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News: Cam'ron Apologizes for "60 Minutes" Interview
Cam'ron released a statement today clarifying "no snitching" policy. On Sunday, April 22, Cam'ron was interviewed on "60 Minutes" regarding his "no snitching" "code of ethics." He told journalist Anderson Cooper he would never cooperate with police, even if a serial killer lived next door. Today, the Harlem rapper released a statement clarifying - and apologizing for - his interview. The statement, in its entirety: "In 2005, I was a victim of a violent crime. I was shot multiple times without provocation by two armed men who attempted to carjack my vehicle. Although I was a crime victim, I didn't feel like I could cooperate with the police investigation. Where I come from, once word gets out that you've cooperated with the police that only makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That is a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine across America. I'm not saying it's right, but it's reality. And it's not unfounded. There's a harsh reality around violence and criminal justice in our inner cities. [ Full Story ]
News: Lady Saw's Walk Out
Stereotypes are the proverbial two-edged sword. Once the performer establishes themselves within a particular type, success can come easy, but transcendence is much harder. Marion 'Lady Saw' Hall burst onto the dancehall scene in the 1990s taking the aggressive, even predatory sexuality her male counterparts had enshrined and flipping it on them, with no-nonsense raunch like Stab Up Di Meat, Good Wuk and Hice(hoist) It Up. Her exploits sparked controversy (often the best friend of the artiste in need of promotion) and brought her to the attention of overseas pop and hip hop acts. The wider exposure and personal trials have led Hall to try and temper her in-your-face persona (an entity she has repeatedly said is reserved solely for the stage and on records) and Walk Out represents a kind of tic in her ongoing evolution. After four relatively unremarkable tracks, the disc hits its creative stride in the mid-section of the track list (coincidence?) with a four-track run that shows both vulnerability and spunk. The testimonial No Less Than A Woman (Infertility) features a chorus that has the ring of Marcia Griffiths circa the late 1970s/early '80s. Not The World's Prettiest -- with it's bell-driven rhythm track -- unabashedly shows the off-stage alter-ego, Marion, at her most prosaic and domestic. You Need Me updates the 'country-rockers' hybrid she previously explored fruitfully on Give Me The Reason, channelling Dolly Parton, vintage r&b and early Jamaican gospel in a loopy yet likeable mix. Baby Dry Your Eyes might just be the album's sleeper classic, hopping back-and-forth between cabaret sultry and modern, dancehall-influenced swing with typical Lady Saw bravura. [ Full Story ]
News: Sanchez, LUST for 30-city US tour
Acclaimed reggae vocalist, Kevin Jackson, more popularly known as Sanchez, is preparing to start a hectic 30-city US tour, which will take him into cities he has never played before. Sanchez will be joined by popular singing group LUST, which comprises Lukie D, Trilla U, Singing Melody and Tony Curtis. The tour is scheduled to kick off on May 11 and will take the artistes to cities such as Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Hartford, Connecticut, and Norfolk, Virginia, among others. The tour, which is set to last for six weeks, is dubbed the Singers In Action Tour 2007 and is scheduled to end on Father's Day, June 17 in Miramar, Florida. All artistes will be accompanied by the Chronic band. Organised by Sanmonick Promotions, this tour is the second for Sanchez for 2007, as earlier this year he went to England for a series of shows. According to the promoters, bookings have been going quite well and the artistes are looking forward to conquering new territory as well as revisiting their favourite cities. [ Full Story ]
News: More fallout from Akon dance
The fallout continues from Akon's simulated sex dance with a dance contestant who turned out to be the 14-year-old daughter of a pastor. The Trinidad Express newspaper is reporting that Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister, Patrick Manning, is demanding a formal investigation into the incident, which took place April 12, at Club Zen in Port of Spain. Also, Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has expressed outrage over Akon's conduct and is calling for the singer to be charged for 'lewd dancing'.
In the midst of all this, the girl - Deena Alleyne - says the entire ordeal has soured her on hip hop. "This whole hip hop thing is a guise and I don't want any part of it, I don't want to be any part of it," Alleyne reportedly told the Trinidad Express. "Look at what I have to go through with one mistake that I made. My dad warned me every time and I didn't listen. I am sorry." Alleyne further told the paper that the only dancing she will do from now on is in the dance ministry at her father's church, Flaming Word Ministry. [ Full Story ]
Video: Mavada ft. Serani - Dying
This is a very hot song in the dancehall right now. Here's the video to the track. [ Mavada ft. Serani - Dying ] --Knockz
News: Club Zen shutdown by Trinidad courts - no license
Zen nightclub on Keate Street in Port-of-Spain has been shut down indefinitely. The license for Zen was revoked in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court yesterday after certain restrictions that the club had to comply with were not followed. Deputy Commissioner of Police Winston Cooper confirmed the shutdown last night. The shutdown follows an early morning brawl at the club involving Machel Montano and two other top soca artistes in which a Princes Town man was beaten unconscious.
