New Reb’s latest album “Optimystic Future” blends reggae and hip hop and features reggae stars like The Late Ones, Indubious, Dan Kelly, and Dread Kennedy. We’ve been grooving to Optimystic Future and appreciate New Reb’s musicianship, flow, and hustle. Dailyreggae.com caught up with New Reb and learned Drew Misik, the leader and front man of the group, has been making music since 1994.

New Mexico’s Tico Time Reggae Fest features reggae stars Black Uhuru, Etana, Collie Buddz, and Dezarie. The four-day and night camping reggae music festival kicks off on May 19th and according to the festival producer, Rasta Stevie Smith features a new, adventurous venue located in Aztec, New Mexico. If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore the four corners and take in a weekend of awesome reggae music Tico Time looks like a blast!

In 2021 we've had the pleasure of covering incredible new releases from the all stars of the reggae scene including Rebelution, SOJA, and Paula Fuga, as well as fantastic up-and-coming talent in the likes of Marcus Gad, The Late Ones, and Kyle Smith. On December 17th one of our favorite rising artists, Joey Calderaio is dropping a wonderful album titled "Moving Mountains (Deluxe)" just in time for the holidays. An accomplished musician in the Florida reggae scene, Joey quickly started growing a fanbase with the release of his 2019 EP "Moving Mountains". In the following two years, he released well-received singles, with his hard work and positivity culminating in the new "Moving Mountains (Deluxe)" album release.

Creating something great often requires hard work, diligence, and a lot of patience. Brothers Tui Avei and Tau Avei, along with cousin Josh Brunson, understand this, taking five years to complete their fantastic debut full-length album "The Fourth Quarter" released on October 8, 2021. The trio performs and records under the name "The Late Ones", which to them represents their respect for legendary artists and revolutionaries such as "Bob Marley, 2Pac, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Biko, and John Lennon", whom the trio honor through their music. Listen to any track by The Late Ones and it's easy to believe that they are related. The trio's three voices work wonderfully together to create beautiful vocal harmonies with a sound similar to pioneering roots groups such as The Mighty Diamonds. Combine this with 90's hip hop beats and flow reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest and The Late Ones are a force to be reckoned with.

The Late Ones connect conscious reggae and hip hop and we are loving the group’s latest feel-good jam, Feeling Myself. The single follows up the irie single, Fake Reggae, also released this year. The Late Ones are planning to release their debut studio album, The Fourth Quarter, via Easy Star Records this October.

Another week is upon us and a fun way to start it is by listening to Drumwise’s incredible new Reflection Riddim album featuring reggae stars and bands Through The Roots, Inna Vision, The Steppas, Suckarie, and Jemere Morgan. Drumwise is the stage name for reggae musician and producer Calvin Canha, who dropped the riddim on July 30th via Greenstone and his new Drumwise label. Other artists featured include Siaosi, Peetah Morgan, and Chante.

It’s always super cool to listen to a band evolve, mature, and come into its own. Kings And Comrades have taken major steps in the band’s new album, Taking Off. This is our favorite album by the Philadelphia-based band yet. All 13 songs are super solid and feature impressive musicianship and thoughtful perspective.

Tucson native band ZeeCeeKeely have made a splash in the Iriezona scene with their wonderful album Fightahs and Unitahs! The band's upbeat blend of reggae, classic, and psychedelic rock bring good vibes through their unique desert reggae sound.

It’s been a difficult ride for the music industry and talented reggae musicians the past year, but hope is arriving, and we are excited to report a music festival in Arizona, ¡Viva Iriezona! A Celebration of Music and Arts, is taking place on Hidden Lake in Buckeye, Arizona, April 9th through April 11th.