tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72251273969576863592012-02-06T09:10:04.348ZI'm not a blogger, I just blog a lot!Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.comBlogger5561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-51780157717280189112012-02-05T13:23:00.002Z2012-02-05T13:25:55.551Z

Dancehall superstar Sean Paul speaks on nerves having to live up to previous successes, not forcing hits this time around, heavy criticism for sound on previous album 'Imperial Blaze' and why it's the album he's most proud of, how his work compared with Mavado's and reason for non-dancehall producers for new album Tomahawk Technique. Subscribe for following parts. Check SoulCulture for full

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-82484526888141857562012-02-05T12:44:00.002Z2012-02-05T13:00:00.038Z

Celine Dion rocks Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival [Video] Now, I’m not even sure if Celine Dion matches our mantra over here at SoulCulture, but I had to post this monumental occasion. Let me give a break down of how Celine Dion connects to the reggae specialist of SoulCulture; Celine Dion is worshipped in Jamaica. Read more Shola Ama - Puppy Love R&B singer Shola Ama was one of few women of

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-22803429850568284552012-02-05T12:42:00.000Z2012-02-05T12:42:31.978Z

Amidst the heat building for “Only Man She Want” (recently added to Hot 97′s playlist, Radio 1Xtra top 20 for 2012), Popcaan releases a video to the heavily infectious “Party Shot (Ravin’ pt. 2)”. Read more

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-17163427939081533442012-02-05T12:40:00.000Z2012-02-05T12:40:43.425Z

On Tuesday, I popped down to another one of the top pirate's, Deja Vu to have a chat about all things dancehall with the general, Joe Grime. He says he appreciates my opinion which is cool. We speak about the bubbling UK dancehall scene (one's to watch, improvements, evolution of sound systems etc.), dancehall's impact on mainstream pop world, effect incarceration of elite entertainers such as

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-73164296492185428332012-02-05T12:17:00.000Z2012-02-05T12:17:21.206Z

Last Sunday, I ventured down to the legendary, groundbreaking Rinse FM studios in London town to guest on top dancehall sound system, The Heatwave's show. They played out an interview I did with dancehall legend Mr. Vegas. If you're unfamiliar with him, I'm sorry. He has made consistent bangers over the course of nearly 15 years from "Nike Air" and "Heads High" to "Hot Wuk", "I Am Blessed", "Taxi

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-50762297708152189282012-02-02T12:23:00.009Z2012-02-05T13:20:11.565Z

...for now (#LOL). You may have seen the debate and the nonsense on Twitter that's followed. I'm honestly tired of it. The post below doesn't actually speak about the contents of the video, it was written before I'd seen the video in relation to grime artists afraid to name homegrown & dancehall artists as influence. Grime is like hip hop, but it's also like reggae. That doesn't mean it is one

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-18535373219624828782012-01-31T20:20:00.010Z2012-02-06T09:10:04.354Z

Now first off, I don't like cameras - isn't my game, but I did this for the people against the over-exaggerated influence of hip hop's impact on the world. Admittedly, our team lost members as they were blinded by the lights, conned by materialism and hip hop culture propaganda through mass media telling us hip hop is who we are. Hip hop justify things they may not necessarily agree with "But he/

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-45704015334480308262012-01-25T14:30:00.003Z2012-01-25T15:57:05.357Z

Here's some interview footage I decided to upload. I interviewed Sean Paul's manager whilst in Jamaica, then Sean Paul over here in the UK last year. This is the first of about 3 parts regarding Sean Paul. I think it's interesting regarding image and knowing your market despite what you may want to do as an artist. It was interesting hearing both perspectives - artist himself wanting to and the

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-69618268618869995432012-01-24T17:04:00.001Z2012-01-24T17:26:10.798Z

As you may or may not know, I blog all the dancehall and reggae stuff over on SoulCulture. It's called SoulCulture, but that doesn't mean soul/r&b music, it's about music that comes from the soul. Hence reggae posts. p.s. SoulCulture.co.uk is probably the best non-dancehall and reggae site in England for the two genres so check over there for regular updates. Shola Ama does reggae with new

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-39876869697788142912011-12-31T11:47:00.019Z2012-01-14T13:56:50.054Z

This post details all the notable bashment moves that I can remember/think you'll be interested in from a London perspective. Can't speak of the UK cah mi nuh deh everywhere. Basically, I don't remember bashment having this impact on over here, as in British artists having so much dancehall material in it's rawest form in my lifetime. I weren't around for Saxon and Coxsone sound days,

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-40047121484243320022011-12-11T21:32:00.000Z2011-12-11T21:32:37.079Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-13345937937582107262011-12-10T21:54:00.003Z2011-12-11T14:54:25.077Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-43813338998972126222011-12-03T21:45:00.001Z2011-12-03T21:54:36.212Z

My friend sent this via BlackBerry. I expected another racist person on public transport but I was pleasantly surprised. This puppet whines better than most girls in London on a Saturday night. Got mad skills. This slimmaz (what Jamaicans call slim girls obvs) Skelisha ('cos it's a skeleton) would get bookings like crazy over here. The songs (all by Vybz Kartel) are: "Turn & Wine", "Better Can

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-35920209320713219842011-12-03T21:35:00.002Z2011-12-05T11:25:07.935Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-22735599382545271522011-11-25T14:57:00.003Z2011-11-25T16:20:41.378Z

