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News: Elephant Man Pleased To Be A 'Bad Boy'
Elephant Man is still basking in the glory of his Bad Boy Records album deal. "The deal with Puffy just lock up, and the album will be released between August and September. Puffy ah go produce two songs pon the album, 'This is the Way We Roll' and 'Throw Your Hands Up'. It ah go mad, the dupes is back. When you see me, don't say Ele, just say Bad Boy," Elephant Man told YardFlex reporter Jigga Mattic while he hung out at the Cooyah XL party at Morgan's Harbour over the weekend.
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News: 'Cash Money' Portmore's number 1 sound
NO ONE THROWS a party like Cash Money, the ever-popular sound system in Portmore, St. Catherine. Cash Money has been on the party scene since 2000. According to the sound system's owner, Bryan Clarke, a.k.a 'Scratchy B', the Cash Money party was held on Mondays at the Asylum Nightclub, but was changed to Thursdays and moved to the hip party town of Portmore, right on the roof of the Twin City Plaza. The system plays every type of music and has been seen at hype events such as Fully-loaded. The sound has also brought its party madness to Caribbean islands, England, Canada and the United States. Cash Money Thursdays is an event no party person should miss. It's free! The party kicks off at 9:00 p.m. and lasts until 1:59 a.m. Selectors spinning the wheels include popular 'Bumpy', 'Marathon', 'Ice-T' and 'Shampoo'. Thursdays always sets the party on fire and patrons can enjoy performances from various artistes, such as Busy Signal, Slash, New Kidz, Della Rankin, Idonia, Marco Brand, Singer J, and Elephant Man. Patrons will also enjoy give-aways and a fully stocked bar, while jumping to the latest and greatest hits.
If you can't go to Cash Money Thursdays
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News: Who created the 'Dutty Wine'?
THERE HAS BEEN much controversy as to who is the real creator of the immensly popular 'Dutty Wine' dance as a number of persons have claimed ownership or have at least done versions of it. The dance which involves the rapid rotation of the neck and posterior simultaneously has become a feature at dancehall events across the island. At least two sets of dancers have claimed to be the originator of the Dutty Wine - Mad Michelle and a group of dancers from Montego Bay who call themselves the Dutty Wine Dancers while others say they have created versions before. Dancer Mad Michelle, whose real name is Ann Marie McKoy, says as far as she knows, she is the creator of the Dutty Wine dance, but others have since claimed to be the originators. "Mi nuh really waan mek no comment pertaining to it because it causing a lot of controversy. If yuh want to know who build Dutty Wine, watch the Dancehall Queen 2003 DVD," Mad Michelle said.
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News: Fantan Mojah goes backpacking 'through the Macca Tree'
His presence on stage shows in Jamaica and around the world made the backpack almost iconic, and his Rasta-infused vocals addressing the state of the nation and the world.
After hits like Hungry, the follow-up Hail The King and the international attention-getter Fire Child, Fantan Mojah is set to take his act around the world and under his own banner. The fiery artiste, who has at times found himslef the centre of controversy for his onstage remarks, has mustered a group of like-minded artistes under the name Macca Tree family, the moniker typically reflecting the struggle of going through the music business.
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News: Foundation sound systems still contributing to Jamaican music.
KING ADDIES, Jammys, Black Scorpio, Metro Media, Stone Love, Kilamanjaro, Travelers, Merritone Disco, Peter Phillips Disco Adonai, Exodus, Black Cat, Bass Odyssey and Sparkles Disco, are just a few of the sound systems which have made indelible contributions in shaping Jamaican music. It was from sound systems such as these that the art of clashing, the rise of clash tapes and specials, and the trend of artistes being aligned to sounds has evolved However, despite many of these sounds still being in existence, their operations have been scaled down considerably. Some point to changing times, while others finger corporate sponsors who have lost confidence in them and have therefore not been offering much support as the reason for the decline. Monty Blake, one of the Blake brothers who run Merritone Disco, said although times have changed there is still a following that yearns for the good old tunes, but sponsors are unwilling to back them.
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News: Japanese referee didn’t play fair!
The Japanese referee who officiated the TnT/England match last Thursday (June 15th) may be given the boot from the World Cup permanently. Japanese referee Toru Kamikawa may have officiated in his last World Cup match...ever.
