By: Alan Lewin
Several of the prospective contestants for the 2007 staging of the annual Red Label Wine International Dancehall Queen Contest were feted at a party at the Margaritaville Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay on Thursday, July 26, 2007. The contestants gave a sneak preview prior to the upcoming July 28, 2007 staging of the event.
Several executives from sponsoring company Red Label were in attendance presenting all of the competing contestants with gift baskets. 2006 Dancehall Queen Angel was also in attendance giving some of the movements that earned her the 2006 title.
In a few days we will give you highlights from the actual contest itself and tell you who is the 2007 Queen. But here is a look at some of the contestants who strut, bumped and wound up their stuff on Thursday at the Margaritaville in Montego Bay.

To Hear a Live broadcast of the show visit www.yourradio105.com

By: Phillip Mathew
The Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) blasted Montreal's cool Old Port recently with 30,000 patrons packing into the quays of Canada's oldest city for three days of uplifting cultural reggae vibes. Many young patrons came out this year and all were eager to see the top artistes billed like, Tony Rebel, Third World, I Wayne, Gyptian (left) and Turbulance. "The high anticipation and high attendance of patrons made the huge Reggae Fest preparations worth it, and the entire program a big success," Audra Yearwood, MIRF spokesperson said. For the first time an entire evening was completely presented on a free stage, courtesy of Loto Quebec.

This year, the Friday night free stage hosted Kymani Marley as the main feature. His performance was well delivered in front of about 5,000 patrons. He performed his own songs as well as renditions of his late father"s songs. He certainly spread some warmth in an atmosphere that was ideal even if appearing dulled by a cloudy day.

By: C.J.
Pop Culture can be credited for giving careers to those that are infamous. Remember TV psychic Miss Cleo? She's Back! Our reliable sources in the entertainment circuit revealed that she is among the cast of VH1's new season of "The Surreal Life." Although the network didn't officially announce the cast, YardFlex gathered that this season's Surrealists are Miss Cleo along with pro-poker player Phil Hellmuth, pro-wrestler Randy Savage, "American Idol's" Nikki McKibbin, actor Dabney Coleman and comedian Carrot Top.

Since Miss Cleo, born Youree Harris is an actress, The Surreal Life may pave the way for her comeback. Her television career was sidelined when investigations by CourtTV, news media, and several state Attorneys General, led to the entire company being shut down. Although Harris wasn't held personally responsible, the FTC charged Harris' promoters, Steven Feder and Peter Stotz, with deceptive advertising, billing and collection practices.

By: Bootilicious

Beenie Man and wife D'Angel's relationship has turned into a rocky road. Speculations about his marriage being in trouble have been spreading throughout Jamaica since the recent and widely published photo of The Doctor and upcoming singer Barbee sharing intimate moments at Sumfest.

Irie Fm's Da Buzz hosted by K'shema Francis and DJ Bones, invited Beenie Man to do an interview on Wednesday, where he tried to justify his actions at Sumfest by saying that his wife was having an affair with someone in New York. In turn D’Angel called in on the airwaves and denied the allegations, saying that Moses had left home over 4 months ago and was back to his old dog ways.

Zenith night at the recent Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest was a blast out of this world in more ways than one for Beenie Man and his "huggie bear" Barbee. Caught in plain view - cheek to cheek and utterly lovey dovey, for all eyes to see, The Doctor seemed to be putting in some overtime with one of his colleagues - Barbee.

Barbee, who was no stranger to the 2007 Sumfest crowd, was called up on the Sumfest stage by the Dancehall Giant to perform a duo with him during his electrifying Thursday night performance. She also appears in Beenie Man's latest video and is featured on his album, Undisputed.

"What a way him bright," a concerned patron exclaimed as she voiced her displeasure of seeing Beenie Man with a woman other than his wife. "Den wey D'Angel deh?" the audience member said.

By: Olimatta Taal

As a part of a bankruptcy settlement, Death Row Records Inc is trying to sell Tupac Shakur's unreleased recordings. Afeni Shakur, Tupac's mother is seeking to prevent the former label from selling his recordings.

