Rasta Clothing | 2013 Fashion Trends

The amazing rasta beanie was made popular by the Jamaicans and has their colors of green, yellow, black and red. The great thing about this color combination is that it will match practically everything. Many times people that are fans of the reggae Jamaican style will have dread locks and this requires a cap that is a little larger than normal because they take up a lot of extra space. The rasta tam is like a larger rasta beanie that has extra room for the dreads. Rasta hats come in many different styles and they even include some other colors that aren't in the original 4 rasta colors.



Women Rasta Clothing | 2013 Fashion Trends



The rasta beanie


The rasta beanie is sometimes found with a bill on it as if it were a baseball cap combined with a beanie. This is a very popular style and they are becoming more in style than the traditional skull cap beanies. You can get many other matching rasta clothing like shoulder bags, leather bracelets, earrings, rings, jewelry, rasta baja hoodies and more. The baja hoodie goes perfect with the rastafari culture because it shows a carefree attitude and has the same type of style that you would see in Jamaica. The rasta bag also comes in many different sizes and colors but don't worry they all match each other. If you want to dress in a reggae Jamaican style you should start with the rasta beanie and see how you like it. Most people love this style and if you are looking to buy a present for someone, this would be the perfect article of clothing.

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Bob Marley , Love, Sex and Marijuana | The King of Reggae

We all have seen the scenes from the King of Reggae with his ever present 'co-star' in many of his interviews. In one of his famous moments he calmly turns and says ''Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction.''

Many years have passed since Bob Marley said these words and high levels of addiction to pot along with the many health dangers that it poses have proven that by no means will herb be ''the healing of a nation.'' One thing he did say correctly and thousands of drug and alcohol rehabs are evidence of this is the fact that '' alcohol is the destruction.''It should not be taken for granted that not just alcohol can destroy one, but any drug, habit and tendency that compromises a human being of clear reasoning and stability of self.

The use of pot usually begins in teenage years, with teenagers trying to be a part of a group to identify themselves with some popular trend. As they evolve, many step into the light of maturity and shed certain behavioral patterns, but in many instances take the use of pot into their adult life. The result of this have been higher statistics in drug rehabs of addicts trying to overcome their addiction to marijuana and the chain effect of this has been more broken homes, dysfunctional human beings and utter sadness.

There are those that smoke pot for love. This is commonly seen in many relationships where one partner indirectly or directly influences the other with his tendency to smoke marijuana. The bitter reality of this is that whatever the reason, the body rebels against being poisoned with a green intruder. The love of self and self acceptance are key attributes that any human being needs to have in order to resist the most tempting of situations, even if it involves love and one's heart.

Many would have turned a blind eye to the dangers that marijuana poses to a person's health had it not been for the destruction it causes to one's sex life. Research have proven that the constant use of Marijuana has resulted in low libido both in men and women.A topic that for years was held at arms length has become personal to many people now.

The myth that accompanied marijuana for years has been unveiled and proven to be nothing more than a misguided reality of what drugs can in fact do to the body.With very few affordable drug rehabs, drug addiction continues to be on the rise with millions of people trying to find solace in marijuana, crack, cocaine,etc.

Another one of Bob Marley's dubious quotes is that of: "When You smoke herb it reveals you to yourself. All the wickedness you do is revealed by the herb --- it's you conscience and gives you an honest picture of yourself.'' While the smoke rises above hundreds of heads as they dance to the famous reggae songs, may it be pointed it that revelation of self starts with inner introspection without any help from chemical contributors, whether it be natural or unnatural substances.

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Bob Marley - Reggae Music Legend

There is no doubt, Bob Marley is Reggae music's ambassador spreading its gospel to the whole world and literally became the main reason for the popularity of Jamaica. Bob Marley's outstanding and phenomenal efforts for the development of Jamaican music as we know it now carried the art to a higher level of spiritual and social force which appealed to extensive audiences form all over. Although he did not manage to land a number one hit in America, Bob Marley was inducted to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame giving credit to the legacy he left and the way he changed the cultural setting of the international music scene.

Reggae music is supported by Marley's beliefs on the Rastafarian movement which is a religious sector who regarded Emperor Haile Selassi I from Ethiopia also known as Ras Tafari. The Emperor is said to be god who'll be able to free blacks from total oppression and lead them back to a promised African homeland. Bob Marley delivered his music with conviction in a passionate way.

The unique signature of Reggae music with its hypnotic rhythms and enchanting tunes started to gain its popularity in the seventies. Bob Marley and his group The Wailers came out with albums such Natty Dread and Rastaman Vibration under Tuff Goff Records in Jamaica; music which were clear reflections of the hardships and life of a less fortunate Jamaican community also representing those oppressed all over the world. The uplifting spirit that can be felt when listening to reggae music was called "positive vibrations". During troubled times, Bob Marley's music was a powerful medium to spread wisdom, peace and the gospel during troubled times.

