May 2008 Archives

Photo's by: Ryan Lue Clarke

Finally the adventure has returned

The highly anticipated third sequel of The Mummy franchise has arrived and can be viewed in theaters on August 1st. Here's the official movie trailer for The Mummy Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.

(U.S)

What the FCK is this coming out of the hip hop world, after Lollipop superstar Lil Wayne and his rap daddy Baby was viewed kissing last year by millions of Americans they are now being exposed again by a former member of the Cash Money group.

T.Q who was with the group in its earlier days was quoted as saying
"Too much funny shit was going on at Cash Money. I'm sitting at the house in the East one day Wayne comes in and walks over to Baby and kisses him in the mouth and when Wayne gets ready to leave, they do it again.They say it's a father-son thing. To each his own and I know for a fact that both of them cats like women but it f**ks me up when them ni**as do that sh*t in public".

What the FCK

March/April 2008 Cover
(Kingston, Jamaica)

Fresh out the box and onto the local shelves comes a new and exciting Magazine Publication that highlights Jamaican culture, food, fashion and entertainment. Panche Ja Magazine is hot and since its first issue was printed in January of this year the Magazine has been growing from strength to strength and will this june celebrate it's very first anniversary.

The bi-monthly Magazine which was created by Tricia Williamson, who also serves as its current Editor-in-Chief is among the few local prints to have a digital edition via its flagship, panacheja.com. Since its inaugural issue, the readership base has grown significantly, boasting some 6,000 readers per issue, projections which are expected to increase due to the overwhelming demand for cultural content out of Jamaica.

In November 2007, barely into the release of its third issue, the magazine garnered its most prestigious honor to date, by being recognized as a winner in the national Digicel Business/ YEA/ JEF Young Entrepreneur's Challenge 2007, that coupled with the determination to  become the leading magazine of choice for Caribbean readers aged 18-35 throughout the world.

Beyond the gilts and glamour the magazine gives feature to Jamaican Motor Racing, Business Information, Career and Financial Advice, Sex Tips and the latest reviews on Electronics and Technology. There's a little bit of everything for both men and women.

After his self-titled debut produced two singles which ended up in the top five of Billboard's Hot 100, Sean Kingston is looking to change his formula. For his sophomore album Kingston is hoping to take a page from Madonna's book and has enlist the help of Virginia beat smiths Timbaland and Pharrell Williams. Kingston who is currently 18-year-old had this to say about the new team.

"I'll be going in the studio with them, and I can't wait, It's gonna be crazy. I think their styles are so dope, and we can make some magic over those beats. I write all my own music, and all my own stuff, so it's gonna be dope."

Epic, which is the parent company of Kingston's label, Beluga Heights, originally had to sell many urban stations on their artist's first single "Beautiful Girls." Although Pop and Top 40 markets embraced the song, Epic outsourced Koch to market "Beautiful Girls" specifically to urban outlets. Since that songs release and subsequent success, Sean Kingston has performed material with The Game, Rick Ross and Bun B, among others. Although the recording for his next album has yet to begin, Kingston says he thinks the new material will be more well-rounded than expected.

"This album is gonna touch everything--the urban, the pop...everything, My first album was cool on the urban side, but it ended up being a huge pop album. This time I want to build Sean Kingston as a brand and not just somebody with a couple songs out. I've been writing everyday and coming up with new ideas to release different stuff out there. I'm grinding and I just put my mixtape out there too."

AUBURNDALE | Metal detectors and pat downs for weapons weren't enough to prevent a triple homicide at an Auburndale club early this morning where two disc jockeys and another man were shot and killed.
Antone Geargo Neely, 29, also known as Tony Montana, of 7137 Waterside Drive, Tampa, died at the Thunderbird Inn, where the shooting happened. Michael S. Rattigan, 35, also known as Chris Rock, of 10516 Gold Water Lane, Riverview, was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he died. Both were DJs of the Tampa-area group Poison Dart.

Kevin Jordache Webster, 29, of 2681 Salters Court, Deltona, who was an associate of Poison Dart, also died at the scene.

Detectives think the shooting occurred over an argument between the three men and someone else, but getting information from the nearly 300 people who were at the club has been difficult, Judd said.

"This is a brutal murder scene," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Someone knows the name of who did this and we need that name."

Deputies received a call at 2:40 a.m. reporting a disturbance at the bar at 723 New Hope Street. But the shooting happened before deputies arrived, officials said.

Judd said the shooting doesn't appear to be random.

As shots rang out in the early morning, between 200 and 300 people flooded into the streets.

"We were standing over there by the concrete when we heard 'boom, boom, boom' inside," said Walter Maxwell, who cooks barbecue outside the dance club. "And then we saw all the people running out and screaming."

In all of the confusion of the people, Maxwell said, he wasn't able to see a shooter. But he did see a few suspicious people that got into a car that peeled out of the small neighborhood.

"This is horrible," he said. "It has shocked everybody. I was surprised to hear someone got in there with a gun."

The shooting may be related to another incident that occurred at the bar between May 9 and May 10, the Sheriff's Office said.

The agency is seeking two people they want to talk to in the investigation. The men were seen running from the bar, and they possibly left the area in a newer model white BMW 4-door sedan, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The first subject is described as black, 23 to 30 years old, 6 feet to 6 feet two inches tall, and about 200 to 225 pounds, with a "short braid" hairstyle. He was wearing black dress slacks, a black short sleeve button-up shirt and square toe loafers.

The second subject is described as black, 23 to 30 years old, five feet five inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 150 to 170 pounds, also with a "short braid" hairstyle. He was wearing blue jeans and a beige jacket with a hooded shirt.

Maxwell said the two Poison Dart members had been performing at the club for about the past six or seven months, playing hip-hop and reggae music, and were well-liked by the audience.

"They were good DJs," he said in his native Jamaican accent. "Everybody wanted to hear them."

The Thunderbird Inn, which has been open for about 50 years, has its own colorful history in a neighborhood know by law enforcement for its violence.

New Hope Street was originally called Hobbs Lane, until the city renamed it and blocked off its entrance to Hobbs Road, Judd said, in the hopes of revitalizing the area.

But it didn't work and crime persisted.

When Judd oversaw the narcotics division of the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the area was well known to undercover detectives, who would regularly make drug busts outside the bar, he said.

"This isn't the first time blood has been shed here," he said.

In recent years, though, criminal activity has been minimal, according to Sheriff's Office statistics. And new policies by the club's owner, Jimmie Young, have also helped. Before a person enters, bouncers use wand metal detectors and pat down patrons to search for weapons.

"The owner does a pretty good job of policing it himself," Judd said. "You really don't want law enforcement having to police your area. That's bad for business."
Detectives are still searching for the suspect or suspects involved in the shooting. If anyone has information about the incident, they are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477)

"We want justice," Maxwell said. "We can't have these people running around."

Many times women are made to feel less than they are, less than the ground they walk on, they are not cherished, loved or made to feel appreciated. Like my brother from another mother Kat Williams said " Self Esteem is the steem of your Mother****ing self " Know your worth, You are worth more than any diamond money can buy.


Check out this song from Sophia Brown - I'm A Rose

(Miami, Florida)

The proclaimed King of the Dancehall Beenie Man has yet again given suss and gossip rollers something to talk about, this coming out of last Sunday Best of the Best Concert in Miami. Beenie Man who was one of the several headline artists billed for the event was up to his usual antics and this time it was all but too obvious.