An injunction was acquired in federal bankruptcy court Friday by Tupac's mother claiming Death Row was attempting to sell her son’s material that belonged to the rapper's estate. A 1997 agreement with the record label, states that the unreleased recordings should have been turned over to the estate, said attorney Donald N. David, representing the estate.

By Chianisa Nzuriwatu

According to The Guardian, after immense campaign and pressure by gay rights activist, Buju Banton has agreed to stop singing violent anti-gay lyrics and has signed "the reggae compassionate act".

The Gay Rights Campaign claims that high-profile artists Capleton, Beenie Man, and Sizzla previously signed the declaration after world wide protests from gay rights group resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of concerts and sponsorship deals totaling an expense of over 5 million dollars.

The world is in an uproar over whether or not these documents were signed by the accomplished reggae artists. In a brief conversation with Buju's manager, Donovin Germain, he expressed, "I was not aware of Buju signing such an agreement. This is something that we have been dealing with for over 15 years."

By Olimatta Taal

"Everybody has baggage from past relationships but it's unfair to put all those problems on your new partner," explained Mary J. Blige as she strut from one side of the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest stage to the other on Saturday, July 21 2007.

This was just a part of Blige's series of wise words that targeted thousands of women attending Sumfest's Zenith Night, who had been hurt, abused, used, heartbroken, and disappointed in their lives. Blige took the audience on a musical journey representing past turbulent times of her life to the current, happy, stable state she is living in now.

King of Kings Lords of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. On July 23, 1892, HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I was born in Ejersa Goro, a mountain village outside of Harer in Ethiopia. Born Tafari Makonnen, his father was Ras Makonnen Gudessa. Governor of Harar and his mother was Yeshimebet Ali Abajifa. His royal blood was inherited through ancestral connections to Emperor Menelik II and subsequently Makeda Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of ancient Israel.
Often described as Africa’s greatest military leader, HIM Haile Selassie has inspired great leaders like, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. The well known facts of his life have earned him an enduring legacy.

Who will it be A or B? - Will it be win number two for the Champion - Cast your votes - BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.

By: Kaylia Williams & Olimatta Taal

Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest's 15th Anniversary show sell off! "Never before have I seen such a huge crowd, "MC Richie B declared to the capacity crowd at Montego Bay's Catherine Hall on Dancehall Night, July 19. The major curtains have risen, for the weekend commonly known as "The Greatest Reggae Festival In The World."

The excitement began at 10:30 pm and none of those in the line-up, disappointed the large audience. Some notable performances came from artists like: Wayne Marshall who commanded the stage with lots of energy. Little Hero had the audience wanting more as he sang, The Prayer. The night took a turn for the best with Gyptian whose set included hits like Serious Times and Mama Don’t Cry. It was the poor people's defender, Chuck Fender who took things up another notch as he burned out the wickedness with the living fire of his words. Busy Signal was in great form as he commanded the audience with his strong stage presence - there was never a dull moment.

Macka Diamond warmed up the crowd with some heavy theatrics to match her fire engine red, pony-tailed hairstyle and steadily transforming outfit. Inviting Richie B to help "undress her," at one point, Macka removed her pants to reveal dazzling hot pants and then lead a fitness crew in dancing the hoolahoop.

In spite of Vegas' health condition, he performed a prolific and inspiring set at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest's Explosion Night on July 19. He approached the stage at Catherine Hall, lead by a professional marching band and backed by a gospel choir. The set was entertaining and amusing as professional dancers joined him on stage to Dutty Wine, Tek Way Yourself, and do the Raging Bull.

At the height of such a hot year with the release of hits like Hot Wuk, Lean Wid It, Do You Know and other top charters, Vegas' music has been in demand and can be heard in the streets, at dances, on television and radio airwaves. Hot Wuk dominated charts for weeks in New York, South Florida, and Jamaica.

Robert Russell, Chairman of Summerfest Productions Limited said, "There is a vibrant and good vibe in Montego Bay because of Reggae Red Stripe Sumfest." Speaking at a press conference on July 20, to what he described as the largest contingent of journalists to ever visit Sumfest, Russell expressed his delight at having witnessed the wonderful record breaking Dancehall Night crowd, stay in the hot sun until 7:00am, to jump, sing and dance. "That's when you know the show is good," he stated.