Jamaica is Bob Marley's birthplace, having a white father and a black mother which made him a mixed race. During his teenage years in Trench Town, he grouped with Neville "Bunny" Livingston and Peter McIntosh to form the group trio Wailing Wailers later known as The Wailers, all of them born in the ghettos of Jamaica. The group was highly influenced by American radio listening to the famous R & B stars at that time such as ray Charles and Fats Domino amongst others. They become part of the Rastafarian movement and as Rastas, they had long hairs in dreadlocks and they smoked marijuana also known as ganja because it was a belief that in doing so, the spiritual path to enlightenment and a means of communication with the heavens is opened. Marijuana is considered as a sacred religious and healing herb by the Rastas.

During the sixties, The Wailers put out an album under some small Jamaican recording companies. Ska was the more popular Jamaican music then which was a mixture of New Orleans R & B and African rhythms. "Simmer Down" was the official first hit single of The Wailers. They continued to record more with the ska style while Jamaica was slowly shifting to the steadier and sensual beat of rock steady. A collaboration project with Lee Jerry, a producer, resulted in the Wailer's significant song recordings which were "Duppy Conqueror" and "Soul Rebel".

The Wailers became internationally famous when they worked with Chris Blackwell of Island Records. They had several more albums done which further catapulted the popularity of reggae music but Bob Marley had to separate ways with the two other Wailers. He continued to pursue his musical career backed by a bigger band and some back-up singers and became the powerful soulful musical icon who represents the ways of the Rastafari.

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Tips to Playing a Reggae Bassline | Reggae Music

Everybody loves reggae. From Bob Marley to Morgan Heritage, reggae leaves people bobbing their heads with groovy basslines. Yes, in the genre of Reggae bass has a very prominent role.Reggae has a very rich history back in the 1960's following Ska and Rocksteady. It has a slower tempo; characterized by a rhythmic beat of the guitar known as skank. The one-drop drum is also a reggae signature.

To get the reggae bass sound you wanted, you need to learn and remember a few things. First, your hands will be fairly active but needs to get loose. Although most reggae chords are around the major and minor areas, the way they are chromatically played needs a lot of practice. With reggae, it's not about the notes but the way you play them. Next, try to play using a palm mute technique. You also may want to consider replacing your round wounds with flat ones. The reason being, you wanted to get that authentic "fat" sound that upright bass guitars produce-just back in the day. Not only that you wanted to emulate the sound but have a smoother feel; perfect for sliding. Another thing to consider is where to place your hands. Plucking the notes near the bridge will produce a clear sound which you do not want. Instead, place your plucking hand near the bridge; where you will make a dark reggae bass you wanted.

When choosing your guitar, look for those who have a pick near the bridge. It will further amplify the sound coming from that area. The Fender Jazz bass is an ideal instrument.

Restrain yourself from playing too many notes. Common reggae grooves have simple majors and minors within them-it is that simple. It is important to stay within the pattern of the beat-dropping the first note or not.

Drum and bass are more prominent to reggae than guitar. Guitars mostly provide the rhythmic off-beat patterns, tailing the drum beat along the song. If you notice in reggae songs, every instrument plays different roles compared from the standard set-up. The guitar provides the beat; the drum holds all together and the bass creates the melody.

Last but not the least, you need to relax. Reggae may have walking basslines and all but the important thing to remember is to allow yourself to follow the rest of the instruments while doing your pattern. It is easy to do this since the rest of the instruments are already providing the rhythm for you.

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Basic Tips for Reggae Drummers | Reggae Music

Simplicity is the mark of a master drummer; with reggae, this is very much true. While most people perceive that reggae songs are too repetitive and too simple for their taste, they fail to notice the advanced syncopation and the utmost control by the drummer. These small details escape casual fans. When trying out a reggae drum beat for the first time, you need a lot of control and a lot of feel for the song. But what is hard about reggae can also be easy at the same time. Confusing? Yes, compared to progressive rock or metal, your hand movements and foot activity will be at a slower pace. Reggae requires a laid-back attitude and a cool demeanor, just like the tropical vibe in Jamaica. Though, there are few reminders you need to know before taking a shot on a Bob Marley CD.

There are three basic patterns you need to learn in reggae; they are: One drop, Rockers and Steppers. In One drop beat pattern, you start with the usual quarter note time signature ("1, 2, 3, 4") in hi-hat. The difference is you are not going to strike on the "1" but on the "3." Accentuate this beat by hitting both the snare and the bass. Carlton Barrett of The Wailers invented this beat, which you can listen on the Bob Marley song called "One Drop." The Rockers drum pattern accentuates the beats "1" and "3." You can add a variation on this pattern by creating rim shots (hitting the snare's rim instead of the skin). The Steppers drum pattern is a steady rhythm of the bass drum. It provides a strong and equal pulse within the song; much like what you hear on Bob Marley's "Exodus" and "Buffalo Soldiers." Practicing triplets with your hi-hats is essential when playing reggae; treat it as if it is your snare drum.

