Top dancehall group for 2006, Voice Mail, will this weekend participate in a number of pre and post parties associated with the Super Bowl sporting series in the Florida, USA.

In a release, group member Oneil Edwards was quoted saying 'We are happy to be going off to attend the Super Bowl series. We were specially invited by the organizers to come and party with the stars. It's an opportunity for us to maximize as best as we can'.

Voice Mail capped off a successful year in 2006. The group topped the charts for three weeks with their debut album Hey which was released by VP Records. The first single Get Crazy hit the top 10 on the charts. But it was the single Let's Dance produced by Donovan Bennett on the Higher Altitude rhythm, which soared to the top of the charts.

Claude Mills
Freelance Journalist

There will be a seismic shift in the reggae universe as of July 28th, 2007.

Why, you ask.
Well, that is the earliest possible release date for Jah Cure, the singer known for huge hits such as 'True Reflections' and 'Love Is'.
YardFlex confirmed that the singer could be released on this date.
"Jah Cure's earliest date of release (EDR) is July 28, 2007 and his latest release date (LDR) in July 18, 2011," Major Richard Reese, Commissioner of Corrections, told YardFlex earlier this week.

"As long as there are no institutional breaches or any serious breaches committed which warrant a serious investigation before this date, he should be released at this time, on July 28th, 2007."

Jah Cure was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on April 26, 1999, for two counts of rape, robbery with aggravation, and illegal possession of firearm, all arising from the same incident. He received this sentence at age 19. He will be 27 years old when he is released.
"If he commits a breach while released on EDR, the prosecuting judge would take into account his previous conviction and he could get a longer penalty," Major Reese reasoned.

By: Tonya Russell

Plymouth in Tobago will certainly be buzzing with activity this April 27th - 29th as the 3rd annual Jazz Festival is geared and ready to go. With a line-up that instantly attracts the real soul and reggae lovers headlining the weekend event is the exceptional talent of Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross among other musical entities.

Kicking off the musical weekend will be the gentlemen who brought the sexy back into music. We're talking about Ladies Love Cool James more popularly known as LL Cool J and the Caribbean's own Sean Paul.
The epitome of sexy, LL Cool J is an important figure within the hip hop community, and is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released 12 albums and a greatest hits album so far. LL Cool J brings not only his fabulous abdomen and enviable lips to Tobago but the promise of sultry R&B ballads that he will most certainly belt out for his ladies.

In the latter part of 2007, Tad's Records International released the debut album for Mr. Perfect titled 'Gidimani'. Loaded with conscious tunes, the album has been holding its own among the many albums released last year, and continues to be a hot item for music lovers.

The album features tracks like 'Hand Kart Bwoy', 'Johnny', 'How Come', 'Amerimaka', 'No Badda Me', 'For Sure', 'All I've Got', Ganja Spliff', Eight Gangster', 'Market Place', 'Cry Me A River', 'Love Has Found It's Way', 'For Ma Family', 'Little Old Lady', 'Rasta Rebel', 'Wingless Earth Angel', Black Marcus, 'Hit Dem' and 'Tyme'.

Ever since he made his presence felt on the Irie FM's Big Break Competition, the dancehall world recognized that Mr. Perfect had something special. No wonder he walked away with the top prize in that competition.

From two of Canada's largest innovators in the music industry, Ultimate Entertainment.ca and Chris Hines Entertainment, comes the Ghetto Story Canadian Tour Starring Baby Cham! They brought you a sold out tour with Beenie Man in November 06 and Lloyd Banks in December 06, and they are doing it again. Both recent tours were successful all throughout the country and left their loyal customers hungry for more.

Leaders in today's event planning, promoting & talent booking
industry, Ultimate Ent. and Chris Hines Ent. apply a serious dedication in their work ethics.

With thriving work experiences in the past with artists such as Mobb Deep, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Fabolous, 112, Mario, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Capleton, Baby Cham and Sean Paul amongst many others, they are determined to make their
tour with Baby Cham an explicit success.

"Hey, this is One Third saying lots of Love to all our Jamaican and international fans for all their support through out the Digicel Rising Stars competition.
We are indeed grateful for your love and patronage for the entire season. We must say a big thank you for it all.

The group would also love for you(public) to continue supporting them in every way because with the strength and encouragement from their fans, that will help them to take on the real world of music.

After emerging champions of the Digicel Rising Star competition for 2006, the group immediately it the studios to create songs that they hope will give them a break through in music fraternity.

Photos by: Carlington Wilmot
Photo Editor/Web Admin

Kings of Kings label, promoter and singer Colin Iley Dread Levy has harvested another hit in the pro-marijuana single West Best. Executive produced by Kings of Kings, Colin Iley Dread Levy. West Best is expected to be released on seven inch vinyl on the 27th January and will be distributed by In The Streets distribution. According to Iley Dread West Best was not scheduled to be a part of his upcoming Living Truth album, but because of the great response from the public, he decided to include it.

The single which lauds the quality herb which comes from the West end of Jamaica has been a power play for selectors and disjockeys prime time programs these days. A music video to transport the animation of the lyrics via some of the best known images associated with the topic, is being scripted and shooting expected soon. Another new release that 'West Best' follows close on heels is the optimistic 'Good News' with Turbulence and Geoffery Star. Already the music video has been shot for Good News.

It's often been said that music is the universal language. And, if that's so, no one speaks it better than Papa San. He opens his latest release, the astonishing, compelling, arresting Real & Personal, with a question that almost teases the listener to try and answer it. "Is it rock?/Is it roll?/Is it reggae?" Papa San asks, as machine-gun volley of percussion, crunching metal guitars and synths pound into play on the sizzling "More Life."

And, of course, the answer is simply, "Yes! All of the above." But the trip has only begun. It would be more accurate to just say it’s international, Jamaican, "new-school" Dancehall superstar, Papa San: back, bold, and in your face like never before. With a sound completely his own-and constantly evolving-Papa San stretches Gospel to places only he could take it.

Reports have emerged that R'n'B singer Brandy, pictured, was involved in a serious car accident late last year.

The star - whose 'The Boy Is Mine' duet with Monica was a global smash hit in 1998 - crashed into the back of another vehicle on December 30. The driver of the other car died a day later from their injuries, but Brandy has not been arrested.

Courtney Carnes, Brandy's representative, commented:

"Brandy was involved in a car accident December 30, 2006 in Los Angeles where there was a fatality. She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased. Brandy askes that you respect the privacy of everyone involved."