I've been going through a phase of checking out YouTube covers of popular songs recently. Great lot of fun, mostly good because the most viewed ones have high numbers for that reason, they're good. This is a way many artists are being discovered by big labels ever since Justin Bieber and Esmee Denters, so I know I'm not bringing you something new to the table. Karmin are one of the latest to be

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-28837052621069003022011-11-24T15:04:00.000Z2011-11-24T15:04:08.755Z

Yep, you read the title correctly. I came across Bieber's Xmas album after my dad told me he read Bieber has done a reggae song. When I played it to him he said "Hmm... you can just about tell it's reggae" (my dad's hardcore reggae fan thankfully). You may think the same thing but it's the acoustic reggae sound people (namely Bruno Mars and I realised Ed Sheeran's "A-Team" has a hint of it

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-75282582041932177232011-11-22T18:03:00.001Z2011-11-22T19:12:21.470Z

Anyone that knows me, knows how priviliged I felt to speak with one of the most iconic dancehall artists ever. Sean Paul is the don that set off dancehall in a real way. Remember all the dancehall videos Summer 2003? I loved them times. Everyone learning the dances for the first time and dem ting. Even more shocking was him knowing who I am. We sat and spoke like mates. We've had Twitter and

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-457506360054229242011-11-20T23:45:00.000Z2011-11-20T23:45:28.704Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-13705979725302685912011-11-19T21:31:00.003Z2011-11-22T18:04:20.428Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-64289985162470934872011-11-18T14:49:00.004Z2011-11-18T15:02:22.328Z

Lil' Jon is the man hip hop forget contributed a lot. He brought the bass into hip hop in a big way. Bass that hip hop artists thrive on these days. Catchphrases were ridiculed by Dave Chapelle, meaning he became a slight laughing stock. He would have benefited by evolving with the times and included more lyrical rappers on his beats. I give him credit for creating monster anthems though, he had

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-73183879440144435952011-11-13T20:29:00.012Z2011-11-17T17:53:38.948Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-21914588415920615642011-11-12T15:25:00.007Z2011-11-17T17:55:25.249Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-75384002751150824372011-11-11T10:24:00.006Z2011-11-11T14:02:46.249Z

Taken during the performance of "Good Times" when Nile invited members of the audience to dance on stageI had the pleasure of witnessing stone cold legend Nile Rodgers last night for the second time in 12 months. If you claim to know and love music, but thought "Who?" be ashamed.I'll call 'em Nile and Chic because I'm not sure how many of the others are from the original line-up. The concert was

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-62701784850402434252011-11-08T18:44:00.003Z2011-11-08T19:28:23.164Z

Bombay Bicycle Club - Lights Out, Word's GoneThese dudes are one of those bands whose names I see about but never listened to their stuff. Tell a lie, I listened to a few of their tracks on Spotify but ended up getting bored. Decided to click a link to their video one day and loved it. Song's groovy. The video is really cool too.Tanya Lacey - Letter To My ExHeard about Tanya Lacey via asking

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-72243622988508864452011-11-06T22:59:00.013Z2011-11-15T12:01:20.972Z

A few of you may remember the big heavyweight exclusive interview I dropped where J. Cole surprisingly said he'd like to work with grime heavyweight MC, P Money. Sparked off a big wave of discussion in the grime scene.Here's another J. Cole interview I did way before the album came out. I'm a big fan of J. Cole. Damn near stan levels so I ask questions based on a bunch of his lyrics.Lyrics I

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-59099801618595662302011-11-05T20:26:00.011Z2011-11-17T17:56:25.557Z

KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it. For previous TweeteReviews click here Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-65209006114167086832011-11-01T13:29:00.008Z2012-01-13T12:20:25.781Z

I wasn't gonna comment on this a) I didn't watch it (watched Beres and Tarrus in real life) and b) I think I've missed the boat. In the blogging world "It's better never than late" as I criticised MOBO's twitter for the other day after posting Estelle's old video as "new". But you know what? I'm gonna do it 'cos I just watched this (one of the disclaimers to the aforementioned rule is "unless

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-48140565130315795312011-10-29T19:10:00.011+01:002011-10-30T11:11:44.860Z

Good news-ish, I've managed to find some embed videos this week. Unfortunately, not all. And they are the long versions including the intro's and judges comments (which are interesting because (the annoying) 2009's winner Alexanda Burke steps in for an "ill" Kelly Rowland)KEY:RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see@[insert name] = Twitter username

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-85138305679572603872011-10-22T20:24:00.005+01:002011-10-23T10:51:47.192+01:00

KEY:RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see@[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparksFollow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it.For previous TweeteReviews click hereLast but not leastDisclaimer: Tweets

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-82496941508375735322011-10-21T11:49:00.013+01:002011-10-30T14:24:37.364Z

Marvin Sparks, the undefined guy (not a DJ/blogger/journo et cet) from Skengness (no typo) made a mix... In fact, he made it while his chicken wings and chips were in the oven (did you shout "Skeng chef from Skengness" as well? Nah). Well, he does get a lot of requests for mixes by friends who aren't dancehall/bashment-savvy thus making him comparable to bashment's Tour Guide.Despite not being a

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-39346634753367525642011-10-15T19:52:00.006+01:002011-10-23T11:01:46.408+01:00

