Category Archives: Artists

Kelly Shane’s Biography (@Tadsrecord)

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The Jamaican music industry has birthed yet another unique talent. Hailing from the parish of St. Mary, which has consistently produced top-tier artists throughout Jamaica’s very musical history, newcomer Kelly Shane brings with her the eclectic mix of musical influences ranging from reggae, folk, and bossa nova, to hip-hop, R&B, rock and metal.

New artist but old musical soul, this singer/songwriter is no stranger to the industry. As a professionally trained beauty and special effects makeup artist, she has worked extensively on music videos, adverts, fashion shows and photo shoots. She first toured as a child with her mother (Tanya Stephens) during school vacations, and later worked as her personal assistant.

From the continent of Africa through the sounds of Fela Kuti and Steve Monite, to the Caribbean’s Beres Hammond and Bunji Garlin, and the USA’s Joni Mitchell – who Kelly hails as her biggest influence – this unassuming student of evocative expression is ready to share all she has learnt with lovers of good music across the globe.

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Bryann Trejo’s Story (@Kingdomuzic)

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Bryann Trejo is the founder and president of Kingdom Muzic, one of the most authentic Christian hip-hop labels in the U.S. In addition to his role as chairperson, he is also an active MC (rapper) and pastor who is literally changing lives with both his music and ministry.

Born on July 4th, 1980, in Corpus Cristi, Texas, Bryann Trejo was one of 2 identical twin babies. He spent most of his teenage years in juvenile detention centers for armed robbery and trafficking in narcotics. By his early twenties he was constantly in and out of lock-up, and at the age of 23 he was facing thirty years in prison for two attempted murders. By the grace of God the charges were reduced to aggravated assault, and Bryann pleaded down to seven years, and ended up serving only four before getting out on probation.

Shortly after leaving prison, Bryann joined his twin brother in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Alas, in May, 2013, his brother was shot and killed in a retaliation shooting stemming from the murder of a juvenile one week earlier (something Bryann‘s brother had nothing to do with). At the time he could have exacted revenge on his brother’s killer, but he chose to love and forgive instead. That’s now his sermon.

Big Daddy Kane’s Story

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Big Daddy Kane is an American rapper and songwriter, who captured the love of millions of fans, in the Golden Era of Hip-Hop. The Brooklyn native is known for outstanding lyricism, showmanship, and fashion, opening the doors for the cultural context of other emcees like The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z.

A true legacy artist, he made history as the first rapper to ever hold two sold-out, all-female attended shows in the world-famous Apollo Theater, filling the show to its rafters.

In 1987, Kane started his musical career as an artist signing to Cold Chillin’ Records and becoming a member of its Juice Crew. After releasing his hit debut single “Raw,” he took the main stage in rap music becoming one of the most sought-after and respected emcees of his generation. The dexterity of his flow and his constant instance as an artist to push revolutionary boundaries in the genre have cemented him as a legend – for almost four decades.

As a member of the Juice Crew, Kane helped pen hit records for various members and shape the sound that would make them the most powerful rap collective of its time. Their hit song “The Symphony,” produced by Marley Marl and also included Craig G, Master Ace, and Kool G Rap, is the quintessential posse cut – defining a trend group emceeing.

Both of his first two albums, Long Live The Kane and It’s A Big Daddy Thing, were certified gold by RIAA, selling over 500,000 units in a time before CDs, streams, social media, and extremely limited radio play.

His debut offering gave fans the classic jams, “Ain’t No Half Steppin,” “Set It Off,” “Just Rhymin’ with Biz,” and the aforementioned “Raw.” His second full-length project, which debunked the proverbial sophomore curse, produced tracks such as “Smooth Operator,” “Warm It Up,” and the Teddy Riley-produced classic “I Get The Job Done.”

“Smooth Operator” hit Billboard’s Rap #1, a feat that would put him on the radar of pop music superstar Madonna (who featured the sex symbol in her “Sex” book).

