Free Download: Hyper Active's Soca Bashment Miami-Style 2K9

Nurse Karen and Hyper Leon in Brooklyn, September 2009

When you travel a lot , you soon figure out that every city definitely has it's own flavour when it comes to which songs and artist are hot for Carnival.  The timing of local festivities factors in too.  So when I saw this mix from Hyper Leon, I thought a few of you might get VERY excited.  This mix shows of the top tunes of Miami Carnival 2K9, nothing more, nothing less.  If you were there....this was pretty much what they played at the fetes and on the roads.


So, I gotta say a big thank you to Hyper Leon of Hyper Active Entertainment in New York for letting me post this for you. He's a busy guy, between playing all over the US and keeping the music pumping on FIRE 104.7 FM's" Free Up Fridays" (3 - 6pm) and "Soca Arena Saturdays" (6 - 9 pm).


You can check him out at the links below:

           TWITTER.COM/HYPERLEON
           FACEBOOK.COM/HYPERLEON
           HYPERACTIVESOUNDS.COM

OR check out his DJ styleeeee by downloading his latest CD right   HERE

Full track listing below:
HYPERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS SOCA BASHMENT "MIAMI PARTY MIX 2K9"

SPONSORED BY THE BIG TRUCK ALLIANCE
~~~RIDE OR GET RODE ON~~~

Track 1. Intro  By HYPERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Track 2. Hold Yuh To Soca(Hyper Lee Mix)   By  Gyptain
Track 3. Fly Away By Machel Montano HD & Collie Buddz
Track 4. Break Up 2 Make Up By Ziggy Ranking 
Track 5. Shake Remix By Jamesy P & Luta 
Track 6. Jep Sting Remix By Hunter Ft Kes The Band & Ravi B
Track 7. Rum & Roti By  Patch & Da Ma$taMind
Track 8. Doh Give Me More Rum By Berbice
Track 9. Hold You Down By  Zan
Track 10. Bumpers By  Devon Matthews & Ziggy Ranking
Track 11. Wine For Me  By  Baba Shanta
Track 12. Wickedest Wine By Denise Belfon
Track 13. Standing Up Is Against The Law By Rupee
Track 14. 1 Juk By Lil Rick
Track 15. Glory Glory(Special) By Skinny Fabulous
Track 16. Waistline Roll By  Patrice Roberts
Track 17. Wine To Deh Back By  Allison Hinds
Track 18. Picante By Busy Signal
Track 19. Addicted By Bezo
Track 20. Wine Fast By Zan
Track 21. Looking To Wine By Farmer Nappy Ft General Grant
Track 22. Slow Wine By Machel Montano HD
Track 23. Work It By Patrice Roberts
Track 24. Murdah  By  Shurwayne Winchester
Track 25. Wuk Up On It/Im Not Drunk By  King Shepard/KMC
Track 26. Hot Sun & Riddum(Hyper Lee Mix) By Terencia TC Coward
Track 27. Dah Style Deh(Hyper Lee Mix)/All Nite Tll Morning By  Busy Signal & Statement
Track 28. Fun Fun By Benjai
Track 29. Hard For Me By Problem Child
Track 30. More Sweetness  By  Shayne Bailey
Track 31. Sweetness By Shayne Bailey
Track 32. More Water  By   Zoelah
Track 33. Woye Mama By Berbice
Track 34. Hold Dem/Obsessive Winers  By Lyrikal/Destra, Allison Hinds & Denise Belfon
Track 35. You A Mi Baby(Soca Mix)  By Vybz  Kartel
Track 36. She Cyah Wait(Hyper Lee Mix) By Demarco
Track 37. Plenty Gyal By Bunji Garlin & Beenie Man
Track 38. Yeast By  KMC
Track 39. Whole Night Long By Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah
Track 40. Awright(Ramajay) By Machel Montano HD
Track 41. Thunda Mix By Kes The Band
Track 42. Heavy T Belly By Busy Signal & Fay-Ann Lyons-Alverez
Track 43. We Done Dey By Bunji Garlin
Track 44. Tanty Say By Benjai Ft Scarface 
Track 45. Drunk Again By Benjai
Track 46. Staggerah By Fadda Fox
Track 47. De Lumbah  By Wayne Marshall
Track 48. Jumper Cable By Young Voice
Track 49. First In Line By Zan Ft General Grant
Track 50. I In Dat By WildFIRE
Track 51. Drunk Man By Tallpree
Track 52. Bachaanal By Destra Garcia
Track 53. Won't Stop By Machel Montano HD
Track 54. Doan Hold We Back By Machel Montano HD
Track 55. Turn It Up By Patrice Roberts
Track 56. Spread Out By Lil Rick
Track 57. Antz In Yuh Sugar Pan By Jamesy P
Track 58. Juk Juk Juk By Stabby
Track 59. Meet Super Blue By Fay-Ann Lyons-Alverez 
Track 60. In De Middle Ah De Road By Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah
Track 61. Mad House By Problem Child
Track 62. De Beast Leggo By Skinny Fabulous
Track 63. Tusty(Special) By Blaxx
Track 64. Wicked Jab By  Tallpree   



Love and Soca, 


Nurse Karen
P.S.  Never miss an update, follow me on twitter

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The Rounds: What happens in Miami, makes The Rounds!

