The Style & Vibes Podcast

Chat to me! She walked away from JP Morgan, a stable paycheck, and the “safe” life to bet on reggae music and built a strong catalog of reggae love songs that continue to find new fans across the globe. We’re joined by singer-songwriter Alaine, and we get into what longevity really looks like when your career is powered by faith, craft, and a refusal to fake it for clout. We go behind the scenes o...

Chat to me! A great live show doesn’t just sound good, it rewires how you hear the album afterward. We're back with a reggae concert recap, where Keznamdi brought his Blxxd And Fyah tour to SOB’s New York City and turned a standing-room venue into a shared choir of lyrics, riddim and message. After his 2026 Grammy win for Best Reggae Album, watching him lead his own band and hold the room wit...

Chat to me! We celebrate the women who set the foundation and keep reggae and dancehall going. Spanning across decades, organized by a living list by impact rather than era. From trailblazers to dominators, we trace sound, image, and industry shifts while calling for continued support. In this episode we discuss: • Why impact-based categories reveal truer influence • Highlight trailblazers who nor...

Chat to me! Producer-turned-artist, Dre Island channels real life experiences and prayer to create music that resonates for today and tomorrow. We discuss his upbringing, shaped by classical piano, Stone Love sound system nights, gospel harmonies, and the distilled “top ten” diet of Jamaica’s radio that trained his ear for greatness.  Dre flows in between sharing his own stories to the inspiration...

Chat to me! We welcome the Paradise Plum, Naomi Cowan back to unpack the heart behind her debut album, Welcome To Paradise . Inside the studio with producer Toddla T and co-writers like Runkus, she found a collaborative space where her vision held, her pen stayed sharp, and the sound fused lover’s rock warmth, subtle dancehall undertones, and modern storytelling. We dig into the album’s cohesive a...

Chat to me! Two voices, one legacy, and a catalog that ignites dancehall to tek it to the dance floor every time their songs are played. In this episode I sit down with dancehall group Voicemail to unpack the spontaneous birth of their name, the unlikely path from R&B harmonies to dancehall dominance, and the creative spark behind "Weddy Time"—guided by producer Danny Champagne and i...

Chat to me! The 2025 Caribbean Music Awards makes its television debut on BET, and we're breaking down every moment from our dual perspective as both live attendees and television viewers. This milestone broadcast marks a crucial step forward in recognizing Caribbean artists on mainstream platforms, delivering a carefully edited showcase of Caribbean excellence. Dyschick joins me to compare o...

Chat to me! Resilience defines Tifa's journey through the music industry, and her return to the Style and Vibes podcast after five years showcases an artist who has not only survived but thrived through evolution. We discuss changes that have shaped her career since we last spoke—from navigating a global pandemic to celebrating a Grammy win with Kabaka Pyramid, and finding her voice again wit...

Chat to me! What does it mean to truly connect cultures through music? GabSoul, the self-described "eclectic selector," offers powerful insights into this question as she shares her journey from basement parties to international stages. Growing up between Trinidadian and Guyanese heritage in New York, GabSoul absorbed musical traditions from her DJ father's extensive record collecti...

Chat to me! Konshens returns to the Style & Vibes podcast to reveal the perfect timing behind his fifth studio album "Pool Party." Following the viral "Back That Azz Up" freestyle he seized the momentum for an album where the songs were complete, but not fully compiled into a project. We discuss the importance of embracing the moment and staying prepared in the music indust...

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...

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 Ho...

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...

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 abou...

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 m...

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...

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...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 dive...

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 contrib...

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...

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 i...

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. B...