Bashment Review and Pics: Beenie Man sell off (but you knew that didn't you?)

Every so often the dancehall skies open up, and all the planets are in alignment and everything comes together just right for the dance. If you were one of the few who happened to miss Saturday’s show – let’s just say this was one of those dances. We knew it would sell off since it was Beenie Man, but trust me, the vibes were right, the tunes were blazin’, everyone had a good time and yes, Beenie Man put on a great show!

The expectations were there; to put on a much better show than the boo fest at the Cotton Club back in 2004. I would have been happy with a few old tunes here and there, but all I can say is WOW! That man (broke arm and all) came out and reminded Cleveland why he is ‘King of the Dancehall’!

Outside the Club Center, the energy was building; from the tons of cars surrounding the venue, to the bass booming all about, you knew this was going to be a great dance. The parking gage was off the meter as we could see cars parked as far as 2 or 3 blocks back. (Damn, valet?)

As Chat ‘Bout entered the dance at about 2:30am, the party was on full blast! Everyone was having a great time dancing to the tunes of Organik Sounds. The vibes and the energy carried me from the door as I felt a party like Cleveland hasn’t felt in a long time. EVERYONE was having a ball in the middle of the dance floor, chatting up the camera, taking pics, drinking, laughing and most importantly, DANCING! After months and months of big dances, Cleveland was finally on the same page - to have a GOOD TIME! (weeeeeeee!)

As much as we love a dance filled with great tunes and vibes, we love a dance filled with great fashion even more! Did someone say bash? The masses came out in there bashment best for this affair; it was TOO much flyness to name, but the standouts for the evening were definitely Ms. Lavonia (Lovey), in the hot pink draped frock, Ms. Andriene in her sexy pink shirt dress with yellow accents and Ms. Denise in her banging can-you-say-bling ruffle blouse and hot pants ensemble. All the ladies and fellas were red carpet ready for this dance.

(Sigh)…so much fashion, so little time, but I HAVE to move on….

Trust me, it would easier to tell who was NOT in attendance at this dance instead of who was in di place, but Chat ‘Bout was able to spot more than a few dancehall celebrities. All of the Cleveland sounds were represented; Star Temple Ricky Hype and CB, Organik Sound/88.7 Leisa Engel and DJ Chubbie and of course Sample Jack DJ Lava Ranks, Squeechie and Slaughter, New Horizon fam in the crowd, Tommy Fox, Maggie and Sharon Untouchable, the Barbie Doll/Bashment Crew (coming with her bash at the Club Center on August 2nd), the Diamond Girls (out on the scene more and more, I see), Lady Spyda, the Blaze Crew (burning up the dancefloor), Ms. Trini, Ms. Punkin and Crew, Summer body Suzy Q and Pam, Flava Unit, Trini and the Waistline Crew (big up!), even Packy Malley was on hand with wife Kim to take in the tunes for the event. The list goes on and on…..

By about 3:30 pm after a live performance by Milton Blake, KC Platinum (AKA Mr. Personality) took the stage to announce the headliner. The crowd seemed a little surprised by how soon Beenie came on since there were so few opening acts when the promoter usually keeps the crowd on edge with SEVERAL performances before finally bringing on the main event (thank you bashment heavens!)

As soon as Beenie opened his set with the old dancehall tunes (including one my favs - Hypocrite), I KNEW this was going to be a great concert! Tune after tune, the masses were feeling Beenie Man’s vibe until – uh - oh, a slight music glitch courtesy of Inner City’s Marc Dragon placed a temporary pause on the music. Unlike a previous artist, Beenie Man was a true gentleman and took the time to pass a few jokes with the Marc Dragon then all was forgiven (but, just wondering, Beenie’s DJ -wearing the pink Christian Audigier t-shirt – was on hand, so why didn’t he supply the tunes? Hmm, Hmm, just wondering…)

All in all the bash was a HUGE success as Sample Jack once again brought another HOT (and I do mean HOT) show to Cleveland. Yes, there was a matter with a few bottles and a shot, etc, etc, which kept him from returning to bless us with some of his newer tunes, but we can get past that, can’t we?