Taking the stage during the last segment of the show Beenie 15 or so minutes into his set stopped and made this very peculiar statement. "Bounty Killer nuh get nuh work permit, Mavado nuh get nuh work permit so me ago represent fi di Alliance, mek mi si all a di Alliance fans dem wave". before  belting out Mavado's  hit single "I'm on the Rock".  As the riddim of the track played many patrons looked shocked, some amazed that the known Alliance arch rival saw it fit to represent for them in a full suit of white. The backstage area soon began to flow with chatter as several artists were visibly upset at Beenie for making such a statement.

To add insult to injury Beenie was less than cooperative with stage personnel who beckoned to the doctor to close out his set several times before the sound and lights were finally turned off on him, something that as a international recording artist of his caliber doesn't look good, especially on camera.

Back at the Marriott Hotel where most of the other artists were staying the doctor was in an even more Hostel mood as he shouted at the receptionist to get him a room. Fans were also turned aways as the Doctor didn't mince word in tell them to get lost. "Mi nah tek nuh picture my girl" he was over heard saying to a beautiful Miami girl who was overwhelmed just to be in his presence.

We were there and we did see so let us show you, this is our top 5 photo round up. Enjoy

(Miami, Florida)

Yes people the big Best of the Best Memorial Day Concert put on by Jabba from Massive B was a success this as thousands of people crammed into the Biccentinal Park Venue to watch some of the top Dancehall & Reggae artists perform live. Although big name acts like the general Bounty Killer and the gully god Mavado weren't in attendance Dancehall fans still got a good show as people like Assassin who did an electrifying set reeling off singles from his still growing catalog. Other acts like Serani, Demarco, Bugle and Bling Dawg represented well.

The Gargamel Buju Banton gave a strong performance as he took to stage minutes pass 8PM while Sizzla Kalonji got the Caribbean flags signaling as a show of appreciation by the fans. Decked in a full white suit Dancehall crossover champ Jr. Reid not only went off on stage but had people backstage wondering what was on his mind when he disrespect Buju in front of the international media "tell you more about that later".

The low point of the night would have to be the horrible attitude self proclaimed King of the Dancehall Beenie Man displayed on stage. Assumptions are that he was alloted a 30 minutes set but was only allowed to perform 15 which resulted in the sound system, mic and lights being turned off on him after which he was escorted off stage. He also shocks the massive crowd when he bravely announced that he would be representing for the Alliance as Mavado & Bounty were unable to and went straight into performing Mavado's I'm on the Rock single.

At this point the crowd began to fizzle and even thought host of the night Jabba pleaded which the crowd to stay many continued to the gate. The veteran Dancehall bad man Super Cat only proved to be ok in the wee hours of the night a move many though was reckless on the part of the promoters. "Super Cat can't lock show" one person was overheard saying.

All in all the show still was a good look, Tarrus Riley got probably the biggest forward of the day for his She's Royal entrance and Etana took the Best Dressed Female artist of the night looking like a true black empress.

In today's entertainment industry, promotion and marketing has evolved to new levels and outlets and until recently, uncharted territories. The old and proven technique of promoting an event with flyers plastered on storefronts, utility poles and ply-boards all over cities has decreased drastically due to hefty fines and harsher laws and have moved towards the internet mainly through banner ads, splash pages on our favorite websites, mailing lists, newsletters, etc. More people are tech  savy and are spending more time on computers and handheld devices such as cellphones and pda's. Event promoters and businesses have seen the possibilities of the internet. The cost of promoting via the internet can be lower in many cases, the cost of printing  and posting thousands of flyers are cut and there are less risk of John Doe getting a ticket for posting those flyers.

In New York, as elsewhere, a promoter's reputation is very important in the success of an event. Track record is very important and in speaking briefly with known selector and promoter Steelie Bashment recently, You have to first do what you do for the love of it and not the money. Steelie Bashment is known for his sold out events, his most recent was held at Amazura in Queens, New York and the admission was only $10.00. Now that same night other events were being held close by with some top name entertainers and guess what, because people are familiar with a Steelie Bashment Party and with today's economy spending $10 instead of $35 or more, Over 3,000 patrons were in attendance, it was a huge success and most of the promotion for this event was through the internet, underground radio and minimum flyer postings.

Energy prices are at an all time high leading to price increase of virtually everything, but we still need to party and let loose and with many of the years biggest events approaching,  promoters are putting on their thinking caps to figure out how to make their event successful. In Jamaica, soon it will be Reggae Sumfest and Fully Loaded, In Miami as a matter of fact today will be Best Of The Best, In New York, Irie Jam Celebrity Soccer Match will be on Memorial Day, Jamrock Reggaefest in June and Irie Jamboree in September.

 Worldflavas has had the privilege of attending many events and sometimes the powers that be need to do better to facilitate media houses because a bad experience by someone from the media can lead to publicity not needed at times. Thousands of people visit our site daily and  whatever  experience we have at your event, is what we will report, whether good or bad.

Many websites will report events favorable to promoters because they are in their pockets, Rest assured that what we report will be strictly facts, even if it does not sit well with a promoter, Worldflavas believes that the public deserves honest accounts and not sugar coated reporting.
 
Also don't expect the media to pay admission to enter your event, then in turn report on it, If we pay to enter an event, we intend to enjoy ourselves and not pay to work.

ALBANY, N.Y. - New York Gov. David Paterson is granting a full and unconditional pardon to rapper Ricky "Slick Rick" Walters for the attempted murders of two men in 1991.

The pardon is expected to halt efforts to deport Walters to the United Kingdom, the country he left as a child.

The eyepatch-wearing star behind the '80s rap classic "La-Di-Da-Di" served more than five years in prison after the shooting of his cousin and another man. Both survived.

The governor says Walters is now a rap artist and landlord in the Bronx who hasn't had any criminal problems since his release from prison in 1997. He also says Walters has volunteered to counsel youths against violence.

Check out this Worldflavas exclusive remix of Money Changer by Mavado done by DJ Soma out of Japan.

You can check out DJ Soma right here on World Flavas Radio, Live from Japan sunday mornings 8-9AM

Make sure you get a copy of the debut album from reggae most spirited female vocalist Etana.

Bajan Pop Beauty Rihanna is now sporting a star glittered tattoo, That's Hot

(U.S)

After a three-week break, Lil Wayne "Lollipop" featuring Static Major returns to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week. It's the longest chart-topping hiatus since Usher's "U Got It Bad" went four weeks between No. 1 stints in January 2002.

Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" is No. 2 for a second week, while last week's chart-topper, Rihanna "Take a Bow," slips 3-1 despite being the fastest-growing track at radio. Usher "Love in This Club" featuring Young Jeezy rises 5-4, trading places with Jordin Sparks' "No Air" featuring Chris Brown.

Ray J & Yung Berg "Sexy Can I" holds at No. 6, and Madonna "4 Minutes" featuring Justin Timberlake remains No. 7. Natasha Bedingfield "Pocketful of Sunshine" rises 9-8, trading places with Mariah Carey "Touch My Body." Danity Kane "Damaged" holds at No. 10 to round out the top tier.

reference
www.billboard.com

Intro
Daseca....
To every block....
Every streets....
Every gully side....
Every community....
Every garrison....
Nuh, worry....
(Adlibs)
Forever hot on my block....
And even if mi lef di gully....
I'll be going back....
Ye....