Kane’s third album Taste Of Chocolate featured songs like “Hard Being The Kane” and “All Of Me,” a duet with the late great Barry White first demonstrated the rapper’s affection for soul music and was the precursor of his career for his melding of live instrumentation with his feverous rap style.

Additional albums were 1991’s Prince Of Darkness, 1993’s Like A Job For…, 1994’s Daddy’s Home, and 1998’s Veteran’z Day.

The chart-topper has been featured on the soundtracks of for films like Lean On Me (“Lean On Me”); Juice (“Nuff Respect”); Mo Money (“A Job Ain’t Nothin’ But Work”); and Colors (“Raw”).

A rappers’ rapper, Kane has been invited to collaborate with fellow prominent acts like Public Enemy and Ice Cube on the single “Burn, Hollywood Burn,” with Heavy D on the single “Don’t Curse”, with UGK on “Next Up”, and Busta Rhymes on the remix of “Don’t Touch Me.”

Musical icons like Patti LaBelle have tapped him to rap on her certified gold single “Feels Like Another One” and producer Quincy Jones plucked him to star on the multi-platinum masterpieces Tribute To Birdland and Back On The Block, where he was featured on the title track.

His distinctive baritone voice has been heard as the narrator of the critically acclaimed documentary film Notorious and TV One’s Being.

An abridged listing of Kane’s big screen credits includes the films Posse, Meteor Man, Dead Heist, Brown Sugar, Gunmen, Exposed co-starring Keanu Reeves, and Movie Madness co-starring Lorenzo Lamas.

The Bed-Stuy hometown hero currently has made appearances on Law & Order SVU, a short film entitled Stomach People, and a 2021 TV One release, Bad Dad Rehab 2.

His career has yielded him a GRAMMY Award, a VH1 Hip-Hop Honors Award, and countless Lifetime Achievement Awards and has been inducted into the Long Island Hall of Fame, the Brooklyn Walk of Fame, the Key to Brooklyn, and also inducted into the North Carolina Hall of Fame, after making the southern state his home.

One of the crown jewels in his artistry crown is his battle against his life-long friend, KRS-1 on the Verzuz stage. A battle of two lyrical miracles, after being considered two of the best emcees to ever grab a mic, their contest made history as the first of its kind to max out the Barclay Center, the arena smack in the middle of where it all started.

Lyfe Jennings’ Story

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Not that he’d wish it on anyone, but it was during his ten-year sentence in prison that Lyfe Jennings developed his honest sound, thanks to isolation and Erykah Badu. It was an arson charge that put the Toledo, Ohio native in prison. His musical aspirations started in the church choir and grew up in the Dotsons, a teenage group that Lyfe formed with his brother and a couple cousins. Prison made his music deeper, according to Lyfe, and when a copy of Erykah Badu’s Baduizm ended up in his cell in 1997, he was inspired and had the feeling that this introspective edge to his music was worth developing.

Two days after his December 2002 release from prison, he recorded a four-song demo CD. The day after that, he was performing live in a club. He had only a month of freedom before he was on-stage at the famous Apollo. He was booed when he walked on-stage with an acoustic guitar, but when the Apollo audience heard his gritty falsetto and lyrical songwriting, they were swayed — swayed to the tune of five amateur-night victories in a row. Lyfe figured he’d sold 1,000 copies of his four-song demo CD during his Apollo “residency.” That, along with a ton of calls from promoters and record label execs on his answering machine back in Ohio, influenced Lyfe to move to New York City and pursue a major-label deal. Columbia had the right offer and released his debut, Lyfe 268-192 (his inmate number), in August 2004. A year after its original release, the album was reissued with a new version of “Hypothetically,” featuring American Idol winner Fantasia added as a bonus track.