The man was beaten outside the nightclub after a struggle which started inside the club ended on the streets outside. Russell Pollonais, who sustained head injuries, was up to last night warded in satisfactory condition at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. [ Full Story ]
News: Machel Montano: I am not involved in Zen incident
Soca artiste Machel Montano is denying claims that he fired any punches in a brawl which landed a 24-year-old Russell Pollonaise in hospital nursing head injuries. However, Montano, through his mother Elizabeth, admitted that he was at Zen nightclub located on Keate Street, Port-of-Spain, when the incident occurred early yesterday morning.
Montano supplied a statement to police officials at the Belmont Police Station late yesterday evening although he was reportedly not contacted by the investigators. [ Full Story ]
News: Belmont police to question Machel and others over Zen incident
 Soca artistes Machel Montano, Benjai, Shall Marshall and Kernel Roberts are to be questioned by Belmont police following an incident outside Club Zen yesterday morning which left a patron, Russell Pollonaise with injuries.
Police said around 2 a.m, Russell Pollonaise, 24, and several friends were liming at the club when one of Pollonaise's friends spilled a drink on a woman with whom soca artiste Machel Montano was dancing.
It is alleged that there was an altercation following which Zen's security officers ordered Pollonaise and his friend out of the club. Belmont police said Machel Montano, Shall Marshal, Benjai and Kernel Roberts followed the men outside the club where the argument continued. [ Full Story ]
News: Barry G's stroke of luck
 Contrary to rumours that he is infected with HIV, radio entrepreneur Barrington 'Barry G' Gordon is now recovering from a severe stroke he recently suffered.
Barry G, 50, has been involved in media since the 1970s, having worked at JBC (now RJR). The former disc jock was hospitalised in Florida about two weeks ago after he suffered a stroke while on a flight from Montego Bay to Florida. With a stutter in his voice Barry G told the STAR, "I was airborne when I wanted to use the restroom, I felt like I was stumbling - my wife had to assist me." He had to be wheelchaired off the plane and immediately taken to a hospital. Since the stroke, he has been experiencing speech difficulties and constant hiccups. he has also been unable to walk upright. [ Full Story ]
News: Police search Zen for Akon sex tape
Trinidad and Tobago Police conducted a search at the Zen nightclub yesterday, halting business at the venue for just over two hours. We understand that the officers may have been searching for footage of RnB hiphop performer Akon allegedly engaging in sex acts at his recent concert at the nightclub. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Winston Cooper, confirmed there was a search yesterday. However, he said it was part of the ongoing investigation into the dirty dancing incident at the nightclub, which featured 15-year-old Danah Alleyne and Akon. Cooper said the police did not find anything yesterday. According to police sources, a warrant was obtained by the police to search the premises for surveillance video footage of the club from the particular night of Akon's performance. [ Full Story ]
News: TnT government calls for legal action against Akon
Minister in the Ministry of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds has called for legal action to be taken against RnB star, Akon. During a recent performance at Club Zen, the entertainer dry humped Deena Alleyne, 14. The act, which imitated sexual intercourse has opened a national debate on who should bear the most blame for the incident. "Akon means 'convict' and I feel he should be a 'convict' in Trinidad and Tobago," Hinds said, "having possibly committed a criminal offence of lewd dancing in public". [ Full Story ]
----------- I know I've posted a lot of news about Akon lately but this thing is heating up.. lets see where this goes. --Knockz
News: Akon in Trinidad at Zen controversy
Apparently Akon while in Trinidad, performed at Zen nightclub last Thursday. A video of Akon allegedly conning girls to dance on stage with the hopes of winning a trip to Africa somehow backfired with people posting the video on Youtube. The footage has now been pulled because "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Universal Music Group". Well here is the video: Akon in Trinidad at Zen. Checkout thesuperficial.com for more on this and also youtube.com for other video related to the show. You know, true or not, old time people have a saying that the truth offends. I wonder if this is applicable to the Universal Music Group and Akon? [ Full Story ]
News: 18 is the age limit for Zen
Johnny Soong, owner of the Zen nightclub and one of the promoters of last Thursday's "Akon in Concert" said yesterday that the club has an age limit of 18 years and over. Soong, who is out of the country, was contacted for comment on the highly publicised controversial dance by Akon and 14-year-old Deena Alleyne, daughter of pastor Dave Alleyne.
"Patrons have to be 18 years to purchase tickets when we sell tickets for our events," Soong said yesterday. "We do check persons IDs. Obviously she got through the crack. "It was advance tickets so it may not have been her who bought her ticket but someone could have bought it for her. There were also scalpers outside the venue selling tickets." Soong said police were also positioned at the door for the event. "We are very vigilant in terms of making sure that people of age come into Zen," Soong added. [ Full Story ]
News: Brian Lara announces retirement after England game
Beleaguered and embattled West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara delivered a shock knock to his fans and detractors alike, announcing yesterday that he intends to leave the field at the end of the World Cup game against England tomorrow. At the end of the post-match news conference at Kensington Oval, following the West Indies win over Bangladesh, Lara said it was something he had given serious thought to.