KEY:RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see@[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparksFollow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it.For previous TweeteReviews click hereLast but not leastDisclaimer: Tweets

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-56940155894589868282011-10-08T19:32:00.014+01:002011-10-09T13:22:09.608+01:00

Weeeeeeeeee's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!! X-Factor Live Show review in tweets better known as TweeteReview. Bit of a difference because the pricks over at X-Factor have decided to disable embedding of videos. Why do that? On the plus, click the orange links to watch videos. Whilst you're there the likes:dislikes meter may interest you.KEY:RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-91374817118158706512011-09-16T17:59:00.004+01:002011-09-16T18:09:56.290+01:00

Hey guys and gals, I'm back with the sixth episode of the popular series FlashBack Friday (click for previous episodes) for the year like 2011.This one's slightly different to the others. Not sure if it's holiday blues, but I've been tracing back songs that remind me of time spent in Jamaica. Jamaica is the land of reggae and dancehall , I don't take pictures, so naturally those songs remind me

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-67305237728197193762011-09-15T11:54:00.003+01:002011-09-15T12:33:41.923+01:00

I only found this out today via Wikipedia. I was reading about Eve, it says she featured on Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl" and mentions it's a remake of an old song. It's obviously reggae-inspired, but I thought that was it.Gwen Stafani ft. Eve - Rich GirlWell, originally, the melody for the chorus comes from musical Fiddler on the Roof, song titled "If I Were A Rich Man"But who knew, the concept for

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-82975936863448093292011-09-07T15:59:00.017+01:002011-09-07T18:15:27.605+01:00

Just in"Reggae artist Jah Cure has had his Mobo nomination for best reggae act withdrawn, after organisers found out he was a convicted rapist.The 33-year-old was given a prison sentence in 1999 for a gunpoint assault in Jamaica.Jah Cure, whose real name is Siccature Alcock, was released in 2007.Mobo organisers said they made the decision after finding about about the "severity of the crime"

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-73089346105936731602011-09-07T13:50:00.002+01:002011-09-07T16:31:22.696+01:00

Kes the Band - WotlessThe Heatwave been banging this since near the beginning of the year. Trini soca vibes. Groovy tune. Was one of my tips for carnival, but I didn't do a post for that. Couldn't be arsed.Angel ft. Sneakbo - Ride OutThis is probably my favourite r&b song from the UK this year. Taken over Nathan ft. Wretch 32 - Hangover. Has a credible r&b vibe with pop appeal. Best song I've

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-46782287942788487242011-09-01T11:00:00.000+01:002011-09-01T11:01:33.536+01:00

Former US marine Orville Burrell​, known to most by his dancehall moniker Shaggy, has reached mainstream heights no other dancehall artist has in terms of mainstream success. Chart-topping singles and album all over the world with a career spanning near 20 years, most notably 2001′s diamond-selling Hot Shot which boasted singles “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel” – both in the top five selling singles of

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-6824980134474515882011-09-01T10:04:00.002+01:002011-09-01T11:01:52.816+01:00

Big Ship sailing! If you don't know the name, you may have skanked to his riddims/songs. Kartel "Bicycle", "Come Breed Me", MR. Vegas "Gallis", Busy Signal "Stamma", Mavado "Hope & Pray", "House Cleaning" , "Weh Dem A Do", "Stulla" + "Peppa" and many more. This is the radio edit. Longer version soon The Wrap Up’s Marvin Sparks ventures down to the Big Ship studios in Kingston, Jamaica to speak

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-52922327842951887212011-08-24T11:13:00.004+01:002011-08-24T14:34:46.434+01:00

I'm a music man that loves to find new music. One of the ways I do this is by tracing samples. Usually leads me to some soul or disco artist I wasn't to familiar with. Good way to get new old music. I love stuff with live instruments so this method usually brings results. If you like samples, you can check my other posts here. And yes, I said "Chase the Sample" instead of "trace" because I'm

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-66828344321839250222011-08-19T13:51:00.006+01:002011-08-19T16:22:42.867+01:00

Hey guys and gals, I'm back with the fifth episode of the popular series FlashBack Friday (click for previous episodes) for the year like 2011. I love doing these posts as I get to relive a time when life was all about not doing homework, watching cartoons, asking mum and dad for toys and what I would be when I grew up. These are songs you'll probably be surprised I, a staunch reggae addict,

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-16063813522375945582011-08-19T10:50:00.002+01:002011-08-19T15:27:04.322+01:00

p.s. I don't care if I'm late. I rarely listen to this music nor radio stations that play it. Came across this band on Spotify via Billboard Hot 100 singles. "Pumped Up Kicks" is in the top 20. Like the sound of it. I got a Gorrilaz or MGMT vibe from it. Vocals are processed in a similar way, bass sounds like them too. Don't crucify me if you're offended. I'm not comparing the two, just the

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-63424799825738455222011-08-05T03:19:00.012+01:002011-09-19T12:19:17.800+01:00

Currently away, but it's raining outside so thought I;d do something useful with my time. That something will be a bunch of YouTube videos I'm feeling right now. I'll probably forget some, but hey, that's life.Ed Sheeran - Small Bump This makes the third time I've posted this song. Radio rip from a Jo Whiley's radio show, on the barge with Rosie and Jim (not really with Rosie and Jim), now this

