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News: SIGN THE PETITION
"In all the years that Best Reggae Album has been a catagory at The Grammy Awards, we have yet to see the presentation of the award as part of the live public broadcast. Reggae Music is among the most popular genres of music world wide, especially considering the recent mainstream success it's received internationally. We ask that the presentation of The Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album be added to part of the live show aired on network television. "
My good friend Primo over at Sensimedia.net set up this Petition to push for this. Show your support and go sign it right now.
www.ReggaeGrammyOnTV.org
--Knockz
News: Hip-Hop Harmony: Jay-Z And Nas Officially Dead Beef
"Jay-Z & Nas have ended their feud, as Jay-Z brought the Queensbridge rapper on stage during Powerhouse, NY's Power 105.1's annual concert in NJ. "A lot of nigg*s is makin' money & still f*ckin' mad at the world!"
Nas said. "We savin' the East Coast with ya help." Nas rapped the hook on "Dead Presidents" before launching into his own classics "The World is Yours," "It Aint Hard to Tell" & others. Nas & Jay-Z stood & watched the crowd scream in approval."
[ Full Story ]
News: Producers Sue Dame Dash, Say He Stole 'Ultimate Hustler' Concept
"A lawsuit filed in the LA Superior Court on Oct. 11 accuses Damon Dash of stealing the concept for the reality series "Ultimate Hustler" from two LA producers. Plaintiff's John Coleman & John Rhodes claim Dash stole the idea from their concept "Mogul," which they say was pitched to Dash."
[ Full Story ]
News: The Source Hits BET With $100 Million Lawsuit, Pursuing Lawsuit Against Funkmaster Flex
The Source filed a $100 million dollar lawsuit against BET, alleging that the network is refusing to air The Source Awards on Oct. 25 as stipulated in a signed agreement. The Source is also pursuing legal actions against Hot 97 & Funkmaster Flex, stemming from comments the DJ made on the air.
"They kept moving the date back and then ultimately took a position that they didn't want to put it on this year," The Source co-Founder Dave Mays told AllHipHop.com. "They have a very clear contract to televise the awards and we were put in a position to file our lawsuit."
[ Full Story ]
News: The entries are in, but ...
"FOLLOWING THE RELEASE of the Best Reggae Album's list of submissions, Chairman of the Grammy Award's Reggae Committee, Robert Steffens, has expressed concern that the category is much too diverse.
Steffens, in an interview with THE STAR yesterday says he wishes to have the category split into two to better judge and differentiate the music. The two categories suggested are Best Reggae Album, and Best Dancehall Album.
"We were planning to pursue this split before, but due to lacking submissions, we held it back. Although we are now getting more than enough submissions currently, we would prefer more entries so if we do split the categories, both would have more than sufficient entries," stated Steffens.
Regardless, the celebrated awards has begun its selection process, already receiving submissions for it's 30 fields of music and 105 award categories. So far, submission figures for Best Reggae Album have surpassed 40 albums, overcoming the 2002 crisis, where the Grammy Committee was considering dropping the category due to a lack of submissions."
[ Full Story ]
News: BEYONCÉ KNOWLES IS rumoured to be pregnant!
The sexy singer sparked pregnancy rumours after she was spotted with a rounded bump dining in London with boyfriend Jay-Z.
The pair has so far refused to confirm if they are expecting their first child together.
News that Beyoncé could be expecting follows earlier rumours that she and Jay-Z had secretly married.
The former Destiny's Child singer denied claims the pair had tied the knot, insisting the pair was "not even engaged" and had no plans to do so in the near future.
Earlier this year, Beyoncé claimed she was put off having children after watching her sister give birth.
The star vowed never to become a mum herself after witnessing her younger sibling, Solange, deliver her baby last October.
Beyoncé's former bandmate Michelle Williams, who was also in the delivery room, revealed at the time: "We were all in the delivery room when Solange gave birth and we were so freaked out. I remember Beyoncé saying, 'I ain't having no baby!'"
News: Billboard for '50 Cent' movie promotes violence, say activists
Activists want Paramount Pictures to take down billboards promoting the upcoming film Get Rich or Die Tryin', claiming the advertisements promote gun violence.
The billboards depict Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson holding a gun in his left hand and a microphone in his right. One of the advertisements is next to a school.
Najee Ali, who organised a rally Tuesday, accused Paramount of irresponsibility for marketing in high-crime areas a movie that he said glorifies carrying guns.
"We're calling upon Paramount Pictures to remove these billboards out of our neighbourhood and from this city," Ali said.
A Paramount spokeswoman did not immediately return a message left at her office before business hours yesterday.
Get Rich or Die Tryin', scheduled to open November 9, stars Jackson as a drug dealer who turns away from crime to pursue his true passion, rap music.
News: Janet Responds to Rumours
 "In a statement released exclusively to Access Hollywood, pop icon Janet Jackson denies allegations that she has an 18-year-old daughter.
In response to claims made by singer Young DeBarge (the younger brother of Janet's ex-husband James DeBarge), who said last Friday on New York radio station WQHT that Janet and his older brother have an 18-year-old daughter named Renee, Jackson released the following statement exclusively to Access:
"I do not have a child and all allegations saying so are false," Janet told us."
[ Full Story ]
News: Akon Add's to 'Trouble'
 R&B artist Akon will on Nov. 22 release an expanded edition of his 2003 Universal breakthrough, "Trouble." The original 13-track set will be bolstered with a second disc of collaborations, including two songs with Kardinal Offishall, "Baby I'm Back" with Baby Bash and "Miss Melody" with hip-hop violinist Miri Ben Ari.