This is the scenario after his performance in Thursday’s Group B World Cup match between Trinidad and Tobago and England came under increasing fire from football pundits throughout Germany. So FIFA, the world governing body for football and the organizers of the World Cup Finals have placed Kamikawa on a list of referees whose performance will be reviewed.
This is a clear signal that FIFA is unhappy at the way the Japanese official conducted his duties at the Franken Stadion in Nuremberg as the Soca Warriors conceded two goals in the last seven minutes to lose the match.
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News: Sony Records to Distribute Spragga Benz New Album
Spragga Benz has just signed a deal with Sony records to distribute his forthcoming album “Thug Nature Vol. II.” Spragga Benz has been working with famed producer Salaam Remy on his new upcoming album disc, for which he has signed a deal with Sony Records. Benz revealed "I have been working with Salaam and Stephen Ventura on the tracks, now I just have to choose what to use. We have no title for the album yet, but Sony tek the rights to distribute it, so we a look forward to it.” The deejay also has a number of new singles enjoying airplay in Jamaica such as 'Ms. Jamaica', and 'Inna Mi Style' with I-Lana. Known for the hit singles, "Hand Inna da Air," "Rude Bwoy Living," "No Cater," "Who Next," "No Fun Thing," "Mark Death," "Things a Gwaan," "Jump Up and Swear", Benz has been in the game a long time. In 2002, he issued his fourth album, Thug Nature, which featured extensive supporting contributions from his stable of up-and-coming talent, the Red Square Crew.
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News: Peter Crouch’s dirty play on Brent Sancho!
 Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho says he was "definitely" fouled by England’s Peter Crouch, as the striker scored England’s opening goal in the 83rd minute of the match.
Brent Sancho was indeed fouled by England striker Peter Crouch. Images shown on German television after the match and released on news agency photo wires appear to show Crouch possibly tugging on the defender's dreadlocks as the England giant lunges to head a cross from David Beckham into the T & T net. After a lackluster performance for most of the match, the goal set England on their way to an eventual 2-0 win over the Soca Warriors.
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News: The Reggae All Stars concert
The Reggae All Stars are coming to TNT; a host of Jamaican reggae superstars will share the stage alongside our best local reggae talent, in two mega concerts. Buju Banton, Kymani Marley, Jr X, Capleton, Warrior King and Half Pint will share the stage with local reggae artistes I Sasha, Million Voice, King David, Khari Kill and Prophet Benjamin in two concerts titled Reggae All Stars. The “All Stars” concert scheduled for July 29th and 31st in both Trinidad and Tobago is being presented by the Jamaican based Tuff Gong Promotions in conjunction with the local entity Visionz International.
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Video: Paris Hilton - Stars are Blind
Who ever knew that Paris Hilton would come out with a reggae tune. Here's the video for it.
The funny thing is that I expect this to get big. It will have enough money behind it to get play everywhere and will grow on everybody.
[ Paris Hilton - Stars are Blind ]
--Knockz
Audio: Soca Warriors Anthem World Cup 2006
Here it is in all it's glory! The tune that has been ringing out in Trinidad and Tobago for this historic World Cup campaign! I am a SOCA WARRIOR! Check the lyrics and also FREE download of the tune written and recorded by Maximus Dan.
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News: Baby Cham “Ghetto Story” Banned in Jamaica
Baby Cham’s “Ghetto Story” has been banned by the Jamaican government because of its graphic description of poverty in that country. Baby Cham’s mega hit “Ghetto Story” is so explicit in its description of poverty and hopelessness in Jamaica that the government has banned it. According to Cham “At first they (the Government) were trying to fight it in Jamaica, but now it's the biggest thing.” He went on to say "The radio started playing it like probably two weeks after they said, 'No, no, no.' The fans were letting them know that it was the biggest song in the street. But that's how it is in Jamaica; they tend to draw a curtain to the real things going on."
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News: Irie Ban Stands
IT'S BEEN six months since Irie FM decided to implement a ban on all songs containing beeps to conceal curse words, and from the looks of things, they are sticking to their guns.
Brian Schmidt, marketing manager at Irie FM, says since they ceased playing songs with beeps they have not had any negative reactions from the public. "So far, so good. Everyone has been really positive. People will see us on the road and say that it is one of the best things that we could have done and it is about time that someone took a stand," said Schmidt. Schmidt also said deejays would be less accepting than the singers about the ban.
Reggae artiste, Natty King, known for his song No Guns to Town, says the ban is a step forward.