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-57846223511849474272011-07-08T11:12:00.002+01:002011-07-08T17:15:11.852+01:00

Little John - Clarks BootyOne of, if not the, original Clarks tune. Booty = boot. You'll recognise the riddim track from Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had I rate this tune highly. As people that follow me on Twitter will know, I'm a ballad man. Written by Babyface, who is am elite songwriterWhat happened to the motive set in "Nasty Girl" by Destiny's Child?Out the window like "Independent Woman"

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-14361340095850522952011-07-07T19:06:00.003+01:002011-07-07T19:13:10.840+01:00

I'm fiddling about with the "Sample" title until one sticks.In a bit of a reggae mood right now, so trawling YouTube to accompany my ears whilst in a meeting. Weed rapper Wiz Khalifa "Still Blazing" taken from the popular mixtape, Kush & OJ, that enhanced his fanbase.Is inspired by the sample from Italian reggae superstar Alborosie's song of the same name on album Soul Pirate released in 2008.

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-81669680386246360872011-07-07T14:12:00.002+01:002011-07-07T19:06:02.544+01:00

Long time followers of this blog will know I mentioned Daley as one of my "Looking Forward To Hearing In 2010" alongside J Cole, Chino, Devlin and Maverick Sabre. Chino went on to have a top selling dancehall album in Japan plus one of the most toured artists. You'll probably know the rest. If not, Mav Sabre got signed, released a popular EP and new single "Let Me Go" out soon. Same for J. Cole -

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-82470151107429138082011-07-05T09:43:00.004+01:002011-07-05T19:01:36.758+01:00

AKS - House Called HomeBoth the tune and video go all the way in. UK rapper AKS A subject people such as myself can relate to. Opens with that (prick) Enoch Powell's politically controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech, AKS questions whether England is home.I-Octane - Mi SorryMi nah stop shout about this artist. He is one of the most consistent and versatile artists right now. Sings, deejay (raps)

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-41210691653653578672011-07-04T11:35:00.002+01:002011-07-04T12:15:03.026+01:00

I'm one of those people that loves tracing back samples, then hearing what else that band recorded. Good way of discovering old music. I can honestly say I'm rarely surprised by popular songs that contain samples after reading album credits all these years. (click here for previous findings.) At my aunts listening to the radio when this song came onBrenda Russell "A Little Bit Of Love"Wonderful

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-39557199660467487442011-07-01T17:45:00.003+01:002011-07-01T18:54:03.845+01:00

12years since his passing in physical, but not vocal and lyrical. I doubt most non-reggae fans under the age of 25 will really know how great this man is. i'm talking British born from Jamaican grandparentage. You know this generation doesn't really have much knowledge of home culture. Any sense of culture they would have had got buy out by America via American TV programs.I'mma drop a couple

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-14945451122956167612011-06-30T19:15:00.002+01:002011-06-30T20:16:50.879+01:00

So, don't remember how I came across this. I think I possibly regret spending that time of my life to be fair. Watch it first, then I'll comment after.Now, I know I said "regret spending that time of my life" now I'm spending more but this has to stop. Whilst I haven't made any good songs in my life (haven't made any songs) that isn't my job. I spot them. Great track record too. If you wanna call

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-12342709875090115002011-06-30T10:49:00.004+01:002011-06-30T13:52:37.533+01:00

As we should all know by now, Glastonbury took place last weekend. Yeah, Beyoncé etc. But I came across Aloe Blacc performing one of my favourite songs of the moment (still) "I Need A Dollar" on BBC2. Admittedly, I didn't know it from last year when it first hit the streets.I stumbled across his actual performance on stage when during a search for it on YouTube. Much to my surprise he did a

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-8269208065324234002011-06-29T13:30:00.007+01:002011-06-29T14:20:54.609+01:00

If you like samples, you'll like this post. If you'd like to see previous posts covering this subject click here(Disclaimer: Luther Vandross special but I have most probably missed a few. I renamed the title once I realised both are Luther songs. When you read the post you'll get how this happened.)I think it has come to a point in my life where I've conceded "If a hip hop beat sounds too good to

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-38589597355282391842011-06-28T15:44:00.025+01:002011-06-29T14:34:43.373+01:00

Ed Sheeran - Small BumpAnyone that has been following the blog for a while now will know I began gassing about Ed last year March on a next level (if you're interested click this, this or this). He's one of the only artists I'm most excited about. Genuinely excites me. Me and that girl Leatz were on his talent from mad early, alie Leatz? Watched his performance at Glastonbury where he headlined

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-67931921302729789282011-06-28T13:21:00.009+01:002011-06-28T19:30:46.260+01:00

I'll start this post with the best of the rubbish songs. I'm not even sure if this is rubbish. Mainly because I can't listen to it without feeling offended. Mann ft. Iyaz & Snoop Dogg - The Mack349 likes, 21 dislikesSorry, but he took a classic. I guess this is a sign of old age. I may have felt like this about rap sampling soul and disco songs if I was born in the '60s. But http://

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-33948963375489040192011-06-28T11:18:00.007+01:002011-06-28T18:59:24.549+01:00

"That's all them **** screamin' that Reebok back"Nah fam, that's all Swizz Beats is screamin'. Reebok's are DEAD. Saying that, I guess this promotion does help in a way because I forgot Reebok actually exist. With that said, maybe they are back into my memory then. Back in my sneaker/trainer collection though? Probably not.Workouts were the greatest school trainers for rebels against shoes.

