J BOOG
J Boog is a man of many influences. The singer of Samoan descent was born in Long Beach and raised in Compton, California. Growing up in the rough streets of Compton, the strong sense of tradition and culture that J Boog absorbed from his family was instrumental in his path to stay off the streets and begin a successful music career.
At the age of four, after hearing his older sister playing the piano, he developed an interest and started watching her and learning about music. Soon, J was singing along to the notes & melodies he heard his sister play. A while later, she brought home a Bob Marley song book. Even at this young age, J knew Bob’s name and his music. Upon hearing his sister begin to play, something clicked inside J. He hasn’t been the same since.
The first time J Boog performed in front of an audience, he was nine years old. It was a large family reunion at a church and there were about 200 people present. J’s mother and sister insisted for him to sing Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time” and J obliged them. Though he was nervous, it went quite well.
J Boog’s music career became serious in 2005, when a couple of brothers from his neighborhood brought him to one of J’s favorite artists, George “Fiji” Veikoso”. The two began working together immediately and J ended up moving to Hawaii in 2006 to continue developing his craft. After releasing his debut album “Hear Me Roar” in 2007, he joined the musical family Wash House Music Inc, a record label based in Hawaii and San Francisco.
A year later, in 2008, J Boog met Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage and there was an instant chemistry. Gramps was keen on working with J, and set out to make a way. Shortly after, Gramps, J Boog and other Wash House family members were in Jamaica recording in such prestigious places as Bob Marley’s “Tuff Gong” Studio, Don Corleone’s “Hit Maker”, Bobby Digital’s “Digital B”, Shaggy’s “Big Yard”, Sugar Minott’s “Youth Man Promotion” and more.
The results are apparent when listening to Boog’s new music. It is authentic Island Music and genuine Jamaican reggae at the same time. Truly a new and exciting combination. There is a natural theme to Boog’s writing: love. It recurs throughout his work and never once seems contrived. When you listen, you will feel he truly knows matters of the heart.
These days Boog is either in a studio, on a stage or catching a flight. Radio interviews have become a daily thing and it’s a little overwhelming for the young artist, though he has been smart enough to keep his humility. He has a great sense of humor and an even better sense of reality. He can be overheard saying how blessed he is on a daily basis. It’s easy to see why J Boog has been winning over fans when you meet him. He has the right spirit and attitude to carry him to the next level.
His new album, “Backyard Boogie” is slated for release September 27th 2011 and features Tarrus Riley, Jacob Hemphill (of SOJA), Peetah Morgan (of Morgan Heritage), Fiji and others.
Leading up to the release of his official new album, J Boog released the “J Boog EP” on June 14th 2011 via Wash House Hawaii/EMPIRE Distribution. The EP featured five brand new songs, along with three previously released songs, including his smash hits “Let’s Do It Again” and “So Far Gone”
INNA VISION
Inna Vision is back, presenting to the public their third full length album timelessly titled No Stopping! Their album delivers a full-fledged original sound that encompasses all the beauty involved with everyday struggles. No Stopping is created to inspire listeners in following dreams, and their passions despite life’s many challenges. Each song is chosen with purpose, created with passion, andpresented with righteousness.
No Stopping has a positive holistic message that permeates the idea to keep striving. Inna Vision faced tough times in 2011 as the drastic falling-out of vocalist Bengali and saxophonist Jahson took occurrence. Despite the changes, the group continued with their 2011 Upliftment Tour playing in Oregon, Vegas, Utah, and the Hawai‘i Islands. The attitude Inna Vision adapted was: “no stopping”.
The 2011 Upliftment Tour developed an opportune space for the Inna Vision band, allowing them to reconnect with their fans and providing proof that they could pull through as one solid original sound. Fans traveled near and far to witness and partake in Inna Vision’s tour. Kokomon performed a double set while Pokimon and Kaya made up for lost saxophone melodies. Kamakoa sang background vocals and Calvi-dread held it down with prominent percussions. Inna Vision arose to the challenge with dignity and consciously focused on keeping the positive in every situation.
Life works in mysterious ways and as doors close others open up, changing dynamics and allowing for chance to build on foundation. David Bailey, who started with Inna Vision playing drums, guitar, and singing back in 2005, made his return helping push the band with his signature vocal harmonies and powerful stage presence. David Bailey was a big part of Inna Vision’s first album Music on my Mind. Also adding to the albums dynamics is bassist Kamakoa. As a growing artist, Kamakoa adds lead vocals on feature tracks “Bless Me” and “Beautiful,” and has two collaborations with Kokomon, “Solutions” and “Roots Daughtah.” Kamakoa recently released his first single, “Shacks and Shakas” under the InnaVision label getting recognition in Hawai‘i, Tahiti, Austrailia, USA, and France. Lead singer Kokomon continues to represent Polynesian roots and culture with his unique riddim attack and unmatchable flows. Kokomon gains recognition from albums such as: Music on my Mind, Ashes for your Urn, Koko meets Ooklah, Vaults, as well as recent collaborations with Josh Heinrichs, Mr. 83, Ooklah the Moc, Skank Records and Father Psalms Studio. This album will showcase the best in hard-core roots reggae and features Jamaican influences of Bob Marley, Jr. Reid, Barrington Levy, Jr. Gong, Hugh Mundell, Musical Youth, Half Pint and Michael Rose.
The outcome of this re-construction is a 13 track full length album rightfully titled, No Stopping. No Stopping is a representation of the band’s growth and maturity, and love for authentic reggae music. All members have grown in a level of superior musicianship, which you will be able to hear in the recordings and see in live performances. No Stopping was recorded at Cultural Vision Maui Studio, released under Inna Vision’s label Cultural Vision Maui and will be available world-wide in Spring 2012.
“In the realm of life anything can happen. The lesson learned is to adapt and be in control of your actions, attitude, and destiny. No matter what happens in every day life, time never stops and in the pursuit of happiness and sustainability there is No Stopping.”