At this 15 year juncture his production company pulled out all the stops, offering up a well balanced lineup and activities for four nights - July 15, 19, 20 and 21 - all dubbed Beach Party, Explosion, Evolution and Zenith respectively. Catherine Hall, Montego Bay more than rocked, with the likes of: Shaggy, LL Cool J, Christopher Martin, Buju Banton and Morgan Heritage - just some of the diverse stellar representations on July 20, the night called Evolution.

Craig C, christened Craig Chambers, was born in 1986 in the lively community of Portmore, where his Grandmother traditionally hosted musical events at her home on weekends, stimulating his love for music.

Inspired by Professor Nuts and Bob Marley, Craig C's fascination for music increased to the point where he developed his own style, becoming a Gospel Reggae DJ at age14. Influenced by the contagious dancehall culture, Craig indulged in lyrical clashes in the class room. "I would adjust secular rhymes and rhythms in order to provide a positive gospel message that had everyone’s interest at heart," he explained.

On July 17, the British born, Donald Andrew Cox, known popularly in dance hall entertainment circles as Danny English, was released on bail at the Half Way Tree Criminal Court.

Cox faces 15 counts of carnal abuse charges, filed against him by the Center for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse(CISOCA), on allegations he had sexual relations with a 15 year old for three years – since the time she was 12 and he was 33.

By: Alan Lewin

A show endorsed by Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2007, entitled A Tribute to Red Stripe was held at the Club Inferno Resort, Rose Hall in Montego Bay on Wednesday July 18, 2007. The show featured appearances from the Mahogany Models, plus Miss Jamaica Universe Zahra Redwood dubbed the Rasta Queen. The models appeared in swimsuits, African made clothing and other casual wear.

Riding the wave of success that current hit single, West Best, has brought him, singer Iley Dread's next stop will be the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica. On Friday July 20, Iley Dread will appear at the 15th annual Sumfest festival, and he is expected to throw down the best from not only his first two albums, but also some favourites from the highly anticipated upcoming album entitled, The Living Truth.

Keen on further developing his craft as a singer/songwriter, Iley Dread has diverted from a course laden with producer and promoter duties, to a path that sees him currently working as a singer - with producers like: Stephen Marley, Bobby Digital, Dean Fraser and Stephen McGregor.

Anticipation is high for Reggae Carifest 2007, as feuding Dancehall deejays the 'Warlord' Bounty Killer and the 'Don Gorgon' Ninja Man are set to share the stage as headliners for the 10th annual staging on August 25th at Randall's Island in New York. Marking Ninja Man's first U.S. performance in 15 years, Dancehall patrons from near and far and anxious for the long awaited 'return of the Gorgon', particularly in light of the recent physical confrontation between the two deejays and their entourages in Trinidad.

While Dancehall community is buzzing with rumors of a stage 'clash' between the two warring deejays, Carifest promoters Team Legendary are vehemently fighting rumors that the two will face-off at the concert.

"Our theme this year is 'Coming full Circle, Give Peace a Chance,'" states D'Niscio Brooks of Team Legendary. "We are not promoting any clashing, this is all about promoting peace and love, between the artists, between the patrons, and just in general-peace, love, and music."

By: Janice Dayle

In continuing a tradition that began in Humboldt County some 24 years ago the Reggae Rising Festival is ready to roll in 2007. On August 3, 4 and 5, reggae's finest musicians are set to deliver loads of positive vibes in one of the world's most pristine atmospheres on California's northern coast.

This first edition of Reggae Rising Music Festival will be held at the Dimmick Ranch and French's Camp in Piercy, California - located 200 miles north of San Francisco. As the otherwise tranquil and rural area prepares to have its "river banks overflow with reggae music," Carol Bruno, head huncho at People Productions is bubbling with excitement.

Working with a dedicated group, many of whom were part of the original movement to launch an annual reggae festival in that area, Bruno is confident that this inaugural year will be one to be remembered. The lineup is amazing, boasting top artistes like: Sly & Robbie, Horace Andy, Ziggy Marley, Morgan Heritage, Stephen Marley, Collie Budz, Ritchie Stephens, Freddie McGregor and a host more.