Among the other cuts tapped for the bonus disc are "Find Us (In the Back of the Club)" with the Beatnuts, "Keep on Callin'" with P Money, "Never Gonna Get It" with Sean Biggs and Topic and "Moonshine" with Savage.
"Trouble," which has sold 1.24 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan, spawned the hits "Belly Dancer" and "Locked Up." The latter spent several weeks at No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart this summer.
Akon can also be heard on Young Jeezy's current top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit, "Soul Survivor."
News: Hard Hitter Riddim from London
Europe has a new soca record label: Katana House Records (KHR). They just released the Hard Hitter Riddim, a combination of different genres and styles of music: soca, dancehall and UK grime. Produced by “JA Katana” and co-produced by Kenny Phillips. The riddim features a duett by Macka Diamond and Denise Belfon which has a lot potential to be the next big hit. ther artists are Flava, Trini Jacobs, grime artists Wiley and D Double E, reggaeton artist Adriel, plus Jamaican singers like Hollow Point, Leftside and Esco a.k.a Dr. Evil. Check out the making-of videos on the label’s website.
For more info check out the label's website below.
[ Labels Website ]
For some audio samples check out selectaz.com.
[ Audio Sample ]
News: Archived Radio Programs Updated.
I know I know, its been a few weeks since I last updated the radio programs. But I have brought them all up to date. So go there now and tune into this weeks shows. Enjoy the same Reggae/Hiphop/Soca shows that I enjoy on a weekly basis. Hear some of the latest music coming out.
Dr Jay - Soca Therapy
King Turbo - Morning Ride
Radio Dubplate
Spex - Riddim Track
Massive B - On The Reggae Tip
Court Jester and Chief - World Wide
Have all been posted. Enjoy.
-- Knockz
News: Sean Paul Track Decries Gun Violence
 Jamaican dancehall megastar Sean Paul is using his new album The Trinity to speak out against gun violence in Jamaica.
The 33-year-old reggae/hip-hop singer wrote one of the tracks, Never Gonna Be The Same, for his friend Daddigon, who was killed earlier this year in Kingston.
The Grammy winner says it was an emotional time recording the song, which also pays tribute to family members and icons who passed away recently.
Sean Paul, who was born Sean Paul Henriques, still lives in Jamaica when he's not touring.
His family is also there, and he says the violence in the region affects him a lot.
Sean Paul is now looking foward to the release of a collaboration he did with guitar legend Santana.
He says Joss Stone is also on the track, which will be released on Santana's next CD.
News: Court Orders Young Jeezy To Turn Over Bank Statements
"Young Jeezy was ordered to turn over financial records of his earnings during a child support hearing on Tuesday (Oct. 25). The rapper's earnings are being scrutinized, as the mother of his son is asking for more than $20,000 dollars in expenses to care for the child. In court depositions, Jenkins denied owing a mansion or a house, a car or jewelry. The next hearing is Nov. 29."
[ Full Story ]
News: Foxy Brown is Losing Her Hearing
"Rapper Foxy Brown is slowly losing her hearing after being diagnosed with a rare condition that affects one in 10,000 people.
The rap star, real name Inga Marchand, started worrying about her hearing at the beginning of the year when pal and label boss Jay-Z told her the sound levels on her new album, Black Roses, were way too high, when she thought they were perfect.
Then Brown started missing calls on her cell phone, because she didn't hear the ring tone, and eventually she found she couldn't hear people unless they spoke really loudly.
The true horror of her condition hit Brown on May 23 when she woke up and realized she was deaf."
[ Full Story ]
News: Cam'ron Shot 3 Times In Washington, DC
"Rapper Cam'ron was shot 3 times in Washington, DC this morning (Oct. 23) sources revealed to AllHipHop.com. The Harlem, NY native was allegedly leaving club H20 en-route to Love (formerly Dream) when three gunmen approached the rapper seeking his blue Lamborghini. "Cam refused to give it up & attempted to drive away & they shot up the car," an eyewitness told AllHipHop.com. Cam'ron was struck 3 times & is recovering at Howard University Hospital."
[ Full Story ]
Video: Marlon Asher - Ganja Farmer
Here is the new video from Marlon Asher out of Trinidad and Tobago. Enjoy.
[ Marlon Asher - Ganja Farmer ]
News: Ever Blazin' to be second Sean Paul video?
The successful debut of Sean Paul's latest album, The Trinity, has once again drawn the spotlight to dancehall music. 4 music videos were shot for Dutty Rock, each of the videos cementing their place in the minds of viewers.
We Be Burnin' has been well-received and naturally, everybody is trying to figure out which song will be the next single and get the video treatment.
Well RealVibes has unconfirmed reports that the next single and video will in fact be Ever Blazin', one of the oldest songs on the album and produced by Stephen 'Lenky' Marsden, the producer made famous by the Diwali riddim which spawned hits such as Get Busy by Sean Paul, No Letting Go by Wayne Wonder and Uh Oh by Lumidee.
We will be working overtime to get confirmation of the video and the possibility of a recently signed Jamaica female singer having a cameo.
Stay tuned for more new on this story.
News: Soca Meets Dancehall Meets UK Grime.