Just in case you were one of the poor souls who missed out, here are a few pics of the event! Enjoy!

For more pics of the event, be sure to log on to Caribbean Groove’s My Space page at: http://www.myspace.com/caribbeangrooveproduction.

Damn, I had a ball!

Bashy

Leisa Engel and DJ Chubbie, blazin' the tunes.....

Sample Jack Slaughter

OVERHEARD: Really? The concert doesn't start till when?

The crowd grew thick by 3am

Dancing and vibing....

Hot gal

Rude boy - walk out!

Hi CB!

Okay, momma, okay....

Crowd swellin' (and sweating)

Packy Malley and wifey Kim

Hot Gal, hot gal, sweet like honey....

Tammy Trendz and Camille

Summer Body gals Stacey and Suzy

Loving that outfit, Denise!

Ms. Andriene reppin'

Waistline crew checkin in!

Blaze crew up in the video light!

Masses waiting for Beenie

KC Platinum: 'Are you ready for Showtime!!!?'

Beenie Man LIVE!

The man is getting ready to blaze it up...

broke arm and all!

Hey, Dodo! The people are here to see Beenie Man!

What the - what did YOU do?

What did YOU do?

A joke between performers...

Okay, okay, back to the tunes

He's feeling it!

Beenie Man roadman, Chris

Night Ryder in di building!

Big Up Karmen! Minnesota's NEW dancehall queen!

Kongratulations to Karmen (with a K) of the Minnesota Dancehall Duo, KarKell. Karmen won the honor of Minnesota’s dancehall queen in the city’s contest last Saturday. Proving to be the hottest dance team in the Midwest, fellow dancer and the other half of KarKell, Kelly took first runner up.

We first spotted Karmen a few bashes ago at Makka B’s X Mas bash here in Cleveland and loved her energy (see December 12th post)! We also had the pleasure of running into KarKell in Detroit’s Pum Pum Audition (see May 12th post). Both of these ladies have great attitude and Chat’Bout Cleveland couldn’t wait to send our congratulations.

Hopefully, Cleveland will have the opportunity to see Karmen on the dance floor, but in the meantime, log on to Minnesota’s Dancehall MySpace page for more pics of the event: www.myspace.com/http://www.myspace.com/minneapolisdancehall

For more information on Karmen, log on to:
www.myspace.com/charmenkarmenwithak


Much Love,


Bashy

"King of the Dancehall" Beenie Man LIVE in Cleveland!

It’s about that time Cleveland as our promoters continue to step up the events game in 2008 by bring the Cleveland masses another hot stageshow. On THIS Saturday, June21st, Sample Jack Promotions alongside Swilly present LIVE! The “King of the Dancehall” Beenie Man at the Club Center!

This event had a lot of potential as Beenie Man has not been to Cleveland in a few years, (since I think 2004?) Although his last appearance in Cleveland was not that hot, Chat ‘Bout is looking forward to seeing him perform some of his signature (pre-pop) dancehall tunes like “Romie” and “Sim Sima”. And trust me is he decides to buss “Hypocrite”, then all is forgiven! I can also take a few of his newer tunes like “Hmm, Hmm” and “Back it Up”, but, like most people, are yearning for the older tunes….

If you happened to catch Saturday’s edition of “Caribbean Groove”, DJ Chubbie decided to play a special set of Beenie Man songs from past to present and let me tell you, these songs definitely took me back to the early dancehall days at Dad’s Hall and the Cotton Club, whew! But I digress….

It all goes down THIS Saturday, June 21st at the Club Center located at 8800 Woodland music by (of course) Sample Jack with DJ Lava Ranks, Slaughter and Squeechie. WARNING! The flyer says $30 BEFORE MIDNIGHT! So you know what that means…..


Getting ready to back it up and be –



Bashy

Chat 'Bout It: DJ Lava Ranks and DJ Jellie

You know him, you’ve seen him, but have you heard them?

