ALLEY CAT AKA IMPERIAL

Artist Information

Biography

ALLEY CAT AKA IMPERIAL BIO

The vagaries of the music business especially in Jamaica are such that, you have put in work to make it big.
DJ Albert "Alley Cat," Richards decided to hold his own and added the descriptive "Imperial" to his moniker, hit with the probing social commentary "Why" and “No More Garrison. It was a journey that began on the by ways and side streets of Kingston. From childhood, Alley Cat would prowl the inner city, familiarizing himself with the area, thus earning his name. The journey would continue through "classroom break sessions" at Kingston College, and
Various stage shows across the island and then through the gates of Penthouse Studio. After making a strong local impact in Jamaica, Alley Cat journeyed to North America and Europe, doing major concerts and club venues. There, in the global music industry metropolis he sharpened his skills through music school, learning the guitar and also studio production. Alley Cat returned home and set about applying the knowledge and experience gained overseas in the local context Under his Imperial Productions label, he has produced and created rhythms for the likes of Movado, Harry Toddler, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Lutan Fiyah, Luciano ,Fiona and Gentleman from Germany. In terms of his own material, Alley Cat have completed three hit albums, 1st - Imperial Level
2nd - Dancehall Knowledge volume 1 and 3rd - Dancehall Knowledge volume 2. Concurrently, he has a trove of singles making noise on the scene, including "Party Spree* Finally* "All u Got" “Bruk Out” and "Nevaeh" the latter with production work by Imperial Productions. His guiding principle in the business is excellence, in terms of quality, and excellence he knows is born of a commitment. "Similarly," he says "any music I produce have to be buzz worthy.
Right now, Alley Cat is garnering full international recognition, and even though Alley Cat is considered one of the best talented dancehall/reggae acts from Jamaica, and his albums are doing very well, he knows partnerships are not to be ruled out in order to achieve the ultimate goal.
Between his own tracks and the work being done for other artists, Alley Cat has more than good reason to be optimistic. He’s getting great response from the material that’s out now, but has no intention of succumbing to complacency.

Instrumentation

Alley cat aka Imperial
Solo performer.
I work with tracks and i will work with a band if its provided i can also get a band if necessary and backup singers to make my performance tight.

Discography

1-GIRLS TOUR-SHOCKING VIBES MUSIC 1996
2-HOT GAL-MAD HOUSE RECORDS-1996 STINK RHYTHM
3-FRESH OFF THE BLOCK-JOYRIDE RHYTHM-1997-MADHOUSE RECORDS
4-BRAG AND BOAST-STEELIE AND CLEEVIE-1998
5-AINT NO GAL- OPRAH HOUSE- 1998
6- BOW GAME- IMPERIAL PRODUCTIONS-1999
7-PROTECT ME - JOHN JOHN-2000
8-WHY WHY-IMPERIAL PRODUCTION-2002/2003
9-IMPERIAL LEVEL CD, ALBUM- IMPERIAL PRODUCTIONS-2003-2005
10-NO MORE GARRISON-SINGRY-2006
11-CURUPTED SYSTEM-IMPERIAL PRODUCTION-2006
12-UNITE JAH PEOPLE FET. LUCIANO-IMPERIAL PRODUCTION - 2OO7
13-WORLD KEEPS TURNING.fet-tenor blue- IMPERIAL PRODUCTION-2008
14-MALLIC-WARD 21-2008
15-DANCE HALL KNOWLEDGE ALBUM-2008
16-PARTY SPREE - IMPERIAL PRODUCTIONS-2009
17-FINALLY - IMPERIAL PRODUCTIONS-2010

Official Website

http://www.imperialworld.net

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Youtube
• Youtube
• Youtube
• Youtube
• Youtube

Audio

• Days like these-4
  Listen  
• 1-We wont forget you
  Listen  
• sexy rich & young[edit]]
  Listen  
• ALL U GOT
  Listen  
• WHY WHY
  Listen  
• Nevaeh
  Listen  
• FINALLY
  Listen  
• so precious
  Listen  
• ROUGH SOCIETY
  Listen  
• PARTY SPREE
  Listen  

Video

Imperial hot videos

Alley Cat video biography

Photo Gallery

Press

• ALLEY CAT COMING STRON THIS SUMMER [+ Show ]
  

  Deejay Alley Cat is among the top dancehall stars booked for Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night on Thur... Deejay Alley Cat is among the top dancehall stars booked for Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night on Thursday, July 17 at Catherine Hall Complex in Montego Bay, St. James.
  Alley Cat, who at one point shared prominence with superstar DJ Beenie Man, Tanto Metro, Kirk Davis and others as members of Shocking Vibes, is promising to deliver a strong performance for the fans at this highly anticipated world festival.
  
