Cleveland - Detroit Link Up! Dance or Die, Part 3!

Chat 'Bout Cleveland friend and supporter, Destiny and Cleveland's Dancehall Queen, Ms. Trini were among the featured dancers in the much anticipated dancehall event, "Dance or Die 3" in Detroit this past Saturday. For those of you who got some rest after Tony Matterhorn and made the trip up North, you know that dance was insane. If you happened to miss this bash, Destiny sent us a video and a few pics from the event.

How is the dancehall scene in Detroit, you ask? With Canada just a bridge away, Chicago and Cleveland not far behind, the scene in Detroit is bananas right now. Still not convinced? Check out the video sent to us by the American Dancehall Queen herself, Destiny.....

Represent!

Later for now,

Bashy

DANCE OR DIE PART 3 - DETROIT

Bashment Review: Tony Matterhorn arrives in Cleveland!

Uprising International lived up to its name as they presented the much anticipated arrival of Tony ‘Mentally Ill’ Matterhorn last Friday night at the Club Center. The night of music and dancing featured all of Cleveland’s premier sounds including New Horizon, Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby, Sample Jack and Star Temple.

As Chat ‘Bout made a fashionable entrance at about 3am, we were more than thrilled to see the lines of cars parked well beyond the bridge past the Club Center. Yes, the stroll to the venue was a little longer than usual, but the baselines bumping from the bash carried us through our journey.

We entered the dance just in time to hear the last few tunes from the New Horizon set followed by Sample Jack. In true bashment form, the selector worked the crowd with old dance tunes such as, “Like a Virgin”, “I will Survive”, and “No Romance (without finance)” and the crowd gratefully swayed to the tunes.

Big Ups to Night Ryder Entertainment on hand to capture this event. After watching the Firelinks and Stone Love Videos, I cannot wait to see this DVD as well. (Be sure to pick up your copy from Uprising International). We love to see Night Ryder, or any video light at the bash since it definitely brings out the ‘best’ in people. We also love to see the cutie, cutie gals in their designer frocks and the hot boys bring the latest dances from Jamaica all over the video light, but what we DON’T like to see is that poor party goer wearing some tired jeans and busted shirt they wore to work earlier that day. That is NOT the look. Please remember to put your head down when you see the light coming – no modeling needed for that look, thanks.

Chat ‘Bout was able to spot a few dancehall celebrities in the house including Maggie Untouchable, warming up for her big birthnite bash this Saturday, November 3rd at Dailey’s, The God Bless Crew – Maxine and Andrien, Blaka, the urban couture princess, Onnie, Nikolai, The Designing Women Crew and the Blaze’ Crew. Also on hand was Marc Dragon from New York to catch up on the vibes of the Cleveland dance.

We love to see the gals and guys do their fashion thing for the big dances. It was all about the boys with blazers, jeans and pointed shoes that night. We spotted hot boy Ricky Hype from Star Temple looking uber fly in his fitted blazer, graphic tee and fitted slacks followed by the fellow in all white (yes we know, its out of season) - but his banging loafers and carefully tailored jacket made us forgive him. With all the boys in their designer looks and girls in their cuties, cuties dresses, everyone showed up in their bashment best…. (Well, some of us.) Trust me, with a dance this big, the list is TOO long of hits and misses….

So, let’s Move On….

As showtime approached, Junior Flex warmed up the eager crowd with a few freestyle tunes. Tony Matterhorn took the stage at a mere 4am. I can say I loved Tony's look with the carefully pressed striped button down shirt with red vest. I was all about the designer jeans and the stunning necklaces (on his neck AND wrist) completing his look. Not the look of the typical selector, but I was feeling it.....

By the way, was it just me or did nostalgia kicked in for some of you all reminiscing to seeing Tony Matterhorn battle Renaissance BACK in the day and even owning a few mix tapes from the early days….. If you can remember this, you are defiantly a DANCEHALL VETERAN!