Dr. Jay's Rounds: Originally aired on Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM

In this edition:
- Miami carnival round up (USA)
- El a Kru new album (Antigua & Barbuda)
- Crossovah's Ricardo Drue shoots a video with Patrice Roberts (USA)
- Lil Bitts starts a new charity organization (Trinidad & Tobago)
- Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U. about to celebrate 1st anniversary (Trinidad & Tobago)

Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. Even though it's carnival time in Los Angeles, I’m back Toronto! Last week at this time I was back stage in Bicentennial Park, Miami for the 25th Anniversary of Miami Carnival. This year two carnival committees joined forces to put on the biggest event in its history. The big show at the end of the parade was featured performers from all over the Caribbean, young and old alike. David Rudder, Swallow, Iwer George, Peter Ram, and Biggie Irie, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child...DEEP BREATH...Fay-Ann and Bunji...the list goes on. This year, the parade had about 25 thousand paying patrons, not to mention the thousands that lined downtown Miami to see the bands roll by.

Antigua's King Swallow and Nurse Karen

I sure do miss the sun and the music, but I grabbed a lot of good info while i was away...especially for YOU. I got to interview Tizzy for a Miami radio station. Did you know that EL A KRU has a new album out featuring all of Tizzy’s heart pumping songs from Antigua Carnival 2009. It’s called “De Road Show”, and it’s available on iTunes and your favourite online retailers. She says her favourite song on it is a track called “Groovy”. So we all need to buy a copy and give it a listen.

Tizzy in Miami

The next night, I hosted some TV interviews behind the scenes at a fete called Miami Vice. That’s where I got to meet Florida’s own Caribbean boy band, Crossovah. Now, I know they don’t like me saying that..but when you have 4 cuties all you rep different islands, who are cute, fashionable and sing like R&B stars...what else do you call it? Patrice Roberts was there that night too. She told me that she will be featured on a new groovy track called “Nah Leavin’” by Ricardo Drue, who is the Trini member of Crossovah. Ricardo and Patrice shot the video for Nah Leaving yesterday.

Ricardo Drue of Crossovah

While I was in Florida, Trinidad’s bite-sized soca darling Lil Bitts was using her star power to affect change. She and three friends started a new organization called M2BC, that stands for Music to Benefit Charities. They held their first initiative called Do Re Mi Karaoke last week Friday. In a packed high school class room, they raised about a thousand bucks for charity. Nice work ladies!

Nurse Karen and Lil Bitts at the FLOW studios

Lemme see, what else... Shurwayne Winchester and his new Band Y.O.U, had just one official performance in Miami. They absolutely rocked University Fete with a stage performance like I’ve never seen before. There was great music, choreography and energy that was nothing short of contagious! Y.O.U. will be celebrating their 1st anniversary together on October 27th in Trinidad.

Shurwayne Winchester and Nurse Karen in Miami

Last night, I checked out performances by Ms Paige, Mista Vybe and Shyann Bailey at De Enforcas 15th anniversary party at Embers banquet hall.  Congrats you guys... it’s a big year for you. Especially with your first even best international DJ nomination at the Soca Awards. If you haven’t cast your ballot, as of October 6th voting has begun at triple w dot soca awards dot com. Make sure you surf on over to support your favourites.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on these soca stories and more, visit me at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Or follow me....nurse Karen on twitter. Now back to de docta!