Rapper Remy Ma, 26, faces charges of attempted murder, assault and weapon possession after an altercation outside a trendy New York City nightclub early Saturday morning.

The Bronx native, whose real name is Remy Smith, is accused of shooting 23 year-old Makeda Barnes-Joseph twice in the lower torso. According to local media Miss Barnes-Joseph, a former friend of the rapper, identified her as the shooter. Allegedly shots rang out after Remy Ma accused Miss Barnes-Joseph of stealing $2,000 from her. The victim remained hospitalized in stable condition on Sunday.

Arriving on the scene, NYPD officers discovered a luxury SUV owned by Remy Ma abandoned three blocks away form the site of the incident. The vehicle appeared to have been involved in a single-car crash.

By Kaylia Williams

At the young age of seventeen, Stephen McGregor was defined by the music industry and the media as 'Di Genius' and is now dubbed as one of the greatest producers. A son of one of the greatest reggae icons, Freddie McGregor, Stephen wrote his first song at age five while attending Vaz Preparatory entitled School Don Rule. The song, which was about staying in school received airplay both locally and internationally in 1995.

At the age of ten Stephen began to take his music more seriously by going to the studio with his father, who he emulates, as well as by watching the masters around him. He mastered five instruments; the drum, bass, violin, piano and the guitar, and completed his first production Dutch Master, featuring the likes of Fambo, Natural Black and Da'Ville. Since the Dutch Master, Di Genius continued with a positive vibe, making him one of the top producers in Jamaica.

Award winning singer Da'Ville has returned to the island after a very successful tour of Europe which saw him performing live in cities such as Cologne - Germany, Paris - France, Vienna - Austria, Vasteras, Stockholm and Kvidlnge - Sweden, London, Luton and Birmingham - England, Luxenbourg and Amsterdam - Holland.

The singer received an especially warm welcome from adoring fans who enjoyed every bit of his performances. Da'Ville also had to sign hundreds of autographs and take photos with just as many fans. He was bombarded with overwhelming phone calls when he visited radio and TV stations.

Earlier this year, Da'Ville won the International Reggae & World Music Award for Most Improved Artiste. Also in 2006, from Stone Love and Cooyah, he received the Singer of the Year Award.

It seems there is no stopping Ce'Cile this summer has she has been doing very well on the international charts as well as doing numerous shows.

ON THE CHARTS
Ce'Cile's song Goody was #1 for the week July 2nd to 8th on the on the International Music Chart of I-Music, one of the worlds largest mobile music download sites on the web.

On the I-mode site, Goody has again beat out NE-YO's Because of You to claim the #1 spot.

Goody is also number one with on the Japanese Yahoo! Keitai web portal and on the EZ web download site where her single Give It To Me is at #10. Songs that are doing well internationally are Hot Like That, Jam Down and Waiting.

By: Joseph Cunningham

It's in the genetics. This famous adage applies to Reggae's hottest current 'blood-line', Jimmy and Taurus Riley.

Taurus Riley is the hottest crooner in Reggae music and his father is a living legend. Yardflex caught up with Jimmy Riley during a recording session, and he obliged to give an impromptu interview. "I am an artiste with history. This makes me more than just another singer," he said. He then proceeded to tell the tale of his musical journey.

His career started while still a student at St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) in Jamaica, with a group called The Sensations. Jimmy reminisced on how he formed the group after being denied entry into another boy group called The Techniques. He said, "This was a group formed and led by Slim Smith, who was my best friend at the time; however I did not take the group seriously until I turned on the radio one afternoon and heard their song being played."

Danny English, born Donald Cox, lucked out in the Half-Way-Tree Court recently, as Judge Judith Pusey denied his request for bail on carnal abuse and indecent assault charges. He was remanded in custody until a preliminary inquiry on July 16.

The Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offenses and Child Abuse (CISOCA), brought these charges against the dancehall artiste following allegations that he has been sexually active with a 15 year old.

Facing 15 counts of carnal abuse and one count of indecent assault, the 36 year old is alleged to have been having sex with this young girl since she was 12 years old.