"I want to say that on Saturday I'm bidding farewell to international cricket as a player. I have already spoken with the board and I want to thank everyone for that," he said, bringing an end to the news conference. [ Full Story ]
News: Akon Molests 14 Year Old Girl On Stage (Video)
Akon, a self confessed Muslim who practices polygamy and has 3 wives, shocked an audience and a 14-year-old girl in Trinidad, when Akon brought the girl onstage and dry humped her while also pushing her around the stage. Richard Gere’s forced kiss in India is G rated compared to Akon’s obscenity. Akon told the audience that he was holding a "contest" with the winner getting a trip to Africa. He said that although they had held the contest in London, and Atlanta, that Trinidad’s contest would be his favorite. Akon managed to get seven girls onstage, and to compete they had to dance like whores. The winner had to compete with Akon, and one got molested by him. [ Full Story ]
News: Beenie Man and D'Angel in domestic dispute
Reports that celebrity couple, Beenie Man and D'Angel, recently had a domestic dispute forcing one of them to seek medical attention, have been spreading like wildfire. Efforts to reach both Beenie Man and D'Angel for a comment proved futile, as neither of them was willing to come to the phone to speak.
However, producer and close friend of the couple, Arthur Wale, says, "everything nice between dem now. A tru dem (Beenie and D'Angel) did have a likkle argument everybody a blow di ting out a proportion. But di two people dem nice, mi deh right weh di two a dem deh an a me a talk on dem behalf." [ Full Story ]
News: Sting promoter Laing sued by police officer
A police woman on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Isiah Laing, the promoter of the stage show Sting, in the St. Catherine Civil Court for injuries she received during Sting 2003. The police officer, Corporal Debbie Rhoden of the Old Harbour Police Station in St Catherine, is seeking J$250,000 in damages from the promoter. She reportedly received injuries to her head and body when a bottle throwing incident brought an end to the proceedings. [ Full Story ]
News: Chappelle pulls all-nighter at Factory
 Anyone who bought a ticket to the Laugh Factory on Sunday night ended up getting two surprises.
The first came when Dave Chappelle appeared onstage at 10:36 p.m. for an unannounced set. The second shocker: Chappelle kept telling jokes until 4:43 the next morning--- making his entire set a whopping six hours and seven minutes. That's the longest performance by any comedian in the the 28-year history of the Laugh Factory, according to founder Jamie Masada. Amazingly, the previous record was established just a few days earlier. On April 10, Dane Cook performed his own marathon act, appearing on stage for three hours and fifty minutes. "It was just one of those nights," Masada said of Chappelle's appearance. "He had everyone laughing for six hours." Indeed, Masada said only about a dozen of the 150-plus original members of the audience left the club before Chappelle wrapped his set. "The audience was with him 100 percent," he said. Chappelle didn't take any bathroom breaks. And Laugh Factory staff stopped serving alcohol around midnight, Masada said. [ Full Story ]
News: Snoop Dogg to Promote Hip-Hop Unity
 The past two months have been problematic for Snoop Dogg. Last week, he pleaded guilty on two felony counts of gun possession, stemming from an incident at Bob Hope Airport in October 2006. Last month he was scheduled to perform with Diddy on the British leg of their One Love Peace Tour but was denied a visa to the UK due to his arrest in April 2006 for allegedly starting a brawl at Heathrow Airport in the UK.
With all of the bad press stemming from Snoop’s police contact, many have overlooked the rapper’s positive contributions. In 2004, the Doggfather formed the Snoop Youth Football League. In 2005 he organized the Western Conference, an event with a goal to bring together West Coast artists in order to promote unity and end petty beefs. Now, Snoop is looking to expand his mission of West Coast solidarity with his new compilation on KOCH Records, The Big Squeeze. The album features the Top Dog on 12 tracks alongside Tha Dogg Pound, Warzone, Western Union and JT Tha Bigga Figga. Snoop also made 16 of the beats on the album, introducing his production moniker, Niggaracchi. Just home from his One Love Peace Tour, Snoop talks with XXLMag.com about The Big Squeeze, his work as a producer and the controversy surrounding his ban from the UK. [ Full Story ]
News: Ne-Yo, Sean Paul & Maxi Priest for St Kitts Music Festival
 Maxi Priest, Ne-Yo and Grammy Award Winning Artist Sean Paul All Confirmed to Perform at the 11th Annual Event
Sean PaulBasseterre, St. Kitts (April XX, 2007) - Mr. Allister Williams, Executive Director of the St. Kitts Music Festival, today announces that three more of today's hottest artists have been added to the line-up for the St. Kitts Music Festival. Sean Paul, Maxi Priest, and Ne-Yo have all been confirmed to perform at the 11th annual event taking place from June 21st to 24th, 2007.