kanye west dead dies in car crash

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Nurse's Lounge: Hype at Hibiscus Happy Hour

In this here soca world, no matter where you go, you will encounter the egos, the icons...and those who are blissfully unaware that they fit into either category.  There are other groups as well...my favourite being, the GRINDERS.  In South Florida, one of the hardest working soca advocate is a DJ by the name of Barrie Hype.  No doubt you've heard me mention the name before.  Apart from doing the radio DJ thing, and the TV host thing for Carib Link TV, Barrie looooooooooves the artists.  My man is requested time and again to run tracks for performances.  Several up and coming artistes, particularly from islands outside of Trinidad prefer to have him act on their behalf as manager whenever they are in town.  And...well...you know...I know...what goes on behind the scenes too....Barrie occasionally takes a lil cut as a booking agent (y'all didn't hear that one from me).

Barrie Hype making us jump like Carnival Tuesday

The business IS beyond all else, a hustle.  You have to know what you have to offer, and be pretty darn good at articulating that, or you get left behind.  It is what it is, and even though the one they call HYPE and me may disagree sometimes over how much is too much, when it comes to MC'ing over music, far be if from ME to knock ANYONE's hustle.


But none of that is the reason for this post.  Barrie Hype's game steps beyond hustle at every turn.  In my opinion, the Lucian born, Bajan educated DJ is a friend of the music.  You've got to be a friend, when you call up top promoters to offer services FREE of charge for causes you believe in.  You've got to be a friend when you invite artists, media and other hustlers to make use of your spare bedroom so you can personally expose them to the local scene.  Only a friend uses his BBM to assemble, artists, managers, DJs, media and anybody else who matters for in a humble Caribbean Sports Bar for Networking. 


Barrie mixed the tunes Live to Air for the listeners on 102.1 FM Real Deal Radio.  Hibiscus Restaurant took care of food and drinks.  Meanwhile, the room blossomed with activity as producers shopped rhythms to artists, international borderline collided, phone numbers were exchanged, and the soca world as you would have it in Miami, grew smaller...into a community.  

Nurse Karen and Tizzy after our chat

I took it in for myself last Thursday afternoon, so is not just talk ah talkin'.  I co-hosted an hour of the radio show with DJ Smallie.  Then Tizzy and Rohan from El a Kru  breezed through for a live interview.  I chatted with her about her new album "De Road Show", as well as some of her aspirations for the upcoming 2010 season. 


BVI's Mr. Network, Kamau was inna de Building.  He blew our minds with a couple of big R&B projects he's working on as a producer.  We also got to hear some more Caribbean inspired creations he had under his belt.  Don't be suprised if "somebody" who was in Miami for Carnival, ends up on one of those tracks.  St. Vincent's Problem Child showed up at Hibiscus directly from the airport...and caught some jokes, drinks and a good plate of food.

Problem Child just touched down 

It's times like this, that make us love what we do.  It felt good to lime with FRIENDS in the MUSIC. The next day I couldn't make it out again, but the lime grew to include Blaxx, Olatunji, Rita Jones, Bunji and Fay Ann Lyons.  I really wanted to go...but real talk...I had no ride.  


Next year, I'm getting a rental.  Barrie...thanks again for organizing that.  I think we all moved an inch or two in the right direction as a result! 


Love and Soca, 


Nurse Karen

Kamau at Hibiscus (Sunshine, FL on October 8, 2009)

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Free Download: Eden Miami Carnival Mix by D'Bandit and Private Ryan

Miami Carnival is basically here. I spent half of my day trying to find a flight itinerary that I never printed in the first place. Sad eh! I guess that's what happens when you're excited. Last year, after going to both Miami and Broward Carnivals, I went to Walshy Fire's After U Rave All Day party in South Beach, called Eden. I had such a great time.

If you wanna see the review from last year, check here.

Well the fete returns. EDEN goes down at GRASS LOUNGE, on Sunday, October 11! This time there have been a few adjustments to the DJ line up and it promises to be a sweeeeeeeeeeeet party. Say hello if you see me!

To get you in the mood, a couple of said DJs have provided you with a FREE DOWNLOAD. Big up to D'Bandit, Private Ryan, Hypa Hoppa, Mr. Slaughter and Walshy Fire!

See you in Miami homeys!





OK ladies, oil up your waist good....

