News

The Legendary Sly & Robbie and Spicy Chocolate Have Joined Forces with Tuff Gong International to give the world “Reggae Power 2”

Reggae Power Album

 

Sly & Robbie have a well-documented musical connection to the founder of Tuff Gong International, the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley. That connection comes full circle as they bring their Taxi label together with Tuff Gong for their latest project “Sly & Robbie and Spicy Chocolate Present the Reggae Power 2.” Slated for a September 18 release date the album is a compilation of new music, all produced by Sly & Robbie with Japanese reggae stars Spicy Chocolate.  Featured artists on the album include Morgan Heritage, Demarco, Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Cherine Anderson, TOK, and Tuff Gong’s newest artist Skip Marley.

“Once we heard Skip’s record ‘Cry to Me’ we knew that we wanted to try and involve him in the album,” said Robbie. “Young artists like NoMaddz, Romain (Virgo), and Skip are the future of our music, and it’s good when we can bring all them into such a project as this.”

Spicy Chocolate, a popular musical trio based in Japan, is excited to be working with two of the biggest names in the world of reggae music. “We are honored to collaborate with the legendary Sly & Robbie on The Reggae Power 2, which is a follow up to last year’s Grammy-nominated first installment.  With features from the likes of Beenie Man, Romain Virgo, and 3-time Grammy Award-winning, Latin fusion kings, Ozomatli, this album is ripe for success.  It is only fitting that our label of choice is none other than Tuff Gong, home to Skip’s grandfather and icon, Bob Marley.”

Executive Label Manager for Tuff Gong, Myshjua Allen, shared the company’s thoughts about working with Sly & Robbie and Spicy Chocolate. “Tuff Gong is pleased to be able to add this project to our roster of releases for this year. We look forward to working with Taxi and all of the artists involved to promote the album both in Jamaica and abroad. 2015 is shaping up to be a significant year for us as we celebrate our founder’s 70th birthday by partnering with some of Jamaica’s best and brightest talent.  Between the launch of the “Master’s Vault” series, distributing a new album from Teflon, our first-ever comedy album “Breadfruit Tree” (featuring IceMan), and now Taxi we are indeed demonstrating the power of reggae, Bob Marley’s vision for Tuff Gong, and the entire Jamaican music industry on a whole.”

DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM NOW!

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/SlyReggaePower
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/SlyReggaePower_Amz
Google: http://smarturl.it/SlyReggaePower_GPlay

Here is the full artist line-up for Reggae Power 2:

  • BEENIE MAN & CHERINE ANDERSON
  • DAVIN DI DAKTA & JL
  • DEMARCO
  • LOYAL FLAMES
  • MORGAN HERITAGE
  • NO MADDZ
  • OZOMATLI
  • RICHIE SPICE
  • RICHIE STEPHENSON
  • ROMAIN VIRGO
  • SHAGGY
  • SKIP MARLEY
  • TANTO METRO & DEVONTE
  • T.O.K.

 

PRE-Order the Soundtrack for the Original Motion Picture, DESTINY

Following the on screen success of the hit Jamaican/Canadian film “Destiny” the movie’s soundtrack is also poised to dominate the airwaves as it goes live on Friday September 18, 2015 with iTunes pre-order available now.

Destiny Album Cover

The Soundtrack of ten (10) artistes is executive produced by Destiny’s producer and director Jeremy Whittaker CEO of Grasshopper Music Entertainment and is produced by the legendary reggae music producer Clive Hunt with Dwain ‘Wiya’ Campbell as co-producer.

The Destiny soundtrack features work from the film’s main stars Christopher Martin and Karian Sang as well as known Jamaican international acts Busy Signal, Tifa, and Spice. Paris-based reggae artiste Bazil as well as Garnet Silk Jr, Montego Bay’s Yahsha, AC and Wiya, and Angele Smith are also featured on the album.

“Together Tonight” by Bazil was released earlier this year and was the first single and video from the project. The single was produced by Bazil and Romain Ghezal.

