Chat to me! Hector Roots Lewis shares the fascinating path that led him from being a touring drummer to emerging as a compelling reggae solo artist. Born to a recording artist mother, Lewis was immersed in music from his earliest days, eventually studying at Jamaica's prestigious Edna Manley College before embarking on an extensive touring career with Chronixx Zinc Fence Redemption band that spanned over a decade. Lewis opens up about the transformative experience of portraying Carlton Barrett i...
Jun 02, 2025•42 min
Chat to me! Building from our last episode on keeping up with new dancehall I invited listener and filmmaker Mikey T to join us in a continued conversation where he shares from his perspective on the transformation of dancehall as a genre. We discuss: The "money pull-up" phenomenon has DJs prioritizing the preferences of big spenders rather than introducing audiences to fresh sounds How changing media consumption has affected lyrical complexity. In an era of shortening attention spans and algori...
May 05, 2025•35 min
Chat to me! Remember when discovering new dancehall and reggae tracks happened effortlessly through dedicated radio shows, mixtapes passed between friends, and family gatherings? Today's fragmented landscape requires intentional effort many adults simply can't prioritize amidst growing responsibilities. With 120,000 new tracks uploaded daily to streaming platforms, the sheer volume makes keeping pace nearly impossible. The discussion challenges common complaints about modern music's "slackness,"...
Apr 07, 2025•56 min•Season 2025Ep. 139
Chat to me! Diego Herrera's journey from Costa Rica to the United States is a captivating story of cultural fusion. Raised in the rise hip-hop, punk rock alongside reggae and dancehall in Costa Rica, Diego's unique upbringing laid the groundwork for his dynamic career in the music industry. As the director of business development at Ineffable Records, Diego shares personal anecdotes about his dual life across continents and how it influenced his musical tastes and professional trajectory. From D...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2025Ep. 138
Chat to me! This episode discusses future of music for 2025. I focus on the potential impact of AI on Caribbean Music (Reggae, Dancehall and Soca), the importance of community engagement, and the evolving expectations from fans for live experiences. • Exploring the rise of AI in music production • Discussing the impact of AI-generated songs on artist integrity • The shift towards royalty-free music and loss of artist connection • Importance of community engagement in the music industry • Expecta...
Feb 03, 2025•24 min•Season 2025Ep. 137
Chat to me! Cheers to a great summer! Sharing my last few events of an unforgettable summer. After seeing Buju Banton in concert, I kept the fire blazing at Sizzla's concert in Hartford, Connecticut. Then jetted with friend for my first Barbados Crop Over experience. Meticulously planned adventure with the help of Sha of Tingz Nice, Global Carnivalist , and Bahamianista . Join me as I recount the vibrant parade, playing mas with Krave band, and the unforgettable events, all while soaking in the ...
Sep 16, 2024•22 min•Season 2024Ep. 136
Chat to me! Ever wondered how Jamaica's eclectic musical tastes? TV/Film producer Jessica Shaw, explores this in her music documentary in the works, Roots, Rock, Reggae, Souls. A filmmaker with deep Jamaican roots, Jessica shares her fascinating journey growing up in Kingston and how it inspired this latest project. Souls as it is know cultural tapestry of Jamaican music, is an eclectic sub genre of pop ballads, country, r&b, and more, driven by the influential role of Jamaican radio and how...
Sep 02, 2024•59 min•Season 2024Ep. 135
Chat to me! What if the notion of 'only one woman can be on top' in the music industry is nothing more than a myth perpetuated by the media? Joining me in this episode to dissect this is executive producer Kerry-Ann and Shawn from Reggae Talk Podcast. We challenge this stereotype and shine alight on the remarkable diversity of female talent across genres. We dissect how media narratives fuel rivalries like Rihanna vs. Beyonce and Nicki Minaj vs. Cardi B, questioning whether these stories serve t...
Aug 19, 2024•46 min•Season 2024Ep. 134
Chat to me! Ever wondered why cultural trends started by Black creatives often go unrecognized? This throwback episode explores this. Inspired by my experience at Culture Con, a gathering celebrating Black creatives, we'll embark on a conversation about cultural appreciation and the global impact of Black culture. It's time to address the importance of giving credit where it's due and the harm of cultural appropriation. From the mislabeling of cornrows to the significance of silk presses, we'll ...
Aug 05, 2024•18 min•Season 2024Ep. 133
Chat to me! Buju Banton delivered an exciting return to the U.S. in New York City, kicking off his Long Walk to Freedom Tour in the U.S. I'm sharing my concert experience from securing those coveted tickets to soaking in the lively pre-show vibes at UBS Arena's unique beer garden, this episode captures every exciting detail. Discover how Buju's powerful performance had us all on our feet despite a few technical hiccups, proving why he remains an indomitable force in reggae music. Whether you're ...
