Entertainment

RECAP: THE DMV ROAD TO I-OCTANE CUP CLASH – A NIGHT OF SOUND WAR SUPREMACY! 

Bowie, MD was the epicenter of sound clash culture this past Saturday, March 29, 2025, as Revo Entertainment & Tek 9 Promotions delivered a thrilling, high-energy battle that had patrons on edge from start to finish. The venue was jam-packed with die-hard clash fans, all eager to witness history unfold in the DMV Road to I-Octane Cup Clash.

The air was electric, and the anticipation was high as five formidable sounds—Polo International, Jah Sound, Trinity Sound International, Gangsta Shack International, and Lion Vibes International—stepped into the war zone. Each sound came fully armed with exclusive custom dubplates, razor-sharp selections, and a hunger to conquer. But when the dust settled, one sound stood victorious—Trinity Sound International. The Guyanese-born, DMV-built clash warriors defied expectations, proving once and for all that their dub box is deep, their skillset is unmatched, and their presence in the arena is downright fearless. Now, they move on to New York to represent the DMV at the prestigious I-Octane Cup Clash.

BREAKDOWN OF THE CLASH 

Round 1 – The Warm-Up
The first round served as an introduction to the war ahead. Each sound got a chance to flex their musical arsenal, setting the tone for what was to come. With no eliminations in this round, it was all about feeling out the crowd and establishing dominance. The energy was palpable, and the audience was locked in, ready for war.

Round 2 – The First Elimination
The second round turned up the heat, and each sound came in swinging.

• Lion Vibes International played a wicked custom dub by Lady Flame, which got a strong response from the crowd. However, despite this moment, their overall performance didn’t resonate as powerfully, and they found themselves struggling to maintain momentum.

• Polo International, the youngest competitor, refused to be overlooked. He commanded attention, rinsing out some heavy Masicka dubs, receiving thunderous forwards in return.

• Jah Sound surprised many by holding their own, unleashing a lethal combination of Bounty Killer and Beenie Man dubs, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

• Trinity Sound International came in like seasoned war generals, dropping custom Bounty Killer and Buju Banton dubplates that had the venue erupting in massive forwards. Doubters were quickly silenced.

• Gangsta Shack International also brought the heat, ensuring the competition knew they weren’t here to play, securing strong forwards from the audience.

Elimination: After the hand vote, Lion Vibes International was counted out.

Round 3 – The Battle Intensifies
The clash warriors continued their relentless pursuit of victory.

• Polo International started strong but faced a momentary dip with some of his selections, receiving boos. However, he quickly recovered, proving he belonged in the battlefield.

• Jah Sound returned with undeniable energy, dropping more Bounty and Buju dubs, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep them in the competition.

• Trinity Sound International came in with relentless power, maintaining their dominance and carrying the momentum from earlier rounds. Their dubplates hit hard, leaving the crowd in awe and securing them multiple forwards. Trinity's fearless execution left no doubt that they were here to win, continuing to set the stage for a dramatic final showdown.

• Gangsta Shack International also delivered a solid performance in Round 3. His dubplates were heavy, his selections on point, and the crowd responded positively, sending strong forwards his way. Gangsta Shack showed no signs of slowing down, continuing to fight for his place in the competition as the battle raged on.

Elimination: After another intense hand vote, Jah Sound was sent home.

Round 4 – The Warzone Narrows
With three sounds left, the competition reached new heights.

• Trinity Sound International came in fully charged, delivering a monumental performance that shook the venue. The forwards were relentless, leaving many stunned by the precision and firepower they brought to the round.

• Gangsta Shack International received some decent forwards, but his round lacked the explosive impact needed to secure a top spot. The boos at the end sealed his fate.

• Polo International had moments of brilliance, receiving massive forwards early on. A few selections caused a dip, but he fought back, ensuring he wasn’t underestimated.

Elimination: The votes were cast, and Gangsta Shack International was eliminated.

Final Round – The Tune Fi Tune Showdown
With only two sounds remaining—Trinity Sound International and Polo International—the stage was set for a legendary showdown.

