Sunday, May 8, 2022

Poem: Friendly but Deadly

Friendly
but deadly
as it intertwines
and cordially greets and hugs
Fruitful
but yet a killer
anything in its path
is consumed
leaving just dust
I love it
yet I hate it
because it’s colorful
yet devastating
and wanted
as a #1 option
because it makes a
coveted concoction
a sight to see
but I would not want to be
in its path
because it’s passion
is its bane
to other species
and it’s almost impossible
to tame
but to lose the treasure
means no more passion fruit juice

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

POEM: Burdens

my throat aches
from repeating myself
and crying for help
no one listens, no one responds,
I walk on
burdened and defeated
with no shoes on
and
my hands hurt
from toiling and tilling
while lifting the burdens
one may smile, one may glance
I call louder
until my echo answers
with no response
yet 
my feet pain me
from pacing the dark lanes
and scaling the brown hills
on the low, on the high
I clasp in prayer
with no strength 
in my fingers
but
the pains remain
and I'm not insane
so my toils could never
be in vain
my brain can
only process the pain
which gets worse
when it rains
my throat
my hands and
my feet
don't know
my heart hurts
from being empathetic
and holding the feelings
I can't listen, I can't respond
I cry on
saddened but not defeated
my shoes worn
yet....

© Linette Rabsatt



Wednesday, April 13, 2022

POEM: Minding My Business

I am going to mind my business
I'll mine it and mind it
because I invest
in what grows me
anyone who knows me
knows that my mind
is always on the next move
even when I'm jamming
to the old groves
my mind, which is mine,
should be used to mine
for golden opportunities
that will promote
growth in me
and my family
my business
my busy-ness
is all about
how I can mind
what's mine
to mine and find
a better way of life

© Linette Rabsatt

Friday, April 1, 2022

POEM: I am an Anomaly

I am an anomaly
I didn't ask to be
but I represent a dichotomy
a perfect imperfection
left to stand alone
and not even a drone
can guide me home
because I have none
I stand hapless, hopeless, stateless
unable to match a definition
while the melanin
stirs the soul
and the plasma
carries the truth -
the history of the roots
but I lace up my boots
and I shout in silence
because I choose
not to be defiant
because
I am an anomaly
that I didn't choose to be
and I can't let 
my fruits suffer 
for the deeds of me

© Linette Rabsatt


Saturday, March 26, 2022

Album Spotlight: "The Difference" by CalJ

I take this opportunity to introduce you to Calden Jamesmore popularly known as CalJ. You may think that CalJ is an abbreviated form of his name; however, CalJ shared that it means "Calling All Legends – Just Me." 

This young and talented artist is from the British Virgin Islands and has roots in Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis. I heard CalJ on ZBVI Radio on Saturday, March 19, 2022, being interviewed about his latest album, "The Difference." So, I reached out to him to learn more. 

 

His Story

CalJ told me that he always felt that music was always in him but "it wasn’t as bright as yet.” He started rapping around age 13, but when he turned 14, he said he was “given a voice.” CalJ admitted that he sounded like a seagull at that age, but he kept singing. He recalled that his mother would ask him to stop singing. However, he kept honing his craft, and eventually, people told him that he sounded like John Legend. 

 

First Performance

He first performed for an audience at a Ms. Fifth Form pageant in 2013/2014. CalJ expressed that Kamau Georges, artist, producer, and music teacher at the time, encouraged him to perform at the show. He performed Ordinary People by John Legend.

 

First Song 

CalJ’s first song was "She’s Not You," produced by Kamau Georges.


"The Difference"

CalJ related that he chose this title because he is an example of difference. He referred to his roots in BVI, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis. He also chimed in that this album contains music infused with various styles, and it reflects his ability to switch flow and accents. He promised a different flavor for every song. The album is available on all streaming platforms. 

 

1. “Paradise” featuring GNDOE

R&B/Afrobeat

Producer: GNDOE

Lyric Snippet: Hook - “Baby, you so far, could you come a little closer, I just want to take you over, to a place called paradise, make sure you satisfied, you got me falling for you – I’m clumsy, baby I can use your company, in a place called paradise, make sure you satisfied” 

 

2. “Must Win”

R&B/Hip Hop

Producer: Skychasers

Lyric Snippet: “I just got down on my knees and prayed to the sky, strapped on my wings so I could fly, I’m just sick and tired of seeing my momma cry, I had to go and hustle to come out of the struggle”

 

3. “Cutting Ties” featuring Skipp Znero

Trap

Producer: Dupree Beatz

Lyric Snippet: “They trying to drain all my energy, all of my haters are enemies, they won’t stop til it’s the end of me, I had to put them in the cemetery, bury them ….”

 

4. “On the Edge”

Reggae/R&B

Producer: GNDOE

 

5. “Favorite Place”

R&B

Producer: GNDOE

 

6. “Ready or Not” featuring Dave from the Grave

Producer: Skychasers

Lyric Snippet: “I’ve been watching you from way across the room, and you’ve been looking so nice that I just had to talk to you, the way you call me boo, the way you dripping sauce too, when I say baby you looking nice, she say that ain’t nothing new, you know the type of girl I’m talking bout, she make the handicapped walk it out....”

 

Shout Outs

CalJ recognized his family, especially his sister, and his fans who encourage and motivate him. He shared that Productions by Reset, operated by Chaurbin Smith, engineered “The Difference.” CalJ also highlighted Skipp Znero, formerly KevyKev who performed with him in high school in Top Class Entertainment, Dave from the Grave, and GNDOE, who all played a role in this album for vocals or production.

