Ebuzz News
Archived: Rayzor, Leonce of New York’s Request Band, Take Aim At T&T
Soca stars are coming out in droves. The latest to emerge in Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Carnival 2017 are Leonce and Rayzor.
Lyrikal, Patch, Yankey Boy – all names of US based soca artistes who’ve somehow managed to remain heavily involved in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – so much so that Lyrikal is possibly one of the most requested entertainers, at post-Trini Carnival events around the world. These days, names like Rayzor and Leonce are popping up, making many aware that the handful of US based soca stars who’ve made the breakthrough locally, is about to increase.
Rayzor is ready to bring his vibe to the T&T Soca circuit. PHOTO CREDIT: Thenightvisions.com
Both Rayzor and Leonce are frontline artistes with NYC’s Request Band- a band that has held it down in the past, for Machel Montano when his band couldn’t be there to back him up. Rayzor’s been making the rounds in Trinidad, promoting his new single, “De Weekend”, and so far, he’s been getting pretty great reviews. “DJ’s seem to be loving the track and I’m hearing the song getting airplay, so I’m generally happy about that,” said the entertainer. He’s been working on a video for the track, set for release by the end of the year.
Leonce has a new single called “Addicted” on the Island Lime riddim.
His fellow front-liner, Leonce will hit local shores on Christmas Day for a five day promotional stint where she’ll share her single, “Addicted” with DJs and fans of soca music. Leonce has a voice that’s pure gold. Her inspirations have been icons in Calypso music like Denise Plummer, Ella Andall, Singing Sandra and Lord Kitchener among others. A single released in early 2016 called, “Warn Dem”, has amassed over 200,000 YouTube views- something she herself is very happy about.
The pair will return to Trinidad and Tobago in the height of the Carnival revelry in January. Rayzor told EBUZZTT.COM recently that he knowns its necessary to be in T&T and while it’s sometimes a challenge, he’ll do whatever he has to, to ensure that his presence is felt at home.
NEW MUSIC
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.
