JUNE 2001 OVERVIEW

June marked the coming of summer, which in Toronto, equates to more gun-carrying thugs on the streets and in our dancehall. In this month alone, our city saw the murder of one of the Fung brothers from King Emperor Sound Crew, the murder of owner-selector Concord from Scarborough’s Desert Storm sound, the shooting of a Club Epiphany bouncer who miraculously survived 5 gunshots to his body, and the robbery, gunbutting and shooting of the owners and promoters of Tequila Lounge following their long weekend Bay Street Saturday night party. It’s safe to say now that if the police and payduty don’t return to our dancehall and nightclub scene soon, there could be cause for legal action against them from our local establishments and the victims who get hurt inside and outside these establishments.

Overall, June was relatively dead for foreign artists visiting town. Technically, there were no foreign artists who had exclusive Toronto engagements. Mad Cobra actually performed at the Bluenote in Hamilton, while Mutubaruka visited Toronto not as a performer, but as a speaker. In terms of foreign sounds, Toronto had its regular amount of visits including dates with Stonelove, Judgement, Rebel T, Metromedia, Poison Dart, Libra Love and Roots Rock.

The month kicked off with a visit from Libra Love Machine, who played alongside Bus Da Dance at Mirage for a 1st of the month Live To Air CKLN 88.1 Friday Night Reggaemania broadcast. While Bus Da Dance was on that night, Libra love was a bit off, and at times could be seen as somewhat boring. But the turnout at Mirage was good, making better vibes. The following Sunday, Libra Love machine played Club Epiphany and reportedly performed admirally. Bus Da Dance played Incline the following night for the first time alongside Starkade Exclusive and a few other sounds including one from Jamaica who was inconsequential. The club was small and the vibes were nice, no trouble.

More June hilights included Alan Lad’s (Military) 19th Anniversary at Base (Friday June 8th), as this marked the first time the up-on-the-roof concept would work for the reggaeheads at Base. Sounds onboard included Black Reaction, Steenie, Barry Culture, Hi Fashion, Glamourtone, and Jagga B. (a no-show). Artists billed to perform included Jah Pong, Finch Crew, hard Copy, Junior Flex, Cold As Ice, Fire Lion, Spida, Vonetta and Richie Lu. The night was a bit chilly, but that didn’t stop almost 600 fans from partying upstairs-downstairs, inside and out. 

Many of the performers in attendance were disappointed when they did not get to perform, but most sounds there had a good time juggling in harmony for a brethren sound who had done good things for almost everyone in the business at least some point in time. This was their way of saying thanks, and Alan Lad had to say, you’re welcome, as he finally got a chance to eat some food this night.

Mid June saw Poison Dart pass through Reggaemania before making their exclusive appearance at Hamilton’s Club Bluenote alongside King Attorney, Black Stone and Brisco. Metromedia also returned to Club Epiphany, and played for a very healthy crowd despite a shooting occurring at the establishment only two days prior. As a regular visitor to Toronto, selector Skyjuice had some very interesting statements about the way Canada is now versus how it used to be when dancehall was sweet. 

The following Sunday, it was Rebel T’s turn to spark up Epiphany. The month closed off with another foiled Live To Air broadcast planned for Mirage. 

Stonelove played CKLN alongside Bus Da Dance this same Friday before making their way to Hamilton for their Bluenote where Mad Cobra would also performed.

POPULAR DANCES FOR THE MONTH of JUNE Squichie | Zip It Up | Log On Pon It

POPULAR SONGS JUNE 2001 By His Deeds | Chi Chi Man | Restaurant