Kemar Thompson (Jr. Pinchers) has recently released Purple Door, his 4th single from his upcoming album True Story. Purple Door is an outlaw ballad about a man who observes his neighbour being mistreated by her boyfriend. When her life is threatened, he makes the decision to protect her and murders her lover, thus becoming an outlaw on the run. Jr. Pinchers' manager and producer, Rachel Bernard, produced Purple Door for Royal Concert Productions.

Having received a favourable response from his last single Unfaithful Lover, released earlier this year, Kemar is on a winning streak. Ron Muschette described Unfaithful Lover as the most requested single on Irie FM so far for 2007. The video for that track, directed by Rachel Bernard, also did well on local entertainment cable stations Hype TV & RE TV.

Candlelight is the name of the newest video for Digicel Rising Stars 2006 winning group One Third. The video for the FM radio hit was recently shot in sections of Central Village, Richings Avenue in Kingston and on the Waterfront in Downtown, Kingston.

Directed by Joel Anderson (whose previous credits include videos for Sizzla, Luciano and I-Octane and Teflon), Candlelight speaks volumes about bringing an end to crime and violence.

JAMAICA'S WEEKLY TOP 30 (SINGLES) HIT LIST
By Richie B, host - "HOT MIX" on Hot 102FM

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 2 8 Back It Up - Beenie Man-357 Records(1wk@#1) U-1

02 1 16 Bad From Mi Born-Munga - Don Corleon(1wk@#1) D-1

03 4 11 Tease Her-Anthony B-Trinity 7 Records U-1

04 3 14 Board House-Nesbeth-No Doubt Records (2wks@#1) D-1

05 7 10 She's Royal-Tarrus Riley - Cannon U-2

06 6 11 Dance-RDX featuring Jigsy-Apt 19 NM

07 9 6 Gully Side - Mavado-Firelinks U-2

08 5 17 Wine Pon Yuh-Vybz Kartel- Don Corleon(3wks@#1) D-3

09 11 12 People's Choice - Ray Darwin-Tad's International U-2

10 8 12 Baby Father-Vybz Kartel/D'Angel-Free Willy D-2

Easily one of the most "in-demand" artistes on the music scene, Munga Honorable has been busy all summer. Whether it is that he is travelling all over the island or he is flying overseas to "buss it make the earth shake" Munga is making his presence felt everywhere.

He has some major upcoming dates including: Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest - Montego Bay, Jamaica (Thursday, July 19), All Spice 2007 (Saturday, July 28) Fully Loaded - James Bond Beach, Oracabessa (Sunday, July 29), A St. Mary Mi Come From, Gray's Inn Sports Complex, St. Mary (Sunday, August 5); Irie Jamboree - Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, NY (Sunday, September 2) to name a few.

Richie Spice, in association with Guinness, presents Guinness All Spice 2007 - Culture in the hills. The annual show features the hottest and most prolific Reggae and Dancehall artistes to hit our stages. This event will be held at the Bellevedere Sports Complex in Red Hills, St. Andrew on Saturday, July 28.

Bringing the vibes are Coco Tea, Richie Spice, Capleton, Sizzla Kalonji, Queen Ifrica, Anthony B, I-Wayne, Munga Honorable, Chuck Fenda, George Richie SpiceNooks, Gyptian, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Etana, Spanna Banner and Snatcha.

Music will be provided by Tech-Tris and hosts for the night will be Ron Muschette and Elise Kelly. Admission for entry is $700 (General), $1200 (VIP), $2000 (Box).

Hail up, hail up. The tour is going great - no hitches no glitches, just pure vibes. We performed Friday (July 6) to a sold out show at Summerjam with over 30,000 people (the first time ever that there was a sold out Friday night). Then it was on to Poland for the Reggaeland Festival, TOK headlining in Poland, you know us, always breaking new ground. Then we went to Liepzig for the Splash Festival, making us the only Dancehall artiste to do the two major German Festivals this year, ah murdah! All the Monster Twinz a run on and done the place, ah murdah!

By: Olimatta Taal

A Tribute to Byron Lee was held at the Constant Spring Golf Course, Saturday, June 30th. Many of his musical contemporaries were present to give support and enjoy the moment.