Track List: Eden Miami Carnival by D'Bandit and DJ Ryan

Radica - Kenneth Salick

Dat Girl - Verse

Tight -  Peter Ram

On De Spot (Scratch Master Plate) - Skinny Fabulous

Lock On - Alison Hinds

Against The Law - Rupee

Ya Never Know - Patrice Roberts

Carnival Juks - Lil Rick

2 Days (Drum Mix) - Kerwin Dubois

Push Bumper   - Machel Montano

05 Backbon E Mastered - Zan

This Is What We Do Remix - Natahlee Ft Splashband & Big Red

Cyah Wait (Drum Mix) - Alpha

Wuck Up Pon It -  King Shepherd

Whole Night Long - Edwin Yearwood

Floor On Fire Pitbull Ft Machel - Lil John

Won't Stop - Machel Montano

Ready Monsta Piece Remix - Iwer

On The Spot - Skinny Fabulous

Mad House - Problem Child

Leggo De Beast (Scratch Master Rd Mix) - Skinny Fabulous

Like A Jumbie- Ricky T

Meet Super Blue (Scratchmaster Edit ) - Fayann Lyons Ft Super Blue

Traffik (Let It Go)  - Berbice

Major Stabbing Pain - Stabby

Tusty - Blaxx Feat Roy Cape All Stars

Tusty (Shot Master J Road Mix) - Blaxx Feat Roy Cape All Stars

Bacchanal *** - (Razorshop Roadmix) - Destra 

Slop Dem – Richie Stevens
Making Me High – Toni Braxton
Plant it – Mad Cobra
Goggle – Tanya Stevens
Hice It up – Lady saw
Oyster & Conch – Beenie Man
Foundation – Beenie Man
Impossible Mission – Innocent Crew
Everyone Falls In Love – Tanto Metro & Devonte
Nuh Get a Bligh – Sean Paul
Do You Wanna Diss – Beenie Man
Up Close & Personal – Buju Banton
Big Ninja Bike – Tanya Stevens
Dwayne – Red Rat
Pengeleng – TOK
Online – Elephant Man
Log On – Elephant Man
Feeling It – Wayne Marshall
Give It To her – Tanto Metro & Devonte
Keep it Blazing – TOK
Tigerbone – Sean Paul 7 Mr Vegas
Girls Time – Mr Vegas
Full Hundred – Lexxus
No Beg – Hawkeye
We Nah Support Dem – Chico
Badman ah Badman – TOK & Bounty Killer
Shake Yuh Bam Bam – TOK
Slow Wine – Machel Montano
Wuk it – Patrice Roberts
Gimmi A Taste – Tian Winters
Murdah – Shurwayne Winchester
More Water – Zoelah
Staggarah – Fox
Hot Sun & Riddim – TC
Sweetness & Shayne Bailey
Obsessive Winers – Destra & Denise Belfon
Ramajay – Machel
Tell Me – Machel
Lumbah – Wayne Marshall
Bumpers Rule – Nadia Batson
Plenty Gal – Bunji
Yeast – KMC
Middle of the Rd – Krosfyah
Doan Hold Me Back – Machel Montano
Turn It Up – Patrice Roberts


How HOT is that mix looking? No more long talk.
DOWNLOAD IT HERE

While you wait, take a look at this party promo video.  These guys are working over time to get you in the club. :)  See you there!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen
Don't forget to follow @nursekaren on twitter for the latest on my Miami Carnival 2009 experience!

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Booster Shot: The Asylum Family sticks it to Miami promoters

More than other penny pinching promoters throughout the socaverse, Miami party promoters are known to cut corners when hosting events. I talk to artists all the time, and it may suprise you to learn that for Miami Carnival MOST soca perfomers have to pay for their own flights, hotel stays and meals. Several promoters are known to pay up late, or not at all. Some of the biggest events only pay about 20% of their billed artistes, while the other cast members perform just for the hope of greater exposure.Of course, you have those who also advertise artists and DJs who aren't even confirmed, then have the nerve to ask patrons to pay handsomely for tickets that would probably cost less in any other city. I'm no artiste, but that kinda treatment would be enough to discourage me from my craft. If you can't even expect to profit from performances in front of huge crowds that earn US dollars, when can you expect to make a buck?

I dunno if any of you have heard about this new fete happening in Miami during Columbus Day weekend this year. But, there's a little something called Miami Vice, happening on Friday, October 9th on the actual set of Miami Vice, the Ice Palace.

I felt like personally throwing my love behind this event for what it represents. So before anyone is too quick to talk. This is not a paid advertisement. I wrote this because, I support the music, the music-makers, and anyone who believes in excellence.

Miami Vice was the brainchild of Fay-Ann Lyons. After several bad experiences fighting for the respect of persons who feign to

PROMOTE the soca artform, she and husband Bunji Garlin thought it would be a good

idea to put their money behind a Miami-based event that would showcase soca in a professional manner.