After performing a few dancehall favorites such as “Man from Mars” and of course “Dutty Wine”, it was all about the dancing as the Miami girls began to heat it up on stage for the masses. As Tony Matterhorn called out to the Cleveland girls who can dance, I knew I would see a line of gals head to the stage. Okay, okay what was the deal- I know I saw Ms. Trini, Brandi, and Lady Spyda in the place – so why was Destiny the only one to represent for Cleveland? No disrespect ladies, and know that I was rooting for you. We would have LOVED to see you up in the place representing. Big up Trini and Destiny (I know you burned up the place in Detroit). Also, Big Ups (no pun intended) to the big momma from Miami doing the damn thing on the stage. All I can say is WOWWWWWWW!

As the dance finally ended at about 5am, the crowd peacefully filed out of the Club Center, dancehall fulfilled until the next BIG event from New Horizon (who else?) on December 1st featuring Baby Cham. Okay, you have about 5 weeks to get yourself together, call you local clothier today…… remember, we will be watching!

Until next time,

Bashy

Hey, what did you think about this bash? Link us up at chat_bout_cleveland@hotmail.com or leave us a comment on our blog!

Chat 'Bout Cleveland's Featured Promoter - Makka B

We at Chat Cleveland had the fortune to talk to one of Cleveland’s hottest promoters, Makka B as he prepares to bring Tony “Mentally Ill” Matterhorn to Cleveland this month. Bashybloggette has a chance to get a few words from Makka as he talks about music, Cleveland’s dancehall scene and more…..

Bashy: How did your interest in building a sound system begin?

Makka B: I started out by playing with The Mighty Jah Rock and discovered how much I loved music! I decided I wanted to become not only a DJ, but a promoter as well. I started out in back in 1992, when my partner and I came up with the name, Megga Force and began to play a few clubs in the area.

Bashy: What do you think makes a great sound?

Makka B: It’s really not about a great sound…it’s all about the music…..the size doesn’t really matter either…..a great sound, as you call it, plays music for the people. From R&B to Crunk to Rap to Calypso, the sound plays for the people, not for themselves….

Bashy: Many Sounds like to Bless the dance with roots and cultures, is there something that you like to do as well? Or does Megga Force have another tradition?

Makka B: Of course, we pray before we do anything….. Then we bless the dance with culture first. Some people use Sanchez or some sort of gospel. But we definitely bless the dance with some sort of Culture or Roots tune.

Bashy: How difficult is it to build the vibes through each dance?

Makka B: Building and keeping the vibes at the dance can be easy, but it is sometimes a little more difficult, depending on the crowd. We have to watch the crowd to keep them involved. For example, if I am playing some good tunes from Buju, and the crowd is moving, it’s okay, but if I switch the tune and they stop, I know the crowd does not like it!

Bashy: What do you think about the Dancehall scene here in Cleveland?

Makka B: Cleveland is okay… We have been getting better the last few years. I think I bust back Dailey’s a few years ago and became one of the biggest promoters in Cleveland! (Note: Makka B DID win promoter of the Year in 2001!)

Bashy: Do you feel Cleveland’s Dancehall scene is as up to date as other cities such as Detroit, Chicago, or even New York?

Makka B: As long as we keep the violence out, we definitely have Chicago and Detroit beat. But then there is Miami and New York, they will be tough to beat since they get all the pre-released rhythms.

Bashy: Are there anything in the works for another Cleveland Sound Clash?

Makka B: I just had one with Black Chiney, New Horizon and Starcade. I have some big plans coming up for a few things soon….

Bashy: Over the years, who are some of the people that you still enjoy seeing coming out to support you?

Makka B: I just enjoy seeing EVERYBODY from Cleveland coming out to support me and it sell off if everybody comes!

Yes, yes, is it me or is Makka B really on the move these days? It’s a good thing we had a moment to chat with Makka B, before all the hype surrounding this HUGE event in a few weeks. In addition to all the support from the Cleveland masses in all the years, Makka B wants everyone to know everything is okay with Makka B and Megga Force is okay and he hopes to see everyone come out to support on October 26th.

Calling all crews, selectors, promoters! Think you know someone making moves on Cleveland's dancehall scene? Link us up! chat_bout_cleveland@hotmail.com!