Watch Video Now

“If You Want It”, the second single from the movie’s soundtrack was released in August. “If You Want It” is performed by Destiny’s lead actress Karian Sang. The song was produced by Clive Hunt with production from Sly Dunbar (Sly and Robbie).

Listen Now

CEO of Grasshopper Music Entertainment, Jeremy Whittaker noted that “I believe this soundtrack is one of the best original compilation reggae albums out in recent times and it definitely can stand on its own legs separate and apart from the film.”The soundtrack will be released internationally on the Tuff Gong International label as part of its recent deal with Caroline Music, a division of Universal Music Group.

CEO of the Marley Group, Cedella Marley, weighed in on the partnership, noting that “Tuff Gong is proud to be a part of another milestone in Jamaican entertainment. With this authentic Jamaican production, Jeremy is sharing a slice of Jamaican life,” she said. “Destiny has ruled the local box office and will no doubt attract a global following, and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Destiny: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack can be pre-ordered here

 

Tuff Gong International Launches “Masters Vault” with the release of Totally Tyrone by Tyrone Taylor

Tuff Gong International is launching its “Masters Vault” series with the release of an album by popular reggae crooner Tyrone Taylor. Originally recorded and released in 1994 the album entitled Totally Tyrone has been remastered and is available today at all DSP outlets and on CD.

Totally Tyrone Masters Vault

Taylor is known and loved by reggae music fans for being one of the most soulful singers of his generation, a major accolade considering that era boasts iconic reggae talents Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs,and Totally Tyrone represents some of his best work.

The album was executive produced by Cedella Marley who signed Tyrone Taylor to a three- album deal soon after becoming CEO of Tuff Gong in 1993. “Running a record company while also being a performer gave me a certain perspective about the kind of artists that I wanted to work with. Tyrone had already had a following from the days of his classic hit “Cottage In Negril” and I believed with the right team he could take his music and career to another level.” Serving as executive producer, Marley brought in Clive Hunt to produce the album. In sync with Tyrone and Cedella’s thoughts on the album Hunt pulled together a team of musicians, songwriters, and backing vocalists that reads like a who’s who of Jamaican music- Sly & Robbie, Cat Coore, Wayne Armond, Pam Hall, Dean Fraser, Handel Tucker and engineered by Errol Brown. Taylor himself penned the album’s lead single, a follow-up to his 80’s smash “Cottage in Negril”. In the song Negril once again served as the setting for romance, and Rainy Sunset reached #3 on the New York Reggae charts in October of 1994. There were also passionate renditions of Bob Marley’s “Concrete Jungle” and “Talking Blues”. Everyone involved thought this could finally be Tyrone’s breakout album.

The making of the album was not trouble-free, though. Taylor’s talents were greatly hindered by a chronic substance abuse problem that often interfered with what should have been a stellar career.  At one point recording was suspended in order for Tyrone to enter rehab. The week Totally Tyrone was released the singer relapsed and went missing for a period of time that hampered the promotional efforts for the album. Tyrone Taylor succumbed to prostate cancer in December 2007.

Totally Tyrone is the first in a series of albums from the vast Tuff Gong catalog of master tapes. Tuff Gong- Masters Vault will feature remastered recordings that have never before been available digitally. In August three more titles from this series are set to be released.

Download the album HERE on iTunes!

BOB MARLEY’S 70TH BIRTHDAY YEAR CELEBRATION CONTINUES WITH TWO VINYL BOX SET RELEASES

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BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS THE COMPLETE ISLAND RECORDINGS
AND THE COMPLETE ISLAND RECORDINGS: COLLECTOR’S EDITION OUT SEPTEMBER 25th  

 COLLECTIONS TO INCLUDE 11-LPS SPANNING A DECADE WORTH OF MARLEY’S MOST CELEBRATED ALBUM RELEASES ON ISLAND RECORDS

 

