OMI—- With Samantha J and OMI getting record deals abroad and songs from Jamaican acts being sampled internationally, it seems reggae and dancehall are poised to rise again on the world market. Earlier this year, Samantha J signed a record deal with Colombia Records, while OMI inked a deal with Ultra Music that will see him working with international label Sony Music Entertainment. Aidonia and Bounty Killer were recently featured on Will.i.am’s It’s My Birthday. Last year, Jamaican acts like Popcaan and Capleton were sampled on Kanye West’s Yeezus album, while Assassin was featured in a song on the album. Christopher Martin, Jimmy Cliff and Terror Fabulous were recently sampled by Jim Jones, B.O.B and Ace Hood, respectively. These are just some of the numerous features that Jamaican acts have received on the world stage recently. This, former Zip Jock Nikki Z, believes, might be a signal … Read entire article »