Not everything that happens with Vegas stays with Vegas.
Unlike the west coast gambling capital, with the dancehall, reggae deejay — whose moniker introduced him as Mr. Vegas — everything he writes, produces, rhymes or releases should be blazed in neon lights for all to see and hear.
Last year, he ruled on major marquees promoting the hit single “Bruck It Up.”
He won raves performing the track at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center.
Earlier this year, he stole the spotlight from a fully-loaded all-star lineup of dancehall deejays billed in Montego Bay, Jamaica for the annual Reggae Sumfest concert series. There, in addition to reprising a legacy of hits, he introduced Latty-J, a female deejay he has invested with a label deal.
Sassy, fierce and made for the mic, Latty-J reminisces Patra, a previously signed Sony Music recording artist who in the 90s was dubbed “Queen of the Pack.”
Recently, he introduced the singjay to New Yorkers.
“Thank you for every experience and for keeping me inspired. I feel blessed and fulfilled that I had another opportunity to release my sixth album,” Vegas stated.
For starters, he stopped into Manhattan’s Miss Lily’s to talk, sing, deejay, mingle and sell his newest studio album “Reggae Euphoria.” Fortunately, no one tipped the New York Fire Department otherwise bells would ring an alarm to clear the over-capacity eatery. Already hot inside, Vegas added steam to cause the mercury to rise performing reggae, pop, gospel and r&b renditions to acoustic accompaniment by guitar and bongo drums.
Despite the cramped conditions, Vegas sampled more than 10 from his 15-track, sixth studio album.
Vegas paid homage to Delroy Wilson covering “Once upon A Time.”
He flipped dialogue on the Alton Ellis classic dueting with Latty J on the vintage rock-steady hit “Girl I’ve Got A Date.
Borrowing from Miley Cyrus’ pop songbook he licensed “The Climb.”
One of the pointed tracks offered subtle advice to a particular audience about women who rely on artificial enhancements by becoming “Plastic Dolly.”
During the cabaret-styled, intimate launch, the 17-year veteran who burst on the scene chanting “Heads High” segued from song to song and at intervals responded to queries from spin doctor Rob Kenner about details on each track.
“God Good” a pocomania-style, gospel testament exalted gratitude and appreciation for blessings. He explained why he covered the song “Hallelujah” and the dimpled deejay added comic brawta asking Latty J a braggadocio question — “Who Rule.”
The funny candy crushing single created a buzz that lasted long after the three-hour concert treat. Before leaving the small stage, Vegas hoped out loud that Buju Banton would soon be freed from confinement. He did not belabor the topic but stated that he believes after release from prison the avowed Gargamel is sure to unleash a slew of treasures.
“Your support over the last 17 years has been nothing less than epic!” Vegas said.
“I hope that you will enjoy listening to this album as much as I enjoyed writing, and producing some of the tracks,” he added.