"Katana House Records (KHR) is a new independent record label based in London UK and is about to pre-release it's very first rhythm, entitled; "The Hard Hitter Riddim". It will be pre-released on the 19th of October 2005 in Trinidad and Tobago, Miami, New York and the UK. "The Hard Hitter Riddim" is a combination of different genres of music; soca, dancehall and UK grime, produced by "JA Katana" and co-produced by legendary "Kenny Phillips"; producer, arranger and engineer to the soca stars for over the past twenty years.
Featured on the rhythm for the build up to Trinidad's 2006 carnival, is a catchy duet entitled; "What Girls Like" by international female dancehall artiste "Macka Diamond" who is currently signed to Greensleeves and international female soca artiste "Denise Saucy Wow Belfon" who is one of the longest standing female soca artiste in the world. JA Katana, ex-BBC 1XTRA radio presenter makes his debut with a carnival inspired track entitled; "Blow Yuh Whistle", while Trinidad's local duo "Flava" creates a hilarious track entitled; "Take It", and sexy voiced "Trini Jacobs" tames the rhythm with a track entitled; "Independence"."
[ Full Story ]
News: The new issue of Urbanology magazine has arrived and has hit stores across Canada!!!
"At first glance, Urbanology — the new urban lifestyle and entertainment magazine — looks like a sister magazine to the American Source or Vibe magazine. But it isn't. Urbanology is home grown, straight out of Scarborough's Malvern community.
After publishing only four issues, Urbanology has been nominated for the Publication of the Year Award at this year's Canadian Urban Music Awards (CUMAs), taking place next month.
The magazine, which started at the beginning of the year, is the brainchild of two friends Priya Ramanujam, 22, who is the editor-in-chief, and Adrian McKenzie, 24, who is the magazine's creative arts and sales director. The magazine has also just secured U.S. distribution and is currently working on distribution deals in Europe for next year."
[ Full Story ]
Video: TOK - Footprints (2nd Version)
TOK has redone the video for thier hit song Footprints and have released it. Check out this link at selectaz.com to watch the video. Much better quality.
[ TOK - Footprints ]
News: FantasiaNow Says She's Not Illiterate
Recently, the singer was quoted as saying that she can not read or write, but Fantasia now says that is not what was said. She says she was very surprised by the commercials used for her 20/20 interview.
"When it first came on it was like, big secrets you have not learned about Fantasia. She can't read or write," she said, "I was like huh? That's not in my book."
In her book, Life is Not a Fairy Tale," Fantasia says she couldn't read after attending local schools and describes how her friends used to call her hometown of High Point, North Carolina, the "Land of the Dead."
"In the book, I don't say that I can't read or I can't write, I say I have trouble - that I'm not a strong reader. But I can write," Fantasia told JET. "Of course I can write."
Fantasia has sold 1.7 million copies of her debut album, Free Yourself but says she still has a story to tell and will not let the media twist her words around.
"I'm not illiterate. I just have some struggles and some situations that I'm not strong in." She adds, "Every chance I get to speak out about it, I'm going to clear it up and let them know that I am not a dummy. If I were a dummy I wouldn't be where I am today."
The singer is currently on tour with rapper Kanye West. "I don't regret it. Because of all the people who are talking, I've had just as many people come up to me and say, 'You've helped me.'"
News: Janets 18 Year Old Secret
"So, why are we talking more about Janet now than ever? James DeBarge, the youngest member of the 80's clan, has dropped the huge dime! This dude told Miss Jones this morning that Ms. Nasty has an 18-year-old daughter! Great Day In The Morning! I repeat, this DeBarge fella says Janet has a daughter! I'll have more for you later on, but this rumor has apparently been around for quite some time. I never heard that one before. For those that don't know, Janet was once married to James DeBarge so this gossip has serious credibility. It may not be true but its got legs! We were talking about Janet possibly wanting a baby, but this takes the cake. I will get more information in a New York minute."
Source: Allhiphop.com
Video: Renaissance Icebreaka Riddim Video
Here's the new video for Renaissance's new Icebreaka Riddim. Expect to see a certain product show a lot in the video. Guess who threw some money their way.
[ Icebreaka Riddim Video ]
Video: Juelz Santana ft. Sizzla and Cam'ron - Shottas
I looks like Sizzla is everywhere these days. Combo's with Foxy, Rhianna, on the BET show Ultimate Hustler and in this video with Juelz Santana and Cam'ron.
[ Juelz Santana ft. Sizzla and Cam'ron - Shottas ]
News: South Asian Bone Marrow Needed
I got this in email and thought that it wouldn't hurt to pass on the message...
-- Knockz
----------------------
 I am asking everyone who receives this e mail for a favour.. In August 2005, a friend, Bobby Hundal was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML),
a cancer affecting the cells of the bone marrow. Bobby has been undergoing chemotherapy over the last few months since his diagnosis.
Bobby's disease is currently in remission, and his physician has advised that a bone marrow/stem cell transplant is his best hope for ensuring that the cancer does not return.
Antigen type is determined by genetics, so since Bobby is of Punjabi descent his best chance for finding unrelated matches is within the South Asian community. This does not preclude match across ethnic lines, so we need everyone to participate.
What I am asking of you guys is that you send out an e mail to your databases to try and help us in our search for a donor. Bobby has been suporrting alot of our parties for years now - so I was hoping that we could all show him a little support and send out his website to create some awareness and hopefully find him a donor.
