Well, well, well. First the big man Jay Z was upset with Rihanna because she hugged him and he claimed he didn't want Beyonce to be offended by it...poppyshow.

Well now the latest news we are hearing is that he is not pleased with the way Rihanna has been parading her relationship with Chris Brown and the amount of publicity it is receiving.

The excuse YardFlex understands that Jay Z is using, is that they have two different fan bases and bottom line, she could be hurting her marketability.

Can you believe it, he had the gall to meet with her and discuss her
relationship with Chris.

Yeah right, hmm, we have to wonder if it is more than meets the eye!

By: Buffilous

Bwoy it come een like di likkle time mi spend outa di country a whole heap a tings change dat mi nuh know. Sex get more interesting and ...well mi have a likkle catty whey mi a par wid and she a open mi yeye to whole heap a tings.

Now meck mi tell yuh dat fi mi friend hortical and she do har tings, she nuh care whey nobady waan sey and she nuh watch nuh face when it come to fi har programme.

Now, mi sey all a dat fi sey dat she deal wid a real big man inna di business and dollaz a roll, him have it like dat. And she know how fi hol’ fi har man tuh, cause she know how put di freak on in bed wid him. Some time she all a bring in one a har hot gal friend dem fi spice tings up inna di bedroom.

Now di hottaclaps a dat is di man hook, him nuh stop sleep wid har and mi hear sey certain other female a get jealous and start build up whole heap a vibes bout mi friend.

Dem start pree har nuff an' all a chat sey from she bring in odda woman pon dem bedroom action she nuh far from lesbianism. Now, mi nuh business wid nobady but mi haffi admit why dem suh concern about whey she a do.

By: Janice Dayle

Ushering in the 90s with the first eclectic Caribbean music radio programme to be aired on commercial radio in New York, the indomitable Dahved Levy marked the beginning of what literally became 'Caribbean Fever,' with radio audiences and his colleagues alike.

Filling YardFlex in on the day he was invited to mainstream radio at WBLS 98.7 KISS FM, the trailblazing Barbadian born Levy said that besides his strong command of reggae, soca and the general music scene, "It was the catch phrase 'Rocking You' that really got me recognition."

One night, as the seasoned young concert promoter and college radio
personality hung out with Programme Directors (PD) backstage at a KISS FM sponsored Bobby Brown and Shiela Easton concert, opportunity knocked; and Levy was in the right place at the right time. "Red Alert was late," he explained, "and the PD at KISS at the time said to me – 'You know what, you always talk a lot of crap; go up there on stage and bring up Bobby Brown.' – and I did." Neither Levy nor the PD had any idea what was about to transpire.

"I said – Madison Square Gardens, this is Dahved Levy – and the entire crowd shouted in unison; ROCKING YOU, ROCKING YOU. This was my trademark phrase used in my many radio commercials and at that moment I realized how well known I had become," Levy expounded. And he was not the only one amazed at the instant recognition from the audience that evening, the PD was also blown away to the point where he wasted no time to offer Levy his first mainstream radio spot saying, "Dam...you start your own radio show on Monday morning."

By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 11 Pon Di Edge-Busy Signal-Star Kutt (3wks@#1) NM
02 3 10 Doh-Serani feat Bugle-Daseca U-1
03 4 11 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back U-1
04 5 12 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John U-1
05 2 11 Click My Finger-Erup-Truck Back(3wks@#1) D-3
06 6 8 Nuff Love/Buddy Buddy-Charly Black-M/Bass Production NM
07 7 11 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John NM
08 8 6 Bembe-Voicemail-Big Ship NM
09 9 20 Pick It Up & Drop It-Sean Paul-Birchill Records(2wks@#1) NM
10 11 4 Journey - Bugle - Daseca U-1
11 10 25 Nah Go A Jail-Busy Signal-Jam 2(4wks@#1) D-1
12 12 23 Tell Dem Don't Follow-Buju Banton-Heart of Love(pp#3)NM
13 14 17 Empire Army- Vybz Kartel-Big Ship(pp#6) U-1
14 13 15 Dandy Shandy - Macka Diamond-Birch Hill (pp#5) D-1
15 15 20 Everybody Dance-RDX -Apt 19 (2wks@#1) NM
16 18 2 Unknown Number-Busy Signal-Juke Boxx U-2
17 20 2 Touch Di Road-Mavado-Foota Hype U-3
18 - New Bad From Long Time-Anthony B-357 Records
19 16 12 Dreaming of You-Beenie Man & Alaine-Sleepy Splu(pp#10) D-3
20 17 24 Dem A Sissy-Assassin-Don Corleon(pp#3) D-3

Bwoy from what YardFlex a hear di reason why Real Idiot dead a cause him just make a stupid move. Wi get it from good good source sey dem check a man fi collect money fi one a dem big artiste fi do a show fi him.

Apparently di man neva have all di cash which wi understand was $150,000 so di promoter gi dem a gun and 2 lbs a weed fi meck it up.

Wi understan dat on dem way back inna di city dat's about 1:30 am they were stopped by the cops who were on patrol.

Den combine di fact sey dem have gun inna di car and two pound a weed and den if yuh come up wid di conclusion dat tings get sticky from there, yuh right. So him neva did a tief nutten, him just unfortunate.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Please vote for either Contestant A or B for the hottest Girl of the Week.

Choose the image you like best and vote by placing the letter A or B in your comments.

