Energy God :: THE BEST OF ELEPHANT MAN

"If you saw me today you are never gonna forget me…my hair, my clothes, my style…I’m crazy man, I’m the Energy God…Father of the Dancehall…" Elephant Man

A true entertainer is versatile and makes music for the world,” says Elephant Man in his scruffy Jamaican baritone. His boisterous demeanor, quick chatting lyricism and unforgettable stage presence have all helped transform this Seaview Gardens local deejay into an internationally recognized reggae phenomenon. Elephant Man’s music has brought a new innovative flavor to the dancehall. His free-spirited vibration leaves you eager to do nothing less than let loose and party, making it blatantly evident that Ele’s mission...(Read more)

Energy God: The Best of Elephant Man: VP Records

Mavado :: SO SPECIAL

David Constantine Brooks December 25, 1981, better known by his stage name Mavado, aka Gully God, is a Jamaican dancehall artist. He was raised in an area known as "Cuba", a micro ghetto within the heart of Kingston, Jamaica's Cassava Piece community. The community was considered dangerous and Mavado was exposed to many different things in his youth. Mavado had two major influences in his life that made him want to pursue a career in music. His grandmother who raised him, brought him to church with her each Sunday, and this helped to ignite his love for music. What kept the flame burning was his second influence in his music; his idol, and current labelmate Bounty Killer.

Get: So Special + Unfinished Business, at VP Records

Busy Signal :: LOADED

Check out Busy Signal in the latest issue of Vibe Magazine online "Clashing and competition are an essential part of dancehall culture, but rather than letting drama and rivalry steal the show, Busy Signal has gotten back to basics. The rising Jamaican star’s second official album Loaded (VP) is easily one of the year’s hottest, showcasing..." -Rob Kenner, Vibe Magazine 11/10/2008

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Beres Hammond :: A MOMENT IN TIME

Born the ninth of ten children; Hammond grew up listening to his father's collection of American soul and jazz music; including Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. He was further influenced by the native musics of ska and rocksteady, in particular Alton Ellis.

Hammond began participating in local talent contests from 1972 to 1973, which led to his first recording, of Ellis' "Wanderer". In 1975 he joined the band, Zap Pow, as lead singer, leading to the hit 1978 single, "The System" under the Aquarius Records label.

Get the album at VP Records

Glen Washington :: DESTINY

Known for smooth lyrics and solid baritone delivery, Glen has thrilled listeners with hits like "Get Close To You," "Kindness For Weakness," and others. A solid stage performer, Glen has built a following in the core reggae community through constant touring in the Caribbean and South Eastern United States.

Hailing from the Jamaican parish of Clarendon, Glen was a drummer before singing his breakthrough hit, Rockers Nuh Crackers, for producer Joe Gibbs back in 1976. After leaving for Canada, he toured with artists like Shinehead before making his comeback as a solo act during the mid-nineties.

Get: Glen Washington :: DESTINY, at VP Records

Gyptian :: I CAN FEEL YOUR PAIN

Born to a Seventh-day Adventist mother and Rastafarian father, Gyptian received his musical calling at the age of seven, when he began singing in the church. Recognizing his talent, his parents introduced him to Mr. Wong, a record producer from Portmore, St. Catherine. "I did not take it seriously," said Gyptian "My family members have always been carrying me to Portmore to see him, but I usually disappear. One day, they dropped me off at his studio and left me and it all began there."

Get the album at VP Records

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Madhouse Records

1992 saw the birth of Madhouse Records, a collaboration of excellence, developed from a fusion of the business acumen of Janet Davidson and the creative genius of musical guru, Dave Kelly. Home of dancehall anthems like "Action", "Slam", and "Joyride", Madhouse is a true reggae institution.