"This year marks the beginning of the second decade of the St. Kitts Music Festival and we want to continue to improve the audience experience," said Richard "Ricky" O. Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture for St. Kitts. "I'm very pleased that acclaimed artists such as Maxi Priest, Ne-Yo and Sean Paul will be in St Kitts for our annual warm, festive and family-oriented gathering of music lovers. Such an exciting line-up of artists adds to the attractiveness of our destination where visitors from across North America, Europe and the Caribbean explore the unique charm of St. Kitts and our sister island, Nevis." [ Full Story ]
News: Jamaica J'Ouvert 2007 full of action
There was nothing but madness, crazy fun and excitement on the roads of Kingston on J'ouvert morning when soca fans took to the streets armed with their paint, water and just about anything they could find to dose each other. The excitement on the road was intense this year as Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival, in association with Digicel, presented 'Jamaica Carnival KFC J'ouvert', featuring live performances from Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Patrons by this time, some minutes after 4 a.m. on Saturday, were soaked in paint, soaked with water and were jumping and gyrating with their partners and peers to the sound of soca and dancehall music courtesy of three huge music trucks. The set-up started along Knutsford Boulevard, moved onto Trafalgar Road, along Old Hope Road and down Lady Musgrave Road. Patrons knew 'It's di road calling' and were having the time of their life on 'J'ouvert morning' as the men extended open invitations to the females asking, "Why don't you come over, I'm a bachelor" while the females simply told their fellow females to Roll it gyal. [ Full Story ]
Audio: UK Cup Clash 2K7
This was streamed recently on BBC 1Xtra and I received a copy of it so I decided to post it up and share it for anybody that is looking for it. Mighty Crown and Bass Odyssey murdered the 45 round. That was probably my favorite round of the whole thing. Enjoy [ UK Cup Clash 2K7 ] --Knockz
News: Bass Odyssey Scores at UK World Clash 2K7
Bass Odyssey has become the first sound to win the UK Cup Clash twice in a row. Their victory was undeniable. They beat Mighty Crown 6 to 0 in the “tune fi tune” round, resulting in an unforgettable finishing. However, as a Bass Odyssey fan, I was a little worried about their performance during the rounds of the clash. Bass Odyssey played real lazy, not at all like the Bass Odyssey I have known. Bass Odyssey is known for commanding the dance, but for the most part they just did what was needed to make it to the next round. [ Full Story ]
News: Vida Guerra: It Ain't a Game
 When Vida Guerra is mentioned, men become cartoon wolves; eyes bug out of their heads and tongues stretch for miles while pounding themselves on the head with a mallet. This is only natural since for the past five years Guerra has graced the covers of FHM, Maxim, Playboy and other magazines making her the number one pin-up in college dorms and offices through out the country. Not allowing herself to be seen in just one light, she lent her voice to the video game, Scarface: The World is Yours, appeared in Kanye West’s video, “The New Workout Plan,” Frankie J’s, “Obsession,” as well as, breaking onto the big screen in National Lampoon’s Dorm Daze 2.
Don’t let the pretty face, puppy dog eyes and billion-dollar behind fool you, this lady is serious. After having her cell phone hacked, pictures posted on the internet and the Game’s recent scornful ode to video girls, “Wouldn’t Get Far,” Guerra is firing back with a diss track. AllHipHop.com caught up with Guerra to set the record straight on the Game beef, internet leaks, her new album, and not getting pigeon holed in the industry. AllHipHop.com: What’s up with the diss track about The Game?
Vida Guerra: I have one, but the people from my label won’t let me do it. They were advised by some other people not to do it.
AllHipHop.com: Was the track was supposed to be on your debut self-titled album? Vida Guerra: I want it to be, but there’s the whole thing with the label. It’s a matter of working everything out. I want to but I can’t speak on if they’ll let me. AllHipHop.com: How did the whole confrontation start? [ Full Story ]
News: No Cage for Dogg
Snoop, there it is! Snoop Dogg pleaded no contest in a Los Angeles County Superior Court today on two felonies related to arrests last year on gun possession and marijuana charges.
He was given a three-year suspended sentence -- so no jail time. Dogg has also been sentenced to five years of formal probation and 800 hours of community service. Coming soon to a roadside near you!
Snoop was arrested on October 27 outside Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, Calif. after police found a gun and marijuana in his car. He was then arrested on November 28 near NBC Studios after an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Police say they found the rapper in possession of cocaine, a firearm and a large amount of marijuana. He was also cited for allegedly having a false compartment in his vehicle.
[ Full Story ]
News: Mighty Crown takes Death Before Dishonour '07
 The Mighty Crown lifted their first 'Death Before Dishonour' trophy at Pier 1 Montego Bay, St. James, before a massive audience just past dawn on Tuesday, beating Bass Odyssey soundly by six to one in the fifth and final 'dub for dub' round. The sound clash was not, however, without its mishaps and dramas, as Bass Odyssey's ace selector Squingy took a tumble from the stage rigging to the ground about 15 feet below and was toted away by an ambulance.