There's this old black and white photo of Stephen Marley; it's a portrait of the lion as a young man. He's standing against a wall of bamboo rocking short hair and an '80s-style I-Threes t-shirt-puffed up and proud the way only a rebel youth can be. But there's something else in the image-something about the intensity and focus in Stephen's face even as a teen-that shows in an instant that having the last name "Marley" has nothing to do with being the son of a musical icon or an heir to a throne. It does, however, have everything to do with being an individual with a purpose.

Stephen hammers this point home with the release of Mind Control-his highly anticipated solo debut. Music heads have been up on his work for years, whether for collaborations with R&B stars like Erykah Badu or his part on the dancehall burner "It Was Written", and especially after Chant Down Babylon, the platinum-selling star-studded Bob Marley tribute he produced. But Mind Control represents a new stage in Stephen's evolution, one that brings together the genius of his production and his wise and soulful voice with hip-hop beats, smoky bass and winding keyboard runs. This is the sound of a man coming into full realization of his powers-and his legacy.

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

Ah pure tings ah happen round Mavado the real mckoy. Him get arrested by the police. The man dem find gun inna him area, and then Bin Laden and him friend dem shoot up place wah day yah, same place rounda Maverly whe Alliance ah plan fi keep show, and then police go kill back Bin Laden inna 'shootout'. Tristan gets arrested and face the court wid a shooting with intent charge. Ah pure tings ah gwaan pon the mad island, people. Pure tings.

Predictions for 2007:

Munga ago be one of the next big artistes, yeah him might even go as far as a Sizzla, I wonder why Capleton have him as flag man so long when him so talented.

It's Einstein, this youth a try buss from before Gang Bang, but guess what it seems like the new girl whe him a date greed wid him because the man just find a new form, a crazy forward him song dem a get a dance. Gwaan duh yuh thing Einstein, but if yuh mess up YardFlex will be there to buss yuh secret.

Yes, this is the most intriguing one, mi know nuff people might think it's over between Kartel and Roach, but guess what I predict that Vybz Kartel and Roach will be friends again for 2007, memories don't live like people do. Remember you see it on YardFlex first.

Say what? Wah dem a try do, kill the singer? A couple of men try to ambush Singing Melody while on his way from Hellshire Beach couple nights back. During this dilemma he was shot in his left forearm, but was lucky enough to escape his attackers.

"Ah just so the ting set right now, nobody inna Jamaica no safe. The artiste dem fi just come together and start murder out the badman dem before dem kill more artiste," said Singing Melody with an angry look on his face.

YardFlex would like wish the Mr. Melody on his family all the best 2007 - It was just last the singer son Kemar was shot in the back by armed gunmen in the Waltham Park area on the Sunday before Independence last year. Our prayers are with the family at this time.

Chris Cracknell, who has masterminded the A&R policy at reggae specialist Greensleeves Records over the past 30 years, will be leaving the company at the end of March in order to pursue other interests.

Greensleeves was founded back in 1975, originally as a record shop in West Ealing, and went on to become one of the leading independent record companies. Artists released by the label over the years have included Dr Alimantado, Eek-A-Mouse, Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, Gregory Isaacs, Sizzla, Elephant Man and many more. Hits have included "Hello Darling" by Tippa Irie (which Chris Cracknell co-produced), "Oh Carolina" by Shaggy (a UK No. 1), "Heads High" by Mr Vegas and "Who Am I (Zim Zimma)" by Beenie Man.

Greensleeves was run as a close partnership between Chris Cracknell, who oversaw the A&R policy, and Chris Sedgwick, who looked after the business side of the company. Greensleeves was sold to public company Zest Group plc in March 2006, Chris Cracknell agreed to a one-year contract at the time of sale to ensure a smooth handover.

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

(Kingston, JA/New York/NY - 23, January 2007) Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce that Buju Banton's blazing new single "Driver A" has officially been added into rotation on Hot 97 - New York's #1 station for Hip-Hop and R&B. A classic reality tune laced on the vintage Taxi riddim, "Driver A" has been perched at #1 for six weeks on Media Guide's Reggae Specialty chart. It is the second single from Banton's 2007 Grammy-nominated album Too Bad.

In addition to the support at Hot 97, "Driver A" has also been receiving love on several stations around the country including WBLS, WFMU, WNYU and WRKS in New York, WEDR and WHQT in Miami, WLLD in Tampa, WJHM in Orlando, WJBT in Jacksonville, WMBX in West Palm Beach, WPHI in Philadelphia, WRCT in Pittsburgh, WENZ, WJCU & WRUW in Cleveland, WIZF in Cincinnati, WWOZ in New Orleans, KABF in Little Rock, WPEG in Charlotte, WOWI in Norfolk, WKNC & WNCU in Raleigh-Durham, WJMH in Greensboro, WWWZ in Charleston, KDLD in Los Angeles, XTRA in San Diego, WERS in Boston, WPHH & WZMX in Hartford-New Haven, CKEY & WBNY in Buffalo, KUST in San Francisco, KEXP in Seattle and KBOO in Portland.

A warrant has been issued for The Game's arrest, forcing his to postpone his upcoming tour of Canada.

The warrant was issued on January 16 after the rapper - real name Jayceon Taylor - failed to appear in court in New Year for a hearing relating to his November arrest for impersonating a police officer.

The Game's spokesperson says the hip hop star will turn himself into authorities and reschedule the tour dates.

AN Exclusive dvd/CD taking an in depth look into the Next Generation of dancehall superstars - Produced By Johnny Wonder

January 15th, 2007-Jamaica, NY-Record executive/producer Johnny Wonder presents the new batch of dancehall artists from Kingston, Jamaica. Armed with a camera by his side, he follows these up and coming artists as they navigate through the dancehalls and studios of Jamaica. Exclusively aired Jan. 1st on Jamaica's own Hype TV and in stores nationwide on March 6th, 2007, this DVD package provides never before seen footage of some of the most talked about artists in dancehall today, including: Busy Signal, Mavado, Aidonia, Hollow Point, Mr. Pepper, WARD 21, Alozade and Tony Matterhorn.

With over 20 years in the dancehall business, Johnny dedicates countless hours in the battlefield to bring forth the talent displayed on this compilation. From the garrisons and trenches of the island's ghettos to the international stage, he brings the insider's perspective on dancehall's underground with personal artist and producer interviews and recent performance clips from the toughest stage shows.