Lee was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder in October. This news put his career on hold until he successfully completed surgery to removed his bladder. You would think that under this harsh medical reality, one would stop working and concentrate on healing.

However, according to Byron Lee, music is the healing remedy. In speaking with this great man who has really laid the foundation for music in the Caribbean, YardFlex noticed his physical self was weak in stature but his personal self was strong as we discussed his musical journey.

Kingston, Jamaica: - Due to Jamaica's General Election on Monday, August 27, Curefest has changed the dates of the festival to facilitate Jah Cure fans and supporters to vote. The new dates for Curefest are Friday, October 12 – Sunday, October 14. Curefest, the 3-day event celebrating Jah Cure's freedom presented by Danger Promotions, Iyah Cure Promotions and Brass Gate Promotions, will be held at The Ruins At The Falls and James Bond Beach.

Friday October 12, Reflection, an all-inclusive, all-white tribute dinner event hosted by Danger Zone Records will be held at The Ruins At The Falls in the heart of Ocho Rios while Saturday October 13, 45 Cure's and Sunday October 14, Longing For will be held at the popular James Bond Beach in Oracabessa, St. Mary.

"We needed to find a venue that could hold the fans expected to turn out for this event. We believe that The Ruins and James Bond Beach are 2 perfect locations for Curefest." Commented Delmar Drummond of Danger Promotions.

By: Djenaba Whyte

Two of the most monumental sounds in reggae music, Stereograph and Killamanjaro, came together for the first time ever on July 7 for a night called, "History Bash." Ricky Motors in Negril became the scene of an all-star affair that lasted well into the dawn.

Since the 70s both sound systems have provided Jamaica and the world with moving reggae music and "History Bash" was no exception. With their wide selection of sounds as well as the first class legendary line-up of guest DJs, Stereograph and Killamanjaro really rocked the crowd.

Riddim Driven Clothing, the Caribbean fashion line connected with VP Records, launched their first showroom located on W. 35 St. in the Fashion District of Manhattan, recently. The after work event displayed their Spring/Summer 2007 line and was accompanied with a live drum session

A live artwork installation created by the Caribbean-inspired Japanese artist Dragon, was showcased at the launch and a Riddim Driven raffle also became a fast hit amongst attendees.

The empowering ministry of Jamaican born Dr. Pat Francis, senior pastor of Kingdom Covenant Ministries in Toronto, Ontario reaches millions of people around the world every week by television, and daily through her easy to navigate website. Entitled "Washed By The Word," the television broadcasts aim to take the message and the mission of Jesus Christ to all nations and reaches people every week from all walks of life and from many different cultures.

Established in 1999, Pat Francis Ministries Inc. is a US and Canadian rooted charitable organisation that encompasses the media and missions arm of Kingdom Covenant Centre (KCC).

At their Toronto base, the KC Ministries is extensive, providing services for youth in addition to their full school program that sees children accessing wholesome and well rounded education.

JAMAICA'S WEEKLY TOP 30 (SINGLES) HIT LIST
By Richie B, host - "HOT MIX" on Hot 102FM

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 2 15 Bad From Mi Born-Munga - Don Corleon(1wk@#1) U-1

02 3 7 Back It Up - Beenie Man-357 Records U-1

03 1 13 Board House-Nesbeth-No Doubt Records (2wks@#1) D-1

04 5 10 Tease Her-Anthony B-Trinity 7 Records U-1

05 4 16 Wine Pon Yuh-Vybz Kartel - Don Corleon(3wks@#1) D-1

06 10 10 Dance-RDX featuring Jigsy-Apt 19 U-4

07 12 9 She's Royal-Tarrus Riley - Cannon U-5

08 7 11 Baby Father-Vybz Kartel/D'Angel-Free Willy D-1

09 13 5 Gully Side - Mavado-Firelinks U-4

10 6 10 Guardian Angel-TOK-Fresh Ear D-4

Dancehall great, Spragga Benz and R & B and Hip-Hop superstar, Foxy Brown will host the US based Urban Music Awards to be held on July 7, 2007 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Bound to be hotter than hot this year, this award ceremony will feature live performances by urban music champions, like Boyz II Men, who will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and are set to light up the show with a special 15 minute closing medley of all their famous hits.