And a couple bottles, apparently from disgruntled Silver Star fans after the 'Death Before Dishonour' debutantes were eliminated in the fourth round, sent a part of the audience near the large stage scampering and the put the clash on hold briefly. It was in that fourth round that Mighty Crown really took hold of the clash, after Canadian entrants Black Reaction were sent packing in the round before. First to be eliminated was David Rodigan in the second round, who skipped his arsenal of dub plates to start with Peter Hunningale singing Natural Mystic to open and Albarosie from Italy to end, saying "thank you Montego Bay" in a tone that suggested that he was willing to drop out. The five sound systems played rounds of 15 minutes each, eliminations being done by a show of hands starting from the second round, with the final pair going for the best of 11 dub plates each. [ Full Story ]
News: Vegas' shows cancelled
 Eager fans of Mr. Vegas, although disappointed, had no choice but to be understanding when they heard the announcement that he would not be performing at the Mountain Dew Stunt Festival held on Easter Monday at the Jamalco Sports club in Clarendon.
According to Vegas' Publicist, Ray Alexander, "the doctor has ordered him to rest." In a release that was subsequently sent, it further explained that it was a heart condition that has caused Vegas to miss out on the show. [ Full Story ]
News: No title defence from Ricky Trooper
Traditionally, the reigning champion of 'Death Before Dishonour' is the last of the five sound systems to play in the current contest. However, on Easter Monday at Pier 1, Montego Bay, it was Bass Odyssey who went last by the luck of the draw, not the 2006 champion Ricky Trooper by right. Before the clash started, Chin of the event's production team Irish and Chin, explained to the audience that "Trooper gave us a price that is unfair to everyone on the stage. He overpriced himself out of World Clash. No disrespect to Ricky Trooper, but certain tings we cyaan condone in the business. An we naa mek true one man de clash no gwaan. Big up Ricky Trooper anyweh him stan up, but de clash haffi gwaan". [ Full Story ]
News: Bass Odyssey's Squingy falls at 'Death Before Dishonour'
 Bass Odyssey's ace selector Squingy came on stage in a full West Indies cricket outfit at 'Death Before Dishonour 2007', held at Pier 1, Montego Bay, St. James, for the second round of music from the five competing sound systems to cheers early Tuesday morning. However, in the next round, as he climbed the rigging next to the stage to take his customary high perch to choreograph the delivery of deadly dub plates, Squingy fell to the ground and broke at least a leg, lying there for some minutes as the clash continued, until an ambulance came to transport him to hospital.
Keith Walford, owner of Bass Odyssey, said Squingy broke his left ankle and wrist and his left shoulder was dislocated. He will have to undergo surgery. However, Walford said there were no indications of internal injuries to the selector, who is now in the Cornwall Regional Hospital. "Apart from that he is in fairly good spirits," Walford said. "We still have to give thanks. When we saw him coming down we thought he would have had more injuries or even died." Squingy fell close to some long metal pins which are used to anchor the rigging and Walford said "he claims he saw the pins and twisted his body around them". [ Full Story ]
News: Eddie Named as Father
Mel B has named Eddie Murphy as the father on her daughter's birth certificate. The former Spice Girl is certain ex-lover Eddie is two-week-old Fortuna Daphne Bay's father, and has hired a top lawyer to prove his paternity in court. A source told Britain's Closer magazine: "Mel has no doubt Eddie is the father and she wanted to make the point." While Mel is determined to prove Eddie fathered her second daughter, she has vowed he will play no part in the child's upbringing. The source revealed: "She doesn't want him involved because he has hurt her too much. She just feels that he will have to accept responsibility at some point and there was no need for him to be so dismissive of their relationship." [ Full Story ]
News: At least four years for Snoop
 Snoop Dogg faces up to four years in jail. The rapper, real name Calvin Broadus, was charged on Tuesday with the sale or transportation of marijuana and possession of a gun by a convicted felon.
If convicted he could be sentenced to jail time. Snoop's attorney, Donald Etra, said: "These are the charges that were fully expected, and they will be dealt with in court." The 35-year-old rapper was arrested at California's Burbank airport last October, after police found a handgun and marijuana in his car. Another gun was found in his Los Angeles home last November following a police search. [ Full Story ]
News: Stage Show Riot Update
Angry fans in Trinidad broke into a riot on Saturday after a number of Jamaican artistes did not perform at a local show at the National Stadium in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. According to a report on the Trinidad Express website, police on duty at the show dubbed, 'Best of Both Worlds' used tear gas to disperse the crowd after it ended abruptly. The report further stated that fans who waited until 3 a.m. and had not seen the headline acts started to throw cups and cans on stage when the music stopped and police started to tell those patrons in the front to leave. However, some of the artistes, who included Richie Spice, Busy Signal, Vbyz Kartel and Elephant Man, are claiming that the promoter had actually sought to deceive the people and them. "He collected the people's money and didn't pay us and we can't seem to find out who is actually the promoter," Devon Wheatley, manager for Richie Spice told THE STAR. He said Richie Spice and the team were waiting at the hotel for the promoter to come and take them to the show, when at 3 a.m. two guys name Frank and Quory, who claimed they were the promoters, told them that the show had ended. [ Full Story ]
News: West Indies out of World Cup
West Indies skipper Brian Lara apologised to the Caribbean people yesterday for his team’s dismal performance in the current Cricket World Cup. His comments came after the West Indies suffered their fourth successive defeat in the Super-8s yesterday, effectively ending their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. South Africa hammered the hosts by 67 runs at the Queen’s Park Stadium in Grenada. Lara said: “We must say sorry to the people of the Caribbean for the dismal performances in this World Cup. Chasing 357 runs for victory against South Africa was always going to be difficult and the boys tried their best but fell short. [ Full Story ]
News: Carnival Countdown was a blast
 The Supreme Ventures Carnival Countdown, staged at its new home, Richmond Estate, St. Ann, was a blast. It was not Chukka Cove but the new venue did possess the ambience promised, there was multiple road access, secure parking and immeasurable energy and vibes.