  
  He told Xtratainment that: “Right now, Alley Cat aka Imperial is coming strong for Sumfest.”
  He has been building a strong slew of new hits for the past year and will come with enough quality ammunition for the festival.
  
  Alley Cat’s songs and music videos have been on charts such as CVM TV, RE TV and Hype TV.
  After Reggae Sumfest, Alley Cat will be performing on the Reggae Salute show in Orlando, Florida in the USA on August 27, alongside artistes like Luciano, Shinehead, Ed Robinson, Everton Blender, Glen Washington, and a host of others. This performance is highly anticipated by the Florida fans. Alley Cat will then be back in Jamaica to promote his latest album and shoot the second music video for the album. Thereafter, a tour of Europe is in the making.
  
  The album titled ‘Dancehall Knowledge’ will be released soon. Ernie B Distribution out of California and CD Baby will distribute it. The album will be digitally distributed by CD Baby, itunes and all major digital distributors for download.
  The album is also available on myspace page: www.myspace.com/alleycattheimperial. The album consist of 17 tracks and his a reality based versatile album.
  Alley Cat is putting out a lot of work and the future seems bright for him taking the music worldwide.
  

• CENTERSTAGE WITH ALLEY CAT [+ Show ]
  

  Alley Cat - Contributed Stage Name: Alley Cat aka Imperial Real Name: Albert Richards Birth ... Alley Cat - Contributed
  
  Stage Name: Alley Cat aka Imperial
  Real Name: Albert Richards
  
  Birth Date: December 25
  
  Which High School did you attend? Kingston College
  
  How did you get started in the business?
  
  Wayne Wonder introduced me to deejaying and the Penthouse mixtape in 1998 at Penthouse Studios.
  
  What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet?
  
  The greatest challenge was taking time out from the music in 2002, and going back to music school. Went back to school to learn how to produce, make rhythms and to master the music business in general.
  
  What have you been up to lately?
  
  My latest project is 'Dancehall Knowledge' my second album. Also have a video right now on RE top ten countdown called World Keeps Turning. Mi a come wid a new rhythm called 'Icasharr' (a Jewish name). Featured on it are Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Lutan Fyah, Gentleman, Determine and my song Mr Reality off my album.
  
  
  Do you look up to any specific artiste?
  
  I look up to all artistes from Bob Marley come right up, anybody who inspire people through their music positively and advocate for di upliftment of di people.
  
  Are you happy with the way things are going for your career right now?
  
  Yeah, I'm pretty happy right now and I'm being accepted more by the people in the industry and I'm playing my part in helping the industry into the future.
  
  Anything you'd like to change about it?
  
  Nothing right now.
  
  What are your future plans?
  
  Just to make better beats, produce better music and help the reggae music move from the local level to an international level, where we can get what we deserve, musically and not to be manipulated by the big record companies.
  
  Do you have any advice for young artistes coming up?
  
  Just make sure you do a lot of reading, educate yourself, stay focused on your goals and don't ever give up no matter how rough it seems.

• ALLEY CAT DROPS DANCEHALL KNOWLEDGE VOL 1 [+ Show ]
  

  Friday, August 15, 2008 Fresh out the lot with a brand new album project, veteran deejay Alley Ca...Friday, August 15, 2008
  
  Fresh out the lot with a brand new album project, veteran deejay Alley Cat is taking his music to the next level. Dancehall Knowledge Vol 1, which was recently released by the songwriter, is boasting some uplifting and rebellious music; something that Alley admits was deliberate.
  
  
  Alley Cat... is taking his music to the next level
  
  "It's inspiring with a little bit of rude bwoy touch but 95% reality-based defending the struggles of the people, all songs except track 11 was created and written by me."
  
  Alley Cat who has been working behind the scenes as a
  producer/artiste, says everything is in place to make the album a successful one. "The first video single has been out and has been doing well on RETV and CVM TV top 10 countdown. Several radio stations has also been giving some great rotation and I'm not just talking locally but overseas as well. Everyone who has heard the album has been giving me positive feedback for which I am grateful."
  
  As far as guest appearances goes, Alley was quick to point out that there would only be a handful. "I have appearances by Red Square, Mitch, Fiona, Tenor Blue who comes all the way from Miami, Florida and also newcomers Badd Cash, East Coast and Scorpion."
  
  In giving his final word on the new project, Alley promises anyone who hears Dancehall Knowledge Vol 1 that they will have nothing but high praises to sing. "The songs are really good and will stick with the people, this is not a bubble gum album, this album is strong from start to finish and will seal and gain the respect of music critics everywhere."
  
