June 2025 was Filled with Joy

June culminated with nominations, a few online performances, several poems published and 20 spoken word tracks in conjunction with Legendary Ink. Here are my updates.

Verse-Virtual
My poem, Take Your Flowers, was published by Verse-Virtual.

Pulse Poetry Magazine
The June issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine is out! Toyer Fahie is on pages 5 and 6. I’m on page 10 with My Love for BVI Culture and page 22 with Our Treasure. Find Nelly Vee on pages 11, 19 and 23. There’s some great work by Klassy Poet, Tiffany Mariie, Lisa Lipps Davis and other talented poets.

Whispers of Spring's Serenade
My poem, Fruit on the Vines, was selected for the Whispers of Spring's Serenade. 

Micromance Magazine
My short story, The One-Year Wait, was published by Micromance Magazine. I’d love to hear you feedback on this story. 

Virgin Islands Artist Feature - Scrouge

My featured artist for June was Scrouge. Click here for the article.

2nd Place Poem Dedicated to Toyer Fahie

Please read my second place poem in the IPC Poetry Contest (tied with Henry Jones) about my fellow Virgin Islands poet, Toyer Fahie. 

Nominations

1. National Spoken Word Awards: I’ve been nominated for the National Spoken Word Awards for Best International Artist. Please vote for me: https://shout.com/s/iXedCkDb/i/2313049
2. The Virgin Islands Icon Awards: I was nominated for The Vrgin Islands Icon Award in the category of Writing and Publishing.

I am very grateful for the nominations and votes.

The Writer's Block Poetry Collective
On May 30, 2025, I performed during the The Writer's Block Poetry Collective presents... Mz.KIR's online open mic part 3. I performed Blood Rose and The Receipt for Making Me. 

June 6, 2025 Readings

• Calling All Poets Series: The phenomenal featured poets were Holly Iglesias, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram and Arthur Russell. I shared Rent and Afraid of My Shadow. View the reading here: https://youtu.be/7n4PYHZBSvs?si=aI8V0zH0mawyJsce
• Live with Mz.KIR podcast: I particpated in the Live with Mz.KIR podcast and shared Arrest and Oversexualized. View the session here: https://youtu.be/XtF9aqitaz0?si=_gCOBHnJCOrgpPHK

Orenaug Mountain Poetry Journal Readings

• I performed People I've Met Along the Way at the June 2025 Poetry Reading and Roundtable online reading on June 7, 2025. 
• I shared my poem, Deny, at the June 8, 2025 reading which was held to showcase the work of the poets in the Lost Love anthology. This poem was written in October 2024 for the Worcesteshire Lit Fringe Promptober Challenge and is dedicated to my mother who passed on October 1, 2018.

Keeping the Flame Magazine
My poem, Filtration, was published in the Keeping in the Flame Magazine.

Otherwise Engaged A Literature and Arts Journal
I have three poems, Images, Pure and Peace and Revival, published in Otherwise Engaged A Literature and Arts Journal Volume 15. 

Lit eZine Vol 8
My poem, Floating Ghosts, was published in Lit eZine Vol 8.

Let's Po-et
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, I joined Nita Chase and her amazing team, Nuri and Stephanue and shared Collaboration State of Mind and Vibes. 

June Video Uploads

I have been sharing weekly reel on my social media pages. Here are some that are shared on YouTube.

• Fears: https://youtube.com/shorts/7TW4R1Ch6sA
• For Real: https://youtube.com/shorts/IevY26kUR44
• My Delight: https://youtube.com/shorts/Q-xg7w6UmRA
• Not for the Weak: https://youtube.com/shorts/U95QC2Ff7Ak

Spoken Word Collaborations with Legendary Ink

We continue to prepare some sumptious dishes in the literary kitchen. Take a listen!

1. Oh My God: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/oh-my-god-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
2. Jezebels: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/jezebels-part-2-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
3. Got 2 Be There: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/got-2-be-there-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
4. Blood Rose: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/blood-rose-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
5. Afraid of My Shadow: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/afraid-of-my-shadow-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
6. Perfect Stranger: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/perfect-stranger-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
7. Lay Your Body Down: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/lay-your-body-down-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
8. I Gambled on Love: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/i-gambled-on-love-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
9. A House is Not a Home: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/a-house-is-not-a-home-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
10. You Belong to Me: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/you-belong-to-me-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
11. Time Waits for No One: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/time-waits-for-no-one-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
12. I Cannot Function: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/i-cannot-function-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
13. The Beautiful Sunset: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/the-beautiful-sunset-la-rabsatt-vocals
14. Love Sounds: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/love-sounds-la-rabsatt-vocals
15. Cold: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/cold-part-2-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
16. Love Crimes: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/love-crimes-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
17. Vibes: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/vibes-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
18. Dust and Echoes: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/dust-echoes-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
19. Save Her: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/save-her-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
20. Web of Desire: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/web-of-desire-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
21. Light Pulse: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/light-pulse-la-rabastt-c-double34-music-vocals