There were also lots of activities taking place under beautifully decorated and exuberantly lit tents. When The Gleaner team arrived at the venue at about 9:30 p.m. Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, with Jomo and Oscar B were on-stage 'kicking up a storm.' They were teaching the patrons the 'clothes line' and the 'run from police' dance moves. Upcoming artiste Uncle Sam was again introduced to the stage this year and he did not disappoint. When Nadine Sutherland took the stage at 9:50 p.m. the vibes and energy in the venue went sky high. As her performance progressed she rocked the crowd with Action and Man Haffi Wicked Fi Please Mi. Christopher Martin gave a good account of himself, but when Oscar B, Jomo and company returned the revelry vibes bubbled. They injected some energy in the proceedings. [ Full Story ]
News: 411 on Squingy and World Clash 2K7
It is a very solemn mood for the entire Bass Odyssey fraternity following World Clash 2007 held on Easter Monday, April 9 at Pier One, Montego Bay. The highly anticipated return of dancehall selector and clash icon Squingy to the World Clash stage was marred when he fell from the scaffolding above the stage. Squingy joined Worm and Mark to represent Bass Odyssey in the second round of the clash. Alongside Mighty Crown, Silva Star, Black Reaction and David Rodigan. Squingy was well recieved by the eager patrons as well as contenders for giving a solid performance. He returned in the third round and was attempting to complete his usual stunt of climbing the scaffolding at Pier One and pumping up the crowd. However on reaching the top of the column, as he grabbed the bar that stretched across the stage he had to let go. He held on for a few seconds with one hand and was unable to get back a grip before he fell from the top of the column to the ground. Many feared death after seeing Squingy fall from approximately 25-30 ft from air; hitting the light and the edge of the stage on the way down. Apparently, he had recieved an electric shock and had to let go of the bar.
[ Full Story ]
News: NABJ Say Don Imus Should be Fired
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) are outraged at a number of crude comments made by WFAN radio personality Don Imus, regarding Rutgers University's women's basketball team. During a radio interview on his simulcasted radio show on MSNBC, Imus referred to athletes of the basketball team as “nappy-headed ho’s” and "jiggaboos," after they lost the NCAA championship to the University of Tennessee. “Has he lost his mind?" asked NABJ President Bryan Monroe in a statement. "Those comments were beyond offensive. Imus needs to be fired. Today." "As NABJ strives to dispel stereotypes and promote accurate portrayals of minorities in the media, we find this characterization of these young black women offensive and hateful," said Barbara Ciara, NABJ vice president/broadcast in a statement. [ Full Story ]
News: Death Before Dishonor 7
The night of Death Before Dishonor was eventful to say the least. For the first time since the clash’s inception in 2001, Mighty Crown took home the title. Unfortunately, Squingy of Bass Odyssey was injured while performing. We at Irish and Chin have Squingy in our prayers and wish him a speedy recovery. We will keep all of you abreast of Squingy’s status. [ Full Story ]
News: Whitney Houston wins custody of little Bobbi
 Whitney Houston's 14-year marriage to Bobby Brown will officially end later this month and she will gain custody of the couple's teenage daughter, a judge ruled.