DJ Lava Ranks, one of Cleveland newest selectors on the scene has been making moves in a big way. From early, dancehall fans could DJ Lava Ranks catch Lava at clubs like The View and The Dawg Pound. And who can forget the sell-off School Uniform dance and this year’s Bright Color Affair? Add his lovely wife, DJ Jellie -with her ability to ride shotgun on the dancehall scene while doing her thing in the hip hop world -and you have a combination worthy of our attention.

As Cleveland gets ready for one of the biggest stageshows this summer (Beenieman, next Saturday at The Club Center). Chat ‘Bout Cleveland took a moment to talk to the scenes music duo, DJ Lava Ranks and DJ Jellie. Bashy Bloggette talks to them about bringing the vibes, ‘turning the page’ and helping Cleveland step it up – all while keeping up the love along the way….

Bashy: Okay, once and for all, who ARE the members of Sample Jack?
Lava: Squeechie, Slaughta and myself.Bashy: How did the name, Sample Jack come about?

Lava: The name was in memory of Squeechie’s father – HIS NAME IS MR. JACK AND HE'S A SAMPLE!!
Bashy: How did you come up with your stage name, Lava Ranks?

Lava: I was playing my own sound (Safiya Stone, NYC) and everyone had a fire name, and I wanted ‘Ranks’ first. I needed something before the ‘Ranks’, so said - LAVA RANKS.
Bashy: Jellie, how about you, where did that name come from?

Jellie: The name, Jellie started with a friend in high school who called me Jellie for short (because of my real name). Then, the name just stayed with me.

Bashy: Lava, How long have you been a selector?
Lava: 10 YRS
Jellie: I have been a DJ for about a year and a half.

Bashy: What got you interested in music?
Lava: My father (Mr. Bigga) used to own a sound system. He then passed it on to my brother (Fiyashua) and I began to work with him and we made a sound named HERBS COLOGNE.

Bashy: Jellie, what got you interested in becoming a DJ?
Jellie: Actually, it came from watching my husband, Lava entertaining people. I have always been into music and at my best friends I wanted to play a few songs for her and it just stuck with me!

She’s right! If you have simply heard Lava Ranks play as opposed to watch him play, you are missing out! Lava has the talent for reading the crowd and playing accordingly – and enjoying himself all the while!

Bashy: As a female on the scene as a DJ, what are some of the obstacles you face in the industry, if any?
Jellie: A lot! The men are either frightened by my talent or wanna sleep with me because I am a woman!

Bashy: On the flip side, how do you use this as an advantage?
Jellie: That’s just it! I get a lot of respect for my knowledge of music because I AM A WOMAN!!!

Bashy: On the dancehall side, Lava, in your opinion, what makes a great sound?
Lava: A good team, because you alone can’t run it!

Bashy: Many sounds like to first bless the dance with roots and culture, is that something that you like to do as well? Or do you have another tradition?
Lava: In everything you have, you have to PUT GOD FIRST. Once you are right with God and bless the place, everything else comes after!

Bashy: Do you as the soundman try to set the vibes for the party or do you get it from the crowd’s reaction to the tunes you've selected?
Lava: Basically, you have to bring the vibes to the people and let them react, and then go from there!

Bashy: How difficult is it to build the vibes through each dance?
Lava: Most of the time it is difficult. But, with experience, you know what to do to bring the vibes.

Bashy: In a hip hop setting, how difficult is it to set the tone for the party each time you perform?
Jellie: Difficult! You never know what age group in is the crowd and you better play good!

Cleveland can catch DJ Jellie on Friday nights at the Dawgpound and Saturday nights at 4U2B lounge…..

Bashy: Jellie, As a DJ who has had the opportunity to play for a dancehall and hip/hop audience, what are some of the differences? What are some of the similarities?
Jellie: Dancehall audiences are just that! They dance all over the walls! They are more vibesy! Hip-hop audiences like to dance, but not so hard. But, at the end of the day, both audiences like to come out, drink and dance.

