The vibes for World Clash Jamaica R.E.S.E.T. are in full throttle. A heavy line-up of sounds are preparing to touch down on the infamous World Clash Jamaica stage at Pier One on Easter Monday, April 9, 2012. All of the billed contenders are eyeing the ever-so-meritorious World Clash trophy, which has ultimately been deemed the “Grammy” of the sound clash industry.
To add to a list of young sounds thriving for World Clash fame, Irish and Chin picked 4 promising sounds to compete in World Clash Jamaica. Although still ripe in the clash arena, sounds like Black Blunt (Jamaica), Code Red (Jamaica), Heavy Hammer (Italy) and Rootsman (Canada) are positioned for challenging big league opponents Black Kat, Bass Odyssey and Kilamanjaro. Of the numerous young sounds that have entered the World Clash series in the past, only two have won — Rebel Tone (Canada) and Sentinel (Germany).
THE CONTESTING SOUNDS
BLACK BLUNT:_________________________________________________________________________________________
Over the past few years, Black Blunt has grown wildly in popularity among clash enthusiasts. Credited as ruling Western Jamaica, Black Blunt is earning praises among Jamaican clash loyalists. If Black Blunt’s ante is anything like that of their past World Clash Jamaica performance in 2009 (making it to tune-fi-tune), the sound could be at the ideal stage of their career for a thrilling victory. Taking to the stage with a rehashed crew, Black Blunt is making waves — especially lead selector Avatar who has secured quite a name for himself recently. Some of the sounds most notable clashes included face-offs against Maestro and Coppershot.
Despite the fact that some young sounds fear the giants in the game, Black Blunt boasts confidence. When catching up with Avatar recently, he declared, “It’s not the first time that Black Blunt is going up against the big sounds like Black Kat and Bass Odyssey. Honestly, I think it will be a level playing field….the only difference is that these sounds might have a deeper box because of years in the business.”
The Black Blunt selector later boldly concluded “We play our own style — we don’t try to copy any other sound. At World Clash, you can expect to see the greatest performance ever from a sound/selector. Everything a go dead, God buss mi head if a lie.”
CODE RED:__________________________________________________________________________________________
Code Red has firmly planted them selves as a hard hitting juggling sound since the new millennium. Representing the element of Irish and Chin’s R.E.S.E.T. concept, which creates a unified juggling and clash arena, Code Red brings a Kingston flavor to the clash. Code Red’s growing visibility through out Jamaica and strong showings at top tier events, like Fully Loaded among others, made the sound a perfect fit. Code Red’s diverse remixes and impressive music repertoire could give them the fire needed to properly blaze Pier One on Easter Monday. Many of Code Red’s loyal fans will be on board to support them.
It’s been several years since an Italian sound has competed in World Clash Jamaica. Following in the footsteps of the highly respected One Love, Heavy Hammer, billed as the “dub plate masters of Italy,” will make their way to the infamous World Clash stage. This collective of Italian sound warriors is causing havoc in their homeland and through out Europe. One of the most promising European sounds on the horizon, Heavy Hammer’s stint on the World Clash stage has been years in the making. The sound has been sharpening their skills over several years through a series of extremely talked about victories at World War 3 Soundclash in Germany (2010) and Riddim Clash (2010). The sound also thrilled American clash fans during their performance at Sound Fi Dead in New York (2011).
HEAVY HAMMER:_____________________________________________________________________________________–
Rounding out the young sound collective is Rootsman, a thrilling sound sensation from Canada. Hailing from the “Garrison” of Toronto, Rootsman has been creating a buzz on their home turf and through out the Caribbean, Europe and USA. Distinguishing themselves from other sounds by their unique dub collection featuring many exclusive and customized riddims, Rootsman thrives on tightly constructed clash performances. Past victories at Canada’s Fully Loaded (2006 & 2007), helped cement Rootsman as one of Canada’s premiere sounds. The sound also added memorable performances at Riddim Clash (2010) and Global Clash (2010) to their growing list of nods.
According to Randy, one of Rootsman’s six notorious members, “As a younger sound to some of the giants in the business, we may have a slight disadvantage, but the greatest thing about sound clash is any sound can win on any given night….we try to stand out from the rest of the pack and use well crafted riddim and tune selections in every clash. ”
ROOTSMAN:____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Despite many juggling dates in Jamaica, this will be Rootsman’s first time on the World Clash stage. Randy says enthusiastically, “We are honored to have been invited to World Clash Jamaica and will give the crowd an over-the-top performance in hopes that they say we left a lasting impression, whether we win or loose.” “We try not to concern ourselves with our competitors but more so on our own game and how to improve,” the selector added.
Clashing on Jamaican soil and ultimately the World Clash stage is a true proving ground for any sound. As the countdown to World Clash Jamaica is underway, die hard clash fans are placing their bets. Although these young sounds may logistically appear to be the under dogs, together they embody a wealth of talent and experience that could prove to be a force in this high caliber sound competition. Regardless of who takes home the trophy, fans should certainly brace themselves for loads of excitement, great performances, tasteful competition and dynamic Reggae music…..World Clash Jamaica R.E.S.E.T. will be sound clash entertainment in it’s finest form.
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