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When our friends at Catalyst Entertainment invited us to their "Soca Rizin Volume 1" Album Launch in New York, there was no doubt in our minds that TJJ was going to show our support. After all, Catalyst is known for bringing something different to the Soca scene with new music, new vision, and new entertainment for a new generation.

With showtime announced for 9:30PM, we arrived at the venue around 10:30PM (we improving). Guess what? You got it, it's West Indian time we talking about! No fret, there was a nice spread of finger food and DJ entertainment to keep us happy until showtime. Large up all the deejays on the inside, including 2005/2006 International Soca DJ Dr. Jay de Soca Prince who flew in from Toronto. Now, what was supposed to be a complimentary drink actually turned out to be more like complimentary drinks! Yes, those Apple martinis.... or as we say 'Appletinis' were da bomb.

Host Ian "D Goose" Eligon, loose in his hip hop gear, finally got things rolling. A pre-recorded video was shown where of some of the artistes, such as Maximus Dan and Gailann, expressed their apologizes for not being able to attend the CD launch. After which, CEO of Catalyst Entertainment, Damien Holder, welcomed everyone and acknowledged the owners/designers (Xolani and Machi) of Coskel University; who then treated the crowd to a mini-Coskel University fashion show. The models definitely worked their outfits.

It was then time for the artists to shine. Performances on the night included Trinity, Ridlah Red, Juicy/Jah Bami, Michelle "Miche" Williams, Michelle Sylvester, Mista Vybe, Esssence and Benjai. The young and talented Trinity sang his 2007 releases "Wine With You" and "Oh". That boy can saang!! We were also impressed by his smooth dance moves, which reminded us of a Usher or Michael Jackson. TnT's reggae artist and MTV TEMPO VJ, Jah Bami mixed up the vibes with his performance, and his popular hit "Ah Man is Just Ah Man" was a crowd's favourite. Mista Vybe & Michelle Sylvester, direct from Trinidad performed their 2006 duet "Always on My Mind" for the first time in NY.

Esssence and Michelle "Miche" Williams, the only female producer in the Soca industry, kept the vibes flowing with one of our personal favourites "On The Road". MC Wassy and D Goose then give a big welcome to Mr. Swanky himself.... Benjai. We don't know what Benjai drank (or smoked) on de night, but he was in rear form.... "Swaaaaaaaanky". His performance (less the technical difficulties) was quite enjoyable, much so that one of the TJJ crew wanted to put down de camera and tek ah lil wine, yes! We not only got a taste of his 2002 smash hit on the Best Buy riddim "Over and Over", together with recent hits "Jah In Your Life" and "Movin Yuh" BUT got some classic Benjai freestyling.... "Seeee meh, seeeee meh yaaaaah"!

Catalyst, thanks for having us. And the complimentary gift bags with West Indian business information, promoting Caribbean unity, was a nice touch. Free mug and whistle to get yuh fetin on too.... aye aye aye! But wait....surprise, surprise... prophylactics at the bottom of the goodies bag.... who woulda thought??!! We looking for the Trojan Magnum® next time!

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