Born out of the need to build a worldwide and independent awards ceremony, the Urban Music Awards recognizes the achievements of urban based artists, producers, club nights, DJs, radio stations, record labels and artists that are or were previously unrecognized within their country of origin. Jordan Kensington, CEO and Founder of Urban Music Awards said, "The growth of Urban Music Awards since we launched the show in 2003 has been incredible."

By Olimatta Taal

VP Records is making a big break through in the world of technology by partnering with Nokia and introducing a new phone, the Nokia 5200, to the market, With features that will promote reggae music, this phone will give artists more global exposure.

A launch was held at Carlos Cafe, Wednesday July 4th to unveil the new phone. According to Yolan Sanders of the Kingston VP office, "The new red and white Nokia 5200 is embedded with music, music wallpaper, music videos, and ring tones from Morgans Heritage, Tanya Stephens, Richie Spice, and Wayne Wonder."

By: Janice Dayle

Drawing from the best of the best in the reggae genre, Montreal International Reggae Festival lead people revealed a line-up that will surely have this year's season tickets going like hot cakes. Long time Montreal favorites like Black Uhuru, Third World, Tony Rebel and Jah Cutta are expected to grace the stages of Montreal's Old Port along with brand new fresh cultural sounds from Kymani Marley, Mikey Dangerous, I Wayne, Gyptian, Turbulence and a host of others.

July 13, 14 and 15, 2007 are the dates to mark on your calendars, for the festival which started in 2004 with a bang that has not diminished. Each year Executive Producer, Cezar Brumeanu and his tight crew inject brilliant innovative strategies intensifying the excitement Montreal's reggae fest brings.

By: Dr. S. Lawson

onorrhea ( Neisseria Gonorrhea) is the second most common bacterial infectious disease in the United States. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia usually walk hand in hand. Approximately 650,000 reported cases occur annually. However, it is estimated that if under-diagnosed and unreported cases were accounted for, the actual infection rate would be twice this number.

The highest occurrences of Gonorrhea infections are among females between ages 15 to 19 and highest rates among males are between ages 20 to 24. It is more common among younger females because the vaginal epithelium is thinner.

This infection can be contracted through, vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Gonorrhea can infect the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes of women and the urethra, mouth, throat, and rectum of both sexes. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common complication of gonorrhea in women and epididymitis (infection of the spermatic duct) in men can lead to sterility. Arthritic joint pain, meningitis (infection of the tissue that covers the brain) and heart disease (endocarditis) are rare complications of gonorrhea infection.

Movado and his crew were slapped with fines totaling $700 by Magistrate Christopher Birch, in the Bridgetown Traffic Court, following a brawl between members of his entourage and Barbadian group. Super Sounds.

Surrounded by his injured security team, the 20 year old Movado stuck to his side of the story, dismissing the Barbadians' claim that he had made and reneged on a deal to produce dub plates for them.

Movado, whose real name is, David Constantine Brooks, along with fellow Jamaicans, Sammer Coombs, entertainer and businessmen Michael Kevin Marsh and David Joseph Hunter were read the riot act by the Magistrate who was appalled at their raucous behavior that put others in harms way. The men on trial admitted using excessive forceful and unlawful violence, causing others to fear for their safety in a public place.

Skerrit Bwoy released his documentary, "Temporary Sanity" – a Dan Brunn film, on June 29, 2007, at the 10th Annual RAI Film Festival in England. The versatile disc jockey burst on the international dancehall scene this year, with his sound system Ghetto Life that he has molded into becoming an award winning sound that was crowned as 2005 - 2006 "Bronx Sound of The Year."

Playing venues in Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Jamaica, Anguilla, Montserrat, Germany, Canada, and a host of other countries this year, has changed this young man's view on not only entertainment, but on life overall. "Short Black an' Ugly" is how Skerrit introduces himself, and he is set to becoming the voice of the Bronx.