Jul 22, 2024•10 min•Season 2024Ep. 132
Chat to me! On this episode of Style and Vibes we explore the connection between R&B and Reggae with Kea and Ashley, the dynamic duo behind the "Always on Key" podcast. We kick things off with fun filled trivia challenge that will test our knowledge of song lyrics explore the rich tapestry of R&B and reggae music, tracing their evolution and current trends. We delve into the diverse subgenres of R&B, the artistic freedom that today's musicians enjoy, and the critical role of collabor...
Jul 08, 2024•57 min•Season 2024Ep. 131
Chat to me! What does it mean to be queer and Caribbean? Throwing back to my conversation with Stush an’ Bush podcast crew, Khadieme and Robert. We explore the complicated relationship between Dancehall and the LGBTQ+ Community. Although lyrical content has evolved over the years, we cite older lyrics and expressions commonly used in Dancehall and evaluate how the lyrics used then possibly contributing to sexual curiosity and exploration. We also discuss the impacts on the Queeribean community. ...
Jun 23, 2024•51 min•Season 2024Ep. 130
Chat to me! The Red Bull Culture Clash held in New York City unofficially kicked off the summer for me! Not only is it Caribbean American Heritage Month, the event was inspired by parades in New York City tied to cultural heritage, where teams from the West Indies, Latino, Pride, and Asian American communities showcased their unique cultural elements in a friendly yet fierce sound clash. Tune in to hear about my experience rooting for the West Indian team “No Long Talk” team, who displayed their...
Jun 10, 2024•16 min•Season 2024Ep. 129
Chat to me! Apple Music unveiled their 100 best albums of all time which has music community reacting. We're talking about the list's impact, how lists like these inspire conversation and exploration, and the personal connections we all share with music. While art is subjective, when a collective of people view music with appreciation, admiration mixed with a strong artistic foundation is what deems these bodies of music valuable. In this episode I share how albums from the Apple Music 100 Best ...
May 27, 2024•14 min•Season 2024Ep. 128
Chat to me! Let's catch-up! I've had conversations recently on the podcast with comedian Kerry Coddett, soca star Kes, gospel singer K-Anthony, and reggae crooner Mortimer. All great interviews filled with reflections and life perspectives. Concert and festival season is heating up and I share my most recent experiences at the Traffic Jam concert featuring Damian and Stephen Marley. Buju and Sizzla are back on U.S. soil and I mention canceled concert disappointment, fan concert perspectives and ...
May 12, 2024•15 min•Season 2024Ep. 127
Chat to me! From Falmouth, Jamaica to the chilly Saskatchewan, Canada, gospel singer K-Anthony has woven a tapestry of melodies and faith that both comforts and challenges the soul. K-Anthony unravels the story behind his stage name, born out of an uncanny clash with another artist. His journey moves from a youth with sports on the brain to a musician with a divine calling, spurred by an incident that nearly claimed his life. The intimate bond with his brother, the wisdom of a nurturing family, ...
Apr 29, 2024•34 min•Season 2024Ep. 126
Chat to me! Up close and personal experience on the Traffic Jam tour, the Marley brothers did not disappoint. Soaking in the electrifying atmosphere where Damian and Stephen Marley, I share every resonating note with you. We're talking about a concert that was more than just melodies and rhythms; it was a cultural embrace of Reggae music that spanned ages and backgrounds, with a level of niceness that the Marley’s bring to the stage. Transport yourself through my recount of the Traffic Jam tour,...
Apr 15, 2024•17 min•Season 2024Ep. 125
Chat to me! I sit down with the Soca sensation Kes, lead singer of Kes the Band. He takes us on a spirited journey from the early days of his namesake to the dynamic experience that has become Kes the Band, an evolution spurred on by passionate fans and the electric atmosphere of live shows. Kes's voice, imbued with the wisdom of his musical voyage, offers a treasure trove of advice to his younger self and paints a colorful panorama of his beginnings in Trinidad & Tobago, where the pulse of ...
Apr 01, 2024•24 min•Season 2024Ep. 124
Chat to me! Kerry Coddett is a Caribbean-American writer, actress, and stand-up comedian from Brooklyn, who currently serves as the co-EP, showrunner, and head writer of the upcoming Untitled Yvonne Orji Stand-Up Special on HBO . Kerry is also a story editor on Showtime ’s Flatbush Misdemeanors , where she appears as a recurring guest star. Kerry can also be seen on Showtime ’s Desus & Mero, Pause w/ Sam Jay on H BO , and season 2 of Ramy on Hulu , in addition to appearing as a core cast mem...
Mar 18, 2024•49 min•Season 2024Ep. 123
Chat to me! When the previews of "Bob Marley: One Love" were released, it set our hearts cautiously excited in the promise of a cinematic journey through Bob Marley's life. The biopic is an opportunity to highlight Marley's musical genius and symbolizes the next stage of legacy building for one of Jamaica's most popular figures. In this episode, the impassioned voices of Kerry-Ann, Chris Williams, Alexandria, Jendayi Indira, and Mikey T, who dissect the film's Valentine's Day unveiling. We discu...