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News: Jamaica's First Celebrity Wedding On August 22nd
Finally. The date for perhaps the celebrity wedding of the year between dancehall maestro Beenie Man and model-turned deejay D'Angel will be on August 22nd this year -- a date that bears added significance since it coincides with Beenie Man's birthday.
"We're going to get married on August 22nd, but we're not ready to disclose the location yet because we don't want too many people showing up un-announced, or un-invited at the event. It's going to be an all-white wedding and yes, celebrities will be there, maybe even some of those artistes who will be performing at Summer Sizzle which is only a few days later," D'Angel told YardFlex.Com last night.
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News: Soca Warriors impress on World Cup debut!!!
The TnT Soca Warriors made a historic World Cup debut by holding Sweden to a nil-nil draw; they are now ranked third in their group behind England and Sweden.
Trinidad and Tobago held on for a courageous draw despite playing the whole of the second half with 10 men. Soca Warriors defender Avery John picked up the first red card of the World Cup after two reckless tackles. Cornell Glen had Trinidad and Tobago's best chance with a thumping drive that hit the bar, but they were pinned back for much of the game. Marcus Allback and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both should have done better with good chances but the islanders held on. Trinidad and Tobago were forced to make a change before the kick-off as goalkeeper Kelvin Jack suffered a last-minute injury on the way back to the dressing room after the warm-up session.
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News: Mastermind Leaves Asylum
Ace keyboardist and producer Shawn ‘Mastamind’ Noel has left Bunji Garlin and Asylum.
Mastamind, produced Bunji’s two Soca Monarch winning titles (Warrior Cry and Blaze The Fire) and Shurwayne Winchester 2006 Groovy Soca Monarch winner Don’t Stop.
The heavy schedule of the top band caused Mastamind to leave so he could concentrate fully on his production company.
Currently working on the all female Estrogen riddim, the award winning producer looks forward to continued works with the former Soca Monarch winner.
News: Poison is No More
One of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest and most popular bands, Poison is no more; bandleader Michael Headley confirmed yesterday that the band has been dissolved.
Poison bandleader Micheal Headley yesterday confirmed that his large-band famous for its huge numbers has been dissolved.
The dissolution comes on the heels of the announcement of the formation of a new eight-member group, Pulse 8, all formerly of Poison.
At the forefront of Pulse 8 is Poison's long-serving communications officer, Meg Cheekes with her well-known Cheek 2 Cheek section.
Citing frustration with the length of time it takes for bands to get on to the Queen's Park Savannah stage and the fact that there are penalties for not sticking to the prescribed route, Headley confirmed "Poison is no longer coming on the road".
Poison came to the fore in 1990 when key members of the popular band Savage split into the Barbarossa and Poison factions.
The latter, headed by Headley, became increasingly popular with a record 30 sections and just under 7,000 masqueraders for Carnival 2006 with the presentation "Dreams: Beyond Your Wildest".
However, it was not without its detractors with criticisms that the band was too large and took too long to cross the stage.
News: Judge Says Press and Public May View R. Kelly Tape
Cook County Judge Vince Gaughan ruled against both prosecutors and defense lawyers for R&B superstar R. Kelly Thursday, saying he will not prevent members of the public at Kelly's child pornography trial from viewing the videotape that appears to show Kelly engaging in sex acts with a 14-year-old girl.
Yes, it might mean people are watching child pornography, but to make secret the heart of the prosecution case against Kelly might undermine the public's confidence in the jury's verdict, Gaughan said.
"This is the whole crux or linchpin of the case against Mr. Kelly," Gaughan said. "Without it, the case wouldn't exist." Adding that he did not want a "star chamber," the judge said, "The press is very important and can't be excluded."
[ Full Story ]
News: Razz and Biggy
 THEY ARE YOUNG, full of energy and have the teenagers flocking to parties just to experience their musical mastery.
Sean Cousley and Richard McGrath, more popularly known as Razz and Biggy, have found a place in the musical fraternity, more specifically, as musical selectors.
The two, who were friends while attending Kingston College, found a love for music when they made a hobby of collecting records when they were in high school. This hobby later developed into their careers as DJ's.
"Wi use to do sweet sixteen parties, St. Hughs féte, key club association and di sound was called Uptempo dem time deh, but a likkle difficulty did develop wid di name, somebody else had the name so wi link up wid a sound called Guardian Disco and we did that for bout a year or two then we parted company," Biggy recalled.
