12 OCTOBER, 7:30pm-9pm
Everton Blender
One of the few Jamaican singers to truly bridge the gap between the roots and dancehall reggae styles is the man known as Everton “Blender.” When reggae fans hear the opening notes of “Lift Up Your Head,” “Ghetto People Song,” “Blend Dem,” etc., they instantly recognize these songs as the cultural anthems of our time. The large number of hits Everton has accrued is most impressive for an artist who has been in the business for such a seemingly short period of time. But like many of Jamaica’s biggest musical stars, the road to fame wasn’t a short or easy one.
Everton Blender
[NEW YORK] – When Everton Blender returns to touring in July, the veteran roots artist has added reason to perform Ghetto People Song. That 1996 song has been sampled by rapper French Montana and Harry Fraud for their song, Higher.
Their track hears Blender singing ‘Higher, higher, it’s getting higher’ in the background as French Montana and Harry Fraud rap over his vocals.
Higher was officially released on June 27, but Blender said he first heard it three days prior. He is pleased that one of his songs has been sampled by a high-profile hip hop act. Especially as it gives him overdue recognition.
Ghetto People Song was produced by Tony Rebel on his La La Bella rhythm which also spawned hit singles in Rebel’s If Jah is standing by my Side and Are You Satisfied by American singer Ras Shiloh.