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-46179160845166734372011-06-27T13:06:00.003+01:002011-06-27T14:35:16.800+01:00

I've known Dionne for a while still. Doesn't add anything to the post I guess. I coulda sworn I've blogged her but I dunno where it is. Maybe I posted them on Facebook *shrugs* Strangely enough one of the two vids I thought I'd posted were Delete My Account (a song about Facebook) with the other being a cover of Lauryn Hill in an English accent.She's proper bubbly and stuff innit. She's actually

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-69347062176469255962011-06-23T17:04:00.010+01:002011-06-23T19:10:37.261+01:00

Yeah, so Buju Banton was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but hear what, there's nothing we can do about it, so if you wanna do like me, let's play some Buju songs. If you haven't heard many Buju songs before, let this be a quick lesson for you. I picked the first 10 at random from my memory bank. To those of you who may feel there could have been better ones, you're probably right.Let's open the

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-48495177888271468102011-06-23T12:16:00.012+01:002011-06-23T15:49:07.629+01:00

Did one of these a while ago (click here). I'm one of those people that loves tracing back samples, then hearing what else that band recorded. Good way of discovering old music. I can honestly say I'm rarely surprised by popular songs that contain samples after reading album credits all these years. Exhibit AThis is "Fun" by Brick. Don't know much about them, but according to wiki "Brick is a

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-53956898694262365262011-06-20T14:32:00.005+01:002011-06-20T17:07:33.149+01:00

These songs ago tun up fi di summer (for this summer here). I've been replaying both these on this riddim, so I'm happy they did a medley vid. Could have been better, but hey, such is life.Tun up this one loud on your speakers and digest some spiritual music that they say dancehall doesn't have anymore. Yeah, that's if you believe in pricks!

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-26400120949300531872011-06-16T09:48:00.009+01:002011-06-17T12:54:38.446+01:00

MeView = ReviewSo, last night Heatwave's bashment concert "Showtime". I anticipated this will be the greatest one night show I've been to in a long while. An incredible line-up. In fact, it's an inconceivable line-up mainly due to the sly headliner and inspiration for the event - Wiley. For those unfamiliar with him, you may know him as the Godfather of Grime, but he is also the self-proclaimed "

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-60033928356056101722011-06-15T16:20:00.004+01:002011-06-15T17:07:46.512+01:00

Read up about The Heatwave movement and what inspired tonight's event here: http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/urban/2588-the-heatwave-london-s-dancehall-donsAdvance tix are sold out but 100 tix on the door for a bargain of £20. I'm most looking forward to General Levy, Glamma Kid and Riko Dan (who killed a Hot Wuk before)And just for the sake of it, watch some Jamaican artists do what these guys will

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-36651505003132207412011-06-15T14:36:00.004+01:002011-06-15T16:12:04.567+01:00

RBNA = Real Badman Never Afraid. Real Badman Never Afraid = Marvin Sparks blogging about things your average 20-something, black male, Londoner wouldn't usually admit to in public space. Unless, of course, he is a badman.Today's topic is ballads. Ballads in Lehman's (I know you don't spell Lehman like that, but Arsenal's goalkeeper is dumb too) terms are slow love songs as you'll see if you carry

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-85693231892854269162011-06-14T09:44:00.005+01:002011-06-14T15:23:04.441+01:00

Boom, bang, connek *flashback to 2006* I didn't know what to title this. It's basically more tunes I like. If you like them wonderful, if not, sorry. Scroll down, may find something you like there. Or come back tomorrow/Thursday.Assassin a.k.a. Agent Sasco - Talk How Mi Feel/Nothing At AllAs per usual, Agent Sasco has started off yet another year bursting out of the blocks with an onslaught of

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-31779134002389817832011-06-10T12:24:00.006+01:002011-06-10T14:44:51.153+01:00

Hey guys and gals, I'm back with the fourth episode of the popular series FlashBack Friday (click for previous episodes) for the year like 2011. I love doing these posts as I get to relive a time when life was all about not doing homework, watching cartoons, asking mum and dad for toys and what I would be when I grew up.I've decided I'm doing a post dedicated to soca songs I like. Don't even

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-59565007458124185012011-06-09T15:44:00.002+01:002011-06-10T11:14:43.057+01:00

I say "Free Ja Rule" but he was caught with a gun (according to the verdict in court). Coincidentally on the same day as Lil' Wayne who has been in and out for at least 6 months now. I've been waiting for a reason to celebrate Ja Rule's underappreciated footprint on hip hop for a while now. I don't care about the 50 Cent beef, or his street cred, Ja had big club songs for days. In my timeline of

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-28101752877568493982011-06-07T13:38:00.005+01:002011-06-08T17:19:10.721+01:00

There's a plethora of one-drop songs I'm feeling at the moment. I don't know if it's because I decided to delve deeper into roots reggae, but there's so many songs I'm feeling right now.I-Octane - Cry To The NationIf you've been following this blog you'll know I-Octane is my artist. Last year was his breakthrough year, where he had Jamaica going crazy for his dancehall anthems. As much as I rate

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-42924822859287125892011-06-06T13:42:00.002+01:002011-06-07T13:31:56.729+01:00