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News: Jay-Z Brings Life To 'Reasonable Doubt'
Jay-Z will take the stage June 25 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his 1996 debut, "Reasonable Doubt" (Roc-A-Fella/Priority), considered a classic hip-hop album. The rapper and current president of Def Jam will perform the disc in its entirety for the first time at New York's Radio City Music Hall.
Tickets for the concert go on sale tomorrow (June 9) at 9 a.m. ET through Ticketmaster. At deadline it is unclear if the artist will be joined by any of the guests from "Reasonable Doubt," including Foxy Brown ("Ain't No Nigga") and Mary J. Blige (opener "Can't Knock the Hustle").
Jay-Z Brings Life To 'Reasonable Doubt'.
Music: Podcast Updated
Another podcast has been put up. This time its a newer reggae mix. 20 mins of some of the latest reggae riddims. Sync it with your mp3 player, your ipod, or just listen to it in iTunes. Enjoy.
For more info on podcasting look in the middle column.
--Knockz
News: Bounty Killer and Beenie Man conflict getting personal
'The Warlord', Bounty Killer, has reached his wit's end and he is now more cross, angry and miserable than ever before when it comes to tolerating his long- time rival Beenie Man.
The deejay said the lyrical feud between himself and Beenie Man has now escalated beyond just mere lyrics, as it has now become personal and could end up in a similiar situation to that which happened between the United States rappers Tupac and Biggie.
[ Full Story ]
News: Trini Link in Terror Bust
Its not entertainment related but what the hell is going on these days? People bored or wha?
--Knockz
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A UNIVERSITY graduate with Trinidadian parents, it was learned yesterday, was among the 17 terror suspects arrested in Canada on suspicion that they were planning to blow up several civilian centres in Ontario.
The arrests were made on Friday in Toronto by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and, according to Canadian media, the crackdown was related to coordinated raids in six countries. A
Anti-terrorist units in the United States, Britain, Bosnia, Denmark, Sweden and Bangladesh arrested at least 18 terror suspects.
Ahmad Mustafa Ghany, 21, is the son of a Trinidadian doctor who emigrated to Canada and is charged with the 16 others in the suspected terror plot.
The others include men from Somalia, Egypt, Jamaica, and other suspects with Trinidadian origin.
The Canadian media quoted police as saying that all the suspects were Canadian citizens "for the most part".
The arrests came after a six-month investigation by the RCMP and, according to reports, were part of "several overlapping probes that include the FBI and British intelligence.
[ Full Story ]
News: Bounty Killer Arrested for Assault
 Popular Deejay Rodney 'Bounty Killer' Pryce was arrested by police on Saturday and charged with assaulting the mother of his child.
The 'Warlord', as Pryce is also known, was arrested at the Quad Nightclub on a warrant and subsequently charged with assault and occasioning grievous bodily harm, stemming from an incident on Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, more than a week ago.
Allegations are about 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, Pryce, 34, was passing by when he saw the mother of his child, 33-year- old Julie Rambally, on her way with friends to a popular Monday night session along Constant Spring Road.
Pryce allegedly accosted Rambally and an argument began. It was reported that the altercation became physical and she was punched in the face several times. She was dragged some distance away (near South Avenue), and her head slammed into a wall, and she was kicked to the ground.
Rambally was assisted to the Kingston Public Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries, including severe swelling to the face. A report was subsequently made, and a warrant was prepared for Pryce's arrest.
Pryce was picked up about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, at the club in New Kingston, wherein the warrant was served, and he was arrested. He did not spend any time in jail however, as Pryce was given station bail to the sum of $20,000.
The matter has been set for court on Tuesday, where the Warlord's fate will be decided.
News: 50 Cent Tapped To Headline Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest
 Rap star 50 Cent has been tapped to appear at the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica this July. Summerfest Productions confirmed 50 Cent will headline a Friday night event titled "Ignition" on July 21, in Montego Bay.
“50 Cent is absolutely one of the most exciting personalities in music. He has an aura that excites fans even before he touches the stage,” said Jomo Cato, Director of Marketing for Summerfest Productions. “We expect this show to be tremendously exciting and a huge favorite with our fans. When you look at the line up for 'Ignition,' it is an event that no one in Jamaica will miss. My advice is to get your tickets early!”
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