The philosophy of the work at Madhouse reflects the chorus of Kelly’s hit tune by Terror Fabulous and Nadine Sutherland, "Action": "Action—not a bag of mouth". Since its inception, without seeking publicity or hype, Madhouse has been quietly and relentlessly producing the biggest sounds in dancehall. Madhouse has been responsible for the dissemination of true dancehall music worldwide by releasing hit tunes without compromising the art-form by watering down the music in hopes to "cross-over" into the mainstream. Madhouse Records does not follow trends, it sets them.

In 1987 Janet was living in London, running Germaine Music along with producer Donovan Germaine. Meanwhile Dave’s brother, Tony Kelly, was assistant engineer at Tuff Gong and Dave was being trained under his wing. By 1989 Germaine , having recognized Dave’s talent, offered him a position at the infamous Slipe Road Penthouse studio. Janet, also began managing Maxi Priest that year. The following year Tony and Dave, at young ages 21 and 18 respectively, accompanied them on the road as engineers.

Two years later Dave returned from the road full of ideas and itching to execute them. His career prospered in the studio. As a songwriter, musician, and engineer, Dave Kelly played a crucial role during Penthouse’s glory days. By 1992 Dave had dancehall classics such as Buju Banton‘s "Bogle", "Love Mi Browning" and "Batty Rider"; Beres Hammond’s/Cutty Rank’s Tempted to Touch", Tony Rebel’s "Fresh Vegetable", and Marcia Griffith’s "Fire Burning" under his production credits .

Janet Davidson, whose management experience included everyone from Peter Tosh to Placido Domingo, recognized the need for hyper-creative Kelly to expand his potential as a producer. Together they set up Madhouse Records. The formation of his own company with Janet Davidson enabled him to maintain control over the production of his material.

In the beginning they worked from home but were soon able to re-invest the fruits of their labour back into the business, enabling it to expand. In 1996 she and Dave started a distribution house, Platinum Distribution at Mikey Benett’s Grafton Road recording complex. But, by 1997 Platinum Distribution moved into its own building. The Madhouse Complex was then completed at Half Way Tree including offices as well as The Boxx, Dave’s own recording studio. Madhouse is highly organized and efficient in a world where chaos reigns supreme. Whereas the traditional reggae label floods the market with dozens of releases, Madhouse only drops a few select records a year. Because each record stamped with the logo has been tailored made to bring out the best in the artist, the Madhouse logo is a symbol with credibility. Assuring high quality tunes, Madhouse has established "die-hearted" loyalty with both deejays and consumers alike.

Releases on the flagship Madhouse record label and sub-labels like Xtra Large (XL) which cater to more hardcore tastes include: Beenie Man’s "Slam" and "Old Dog", Lady Saw’s "Sycamore Tree" and "Eh Hem" , Frisco Kid’s "Rubbers" and "Little and Cute", Bounty Killer’s "Eagle and the Hawk" and "Can’t Believe My Eyes", Spragga Benz’s "Dolly House" and "We Nuh Like", Baby Cham’s "Man and Man" and "Gallong Yah Gal", Wayne Wonder’s "Joyride" and "Bashment Girl", Daddy Screw/Donovan Steele’s "Kerry", Terror Fabulous/Nadine Sutherland’s "Action", Buju Banton’s "Big It Up" and "Only Man". Custom-built Madhouse Rhythms include Pepperseed, Rae Rae, Action, Arab, Joyride, Haunted, Showtime, Stink, Dugu Dugu, Bruk-Out, Back Yard, Bug, Clone, Bounce, and Return.

An integral part of Madhouse music is the ‘Alias’ project. Described by Kelly, "Alias is an artists collective of the new millennium". With Alias, no holds are barred. Anything goes—except one thing :as the artists involved with the Alias project enter the session, they must leave their egos outside the studio. The artists (all established) assume aliases, allowing them to shed any preconceived notions or stereotypes as they test uncharted waters . Producers deejay, deejays play instruments, and singers produce and write tunes during these spontaneous sessions .

Some of the other projects that Dave Kelly has been worked on lately include Shaggy's "Hotshot", Rayvon's "My Bad", the title theme for Scooby Doo, and Foxy Brown's "Broken Silence".