Chorus (x1)
Yuh si even if mi lef di gully....
Dont Worry.... Dont Worry....
Retaliation inna hurry....
Dont Worry.... Dont Worry....
Yuh si even if mi lef di gully.....
Dont Worry.... Dont Worry....
Retaliation inna hurry....
Dont Worry....

Verse 1
Mi nuh gone no weh, mi nuh gone....
Dey yah pon di gully cause a right yasso mi born....
Mi nuh gone no weh, weh mi nuh gone....
Deh ya pon di gully.... mi do mi song....
The gully side need **** to mi....
Mi uplift the gully side that part ah mi destiny....
Man deserve more dem gi less to mi....
But every knee shall bow and every tongue confess to mi....
Some na no clean hands and pure heart....
That's why dem mek beer bad-mind talk....
We nuh listen pagan talk....
Mi love di gully to mi heart....
Gully Gully

Chorus (x1)

Verse 2
Every gully a mine....
suh if yuh pass Cassava Piece an si di range yuh naffi worry a mine....
Cause di gully ah mine....
suh when di pagan rise against mi defense ah di gully mi fine....
suh from di gully side mi nah switch....
but from mi touch di road and mama proud di gully side becomes a target....
some neva know when mi a walk it....
but now a means a bless true how mi stress dem si mi tings an now dem want it....
wah reap di fruits an neva plant it....
wah dark up di journey cause dem wah mi carry wata inna basket....
what have I done wrong mi ask it....
but sing a couple song about di gangs because somebody need to talk it....

Bridge (x1)
So I wo I....
 The most high wo I....
Who will protect I wo I....
The most I....

Chorus (x1)

Hot or Not..

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Female Dancehall deejay Macka Diamond will once again be making an appearance at the summers premiere events Reggae Sumfest. Macka who recently returned from visiting her young son in Canada spoke with worldflavas yesterday while at the offices of Solid Agency. "Yes I will be performing at Sumfest this year and as usual its more than a pleasure, I just got back in the island, I did some shows in New York and then spent Mother's Day with my son".

Macka who is now busy in the studios recording tracks for a possible new album also said its time to get busy again. "Right now I'm recording, I have a song called No Fake Friend with Ward 21, I have aother one which is a Carnival single its called Groovy Soca, that is for when I'm doing Barbados Crop Over. As for collabs I have a track working on with Maxi Priest and finally Christopher Birch has a new riddim I should be dropping something on".

Heading off to Grenada next week Macka is also slated to perform in Africa this June.

www.myspace.com/mackadiamond

Ok so I have to thank flypaperblog.com for this, I just couldn't pass it, it is sooooooooo funny, Look Ele I love you but you can't go swinging the "Anaconda" in front of women and don't expect one of them to bite.

 

Malaika

I did not have the pleasure of being one of the thousands of reporters in Chicago reporting on this long awaited trial, so therefore I can be bias. My views are not those of WorldFlavas.com and anyone associated with it, they are my views and views alone, so after this report I will give you a piece of my mind.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Prosecutors played the sex tape at the center of R. Kelly's child pornography trial in open court Tuesday, just hours after opening statements in which they accused the R&B singer of choreographing and starring in a video featuring "vile, disturbing and disgusting sex acts" with an underage girl.

The jurors, who took feverish notes during opening statements, sat motionless while the video played. Their eyes fixed on a 4-by-4-foot monitor just outside the jury box. In the courtroom, the lights were dimmed and blinds drawn across windows. There were several other monitors in the room, including one facing the crowded gallery.

A grim, intent Kelly watched the whole video on a small monitor placed on the defense table, only occasionally averting his eyes. At times, the 41-year-old rocked in his chair or rested his chin in his hand.

Before putting the tape into a videocassette player, a prosecutor walked across the stately courtroom, held it out for the defense team to see and entered it into the record as "People's Exhibit No. 1."

The roughly 27-minute homemade video shows a man having sex with a young female, who is naked for most of the recording -- except for a necklace with a cross dangling from it.

At the start of the videotape, the man hands the female money and she mouths the words, "Thank you." She is often blank-faced, impassive. The man speaks to the female in a hushed, monotone voice, and she calls him "Daddy."

Songs from the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys blare from a radio. The female dances -- the man out of view. Back in view, he has sex with her. The man walks up to the camera to adjust it a few times, but his face is often obscured.

As she dances, the female urinates on the floor. Near the end of the video, the man urinates on the female.

Prosecutors say the man in the video is Kelly, and that the female is a girl who was as young as 13 years old when the tape was made between Jan. 1, 1998, and Nov. 1, 2000.

The singer, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to 15 years if convicted.

During opening statements in the long-delayed trial, Cook County prosecutor Shauna Boliker warned jurors they would have to watch shocking video and that "the case will unfold before you frame by disgusting frame."

"You will see the sex acts he commands her to do," said Boliker, who referred to Kelly by his birth name of Robert Kelly. "Acts you have never seen before. Vile, disturbing and disgusting sex acts, actions that were choreographed, produced and starred in by Robert Kelly."

Kelly often looked strained, even worried during opening statements, his mouth drawn tight as he hunched forward on a leather-backed chair -- frequently appearing to study jurors' faces.

Minutes after Boliker concluded, defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. paced the room and often raised his voice in his opening statements, telling jurors with emphasis that Kelly was not the man on the tape. He also called the video's origins into question and said the female who authorities allege is depicted on the tape is not that person at all.

"You know what they have to connect Mr. Kelly to this tape?" he asked the jurors, pausing. "Nothing."

The 23-year-old woman prosecutors say was a minor at the time of the taping also denies that she's the person on the video.

The trial has been delayed repeatedly since the tape was mailed to the Chicago Sun-Times in 2002. The newspaper turned it over to authorities, and Kelly was indicted later that year.

Boliker alleged the singer took advantage of the inherent trust children place in adults, and the female on the tape performed acts that Kelly "commanded" her to perform.

Boliker told jurors the state will not call the alleged victim to the stand, but she did not explain why.

Adam addressed that issue forcefully as he faced jurors during his opening statement, asking them why prosecutors wouldn't call the female as a witness.

"One answer," he said. "One: It's not her on that tape."

Adam also tried to raise questions about the tape itself, saying no one knows where it originated before it showed up at the Sun-Times. The videotape in evidence, he said, is "at best a copy of a copy of a copy." He also said the FBI, which compiled a report on the tape, could not identify the man in it as Kelly.

Adam did make it clear what he wanted jurors doing when they watched videotape: Looking for a mole on the man's back.

The defense displayed a photo of Kelly's back with a mole smaller than the size of a dime. Adam said jurors wouldn't find the mole on the back of the man in the videotape.

"There is no mole on his back," Adam said. "Robert isn't that man on the tape."

Adam also told jurors the female that prosecutors claim is depicted on the video "is not a victim because she is not the girl on that tape." Instead, he suggested the woman in the video is a "professional prostitute" because the man in the video hands her money.

Kelly, with an entourage in tow, arrived at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse about 90 minutes before opening statements were to begin. He wore a navy pinstriped suit and blue and orange striped tie, and his hair was in corn rows.

When he stepped into the hall during a short recess Tuesday, several teenage girls shrieked in delight at the sight of the award-winning singer.

Kelly won a Grammy in 1997 for the gospel-tinged "I Believe I Can Fly," and is also known for such songs as "Bump N' Grind," "Ignition," and "Trapped in the Closet," a multipart saga about the sexual secrets of a lively and ever-expanding cast of characters.