New Poem: Tight Curls

if these strands tangle
it will take too much time
to clear the mane
one knot is enough
to cause catastrophe
leaving uneven tresses
in this frustrating process
that’s not for the
faint of heart
or the ones with
softer texture
to manage
it takes care and patience
to lovingly handle
every lock with care
so that each wisp
stays in place
even when the tightest curl
tends to unfurl
at its own beckoning
it’s beautiful to see
a full mane
tamed or untamed
suited to the wearer

© Linette Rabsatt 6-29-2025

July should be more exciting with my participation in an event in St. Thomas, The Virgin Islands Icon Awards on July 6 and more work published.

Virgin Islands Music Spotlight: Soca Artist - Scrouge

Scrouge

I was able to connect with this artist through I-Bari. We had an engaging conversation about his inspiration, plans and goals. Scrouge offered some solid advice for persons interested in music. He also shared his viewpoints and gave some background about how he gets his music out there. 

These are his words.

Who is Scrouge?
Scrouge is a soca artist born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. I graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS). Then I attended Full Sail University and acquired a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business. After that, I attacked the world as an entrepreneur. That's what I do day-to-day - music, graphic design, and Big Days Racing, my new thoroughbred racehorse ownership group on the mainland.

Who's the team behind you?
I have a small team. People think I have a major team, but I have these key players behind me:

• V the Goat Management is managed by my fiancée. She does everything in the book including bookings, meetings, styling, and more.
• JC Management is led by Jelan Cumberbatch in Trinidad. He's also my booking agent. He works with Farmer Nappy, Problem Child, Olatunji, and other heavy hitters.
• Humble Success is a clothing brand and is a major part of my team for clothing and getting me ready for the stage, as well as a Big Bro/business partner being a daily mentor for me about life and daily encounters.
• Keep it Loud Crew is my musical distribution company, jointly owned with Sensi Star.

These individuals/entities are key components that make me who I am along with the fans.

What inspired you to get into music?
Growing up in the Caribbean, my family played music every weekend. Music is like second nature – music in the car or when you’re cleaning. That was the start for me. What got me interested in music was my participation in the marching, concert, and symphonic bands in high school. I have to big-up Georgia Francis, the greatest band teacher ever from CAHS. She played a major role in helping me learn music. I had the opportunity to learn the classical side of music and how it meshes with our local flavor. I utilize the classical and foundational sides of music to transition into my everyday sound.

I was in the process of moving to New York for school in 2005 with my Uncle Taiwo and he introduced me to the international soca side of stuff. He took me to Eastern Parkway for the Labor Day Parade and many fetes!!! After that, I was like - I don’t mind doing this and taking it seriously.

What has been your greatest musical achievement thus far?
My greatest musical achievement thus far was being honored in 2022 in Charleston, South Carolina as the Carifest Grand Marshall, Carnival Ambassador, and recipient of the Charleston Carifest Outstanding Community Service Award. That's big because I started going to a place where I didn't know anyone to them booking me three years in a row. The Charleston community is Famalay. 

Today, I walk down the streets and people comment, 'That’s Scrouge.'

I have to shout out Ms. Lorna Shelton Beck for taking a chance and giving me an opportunity to touch the Charleston Carifest stage early in my career. Now look how it all played out - this is my city!!! Humble and Thankful for being honored! They Love Me And I Love them too!

Who do you listen to?
I listen to everything. I'm very open when it comes to music.

• Machine Gun Kelly – Hip Hop/Rock and Roll
• I-Bari, Banco Bizmol, Big Shaw, Th3rd, Jelani Kendall, E.Nikk, Empire the Artist - local artists
• Jay-Z, Young Thug, Young Jeezy, Lil Baby – Hip Hop
• Matisyahu - Alternative Rock & Pop
• Friday - R&B
• Burna Boy, Wiz Kid, Shatta Wale - Afrobeat
• Bunji Garlin, Patrice Roberts - Soca/Calypso
• Vybz Kartel, Nhance, Rygin King, Popcaan, Masicka – Dancehall

I listen to music like Callaloo - it has different ingredients. The ingredients are here, there, and everywhere, not just one substance.