The website is www.matchbobby.com
News: The Source Defends 'G-Unot' Issue, 50's Manager Chris Lighty Speaks
The Nov. issue of The Source recently hit stands & features 50 Cent & G-Unit members on the cover & the headline "G-Unot! Is Corporate Rap's Top Unit Fading Fast?" The Source Editor-in-Chief, Dasun Allah, responded to recent criticism of the issue. "We are functioning as what a journalistic structure and organization is supposed to do," Allah told AllHipHop.com. 50's manager Chris Lighty disagreed stating: "[It's] just a blatant attack against my client and friend that does nothing to further Hip-Hop."
[ Full Story ]
News: Court Documents Reveal The Inc.'s Hardships, An Alleged Plot To Kill Irv Gotti, More
"In recently released documents, Chris "Gotti" Lorenzo's attorney objected to prison tapes recorded by the Federal Burean of Prisons. The feds seek to include the revealing tapes in the federal money laundering & trial of rap label The Inc. The tapes feature the Gotti brothers conversing with Kenneth "Supreme" McGriffin about The Inc.'s financial status, an alleged plot to kill Irv Gotti by a crazed 50 Cent fan and more."
[ Full Story ]
News: More Bombings in Trindad
I know I'm a little late with this one... I heard about it friday night however I've been away all weekend to report it. Unfortunatly there were some more bombings in Trinidad. It looks like there were about 10 injured. Anyways here are the articles you can catch up on.
[ Bombings in Trinidad ]
[ Suspects Held ]
[ Suspects Released ]
-- Knockz
Audio: Reggae Vibes Radio #494
This weeks episode of the Reggae Vibes Radio has been posted.
Stories Include:
1. SPANNER BANNER
2. WORLD CREOLE FESTIVAL
3. HEROES DAY
4. NEW RELEASES
5. TRIVIA: WHEN ALTON ELLIS LEFT THE FLAMES, WHO BECAME THE LEAD SINGER?
6. SELECTOR'S CHOICE: EDWIN YEARWOOD & CECIL 'I'M SORRY'
And this weeks top 10 are as follows:
1. KHAKI SUIT DAMIEN MARLEY, BOUNTY KILLER, EEK A MOUSE GHETTO YOUTHS
2. GANJA FARMER MRLON ASHER CARIBBEAN UNDERGROUND
3. TOUCH ME SOFTLY I WAYNE DREAM ENTERTAINMENT
4. HOW COME MORGAN HERITAGE DON CORELEON
5. TAKE IT TO THEM TOK MASSIVE B
6. WELCOME TO JAMROCK DAMIEN MARLEY GHETTO YOUTHS
7. FOOTPRINTS TOK DON CORELEON
8. REFLECTIONS JAH CURE DOWNSOUND
9. DA AGONY VYEZ KARTEL MASSIVE B
10.DON'T JUDGE SIZZLA CLIQUE MUZIQUE
To listen to this weeks show click below. (RealPlayer required)
[ Reggae Vibes Radio ]
News: Feds Outline Case Against The Inc.
"As the impending Oct. 24 money laundering & racketeering trial looms over The Inc & the Gotti brothers (Irv/Chris Lorenzo), the Federal government slowly begins to reveal its case against the once powerful label. A 50 page memorandum outlines for the very first time, the case against Irv & Chris Gotti in great detail."
[ Full Story ]
News: Sean Paul sells 107, 000 in first week!
"Over 107,000 copies of Sean Paul's latest album were sold in the first week. This is a new record for Reggae albums (previously held by Damian Jr. Gong Marley for Welcome To Jamrock set in the same month).
This outpaces Dutty Rock which eventually sold over 6 million copies worldwide so it seems that Sean is well on his way to at least equaling his previous success, not an easy feat at all.
The album currently sits at #7 on the Billboard National Album Charts. There is also a Trinity Sweepstakes that ends on October 27 so check out the related article for more info."
News: Shaggy's lyrical striptease
"JAMAICAN REGGAE superstar Shaggy, had The Half Moon Hotel's, 'Lights, Camera, Party' event 'locked' with a scintillating two-and-a-half-hour performance on Saturday.
Despite being an open-air event, the courtyard of the Half Moon Shopping Village was 'mega hot', from the moment he took the stage at minutes past nine with Mr. Boombastic to when he belted out his final song a few minutes shy of midnight, Shaggy was simply excellent.
Always the charmer, Shaggy had the women hanging on to every word. Starting off with some of his older chart hits Mr. Lover Lover took the audience on a roller coaster ride that was good to the last second.
Of the more than 400 patrons, 95 per cent were women and they were drooling. Less than an hour into the show, these ladies called for his clothes.
"Take off you shirt," they screamed. At this he only smiled and said, "You have money? I don't come cheap." This only served to further stoke the fire, as the call for his shirt became the mantra of the evening. "
[ Full Story ]
News: Record Rack
Vertex label releases the long awaited Flames rhythm
Powered by the Norris Man chart topper Home And Away, the Vertex label has now released the full batch of songs on the Flames rhythm. Producer Ray Vertex has enlisted a strong cadet of troops who stand tall on this engaging project. The Flames rhythm features the singles Mother's Love by TOK, Come Fi Build by Capleton, Earth Alert by Richie Spice, Happy Birthday by Bascom X, Restrain The Youth by Brah Yhan Art, You Are The One by Turbulence, Love Her The Most by Bescenta, Hooked On You by Benjy Myaz, Inna De Ghetto by Morgan Heritage, Marijuana by LMS, My Nature by Chrisinti, and Story About Love by Jack Radics.
The songs from the Flames rhythm are being distributed by In the Streetz Distribution.