Bob Marley’s 70th birthday year-long celebration (2015) continues with the release of two new box sets, The Complete Island Recordings and The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition.  These two stunning vinyl collection sets will release September 25th, 2015, and feature 11 albums on 180-gram vinyl spanning a decade’s worth of Bob Marley & The Wailers releases on Island Records. The Complete Island Recordings will include 11-LPs packaged in a rigid card box with lift top lid, and wrapped in silver paper that simulates the brushed metal finish of a hinged lighter. The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition will included 11-LPs, a 70th anniversary slip mat and two photos in glassine envelopes, all packaged in a unique metal box set, numbered and lined with velvet and connected to truly emulate a hinged lighter.  Both boxes will include Bob’s 70th Birthday logo and all nine Bob Marley & The Wailers studio albums recorded for Island Records, featuring some of their most celebrated releases, including “Catch A Fire,” their 1973 label debut, and “Rastaman Vibration,” their 1976 breakthrough album in the United States, along with two live albums “Live!” and “Babylon By Bus.”

 

The 11 LP’s from the box set will also be broken out and released individually on 180-gram vinyl beginning September 25th. Apart from the actual disc labels which will feature more recently reissued artwork, the LP’s will faithfully replicate the original album pressings.  The “Live!” album will include the original poster with the vinyl, while the “Exodus” album will feature the original gold metallic jacket with embossed lettering.  The “Babylon By Bus” album will feature the die-cut cover with the color printed inner sleeves showing through.

 

PRE ORDER IS AVAILABLE NOW:

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – THE COMPLETE ISLAND RECORDINGS

LP’S INCLUDED IN BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – THE COMPLETE ISLAND RECORDINGS & THE COLLECTOR’S EDITION:

 

–          Catch A Fire

–          Burnin’

–          Natty Dread

–          Live!

–          Rastaman Vibration

–          Exodus

–          Babylon By Bus

–          Kaya

–          Survival

–          Uprising

–          Confrontation

 

For more information, click here:

 Bob Marley:

 

Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put reggae on the global map, but, as a statesman in his native Jamaica, he famously brought together the country’s warring factions — symbolized by rival politicians Michael Manley and Edward Siega joining hands on-stage — during his legendary “One Love Peace Concert” in Kingston, which took place on April 22, 1978, less than six weeks before this Music Hall performance in Boston. It was five years since Marley and the band arrived from Jamaica, with the 1977 release of EXODUS, recorded in London just after an assassination attempt on his life, turned into not just a socio-political statement, but one which included such hits as the title track, “Waiting In Vain” and “One Love,” paving the way for their next release Kaya and a world tour in ’78.  Together with his music’s theme of liberation, Marley’s own rags-to-riches story brought inspiration to subjugated people around the world, where he was revered as a larger-than-life leader.

 

Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 74 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide

 

Thirty years after its original release, Bob Marley & The Wailers’, LEGEND, shared the top of the charts, holding the No. 5 spot on Billboard’s 200 Album Chart among Maroon 5 (#1), Jeezy (#2), Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack (#3), and Ariana Grande (#4). LEGEND also holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album. Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001).  For more information visit: bobmarley.com and facebook.com/bobmarley.

New Studio Updates!

Neve Genesys Black G32 StudioBoard

Tuff Gong International is pleased to announce the installation of the new Neve Genesys Black G32 StudioBoard in its iconic recording studio, located at 220 Marcus Garvey drive in Kingston; home to the Reggae Legend Bob Marley. This top of the line studio Console is the latest model from Neve and is currently the only one in the Caribbean.

The Neve Genesys Black G32, is a digitally controlled analogue recording console that offers total integration with the studio environment and the digital audio workstations, enhancing the one of kind recording experience and sound, as only offered at Tuff Gong International.

Effective August 1, 2015:

Hourly Studio Rate: JMD $4291.85+GCT   

12 Hour Studio Block Bookings: JMD $86,250.00 GCT included 

Additional hours will be billed per hour at the standard hourly rate

Rates are subject to change

Bookings confirmed prior to July 2015 will be grandfathered in at the previous studio rate

ATLANTIC RECORDS WELCOMES JOVANIE TO ITS NOTABLE ROSTER

14-YEAR-OLD R&B SENSATION TO DEBUT

WITH EAGERLY AWAITED PROJECT AND SINGLE

 

PRE-ORDER GOES LIVE TODAY

 

“WHIP” AVAILABLE NOW AS INSTANT GRAT WITH ALL ORDERS

 

“WHAT’S THE MOVE PT. II” DROPS SEPTEMBER 4TH AT ALL DSPs

Today Atlantic Records welcomes Jovanie as the newest member of its much celebrated roster. The Brooklyn-based R&B singer will make his major label debut with his newest project, “WHAT’S THE MOVE PT. II,” dropping September 4th at all DSPs. Atlantic Records is a part of Warner Music Group which is distributed and managed in the Caribbean by Tuff Gong International.