So beyond the fact that the thing goes down at a mansion/film studio made famous by a TV series that literally put the city of

Miami on the map, there are other noteworthy factors that make this fete worth supporting with your dolla-dolla bills y'all:

1. ARTIST DRIVEN: I told you all that. The Asylum camp ARE the promoters.
2. CONFIRMED CAST: Bunji and Fay called up a few of their best buddies in the business. They WILL be there; Beenie Man, Benjai, Biggie Irie, Denise Belfon, Hunter, Kevin Lyttle, Peter Ram, Problem Child, Sizwe C,

Skinny Fabulous, Trini Jacobs...
3. NO TRACKS! The entire cast will be backed by the Asylum Band. Dem boyz are working overtime in rehearsals learning the music for that long @$$ list of guests. Most of these artists do not travel with bands, so this is a rare chance to catch the kind of energy live music alone can inspire.

4. PRICE: It's 35 Bucks...what is that $2.50 per artist? It's cheaper than most of the other local offerings on the same night.

Knowing what most of these acts charge, I really have no idea how they're even making money on this event.

I love soca, but I freely admit that there are a lot of things that

happen behind the scenes making this business very dirty and cruel at times. So congratulations to all of the people working hard behind the scenes to make Miami Vice a success. From what I understand, regular people have been volunteering

their time and creativity to make sure the word gets out. I sincerely hope that in doing this, all of you begin to send a strong message to some of the players in the game who have been breaking the rules for far too long.

I will be there, and if anyone wants to join me, you can buy advance tickets HERE

Miami Vice Ad - Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Hunter, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child

Love and higher standards in soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Ma$tamind Productions to drop two albums for Christmas

In this Edition:

- Cambridge Carnival

- The parang season starts now!

- Two Christmas albums for Ma$tamind Productions

- Belize Road March postponed

- Bunji and Fay Ann promote their own Miami Carnival Fete

Originally broadcast on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy on Sunday, September 13, 2009

_________________________________________

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. After a couple of weeks in the U. S. of A., I'm BACK!!! I made my first visit to a very cold and rainy Boston Carnival, I hung out in New York, doing some major networking with some soca heads over there. Then I took in some Labor Day action in Brooklyn.

This weekend, Massachusetts is jumping up again at Cambridge Carnival. If you’ve never heard of it, that’s because it’s usually overshadowed by the festivities held across the river in Boston. Cambridge is the community where you find prestigious universities like Harvard and M.I.T. 2009 marks the first year that Cambridge has held its celebration on a different weekend than its Beantown neighbour. At a balmy 26 degrees Celsius, carnival goers in Massachusetts must be happy they gotta a second chance at carnival this year.

Here in Toronto, we may be just getting ready to say goodbye to summer, but Trinidad and Tobago is moving full speed ahead into the Christmas Season. Yesterday, the world’s largest Parang music festival began in at the Arima Velodrome. Between now and January there are 13 scheduled shows featuring 36 bands. That means four straight months of Christmas!


Speaking of Christmas, I’m getting in the spirit too. While in New York, I found out that Mastamind Productions will be releasing two Holiday albums in 2009. One of them will be their much anticipated Parang and Soca Parang album, A Mastamind Christmas. But the second will be a compilation of Caribbean Artistes performing holiday classics in styles ranging from rock to jazz. Oh, and by the way....yours truly, Nurse Karen, recorded a spoken word piece called “Question’s for Mary” that will also be on the album.

But no worries Soca massive, we still have lots of time before we gotta think about shopping or snow or anything like that. Well..I sure hope so, anyway. Before Christmas...is Carnival.

Belize was supposed to be jumping up this weekend, however the organizers made a last minute to shift the street party to next weekend, in favour of a hosting a large scale cultural fair instead. Belize road march will take place next Saturday instead.

Now, if somehow you didn’t catch this news the first time around. Please allow me to remind you that South Florida will be having just ONE Carnival on our Thanksgiving weekend. For the last few years, two separated parades of the bands were hosted on the very same day, one in the city of Miami, and one about 40 minutes north in Broward County.

But 2009 is all about unity. ...
Bunji and FayAnn are taking advantage of the special occasion to host their own signature event that weekend called Miami Vice. They’ve invited a handful of their friends in the business to put on a star studded show featuring the likes of Beenie Man, Denise Belfon, Benjai, Problem Child, Sizwe C, Hunter, Trini Jacobs, and Skinny Fabulous.

What you think? Shall we book a little vacation? I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. For more info on everything you’ve heard here, surf on to my blog at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Now, back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: Miami and Broward Carnivals reunite in 2009!