H20 Productions strikes back with Hello Moto
Following the success of the 2004 French Vanilla rhythm, the H20 production entity is back in the mix with the release of some hot shots on its latest beat, the Hello Moto rhythm.
Beenie Man's bite of Delroy Wilson's Dancing Mood and Vybz Kartel's Hello Moto hit are among the bright sparks already hot in the dancehalls.
However, there are other prime cuts on the Hello Moto. These include Don't Try Mess Around by Beenie Man, Promise by Elephant Man, Nuttin Nuh Dead by Bling Dawg, She's A Player by Ce'Cile and Voice Mail, Pop Style by Delly Ranks, This Is The Way by Kim Katrina, Move by Nicky B and One Piece A Stone by Razor, among others.
In the Streetz handles the distribution of the Hello Moto rhythm.
Young Blood label goes Uptown
The Uptown rhythm is the latest out of Chad 'Goofy' Simpson's Young Blood label. The label gained notoriety with the hits 100 Dollar Bag by Beenie Man and Wah Dis Fada by Mad Anju back in the late 1990s.
The singles from the Uptown rhythm are being distributed by All Access Entertainment. These include Nuh Pet by Mr G, Stamina by Beenie Man, No Crying by Lady Saw, Tight Like by Black-er, Waist Line by Buju Banton, Pass Round Donkey by Fletcher B, Bare Gal by Elephant Man, Inna Mouth by Mr Vegas, Mek Mek by Myrdahk, Change You Ways by TOK, Chicken Back by Monster Twins, Tek A Mint by Red Rat and Mr G, No Breakfast In Bed by Lexxus and Pon Di Edge by Hawkeye.
[ Full Story ]
News: Freddie McGregor to headline 'Pass de Baton'
 "Veteran lover's rock crooner, Freddie McGregor is the headline act for "Pass De Baton", a fundraising stage show on Saturday, October 29 for the construction of the Herb McKenley Stadium and Sports Complex in May Pen, Clarendon.
Both the official launch which takes place on October 19 and the show itself will be held on site (of the stadium) at the 41-acre property in the community of Hazeldene.
Among the main acts billed for the event are Everton Blenda, Derrick Morgan, Ken Boothe, Mystic Revealers, Kulcha Knox, and Lone Ranger."
[ Full Story ]
News: World Clash 2005 Update
The biggest clash of the year has come and gone. If you don't know by now who the winner is I'm not gonna ruin it for you. Instead I'll let you read the detailed play by play report here on dancehallreggae.com. Very DETAILED!!!
[ World Clash 2005 Report ]
[ Few Pics ]
[ World Clash 2005 Pictures ]
[ More Info ]
Now just gotta find some audio... I'll post it here for sure if I can find it somewhere.
--Knockz
Video: Nintendo Commercial
I saw this commercial on TV the other night and died with laughter. I had to post it. Press play after the site loads.
[ Nintendo Commercial ]
News: Buju appeals for fans to stay away for duration of trial
"Buju Banton is appealing to his supporters to stay away from the court whenever he is appearing for his current trial. A release from Penthouse Music Distributors, the company to which Banton is signed, was sent to THE STAR yesterday, quoting the popular entertainer whose right name is Mark Myrie, as saying that although he was grateful for the support, he was appealing to his supporters to desist from turning up at court.
Myrie, who is scheduled to reappear in court on October 19 is quoted as saying: "I am overwhelmed and honoured that so many people care about my welfare, and I thank them all for their encouragement ... however, I appeal to all my supporters to not gather at the courthouse whenever I attend court. I do wish all my supporters pray for me as I put my trust in the father.""
[ Full Story ]
News: Poor turnout at Soca Awards
"Many artistes and soca lovers neglected to turn out for the third Annual Soca Awards which was held over the weekend in Trinidad.
The awards consisted of a weekend of activities including a media launch on Friday, a celebrity cruise on Saturday and the Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening.
The red carpet gala affair held at the Queen's Hall suffered from poor management as the show, which was scheduled to start with the walking of the red carpet at 5pm, did not get underway until minutes before 6pm.
Organisers also failed to have a guests list, forcing the media to try and gather information themselves. The actual award ceremony started after 8pm, with no list of the awards and awardees being given to the media.
Several artistes were not present to receive their awards, including 3 Canal, Bunji Garlin, Shurwayne Winchester, Iwer, Maximus Dan and Rupee.
The Barbadian artiste said later he could not make it to receive the award for Soca Vocalist of the Year (Male), because organisers of the event did not purchase his plane ticket until the morning of the show."
[ Full Story ]
News: 2005 Soca Awards Results
Here are the results from the 2005 Soca Awards held in Trinidad on Sunday night. Big up Dr. Jay from Toronto for International DJ of the Year award.
