Ebuzz News
Archived: NYC’s Leonce and Rayzor Return to T&T, Delivering Two Hits Ahead of C2K18.
The revelry is about to start and the outpouring of Soca is likely to be felt over the next few weeks. Two New York City based Soca artistes aren’t putting anything to chance though, having made it their business to be here, in the heartbeat of the Carnival action, ahead of the season’s commencement.
Rayzor is ready for the season ahead.
Rayzor and Leonce- two names that are slowly but surely becoming aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s seasonal festival, have accomplished their first major seasonal feat. They’ve each released new tracks, Rayzor comfortably adding his touch to the Blue Soap riddim on which artistes like Orlando Octave, Benjai, Rikki Jai, Yankee Boy and Olatunji have also released music. His single, “Glitter and Feathers” is an intoxicating reminder of the season’s true pleasures- the costumes and masquerader’s delight that’s are the core of the action. Rayzor says he’s excited to be here again this year, explaining that he understands the need to personally feel the energy of Trinidad and Tobago at this time of year. “This is where the tempo of the season can be found. It’s hard to be in New York and get the true essence and vibe of things. That’s why I make it my business to be here, to make the rounds, interact with the Djs and personalities and feel the warmth of the people,” he told EBUZZTT.
Leonce’s new single, “Touch D Road” is gaining favor already.
Leonce too, has new music. This year, she teamed up with super producer, Anson Soverall on a track that’s written by fellow artiste and songwriter, Preedy. “This song is really special, I feel,” said the dreadlock wearing beauty. She’s been quite vocal in radio interviews about her intention to show people a great time with this particular track. “I’ve always been an artiste whose comfort zone has been the rougher type of music- the chanting style,” she explained, but this particular track, she says, welcomes her vocals and allows her to share her true ability with the world. Leonce has been a part of the music business for the past 7 years ; Rayzor much longer. Together they are the frontline vocalists of The Request Band, a unit that’s made up of a number of Caribbean musicians that hail from St. Vincent, St. Lucia and other parts. “It’s not easy to be here each year but we know the importance of capturing T&T’s market. This is home ; this is where its at. This is where we need to be,” said Rayzor.
Leonce (left) with Rupee (centre) and Rayzor.
The duo will likely release another track each, as the season progresses. For Leonce, the excitement for what lies ahead, is indescribable. She recalls having worked alongside Soca superstar, Machel Montano in the US when the Request Band was asked to back him up at an event. “He is a true professional. He does not settle for mediocrity and that’s something I will always admire and strive for,” said the entertainer. She prides herself on being able to make people truly enjoy themselves and believes in the power of a live band. Recently, in a radio interview in Trinidad, Leonce said she anticipates delivering a Power Soca track and is hoping the right team will find her, to deliver that to the people. “Power Soca is what defines us and if we don’t pay attention, we will lose it to another island,” she pointed out, also highlighting that the potential for artistes to earn, lies in Power Soca and stage-show ability.
Both entertainers will return to Trinidad and Tobago in the weeks ahead, ready and excited to be a part of Carnival 2018.
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Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Ebuzz News
Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.
Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.
One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’
The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.
In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.
The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’
Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.