Bashment Review: Super Dee's Blue and White Affair

We at Chat ‘Bout Cleveland have (again) officially declared 2007 as the “Year of the Theme” as many of Cleveland’s Dancehall Celebrities came out to support Super Dee of the YHP Crew as he celebrated his birthnight with The 2nd Annual Blue & White Affair at Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn. Although the bash began with a slow simmer, it quickly reached its boiling point as the crowd danced to BIG TUNES from New Horizon, Young Hawk, Star Temple, Organik Sound and or course, Youth Hi Power! Once again YHP did the damn thing with big tune after big tune all night long.

As Chat ‘Bout made an appearance at about 1am, we interested in seeing what the masses were wearing for this affair. Although it seemed many patrons opted for turquoise instead of blue, Chat ‘Bout will give you all a pass since it is in the blue family.

The man of the evening, Super Dee himself was looking Super Sexy and damn dapper in a Navy Blue pin-striped white shirt with a navy sweater vest and jeans. Other fashion standouts were the always on (fashion) time Designing Women Crew (sans their designer) with Tanya Classic on the feminine side rocking a strapless navy cocktail number complete with peep toe pumps and on the sexy side was Tammy Trendz a blue hot House of De’reon ensemble. Always best dressed for the occasion, Eye (Ocean Wave) shut the party down with a blue on blue tuxedo (yes, I said tuxedo, but can you say COUTURE?). On the less tailored trip were Courtney and the Canadian Crew bringing a fresh look to the dance wearing head to toe Ed Hardy, True Religion and Armani Exchange. Special mention to Pam (from the now debunked Big Family Crew) wearing the flapper style halter complete with fringe and topped off with palazzo pants – very, very, cute, gal!

Other dancehall celebs on hand to wish Super Dee a happy birthday were Brookfoot and Dae-Dae, Toronto Jay and Desmond, Maxine and the always so fly Andrien of The God Bless Crew, Maggie Untouchable, KC Platinum – flying solo, and of course, Mr. October – Makka B in the house to promote his H U G E dance featuring Tony Matterhorn coming October 26th.

Besides the fashion and the tunes, other big points of interest included the special guest dancer from NYC (I cannot call her name right now) who moshed up the dance with her sexy body and moves. She bad from she born Chat “Bout must say. Not to let the ladies have all the fun, Makka B, Blaka and Nikolai represented for the fellas as they rocked the dance with the Killa Swing all over the floor till the dance was done.

Big Up to Super Dee for throwing a great bash and modestly showing some love on the mike for all who supported him the last few years. Can’t wait to see you next year.

Trust me; if you missed this dance, you missed a lot…


Ciao!

Tattletale

6 days and Counting - Tony Matterhorn is coming!

What better way to bring in the fall Dancehall season with the much anticipated Bash from Makka B and the Uprising Crew featuring Tony Matterhorn and the Alliance Crew (Chat ‘Bout has been hearing a few peeps that Mavado will be in the place as well). Coming to Cleveland Friday, October 26th to (Where else?) the beautiful and spacious Club Center.

All of Cleveland’s premier sounds will be on hand for this event, Star Temple featuring Rickyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Hype and CB, New Horizon with Curly, Monk and Larry, Lava Ranks from Sample Jack and of course the newly powered Organik Sound with Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby. Besides the music (what else is there?), the event also promotes a Dutty Wine contest we are sure will be a MUST SEE!

Chat ‘Bout happened to catch a few words from Mr. Mentally Ill during an interview with Leisa Engel (Caribbean Groove) as he proclaimed that he was more that ready to watch the styles of the Cleveland ladies for this big event. So, Cleveland gals, take a trip to Chicago, New York, or L.A. (if you have it like that), visit your friendly Saks or Nordstrom for your bashment wear or even call the designer/seamstress of your choice for your one of a kind ensemble, but BE READY! Remember, Tony Matterhorn (and we) are watching!!!!!!

To get you ready for the bash, check out a Live performance of Dutty Wine below.....

Get yourself –


Bashy

Tony Matterhorn performs Dutty Wine at Temptation Live ATI06