Also Tuesday, jurors heard from retired Chicago police investigator Dan Everett, who said he and his partner were sent to the Sun-Times building in February 2002 after a reporter received a VHS videotape the newspaper wanted to turn over to police.

Everett told jurors what he and his partner witnessed on the sex tape, but he also testified that he knew the female depicted in it was an underage girl because he had interviewed her as part of an earlier investigation.

At that point, Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan called a sidebar outside the jury's presence and threatened to declare a mistrial because Everett had been instructed not to use the word "investigation."

Everett did not say what the previous investigation involved.

Gaughan scolded Everett, saying he'd made an egregious mistake that violated the judge's court order and said he would declare a mistrial if the word was used again in reference to the earlier interview.

Everett told the jury when it returned that he had interviewed the young female on Dec. 5, 2000, 14 months before he began investigating the videotape.

Jury selection finished last week with prosecutors and defense attorneys accusing each other of trying to stack the panel along racial lines. Eight of the seated jurors were white and four were black, and that remained the jury's racial makeup after a white female juror was replaced Tuesday morning by one of four alternates, a white male.

See di key deh, lock dem up now

Any man that has sex with a child needs to go to jail, I don't care if you are the best singer in the world, I don't care if you have all the money in the world, I don't care about anything except that you go to jail. Oh yeah and castrate you like that doll, lol.

Malaika

 

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Considering his years of touring experience, long list of creative credits and numerous album releases in reggae music its no wonder why recording artist Christopher Campbell more popularly known as Norris Man has decided to branch out and start his own record label dubbed Home & Away Music.

Norris who was previously featured on VP Records Strictly the Best Reggae Compilation spoke with worldflavas about his vision for Home & Away Music.
"Well right now I'm looking to work mainly with young female artists who I think are sometimes stifled in the business, many of them are talent but just don't have the support and the result is there careers become stagnant.
Home & Away will be that avenue which will allow them to develop their sound and style. In the end I want to know that when I decide to sign an artist I know them to a certain extent, I can say this is what there capable of and this is their niche market. I recently came back too, I did a few shows up in Canada were i performed in Hamilton, Ajax, Vancover and Banquet Hall, it was a successful run seeing that Norris Man hasn't performed in Canada since 2001".

Still a driving force in reggae music Norris Man is also schedule to perform on Chezidek show on the 21st of June in St. Ann's Bay.

(U. S)

Hip Hop superstar Nas upcoming album came with a title that has drawn more than enough attention than the fact it was his next album. Nigger was the name of the prolific lyricist's ninth studio album - the key word here is "was."

According to EW.com, a Def Jam representative has confirmed that Nas will no longer be naming his upcoming project Nigger. Instead, Nasir Jones will opt for a less controversial title: Nas.

It looked as if Nas and Def Jam were comfortable with the eyebrow-raising album title. Island Def Jam Music Chair, L.A. Reid, even went so far as to say "Anything Nas wants to do, I completely stand beside him," in an interview last year.

But as the release draws near, Nas spoke to MTV about the increasing pressure to change the title.

"Everybody is trying to stop the title," Nas stated. "Record stores are gonna have a problem in this day and time selling a record with that title. Who knows what's gonna turn out and be on that title? Who knows what that title will be?"

Apparently, the phrase "pressure busts pipes" has finally reared its head and the controversial title has finally been changed.

No comment as of yet from Nas or Def Jam regarding the change as of press time. Look for Nas' now self titled album in stores July 1st.

reference
hiphopdx.com

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Born in Hermitage, August Town up and coming recording artiste Xinyu is a young woman with big dreams and an even bigger voice. A vibrant and spunky individual she has been making a name for herself in recent months, wowing audiences at Charity events like the Women's Day Mediathon in April and big name shows like the annual Western Consciousness event in Westmoreland.

To understand what drives Xinyu, one need only glance at her musical background. Xinyu became a member of The Little People and Teen Players Club in the Performing Arts at age 8 where she was exposed to drama, dance and singing. She performed at the Chinese New Year Garden Party, Smile Jamaica TVJ Morning Program, the Queens Borough Community concert and Pepsi Teen Splash at the James Bond Beach in 2007 earning a "forward " for her first performance in front of a massive crowd which came just before the heavyweights such as Macka Diamond, Munga and Beenie Man took the stage.

Presently at the University of the West Indies the Campion College High School graduate has the audacity not only to hope for but to work very hard towards both a career in Medicine and a career in music as a Songwriter / Producer/ Singer. Apart from making good grades and leading a somewhat lavish social life Xinyu has been building up an excellent catalogue of music by consistently attending studio sessions. Her first single Come Get It which was produced by Bulby on an original rhythm featuring Sly and Robbie and Lenky allowed the young singer to horn her skills. Since then some of her completed collaborations include Man and Clouded produced by Richie Morgan of To-Isis. Other songs such as Surrender, Phenomenal, Get Over Him and No Fake Santa have generated interest among local producers who have started sending beats her way. Xinyu has already shot two music videos to help promote her work. The "Surrender" video was released September 2007 while the slamming single, "Man" was released late last year.

Now working out of Bedazzle Entertainment Xinyu is no doubt one of the brighter prospect for the future of reggae.

www.myspace.com/xinyuja

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Meet Omari Stines more popularly known as Salim,  a veteran producer / engineer with more than 10 years experience in music production and audio engineering. Presently operating out of the corner stone Solid Agency Studio's Salim is credited as the creator of top Dancehall Riddims like the Siren (popular for the singles Emergency by Vybes Kartel & Break Out by Sean Paul), Zulu and most recently the Tear Drop Riddim which features a host of artists including Mavado, Capleton, Lutan Fyah, Etana, Bling Dawg, George Nooks and Gentleman out of Germany.

Salim who was born in New York but migrated back home to Jamaica as a youth has a degree in Music Production & Engineering from the Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts in Orlando Florida. He complete his courses during the summer of 1998 and began making all kinds of riddim compositions out of IKUS studio's in Miami which is own by Bob Marley's close friend Gilly Dread.

In the winter of 1999 he began working with R&B / Hip Hop vocalist Lauren Hill. Over the next couple of years he toured extensively with Hill and was the engineer behind a great deal of her later work. In 2001 when Hill took a break from recording Salim started back on the independent path doing a number of other gigs working with Rocafella, Wu Tang and TV Station HBO where he engineered The Blaze Battle Programs. Back home in Jamaica Salim began to associate with Dancehall franchise the Alliance whose core members Bounty Killer, Wayne Marshall & Mavado would frequent Solid to do dub-plates, drops and even new recordings.

Among Salim's other outstanding credits is his present work with Reggae singer songwriter Etana for which he is the in-house engineer that accompanies her at shows and events ensuring her great vocal dynamics are maintained during on stage performances. He has also produced and written for the Strong One and will be joining her on tour this August at a number of Festival in and around Europe. He's currently working with a host of other upcoming and Established artists including Lando, Di Unusual, Marlon Binns, Teflon, Bounty Killer and Boom Dandimite from out of the Scare Dem Camp.

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Waiting, the new album by dancehall artiste Cecile is set to be released in July. She has been working with top producer from the U.S, Scott Storch and team up with the 'dancehall king' Beenie Man on the first single entitled So Fly. The track So Fly is produced by Scott for DangerZone/SoBe Records.