It’s good for me to be an artist who likes to hear different things because it helps to put me in a different zone since I have a wide body of music to listen to. A lot of people might comment that they didn’t know I listen to so many different genres of music.

Scrouge with his award from the Charleston Carifest

What stage have you always dreamed of performing on?
I've been on many different shows, but my goal is to perform at the Antilliaanse Feesten in Germany, which is held in August. I have to touch that stage. It’s one of the biggest goals for me right now.

I’m on a different road – if everyone is going to stay on Earth, then I’m heading to space. I like to be different. When I went to Shreveport, Louisiana a few days ago, everyone was asking how I could visit there to perform soca. The promoter mentioned she saw me perform in Utah at the Afro Utah Fest and asked, "They listen to soca out there?" My team understands what I'm looking for and seeking to accomplish. We have something big on the table right now. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.

I say music is like church. If you go to church every Sunday and you see the same people in the congregation, that means the message isn't being heard and isn't getting passed on to anyone. 

So you're doing music, going in the same arenas, same place all the time, seeing the same people - who is the music reaching? I like to go to places where no one knows me, but by the time I leave, they know who Scrouge is. They love my vibes and they become not only a fan, but family. Sometimes, they are not familiar with soca or calypso, but when I finish my set, they become fans.

Who have you collaborated with?
The most notable artist I’ve collaborated with was Mandella Links from Grenada who sang the hit song “Tombstone.” I did a song entitled “Mass Destruction remix with him. I've been on riddim projects with other notable artists such as The Lava Man from Grenada and Fimba from St. Vincent and The Grenadines.

Which artists would you wish to perform or write with?
It would more be to write because I’ve performed alongside all of the greats in the soca industry. I’ve performed with Machel Montano three or four times and Bunji Garlin two times. I’ve been on tour with Patrice Roberts and opened 6 to 8 shows for her. I would like to do a track with Patrice Roberts or Bunji Garlin. Outside of the soca/calypso arena, I would say Sean Paul or Shaggy.

What are your plans for your music for the rest of 2025?
I'm pushing consistency for the rest of 2025:

• I’m assembling some releases. We just released the first one, which is Hydraulics. Make sure you check it out!
• I’m working on improving my consistency in putting out great projects. I feel that’s an area I have to work on. I have to be consistent and not fall in love with certain things. Sometimes, you devise a plan with your music and then you fall in love with what you have out and forget about the rest of the plan. 

This year, I’m pushing consistency and building towards that to create a greater product, as in my music, for the fans.

What's your favorite song of yours?
My favorite song of mine is Memories. I can hear my other songs in my head saying, ‘So, I wasn’t your favorite?’ Memories is my favorite because I wrote this song when the pandemic had just hit. It was very connecting and even as I talk about it or every time I sing the song, I get emotional because it reminds me of who I was at that time singing the song. I had a bunch of shows lined up and then I got a call from Jelan Cumberbatch, my booking agent, to let me know that all my shows were canceled for the rest of the year. I had travelled to the Bahamas and when I returned, I saw everyone wearing masks and was very confused. Then, I was told that shows were canceled because of COVID-19.

My producer, Pam Pam sent me this beat and the first thing that came to mind was, 

“I beg you, won't you come back to me, Leh we make memories again. And then I say the sound of a big truck passing, the sight of a bam bam rolling, the feeling of carnival every day.” 

It's like I was missing everything. Every time I sing it, that song gets me emotional.

My music is from the heart and that song is surely from my heart. That song connects with everybody. I visited Louisiana recently, and a little girl sang the whole song for me. When I got there, she met me and said, “Mr. Srcouge, my favorite song is Memories.’ Kirsikka of Soca Dance in Finland, a dance group, posted a video a week ago dancing to Memories. That song keeps me grounded and reminds me that ‘you could be here but at any minute you don’t know what the future holds.’

Scrouge doing what he loves best - performing

What advice do you have for young people interested in music?
My advice to young people and anybody interested in music:

• Do what you want to do at the end of the day.
• Don't be afraid to walk your own road and your own path.
• Your story is nobody else's story.
• If it doesn't fit for you, as in this road, don't be afraid to make a left or a right or a u-turn. Walk your own path and do you. Don't let anybody detour you from that.

Can you share something that most people wouldn't know about you?
I haven’t eaten meat for 20-plus years - no chicken, no beef. I eat fish. When I was like 7-8, I ate some meat and got sick and never ate it after that.