My blog's drowning in dancehall or dancehall by association right now. Anyway, here's some bangers getting spun you're likely to hear in my presenceDJ Khaled ft. Drake, Ricky Rozay & Lil' Wayne - I'm On OneThis song is ridiculous! I finally realised Drake raised the bar for what it takes to be a r&b artist. R&b isn't dead, the artists are doing it wrongKelly Rowland - MotivationA few months back

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-57801908580977500432011-06-06T12:08:00.006+01:002011-06-06T12:44:14.965+01:00

Another day, another rapper, another hijacked Mavado song. Currently on number 3 since year start (Sneakbo & Chipmunk "Star Boy", Sneakbo "Warn Them" now this). Don't know much about Ratlin, but he's shouting Mozart which is west London. I'm feeling this song. I'm not as deep into it as I'd like to be but I really like UK rap from the roads. They have character and gangsta narrative. I don't

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-598957262079618852011-06-02T14:49:00.012+01:002011-06-02T18:16:28.148+01:00

Vybz Kartel returns to his famed British accent that brought him much attention in the mid-00's on Proper English. I'm feeling this. A LOT! The riddim is so sick. His whispering vocals are effective and quotables/wheel up points for dayyyyssss! Loads of references to Prince Wills and Kate Middleton, hip hop's Tim Westwood, dancehall DJ Robbo Ranx, Brixton, temperature ("I'm in the tropics, you in

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-19946348996804110062011-06-02T09:33:00.006+01:002011-06-02T14:27:30.760+01:00

I haven't done a "Real Badman Never Afraid" segment in a while. If you're unfamiliar with it, this is a time where I share songs I like that people will be surprised I like, deemed uncool by my demographic and some will feel ashamed to admit. But true I'm a rudeman, wicked boy (copyright me and my bredrin) from the day I was born 'til at least 1 minute 26 seconds ago, I don't abide by them

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-32712118577015041432011-05-31T11:12:00.007+01:002011-05-31T15:55:13.009+01:00

Once again, Sneakbo on a dancehall riddim. He's making a fair few of these and I love it. Sneakbo has the streets on smash right now. Big him up all day.All the punks that don't usually blog or care about dancehall are fully on him. Sort of thing that annoys me about the music industry, its just bandwagons. The amount of times I've had convo's about tunes that if it has a familiar face on it "

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-90454932094131450192011-05-25T15:22:00.007+01:002011-05-27T11:26:23.300+01:00

Shouts to @Newsychick1 and @DanBean for putting me up on these. (sly plug check my interviews with Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Serani, Gyptian, Busy Signal etc here) Yep, you read correctly - new music from Daniel Bedingfield. And on top of that, they're two dancehall tracks! This is a marked change from what seems to be out of nowhere, but it isn't. The UK singer/songwriter best known for UK Garage

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-57070871758932418762011-05-11T22:00:00.001+01:002011-05-26T16:37:47.564+01:00

Marcia Griffiths (far right) is a well-known and established reggae legend in her own right commonly referred to as the Queen of Reggae. She began her career as a solo singer, scored a British top 5 with "Young, Gifted and Black" alongside Bob Andy before becoming 1/3 of the I-Threes a.k.a. Bob Marley's backing vocalists, or his three little birds as he preferred to call them. The Wailers were

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-91576292003229808372011-05-11T15:45:00.006+01:002011-05-11T16:55:14.198+01:00

If this blogspot is starting to look like a Bob Marley fan site, it's because at the root of it, it is. And don't get it twisted, it doesn't take a day like this to make me appreciate Bob. It's a day I know other people are more inclined to so I can rant it out lolThis right here is the stuff that makes me want to buy his album. I won't but I have a lot more respect for his vocals than I did.

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-11668374514216869872011-05-11T10:01:00.006+01:002011-05-25T10:30:33.843+01:00

As you should already know, today marks the 30th anniversary of the legends passing on to a better place. Another thing we all know is his music lives on. I've decided to do a post of hits built on riddims Bob Marley had hits on just to kinda throw out a post I thought would be interesting and a different way of putting up some of my favourite Bob tunes. Selecting them from scratch is hard enoguh

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-73683750312240317432011-05-10T13:33:00.010+01:002011-05-11T16:56:53.310+01:00

30 years ago, 11th May 1981, ultimate legend Bob Marley lost his battle against cancer in a hospital in Miami, Florida, but as we all know, his legacy well and truly lives on.In my opinion he is the greatest artist ever. Third world superstar that not only brought through refreshing music that broke the concepts of how music was made and structure, through his music we understand a whole culture

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-46894793394619822452011-05-10T10:00:00.003+01:002011-05-10T15:11:26.614+01:00

You may not know the name, you may not know the voice, but I guaran-damn-tee you'll love this song. Cleo Sol has been around for a while, featuring on Tinie Tempah's pivotal song 'Tears' (lead to him signing a deal I think), Davinche's extremely popular 'Riding For Love' which also featured Bashy. Basically, if you have a reasonable amount of interest in UK music, you will have heard of her.I'm

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-5138201322874048162011-05-05T10:23:00.010+01:002011-05-06T20:31:43.465+01:00