Soca Performer of the Year – Machel Montano
Soca Songwriter of the Year – Machel Montano
Overall Soca Artiste of the Year – Machel Montano
Soca Album of the Year – Machel Montano
Soca Vocalist of the Year (Male) – Rupee
Best Soca on the Road for Carnival – Shurwayne Winchester
Favourite Up-Tempo Soca – Shurwayne Winchester
Ragga Soca Artiste of the Year – Bunji Garlin
Best New Soca Collaboration of the Year – Bunji Garlin and Patrice Roberts
Best New Soca Artiste – Jamsey P
Favourite Groove Soca - Jamsey P
Rapso Song of the Year – 3 Canal
Duo/Group of the Year – H2O Phlo
Humour of the Year – Blackie
Soca/Chutney of the Year – D'Hitman
International DJ of the Year – Dr Jay
Producer of the Year – Junior “Ibo” Joseph
Favourite Up-Tempo Soca (Female) – Destra Garcia
Overall Soca Artiste of the Year (Female) – Destra Garcia
Soca Performer of the Year (Female) – Denise Belfon
Soca Vocalist of the Year (Female) – Denise Belfon
Best New Artiste (Female) – Angel
Favourite Groove Soca Award (Female) – Onika Bostic
-- Knockz
News: Why Things To Get Sweeter For Rupee
"Though some of Rupee's fans are confused and lost to what's going on with Rupee's latest album 1 On 1. And even though his 1 On 1 album has been delayed to release in USA several times since last year (2004) Despite all this confusion and Rupee's own disappointment - Rupee expects things to get sweeter for him.
Rupee said in recent interviews while in Trinidad - that the delayed album release was also affected because Atlantic Records has been doing some corporate restructing.
So Why are things Getting Sweeter for Rupee?
In the corporate restructuing Craig Kallman was appointed Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records. So what right?
...Well Craig Kallman is the person who actually signed Rupee to the Atlantic five-album deal. And Rupee believes this new position for Kallman will benefit him. Only time will tell...and soon we'll see.
FYI: While the US album release for 1 On 1 has been delayed several times - It has been successfully released in Japan and UK. Though in US you may find the album in some locations - it has not been officially released, marketed and distributed.
While Rupee waits to release his long overdue album - 2 more record-deal-weilding soca artists hit the streets with their albums..."
News: Vincy To Trespass Thru Trinidad Carnival Again
"While some people believe Trini Carnival should be for Trini artists only, and Bajan Crop Over for Bajan artists only, etc. - that's garbage by the way - Vincy has got different plans...
Last year - it was Jamesy P with Nookie stomping down his mark. Now next up seems to be Skarpyon with Lookin Fine. The stage has been set and shot. From the same camp as Jamesy P's Nookie - reports say that they've just finished shooting Skarpyon's Looking Fine music video and it will be released for Trinidad Carnival 2006.
And I must say that - that Looking Fine song is really a nice tune. And I'm down for hearing it during Carnival."
News: Sean Paul tops Reggae charts with Trinity
 "The Trinity (VP/Atlantic), the latest offering from Sean Paul, has topped the Reggae charts, selling over 107,000 in its first week. This makes it the highest ever reggae debut and single week sales for a reggae artist in SoundScan history.
Sean Paul, who brought massive mainstream attention to Jamaica's dancehall in 2002, returns to the fore in a big way, with this week's number seven on the Billboard 200, number four on R&B chart, and, of course, number one on the Reggae chart. The record-breaking sales gives Sean Paul his highest chart position to date.
The success of Sean Paul's latest release has ended Junior Gong's reign in the number one spot, as just a week ago, Damian Marley's Welcome To Jamrock sold 86,000 copies in its first week. It was, at that time, the biggest debut for a reggae release since Nielsen SoundScan starting collating data in 1991."
[ Full Story ]
Audio: Reggae Vibes Radio #493
This weeks episode of the Reggae Vibes Radio has been posted.
Stories Include:
1. RICHIE SPICE
2. RISING STAR FINALS
3. MTV TEMPO LAUNCHES
4. NEW RELEASES
5. TRIVIA: WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL LEADER SINGER FOR THE FLAMES?
6. SELECTOR'S CHOICE: ROOTSMAN, ROGER GEORGE, NIGEL LEWIS 'MIAMI VIBES'
And this weeks top 10 are as follows:
1. LOVE IS JAH CURE DON CORLEON
2. WELCOME TO JAMROCK DAMIEN MARLEY GHETTO YOUTHS
3. KHAKI SUIT DAMIEN MARLEY, BOUNTY KILLER, EEK-A-MOUSE GHETTO YOUTHS
4. TOUCH HER SOFTLY I WAYNE DREAMS ENTERTAIMENT
5. PUT THEM OFF ELEPHANT MAN MASSIVE B
6. GANJA FARMER MARLON ASHER CARIBBEAN UNDERGROUND
7. IN I ARMS I WAYNE DON CORELEON
8. THANKS & PRAISES FANTAN MOJA DON CORELEON
9. NEVER GONNA BE THE SAME SEAN PAUL DON CORELEON
10.RASTA REVOLUTION BUJU BANTON KING JUDAH
To listen to this weeks show click below. (RealPlayer required)
[ Reggae Vibes Radio ]
News: Kevin Lyttle and Wayne Wonder Caused Mayhem In Ghana
"I want to get you in the mood for this review. A little music, some candles, that's it, how about a glass of wine? O.K. take a hit of this, yeah it's good. Hope you're relaxing and feeling ro... romantic. Kevin Lyttle is a very romantic gentleman.
He talks about sex, he boasts about his prowess in the sensual arts, but he always keeps it respectful. In this record, women aren't bitches and whores. They may cause him some consternation but he is never disrespectful. His mother raised him right.
The Soca-King himself, Caribbean-born Kevin Lyttle, whose song ‘Turn Me On’ has been ripping off stages worldwide, turned Ghana upside down on the 30 September, 2005 with sensation Wayne Wonder at the Accra International Conference Centre for the ‘Areeba Music Fiesta’."