I think this is excellent news.  In 2009, Miami carnival is preparing to celebrate 25 years of Caribbean carnival in South Florida.  For the past few years, two separate groups have help competiting events on the same day in the area.  Guess what!?!? Caribbean people are coming togoether....

Source: TropicalFete.com

Miami-Broward One Carnival Host Committee, Inc. to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Miami Carnival on Sunday, October 11, 2009

Embracing the Notions of Change-Two Major Teams Join Forces

Miami, FL-May 2009-The Miami-Broward One Carnival Host Committee will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Miami Carnival on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Bicentennial Park in Miami, Fl. After six years of having two Caribbean Carnivals on the same day in South Florida, both Miami Carnival Inc. (MCI) and Broward Caribbean Carnival Inc. (BCCI) have signed an agreement to implement the One Carnival Host Committee Initiative. This spirited collaboration serves as the foundation of a united Carnival celebration in South Florida. This agreement was signed on May 11, 2009 by Ruthven William (Chairman/Founding Member of MCI) and Mario Zamora (Director/Founding Member of BCCI).

In past years, both Miami and Broward Caribbean Carnivals have had a significant impact...

To read the rest of this release click here

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Booster Shot: Kevin Lyttle to appear at Calle Ocho 2009

Miami's Called Ocho festival is just around the corner, and this time around Kevin Lytlle will be performing on the POWER96 stage.  Called Ocho is considered to be America's largest Latin Carnival, and billed as "the biggest block party in the world"!   Lyttle will be taking his unique falsetto soca sound to the streets of Miami this Sunday, March 15. 

If you've been wondering what Kev's been up to lately, you obviously haven't been visiting (Nurse) Karen (Etc) very often!  Anyhoo, lemme fill you in.  He released a sophomore album in Japan in 2008, but there's an album in production for American album as we speak. He's got a single out called "Anywhere" featuring Flo Rida.  In the near future, you should also be hearing collaborations with the likes of Pitbull, Shaggy and Fat Joe.

If you're in the Miami area, make sure and take in a Lyttle soca  (ha ha ha, i kill me) at the POWER96 stage located on SW 8th Street and 17th Avenue in downtown Miami, from 11am to 7pm on Sunday.  They say Shaggy and Brook Hogan will be there too.  Enjoy the party...and let a girl know how it was!

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

With Kevin Lyttle, home for carnival in SVG, June 2008

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Nurse's Lounge: (Video) Miami and Broward Carnival...see for yourself!

Here's the souvenir I got you from Miami and Broward Carnivals!

Enjoy, and be sure to share with all your friends...

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Nurse's Lounge: Dear Miami, it's so hard to say goodbye

Miami, you did it.

You left an indellible mark on my memories. This was a beautiful pit stop in the Grand Prix that is soca music. I had such a great time in and around your city during the carnival festivities. I saw a lot, but I'm keenly aware that there is so much more to see.

So, God willing, I will return. But before then stay sweet. Keep building the infrastructure of Caribbean culture. Find ways to make OUR creative expressions more accessible to the masses. Fans, support your promoters. Promoters, support the artists. PAY them what they deserve and treat them with the utmost respect. They are your livelihood.

As a people, our strength is evident when you see thousands together as one at a great fete or on the road. However, every day is not carnival. (Unless you're me...I digress) So, as I unnofficially close the lid on the 2008 carnival season, take a little courage for the real world. With the right state of mind, we can stand together for the daily grind too. We are capable of transforming our communities. Every carnival reminds me of that.

So stand together. Do your part. Talk. Organize. Lead. Vote. We know how to party, but we are far more than party people.

...and with that ah gone!

XOXO

Besos,

(Nurse) Karen

P.S.

I nearly forgot to mention that darling Kevon Carter managed to spot me in the Fort Lauderdale airport just as I was boarding my flight. I know I've said so before, but he's one to watch. His vocals are pristine. He's got an obviously marketable look...and best of all...he's got my support. Kev, thanks for coming over!

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Nurse's Lounge: Return to Eden

After all that carnival madness, it's a good idea to cool down before skipping town. Lucky for me, I ran into Walshy Fire from the legendary Black Chiney sound last month in Toronto. We both happened to be a Nathan Phillips Square taking in the Manifesto Hip Hop festival.I biked over to take a peek after I finished up at Soca Therapy on Flow 93.5 FM. Walshy was in town for the night to DJ the official after party.

