Mavado has teamed with American rapper Jadakiss on the reggae/Rhythm and Blues song Just Like Magic, produced by Jamaica-born, New York-based Musical Masquerade.

“The collaboration came about from an idea to blend unmistakable voices from reggae and hip hop and put them together on a reggae track. From there we reached out to the respective camps,” said Musical Masquerade.

Just like Magic is the second release from the producer’s forthcoming compilation album, Elements of Reggae. Its first single, No Other Like You, by Rayvon featuring Red Fox has done well on regional reggae charts in the United States.

Just like Magic has already been serviced to radio stations. A music video is also on the cards.

Nyla flies solo

Former Brick and Lace singer Nyla recently released the song, Stand Up, on LargeUp.com.

It is her first release for Konfrontation Muzik, the new record label owned by singer Ky-mani Marley.

Produced by Miami’s CMC Productions, the track is a mixture of reggae, R&B and pop which is the direction of her upcoming EP.

“I’m drawing elements from different arenas of music but it’s always going to be reggae influenced, because that’s my base,” Nyla said. “Whatever energy I bring, I’m always Jamaican.”

Brick and Lace (which included her sister Nyanda) were signed to neo-soul singer Akon’s Kon Live label. They had well-received songs in Love Is Wicked — the title of their 2007 debut album — and Never Never.

pic: Leftside

Caption: Leftside

Leftside returns

Dancehall multi-tasker Craig ‘Leftside’ Parks is promoting his latest singles Cry Fi Yuh and Gorilla Foot.

Cry Fi Yuh was produced by Never Sleep Productions while the self-produced Gorilla Foot is featured on the rhythm of the same name from his Keep Left Records.

Lefteye, a deejay/producer/songwriter known for hits such as Tuck Een Yuh Belly, Whine Up Pon Har and Stay Far, performed recently on the Irie FM road shows in May Pen, Spaulding and Christiana.

He is scheduled to perform in French Guiana and Suriname in June.