In a best of five tune fi tune battle, the crowd was hanging on to every intro, every riddim, every lyrical attack. The tension was intense, but in the end, Trinity Sound International proved to be superior, delivering the most lethal selections and securing a decisive victory.

THE CHAMPIONS – TRINITY SOUND INTERNATIONAL!

Against all odds, Trinity Sound International proved why they are elite war generals. Born in Guyana, built in the DMV, and forged in the fire of sound clash warfare, they demonstrated fearlessness, strategy, and an undeniable mastery of the art. Many underestimated them, but they didn’t realize that Trinity’s dub box was deep, their executions were precise, and their hunger for victory was insatiable.

Now, they move on to New York to represent DMV at the I-Octane Cup Clash, carrying the DMV’s legacy on their shoulders.

BIG UP TO ALL PARTICIPANTS & PROMOTERS!

This clash was nothing short of spectacular. Every sound brought their A-game, making it a night to remember. Big up to Revo Entertainment & Tek 9 Promotions for keeping the clash culture alive in the DMV. The patrons were fully engaged, the vibes were intense, and the competition was fierce—everything a real sound clash should be.

For those who missed out or want to relive the experience, Episode 3 of the Sound Clash Countdown series by Carib Life Media takes you inside the minds of top selectors as they prepare for war. Don’t miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Watch the full episode now on Carib Life Media’s YouTube channel.

Sound Clash Culture Lives On!

On February 18, 2025, rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of two felony assault charges stemming from a 2021 incident where his former friend, Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli), accused him of firing a gun during an argument in Hollywood. Despite being offered a plea deal, Rocky refused to take it, standing his ground because he knew he was innocent. His decision was risky, as he faced the possibility of prison for something he didn’t do, but he chose to fight for the truth rather than accept a conviction. When the verdict was announced, Rocky was overcome with emotion, leaping over to hug Rihanna, who had supported him throughout the case. She was visibly emotional, and the moment highlighted just how much was at stake—because an innocent man could have been sent to jail for nothing.

Lisa Hyper, born Felicia Gooden, is a prominent Jamaican dancehall artist known for her bold lyrics and dynamic musical style. She gained significant recognition as a part of the Gaza camp, the iconic music collective led by the legendary Vybz Kartel. Her affiliation with the Gaza movement helped cement her place in the dancehall scene, where she quickly became known for her raw, unapologetic style and fierce stage presence.

Known as the Femme Fatale of dancehall, Lisa Hyper has once again asserted her dominance in the genre with her latest release, “Hard Drive" produced by Knack Outt Productions. A track infused with raw emotion, evocative lyricism, and a melody that lingers in the soul, “Hard Drive” is more than just a song—it is a reflection of the profound artistry of a woman who has spent years perfecting her craft. With pen in hand and an unyielding spirit, Lisa Hyper continues to solidify herself as one of the most formidable and fearless voices in dancehall music.

Lisa Hyper, who has long been recognized for her distinctive voice and bold presence, unleashes an unparalleled level of vulnerability with “Hard Drive.” Released on February 14, 2025, the track delves deeply into themes of longing, desire, and emotional depth. It is a candid expression of her yearning for a love that still occupies her heart, a poignant reflection on a relationship that continues to hold significance in her life. This unguarded moment of emotional rawness speaks volumes, as it captures the complex beauty of love, loss, and longing.

What sets “Hard Drive” apart from other tracks in the genre is the seamless fusion of traditional dancehall rhythms with contemporary sounds. Lisa Hyper, an artist known for her versatility, continues to evolve and expand her musical horizon. The song showcases her exceptional ability to weave heartfelt emotion into each lyric. Her lyrical artistry, which is both introspective and accessible, demonstrates her command over the craft of songwriting—an ability that only comes with years of experience and dedication.

The accompanying music video, released shortly after the track, has already captivated audiences and amplified the song's impact. With striking visuals and a compelling narrative, the video enhances the message of “Hard Drive,” further showcasing Lisa’s multifaceted artistry. This is a song that resonates with listeners on a deep, personal level, while also serving as a reminder of Lisa Hyper’s impeccable ability to translate complex emotions into art that speaks universally.