Ce'cile's hook up with Storch is as a result of being signed to Dangerzone/SoBe Records which was also responsible for Storch's role in producing Brook Hogan and Beenie Man's single. She has been promoting the single So Fly on US urban radio stations such as Connecticut on Hot 93.7 and  NY's Hot 97, with Kay Slay and Pat McKay on Sirius Radio and Link Up Radio just to name a few.

The other single she will be promoting from her local album is Ride or Die which is already getting heavy rotation here and in the Caribbean.  In addition to the song the video has been working its way on local television and cable stations while Ce'cile prepares for her two month European Tour commencing in June.

The first Digicel Rising Stars audition in Portmore, St Catherine, at the Portmore HEART Academy, saw 786 contestants, including soloists and groups, giving their all to impress preliminary judges David Wedderburn and Roy Rayon last Saturday.

The number is the most so far this year, after four preliminary shows. The other shows were in St Thomas, Mandeville, Manchester and Montego Bay, St James.

This overwhelming response by residents of Portmore, and others from different parishes in Jamaica who took the trek to the Sunshine City, was expected, according to Mark Kenny, a producer on the show. He said that he had anticipated about 1,000, but added that his experienced crew was prepared to cater for between 2,000-3,000 contestants.

"We are well prepared, that's why we have so many experienced programme directors on the set," he said. "It's the first Rising Stars audition in Portmore and we were expecting a large turnout as Portmore has a lot of musical talent here."

There was a mixture of talent at the auditions. While nerves got the better of some contestants, others chose the wrong song.

Some contestants decided to stay by themselves, while others rehearsed their piece with friends or acquaintances they met at the audition in their own little area on the compound. One such meeting was between 16-year-old schoolgirl Anntanisa Smith and Shauna Whyte. The two rehearsed under a tree and encouraged each other as they waited for their chance at stardom.

It was a tough day for the contestants as they had to wait hours to perform. Many relaxed under tents provided and watched video footage of their fellow contestants. Some cheered, signalling their approval for good and exciting performances as they looked at the big screen, while others criticised the contestants they thought were poor. In the end, the ones who prepared mentally and physically and, very importantly, vocally, for the audition were the ones who got through.

Ninety-five contestants received acceptance letters to return the following day, while the others had to try out at any of the two other auditions in Ocho Rios this week Saturday, or the final one in Kingston the following Saturday.

Courtesy of THE STAR JAMAICA

 

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Up and coming reggae recording artiste Sophia Brown will be premiering her highly anticipated 2nd video for her new single I'm A Rose this week on local TV station CVM TV. Brown who has been making all the right moves will be the special guest on the E Strip Hit List program with Amilia "Milk" Sewell this Wednesday. The new video which was directed by Dexter 3D Pottinger was shot on several different location in Kingston. Speaking with worldflavas Brown shared her views on the finished project.

"I just got the final edited version last week and it looks great, I really put alot of work into the shoot and I hope the fans like it, they've been waiting a while for the second video but like everything else I wanted to make sure I had a song that would connect with the people. I'm A Rose" is basically an uplifting song for women and it's centered around describing women, the true beauty in a woman that men sometimes don't see because they concentrate so much on the prettiness and not the beauty from inside. So the song describes that aspect of being a woman".

(U.S)

Lil' Kim was awarded a judgement of half a million dollars by Manhattan federal Judge Jed Rakoff against former Junior M.A.F.I.A member James Lloyd aka Lil' Cease and his company Ground Zero Entertainment for wrongly capitalizing on The Queen B's fame with a film about the Junior M.A.F.I A Crew called Chronicles of Junior M.A.F.I.A .

The lawsuit was originally filed for $6 Million against Lil' Cease who was a close friend or hers who eventually testified against her in a recent criminal trial leading to a conviction for lying to a grand jury.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I know this is not the verdict Lil' Kim was expecting and the fact that the last 2 times I saw Lil' Cease, He was changing his clothes in the back of a car rushing to get to an interview at a brooklyn car dealership, then the next time, I guess he met the qualifications and was fully draped in overhauls and seemed to hard at work at his new 9 - 5 at this same car dealership.

This leads me to conclude that it will be a long time before Lil' Kim sees a penny from the amount she was awarded.

I love these girls, I first heard from them on the vilain riddim. check out their new video "Busted"

So of course like everyone else I love to surf on yourwatchingtv.com or youtube.com, I cam across this most hilarious clip. Enjoy!

BEST FEMALE R&B
Mary J. Blige
Mariah Carey
Keyshia Cole
Alicia Keys
Rihanna

BEST MALE R&B
Raheem DeVaughn
J. Holiday
Ne-Yo
Trey Songz
Chris Brown

BEST GROUP
Danity Kane
Day 26
Gnarles Barkley
Playaz Circle
UGK

BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
The Clark Sisters
Deitrick Haddon
Marvin Sapp
Kirk Franklin
Trin-I-Tee 5:7

BEST FEMALE HIP-HOP
Missy Elliott
Eve
Kid Sister
Lil Mama
Trina

BEST MALE HIP-HOP
Common
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
Snoop
Kanye West

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
The Way That I Love You-Ashanti
Honey-Erykah Badu
Just Fine-Mary J Blige
Like You'll Never See Me Again-Alicia Keys
International Player's Anthem-UGK & OUTKAST
Good Life-Kanye West Feat. T-Pain

BEST DIRECTOR
Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

BEST ACTRESS
Angela Bassett
Halle Berry
Queen Latifah
Jill Scott
Chandra Wilson

BEST ACTOR
Anthony Anderson
Don Cheadle
Idris Elba
Terrence Howard
Denzel Washington

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Cheryl Ford
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
Tamika Catchings

BEST MALE ATHLETE
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Tiger Woods
Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Chris Paul

BEST COLLABORATION
Kiss Kiss-Chris Brown feat. T-Pain
Let It Go- Keyshia Cole feat. Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim
Low- Flo-Rida Feat. T-Pain
I'm So Hood (The Remix)-DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman
Good Life-Kanye West Feat. T-Pain

Viewer's Choice
No One-Alicia Keys
Lollipop (f/ Static)- Lil' Wayne
Kiss Kiss (f/ T-Pain)-Chris Brown
Let It Go (f/ Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim)-Keyshia Cole
Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)-Soulja Boy Tell 'em
No Air (f/ Chris Brown)-Jordin Sparks

BETJ AWARD
Raheem DeVaughn
Chaka Khan
Ledisi
Jill Scott
Angie Stone

BEST NEW ARTIST
Estelle
Flo-Rida
Chrisette Michelle
Soulja Boy Tell 'em
The-Dream

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Veteran reggae singer Nadine Sutherland was at her best last week Friday when she performed at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival for the first time in her illustrious career.Taking the stage on day one of the festival Sutherland and her Strong House backing band gave an electrifying 1 hour set of classics.

Digging deep into her catalog she performed a host of singles including Action, Baby Face, Wicked Fi Please and Big Tings. Nadine who released her compilation album Call My Name last April was duly rewarded for her contributions to reggae music at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards International Awards a few months ago were she got the order of Merit.

The 10 day Jazz Festival which is celebrating it's 17th Anniversary this year featured a stellar line up of international artists including  the voices of Jonathan Butler, Dianne Reeves, Dionne Warwick, Ledisi and Angie Stone along with the musical talents of instrumental performers such as the Juilliard Quartet, featuring Ron Blake, Eddie Henderson, Carl Allen and Ben Wolfe while the Haitian Hip Hop superstar Wyclef cemented the diversity.

