Voice Mail (band)

Voice Mail
Origin Kingston, Jamaica
Genres Dancehall, reggae, reggae fusion
Years active 2003–present
Labels VP Records
Members Craig Jackson
Kevin Blaire
Past members O'Neil Edwards

Voice Mail (also known as Voicemail or VoiceMail) is a dancehall reggae fusion duo, hailing from Kingston, Jamaica.

Group members

Craig Jackson, Kevin Blaire, O'Neil Edwards (deceased)

History

Recognized for their intro trademarks, "You've got mail - VoiceMail" and "Heyeee"; Voice Mail were founded in 2003, and had a chart hit in Jamaica with "Weddy Time". They made a succession of videos for songs such as "Gal Hunt", "Weddy Time", "She Want It Harder", "Ready To Party" and "Wacky Dip", in addition to features on the Strip Tease riddim and Klymaxx riddim medley videos. They have performed at Spring Fest 2004, Sumfest 2004 and 2005, Fully Loaded plus undertaken worldwide touring.

The trio met at a local talent show. Originally the band included two additional members: Robert Manning and Leonardo Grant, all committing themselves to a recording career in 1999. However those two moved on, and by 2003, the trio began to actively record with record producers. Their first recording was with radio personality and producer Arif Cooper, on "Never Really Want To Let You Go".

The group's debut album, Hey (2007) with VP Records included dance party anthems "Wacky Dip", "Weddy Time" and "Ready To Party" which were forged by working with Danny Champagne of Champagne Records. The album sold over 100,000 copies in Japan. In 2008, the group continued their success in Japan with their follow up album, Let's Go. Voice Mail were featured by the Japanese reggae singer Lecca, on her fourth album, City Caravan.

The group scored their first number one in over two years on the Jamaican dancehall charts with "Dance the Night Away" featuring Busy Signal, which reached its peak in February 2010.[1][2]

On 10 May 2010, group member O'Neil Edwards, was robbed and shot several times by gunmen, at his home in Duhaney Park. He underwent surgery hours later.[3] The main suspect in his shooting was found dead on 12 May, and another captured in Manchester.[4] Many artistes and friends came out to the hospital to support Edwards, including Mr. Vegas and Macka Diamond. The group released a song titled "One Life to Live" which was recorded six months earlier, as a tribute to the critically ill group member.[5] On 26 May 2010, Edwards died[6] after battling for life in hospital for two weeks. He was buried on 5 June.[7]

Discography

Albums

Date of Release Title Label Reviews Catalog Number
Albums
18 July 2006 Hey VP Records/Universal Allmusic link 1728
16 July 2008 Jump Off VP Records

References

  1. ↑ The Jamaican Star (19 February 2010). "Voice Mail hits number one with their reggaefusion smash hit single "Dance the Night Away"". Reggaefusionist. Retrieved 19 February 2010.
  2. ↑ The Jamaican Star (19 February 2010). "Voice Mail notches first number one in over two years with their reggae fusion smash, "Dance the Night Away"". Reggaefusionist. Retrieved 19 February 2010.
  3. ↑ Robinson, Corey (10 May 2010). The Jamaica Observer http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-Voice-Mail-member-O-Neil-Edwards-shot-. Retrieved 10 May 2010. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ↑ Jamaicaobserver.com
  5. ↑ Zipfm.net
  6. ↑ "Voicemail Member Died ", Dancehall Madness, 17 May 2012
  7. ↑ Jamunite.com
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