Nurse Karen and Walshy at Manifesto

So, my boy tells me that he was throwing a party during Miami Carnival weekend and that I should reach if at all possible. Well friends, that was a no-brainer after the time I had in Manhattan. I was going to make time, and make time I did.

Ricky T dancing circles around us...

In retrospect....it was a pretty tricky feat. The Party was called Eden or A.U.R.A (After "U" Rave All Day). I just told you what kind of day I had. Two-carnivals, a lot of jump and wave..and some uber heavy West Indian food to boot. When I got back to the hotel after Broward it was already midnight.

X-caliber International's Slaughter, serious about keeping the party jumping

The event was free for the women-folk before 1 a.m. Yeah, right! So last week, I asked Walshy if there was a guest list. Y'all know I have a problem getting places early. He assured me that 1 wasn't going to be an issue...maybe he doesn't know me well enough yet.

Vincy Soca Artiste Fimba and Nurse Karen

Boyyyy, I just have to count my blessings. I was really looking forward to this event like no other. Simply to relax. This was the spot that where quite a few friends were planning to go...and I wanted to let loose and just dance. (Large up Lady Ga-Ga...Miami is loving your chune!)

Crown Prince taking a break from moving the crowd

To make a long story somewhat longer: we got in. The crew was 10 deep: Barrie Hype, Skinny Fabulous, Teddyson John, Fimba, The Houston Sisters, one lone but bery sweet Trini sistrin, Ricky T, the Split and Me. It must have been more like 2:30 a.m. Walshy we love you. I still remember the look on the ticket girl's face when you waved us in. She was like "All of them?" LOL. Dude...thanks.

Top Gunners Barrie Hype and Skinny Fabulous having a time at Eden

Highlights of the Night: So many.

• Ricky T is a serious winer boy. He can throw down solo, couples style, reggae, soca, old school, house. He never sat down for the night. And because of THAT, neither did i. It was such thrill seeing him school all of us on the dancefloor. Rhythm for hours. Waist for days.
• Meeting Orlando's DJ Crown Prince in the Flesh. Wikked set rudebwoy. Word on the street is that you're moving your operation to Miami. The city will be lucky to have you around
• The after lime at IHOP. That restaurant is so COLD dread, especially when you're wearing a backless dress. I have to say THANK YOU to the gentleman who literally gave me the shirt off his back. He was only getting takeout, but thanks to him, I ate my brekky in total comfort.
• PETER. I'm going to post a video in two-two's. It has nothing to do with soca. But, Peter was our server at IHOP. He's a singer-songwriter with a CRAZY vocal range. Dunno if we'll meet again. But I seriously wish you luck!



Eden was like a return to innocence. No notebooks, no interviews, no deadlines. Just good times with friends.

...belated shout out to Tim and D'Bandit. As I was blogging about IHOP. I thought it would be fitting to post THIS. Good seeing you EVERYWHERE this weekend...on your best behaviour, of course! Hope you enjoyed your red skin potatoes!

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Nurse's Lounge: Miami Carnival...was OK.

My stint in Miami is coming to a close, after all today is carnival day! I haven't had much sleep...but there are two big limes going on today that were the whole reason for the trip. ...And we're off!

You may not know that there are actually two different carnivals in South Florida held the Sunday before Columbus day. When people say Miami carnival, ya hadda check and be sure that Miami is what they really mean and not Broward. Broward County is home to more West Indians than Miami proper. It is home to the city of Fort Lauderdale, and located to the north of Miami-Dade.

We decided to hit Miami carnival first. It seems to be the more popular destination for the younger crowd. But, I'm having a hard time understanding why. At the height of the day, I estimate Bicentennial Park held no more than about 6 thousand people. You all know I'm from Toronto...so if you know the Caribana scene, that figure about represents the combined population of revellers in about 5 T.O. mas bands.

Miami Carnival charges a $20 admission fee for access to the festival grounds. The main reason would be to compensate the artists who are official performers at Carnival. I understand why they do it, but I feel like carnival in its very essense belongs to the people. Ah feel, it could be the sweetest jump-up in the heart of America's sexiest city...if the walls could come down (so to speak).

Later in the evening Miami was treated to performances by Skinny Fabulous, Ricky T, Teddyson John, Bunji, Faye-Ann...and more! I missed THAT action because I had moved on to Broward by then. What I saw was a very tame lime in the sun, but the artists tell me the energy picked up in time for the stage show.

Here's a shot from later that same night with Skinny Fabulous and Teddyson John

I'll tell you about this fete later!!!! Sweet, yes!