Since its establishment in 1992, St. Lucia Jazz has grown in magnitude and stature to become one of the preeminent Jazz festivals in the world. World-class artists such as R&B legends Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Carlos Santana, Patti Labelle and jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Jordan, Roy Hargrove and George Benson have all played before an audience of St. Lucian locals and international tourists.

(Kingston, Jamaica)

As the eagerly anticipated summer season draws near Dancehall deejay Wayne Marshall is gearing up for the release of True Story a mix tape created by New York based disc jock Max Glazier of the Federation Sound System who has a reputation for exposing some of dancehall's most elite. Wayne who is among several local talents featured on the mix tape spoke with worldflavas recently about the project.

"I'm in the final stages of completing the True Story mix CD, the first of its kind. This CD will not only features my new music but will features a mix of many artists doing dubplates, exclusive freestyles and creative skits all in the name of True Story. The beats and songs are going to be unpredictable delivering hip hop, dancehall and reggae riddims. This CD is strictly for promotion and will be distributed extensively over the internet and on the streets.

"Some of the songs that will be featuring are brand new jams never before heard on the road, Bounty killer has a serious high grade medley, Busy kicks a freestyle collabo with me, Sean Paul and myself present our new combination entitled As Far As I See, Mavado and Jay Z are on the rock in a different style, Junior Gong and Steve Marley represent for True Story dub plate style. Along with the likes of Bling Dawg, Demarco, Esco, Dr. Evil, Future Fambo and much much more. A lot of work has been put into it to give every music lover something to write home about. The interludes are hilarious, the tracks are hot and the mixing is on point".

The True Story Mix Tape will also be complimented by a DVD showing behind the scenes clipping of the who project. 

As government officials try to find ways to stave off a possible shortage of rice, Guyana is now suggesting that Jamaican investors could partner with them through capital investment to grow rice for ourselves rather than attempt to plant our own here.

But most importantly, housewives have to be a lot more creative in their use of locally grown starches that are more nutritious than rice.

Yellow yam is a favourite of most Jamaicans. We are used to eating it boiled or in soups as well as roasted. The famous Trelawny yam is legendary, but there is something about the dry, powdery yet 'gummy' variety from Clarendon that just leaves one wanting more.

You may all know that yellow yam does not have a long shelf life after it has been reaped. Outside the fridge it may last four or five days and when refrigerated, up to a week but did you know that if you simply peel and wash in a little lime juice and freeze, it can last a lot longer? My favourite way is to cook all the yam I get from the country, cool then freeze in air-tight Tupperware containers or Ziploc bags. This way, yellow yam lasts for up to two months.

To use it after freezing, simply take it from the freezer the night before and allow it to thaw naturally. Then place in boiling water to reheat or you can take it directly from the freezer and microwave for 90 seconds. It will taste like you just cooked it fresh.

Jamaica Gleaner

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) - Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius won his appeal Friday and can compete for a place in the Beijing Olympics.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the 21-year-old South African is eligible to race against able-bodied athletes, overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

CAS said the unanimous ruling goes into effect immediately.

"I am ecstatic," Pistorius told reporters in Milan, Italy. "When I found out, I cried. It is a battle that has been going on for far too long. It's a great day for sport. I think this day is going to go down in history for the equality of disabled people."

Pistorius still must reach a qualifying time to run in the individual 400 meters at the Aug. 8-24 Beijing Games. However, he can be picked for the South African relay squad without qualifying. That relay squad has not yet qualified for the Olympics.

Pistorius appealed to CAS, world sport's highest tribunal, to overturn a Jan. 14 ruling by the IAAF that banned him from competing. The IAAF said his carbon fiber blades give him a mechanical advantage.

A two-day hearing was held before a panel of three arbitrators at CAS headquarters last month. Pistorius now is expected to get invitations from track and field promoters across the world who want him to run at their meets before Beijing.

Pistorius said he will be running in both able-bodied and Paralympic events before Beijing. His manager, Peet van Zyl, said the runner will compete in Milan on July 2 and the Golden Gala meet in Rome on July 11.

Oscar will be welcomed wherever he competes this summer," IAAF president Lamine Diack said in a statement. "He is an inspirational man and we look forward to admiring his achievements in the future."

The International Olympic Committee welcomed the verdict.

"Oscar Pistorius is a determined and gutsy athlete who will now no doubt put all his energy into reaching the qualification standards for the Olympic Games," the IOC said in a statement. "If he makes it we would be delighted to welcome him."

Pistorius holds the 400-meter Paralympic world record of 46.56 seconds, but that time is outside the Olympic qualifying standard of 45.55. His training has been disrupted by the appeal process.

Even if Pistorius fails to get the qualifying time, South African selectors could add the University of Pretoria student to the Olympic 1,600-meter relay squad.

Pistorius would not require a qualifying time and could be taken to Beijing as an alternate. Six runners can be picked for the relay squad. Pistorius also expects to compete in Beijing at the Sept. 6-17 Paralympic Games.

The verdict also clears Pistorius to dedicate himself to competing at the 2012 London Olympics.

"A lot of the time we've had this year we've devoted to the court case," Pistorius said. "Now when I get home, my time can be dedicated to training. I am going to have to start thinking about getting my body in shape in order to run those (qualifying) times. I am hopeful there will be enough time but it is going to be very difficult.

"We have the opportunity once again to chase my dream of participating in an Olympics, if not in 2008 then in 2012."

The IAAF based its January decision on studies by German professor Gert-Peter Brueggemann, who said the J-shaped "Cheetah" blades were energy efficient.

Pistorius' lawyers countered with independent tests conducted by a team led by MIT professor Hugh M. Herr that claimed to show he doesn't gain any advantage over able-bodied runners.

CAS said the IAAF failed to prove that Pistorius' running blades give him an advantage.

"The panel was not persuaded that there was sufficient evidence of any metabolic advantage in favor of a double-amputee using the Cheetah Flex-Foot," CAS said. "Furthermore, the CAS panel has considered that the IAAF did not prove that the biomechanical effects of using this particular prosthetic device gives Oscar Pistorius an advantage over other athletes not using the device."

Pistorius was born without fibulas -- the long, thin outer bone between the knee and ankle -- and was 11 months old when his legs were amputated below the knee.

Pistorius' lawyer was thrilled by the verdict.

"He simply has the chance now to compete fairly and equally," Jeffrey Kessler told The Associated Press. "We are particularly pleased that the decision is unanimous."

FoxSports

INVISIBLE TIRES

Michelin R&D has come up with a see-thru tire. It's only resemblence to a tire is the fact that it is round and mounted on the rim. The tire does not hold air and it is only a couple inches thick. The innovative part is that it is build with these flexible rubber "spokes" that if you run over the curb, will flex with the surface and not damage the tire. They showed a picture of them on a car at 60mph and you can see through the tire. They are supposed to start putting these on cars by 2009 or 2010.

(U.S)


Former basketball player Dennis Rodman was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of domestic violence, authorities said today.

Rodman was arrested at 10:15 p.m. in Century City at a hotel in the 2100 block of Avenue of the Stars."During the investigation, police learned he had hit a woman and she suffered injuries to her arms," said Richard French, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Rodman was booked at the Van Nuys jail at 2:50 a.m. today. He was released less than two hours later on $50,000 bail.

Steve Simon, one of Rodman's managers, said Rodman has been struggling to cope with a recent divorce. Simon said his client has not been able to see his children.

"He's been really heartbroken about it, and it hasn't been a great time for him," said Simon, who was reached at the offices of the Prince Marketing Group.