The singer dabbed her eyes with a tissue as Orange County Superior Court Judge Franz E. Miller ruled the divorce will become final on April 24. Brown did not attend the hearing Wednesday. Houston testified she did not need spousal or child support and that her 14-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, could not depend on Brown. "He's unreliable," Houston told the judge. "If he says he's going to come, sometimes he does. Usually he doesn't." After the hearing, Houston declined to comment to reporters. [ Full Story ]
News: Elephant Man, Vybez Kartel and Busy no shows signal tear gas
Police on duty at the highly-anticipated "Best of Both Worlds" concert on Saturday night used tear-gas to disperse a disgruntled crowd at 3 a.m., after the show ended abruptly with none of the headline acts having performed. "The promoters don't even have the courtesy to come and say something," a woman in the VIP section remarked. "That's unfair." Many patrons began leaving the venue around 2 a.m. but a large contingent remained until 3 a.m., when the music was suddenly stopped and police officers began asking those in front to head to the exits. At this point, patrons still had not been advised of any change in the line-up, so many were reluctant and started throwing cups and cans at the stage. [ Full Story ]
News: MIMS Heats Up The Road With Microsoft ZUNE For Club Tour
 MIMS Kicks Off a Twenty-Seven City Club Tour Today Behind His Capitol Music Debut CD "Music is My Savior" In Stores Now. Tour Unveils On-going, National Partnership with MIMS and Microsoft's ZUNE
He's brought the heat to the nation's airwaves with his smash single "This is Why I'm Hot," and now Capitol Music Group / American King artist MIMS plans to heat up the road with Microsoft's digital media player brand Zune for a headlining club tour in support of his debut album "Music Is My Savior." The #1 Billboard Hot 100 charting artist will kick off his schedule today, April 3rd in his New York City hometown and will hit twenty-seven cities on a tour that will focus primarily on nightclub venues. The tour will bring "Music Is My Savior" tracks such as "This is Why I'm Hot," "Just like That," and for the first time, his forthcoming single "Like This," among others from his debut CD to life on stage for many MIMS fans in cities across the country. The tour, sponsored by Zune and promoted by the global digital music promotions company Digiwaxx Media, whose dominance in both the music and technology industries successfully garnered the partnership between MIMS and Zune, will hit cities in a hard-to-miss, technologically state-of the art tour bus wrapped in MIMS' likeness. The tour will serve to unveil an on-going, national partnership between MIMS and ZUNE extending beyond the tour. [ Full Story ]
News: Daddy Yankee Drafts Fergie, Akon For New Album
Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee has Akon and the Black Eyed Peas' Fergie and will.i.am in his corner on "The Cartel: The Big Boss," due June 5 via El Cartel/Interscope. The first single is the Scott Storch-produced "Impacto," an English remix of which will feature Fergie. Other guests on "The Cartel" include Jim Jones and the Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger. Production was supplied by Akon, will.i.am, Mr. ColliPark, Eli "El Musicologo", Tiny Tunes, Diesel and Menace. [ Full Story ]
News: No more JLo
 Jennifer Lopez has killed off her div J.Lo. The singer has returned to her Puerto Rican roots with a new album of Spanish love songs and says her diva demands are in the past.
Lopez told Britain's The Guardian newspaper: "I'm not J.Lo any more. That's all gone with all the ridiculous stories about tantrums and Egyptian sheets. That's all my past. "I'm Jennifer Lopez. I think, as a woman, I've finally grown more sure of who I am. It does seem ironic that it has taken me more than a decade to basically get back to who I am. "I am incredibly proud of my culture and I think I am a woman who is totally defined by my culture. My temperament, my body shape, the way I am is all very much Puerto Rican." The 37-year-old singer-and-actress says that while recording her new album, Como Ama Una Mujer (How a Woman Loves) - she was advised by her husband of two years, Marc Anthony, to concentrate on pouring out her emotions. [ Full Story ]
News: Interview with Mr Slaughter
With soca in his veins, Derek Pereira is no stranger to the musical mosaic of Trinidad and Tobago. The 30-year-old son of a parang star has flirted with every corner of the Caribbean nation’s music industry. His induction into the soca fraternity was made official in 2001 when he burst onto the scene as an artiste with a song called Millenium Wine. For six years Mr. Slaughter somehow managed to stay afloat without ever having competed for the soca monarch crown. In interviews he publicly maintained that he was not interested in competitions. In 2007, all that changed. “I was blessed with a strong, supportive team behind me throughout the year. It was actually them. They were like, “yo Dawg E., you need to go on the main stage. I think that’s what would be able to put you over to the next level,” said the first time finalist. He says his hit song was inspired by the tragic loss of many friends and acquaintances over the years. “It used to always have me so sad that I decided to write a song about it, and that’s why I wrote Spread the Love.” That song is actually bigger than it seems, because it’s not just about spreading the love in terms of different countries. It’s spreading the love for home, because what starts home ends abroad.” [ Full Story ]
News: Death Before Dishonor - World Clash Jamaica 2007
Once again, sound clash is set to reign supreme at Pier 1 when Irish and Chin, Inc. present the 7th annual staging of Death Before Dishonor “World Clash Jamaica” on Easter Monday, April 9 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. If you are unable to make the trip, Irish and Chin, Inc. has you covered, as they are also launching an epic Internet Radio and Television station. Back in the day, sound clashing was a staple in the dancehalls through out Jamaica. Now, decades later, sound clashing is an underground phenomenon. The vibrant art form has regained its foothold as a vital part of our music culture and industry through the annual staging of “World Clash” and is attracting a large following. When the first Death Before Dishonor “World Clash Jamaica” was staged in Trelawny, 1,500 people were there to witness the birth of a premiere event. This local sound clash has grown to a whopping 8,000 fans to date. Annually, international fans travel thousands of miles to witness Death Before Dishonor ‘World Clash Jamaica’ first-hand. “Clashing has all the competitive elements of sports,” says Chin of Irish and Chin, Inc., promoter of Death Before Dishonor. “There is no doubt that the selectors are bringing their best games to Montego Bay this year.” [ Full Story ]
Video: Wayne Wonder & Buju Banton - Reggae Sunsplash '92
Found this oldie but goodie while going through a few videos and decided to share it. Brings back some memories. [ Wayne Wonder & Buju Banton - Reggae Sunsplash '92 ]
Video: Brick & Lace - Never Never
Look out for this group. I've posted a few times on them already and here is their new video Never Never. [ Brick & Lace - Never Never ] --Knockz
News: Lutan Fyah angers Rastas
 At least two of the major acts who were schedule to perform at the 'Reggae In the Valley' show left the venue without performing after a being disrespected by another artiste.