Carlington Wilmot Photo

CHORUS
New name fi informa ah Mr Palmer
Grudge me fi X5 so mi sing dah pslams yah
Strap wid mi hamma clip longer dan banana
Bwoy come pass di corna. gunshot ring inna yu ears like llaama

VERSES: ONE
Everybody ask wha cause di vex vibe
ME on busy rise on buy two X5
Badmind - and some bwoy too canive
5 Song Mi DO True Him a Try Tek Mi Hype
Mi nuh have nuh time fi war wid him
Roach - ketch him a bow on stap par wid him
A nuh CUT UP on scar wid him
Cassava peice well A body pon tar fi him

Di bwoy too caniving
Him go check singer blinger all singer blinger hide him
Di whole portmore avoid him
From him par wid di fish dat mean one A ride him
A killer tell mi nuh SHOT him
But A same way di bwoy did badmind assassin
Spragga benz nearly gas him
Di bwoy bleach on bleach on look frassin

Carlington Wilmot Photo

None a dem Pu**y deh cyah call Mr. Palmer informer,
send him to di balmer
Dis Kartel yuh ah go get murder like yuh father,
real life war unnuh rather
Mi neva kill a barber, but if ah so ah so rise di lama
Pear badman name Palmer, Tristan, Mocha from Payne Land
Wah do some pu**y wid second-hand jeep and few namebrand

Sing some funeral Psalms when mi rise dem arms yah
Feel say yuh bad come shoot up the Gaza
Real informer nuh clown Missa Palmer
You run to reporters like Lorna
You strap up wid pad not armour, go call mi name innah Gleaner
Di last man drive past yuh corner ah gully yuh chuck innah

Everybody know, informer dats what you are
Seh mi shoot up yuh ends innah my owna car
How yuh fi gimme hype when yuh beg mi par
And mi write five songs gi yuh turn yuh innah star

Dancehall quartet, TOK, has proven that they are consistent hit makers. Powerful harmonies, soaring leads, sinewy deejaying, tunes that hit, studly appeal, plus a canny album production that goes way beyond the usual "string together proven tunes with new tunes as filler" M.O. all the ingredients are in place and they translate into BREAK-OUT, big time.

Although former schoolmates, TOK has created a place in the Dancehall industry, which they share with no one else. Singjays, Craig "Craigy T" Thompson, Roshaun "Bay C" Clarke, Allistaire "Alexx" McAllister and Xavier "Flexx" Davidson give the group its unique edge. Starting off as a Jamaican R&B group they saw the need to appeal to the massive Dancehall populace. So Craigy T and Bay C worked assiduously to hone their deejay-ing skill.

Da'Ville continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment business. The singer who copped the coveted Stone Love award title for Singer of the Year (2006) continues to give creditable performances into the New Year.

On January 6, Da'Ville swept fans off their feet when he performed at Charlie's Place in Nassau, Bahamas. From the artiste took the stage, it was total euphoria as the females screamed and shouted as his infectiously soothing voice echoed through the microphone.

Da'Ville took them away with songs such as 'In Heaven', 'Hey Baby', 'Just A Little Girl', 'This Time I Promise', 'Can't Get Over You', 'My Grade', 'Gallis' and 'On My Mind' among others. During his performance of 'This Time I Promise' and 'Crazy', Da'Ville handed out red roses to the ladies.

The video for Gyptian's hit single, 'My Fadah Seh', was recently shot on location in his hometown of King Weston, St Andrew.

The song, released by Real Lyfe Music Productions, is the first for Gyptian on the label, since penning a management agreement with them.

Directed by Asha Mchail and Raul Reid, the video showcases Gyptian's father, and residents of the King Weston community. 'My Fadah Seh' has been receiving favorable reviews and burning up airwaves in Jamaica and the US.

According to VP Records, Gyptian's 'Beautiful Lady' video has now been added to MTVu, the college network, and will go up for voting on January 26th, to determine the reaction among students.

In The Zone TV

After two successful seasons of their nationally broadcast television show, the Montreal based multi-media production company RASE TV will soon launch season III of In The Zone. The show has been heralded as Canada's premiere Caribbean music entertainment program. The all new season is slated to hit the screen in April 2007.

Over 6 million nationwide are treated to half an hour of the latest Caribbean music videos, interviews, a definitive Caribbean dictionary, a weekly entertainment scoop and a top music pick of the week.

Season III continues with lead hosting by Lydia Patel, the people's choice award winner from the 2006 Miss Caribbean Canada competition and co-host Don Smooth heard on the FM dial Monday thru Thursday in Montreal.

Jamaica is a small, beautiful island that has been plagued with hard, violent times. No doubt, blessed with talent and man-power, Jamaica is struggling to keep our people's head above water, and let peace, love and unity reign. So to take a step further towards that ultimate goal, Ghetto Youths International is presenting, "Smile Jamaica".

Smile Jamaica is a live-band concert scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 10, during Bob Marley week (Sunday, February 4 - Sunday, February 11). It takes place in Bob Marley's birthplace at Nine Miles, St. Ann. Already confirmed to appear are: The Marley Brothers (Stephen, Ky-Mani, Julian and Damian), Cocoa Tea, Bounty Killa, Perfect, Chezidek, Wayne Marshall and Etana.

This should be a momentous occasion as this is the first time that these four Marley Brothers will be performing on the same stage in Jamaica. They will do their own sets and will definitely bring a different vibe to the island.

By: Secret Agent

While dancehall fans here in Jamaica have been wrapped up in the frantic tit-for-tat jabbing between feuding artistes, and the dangerous overtones now being carried in the lyrics, they have ignored some progressive moves being made in, for, and on behalf of the music.

The MIDEM Music conference kicks off in Cannes France this weekend with mouth-watering plans being discussed by the local players who will be attending.

MIDEM is the premier arena for music moguls who are serious about inking business deals, sealing distribution arrangements, and exploring technological innovations. These are common at this festival, and Jamaicans are jumping on the wagon heavily this year.
Apart from the regular string of top shot producers, lawyers, and industry players, representatives from the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission have joined the parade as well. Also in the mix is a special set of young artistes including Oba Simba, Etana, Nanko, and Omar Reid, all considered still 'green' on the local circuit.

The response to the Hot Wuck has by far exceeded Vegas' expectations of the song. He is amazed at the buzz that is still surrounding it after dominating the latter part of 2006. 'Hot Wuck is now sitting pretty at the number one spot on the New York Chart.

