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Building from our last episode on keeping up with new dancehall I invited listener and filmmaker Mikey T to join us in a continued conversation where he shares from his perspective on the transformation of dancehall as a genre.

We discuss:

• The "money pull-up" phenomenon has DJs prioritizing the preferences of big spenders rather than introducing audiences to fresh sounds
• How changing media consumption has affected lyrical complexity. In an era of shortening attention spans and algorithm-driven content, the intricate wordplay that once defined dancehall legends like Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel feels increasingly rare.
• Modern tracks often lack the storytelling richness that connected deeply with listeners, replaced by repetitive themes that perform well on short-form platforms.

We're degrading the changes, but exploring how technology, economics, and cultural shifts have reshaped Caribbean music, while speculating on fascinating possibilities for the future. Could we see a return to gatekeeping as a positive force? Might artists start withholding music from streaming platforms entirely, making live performances the exclusive way to experience new material?

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Remember when discovering new dancehall and reggae tracks happened effortlessly through dedicated radio shows, mixtapes passed between friends, and family gatherings? Today's fragmented landscape requires intentional effort many adults simply can't prioritize amidst growing responsibilities. With 120,000 new tracks uploaded daily to streaming platforms, the sheer volume makes keeping pace nearly impossible.

The discussion challenges common complaints about modern music's "slackness," noting every generation has pushed boundaries that seemed shocking at the time. What's really happening isn't cultural disconnection but evolution – a transition from trend-followers to cultural preservationists focused on passing foundational elements to the next generation.

Artists bridging these generational divides, like Koffee, Busy Signal and Agent Sasco, succeed by creating music with universal themes and clear delivery. Meanwhile, streaming algorithms and the decline of riddim based collections in dancehall have removed key structures that once helped listeners organize and discover new songs.

Whether you're feeling guilty about not knowing the latest tracks or wondering how to maintain authentic cultural connections while aging, this conversation offers validating perspectives on how our relationship with Caribbean music changes but never diminishes. What aspects of Caribbean culture have you found yourself evolving with rather than keeping up with?

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Diego Herrera's journey from Costa Rica to the United States is a captivating story of cultural fusion. Raised in the rise hip-hop, punk rock alongside reggae and dancehall in Costa Rica, Diego's unique upbringing laid the groundwork for his dynamic career in the music industry. As the director of business development at Ineffable Records, Diego shares personal anecdotes about his dual life across continents and how it influenced his musical tastes and professional trajectory.

From Diego's early days on college radio at KFJC to his behind-the-scenes work at Pandora, his path reflects the essential yet often overlooked roles that ensure a seamless listener experience. The episode sheds light on the intricacies of library maintenance and metadata management, underscoring their importance in curating content that fills gaps in the Caribbean music catalog. As the music industry undergoes rapid transformation, Diego discusses the evolving roles of both labels and artists, highlighting the need for strategic collaboration and the impact of technology and social media platforms like TikTok.

This episode is for the music lovers, a great discussion that blends personal stories with industry insights, illustrating the universal and unifying power of music.

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This episode discusses future of music for 2025. I focus on the potential impact of AI on Caribbean Music (Reggae, Dancehall and Soca), the importance of community engagement, and the evolving expectations from fans for live experiences.

• Exploring the rise of AI in music production
• Discussing the impact of AI-generated songs on artist integrity
• The shift towards royalty-free music and loss of artist connection
• Importance of community engagement in the music industry
• Expectations for live performances as ticket prices rise
• Rethinking merchandising strategies for deeper fan connections
• Navigating social media changes and its impact on promotion
• Emphasizing the need for authenticity and creativity in music

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Cheers to a great summer! Sharing my last few events of an unforgettable summer. After seeing Buju Banton in concert, I kept the fire blazing at Sizzla's concert in Hartford, Connecticut. Then jetted with friend for my first Barbados Crop Over experience. Meticulously planned adventure with the help of Sha of Tingz Nice, Global Carnivalist, and Bahamianista. Join me as I recount the vibrant parade, playing mas with Krave band, and the unforgettable events, all while soaking in the rich culture and beauty of Barbados.

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Ever wondered how Jamaica's eclectic musical tastes? TV/Film producer Jessica Shaw, explores this in her music documentary in the works, Roots, Rock, Reggae, Souls. A filmmaker with deep Jamaican roots, Jessica shares her fascinating journey growing up in Kingston and how it inspired this latest project. Souls as it is know cultural tapestry of Jamaican music, is an eclectic sub genre of pop ballads, country, r&b, and more, driven by the influential role of Jamaican radio and how it has uniquely embraced and even influenced international artists.

We'll explore how traditional Sunday radio programming in Jamaica, transitioning from gospel to R&B and country, has shaped a diverse musical appreciation among Jamaicans. Hear nostalgic memories of artist like Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins and soulful tracks like Michael Bolton's "Soul Provider" and Celine Dion's "I'm Alive" that have become dancehall favorites. We also celebrate music's global nature, highlighting the interconnectedness of genres and the importance of recognizing the shared history within the Black diaspora.


Get an insider’s look at the crowdfunding journey for Jessica’s "Roots Rock Reggae & Souls " documentary, from setting realistic Kickstarter goals to the creative challenges of editing. With the project's momentum, there's potential for broader festival reach and distribution channels. The documentary's goal is to share the exploration of music's power to connect us all, enriched with insights about the cultural nuance and heritage that shape our favorite tunes.

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What if the notion of 'only one woman can be on top' in the music industry is nothing more than a myth perpetuated by the media? Joining me in this episode to dissect this is executive producer Kerry-Ann and Shawn from Reggae Talk Podcast. We challenge this stereotype and shine alight on the remarkable diversity of female talent across genres. We dissect how media narratives fuel rivalries like Rihanna vs. Beyonce and Nicki Minaj vs. Cardi B, questioning whether these stories serve to engage audiences or simply reflect societal biases. Together, we explore how social media has amplified these tensions and the broader impact on the careers of female artists.

We'll also take a deep dive into the generational divide within the music industry, focusing on the unique pressures faced by female artists. From the fan-driven rivalries seen between the likes of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B to the enduring respect male artists like Jay-Z command over the years, we unpack how these dynamics play out differently for women. Shawn offers insights from the world of dancehall, drawing parallels to how artists like Spice and Shenseea navigate the competitive landscape. We reflect on the challenges posed by generational shifts and their influence on fan loyalty and musical relevance.

In our final segment, we tackle the broader challenges women face in male-dominated genres such as dancehall and hip-hop. Kerry-Ann provides an eye-opening perspective on how female artists often find their creative growth stunted by industry limitations, unlike their male counterparts who enjoy greater freedom. We stress the importance of embracing diversity and resolving conflicts privately to foster a culture that celebrates, rather than pits, female talent against one another.

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Ever wondered why cultural trends started by Black creatives often go unrecognized? This throwback episode explores this.

Inspired by my experience at Culture Con, a gathering celebrating Black creatives, we'll embark on a conversation about cultural appreciation and the global impact of Black culture. It's time to address the importance of giving credit where it's due and the harm of cultural appropriation. From the mislabeling of cornrows to the significance of silk presses, we'll highlight the need for authentic representation and education in arts. Let's push for intentional cultural trends and ensure that the originators are celebrated and given opportunities to thrive. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on harnessing cultural trends to foster genuine growth and appreciation.

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