'The Messenger' Luciano and Anthony B left the venue after comments made by Lutan Fyah during his stint on stage. During his performance, Luton Fire, who is a fairly young artiste in the music business, said "Big up Bounty Killer, yuh turn a lot of young youths into millionaires, and the Rastas are not doing anything for the youths." However, shortly after he came off the stage and left the VIP area it was obvious that his statement angered other Rastafarians such as Capelton who left the VIP area along with his followers after Luciano and Anthony B. [ Full Story ]
News: Upset Luciano kicks monitor off the stage
Reggae singer Luciano, known for his pleasing demeanour, lost his cool at Saturday night's 'Unite the People' show held at the Montpelier Show Ground, in St. James. Luciano kicked a monitor box off the stage before leaving in a huff after he was heckled by a fan. The artiste, who was billed to perform at 2:00 a.m. but was not called to the stage until 4:30 a.m., hit centre stage looking eager and ready to work. However, after kneeling down and saying his customary opening prayer, a voice from the crowd shouted, "come off the stage Rasta." With a look of shock and disbelief on his face, the man known as 'The Messenger' looked in the direction from which the sound came and proceeded to blast the person who had made the comment. [ Full Story ]
News: Vybz Kartel's Wine Pon You is now officially released
Vybz Kartel has teamed up again with producer Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett for his new dancehall sensation, Wine Pon You. The song, which is now officially released as a single, is probably Kartel's biggest 'girls tune' in a long while. Following up on the hype of his chart topper Beyonce Wine (Jam 2 label), Kartel predicts that Wine Pon You will be another big hit for him. "I will be going all out to promote this song. I plan to burn thousands of CDs to give to teenagers. The campaign at stage shows will also be increased. I also have Stampede dealing with the street, plus we plan to have Wine Pon You dance contests at the sessions," Kartel explained. [ Full Story ]
News: Destra wants to Hot Wuk
Everyone has a breaking point, if disrespected. One of soca diva Destra Garcia's came in the form of a public chastisement while performing onstage at in Trinidad for Carnival 2007. After hecklers persisted in throwing large glow sticks at her, she scolded "Don't behave like jackasses. It's hard enough for a woman running a band by herself in this industry. So don't behave like a jackass." Today, Garcia is more relaxed for our telephone interview, graciously explaining the ordeal. "I was frustrated, overworked and tired and yes, another side of Destra came out at that moment. People were throwing glowsticks all night, not only at me, but at other artistes also. And what got me upset is that I had already done two shows, and that was my third. But I came out there for the people and never expected them to be disrespectful. I even stopped the band on two occasions and asked the crowd to stop pelting the artistes. When they did not stop and a glow stick hit my face, I became enraged." She continued, "Stuff happens, I have no regrets for what I said. And I think as a woman I stood up for myself." [ Full Story ]
News: Kiprich threatened
 Promoter Keisha Wallen says she intends to take out a summons on Kiprich, as he was billed to perform at her event but did not show.
Wallen also said that Kiprich was given a down payment which he has not returned and now she is seeking repayment. It was a dance that we had put on, but it wasn't like no big name show or anything like that. It was held on July 30, 2005, in Buff Bay, Portland. Kiprich and Black-Er were supposed to perform at the show, but none of them turned up," Wallen explained. [ Full Story ]
News: Reggae in the Valley was worth the wait
 Despite the late start, patrons to the inaugural 'Reggae in the Valley Show' were prepared to wait until the show began three hours after the scheduled start at the Alpart Sports Club, Nain, St. Elizabeth, on Friday night.
The show which started at 11:45 p.m., featured in the first segment a number of new and upcoming artistes from all over the country. However, the best performance among them was that delivered by Dijean, who told The Gleaner after he exited the stage that he is currently working on his first album and he hopes to release it by year-end. Reggae in the Valley featured artistes who gave the crowd their money's worth, and who created an atmosphere where there was no dull moment with the patrons. Performances from Mickey General, Terror Fabulous, I-Wayne, Captain Barkey and Wickerman, Bescenta and Kashuman were well received by the crowd. And with tune after tune these artistes kept the patrons rocking throughout their time on stage. [ Full Story ]
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