[ Full Story ]
News: KMC releases US album
Soca artiste/producer KMC who was signed to an American label earlier this year will be releasing his debut album, Soul on Fire on October 4 at the Hyatt Hotel in Miami.
The album, named after the hit song that resulted in his four album contract with Ultra Empire Sequence Records will also be released in Japan in November, however no date has been set for its T&T release.
During the the launch KMC will perform with his band Red, White and Black. Other performers include Shurwayne Winchester, Maximus Dan, Destra and Atlantik, Jungle and Ken 'Professor' Philmore.
Later this month KMC will be joining Beenie Man on his US 'King of the Dancehall' tour, spanning over four major cities.
The first track, the single, Soul on Fire, was released in June however it is the remix featuring Beenie Man and American DJ Fat Man Scoop is currently being played in 22 states in the US.
The second single, Love, which was released in Trinidad earlier this week. The remix of which features female hip hop artiste Lumidee.
The third song to be released will be the hip hop track Arms of My Baby.
The video for Soul on Fire, featuring Beenie Man and Fat Man Scoop, is presently in the making with a million-dollar budget.
For more information on KMC and the label, log on to www.sequencerecords.com
News: Soca Fest 2005 Lineup Announcement - Spotlight on Diversity
The Coconut Grove Convention Center, 2700 South Bayshore Drive, Miami Florida Hours: 9 PM - 9 AM
Lineup: Machel Montano & Xtatik, Shurwayne Winchester & Traffik, Fayanne Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Denise Belfon, Hitman, Iwer George, K.M.C., Adesh Samaroo, Maximus Dan, Burning Flames, Ninja Band, Dil-E-Nadan, Asylum Band and Terry Gajraj.
Soca Fest is the largest annual soca concert outside of Trinidad and Tobago, and the largest indoor soca fete worldwide. Fans of soca and Caribbean music will jump and wine to its infectious beat till 9 AM with an exciting and diverse lineup of performers.
Soca maniacs are eagerly anticipating the return of Shurwayne Winchester and Traffik, Trinidad's reigning Road March King, who retained his title for a second consecutive year with his high N-R-G song "Dead or Alive 2005."
Also headlining will be Machel Montano, his latest album features collaborations with Doug E. Fresh and Wyclef Jean (who has made past cameos on the Soca Fest stage).
The ragga-soca prince and 3 time International Soca Monarch Champ, Bunji Garlin makes his Soca Fest debut in 2005. This year clearly belongs to chutney-soca, the harmonious blend of East-Indian melodies, lyrics and soca beats. Neeshan Prabhoo better known as the "Hitman" is one of many Indo-Trini artists enjoying crossover success this year. His hilarious song "More Rum For Me" AKA "Hello Mr. Shankar" is a hit with people of all backgrounds. Other chutney artists on the lineup include Adesh Samaroo, Guyana's Terry Gajraj and Dil-E-Nadan, Trinidad's most popular chutney band.
Soca divas Denise Belfon and Fayanne Lyons who are both as exciting dancers as they are singers will be sure to entertain. Also on the lineup are K.M.C., Maximus Dan, Iwer George and other top Trini artists. Burning Flames from Antigua and Barbuda returns and Ninja Band from Guyana are some of the many other artists completing the lineup.
Soca is a dance music which is a mix of Trinidad's calypso and soul music. It combines the melodic lilting sound of calypso with an insistent percussion.
For more info logon to www.socafestmiami.com or contact Francis Ragoo at 786.286.6166
ATTN media/ webmasters:
download banners, flyers, images etc. from socafestmiami.com/banners
News: Ma$tamind Productions to Release New Project!
"Washington , DC—October 1, 2005-- This Winter, Ma$tamind Productions will be heating up the Soca charts with the release of a new compilation entitled The Ma$tamind Project. The project, which is being distributed and manufactured through JW Records, will serve as a forum to showcase the brilliance that is Ma$tamind Productions and should be taken as a sign of things to come in the Soca Industry. The album features tracks individually and masterfully crafted by musical savant Shawn "Da Ma$tamind" Noel.
Gracing The Ma$tamind Project album will be Trinidad and Tobago's two-time Soca Monarch champion Bunji Garlin, 2003 Trinidad and Tobago Roadmarch winner Faye-Ann Lyons, Soca sensations Leon Coldero, Maximus Dan, Lyrikal, Mistah Shak, 2004 and 2005 Trinidad and Tobago Roadmarch winner Shurwayne Winchester, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' former Soca Monarch champion Luta, Jamaican artiste Bud, as well as Soca Awards nominees and Ma$tamind Productions artistes Val, Delia, Impack2 and more.
Ma$tamind Productions, a full range music production company, was founded in 2004 by Natasha Andrews and Shawn Noel. Though based in Brooklyn, New York and Trinidad, Ma$tamind caters to the Soca fraternity the world over having released songs and albums throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. The Ma$tamind Productions catalogue consists of countless collaborations with today's leading Soca stars, the hosts of hits on the Pot of Gold and Nutmeg riddims, as well as both of the tunes that garnered Trinidad and Tobago's Bunji Garlin Soca Monarch titles.
For further information, please contact Natasha Andrews at Ma$tamind Productions.
www.mastamusic.com"
News: Third Annual Soca Awards
"The Third Annual Soca Awards ceremony will be on Sunday night (October 2) at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s from 7.30pm. The ceremony will have a Grammy Awards feel with artists walking down a red carpet.
The red carpet gathering begins at 5pm and attendees can expect to see a host of celebrity presenters and guest appearances by major international artists.