Simon said that alcohol was involved in the altercation, which left the woman with a bruise. Rodman has sought help for substance abuse problems in the past.

"The legal process will sort itself out," Simon said. "I'm kind of waiting for the facts to unfold because it's really uncharacteristic for him."

Rodman played on five NBA championship teams, first with the Detroit Pistons and later with the Chicago Bulls. On the court he was known for his defensive prowess, twice earning NBA defensive player of the year honors.

Off the court Rodman earned a reputation for his flamboyant personal life, making headlines for cross-dressing, ever-changing hairstyles, body piercings and tattoos. There was also his quickie, and short-lived, Las Vegas wedding to actress Carmen Electra.

He has also had numerous encounters with law enforcement, including an arrest on suspicion of of public drunkenness after he was seen driving his 47-foot speedboat, Sexual Chocolate, erratically.

The end of his latest marriage, to Michelle Moyer, came after a long history of problems between them.

In 2004, Rodman sold his Newport Beach home -- the site of numerous parties and ensuing calls to police from neighbors -- after Moyer, with whom he has two children, filed for divorce.

Earlier that year, she obtained a temporary restraining order preventing her husband from coming within 100 yards of her. She said in court documents at the time that in January 2003 Rodman punched her and that police were called 2 1/2 years earlier because he had threatened her.

Her court filing contained what she described as her husband's "history of domestic violence, not only with me, but with many other women he has had relationships with. [His] hostile temper and aggressive behavior coupled with his drunkenness and large stature make me apprehensive he may cause me bodily injury any time he does not get his way."

Source: LA Times

In this weeks What's Hot feature worldflavas.com fly high across the boarders to give you a peek at some unique urban wear for men that is sure to keep the ladies in tuned.









Claw Wire Aviator Shades
Unit Price: US$165.12
www.caliroots.com

(U.S)

New York based female rapper Remy Ma was on Tuesday sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of shooting her former friend Makeda Barnes-Joseph in July of 2007, after $3,000 dollars went missing from Remy Ma's purse after the pair and an entourage were leaving a New York night club.


Remy Ma, who appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court, burst into tears upon hearing the sentence, which was delivered by Judge Rena Uviller who's last statement was made to the court.

"She's overcome a difficult childhood. Her music has inspired people in need. She's loved and has support from her family. This is somewhat of a pattern," Judge Uviller told the court. "This is not the first time she has been engaged in a violent act. She has never taken responsibility for her actions. This has nothing to do with rap, it's about the actions of one person. Remy is an extremely angry young woman, who feels the rules do not apply to her.
"
 


Expressing remorce for her actions Remy apologized to Barnes-Joseph. "I apologize for not saving you from your physical and mental scars", she was quoted as saying.


Alleged boyfriend of the convicted Remy, Papoose had to be restrained upon hearing the verdict, which came just one day after he attempted to marry Remy Ma unsuccessfully

"All you want is money" he said shouting at Barnes Joseph before being escorted out of the courthouse by court officers.


Remy Ma, who will serve her prison sentence at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women, plans to appeal the verdict.

Caribbean Taboo

 

Yesterday I read an article in the Jamaica Star by Dwayne McLeod , the subject was on the actor Garfield "Bad Boy Trevor" Reid confessing to doing a oral sex video for an x rated popular Jamaican website, of course curiosity getting the best of me, I navigated to the site. The only shock of the site was the fact that I was not aware sooner than later. It gave the usual pictures of men and women engaged in every position from the Kuma Sutra and then some, what surprised me was the liberal showing of same sex couples.

 To the world the Caribbean, especially Jamaica is deemed homophobic, but that is the subject for another story. This commentary is about oral sex.

 

I would say everyone, but since I don't know everyone, I will say that ,most if not all the people that I know and, have spoken on the subject all enjoy oral sex, men and women alike. Men won't admit it in public, somehow they feel that it takes away from their manhood, they will swear up and down in front of their "brethrens" that they don't "bow", but as soon as a pretty lady walks in the room they are very quick to whisper in her ear of all the oral pleasures they are willing to perform, can I hear my sisters say "Amen".

 

Women come from 2 different categories, for those who like to be thought of as a lady and conduct themselves that way will never divulge that information unless you are lucky to be in a relationship with them, then there are those women who not only brag about their skills, but for the right price are willing to demonstrate.

 

Why is oral sex so Taboo in Jamaica? I use Jamaica as an example because of the article on the latter mentioned but it could be any place in the Caribbean. Feedback about is confession was mostly negative in all the forums I visited, well from men. Here is a sample of his words and for this I stand up and applause, not because of what he did, but for being a man who stands up for his beliefs.

 

Courtesy of the STAR JAMAICA

While speaking on the topic of oral sex, Reid, who was not a bit conservative said: "I am the first man to go on Man Talk and admit to doing oral sex. it's not a secret, it's not a problem, I don't do things and hide, if I was gay, I wouldn't hide it."

In continuing, Reid also told THE STAR that he believed his actions were similar to those of most Jamaican men.

"I do oral sex, so what?" he questioned before claiming "Ninety nine per cent of men in Jamaica do it."

There is always so much controversy in regards to sex, but sex is a part of life, whether you use it to procreate or enjoyment is none of anyone's business unless you bring children, animals or rape in the equation. As long as you use protection and don't hurt anyone (unless it's both your thing) do what feels good, just watch what you put on the internet, people like me will read it and believe it, so does anyone have Garfield "Bad Boy Trevor" Reid phone number? Anyone?

Ann Nony Mus

 

(U.S)

Its true Mariah Carey and her new husband Nick Cannon made their first public appearance as Mr. & Mrs. on Thursday night as they hit the Time 100 party in New York City.

The couple, who exchanged nuptials in a surprise wedding last week at the singer's mansion in the Bahamas, showed off their wedding rings as they mingled with other celebrity guests at the event hosted by Time magazine.

It is the second marriage for Carey, who split from Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola in 1997 after four years together.

Cannon called off his engagement to model Selita Ebanks last year after another whirlwind romance.

reference
www.hiphopgalaxy.com

(U.S)

R&B superstar Ne-Yo's third official Def Jam album "Year of the Gentleman" has been pushed back from its original June 24^th release date to later this summer August 5^th to be exact while he continues works on more tracks.

Ne-Yo who is known for keeping the ladies involved promised something special this time around and is hoping to keep fans connected with a new blog dedicated toward providing info on the album.

"I wanted the third album to be something a little different from the first and second as far as the essence and the sound of what I was doing, the Year of the Gentleman will feature productions from Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Stargate, and J.R. Rotem among others and to keep the buzz going persons can log on to www.yearofthegentleman.com for the latest.

The steaming first single is a track called "Closer," which was produced by Stargate and is currently No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 41 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart and for those loyal fans who are wondering Ne-Yo is presently on tour with Alicia Keys.

reference
www.sohh.com

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Fresh of the success of his still soaring "On The Rock Remix" which featured Hip Hop Mogul Jay Z, Dancehall deejay Mavado is yet again making headlines for another remix, this time using his gully depiction testimony "Don't Worry" which has been heating up the local airwaves and making it into an even bigger record by collaborating with Dancehall Icon Shabba Ranks. The remix which surfaced this week on a popular dancehall website by all accounts is a classic anthem which makes reference to a number of Jamaica's most popular garrison communities namely Waterhouse, Riverton, Seaview Gardens, Compound and Cock-burn Pen among others.