Yes, you read correctly. Jennifer Lopez featuring Lil Wayne is straight reggae/dancehall. I wanna see some dancehall moves to this when JLo performs this.I don't even care, I'm feeling this song. Produced by professional dancehall rippers Stargate. I don't even mind them biting because to be fair they do it well. If they start hooking up features with our artists we'll be even - can't keep taking

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-67115158499174775532011-05-03T14:55:00.006+01:002011-05-04T12:24:43.155+01:00

In the post below, I updated with a bunch of new dancehall videos (and some Protoje feat Ky-Mani Marley "Rasta Love"This has been floating since last year, but I didn't feel it at first, and since then I haven't blogged that much. But yes, good old song this. Don Corleon's protege, Protoje teams up with one of Bob's sons, Ky-mani Marley. If my memory serves me correctly, Kymani appeared in

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-11521829730615859232011-04-28T12:20:00.002+01:002011-04-28T15:58:11.265+01:00

If you'd like to get a look at what the early warmers vibes will be, all you have to do is watch this.Then get yourselves down to Hot Wuk Royal Bashment at East Village tonight!

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-24834234335072491362011-04-27T15:09:00.006+01:002011-04-27T16:24:37.447+01:00

Christopher Martin - Paper LovingThis tune is big! Tearing down Caribbean and Kenya on next levels. One of the underrated singers in Jamaica. Good to see he lives outside.Shaggy featuring Mavado - Girlz Dem Luv We Shaggy's back with another video. He's going in this year. "Your Eyes Only" with Alaine, now this. Mavado's going hard with the visuals as well; Star Bwoy, this, Category 5 riddim

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-18954355425299925662011-04-25T17:13:00.002+01:002011-04-25T17:20:47.394+01:00

18 year-old Stephen Lawrence was murdered in an alleged racially motivated attack at a bus stop 18 years ago on 22nd April 1993. Although no one has ever been found guilty of the murder, he didn't die in vain. Marvin Sparks speaks to UK rapper Ty on the impact of his death, his parents fight to bring exposure, compares then with now on race relations in UK, police treatment, the role the media

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-9517656419324731262011-04-21T09:55:00.013+01:002011-04-21T14:46:35.810+01:00

Big dutty stinkin' Shabba voices "None A Dem" on Di Genius' infectious Peppa riddim. Sounds like he's throwing words after Vybz Kartel. The legend Shabba asks "How can you not rate who come before you? You're going on like you came around here and made music big." before boldly (well, as bold as an indirect can be) stating "None a dem nuh bad like Shabba Rankin'... Stop that fool there and ask

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-87775612298234134912011-04-15T12:46:00.004+01:002011-04-15T13:30:53.494+01:00

Hold tight my JamErican linky Lili for showing me this. It's a mad sitt'n. Some Yanks cover Tinie Tempah's "Written In The Stars". Broke into the top 20 on the US Billboard charts last week. Probably crack the top ten in the next couple weeks. Good on Tinie.Back to the cover though, he dude sings the hook and plays the keyboard while the dudette kicks the rap. The 2Pac "California Love" sample

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-62573489857618320552011-04-14T17:10:00.006+01:002011-04-14T18:21:02.385+01:00

So, the long-awaited video for Stay Boy by Mavado has finally dropped. It's alright. Woulda liked more shots of Jamaica than America to be fair. More club vibes too, 'cos there really isn't a party like a Jamaican party, but it's good. Showing his star appeal. And you already know the tune mad already. Over at Soul Culture I blogged the track by Chipmunk that Mavado features on Every

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-31630318115945027392011-04-07T12:21:00.007+01:002011-04-07T18:32:59.024+01:00

If you don't know Sneakbo, he has the roads of London on (reasonable amount of) smash right now. It's all the youths are on right now. I've heard a few things from him, he's alright still. But he reps south London and raps on dancehall beats so I've got time for him. He came to prominence with his freestyle over Vybz Kartel's popular badman anthem 'Touch Ah Button'. Recently appeared on Mavado's

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-74914557932577309782011-04-04T14:10:00.005+01:002011-04-04T16:56:36.347+01:00

Alright so you may have seen the last post where I posted links to a bunch of posts that I've done recently, and you may have thought "So where the interviews at?" You most probably weren't thinking that at all but it makes me feel better to think you did. But anyways, I digress, back on track: I have done about 5 interviews in the past 6 weeks. I'll be rolling them out in due course. The one I'm

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-15301801383357933172011-04-04T11:42:00.002+01:002011-04-04T14:10:01.168+01:00

A: Well, I think I set a standard of blogging a lot at some parts last year. Reason being I had a lot more time back then. Some stuff in the open, some you won't know and nah I'm not telling you - near future. I'm also contributing material SoulCulture. As I said to someone yesterday, I should post it on both sites, mine and theirs.So guess what I'm gonna do today?Post everything I've posted on

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-21609400543529114822011-03-24T10:06:00.011Z2011-03-25T14:17:25.880Z

Today I'm in a vibe to share tunes I've been feeling since year start. Feels like a long time since I shared some recent reggae and dancehall.We call this one here "Back on my Bashment"Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor - Bounce A GalGirls them time. 2nd verse "Girlfriend walk out pon da one ya/ Some girl scary like Iguana/ Teeth full a mix up like piranha/ So how she ah say she favour (look like)

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-8760862268197405082011-03-18T13:46:00.005Z2011-03-19T03:11:14.481Z