  

• ALLEY CAT DANCEHALL MIX OUT THIS SUMMER [+ Show ]
  

  Artiste/producer and Ceo of Imperial Productions A.Richards known as Alley Cat aka Imperial is curre...Artiste/producer and Ceo of Imperial Productions A.Richards known as Alley Cat aka Imperial is currently hard at work in Florida on various projects that is soon to be released.
  
  His latest effort is the ultimate 10-track energy packed mix cd titled Dancehall Mix (TO DOWNLOAD CLICK HERE) which features hit singles such as Party Spree that is fast becoming the people’s party anthem. Dancehall lovers around the world can get this amazing mix on all major downloads sites.
  
  The mix also includes some tracks off the Dancehall Knowledge VOL. 1 album and a few from his upcoming album and some never before heard singles.
  
  Dancehall Mix has a little “summen” for all the music lovers. This 35-mins mix is poised to keep you bouncing. All tracks were produced by Alley Cat.
  
  Over the past few weeks Alley Cat has been busy shooting the video for the #2 track on the mix called Finally which is expected to be out before the Summer.
  
  Alley Cat Party Spree video and song has been getting a lot of airplays in Jamaica and is quickly making its way on several international radio stations playlist.
  
  While the song is creating waves, the video has topped several video countdown charts such as HYPE TV VTX and Susie Q’s Reggae Top Ten Countdown. WATCH PARTY SPREE CLICK HERE
  
  Alley Cat is definitely playing his part to keeping the music alive. “It’s not about the quick hype but longevity in the business, making a strong catalog of music that can last a lifetime.
  
  .

• "Finally" - Motion Picture Juggling To Hit iTunes Soon [+ Show ]
  

  Albert Richards CEO of Imperial Productions will be releasing a brand new juggling on his Imperial P...Albert Richards CEO of Imperial Productions will be releasing a brand new juggling on his Imperial Productions label called the "'Motion Picture Juggling''. This latest project features songs from Alley Cat aka Imperial, Tornado, Mr Peppa, G Maffiah, Mr. Lexx, Hawkeye, Christopher, Kerry Page and a host of others.
  
  The Motion Picture will be available via iTunes, Rhapsody, Emusic, Napster and all other major download stores worldwide.
  
  Apart from the Motion Picture Juggling the Imperial recently released a video for the fast rising single "Finally", which is currently getting heavy rotation locally and gaining momentum on the international market.
  
  TO WATCH FINALLY MUSIC VIDEO CLICK HERE
  
  Don't forget to grab a copy of the Motion Picture Juggling CLICK HERE
  
  .
  

• Alley Cat "Just Party" for the Summer [+ Show ]
  

  Following on the heels of his hit single Party Spree, Alley Cat has penned another hot summer anthem...Following on the heels of his hit single Party Spree, Alley Cat has penned another hot summer anthem for the party goers especial for those who flocked the ATI and Dream Weekend party series each year.
  
  In the chorus of song "Just Party" Alley Cat hits out against persons who shy away from the bar while the verses are strictly dedicated to the top money spenders.
  
  TO DOWNLOAD JUST PARTY CLICK HERE
  
  According to Alley, Don't be a party "cruff" and a pose up with yuh empty cup, support di bar because this song describes the desire for you to enjoy your self to the fullest.
  
  Just Party is definitely on its way of becoming another street anthem for the deejay which will also be featured on Alley Cat’s upcoming album Dancehall Knowledge Vol. II.
  
  For your all jingles request and other infos you can contact Alley Cat at this email address email-immperial@aol.com.

• New Alley Cat Video & Riddim [+ Show ]
  

  Dancehall deejay Alley Cat has a brand new music video for the single “Finally” which we’ve featured...Dancehall deejay Alley Cat has a brand new music video for the single “Finally” which we’ve featured below. Fans can look out for Alley Cat’s latest riddim production, ‘MOTION Picture Juggling’, which is set to be released on September 14 featuring tracks by Alley Cat, Mr. Peppa, G. Maffiah, Tornado, Hawkeye, Mr. Lexx, Mitch, Heather Cummings, Shaka Pow, Kristopher and others. Click here for previews.
  
  
  
  
  

Setlist

1-MEADLY OF PREVIOUS HITS
2-WHY WHY
3-CORRUPTED SYSTEM
4-PARTY SPREE-new song
5-FINALLY-new song
6-ALL U GOT
7-THEM RUDE
9-MAMMA AFRICA
10-ROUGH SOCIETY
11-REGGAE MUSIC
12-KNOWLEDGE
13-RAGAMUFFIN
14-MR REALITY
15-NO MORE GARRISON
At times the set can change according to the type of audience he's facing, but this is the set he will normally use.

Basic Requirements

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