The remix done by Afrikan Vybz of Afrikan Vybz Enterprise Inc, still bears the Daseca produced riddim. It's already being hailed as a great combination of Dancehall past and present, a symbolic look at how the music continues to evolve. Mavado who is said to be busy working on his Sophomore Album was recently recognized by the world renowned print publication Rolling Stone Magazine as the Best Reggae Artiste since Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

(Toronto, Canada)
photo by: rasta people

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Bringing this years "Think Abstinence" theme to the parish of May Pen in Clarendon RETV payed a surprise visit to students and teachers at the Glenmiur High School last Friday bringing with them the 2008 All Star line up of Artists who have been creating waves since the tour started back on April 2nd.

Endorsed by big name corporate companies like Coca-Cola, Digicel Jamaica Ltd., Fame FM and The Jamaica Observer the Annual School Tour made its very first trip out of town stopping at the high decorated Glenmiur High School and as us-usual the support and feedback from the school was overwhelming.

Kicking Off at minutes pass 2PM students and teachers enjoyed music from each of their favorite artists. There were exceptional performances from singer / producer Serani, dancehall diva D Angel, the high TEMPO duo of RDX, rising star winner Christopher Martin, the truly positive newcomer Bugle, gospel artiste Omari and the lone reggae vocalist on the tour Etana who had the Glenmiur students wrapped in her Warrior Love hit single. There was also a stellar guest performance from the Alliance superstar Busy Signal who cause a slew of uproar as he flew into his catalog of hits and unraveled "These Are The Days", "Rise and Beat" and "Step Out".

After the performance many students made there way to the V.I.P exit to try and get autographs and photos of their favorite stars. Missing from Fridays lineup was the songbird Alaine and the veteran Dancehall group T.O.K. The tour which is a 360 Solution Production will continue next Wednesday between the hours of 2PM - 4PM and as usual the school to be visited will stay anonymous to the general public.

Does VP have a monopoly on Reggae?

Having had the pleasure of interviewing many upcoming and rising Reggae artist I noticed a trend, yes it is hard for an artist to get signed, it seems like it's not only your talent or lack of, but who you know, who knows you and the old "right place at the right time".

No offence to established performers with #1 hits masked by studio work, I say performers as opposed to Artists, because those #1 hits are often a bunch of nonsense over hot riddims. The music community has many great and very talented singers that most of us will never get the pleasure to hear because of the powers that be. Thank God for those talented artists that do get radio play and exposure!

One of the powers that be is VP Records.

If you know Reggae, you know VP, yes their story is impressive and they have made a huge impact on Reggae around the world, but with success come unrest. Don't be fooled to think that the unrest only comes from those looking to be signed; I have myself heard from well established artists their unrest with VP. Many of them feel that since VP distributes almost all of the Reggae, they do not put in the time and effort equally, nor do they push as they should their artists.

If VP controls the majority of Reggae distribution, there is no reason for them to make an effort for their artists, they can also offer a meager deal since there is no other label than can offer more for equal service, then the artist to continue its craft and feed itself accepts the deal. For those lucky enough to have a strong manager by their side, they can make money from concerts around the world to side deals not covered in their VP contracts.

One common thread is the artist promoting themselves and using whatever means to let their voice be heard, If it wasn't for the "sound systems and selectas " playing for the crowds, many of them would remain unheard. Also with websites such as youtube, muzikmedia, yourwatchingtv, skullmastatv, and many more, artists can create their own music videos and post it to the millions of daily web surfers.

What is the solution? Well how do you take down a dictator? Not saying that VP is such, but...

Ann Nony Mus

 

 

 

How much do you spend a month for cable? Movie rentals? Downloads? Why pay for your entertainment when the internet offers you a free television station YWTV.

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Not just music videos, YWTV brings you informative documentaries, comedy/plays, movies and much more. It is a Caribbean influenced programming but the world is brought to you, YWTV is still in it's in infancy stage, but with a monthly growing viewerships, it is sure to reach every household around the world.

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Malaika

 

Mr Vegas is at again, Here is a video for the soon to be classic song " Mus come a road", The song's riddim track is a remake of the classic prison oval rock and has samples of Barrington Levy with his signature sound. The video was directed by Winston Mayhew and is on the Irish And Chin Music Label

For those of you who missed it, Here is a remix of the song Ridin by Mya featuring Jason Lyrics. Listen and enjoy, You can check out Jason Lyrics www.Jasonlyrics.com or myspace.com/jasonlyricsmusic

So I am sure that by now you have heard all about the IRAWMA the International Reggae and World Music and Awards brought to you by Martin's International Culture Inc.
This year's 27th IRAWMA was held at the World Renown Apollo theater in Harlem, NY and it seems as the who's who of Reggae was present in the building. Yes they were winners and losers, and I am sure by now you all know who has won, but let me take you in depth for those of you who could not be there.
The evening started with the Famous Red Carpet, everyone from Ky-Many Marley to The strong one "Etana" walked and posed for the press and All the fans gathered with the hope to catch a glimpse of their favorite Entertainer. Who knew the famous actor Leon looked so good in the flesh, not to mention the ever youthful "aunt Viv" from the fresh prince of Bel-air "Janet Hubert -Whitten".
The evening started with a performance by the Blvd Dancers, I have seen better dancers at "Passa Passa", but a young boy stole the show, not only was he on point and cue but his stage presence dominated the show.  The show took off nonstop after and before I had a chance to catch my breath it was done. As far as I am concerned the highlights of the show were the performances from Etana, Tarrus Riley, Shaggy, Cecile, D'Angel, Macka Diamond, Dwight Pickney, Dean Frazer, Papa Wembe, Mutaburuka, Ki-Many Marley and the presenter from American Airlines.  A really great performance representing Soca was the lovely Jadine, now personally I look at her a whole different light after this performance, she is a true Entertainer, unfortunately at the beginning of her performance they were technical difficulties and instead of losing her cool, Jadine went backstage and put her foot down, she came back better than ever and wowed the crowd with her lyrics and dancing worthy of "Carnival".
Some winners were noticeably missing such as Beenie Man, Elephant man, Rhianna , Jay-Z, Morgan Heritage, Buju,  Sean Kingston, King Sunny Ade just to name a few, but the Entertainers present made us forget all about the missing in actions stars. Machel Montanna was a big winner and each time he graciously accepted his award made sure to give his fans a taste of why he is so loved!  Mutaburuka left us pensive with a tribute to Lucky Dube.
I believe that Junior Reid performance was great until I heard an elderly lady next to me gag at some words used when the performer "rapped" the Game's famous lyrics. Did he realize what he was saying, a funny moment of the evening took place when an obviously tipsy Shaggy commented on his first time meeting D'Angel and finally understood what the fuss was all about.  I did get chills at one point in the evening, songstress "Etana, the strong one" performed "Warrior Love", I don't know who the object of her affection was, but I was in awe, she received a standing ovation and a well merit award for best female vocalist.
On a funny note, in the gifts bag were rolls of black toilet tissue, now I can understand and support the black power and all, but after seeing the rest of the gifts such as a beautiful frame with a "non black mother and child" as a background, I realized that it had to be some kind of a joke, I will never know the answer to why black toilet tissue but I hope it didn't have a subliminal message.
All in all the Award was a success, Martin's International did a great job again, the staff was very courteous and helpful, the presenters were funny and the Entertainers were at their best, now let's wait for some footage on YouTube so we can see Shaggy wining on stage with a nice stiff drink!