Originally from St. Johns, Antigua, the youngster migrated to Bronx, New York in the mid 1990's. Clubbing at a very young age, and hanging out on Creston Avenue, it did not take him long to fit into the fast pace life of the city. "I remember listening to Ricky Trooper on Killaman Jaro sound and saying to myself... Yo! That's gonna be me! I used to ride my bike to Moodies Records on 225th Street, all the way from 183rd, just to buy 3 records a week...cause those days I was just getting a weekly $10 allowance ".

By: Janice Dayle

Young Barrington Irving, created history on June 26, 2007, when he returned from his solo flight around the world. The 23year old Jamaican born pilot caused tears of pride to well up in the eyes of many as he accomplished his youthful dreams and achieved the aim of inspiring young men and women for some time to come. Being the first person of African descent as well as the youngest person to ever succeed in such a colossal feat, has placed Irving way above the clouds he rode alone – in the eyes of the world.

Inspired at the age of 15 by another Jamaican pilot, Gary Robinson, young Irving set out to not only master the field of Aviation but also to become an inspiration himself to other youth. Having been born in Kingston and raised in Miami's inner city since he was 6 years old, Irving was accustomed to seeing teens develop into nothingness, with not much confidence in their future or hope for substantial progress after high school. In an interview on his Experience Aviation website, Irving said, "When I was a teenager, there was little incentive for me or my classmates to get off the streets and pursue real careers. And the situation hasn't improved; in the neighborhoods between my home and high school, more than 24 kids under the age of 21 were murdered by other kids under 21 in the past year alone."

Natural Bridge recording artiste Mr. Peppa shot a medley music video last week for the songs 'When Last' and 'Pressure Dem'. The video was shot in the Kingston area under the direction of music video director Julia Braham who has been making a name for herself on the local scenes. Following hot on the tracks of the medley video, will be the shooting of another music video which will be shot on film for the song 'Whining', and will be directed by internationally acclaimed Ras Kassa 'The Guru', by the end of July, so as to catch the summer buzz. The video treatment for 'Whining' is currently been worked on and will be shot on film for the international market.

After the video shoot Mr. Peppa along with Ward 21 will head to Costa Rica for two shows in July to promote their combination single called 'Chatty Mouth' which made the Reggaeton chart in Costa Rica. While in Costa Rica, Mr. Peppa and Ward 21 will be making appearances at several radio and television stations, where they have been enjoying heavy rotation. Thereafter Mr. Peppa will be heading to the United Kingdom for a mini tour, where he has also been enjoying favourable airplay.

Barbadian police were called to the Time Out At The Gap hotel in Barbados to squash a brawl, involving ace DJ Movado and his crew.

The intense squabble over Movado allegedly reneging on his agreement to deliver dub plates, sent some members of his entourage to jail and left others nursing wounds.

People connected to the Red Zone Alliance of Barbados belligerently confronted Movado and his entourage, who had travelled to the island for a performance on Saturday, June 30th.

Bottles were reportedly flying as were stones and fists, throughout the mayhem, that involved between 20 to 30 individuals. Two members of Movado's crew were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown for medical attention, while members of both camps suffered minor injuries.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 02 09 Movado-Don't Cry-Goldielox Production - 1wk@#1 (new#1song)
02 04 09 Beenie Man-Back It Up-357 Records
03 03 10 Munga - Bad From Mi Born- Don Corleon
04 01 11 Vybz Kartel - Wine Pon You - Don Corleon - 1wk@#1
05 07 06 Taurus Riley – She's Royal – Cannon – Shot to Watch
06 06 08 Lutan Fyan-Save The Juvenile – Real Lyfe
07 05 31 Da'Ville – This Time I Promise – Fashozy-2wks@#1
08 10 05 RDX & Jigzy – Dance – APT.19
09 12 04 Pressure – Love & Affection - Don Corleon
10 09 17 Movado – Chat too Much – Yellow Moon- Peak@#2

Standing in the ashes of a life that's been torn
Burned of all the things I held onto
Till the only thing I have left
Is the solid rock of you
"Standing In The Ashes"

In the midst of my affliction
I could have died without redemption
But through the power of the most High
I confess my sins and received Salvation
"Redeemed"

This excerpt from Carlene Davis's song "Standing In The Ashes" from her third gospel album, Redeemed is a synopsis of the journey that this now ordained minister of the gospel has taken.