Like many public figures, Lisa Hyper has recently found herself at the center of media scrutiny. Conversations about her mental and emotional well-being, along with alleged tensions with members of the Gaza music collective, including Vybz Kartel, have sparked widespread debate. Through interviews and social media, Lisa has been candid about her struggles, making it clear that after enduring significant hardships, she is now prioritizing herself and her growth.

While her candid expressions have fueled speculation, they also highlight her unfiltered passion and commitment to standing up for herself in an industry that has not always been kind to her. Rather than letting the noise define her, Lisa is using this moment to reclaim her narrative, proving that she is both fearless and unstoppable.

Looking ahead, Lisa continues to make her mark on the dancehall scene, with her upcoming EP, The Golden Fleece, set to release on April Fool’s Day. The EP promises to further solidify her legacy as one of the genre’s most compelling and influential artists. With the release of “Hard Drive” signaling a new chapter in her artistic journey, fans eagerly await the EP, which is expected to showcase even more of Lisa’s exceptional talent, emotional depth, and boundary-pushing creativity.

In conclusion, Lisa Hyper is not just an artist—she is a visionary and a force in the dancehall world, constantly evolving and challenging the limits of her craft. With “Hard Drive,” she has once again proven why she is one of the most formidable voices in the genre today. Whether she's crafting deeply emotional ballads or commanding the stage with her dynamic presence, Lisa Hyper's artistry is unmatched, and her reign over dancehall is far from over.

Jamaican dancehall artist Danny English has sadly passed away at the age of 54 due to complications related to diabetes, according to reports.

Danny English, born Donald Cox in Kingston, will be fondly remembered for his unique contribution to dancehall music. He gained widespread recognition with the 2002 hit “Party Time,” featuring Egg Nog, which was set to the iconic “Diwali Riddim” created by producer Steven “Lenky” Marsden. This riddim, which gained global fame that year, has also been sampled in popular hits like Rihanna’s “Pon de Replay,” Sean Paul’s “Get Busy,” and Missy Elliott’s “Pass That Dutch.”

English’s gravelly, distinct voice paired beautifully with Egg Nog’s smoother tones, creating a lasting legacy within the genre. Starting his career as a teenager, he drew inspiration from dancehall legends like Buju Banton, Shaggy, and Tuffy Melody, leaving a mark on the music industry that will not be forgotten.

To his family, friends, and fans, I send my deepest condolences. May his soul rest in peace, and his music live on forever as a testament to his talent and contribution to Jamaican culture.

We mourn the profound loss of Supa Funk Regulata Celo, a towering figure and revered legend of the D.C. music scene. Celo was more than a DJ—he was a cultural visionary, a protector of go-go and funk, and a true embodiment of the city’s soul. His artistry and presence were larger than life, and his influence extended far beyond the decks. Known for his unmistakable sound on 456 Sound, Celo crafted a signature style that resonated with the heartbeat of D.C., blending go-go’s rhythms with an energy that only he could channel.

His voice on the radio on WKYS 93.9FM was a cornerstone of D.C.'s airwaves, a trusted presence that brought the music and the people together. Through his broadcasts, Celo became the soundtrack to countless memories, and his shows served as a platform to amplify the culture he so deeply loved. His legacy isn’t just in the music he played, but in the connections he fostered and the unity he inspired.

Celo’s impact is immortal. He was the rhythm that moved the city, the voice that kept its culture alive, and the spirit that united countless hearts. His influence will forever echo in every beat, every dance, and every soul that felt the power of go-go.

Rest in eternal power, Supa Funk Regulata Celo. A legend never truly leaves us.

Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer whose visionary talent helped shape the sounds of modern music, has passed away at the age of 91. Best known as the creative genius behind Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller album, Jones redefined music production and influenced countless artists across genres. His work earned him an unparalleled legacy with 28 Grammy Awards and collaborations with the greatest talents of our time. Jones’s death marks the end of an era, but his groundbreaking contributions will forever echo in the history of music.