What is being billed by the Soca Awards Organisation as a “celebrity weekend” kicks off this afternoon with a press conference at 6pm at the House of Angostura, Eastern Main Road, Laventille. A celebrity cruise will be held tomorrow night (Saturday 1 October) and will feature local and international entertainment. The weekend will climax with the all-inclusive awards ceremony on Sunday night.
The Annual Soca Awards ceremony is dedicated to recognizing individuals committed to taking Soca to higher heights throughout the world. This year’s event is being endorsed by the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Culture and Mayor of Port-of-Spain, Murchison Brown."
News: Winchester big winner at COTT Music Awards
 "Shurwayne Winchester, Bunji Garlin, Explainer and Destra Garcia were all on winners’ row on Wednesday night when the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) hosted its Annual Music Awards at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s.
Winchester was the night’s big winner, walking away with two awards, for Song of the Year (2004-2005) with his Road March winning song The Band Coming and Songwriter of the Year. He was presented with his award by Culture Minister Joan Yuille Williams and Trinidad and Tobago President George Maxwell Richards.
The award for New Songwriter of the Year went to Shawn Ainsley Noel while Destra Garcia won the Female Songwriter of the Year award. She and Nadia Batson were the only female entertainers to receive awards on the night. The late Andre Tanker picked up and award for Jazz World/Music Composition.
The Golden Achievement Awards was presented to calypsonian David Rudder who, in his acceptance speech, noted that it felt strange to be receiving such an award at a time when calypso music was suffering because of piracy."
[ Full Story ]
News: Little Hero hits 'Inna Di Ghetto'
"LITTLE HERO'S LUCK has finally kicked in with the success of his hit, Inna De Ghetto. The song, which is featured on DJ Sunshine's Real Life rhythm, has given Little Hero's career the attention that he long desired.
"Mi did meet in a one accident, an mi tongue did get damage an mi did haffi jus kick back fi a while...it cause mi bout two, three years out of the business," he explained.
Little Hero, who was born Paul Gayle in Farm Town, Discovery Bay, in St Ann, is no stranger to scoring a chart climber. As a matter of fact, around 10 years ago he was featured on the collaboration God Alone with Merciless and Action Fire.
Now, winning favour with local fans once again with his tune Inna De Ghetto, Hero says the whole vibe is really good right now and he hopes that this time around things will be better."
[ Full Story ]
News: Sean Paul adds a message behind the groove
"The ladies love dancing to Sean Paul's contagious dancehall grooves. Guys like him make women move on the dance floor. After three years without dropping an album, the dancehall don is back with The Trinity. Paul talked to The Associated Press about his music, violence in Jamaica and why his album may surprise fans.
AP: We Be Burnin is a smash single, but behind the groove is a message. Do you think that message gets buried?
Sean Paul: Dancehall music is perceived as party music, which it is because of the rhythm, but there are messages that do come through or a purpose of an artiste saying something to the world. People usually don't get the messages because of the partying.
AP: Is making music for men and women something you always strive to do?
Sean Paul: I show I can rock it in a hardcore way, but the vibe is smooth. Dudes can appreciate the hard vibe on a song like Gimme The Light, but it sounds so sweet that girls dance to it. Sometimes another artiste can't get away with making songs like that."
[ Full Story ]
News: Fantasia Reveals She's Illiterate
 ""American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino reveals in her memoirs that she is functionally illiterate and had to fake her way through some scripted portions the televised talent show, which she won in 2004.
"You're illiterate to just about everything. You don't want to misspell," Fantasia told ABC's "20/20." "So that, for me, kept me in a box and I didn't, wouldn't come out."
The 21-year-old R&B singer says she's signed record deals and contracts that she didn't read and couldn't understand. But the hardest part, she said, is not being able to read to Zion, her 4-year-old daughter.
"That hurts really bad," she said, adding that she is now learning to read with tutors."
[ Full Story ]
News: Jin Wins 50k At Bahamas Rap Battle
 "Rapper Jin won a $50,000 purse at the Fight Klub battle in the Bahamas on Saturday (Sept. 1) and effectively reclaimed his throne after suffering a high-profile loss in August at an AllHipHop.com sponsored rap battle.
Jin won the money after lyricists Professor Green of the UK, AX of the Bronx and Serius Jones all battled for the $50,000 prize.
In the first round, Green bested AX after the pair traded barbed verses towards each other. "
[ Full Story ]
News: Bogle murder suspect charged
"POLICE YESTERDAY charged the main suspect in the killing of popular dancer Gerald 'Bogle' Levy who was shot dead in January.
Ricardo Palmer, 22, a.k.a. 'Ricky', was charged with two counts of murder, three counts of shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm. He is to appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Gun Court at Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, next week.
Palmer, who police say is from Campden Crescent in Marverly, St. Andrew, was taken into custody on September 15, when he went to court on another charge. Less than two weeks after the killing, police had named Palmer as the main suspect. In fact he was taken into custody sometime ago when he went to report to a police station - as a bail requirement - but was surprisingly released without the knowledge of investigators.
Bogle was shot dead at a service station on Constant Spring Road where he went after an altercation at the popular 'Weddy Weddy Wednesday' dance at the nearby Burlington Avenue.
Police say Bogle and four other persons were buying gas when two men rode up on a bike and opened fire on them. The dancer was shot 14 times all over his body and died on the spot while the other four were taken to the hospital where another man died and the other three were admitted."
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