Set to release later this year, Ghett’a Life explores the harsh realities of urban Jamaican life.

Check out the film’s trailer below…

GHETT’A LIFE is an “against the odds” action drama set in a politically turbulent inner city community of Kingston. Derrick, a determined inner city teenager realizes his dream of becoming a champion boxer despite a country, community and family conflicted by divisive political system.

Derrick dreams of being Jamaica’s next world light weight boxing champion. He knew from an early age that he had the ability to out box even the bigger boys on his lane but it’s election year and politics divide the country and Derrick’s community. His father, a loyal party supporter, forbids Derrick from going to the boxing gym, as to do so he has to cross party lines.

Derrick defiantly follows his heart and is confronted with the serious repercussions of his decision. The don of Derrick’s community, Sin, is set on keeping him from crossing over to the “other side” even if it means destroying Derrick’s dream and Derrick’s father is so blinded by political tribalism that he sees Derrick’s actions as betrayal. On the “other side” , at the gym, is a coach who becomes Derrick’s mentor and someone who shows him that Jamaica is bigger than just one community and that Derrick’s dreams are worth fighting for.

Derrick’s journey of discovery takes the audience through his coming of age and the realisation that anything that divides cannot be good for anyone. The ignorance of divisiveness gives way to the triumph that comes with unity.

GHETT’A LIFE is a wholly Jamaican film with all investors, cast and crew being committed to an authentic depiction of what life is and what life can be in the inner city of Kingston. This film with it’s positive message of overcoming adversity and ignorance will inspire audiences at home and abroad.

More info on the film as it comes.

For more info on the film, check out their official site: GHETT’A LIFE : The Movie…

…or their feature in The Jamaica Gleaner: Jamaica Gleaner News – Ghett’A Life set for release next year.

After the jump, check out the video for Tanya Stephen’s “Get A Life”, from the movie’s soundtrack…

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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.

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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With the weather finally starting to get nicer, this riddim from Baby G is sure to serve up well for the many BBQ’s going down this spring/summer. Check out the audio below…

Download it here: Tanya Stephens – “Reminising” (Good Love Riddim).

Check out the rest of the tunes on the riddim after the jump…

image via Andreas Polster Photography on Flickr.

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I had a craving for this classic riddim this A.M.; I figured I’d share it with folks. With spring in the air, this is the perfect soundtrack. Check it out below….

In this mix is…

Conroy Smith – Dangerous
Beenie Man – “Silent Violence”
Frisco Kid – “Rubbers”
Baby Cham & Mr. Easy – “Funny Man”
Baby Cham & Wayne Wonder – “Joyride”
Wayne Wonder – “Bashment Girl”
Tanya Stephens – “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet”
Lady Saw – “Sycamore Tree”

Download The Tracks Here: Joy Ride Riddim (Various Artists)

Produced by Dave Kelly.