Who would you like to shout out?
I want to shout out everybody, as in the fans, who have been with me in the past, who are with me now, and who will be with me in the future. My team as mentioned above and I thank them for their support!

Is there anything else that you'd want to share with the readers?
Stay connected with with Scrouge. Follow me on Instagram, X and SnapChat as @Scrougemusic and Facebook as Lashawn Scrouge Selwood. On all digital music platforms - Apple Music and Spotify, you can find me as Scrouge. Look for Scrouge and continue streaming and supporting me and my music.

Scrouge

Scrouge has promised to deliver some great music this year so please support him.

May 2025 - 50 Spoken Word Tracks, Anthologies and more

The Beautiful Virgin Islands (BVI)

Pulse Poetry Magazine
The May 2025 Edition of Pulse Poetry Magazine marked our one year anniversary. My poems, A Lit Candle and Literal Fire can be found on pages 10 and 11. Nelly Vee's poems are on pages 12-14.

Calling All Poets Series
The May 2, 2025 edition of Calling All Poets Series had feature readers Jared Harel, Nancy Shih-Knodel, and Kathy Welda.

VOICES UNBOUND (An International Anthology of Poetry)
My poem, I am a Butterfly, was selected for Voices Unbound.

Ode to Chocolate Anthology
My poem, Chocolate, was selected for the Ode to Chocolate Anthology. You can grab the Kindle or paperback version. Thanks to Tim Saunders for publishing my work.

Interview with West Indian Women Network
I was interviewed by the West Indian Women Network along with the first place winner of the
Tell Yuh Story Competition, Carlana Neverson. I placed second with my story, A Paltry Poultry Tale.

Caribbean Poetry Magazine
My poem, Carifesta X from 2008, was published by Caribbean Poetry Magazine.

Virgin Islands Artist Feature
May's featured artist was Lion Dre, a talented artist from St. Croix. He has shared his upcoming projects, inspiration and insights with me. He has new music on the way so please subscribe to his pages.

Like Naked Truths Anthology

Roses in Bloom, originally published by Micromance Magazine, has been published in the Like Naked Taunts anthology.

Cultivating Voices Poetry Wild Card Open Mic
On May 18, 2025, I shared the virtual stage with several talented poets at the Cultivating Voice Poetry Wild Card Open Mic. I'm on from 53:20 sharing two pieces, Velvet and If I Wrote You a Song.

Lost Love Anthology
My Poem, Deny, written in honor of my mother, was published in the Lost Love anthology compiled by Orenaug Mountain Publishing.

IPC Poetry Contest
I tied for second in the IPC Poetry Contest! The better news is that my entries were about two amazing poets, our very own talented Toyer Fahie, and Mike Jurkovic, Poet Laureate and part of the Calling All Poets Series team.

The Writer's Block Poetry Collective
On May 30, 2025, I was live on The Writer's Block Poetry Collective along with some other awesome poets including North Philly's Finest, Maya Da Bee, Ladycrucible MistressofMayhem, Heavenly Harmonies and Miriam Buttlerfly Hall.

Legendary Ink Spoken Word Collaborations

This month was amazing! I can't believe that we churned out 50 tracks. Thank you to Mario Franklin and Clarence Ferguson, Jr. for believing in me.

1. Take and Never Give: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/take-and-never-give-part-1-la-rabsatt-vocals
2. Stranger Moon: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/stranger-moon-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
3. Leave Me Alone: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/leave-me-alone-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
4. I'm Sorry: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/im-so-sorry-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
5. Shackled: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/shackled-part-1-l-a-rabsatt-c
6. My Calling: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/my-calling-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
7. Enigma: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/enigma-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
8. I Breathe You In: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/i-breathe-you-in-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
9. Hearts of Fire: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/hearts-of-fire-part-1-la-rabsatt-vocals
10. Your Heart Spoke My Name: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/your-heart-spoke-my-name-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
11. More Love: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/more-love-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
12. Serpent: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/serpent-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
13. Love Me: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/love-me-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
14. Dangerous Game: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/a-dangerous-game-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
15. Here Comes the Boom: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/here-comes-the-boom-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
16. Fake News: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/fake-news-part-2-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
17. Deep Inside: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/deep-inside-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
18. I'm No Devil: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/im-no-devil-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
19. Love Jones: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/love-jones-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
20. Kiss of Death: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/kiss-of-death-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
21. Fallen Sky: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/fallen-sky-la-rabsatt-vocals
22. Hearts of Fire: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/hearts-of-fire-remix-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
23. Death of Chivalry: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/death-of-chivalry-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
24. Sex Appeal: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/sex-appeal-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
25. Galaxy: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/galaxy-part-1-l-a-rabsatt-c
26. Here We Go Again: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/here-we-go-again-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
27. Oversexualized: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/oversexualized-part-1-l-a
28. Shattered: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/shattered-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
29. Watch Out for Witchcraft: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/watch-out-for-witchcraft-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
30. Half Crazy: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/half-crazy-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
31. Solid Gold: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/solid-gold-episode-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
32. Pray 4 Me: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/pray-4-me-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
33. Victim in the Mirror: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/victim-in-the-mirror-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
34. La Isla Bonita: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/la-isla-bonita-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
35. If I Wrote You a Song: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/if-i-wrote-you-a-song-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
36. Joined Together: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/joined-together-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
37. Calm and Collected: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/calm-and-collected-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
    