On Youtube.com the video is enjoying as much as over 200,000 hits from enthusiastic fans of the dance, not to mention his Sting 2006 performance which is on the site and enjoying just as many hits.

But the singjay doesn't have the time to revel in its success as he has a full calendar of performances lined up for the rest of this month and going into next month.

This weekend Vegas will be shooting the video for 'Raging Bull' another song that is tearing the dancehall scene apart right now. Under the direction of Richard Delaphena the singjay is expecting the buzz to be even greater after its premier.

The long-awaited, unprecedented and extraordinary live concert in Atlanta, themed "Reggae Sensations" includes performances by an all-star line-up of legendary and prolific reggae idols. This 27-city, eight-week "For the Love of It" Tour was kicked off on January 3 in San Francisco, CA, and is crisscrossing the USA, making stops in major cities such as Colorado, Chicago, Hartford, Miami, New York, Orlando and, our hometown, metro-Atlanta.

ABOUT BERES

Beres Hammond: a living legend and prolific singer, songwriter and producer with a reggae music career spanning more than 30 years. Beres Hammond has poured his smoky-sweet voice-an instrument of subtlety and power reminiscent of an Otis Redding, Luther Vandross or a Teddy Pendergrass-over every kind of music track, from the funked-up reggae jams of the '70s, to the lush instrumentation of soul sounds, as well as the spare digital beat of his 1985 dancehall breakthrough "What One Dance Can Do." Unlike any other reggae artist, Beres Hammond has blazed a trail of modern classics for a variety of producers, from the strugglers' anthem "Putting Up Resistance" (Tappa) to lovers' laments like "Come Back Home" (Star Trail) and "Double Trouble" (Steely & Clevie).

Yea, mi hot, mi ah happen. Some girls say dem ah happen, but dem not, 'cause dem nah shopping. Dem ah repeat and a mix and match, but mi fly to Miami regular and mek mi friend Debbie sort mi out, crazy Neiman Marcus, crazy Tiffanys, yea, ah so we roll.

ENERGY GOD CAUGHT ON CAMERA?

Wah dis mi a hear? A photo with the Energy God ah mek the rounds pon people cellphone inna Kingston wid him caught in a sex act. The pictures have the deejay ah nibble pon a girl b-jaw, while him hand dem all over the girl parts dem. People nuh stop send it to each other phone. Bwoy, it nuh look so good at all. It come in like the whole ah the deejay dem freak out now.

STING BANDULU DVD

How Sting end pon youtube.com already? Laing and the whole ah Supreme Promotions ah run up and down mad because bandoolu Sting 2006 DVD all over Half Way Tree, Kingston and Portmore wid Sting, mi all have one inna my house right now. People, it all de pon Youtube.com, tink yu can stop Jamaican people? We run the bandoolu ting.

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

How the Kartel-Mavado ting get so deep? Wah dat Kartel ah talk 'bout Dahlia, Mavado babymother? Wha dat Mavado say bout Kartel babymother and the oral sex argument? Which soldier man de wid one of Mavado bonafide woman weh him a wife up? Yo, the way it look, dem man de caan share a stage together again. It look bad fi the music business though. And see now the police dem start blacklist the deejay dem, the police dem no give no permission fi 'Strip Tease' up ah UTech if Kartel and Mavado de pon the show.

GYPTIAN 'SERIOUS TIMES' ON VIBE LIST

Gyptian's big song, 'Serious Times' de #21 on the Vibe top 60 songs for 2006. Plus the man get nominated for album of the year in Playboy magazine. Since him drop Wong, him career just a blossom to a higher level. The video fi 'My Fadah Say' ah shoot this week, so yu nah stop cramp dem fi the new year.

By Kevin Jackson

The prestigious urban music publication Vibe magazine, has recognized Tony Matterhorn's Dutty Wine, Baby Cham's Ghetto Story and Gyptian's Serious Times among its Top 60 best songs of 2006. The accolades were revealed in the publication's January 2007 issue.

Dutty Wine was listed at number sixty, while Serious Times finished at number 21. Ghetto Story ended up at number seven. Another Jamaican also figured in the Top 60 best songs of 2006. Junior Reid is featured on rapper the Game's Its Okay (One Blood) which ends the year at number eight.

Iconic pop magazine Rolling Stones ranked Cham's Ghetto Story at number 14 among its 100 Best Songs of 2006. The said of Ghetto Story, 'This year's 'Welcome to Jamrock' but darker, prettier, with descriptions of inner city struggle supposedly strong enough to keep it off the radio in Jamaica'.

The model Naomi Campbell has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge of reckless assault after she threw a mobile phone that hit her housemaid.

Naomi Campbell
The model will attend an anger management course

Following a plea bargain with prosecutors at Manhattan Criminal Court, the British model was sentenced to five days of community service and ordered to attend a two-day anger management course. She was also directed to pay medical bills of £180 for her injured housekeeper, Ana Scolavino.

In court, Campbell admitted throwing the phone in her apartment but said she did not intend it to hit Ms Scolavino who needed four stitches after the incident.

Police arrested Campbell at her home in Park Avenue, Manhatten, following the assault in April last year. She was fingerprinted and photographed at a nearby police station.

At the time the star's agent, Amanda Silverman, claimed the arrest was retaliation for the model sacking Ana Scolavino.

VP Records has announced that dancehall crooner Wayne Wonder is releasing a digital only release later this month. The Mini-EP features 3 versions of his brand new song, Gonna Love You along with 2 other recent songs from the hit maker. The title track of the EP is currently playing on mix shows across the country. The Mini-EP will be available online via iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Zune, Yahoo, MTV's Urge Music, and other digital music service providers on Tuesday, January 23.

Wayne Wonder's last album No Holding Back which included the top 10 hit No Letting Go, sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. This digital only release is a precursor to Wayne's brand new full length album FOREVA which will be in stores and online later this spring.

Jamaican reggae singer, Freddie McGregor, is set to make his soca debut at the Trinidad Carnival in 2K7.

McGregor's first soca release will feature 2005 Soca Monarch Bunji Garlin and the debut of the all-inclusive Pulse8 Band, presenting Cocktails - You Shake We Stir! McGregor will be part of the FUNSATION4 crew's PULSE8's world of Cocktails costumes like Summer Passion, Rum Sweet Rum, Anti-Freeze and Sex on the Beach among others.
PULSE8 includes Cat & Friends, Cheek 2 Cheek, D' Coco Crew, FUNSATION4, Joanne Fox, designer Sonia Marcano, DJ Wendell, Dalven Harris and Ulric Miller.