Tune you drum to higher pitch; just like a timbales. You can also add snare drum with a "timbales" type of sound. Common drum fills in reggae often do not end in crash cymbals. This needs a lot of restraint for you, but you will be fine. Again, master your control. Use kinds of percussion instruments along your drum such as bongos, claves and shakers to get that authentic Jamaican feel.

Reggae traces back its root to calypso, ska and rocksteady. If you want a good, solid foundation on reggae, listen to vintage records of these musical genres. Listen to every Wailer's album you can grab on. Stu Copeland of The Police is also a great note when playing reggae.

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Reggae Music Festivals

In the modern cosmopolitan world, people are exposed to a wide variety of culture and musical influences. The reggae concert has grown to become a popular choice among many music lovers. A historical predecessor to modern styles like hip hop and rap, it offers a wide variety of choices to the contemporary fan. In recent times, the increasing popularity of these genres has led to the growing demand for reggae festivals at cities like Miami. This allows people a chance to interact with other reggae lovers and meet the best bands of the genre.

There are a number of different music festivals across the world, each catering to a different genre. What began as a trend in the early 60s has taken over as one of the more prominent events today. Musicians of different genres come together and perform on stage providing fans and music lovers with moments of high energy and intensity. Festivals like the Miami music festival have grown popular among crowds wanting to witness their music idols in the flesh. The experience of enjoying a reggae festival live is unparalleled to songs and CD repetitions of it. This is one of the reasons why fans hold a special place for music festivals.

Reggae Music festivals are not only a popular option with fans, but are also preferred by many artists. Rock stars like Bob Marley and the Wailers were known to visit these festivals to share their own new releases and bring out their best. The enthusiasm of fans and the interaction with their favorite stars makes these festivals a much visited event across the world. There are many cities hosting this reggae concert for the requirement of their fans. For most people, these concerts are an annual tradition and keep alive the spirit of music.

Considering the increasing popularity of reggae and rock music, it can be a difficult task for fans to locate the latest reggae festivals happening. In addition, finding tickets for these events can be a difficult task for many fans. The growing popularity of events like the Florida music festivals also make it difficult for people to obtain these tickets on time. The solution for this problem lies on the internet. Many reggae concert fans are turning to the internet in order to find tickets and acquire the best seats to the next event in the calendar.

These reggae festivals and concerts are a great opportunity for fans and musicians alike. But with the popularity of the genre growing, it has become difficult for fans to obtain tickets for these concerts in time. This can be accomplished with the help of the internet. There are many online websites offering information and helping fans obtain tickets to the next reggae concert in the city. This is growing to be the preferred mode of reservation for many people as it saves time and helps them obtain tickets conveniently. This can be the best way to spread the love for Reggae to different parts of the world.

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Reggae Radio Stations | Music

Although we all mourn the loss of all time favorite Jamaican reggae musician, Gregory Anthony Isaacs, earlier this year, we can still listen to his best music on online reggae radio stations. These reggae radio stations provide you the chance to listen to reggae music of all genres. So you can listen to the best of Roots, Rocksteady, Dub, Lovers Roc, Dancehall, Contemporary Reggae, Roots Reggae, Ska or any form of reggae music that has been developed by varied musicians across the globe. Apart from the best of reggae music, these stations also offer you news, stories or events related to the world of reggae.

Reggae Radio Stations: What Do They Offer?

Reggae fans no longer have to go and buy CDs or DVDs of their favorite musicians like Bob Marley, Sean Paul, Sasha, Lily Ellen, Johnny Gill, Shaggy and several others. All Reggae lovers need to do is log on to an online reggae radio station that not only offers them the music of their choice but also, many a times, provides them a chance to interact with their favorite DJs. The lyrical themes of reggae are quite important for the message that they send out. Be it the Rastafarian religion, the message of black unity or issues related to social injustices, Reggae song lyrics strike the right note and are liked by many.

The development and growth of reggae music are highly connected to the social and cultural history of Jamaica. Although strongly influenced by the traditional African American Jazz and old time rhythms, the origins of reggae music can be traced to the progressive development of ska and rocksteady in Jamaica in the 1960's. Bob Marley is known for bringing international recognition to reggae through his 1974 solo album, "Natty Dread."

Over the years, reggae music has developed a strong identity, with different musicians developing their own variants. The basic form of reggae music began with ska, which led to the evolvement of rocksteady and then reggae. Currently, there are several different styles of reggae, including Roots, Dub, Dub poetry, oasting, Lover's Rock, Niyabingi(traditional drumming and chanting) and Dancehall (both Slack and Conscious), and you get to listen to all of them through reggae radio stations.

Apart from specialized reggae radio stations, several other radio stations offer and play music of all kinds on listeners' requests. So you can now choose the time and type of music that you wish to listen to by logging on to an internet radio station. A leading name in online reggae radio station is Worldcastradio.com. This site offers you the chance to listen to your all time favorites, including reggae.

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