The Crossroads Nightclub and Restaurant Entertainment Complex in Bladensburg, which was suddenly closed for “maintenance” last December, has again run into mysterious problems. Since at least last Thursday, the nightclub has been closed, and the restaurant has been only open for Sunday brunch and for carryout food service on weekdays. No alcohol is being [...]
On December 10, the Crossroads Restaurant and Entertainment Complex in Bladensburg, Md. posted a message on its website stating that the club “will remain closed today Friday December 10th until further notice for ongoing maintenance. Management apologizes for any inconvenience. We will inform you in a timely manner, when we are scheduled to reopen to resume [...]
Jamaican singer Gyptian's "Hold You (Hold Yuh)" has been omnipresent on R&B and rap radio in recent months. Not bad for a song that was originally released in 2009. Thanks to its simple, finger-tinkling keyboard beat, Gyptian's patois-filled falsetto melody, and a hip-hop remix with Nicki Minaj, this syrupy tune has become the biggest reggae-related [...]
The fifth annual African Diaspora Film Festival begins tomorrow at the National Geographic Society Headquarters. Entries include a film about the bleaker side of Jamaican reggae, a Sundance-winning doc on the Civil Rights Movement's Freedom Riders, and a coming-of-age tale set in the diamond-rich area of Congo.
The festival is a part of the All Roads [...]
Tonight’s Superstar Tour 2010 concert—featuring Afghan singer Ghazal and Tajik performer Jonibek at the Sheraton Premiere in Tyson’s Corner— might seem to have nothing in common with this evening’s Jamaican dancehall Ladies Night Out at the Mirage Hall in Hyattsville—headlined by Lady Saw and Assassin—save this: I discovered both shows via postcards left around town. [...]
Earlier this decade, reggae was getting a fair amount of attention in the US and UK thanks to rap producers, rap/r’n’b stations, and alt-weekly critics giving love to dancehall. While those audiences may not be paying that much attention now, Jamaican singers and rappers are still keeping as busy as ever. Tarrus Riley is in [...]
Crooked Beat just got in a huge shipment of reggae vinyl. I am told that the shipment includes over 100 LPs and about 80 CDs—a lot of King Tubby, Augustus Pablo, Scientist, Keith Hudson, Dillinger, and quite a few Prince Buster records.
"A lot of stuff that people have been asking for," says Crooked Beat's owner [...]
I struggled with my approach on reviewing the newest from the Easy Star All Stars—Lonely Hearts Dub Band. There are as many Beatles covers floating around as there are batshit crazy Heather Mills quotes. Most aren't worth the time, though this tribute to Rubber Soul had its moments and this compilation from the Atlantic and [...]
I was over at Crooked Beat tonight. Jeez. They got in a huge shipment of reggae LPs. More than a hundred LPs in total. Way more. I saw Jackie Mittoo classics, King Tubby, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Delroy Wilson, Burning Spear, Alton Ellis, and tons of Studio One stuff.
So get over there.