Bashy: Lava, What is your take on the dancehall scene in Cleveland?
Lava: Cleveland wants to step up, but they need to get the latest tunes.

Bashy: Do you feel Cleveland's Dancehall Scene is up-to-date as other cities such as Detroit, Chicago, or even New York?
Lava: Yes…since mi come!!!

Bashy: As you prepare for your HUGE event featuring Beenie Man on June 21st, what will be your focus to make this a great bash?
Lava: Above all else, GOOD MUSIC!

Bashy: Over the years, who are some of the people that you still enjoy seeing coming out to support you?
Lava: 116th Crew, The Uprising Crew, Sample Jack Crew, all the other crews on the scene.

Bashy: Any supporters, Jellie?
Jellie: Of course my family and friends, The 1505 Crew and all the fans I have gained along the way.

Bashy: The ‘Lollipop Affair’ was quite a success, we noticed that you began targeting a new market as you and Jellie try to fuse dancehall and hip-hop audiences, are there any other future plans?
Lava: Right now, I have turned a new page. With the help of my loving wife, I am one of the only reggae DJ’s in Cleveland that has been able to convert over to hip-hop.

Bashy: And what is in DJ Jellie’s future?
Jellie: Well, I definitely see myself in the music scene. I have always wanted my own record label since I was a little girl.

Bashy: Is there anything else you'd like our chat ‘bout readers to know?
Jellie: Watch out Cleveland! DJ Jellie is the wickedest female hip-hop and R&B DJ coming! Thanks so much Chat ‘Bout Cleveland for all the support!!!

To find out more about DJ Lava, log on to: www.myspace.com/djlavaranks, or www.myspace.com/218691706.

To read more about DJ Jellie, log on to: www.myspace.com/80171989.

Caribbean Fashion Week - 8 years going strong!

I received a text from my design friend Daphne the other day, she made it down for the week. She said it is A MA Z I N G ! (Long, deep sigh...)Maybe next year...

(From visitjamacia.com and caribbeanfashionweek.com)

Caribbean Fashionweek, scheduled for June 11-16, 2008, is now in its eighth year and it continues to be an emphatic celebration of the voluptuous energies that inform all elements of Caribbean design, fashion and street style. Produced by the Pulse Entertainment Group, Caribbean Fashionweek features 4 days and nights of shows, designer exhibition, receptions, after parties, workshops. This event has touched the world with exotic designs modelled by Jamaican supermodels and vogue covergirls Jaunel Mckenzie, Nadine Willis, Carla Campbell, Nell Robinson, Oraine Barrett, Kimanee Wilson, Sunna Gottshalk, Rochelle Watson and Jeneil Williams just to name a few.
Over the years, CFW designers have included worlde regarded talent as well as other outstanding Caribbean and international stars. Some designers showcasing their collections include Cedella Marley – Catch a Fire (Jamaica/USA), Francis Hendy – Trinidad/USA, The Cloth – Nigeria and Kiona Perry – USA.
The scheduled activities will showcase over 60 different designers from over 20 countries at 3-4 shows daily throughout the week. The Event is not restricted to Caribbean designers only and it has attracted famous names from outside of the region thus living up to its key objective - that of creating an event which appeals to the best fashion designers in the world. The activities will culminate with the haute couture Caribbean fashion collection.For more information about this event, log on to: www.caribbeanfashionweek.com.

Always the fashionizing -

Bashy

Bashment Review: Synthia's "Gemini Bash"

Once again, it was all about Synthia and Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn with her annual birthnite “Gemini Bash”. In true Gemini fashion, Synthia turned the Dailey’s we all know and love into ‘Bashment Island’! Trust me, you had to see it to believe it! As we are well into 2008, we can see that big things in store for the dancehall scene, as many dances have taken to ‘stepping up their game’. From Mr. Dailey’s GRAND Birthnight Bash (Hmmm.... wonder what he’s going to do this year?), to Hugh’s BLINGIN’ night of ‘Diamond and Denim’, the bar has been set higher and higher!