38. Raised by Wolves: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/raised-by-wolves-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
39. Single Flower: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/single-flower-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
40. Unearthly Love: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/unearthly-love-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
41. Clouds: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/clouds-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
42. Love Track: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/love-track-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
43. What You Bring to the Table: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/what-do-you-bring-to-the-table-la-rabsatt-vocals
44. Quiet Sorrow: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/quiet-sorrow-shattered-remix-la-rabsatt-vocals
45. Chained to Foolery: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/chained-to-foolery-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
46. Fragile: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/fragile-la-rabsatt-vocals
47. Fairweather Friend: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/fairweather-friend-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
48. Alone Together: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/alone-together-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
49. All Money Ain't Good Money: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/all-money-aint-good-money-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
50. Still Hurting: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/still-hurting-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals

New Poem: Housing Woes

singing toilet
hisses with no swishes

pop, drop, pop
the kitchen faucet murmurs

while the bathroom faucet
drips, drips, drips

clogged bathtub
holding all the hair in

it must be indoor weather season
my house has its own tornado of issues

© Linette Rabsatt 5-30-2025

Creative Waves Performance on May 31, 2025

Please visit the JR O'Neal Botanical Gardens between 4:00 to 7:00 pm and support this event. There will be lots of performances including poetry. Poets will have a station by the fountain where we will share poems. Toyer Fahie and I will share perform on the main stage around 6:15 pm.

Virgin Islands Music Spotlight: Lion Dre

Lion Dre

My featured artist for May is Lion Dre. The first track I heard from him was Ain Outchya, which featured Deh Wapp. Lion Dre is a rising talent with aspirations for greatness. These are his words.

Who is Lion Dre?

Lion Dre is from Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands, and I am a global, authentic, all-around VI artist. When I say VI, I mean not just the Virgin Islands, but versatile, international. I'm an all-around artist - I don't limit myself to one genre. I’m very humble and I'm that person in and out of the studio that you can depend on to get the job done.

Who's the team behind you?

My team consists of my whole village. They say it takes a village to raise a child; I’m in my 20s and realize it also takes a village to maintain an adult. That's the best way I could put it because independence is cool, but it's also cool to have codependence and know you have genuine people in your corner who support you. It’s not about the finances. It's more than that - just to have somebody believing in you and speaking life into you genuinely. My team consists of my whole village.

"Believe in yourself"

What inspired you to get into music?

I have a few inspirations including my father, Radio Andy. Radio Andy is his DJ and stage moniker. He was a person who walked around with a radio everywhere. He would have me as a baby in one hand and have his radio in the next hand. I feel like it's a genetic thing and it's just part of who I am naturally. While I was growing up, my father moved to the US and I would visit him during the summers. While visiting him, I was introduced to a lot of different music, whether it's old school reggae, 90s dance hall, dubs, and dubplates. He exposed me to different vibes like Mob Deep and other throwbacks.

Another one of my musical inspirations is a St. Croix artist named Dan Dadda. When I was in elementary school, I was exposed to his music and that's when I first realized that you could really be from home and actually make your own content. I have to 'big-up' Dan Dadda for that. 

Next is my need to just express myself. I have a love for creativity, so I felt like it allowed me to express how I feel without being fully outspoken about personal things.

What has been your greatest musical achievement thus far?

This question is the one that made me look at myself like, 'Hey, you need to work a little harder.' That's me being honest because right now my greatest achievement is radio play - hearing my song play on the radio. Recently, I dropped a single with Mayah V called Slip Inside and it has been streamed on WPFW Radio in Washington DC and London, UK based on the statistics. Right now, in 2025, that feels like one of my biggest accomplishments in music thus far - just radio play. So more to come!

