancehall Reggae for all those who may need it. This follows up their celebration of Sleng Teng’s anniversary a few weeks back. Great way to start the week, I say.

Check out the mix and details below…

I couldn’t quite keep it to one tune per year as I was also trying to make sure that all the key artists from this period were represented. I think I did pretty well in the end but I’m sure I left out some notable vocalists. I KNOW that there are hundreds of BIG TUNES that didn’t get featured.

I suppose there’s always someone who gets left out at a birthday party. Big up Lady Saw, Kiprich, Cecile, TOK, Terry Ganzie, Serani, Spice and all the other artists whose invites got lost in the post.

So here’s The Heatwave’s history lesson aka bashment birthday party. 25 years of dancehall. As Benjamin points out at some point, this is one for the iPod.

Download it here: Via The Heatwave: 25 Years of Dancehall.

Tracklisting after the jump…

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It’s freezing out, at least here in NYC, but this song will no doubt make you think of Summertime. Check it out below…

Download it here: Mr. Vegas – “Soca Malou”.

…via Shadyville Caribbean.

Music, music, music. Check out the latest from Max Glazer & Kenny Meez below…

Boom! 131st podcast is now on your internets! Fun non-badman holiday tunes from Flippa Mafia and Tony Matterhorn, Mr. Vegas‘ new one “God Is Good”, both versions of Merciless’ “Country Mi Seh”, new music from T.O.K, Voicemail, Goldenchyl, and plenty of new riddims, for free, as always.

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes: Federation Podcast @ iTunes.

Who said Autotune was dead? Apparently Mr. Vegas didn’t get that memo. Also, check the second half of the video for a nice tribute to MJ. All that said, check out the video below…