Chat ‘Bout made it to the dance at about 1:30am (according to the parking gage, the crowd so far was mediocre – but it’s still EARLY!). Sounds of Star Temple CB (loving that Mohawk, bouy!) boomed from the doorway at Dailey’s as party guests were welcomed with colorful luau decorations all over the place! From the moment you hit the hula girls (complete with grass skirts) covering the doors and the colored balloons and streamers covering the ceiling, guests couldn’t help but feel the luau theme of this bash. We also loved the palm trees, coconuts, pineapples; tiki statues on the tables as well as the bright balloon arch across the bar add the finishing touches to the theme. GREAT JOB SYNTHIA! We, above anyone love to see a party theme executed to the utmost!

Speaking of the guest of honor, Ms. Synthia donned an all-white lace dress, complete with a sparkling tiara – to match her smile. We couldn’t help but to notice the smiles and joy with the outcome of her dance as we could certainly tell that she was able to see that all her hard work for this bash was much appreciated.

Alongside Star Temple, The New Horizon Family was on hand as soundman, Monk kept the ladies walking out on the dance floor with a few dancehall favs followed with the round of big ups (thanks, for the love, fellas). As usual, the crowd pleasing hip-hop/R&B set kept the party jumping well into the night. As the dance filled up by about 2:15am, New Horizon kept the masses dancing with tunes from Bugle and Deseca and finally put the dance on full madness with the summer’s hottest track, ‘Money Changer’.

Also feeling the ‘luau’ vibe were The Untouchable Crew Maggie and Sharon (getting dainty for her July 5th birthnite bash), Dorian and Lil John from the116th crew (kept the laughs coming all night long), dancehall diva and veteran Michelle, Tammy Trendz and Tanya Classic in full luau mode (loved the red flower in the hair!), Flava Unit, the always dolled up and fly Bashment Crew & Barbie Doll Crew (look out for Toya Barbie’s HUGE Bash on August 2nd) Summer Body Suzy, First Class, Jimmy, Jah Marley, Lorna, Des and Toronto Blue Jay. Also in the place, Ms. Trini, doing the damn thing out on the dance floor, and super promoter, Makka B getting ready to tear up the city this week! (His 6-day birthnight tour starts tomorrow night (6/11) at Club E and ends Monday (6/16) at Dailey’s)….

Although the crowd was still feeling the party vibe, once again, Dailey’s shut it down at an early 3:30am. Trust me; we had such a great time, Chat ‘Bout lingered around to 3:45 as we DID NOT want to leave.

The great party scene and great tunes definitely made it hard to ‘work’ at this bash, since we wanted to party but, through all the décor, great tunes and good vibes, we managed to get a few pics. So, for all who missed it, we wanted you all to have a chance to take in Dailey’s in its full luau mode; here are a few pics….

Ciao,

Tattletale

One Night, Two Bashes, and a lot of madness!

It’s rare that we have a chance (or the energy) to attend two bashes in one evening, but hey…. Chat ‘Bout Cleveland decided to gas up, hop in the car and dance the night away..

Bash #1: Lava Ranks and DJ Jellie’s Lollipop Affair

You knew it was coming… with the success of the tune by Lil’ Wayne, the Lollipop theme for dances was sure to follow. And who better to first set out
“A Lollipop Affair” than DJ Lava Ranks and his better half, DJ Jellie at 4U2B Lounge (26159 Euclid Avenue). Dancehall fans know the club as a Sunday night night hotspot, but Lava and Jellie took Saturdays to the next level as they presented theme bash to the Hip Hop/R&B crowd.

Chat ‘Bout entered the scene at a (very) early, 12:30am. I was immediately greeted by co-host, Lava Ranks sporting a candy colored pinstriped jacket with rhinestone detail on the back. As advertised, guests were treated to a selection of flavored Lollipops meeting them at the door.