Who do you listen to?

I listen to different genres. I don't limit myself but the two genres I listen to the most are hip hop and rap, and of course, dance hall because I’m from the Caribbean. For Dancehall, I listen to Popcaan because he has good vibes in his music. Another artist is Vybz Kartel even though every song is not for every occasion. I also listen to Massika, Prince Swanny, Chronic Law, and for the females, Shensea or Spice. For hip hop, it would be Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Meek Mill, Ace Hood, Tupac, Mob Deep, Gucci Mane, Kodak Black, and some Lil Durk. These are my go-to's.

Lion Dre performing

So what stage have you always dreamed of performing on?

In all honesty, I don't have a specific stage and I don't want to sound greedy, but I want to perform at all of them whether big or small. I could be on a big stage and not feel as much energy as performing for a birthday party. I feel like the size of the room doesn’t matter. It's all about the energy I receive and give back to the crowd reciprocally. Give me all the stages. I won't know until I experience it.

Who have you collaborated with?

Besides Mayah V, I have collaborated with Bloody Bear Bass, VI Jo, Michonde, Flizop, and Dapp Deh Youngin. I have some things on the way with stateside artists. I have collaborated with Tony La Clave from Maryland. He is originally from El Salvador so he's like that Latin - urban Latino. He doesn't limit himself either. He's very versatile as well and we’re working on a bilingual track called Patron. I have done some unique collaborations and I have more on the way.

In terms of international artists, who would who would you want to perform or write with?

Popcaan! It's funny because I originally started doing rap music and hip hop, but since we are versatile international - VI artists, we can’t limit ourselves. So, I have to say Popcaan. When I went through my little dark moments in life, Popcaan's music helped me get through some rough moments. I’m not just saying that to sound cool. I really mean it – his music helped me calm down my vibrations when I was going through some situations. So, I have to give Popcaan his credit. It's deeper than just music.

What are the plans for the rest of 2025?

With summer approaching and we're currently in May, the plans for the rest of 2025 include:

• We need to shoot more visuals and get more videos out there. People want to see the artists so I want to upload more content, whether reels or TikToks. It’s all part of the consistency. We have to shoot more visuals and upload more content.
• I want to drop a few projects, whether EPS, singles, or maybe an album.
• Last, but not least, I want to hit as many stages as possible, big or small. That's how we're looking for 2025.

What advice do you have for young people who are interested in music?

• Put God first because, in our reality, you can't do anything foundational or organic without putting God first.
• Stay true to yourself because you might be doing something to follow the crowd. But, is it really who you are or is it really for you? Is it made for you?
• Believe in yourself because you will have many days when people you expect support from may not be able to show up based on circumstances. It's going to take that self-driven fueling in you to keep things going.
• Wait your turn because you might be working hard and not get the recognition you deserve. But guess what? Today for me, tomorrow for you.
• Stay consistent because what you do regularly matters more than what you do once in every blue moon.

Lion Dre

Please share something with the readers that most people don't know about you

Honestly, I can't live without music. Music makes everything easier for me, whether writing an essay, washing the dishes, or cleaning the house. If I don't have music, I feel I will lose my mind. Honestly, I don't want to sound crazy saying that, but it helped me in my roughest moments. It uplifts me in every other way. It's a listening ear when I can't vent to people, whether it’s an instrumental I’m speaking to. People may figure it out knowing I'm passionate about it, but I want them to know it's really that serious. I can't live without music for real.

Who would you like to shout out?

Shout out to my mother, my father, Radio Andy, my manager, Gino, and my right-hand brethren Ash. Shout out to my production team, BSG Ent (Buildin Sumtin Great), and the whole rest of the family.

"Stay consistent"

Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I recently released a Shake It To The Max (LionMix), but it doesn't have original instrumentals so I haven't been posting it widely. It hasn't been posted mainstream, but it's still out there. I have other singles on the way and a project as well. Aside from that, I'm working on a few visuals right now and I have some other things on the way.

I just want the world to know, like honestly, I've been doing music for a while and I waited my turn for years and I just humbly want to say it's really my turn now. I ain't coming to take nobody's spotlight from them. We all can shine. They shine, you shine, he shines, she shines, we all shine. But it's Lion Dre’s turn now.

*****

As Lion Dre shared in the article, he has lots more to come. He's ready to shine and bless the world with his powerful voice, inspiring thoughts and amazing talent.