Newcomer to the music game, Rasco has made quite an impressive start with his brand new single Saviour. The song which was produced by Tarik ‘Russian’ Johnston has made listeners stand up and take notice to his budding talent.

“The song is really about people who don’t want to see you strive and make it in life. There are people who encourage you to do your best and when you make that effort, they still turn around and bad mind you,” Rasco, whose real name is Rahsaan Lee, said in a recent interview.

A video for Saviour was recently directed by Kirk Lee of Road Block Films. It is already enjoying rotation on HYPE TV and RETV since its initial premiere a week ago.

Said Rasco: “The feedback to the video has been positive and people have been linking me on Facebook expressing how they feel about the song and the video. So far it has gotten quite a number of views on Youtube.”

Describing his musical style as dancehall with a mixture of hip hop and r&b, Rasco has his eyes set on making a significant impact on the musical landscape.

The budding deejay oozes confidence, charisma and a bit of swag, underlining the fact that he is ready for the big times. “I’m bringing to the table a whole new different sound. As far as music is concerned, I hope to achieve the best. I just want people to enjoy my music and see it as temporary relief from whatever it is that is going on in their lives. I am aiming for the top and I won’t stop until my goals are achieved,” he said confidently.

A former student at the Glenmuir High School in Jamaica, Rasco is currently studying at the Los Angeles Recording School, in Hollywood, California, USA. “I am currently pursuing recording engineer in school. But this hasn’t detracted me from following my musical ambitions,” he said.

His musical influences include dancehall’s finest, Mavado, Damian Marley, and Konshens. He also lists Kanye West, Drake and Jay Z among his musical heroes.

Max Element’s Wash Cook and Clean creating waves

Another newcomer looking for that major breakthrough on the music scene is deejay Max Element. The West Kingston-based artiste who made his debut a few months ago with the mid-tempo track Heartbreaker, is back with Wash, Cook and Clean.

Wash Cook and Clean was produced by Donald ‘Icon’ Meddler for Icon Music Group. The song has been getting consistent rotation on FM radio.

“It’s always a good feeling when people tell you that they like your song and it’s even more complimentary when your peers in the music industry can come up to you and congratulate you about your work. From the moment we recorded Wash, Cook and Clean we felt that the people would embrace it,” Max Element said recently.

His recently released mix tape titled Elementary has been warmly received. The 36-track disc was produced by Xray Records and mixed by Garrison Ink.

“The mix tape is basically to give people a chance to know who I am as an artiste. It also showcases what I have to offer in terms of songwriting and vocal delivery,” Element explained.

Six of the tracks on the mix tape are skits. Said Element, “There is a skit called Baby Zion which is basically me portraying the character of a young boy who tries to impersonate Max Element. The reviews have been excellent so far and people hearing the mix tape realise that I am more of a deejay than a singjay.”

Mary Mary storm Billboard’s Dance Music Club Play chart

US sister gospel duo Mary Mary storm the Billboard Dance Music Club Play chart this week with their latest single Walking. The song made three steps up from twelve to number nine. It is the duo’s first entry on that tally since God in Me went to number one in 2009.

Best known for hits such as Yesterday and Shackles (a cross over pop smash), the duo has won three Grammy awards. They have released three gold-selling albums and one platinum plus offering.

Mary Mary is scheduled to perform in Jamaica on May 29 at the National Arena in Kingston.

Gospel lovers can make a note on their calendars as this promises to be an evening of total praise and worship.

Local acts sharing the bill will be Thrillers United, Prodigal Son, One Voice and Kencot Youth Choir.

Andy Livingston follows up My Promise with One

Reggae singer and music producer Andy Livingston enjoyed a musical surge last year when My Promise rocked the charts and ended up on VP Records’ Strictly the Best various artistes compilation album.

He has now followed up that recording with his latest single One which he co-produced with Herbie Harris. “Mi a tell yuh it ago mash up di streets,” and excited Livingston said recently.

Livingston noted that last year was the best he has experienced musically. “Not only did I earn a number one single in Jamaica but My Promise also ended up on several charts outside of Jamaica. Early last year my debut album High was released and I did a bit of touring in Europe to promote the album,” said Livingston.

The singer also says he’s currently working on several projects, and is fully focused on improving his music career.

CHART UPDATES

Chris Brown’s FAME album sells more than 270,000 copies in its opening week to take the number one spot on both Billboard’s 200 and R&B Hip Hop album charts. Jennifer Hudson lands at number two on both charts with the album I Remember Me which moved some 168,000 copies.

Over on Billboard’s Dance Music Club Play chart, American Idol judge, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez takes the prize as On the Floor which samples the 1989 Lambada hit, soars to number one.

Katy Perry is number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She is the first artiste in the past 20 years to score four consecutive number one singles from an album. Her latest album Teenage Dream has reeled out another number one single, this time with ET featuring Kanye West. Her previous number ones from the album were the title track, Firework and California Gurls featuring Snoop Dogg. The last artiste to earn four number one singles from an album was Mariah Carey. Her self titled debut album reeled out hits with Vision of Love, Love Takes Time, Someday and I Don’t Wanna Cry between 1990 and 1991.

Expect Britney Spears to take over the number one spot on the Billboard 200 album chart next week with her new disc Femme Fatale. The album is projected to sell close to 300,000 copies in its opening week.