The more hip-hop-oriented follow-up The Phoenix arrived in August 2006, with Three 6 Mafia and Young Buck making guest appearances. Lyfe Change — released in April 2008 — featured a handful of new production associates as well as a verse from T.I. Jennings. Lyfe moved to Warner Bros. and began working on another album, tentatively titled Sooner or Later, which he stated would be his last. It finally appeared in August 2010 as I Still Believe and featured guest spots from Bryan-Michael Cox, Warryn Campbell, Fabolous, Bobby Valentino, Ludacris, Anthony Hamilton, and Jazmine Sullivan. He did another prison stint for his actions in a 2008 domestic dispute and returned to music in October 2013 with Lucid, released on the Mass Appeal label. Like all of his previous studio releases, it peaked in the Top 10 of Billboard’s R&B chart. Tree of Lyfe, recorded primarily in his home studio, following as a Top 10 hit R&B.

KimAlex’s Bio

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Kimbilee hails from the community of Blue Mountain, situated in the central part of Manchester. Born to parents Scealon Bent and Veronica Johnson, Kim is the youngest of two siblings. Her talent was recognized from the tender age of six years old at the BlueMountain Seventh Day Baptist Church. She performed with the Redeemed Messengers youth group during her teenage years.

While attending the Bellefield High School, her talent was further recognized by teachersand student population. She performed with the school choir as their lead singer at school related events and devotions. Everyone was always delighted to hear her melodious and medium high range voice.

Kimbilee loves the Lord and is fully aware that her voice is a God given talent and is very enthusiastic in using her vocals to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in different music forms. She possesses great songwriting and arrangement skills although she doesn’t play a musical instrument.

In the year 1999 Kimbilee met Gifton Smith a Producer songwriter, musician, member of the Humming Bird singing group during a performance at a talent competion of which she was awarded first place. Gifton later introduced a member of his bacground vocalist to Kim, they started singing together as a duet called “Pinkey & Kim” “His Name Is Jesus” was recorded by Gifton Smithand Courick Clarke (Koriq).

The duet sang background vocals for various gospel artists, which includes:

  • Robert & Jenieve Bailey
  • George Banton
  • Claude Edwards
  • Marvia Providence
  • Winsome Benjamin
  • Jabez

In 2001 the first album for the duet entitled “Take Back The Love” was recorded and released by Gifton Smith.
Highlights of Performances:

  • 2001-2003 JCDC Gospel Performance & Background Vocals
  • 2002 – Performance & Background Vocals in Cayman Islands
  • 2003 – Perfomance & Background Vocals in Bahamas
  • 2004 – Performance at Fun In The Son Kingston

In 2006 a decision was made by both “Pinkey & Kim” to pursue solo careers. In 2007 the album “Kimbilee’s Expression” was recorded and Produced by Gifton Smith and Alex Martin-Blanken one of the top renowned muscician in Jamaica. The album represents a wide cross section of music forms which gives the album an international appeal. The album also featured the duet “Broken & Contrite Heart” which featured Jabez.

Kimbilee has also shared stage overseas with world renowned gospel artist Shirley Caesar. Currently Kimbilee still ministers at various events and is in the process of composing and arranging songs for her second album. All musical arrangement and instrumentation plus production is done by her husband Neville Alexander (a local renowned guitarist), Alex Marti-Blanken and Courick Clarke (Koriq) a “musical genius”.

A decision was made by her management team to change her performance name to “KimAlex” in April 2014. She aims to gain more international experience and recognition to share stagees with the likes of Mary Mary, Tamela Mann and other renowned international gospel artists.

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Marlon Binns’ Bio

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A voice that can be described as sweet, soulful and enchanting, Marlon Orette Binns epitomizes the essence of Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and dancehall music. His sweet harmonious sound has not only graced local radio stations and audiences but international audiences as well. This young, passionate and sensational singer was born in Manchester, Jamaica on October 14th. He is the sixth of nine children. His mother is a business woman and his father is a pastor at Zion Restored Church in Mandeville. Good, clean, positive and uplifting music has always been an important part of his upbringing, as Marlon’s career is rooted in the church, where he sang on the church choir (as lead singer); he also displayed his musical talent at weddings and fund raisers for the church.