 

“WHAT’S THE MOVE PT. II” is available for pre-order today at http://smarturl.it/PreOrderiTunes.  All pre-orders will receive an instant download of Jovanie’s electrifying new single, “Whip,” produced by The Featherstones, which premiered today via Rap-Up.com: http://smarturl.it/WhipLyricVideo.

 

At 14, Jovanie is already an online phenomenon with massive followings across the social media spectrum, fast finding a fervent fan following with his presence, natural talent, and remarkable vocal tone. The Brooklyn native has been pursuing his musical career for more than half his life, devoting his amazing energy to both school and his extracurricular dreams. He lit the internet on fire with 2013’s viral smash, “Heartbreaker,” leading to a string of high profile live appearances, spanning VH1’s A Night In Paris concert special to performing the National Anthem at NYC’s historic Madison Square Garden.

 

What’s more, Jovanie has earned acclaim from some of today’s biggest stars, including Maybach Music Group/Atlantic recording artist Wale, who featured the young R&B crooner in his recent “The White Shoes” companion video, now with more than 1 million views at www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMdgPJSlAQ4. Jovanie also joined Ne-Yo as special guest on his annual “Giving Tour,” prompting the 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar to declare him “an incredible artist on the rise.”

 

For more information, please visit officialjovanie.tumblr.com, instagram.com/jovanie, www.youtube.com/user/JovanieVital, twitter.com/jovanie, and www.atlanticrecords.com.

New Studio Updates at Tuff Gong!

Tuff Gong Studios located at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston has now installed the new Neve Genesys Black G32 studio board, the latest of the Neve model and the only one in the Caribbean.

The Neve Genesys Black G32 is a digitally controlled analogue recording console with total integration with the studio environment and the digital audio workstations providing a one of kind recording experience and sound, as only provided at Tuff Gong International. More about the board…[embedyt]http://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=UUcZtPcudJyLDfRhwN9Rtkqg[/embedyt]

 

Please call our offices at 1-876-630-1LUV (1588)/1-876-923-9380 extn: 1 8502 for all studio booking enquiries.

Record at Tuff Gong Studios Thanks to Converse Rubber Tracks

CONVERSE Inc. announces the global launch of a monumental new Converse Rubber Tracks program that opens the doors to some of the world’s greatest recording studios in music history. Over a two-week period, Converse Rubber Tracks will activate across eight different countries in four continents, offering aspiring musicians the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record original music at 12 landmark studios, including the two Converse Rubber Tracks studios, at no cost.

[embedyt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiAPYUPPmg8[/embedyt]

 

Emerging artists, bands, and musicians 18 years and older and of all genres across the globe can register for the rare opportunity to record at the following participating studios: Abbey Road Studios in London, England; Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, California; Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin, Germany; Tuff Gong in Kingston, Jamaica; Greenhouse Studios in Reykjavik, Iceland; The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, Canada; Avast Recording Co. in Seattle, Washington; Stankonia in Atlanta, Georgia; Studios 301 in Sydney, Australia; Toca do Bandido in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the original brick-and-mortar Converse Rubber Tracks studio in Brooklyn, New York; and the second permanent Converse Rubber Tracks studio in Boston, Massachusetts, slated to open this summer.
With the global music platform unlocking the doors to the world’s 12 most iconic recording studios in September 2015, there’s been an amazing registration response thus far, with thousands of applications from aspiring artists, worldwide.
Registration closes on Wednesday June 24th. Aspiring artists can apply at Converse-Music.com/Worldwide.