Sting - Jamaica's greatest one night dancehall/reggae show on earth.

By: Shilo Evans

"Every man has a right to decide his, own destiny."

Shilo
Who is Ky-Mani Marley?

Ky-Mani
Ky-Mani is Ky-Mani. I am not my father. I am a product of my father, but I can only be me. I can only do what I can do. My way. Sometimes I feel as if I am misunderstood. I feel like people are judging me. I have a certain current in me I have to pull out. I might get distracted at times, but we all live and learn. I love music...I love to create music. Not just Hip-Hop and Reggae. Music! Whatever I do will be real. I only sing and write about what I know. I am a free spirit. Real yute. Like my father, I love people and care about people...humanity.

My aim, apart from the music...is the humanitarian work I want to do. In '07 everything will be set. I have to work hard and build a structure. I want to build a music school for the youths in Ethiopia. Start there and move through the entire continent. Some people say they are going back to Africa as a conversation piece. I am going! No doubt about it. I am setting my foundation this year. Just like I didn't decide to start singing or acting, I sing and act because it's a calling. Going back to Africa for me is also a calling.

SOCA music has taken over the radio stations and there are billboards everywhere, indicating that Carnival shows are here. With this year's Carnival coming early, on Monday, February 19 and Tuesday, February 20, the band leaders, masqueraders, calypsonians, music producers and chutney artistes and orchestras are busy preparing to get the best out of this occasion.

Trinidad Carnival dubbed, 'The Greatest Show on Earth,' will see hot competition in Calypso, costumes for Kings and Queens, old mas characters, bands, Soca, Chutney Soca, steelpan, and groovy Soca. Many of the leading bands in the land have already introduced their themes this year. And many of the top Soca stars have released their party tunes for the competitive stage. Among them are the reigning Soca and Groovy Soca Monarch Shurwayne Winchester with 'Open the Gates' and 'Akaylaa,' Machel Montano with Light It Up and Higher than High, Destra with Soca or Die, Bunji Garlin with Pan and Soca Crazy with Cold Sweat and Patrice Roberts with Sugar Sugar.

Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Earth Wind and Fire, Sean Paul and Beres Hammond have been added to the star-studded line-up for the 2007 Plymouth Jazz Festival in Tobago.

Gladys Knight They are joining a cast that includes Al Green, Heather Headley and, headline act, Sir Elton John for the event which takes place Friday, April 27 - Sunday, April 29.

Organizers, CL Communications Network are yet to release the names of four other international artistes for whom final contractual arrangements are still being made.

Prolific hip-hop artiste LL Cool J and Jamaican-born reggae superstar, Sean Paul will be featured in the Friday nights show. Saturday's show, which is expected to kick off at 5 pm, will include R&B singer and Broadway actress Heather Headley and reggae singer, Beres Hammond who will perform alongside local soca star Destra Garcia and the band Atlantik.

By: Tonya Russell

American author Napoleon Hill once said that, "The world has the habit of making room for the man whose actions show that he knows where he is going" so even though Wayne Mitchell faced initial rejection from music producers and was told point blank "yuh no ready yet", his drive, persistence and tenaciousness ensured that the world heard him sing. With a large fan base here at home and an even wider fan base in the United States and Japan, one would never believe that Wayne 'Wayne Marshall' Mitchell's talent was ever in question.

In 2006 alone, the man who delivered 'Astronaut' on the Dem Time Deh Riddim, 'Forgot Them', 'Marry Juana', 'Make them Come' and 'Happy Days' has been featured on multiple stage shows including Fully Loaded, Saddle to the East, Solid Agency's School Tour, Campfire, Sting, Tempo anniversary show in St. Croix and countless stage performances in Japan, US, UK, Canada and the rest of the Caribbean.

Marshall's abounding self-confidence allows him to freely acknowledge his skill, and he recognised his own talent for lyrical construction as soon as he started penning soulful lyrics at 14. "From I was 7 years old I always dreamed of performing in front of huge crowds of people," smiles Marshall.

Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man served as Collie Buddz's primary influences. "Back when Beenie and Bounty used to war lyrically, seeing clashes wit' Kilimanjaro an all the sound-man an' everything...the whole music scene for me took on a new meaning. Clash thing an' lyrical war became a part of my daily life from early out."

ABOUT COLLIE BUDDZ

Born in New Orleans, raised on the isle of Bermuda with intermittent stays in urban Toronto, Colin Harper is not an easy youth to pin down geographically. His musical alter ego Collie Buddz however, is one of the most firmly grounded voices you may ever encounter. Incorporating influences from hip-hop to soca, Collie's music nevertheless has a rock-solid foundation in reggae - and its power to connect ghetto reality with the highest heights of human aspiration - that is a rarity even in Jamaica.

By: Kaylia Williams
YardFlex Reporter

'WalkOut Muma Saw WalkOut'! After three successful albums '99 Ways', 'Gimme a Reason' and 'Passion', Saw is at the finale with 'WalkOut'. Why the title 'WalkOut' many may ask? "It's just for controversy which us dancehall people love, the song created a controversial vibe in the dancehall society whenever they heard it and so I want people to feel the album, not only will it create such a vibe but also bring comfort and cover everyday issues like Low Self Esteem and for those who have had Miscarriages.

'Infertility' the first single with VP Records for the album is an inspirational song for those who have had miscarriages, "I have been through two miscarriages in a year and the feeling is not pleasant, but there was joy in my life when I got pregnant and I thought I would be able to complete my life with a healthy child but is wasn't so, however I still give God thanks, I will remain trying". Muma plans to shoot a video for 'Infertility' and she is confident that a lot of women will be touched and it will be well received around the entertainment fraternity.

Sunday, January 21 - Saturday, January 27 marks the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Caribbean's premier music Festival that is just around the corner. With an impressive line-up (Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers) and a new venue (The Aqueduct on Rose Hall, Montego Bay), this year's celebration is sure to be one that will go down in the pages of history. As a part of the commemorative efforts being put forward by the highly experienced production team, a new venture is being executed, which is simply called, Jazz Radio.

This Jazz Radio is a radio frequency dedicated exclusively to the Festival and is only broadcasted in the Montego Bay region, within the Rose Hall area on FM frequency 100.7. The radio station begins its broadcast on Tuesday, January 23 and continues until the final night of the Festival on Saturday, January 27. It transmits from two pm (2 pm) until several hours after the end of the show.