Being a very keen and insightful individual, education has played a very critical role to the level of astuteness to this artist’s development. He attended the Christiana Comprehensive High School and enjoyed playing football and cooking. A very humble person who’s inspired by the Almighty, Marlon prefers to write his own music, as this is his way of expressing himself and addressing issues of the heart, as well as social commentaries. In his own words “I sing for the people, their struggles, and triumphs!” He loves Bob Marley’s courageous and righteous lyrics, which always have a message, and Beres Hammond’s smooth and tantalizing style. These two great Jamaican artistes have left a legacy for young artistes like him to nurture and build upon.

Marlon’s musical career became inevitable after he won the Grace Road Show in 1997. His first mission was finding a suitable team to work with. In June 2002, Marlon moved to Kingston and teamed up with Solid Agency, where he was exposed to the Dancehall/Reggae audience, and was able to perform on several events promoted by the above-mentioned company. One of his most memorable experiences to date was his first performance outside of Jamaica. He opened a show for Wayne Marshall in Antigua. He stated “I was surprised to see the love that was poured out to me during my performance!” This has encouraged the young singer to carry on with his work, as he believes that he is chosen by the Almighty to educate, motivate, uplift, and enhance the life of people and nations across the world. Recently Marlon opened for Voicemail at the University of the West Indies’ Freshers Fete on the St. Augustine campus in Trinidad & Tobago. The responses from his performances have been more than encouraging.

After receiving this very encouraging reception from his audiences in the Caribbean, Marlon has also wowed and amazed those of his audiences in the Americas, Europe and the continent of Africa. He delivered sensational performances in America, Canada, England and South Africa. He has collaborated musically with Bounty Killer, Iyara and Teflon. He has a lot of love and respect for Bounty Killer who he says has brought him to the forefront of his musical dreams and accomplishments thus far. His hope for the future is to continue to do good, positive music that can inspire and uplift his audiences. He aspires to continue on the journey that the great Bob Marley so passionately lead and hopes that he too will be a monument among the many Jamaican talented performers.

Jodian Pantry Is Now Available For Bookings! (@jodianCPantry @patmore_paul)

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Jodian Pantry first captured the eyes and hearts of Jamaicans in 2001 as a contestant in the JCDC Gospel Competition. She made history, being the first child to ever compete amongst adults in the contest. She later entered Digicel Rising Stars (2007) where she finished in 2nd place. 

Following her participation in the aforementioned shows, she became the center of attention with her remake of Bon Jovi‘s Bed Of Roses; a collaboration done with Noddy Virtue. The success of Bed Of Roses resulted in a rewarding world tour, which introduced reggae lovers in other countries to Jodian Pantry and her music. 

In 2009 Jodian Pantry was nominated for best collaboration of the year in the Excellence in Music & Entertainment Awards. She is also recognized as one of Jamaica’s top vocalist, and a performer that is in high demand by organizers of corporate events island-wide.

Jodian Pantry has shared the stage with several local and international celebrities. Two that must be mentioned are: singers of the mega hit song Have You Seen Her, The Chi-Lites, and Percy Sledge, the beloved American R&B, soul and gospel singer.

I’ll Give My Heart, penned by Adventist and gospel singer/songwriter George Gordon, is one of Jodian Pantry‘s biggest songs to date. Another notable record in her catalogue is Walk By Faith, which at its peak, dominated all the major gospel radio stations in Jamaica.

Over the years she has recorded several tunes for various producers: Counting My Blessings, Struggling and Caah Frame Me, produced by her former manager Gladstone Wright of the Moses Production label; Never Stay Away, composed and written by Tamone Thompson for the Digicel Rising Stars album; and Big Dreams, Jehovah and Change, done for Izrael Production. In 2018 Pantry collaborated with dancehall artist Shane O on a powerful and timely single titled No More Killing.

Jodian Pantry is now working with Paul Patmore Production, the imprint with which she has so far done One Day and her current trending single When I’m Back On My Feet Again. The team is now working assiduously to ensure that Jodian Pantry‘s music and message is heard and felt all over the world.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK JODIAN PANTRY