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Booster Shot: Shel Shok dismissed from Atlantik

Superstar soca producer Sheldon Shel Shok Benjamin is turning a few heads this weekend in Miami. Why? Well, because he's actually here and Destra and Atlantik are not. Benjamin is...or should I say WAS the samples guy for the big band. Granted he is a grown man, so he can go wherever the heck he wants, right? That would be the case if the man who brought us Alison Hinds' Roll, and Daville's Turning Me On was in Florida for a beach holiday.

Nurse Karen with Shel Shok at UWI Fete Miami, Grand Palms Resort, 2008

But let me assure you Mr. Benjamin is definitely not here on vacation. I ran into Shok last night at UWI fete performing on stage with Machel Montano HD. The HD camp rolled into town this weekend with a couple of major gigs lined up, couple of major gigs on the docket including Socavivor: International Flag Party, UWI Fete and, HD Miami at 90 Degrees.

Machel Montano and Nurse Karen at UWI Fete Miami

However, Shok was not permitted to take on any gigs with any other bands while performing as a touring member of Atlantik. So, going to Miami was a definite no-no.

I asked him what happened:

"They said if I go to do the gigs, forget about them. So I went to the gigs. We were not working anywhere so the income was needed," said Sheldon Benjamin.

It doesn't take a soca analyst like MOI to realize that our friends in Atlantik have been noticeably absent from the last couple of major soca limes. No New York. No Miami. No Notting Hill? (....somebody please confirm that one.) The fact is, it costs big dollars to book Atlantik at a time when many bands have been negotiating down their asking price to ensure that they have a presence on the scene. Naturally, there are more factors at play than price alone....however, whatever the reason, Shok's dismissal is evidence that the musicians are beginning to feel the pinch.

Destra with Atlantik Band in Toronto, 2008

Benjamin will not disclose whether the current arrangement with Xtatik is a temporary fill-in situation or a permanent return to his former band Xtatik. Guess you'll have to keep coming back to (Nurse) Karen (Etc) to find out!

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Nurse's Lounge: UWI Fete Miami 2008

Today was greeeeeeeeeeaaat!

Took another short dip in the water outside my front door. The sun is hot, and so far...dis carnival hotter! While I was swimming about, I noticed the sky getting dark. So, in for me! On the bright side, the early return to my room bought me a couple extra hours in the day.

My girl The Split and I rolled down to South Beach to pass the time with a few friends. Respect to the guys from South Beach Shutdown. They were on their hustle getting ready for their All White Affair with Mr. Vegas. So sorry we didn't make it back for that. Also, big up to Mr. Slaughter. That macaroni pie was sweeeeeeeeeet! I still don't really believe you made it, but no matter. You have no idea how hungry I was.

As the sun began to set, we blazed up the I-75 back to Grand Palms Golf Resort for UWI Fete 2008. So this event is a big time all-inclusive. Every space on the main floor of the building was teeming with people. Then outside WATCH PEOPLE...like ants. On the hills and valleys, in the bars a food stalls...PEOPLE!

So, yesterday I gave major kudos to the bar staff at this very same venue for being so well organized. Tonight was a different story all together.

Bar Going Crazy at UWI Fete

That picture can't even begin to descibe the bacchannal they had going on there. Needless to say, one visit was more than enough.

I was there to see a stellar show from Machel Montano HD. First time seeing them since Trinidad. Somehow I had managed to miss them everywhere else I have visited this year. I finally got to meet Lady Elizabeth Montano in de flesh. Yup, we talking about Machel's mommy - the woman responsible for handling the artist's business matters.

Meeting Elizabeth Montano for the first time

The entire crew was there. Special shout to Farmer Nappy. I feel like this man is getting younger every time we meet.

Farmer Nappy and Nurse Karen

The Machel posse had to run off pretty quick. They had another show downtown at 90 degrees. Next up was Bunji Garlin and Asylum. I watched that set from the stage.

Faye-Ann and Bunji satisfying the crowd

I'm not sure if Bunji and Faye-Ann realized what was going on behind their backs, but I wasn't JUST protecting your water bottles from stage stormers...Scarface actually let The Split and me sing backup into his mic during Party Animal. Doh vex, kay?!?!

Don't we look like we were up to something?

Scarface, walk tall. Looking forward to hearing you on a very special top-secret riddim for Vincy Mas 2009 (hee hee)

Original Godfather's Asylum Fam, Scarface

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