The primary purpose of the Jazz radio is to provide timely and relevant information to patrons entering and leaving the venue to ensure smooth transition to and from the venue.

Jigga Mattic
Photos by: Carlington Wilmot

Unknown assailants shot up a barber shop where entertainer David 'Mavado' Brooks normally hangs out along the Cassava Piece gully bank in St. Andrew on Sunday night. A 34 year-old man was shot and injured in the incident, but was treated and later released.

Yesterday, the police confirmed that the incident had occurred, but downplayed rumours that it was caused by friction between warring factions within the entertainment fraternity.

"It was a drive-by shooting that happened at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, and eyewitnesses said that it was a black car that was seen leaving the crime scene. A man was shot and injured, he was shot in the buttocks and later released from the hospital. Right now, it is still just a rumour about the shooting being a result of a feud between two entertainers," commented a member of the Constant Spring C.I.B.

Bwoy give thanks fi life cause bwoy it look like a Iraq mi live, a how people a dead suh already and di year jus start, di amount a people dead is more than di date of the year. Good God man we nuh mek out a steel, we nuh have bullet prove skin. Please mi a beg di gunman dem put down di guns, guh look a work and pray. Mek we unite fi di rest a 2007.

Now last year di phase did popular now it worst a nuh phase again. Yuh ave di tights pants bwoy dem and di bleach out face bwoy dem cause anuh man dem. Anyway unu change unu ways cause mi deh a Bembe Thursday and bwoy Jigsy King mi rate yuh talk 'Tight pants bwoy, mi wah k**l unu', 'Bleach out face bwoy Jigsy nuh wah si unu'.

A which female artiste mi hear dem a call bat up and ketch! Woa!! Unu leave di people dem alone cause a one man she got.

A which Elephant mi nah see from weh day yah. Thank yuh Laing because if a neva fi Sting mi nuh si him. Smaddy sey im mussi too busy wid Bad Boys, or a Bad Boys too busy fi im. Mmmm, mi nuh kno, suh mi get it suh mi talk it.

By: Shilo Evans

The Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley O.M...musician, humanitarian, prophet, reggae icon, and legend. Bob 'Tuff Gong' Marley has been called many different names by the millions of us worldwide who love him, but for his offsprings, the title of 'father', 'dad', or 'daddy', is the most significant role...the most important title Bob Marley ever wore.

Even if you've been living under a rock for the past three decades or so, you will know who Bob Marley was/is, and everything that he stood for. There is no need for me to go into the biography of the Gong, so I will leave the root for now, and head directly to the branches.

"My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool who seh dat, but when mi know facts, mi seh facts.
My music will go on forever." - Bob Marley

He didn't lie.
It's no secret that Bob Marley's children have all worked hard, and the Marley name, the Marley legacy, will always be alive and on the forefront...in music, fashion, charity, everything. The name lives on.

"Dem a go tiad fi si mi face." - Bob Marley

Brooklyn, Bronx, Fort Lauderdale, ah long time mi no talk to oonu, mi did a go through a bad phase again wah day ya wid mi wukless man and it crash me head. But instead of feeling depressed, mi just ah go get up and talk up a whole heap a tings 'cause the truth shall set you free. Confession good for the soul, can I tell you Jamaica?

Imagine, look how me a play decent, and mi nah go street from wah day ya, ah just mi kids dem mi a tink 'bout because fi tell yu de truth, mi gi him bun, mi get some, but it look like me shoulda give him the whole haberdashery the way him ah violate me wid him dutty batta ears gal dem a Jamaica and foreign. Yea, mi come fi talk the tings dem.

1. Be honest, give the people dem back dem tings when oonu fall out and the relationship dead. Don't steal, this go for the man dem likewise.

Wah dis mi a hear? Bounty and his sweet Indian babymother Julie Rambally ah party together at Quad. A wah really a gwaan? Tings nice again, the assault court case done, him a tek care of him son wid har and dem a live good. Mi wonder if the Warlord mek a New Year's resolution or what fi be nicer inna the 2007. Who next him a go friend back, Beenie and Baby Cham? Murder!

GIRL AH WAR OVER ELE ANACONDA

How Elephant love wine off girl and dem friend so? Mi know say it woulda cause a problem eventually. Ah me fi tell yu! Him cause two best friend fi split up because him ah wine the two ah dem, and after that, dem start war over the anaconda and a pure tings, 'cause one ah dem get a cut inna her face weh long like a trainline and it nah go heal so easy because my girl bleach the hell out of her face.

KARTEL BIRTHDAY JAN. 7

Yesterday was Vybz Kartel's birthday and him celebrate it with crazy liquor. He shares birthdays with other famous people like Nicholas Cage, Katie Couric, star of CBS Evening News, and the musician Paul Revere. Stephen McGregor of Big Ship also celebrated a birthday yesterday and there was a function at the studio to share the moment with family and friends.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reported that they have
been getting good responses from the official World Cup 2007 song done by internationally-acclaimed Caribbean artistes.

The song, entitled 'The Game of Love and Unity', was launched in
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad recently and features the voices of
Jamaican-born Shaggy, Barbadian entertainer Rupee and Trinidadian Faye-Ann Lyons.

"The Official Song has had the imput of a number of Caribbean and
Cricket World Cup (CWC) stakeholders and I think the event and the region will have a song of which they can be proud," said ICC CWC 2007 Marketing Manager, Damon Leon. Leon further added that "we have been looking forward to launching the song to the world and embracing it as part of the spirit and identify of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

How can the musical style of former Junior Rankin, now Eljai, be described in the reggae genre? He is a vocalist with harmonic phrasing that rivals the best of Dennis Brown and Eventon Blender. But more so, the album, Da Rebirth, from this artiste is a tribute to all the young rising reggae vocalists that have emerged on the scene today. He is a bridge between the Bunny Wailers and the Jah Cures - the junction between the reggae of old and that of the new.

Eljai was born Lloyd Carlton Mcfarlane Jr. in Belize City, Belize. Soon after, his family moved to the countryside where most of his early years were spent. Elijai had always been known for his humble and kind ways, joyous laughter and his spiritual enlightening conversations. As a youngster his family moved back to Belize City where he attended the Ebenezer Primary School It was there he met new friends and discovered his hidden musical talent. Soon, he was singing at school rallies and contests.