FlashBack Friday (click for previous episodes) Today's a singers special because I've been listening to a lot of r&b recently. There's a particular album that has sparked this off, but that will be revealed in two weeks. And I've been in a Rodney Jerkins/Timbaland phase. If you missed part I check here Forgotten Gems. It's where I share some songs that I'd forgotten about. Some you may know,

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-15015275066772638162011-03-04T14:33:00.006Z2011-03-04T15:06:34.545Z

FlashBack Friday (click for previous episodes) So this week I've been rollin' through some archive songs and thought I'd share some of my forgotten gems. You may agree with some, you may not have heard many, but for me to think they're forgotten, there is no way they are bait.Usually with these kinda dig the vault themes you remember every song 'cos they're the same ones everyone says "Oh

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-32628170289164572562011-02-25T11:17:00.002Z2011-02-25T11:22:53.648Z

Dun know it's that time again! Gal, bashment, and Heatwave indoors. Expect another roadblock. That isn't one of those meaningless "Tickets are running out fast" "The BEST event in London that night" type hypement lies. It's actually based on factual events. Every. Single. Time. There is some rass line outside. Catch Lea-Anna performing Kisses next month at Hot Wuk, London's maddest bashment party

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-85691133036073819712011-02-23T13:12:00.003Z2011-02-23T13:31:39.274Z

Rihanna performed during the half time show at NBA All-Star Game this past weekend. Let's just say it was much better than Black Eyed Peas halftime show at Superbowl (click for TweetReview).Anyway, watch the whole thing because it's Rihanna and you know Rihanna always looks hot, but look out for the dance she does at 9:00 minsA lot of you probably saw it and thought "Yeah, so?" but that is a

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-8143128788626235722011-02-20T21:11:00.021Z2011-02-25T11:17:45.066Z

For other TweetView episodes click here KEY: RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see @[insert name] = Twitter username. www.twitter.com/[name after @ sign] For example: @MarvinSparks = www.twitter.com/MarvinSparks Follow everyone who wrote tweets you like. If you'd like your tweet removed ask and I'll think about it Last but not least

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-71355512547019574632011-02-15T10:07:00.003Z2011-02-15T10:32:03.817Z

Yesterday we all mourned the loss of Ronaldo's football career as he announced his retirement.If you didn't mark the page for R9's in the catalogue you knew you couldn't dare ask your parents to buy, you missed out on a vital part of your childhood.Salute to the greatest striker of our time. Just before I logged on to Twitter, one of the top tweets on the main page said: "Congratulations to one

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-52794048061143103462011-02-14T15:03:00.013Z2011-02-14T20:11:49.122Z

Today's Valentines. I know you're feeling a little lonely so I thought I'd dedicate a little post to all of you. Check the "Single Girl Selection"Read in a dancehall soundman voice for full effect. If you don't know what that is, read normally. But you won't get the full effect. Obviously.All of the girls that know you don't need a man, walk out on this one (walk out = make yourself known, so

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-1021408833667946502011-02-12T17:27:00.003Z2011-02-13T18:37:02.382Z

As some of you may know, I am #TeamBloggersDelight. Bloggers delight is a round table talk show on Bang 103.6 FM and available online at bangradio.fm. We discuss the big talking points of the week with some random fun questions thrown in.Topics.........What comedy sitcom would you like to see come back on tv?50 Cent shuts down WorldStarHipHop: Is 50 really that powerful?Is there such a thing as a

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-1271715724667576182011-02-11T14:33:00.006Z2011-02-13T15:18:05.138Z

Yeaaahhh it's baaaa-aaaack! FlashBack Friday's inna ya area. For previous episodes click here.Today I'm appreciating some of my favourite show theme tunes. Shows that no longer exist. Hence end creditsGrange HillThe tune that inspired this topic. Randomly popped in my head today. Many older people probably rated the older theme tune, but man-a-youngster and this is a skankersThe BillI used to

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-28141673152993837102011-02-10T11:32:00.004Z2011-02-11T13:53:10.546Z

Context MC featuring VertexThis video is sick! Weren't feeling the Giggs sound-a-like though. Hol' tight my dargs JP, SB and Ed in the video (calling them my dargs is proper breddin' (begging friendship))Yasmin A64This is good still. The comments are jokes. Click the video to see it in YouTube then read comments. Ladies, you will be offended.But the reason I am posting is this,If you're a badman/

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-54402183565427984042011-02-09T14:18:00.004Z2011-02-09T16:35:08.959Z

Dunno how long for but I've got the time to blog and actually source things today. So first off, Happy belated Birthday to the greatest artist in the history of music, Bob Marley. Inspired by Soul CultureIt was his 66th on Sunday. He still lives on so I won't speak of him in past tense. Basically, if your name isn't Elvis or Michael Jackson, you can not enter the debate as to who is the greatest

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225127396957686359.post-66136880232759477722011-02-07T10:00:00.005Z2011-02-07T15:41:52.345Z

So last night I entered my house just as the Black Eyed Peas were about to take to the stage for their Superbowl performance. I'm so pissed I was too tired to boot up my laptop for a proper TweetView. These are the only ones I managed to copyFor other TweetView episodes click hereKEY:RT aka ReTweet = Repeating someone else's tweet for everyone of your own followers to see@[insert name] = Twitter

Marvin Sparkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877983978674561743noreply@blogger.com1