Mar 04, 2024•59 min•Season 2024Ep. 122
Chat to me! When Mortimer's relationship hit a stormy patch, "Lightning" struck, transforming personal turmoil into a chart-topping hit. It's a glimpse into the soulful artistry of our guest, the Jamaican reggae sensation Mortimer, who joins us to unravel the layers of his music and its profound connection to life's ebbs and flows. Our conversation peels back the curtain on his writing process, revealing how raw emotion can lead to lyrical brilliance, and provides a window into the world of high...
Feb 18, 2024•24 min•Season 2024Ep. 121
Chat to me! When Murray Elias sparked a fiery debate with his take on Dancehall versus Afrobeats, it was a call to arms for everyone in the music industry. He joined popular Jamaican music podcast The Fix This episode peels back the layers on his claim that dancehall is stumbling in unity and being outpaced by afrobeats artists in the international music arena. We not only wrestle with the question of dancehall's global appeal but also dig into the historic connection between reggae and Black Am...
Feb 03, 2024•25 min•Season 2024Ep. 120
Chat to me! After watching the Thriller 40th Anniversary documentary on Paramount+ Kerry-Ann and discuss the legacy of Michael Jackson's classic, ground breaking album and its deep resonance within our lives and the intersection of Jamaican culture. We recall our first encounters with the "Thriller" album and its timeless tracks, sharing anecdotes that affirm Jackson's unparalleled influence on music lovers worldwide, including stories of family dance-offs that showcase his universal appeal. Nav...
Jan 22, 2024•38 min•Season 2024Ep. 119
Chat to me! Dancehall's latest showdown as we dissect the lyrical face-off igniting the scene! Producer Rvssian's #DuttyMoneyRiddim has resurfaced with a vengeance, stirring up an electrifying storm with Stefflon Don and Jada Kingdom at the eye. Their social media jabs and musical counterpunches have fans and artists alike clamoring under the comments section. Tune in for an unmissable breakdown of this melodious clash that's sparked thousands of Instagram impressions and a crescendo of public i...
Jan 10, 2024•7 min
Chat to me! Nneka Nurse, the innovative mind behind Best Dressed Plate, share her inspiring journey as a trailblazer forging a new path for food enthusiasts to revel in the diverse culinary landscape of the Caribbean. Throughout our conversation, she shares the origin story of Caribbean Chef and Food platform Best Dressed Plate, it's chic moniker and building a spirited community where island flavors are not just savored, but celebrated. Nneka's brainchild of supper club , Caribbean TraDISHons, ...
Jan 08, 2024•28 min•Season 2024Ep. 118
Chat to me! Explore the complexities of a Jamaican family as the on screen adaptation of the book ‘Black Cake’ debuts as a mini series on Hulu. Kerry Ann and I discuss how one our favorite books come to life in the series through episode 4. as we pull back the curtain on the adaptation process, beginning with the mini-series 'Black Cake'. We'll explore the intriguing world of Covey, the protagonist, and delve into the ardent set design and location that caught our eyes. Prepare for an honest cri...
Dec 04, 2023•39 min•Season 2023Ep. 117
Chat to me! In this episode we dissect how Caribbean culture is represented in series like Netflix's 'Survival of the Thickest', Amazon Prime's 'Harlem,' ABC's 'This is Us,' and HBO Max's 'Full Circle.' We also explore the importance of having Caribbean actors, producers, and filmmakers at the helm of creating authentic cultural narratives. We talk about the subtleties of character development and the significance of filming on-location in places like Guyana to immerse viewers in the Caribbean e...
Nov 20, 2023•27 min•Season 2023Ep. 116
Chat to me! Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with George A. Glean Sr., a lifelong teacher, writer, and avid student of West Indian history and culture. Born and raised on the island of Grenada, George opens up about his childhood, his migration to the United States, and the unanticipated joy found in the simplicity of island life. In this episode we discuss how George's personal migration tale and expertise in Caribbean History inspired his first fiction novel, Searching for Higher G...
Nov 06, 2023•31 min•Season 2023Ep. 115
Chat to me! We focus to the implications in the sale of New York City's WVIP 93.5 FM to Hope Media Group. WVIP had majority Caribbean programming over the last 40 years, home to Caribbean media groups including Irie Jam Radio , Linkup Radio , Winner’s Circle Radio , Groovin' Radio, Wake Up Radio and other programmers who purchased air time on the independent radio station. The station will now focus on Spanish language Christian music. Caribbean artists owe their introduction to the larger commu...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min•Season 2023Ep. 114
Chat to me! Help me shape the future content of your favorite podcast. I'm asking you, our listeners, to fill out a quick five-question survey to help us better understand what you love and what you want to hear more of. Your feedback is crucial, and will directly influence the planning of our episodes for the next year. The survey link is in the show notes, so feel free to fill it in and make your mark on Styling Vibes. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the family, your input matter...
Oct 09, 2023•3 min•Season 2023Ep. 113
