PRODUCER Mario C has amped up the promotion of his latest project, the Drum Corps ‘riddim’.

Popular tracks on the ‘riddim’ so far include Bun Satan by Konshens; Clean by Elephant Man; Nah Leave by Popcaan; and Wine by Beenie Man featuring Boom Boom.

Drum Corps is described as a blend of dancehall and house music. Mario C said it was not difficult to get the artistes, including the in-demand Popcaan, on board.

“I’m constantly pushing the creative envelope; I see myself as a trendsetter and Popcaan is one of the few artistes who approach the music the way I see it,” he said.

Ryan O’Neil upbeat about single

Up-and-coming singer Ryan O’Neil is savouring the success of his hit single A Nuh Me. The track is released on the Raw Moon Production label and produced by Doni-D Marshall.

A Nuh Me is currently number six on the Jamaica Music Countdown top 25 Reggae Singles chart.

The artiste recently performed at the New York/Miami Link Up Spring Break concert in Negril. He is currently promoting his new single I’m Just Saying.

Villa Dutch takes aimwith Stronger

Up-and-coming artiste Villa Dutch is on the promotional trail with his latest single Stronger. The song is featured on the Rockin ‘riddim’ and produced by Irie FM disc jockey GT Taylor.

According to Villa Dutch, the song has opened a few doors for him, not only locally but outside of Jamaica.

“I have been doing my thing in the music ‘biz’ for quite some time now and I am happy to say it’s finally paying off,” he said. “This new song has brought me a lot of attention in countries like France and Germany.”

As part of the promotion for Stronger, he recently released the mix tape Nuh Fear which contains 26 tracks, including new and older recordings.

Villa Dutch is originally from the Marl Road area of Kingston and attended the Pembroke Hall High School.

“I started deejaying in high school but I never really took it serious until I met GT Taylor. Before I met Mr Taylor I went to a few studios and did some recordings but nothing really happened,” he explained.

Chart Updates

Sean Paul’s She Doesn’t Mind continues to hold the number two spot on the UK Pop singles chart. At number one is former Canadian Idol contestant Carly Rae Jepsen with Call Me Maybe. Last week’s number one, Turn Up the Music by Chris Brown, falls to number five.

Nicki Minaj not only has the number one album in the UK with Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded but the set is also number one in the United States. It moved over 253,000 copies to debut top of the Billboard 200 album chart. The album is also number one on Billboard’s Rap Albums, R&B Hip Hop albums, and Digital Albums charts.

And over to the Billboard Reggae album chart: Peace of Mind by Rebelution is still sitting pretty in the number one spot.

At number five is Start from Scratch by Passafire. Former number one, One More Night by the Movement, falls to number eight. UB40’s 10 Great Songs debuted at number 10.