Napster, the pioneer of digital music, today announced the winners of the "2006 Napster Awards," the first awards to honor artists and songs for accomplishments in digital music.

Most-Played R&B Song Unfaithful by Rihanna
Most-Played Reggae Artist Sean Paul
Most-Played Reggae Song Temperature by Sean Paul

Sean Paul In contrast to other music industry awards, the Napster Awards are determined by the actual listening behavior of music fans that subscribe to Napster's industry-leading subscription service and play over one billion songs each year. Presented to the artists and songs that enjoyed the highest number of plays in the service between Thursday, December 1, 2005 and Thursday, November 30, 2006, the Napster Awards illustrate that there is a significant difference between the music that sells the most and the music that's played the most when fans are in an unlimited access music subscription environment.

By: Kaylia Williams
YardFlex Reporter

After a long - standing 22 years relationship with Shocking Vibes Beenie Man has parted ways. His new production company Mafia House production has been made official since the start of this year. January 6 marks the fifth day of the year and yet yesterday being the fifth day, Beenie Man and his wife D'Angel have ruled out pen and paper for their first assignment; for an audition which was held at Weekenz.

The audition seeks to discover new faces and extraordinary talents in modeling and both creative dancers, squads and who will be chosen for three hot new singles, Baby Daddy (Vybz Kartel feat. D'Angel), Dreaming of You (Beenie Man feat. Alaine), Beenie (Beenie and D'Angel).

Spragga and Jana Bent are no strangers to each other. This is the second song Spragga and Jana Bent have recorded and shot a music video for. The first song was recorded in Ochi and shot in LA, in late 2003 - called Thuggin' and Lovin'.

This new song is called Move Your Body and is being pre-released in Japan this week. It will be released in Jamaica soon, but the music video should be in rotation by next week.

The video shoot went very well. It was directed by Nordia Rose and shot on location at Club Medusa formerly McAppleton's at 96 Hope Road.

Famed crooner Sanchez will be joining fellow reggae legends Freddie McGregor, Wayne Wonder and Billboard topping Dancehall deejay Shaggy for a special performance at the 'Art of Reggae' night at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues fest in January.

Sanchez Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of one of the Caribbean's premiere Jazz festivals, and one of Jamaica's largest musical attractions, the upcoming festival from Thursday, January 25 - Saturday, January 27, will honor the legacy of the island's native drum and bass sound, as well as some of its premiere musicians.

"I am so honored that they considered me to be part of this special (night)," stated an excited Sanchez, who is set for the Friday, January 26 show. "For so long, I have always wanted to be part of the Jazz and Blues Fest."

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

The recording company Fearless Records has released the latest Fyakin single, 'Free the Rasta', to local disc jockeys which is getting a lot of love from FM radio.

Fyakin is the flagship artiste of the Fearless Records camp as it seeks to establish itself as a force to reckon with in the industry in 2007.

"We are trying to focus on Fyakin right now, we're not going to overwhelm ourselves with too many productions and we like the feedback we're getting from everyone so far on the 'Gun Season' rhythm with the duo, Serenity. However, we feel that Fyakin is going to be the next big thing," 'Fearless', head of Fearless Records, said.

More soap opera in the business, what a way to start off the New Year, last week Beenie man declared on a local television show (On Stage) aired on CVM saying that the lyrical genius Vybz Kartel will be one of the few artistes that will be sign to Mafia House. But when di news hit the streets Vybz Kartel refuted Beenie Man's statement. Kartel said a just the other day him manage fi get him self out of the too controlling Alliance, so why him would left dat to live the life of an Mafia - nuh more mix up and tie up with no other label, apart from completing his album for Greensleeves.

Roache and Vybz Kartel beef

Mi seh people, mi almost cry when mi watch di interview with Vybz Kartel former road manager Roach, mi can si that di man really hurt with what's going on but him a big man and Kartel a big man so there is no need for the crying. But Roach a real big man who nuh depend pon nuh man because him seh Kartel even offer fi move him out of di ghetto and get him an apartment and he refuse to take the offer because him nuh believe inna seh a next man must pay him rent.

Kiprich has always had a talent of being entertaining as he used poems that rhymed to put a smile on the face of the persons around him. He applied this talent to songwriting and now 7 years later, he has made a name for himself.

"When I say, yea, me a go do this music thing, I Kiprich wasn't scared. I knew I had the talent because people have always told me that I did. And as long as you can write, you nuh have nothing fi worry bout," commented a rather confident Kiprich. "I get inspired to write songs from anything. You drive down the road and see something happen or you sit down and create something in your mind, y'know, something people can relate to.

He admits that all that glitters isn't gold as what you see outside the industry, isn't all it's cracked up to be. "The friend aspect of the business isn't easy. You can’t depend on nobody. But it's my job and so I have to do it. You see when you go to school, the industry look like a different thing, but once you get involved, you realize there are a lot of sleepless nights, stress and so on. You have to be lyrically-inclined and on top of your game. You have to go out and seek out what the people want to hear. You have to keep going and keep working," Kiprich commented passionately.

Busta Rhymes has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault after a man claimed the US rapper beat him up.

Police said Rhymes, 34, turned himself in at a police station in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday night and later appeared in court.

The man told police that Rhymes assaulted him outside a building on Boxing Day in an argument over money, Lieutenant John Grimpel said.

It's the rapper's latest incident in a series of run-ins with the law.

Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, was arrested and charged with kicking a 19-year-old man in the head five months ago.

Luciano-Mikey General-Ricky Trooper Soundstation for Australia-New Zealand Fest

Greetings all
First I must wish you all a happy and prosperous new year, and I do hope that the Jamaican Music industry will improve as we journey along in 2007. As most of you may know and for those who don't know this year is the 45th anniversary of Copeland Forbes in the music and entertainment industry and there are a few events planned to commemorate the milestone. Events like historic tours ("One Love Tour of US-Japan & South Africa", "Children Of The Stars Tour" The All-Female World Tour" and The Icons Of The Dancehall Tour"), photo exhibitions, release of the first DVD about touring title
"REGGAE MUSIC ON TOUR" release of the long awaited book written by Copeland Forbes title "REGGAE MY LIFE IS" and the big Grand Finale in December 2007, a spectacular show featuring most of the Artiste that Forbes have worked with over the 45 years.