 

Who CalJ Listens To

CalJ likes Drake and Lil Wayne, but he thoroughly enjoys legendary R&B artists such as James Brown and Michael Jackson. For reggae, he listens to Tarrus Riley and Beres Hammond. He added that these artists inspire him to improve his lyrics.

 

A Word from CalJ

 CalJ says:

  • “I share my music for me and for people who want to listen to my style.”
  • “I want to drop a song that has a lasting effect.”
  • “My aim is to hit on the charts and to stay on the charts.”
  • “I’ve been pushing my music hard.”

Favorite Track

CalJ chose two tracks, “On the Edge” and “Cutting Ties.” He loves the contrast between the tracks - hearing him sing and then trap music. He was proud to share that we can experience two vastly different performances from him on his two favorite songs.

 

Advice for Young people

  •  “Be real about your music because the more you keep capping – somebody is going to test you about your lyrics.” 
  • “Speak positive vibes in your lyrics so positive can return to you because negative lyrics will cause negative effects”

What Would You Do Differently

“I would make more connections – I had too much pride. Don’t be scared to ask for help – don’t be afraid to connect with people.” 

 

What can fans can look forward to:

  • Three to four more singles to come soon
  • Next album later in 2022
  • Some soca and riddims coming soon

Music Videos

CalJ is currently working with Nobleink on his music videos. The first video will be for “On the Edge.”

Friday, March 18, 2022

Producer Spotlight: D'JorfromWhim - His Story and Music

Music comes to life with vocals, instruments, and lyrics. We dance and sing along, but we do not think about the background work involved in putting a song together. I have written about numerous artists and their albums, but this blog post is about D’JorfromWhim.
D’JorfromWhim
Who is D’JorfromWhim
D’Jor Baptiste, also known as D’JorfromWhim, is a producer and audio engineer from Whim in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. His family has made significant contributions to the Virgin Islands music scene. D'Jor's relatives include his father, Deanroy Baptiste, his uncle, the late Alwyn Baptiste, Sr. of the Express Band, and his cousin, Alwyn Baptiste, Jr., also known as Daddy Jones. These musicians helped to modernize the sound of Virgin Islands soca and calypso into the groovy sound that we enjoy today.

The Journey
D’Jor shared that his musical roots started in soca and calypso when he was seven (7) years old. As he got older, he would create instrumentals or what we call ‘riddims’ for soca songs. However, as he matured, he shifted his focus to hip hop in 2014 because he always enjoyed the genre. Also, he switched because he wanted to create what people preferred to listen to all year round.

At first, he focused on making beats, and as he grew in the business, he learned to be a producer. By working with his brother and as he continued to hone his craft, he became an audio engineer. When I asked if he raps or writes lyrics, he quickly said he focuses on the beats, but he has added content to lyrics on a small scale. D’Jor has the resources for professional studio recording and has worked with numerous artists.
Creative Energy
This producer shared that when he is working with the beats, he feeds off the energy in the studio, which he calls his “mood room.” D’Jor shared an experience when a friend in the studio was shaking a marker. The sound inspired him, and he immediately went to his equipment and within five (5) minutes, he created a beat.

First Song Produced
The first song he produced was King Ponche’s “Blue Benjis,”  which was later remixed to feature Kapo Di’kaprio.

Discography Snapshot
  • April 20, 2017: He released “Whim” under the Beach Gang label featuring Nyce, Winny2Cool, MugZee, Bentley Bell, Imho Dan, Kapo Di’Kaprio, Rose, King Diesel and Rayo Dan.
  • June 5, 2020: “Flexing” was released with seven (7) tracks featuring Nyce, 2Klip340, Kid Sparta, TizZi TizZi, Rayo Dan, Dingo, Wil, and Guzzo.
  • April 20, 2021: “4-20” included Uncle Mundo, King Ponche, TBMG Rose, Winny2Kool, and Dan Dadda.
  • April 20, 2021: “Whim 2” included Kay Kay, Uncle Mundo, Rose, Koda Kvng, King Ponche, 2Klip340, Rudeboy Brow, Wil4romcruz, AP OG, and Dan Dadda.
  • August 13, 2021: He produced a five (5) track EP for Dan Dadda titled “Lil Medi.” 
Upcoming Work
D’Jor shared that he has unreleased work that will be released soon.
  • Deluxe Edition” album to be released soon
  • Another mixtape is coming before the end of March 2022
  • He also has new work coming soon with Ponche, TBMG Rose and Uncle Mundo
After consistently releasing new work on April 20 since 2020, D’Jor promised new music on April 20, 2022.

Advice from D’Jor to Youths Wanting to Get into Music
"Be You. Eliminate having a goal - a goal puts a roof over your success when the sky is the limit."

Musician and More
In addition to producing music, D’Jor owns and manages Gwan Mannyè, a restaurant that serves contemporary Caribbean cuisine. His uncle suggested the name, which has creole origins. It has several meanings: good eating, good living or everything positive.


Tuesday, March 15, 2022

POEM: Seeing the Similarities


Light and dark
Contrasts with similarities
Open the passage to clarity
But without the vagueness of insanity
Or the vengeance of vanity
Because I’ve shifted focus
on building my capacity
while watching the earth in its entirety
because I can’t tune the opacity
and you never forgave my senility
My naivety and lack of sincerity
Development is risky
And with no vision, the ground is shaky
Do you see how the bird’s feathers are silky?
It is easy to sit in the contrast
When you don’t see the similarities

© Linette Rabsatt

Poem: Sweet by Linette Rabsatt