4U2B was in full blast, as I could see various lollipop colored outfits throughout the club. Cuties wearing everything from hot pink dresses, to orange blouses and even yellow shorts were spotted throughout of the dance. The people were definitely feeling the theme as there was barely a notice of any partygoers in the usual black or even white.

As the party continued, DJ Jellie was getting her skills on as she continued to shout out her supporters and birthday girls. This was the first time I had the chance to see her do her thing and she definitely represented for the ladies as she kept the crowd hype with her high energy and great tunes. Saturday nights is DJ Jellie’s resident night at the club and she did her thing by keeping the crowd moving…..

Soon, DJ Lava Ranks took over and gave the partygoers a chance get their whine and butterfly on with a few ‘softer’ reggae tunes. The party took a sexy, sultry turn as a few dancehall divas emerged and danced to Sean Paul and Beenie Man. The energy of the dance turned up a notch as Lava worked from the crowd’s energy playing tune after tune. Like any great DJ, after getting the crowd at its level of madness, Lava took the opportunity to introduce Mavado to the crowd and-----okay, okay, they’re not ready, yet… No worries! Lava as he was able to read the crowd and immediately picked the party back up with a few CRUNK tunes that got the people even more hype than before.

All in all, DJ Lava Ranks and DJ Jellie kept a great event, with a packed house with a good crowd. The people definitely enjoyed themselves and will continue to support the duo for their next bash. Big up Tee Easy & Ray Shark from the Black America, doing the network thing in the club, passing out copies of their new track, American Made – it’s always good to see a brotha getting his hustle on! (So remember guys, when you BLOW up! Remember, Chat ‘Bout Cleveland!)

It was good to come out, and mingle with a different type of crowd. It has been a while, but I loved the energy as I could feel they were strictly in the place to have a great time. Big Up to DJ Jellie and DJ Lava Ranks for stepping out to bring something new and different to the masses!

Enjoy these candy colored pics of the event!

WAIT! Keep scrolling! I told you I went to TWO dances Saturday!

Bash #2: "The Short Short Skirt Bashment" at Dailey's Blue Mountain Inn

About 30 minutes later, Chat ‘Bout arrived at Dailey’s Blue Mountain Inn for New Horizon’s “Short Short Skirt Bashment”. In true dancehall fashion, the dance was in full madness at about 2:30 am. As suspected, there were plenty of fellas in the place to catch a look at all the short shorts and mini skirts for the affair.

Organik Sound selectors Leisa Engel and DJ Chubbie had the crowd in full party mode as I entered the venue. The tunes were booming from the speakers as members of New Horizon surrounded the front on the dance bussing their usual moves along the dance floor.

Soon, New Horizon front man, Monk took over the tunes and slowed the crowd down with a few mellow tunes by Bob Marley and Sizzla, then turned the masses back up with the hip hop set with “Biggest Boss” and “Lollipop” (damn, is this déjà vu?).

Big up to dancehall icon, Ms. Gloria in the house looking fabulous as ever in her black mini dress. Also in the place, short skirted out, was Ms. Punkin and crew, Ms.Trini, Maggie Untouchable (yes, she had her skirt!), Flava Unit, Tammy Trendz, and Macka B (getting ready for that 6 day run, next week…). Dancehall veteran, Michelle (who decided to grab the mike and say %&%$#?????), Tasha, and Blacka was also in the house along with the Big Man himself, Mr. Dailey.

The dance was over a little early as the lights came on in the place at about 3:30am. Whatever, the stubborn crowd continued dance to the sounds of Star Temple Ricky Hype well until Synthia began to close the gate! After a few more tunes and a few more dances, partygoers decided to exit Dailey’s (vowing to return next week for Synthia’s Birthnite Bash).


So, Ladies - I must ask, if the fellas wanted “Short Shorts Skirts”, then where is our dance? Hmmm, what will it be, a night called, “Good Credit and Fat Pockets”? I LOVE it!

Okay, before I get too crazy, take a look at these pics from the event...

Can add a little hip hop but I'm still -

Bashy