Artistes expected to participate are Jimmy Cliff,Third
World, Sly & Robbie, Luciano, Buju Banton, The Marley Family, Marcia
Griffiths, The Mighty Diamonds (the first group that Forbes handled as a manager), Bunny Wailer, The I-Threes, Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor, Andrew Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, Live Wyya Band, re-united 809 Band, Shaggy, Dean Fraser, Sizzla, Capleton, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Black Uhuru (w/Michael Rose and Duckie Simpson) and Tony Rebel to name a few.

JANUARY: Damian Marley's '"Welcome To Jamrock" rose to number 2 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums chart while Danielle, known also as Pretty Thug teamed up with Beenie Man to release "Brown Girl In The Ring." Macka Diamond's "Bun Him" topped Jamaican weekly charts for 2 consecutive weeks and Bob Marley’s latest Greatest Hits package surfaced with the previously unreleased song "Slogan." Sadly, Reggae lost another great ambassador, Brent Dowe of The Melodians, who was 59 years old. Reggae industry players petitioned Grammy Awards organisers to include the Reggae presentation during the live show to be viewed worldwide - to no avail.

Wayne Wonder is a staple in the Dancehall industry. He has established himself to be one that is sure to be around for a long time.

In the Dancehall realm, it is probably rare that singers are highly-respected, but when you are as talented and artsitic as Wayne Wonder, it is hard not to be. Whether he is cooing of a new found love or if he is lamenting about lost love, his sound and style are distinctive and definitely fancied.

Wayne Wonder has been a consistent hit maker from the 80's. His catalogue includes hits like Joyride (with Baby Cham), Keep Them Coming, No Letting Go and I Still Believe.

Wanye Wonder Wayne has worked with a slew of talented Steve "Lenky" Marsden and Tony Kelly. He has also collaborated with the best in the business like Buju Banton, Baby Cham as well as rapper Foxy Brown and Kanye West.

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot
YardFlex Photo Editor

According to sources close to the self–proclaimed King of Dancehall, his main hit songwriter Carl Udah aka Don Mafia has left for greener pastures. Don Mafia, who has written some of Beenie Man's most memorable hit songs, has since signed with a relatively unknown production company, which reportedly signed Don Mafia exclusively for an undisclosed seven figure sum for the next five years.

The deal covers exclusive rights for production, artist and publishing
management including collecting outstanding publishing payments owed to Don
Mafia.

Claude Mills
YardFlex Writer

Glen Washington, who endured a two-week incarceration in the Chrome Detention Facility in South Florida last year, has put that bad experience behind him and is working with successful producer Willie Lindo on a new album.

"Everything nice now, but mi did go through a tribulation, but now, it show that all negative can turn to positive. Mi have nuff music, a new album is on the way on Willie Lindo's Heavy Beat label. We have a portion of tracks, 16 of which are complete, we plan to use a few of those on the album. We have some hard songs...during my two weeks in Chrome, I wrote 12 songs during that time, so they are really powerful songs," he told YardFlex.com.

One of those completed tracks is simply titled 'Chrome'.

Interviewer: What was the Chrome experience like?

"I have to deal with the experience on a certain level, God bless me and me come through it alright. Everyone thought I would have been deported, people say dem all see me a Jamaica, and many more felt I would soon be in Jamaica...that situation helped me to know my real friends, who is in my corner and who is not in my corner. I heard some things that people say some terrible things about me, but I love everybody the same, I love them the same, mi a love mi way out of this...the music I make is to edify and educate, not separate. War is not the answer, only love can conquer," he said.

Claude Mills
YardFlex Writer

Jah Selah, riding on the strength of his latest 'Lonely Girl' single, is embarking on a four week tour that will see him crisscrossing the southern United States and the eastern seaboard. He has gigs lined up in the cities of Miami ( Florida ), Las Vegas ( Nevada ), and Atlanta ( Georgia ), as well as dates for shows in the states of South Carolina and Texas .

Selah's tour will kick off on Jan 14th and he will be gone at least four weeks.

"The 'Lonely Girl' single is doing well overseas so far, we've been getting a lot of response from it in the south-east markets of the USA, and now, we're concentrating on the north east markets which includes areas such as Philly, New York and Boston. The first quarter is important for us, we're trying to build on the positive energy and love he is getting from fans who love him and love his vibes and sound," Kee Kee Williams, operations manager of P & L Records, said.

After one decade, six albums, two of them multi-platinum, five #1 hits, and eleven top ten singles world wide, Grammy winning Big Yard recording artist Shaggy is still on the grind. Making music that celebrates his culture and being an ambassador for Reggae music has always been the driving force in the heart of Jamaica's only living Diamond-plus selling artist.

In the early 1990's Shaggy entered the scene with his deep throaty remix of the Ska classic 'Oh Carolina', the first major Reggae record to come out of the dancehall underground. Soon after, the steady dub rhythm of the platinum selling Boombastic solidified Shaggy as a dancehall hit-maker winning the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

When Hotshot dropped in 2000 no one could have predicted that this was going to be the album to set Shaggy totally apart from any artist on the dancehall stage. Hotshot, the best-selling album in 2001, sold over 13 million albums world wide and topped the charts in the US, UK, Germany and Australia simultaneously. The album was seven times platinum certified in Canada and six times platinum in the US. Hotshot rocketed to the top of the charts with two phenomenal singles, "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel", which featured Big Yard proteges Rik Rok and Rayvon, respectively.

Rapper says he did not know Sean John clothing contained real animal skin.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Sean "Diddy" Combs has apologized for the use of real fur on his Sean John Clothing. Diddy claims he was unaware that the jackets used genuine animal skin.

The rap star's fur issue came up recently when the Humane Society of the United States criticized Diddy after it was discovered that the hood lining of "faux fur" Sean John jackets was actually made out of raccoon dog fur. Diddy has now apologized to the Humane Society and ordered the clothing to be removed from Macy's department stores.

Intro: Chuck Fender (Cherine Anderson)
A di livin fire yuh know (Oooh)
A rasta lovin yuh know caan be contained (Oooh baby)
Wah oh Ah! (Yeah) Oh (Baby)
Oh my darlin my dear (Oooh Oooh)
This moment we have to share (Love)
Wah oh ah! (Sweet love) Hear mi now!!!

Chorus: Chuck Fender
Are you coming over tonight, I'm feelin lonely
I wanna hold you in my arms, girl I just wanna treat you right

Cherine Anderson:
Yes I'm coming over tonight, I need you baby
Make love all night, is that alright
I'm so crazy about you