Oh boy, Mavado just can't seem to get a break in Trinidad and Tobago. In an article published in the Trinidad Express his kind of lyrics was again blamed for a stabbing incident leading to the death of a secondary school student.

See below the article in question.

In the wake of yesterday's stabbing to death of a secondary school student, at least one popular urban radio station has moved to clamp down on violent dancehall lyrics.

Well-known DJ, Kwesi "Hyper Hoppa" Hopkinson, special advisor/consultant at Red 96.7, described the stabbing incident as "the last straw" and he identified the music of dancehall star Mavado as one of the chief offenders in this regard.

"There is no doubt that the music is influencing the youths towards violence. Particularly an artiste like Mavado who says he's a gangsta for life and has the youths emulating that lifestyle," Hopkinson said.

Boy George has pleaded not guilty to falsely imprisoning a male escort by chaining him to a wall, this according to a news report on bbc.co.uk.

The singer and DJ, whose real name is George O'Dowd, is also accused of assaulting Audun Carlsen during the alleged incident on 28 April last year.

Prosecutors claim the 46-year-old former Culture Club frontman chained Mr. Carlsen up at his home in Ravey Street, Hackney, east London.

He was released on bail until a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in November.

Oh boy , we wonder how this one will eventually play out in court.

By: Janice Dayle

Pat Mckay's distinctive 'radio voice' is one that she raises at Sirius Satellite Radio; not only as the 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM programmer for Channel 97's Reggae Rhythms, but also as Programme Director for both 'Reggae Rhythms' and Channel 68 - 'Praise.'

"I am hitched to the Blackberry 24/7 and 365 days," Pat told YardFlex as we snuck a chat in between her manning a myriad of operations. With a staff that is also round the clock, accessibility is key, she said.

Well versed in the history of Reggae as it developed internationally, Pat herself has achieved many radio firsts as a person of Caribbean descent in the US. Her fondness for music developed into her realizing childhood fantasies of being a team player in radio-land. As the first person of Caribbean descent to have programmed a 24/7 nationally broadcast music format in the US, first for Music Choice (both their World Beat and Reggae stations) and currently for Sirius Satellite Radio - Pat told YardFlex, that becoming a DJ was her childhood games turned into reality.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 01 10 Erup-Click My Finger-Truck Back-2wks@#1
02 02 15 Queen I-Frica- Don't Touch Me There-No Doubt Records-3wks#1
03 03 07 Serani feat.Bugle-DOH-Daseca-Shot to Watch
04 06 07 Bugle-Journey-Daseca
05 04 13 Sean Paul – Pick It Up & Drop It –Birchill-Peak@#3
06 05 16 Demarco-Fallen Soldiers- Star Kutt-4wks@#1
07 08 08 Spice –Up Inna De Light- Truck Back
08 07 16 Shaggy feat Rik Rok- Bonafide Girl-Big Yard-Peak@#2
09 10 05 Courtney Melody-Just Like The Rain-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes
10 12 03 Harry Toddler-Don't Run In-Truck Back

VP Records sends its sincerest condolences for one of the greatest losses in reggae history. The legendary producer Joe Gibbs (born Joel A. Gibson) has passed away at the age of 65.

This influential man behind and in front of the boards was a major pioneering force from the late '60s, early '70s rock steady/roots era to the early '80s dancehall era, known for his seminal releases such as, "Two Sevens Clash" by Culture, "Someone Loves You Honey" by J.C. Lodge, as well as his influential four chapter African Dub Series.

VP Records President Chris Chin expresses, "We want to take this time to remember a truly pivotal producer in the reggae business. Our prayers go out to his loved ones. His spirit and music will live on."

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex was on location at Vegas' video shoot for his new video "Hot gyal no fight ova man".

By: Joseph Cunningham

The first-ever Reggae Film Festival was launched with the showing of three films at Emancipation Park.

Appropriately, the Film Festival opened with the screening of a
documentary about one of Jamaica's legendary musicians, entitled "The
Legacy of Rico Rodriques," by director Jep Jorba from Spain. Among the other flicks was the German feature film on Jamaica, "Almost Heaven," directed by Ed Herzog and featuring a number of Jamaican actors, including Carl Bradshaw, who was in attendance and Oliver Samuels. The final one was the Wayne Jobson-produced Stepping Razor documentary on reggae icon Peter Tosh.

In response to the question of why he chose to feature Peter Tosh, Jobson said, "I was lucky enough to meet Peter, Bob and Bunny – the Wailers - back in the 1970s. And of the three of them, it was Peter who most impressed me with his brilliant intellect and his brilliant mind and also sense of humour.

By: Joseph Cunningham

The Inseason Juices KLAS School Tour has been moving through the island of Jamaica, and in the last two weeks, the stops have been at Spanish Town High and Manchester High respectively.

It so happened that both institutions provided some of the most memorable experiences on the tour so far. A huge turnout of students supported both legs, which were filled with student participation with poems, songs and drama.

By: Michelle Thomas
Photography By: Marie Mendoza

Celebrations and festivals around the world commemorated the life and music of Reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley following his recent birthday February 6th. The irie vibes continued when the 27th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival got underway at the Long Beach Arena on February 16 and 17, following through to February 18 with the 27th Annual Tribute To The Reggae Legends at the San Diego Sports Arena. Both celebrations are known for paying tribute to Bob Marley as well as his music; and aim, "to carry the torch of peace and love throughout the world," Barbara Barabino, promoter of the Ragga Muffins Festival said. With similar missions, each festival brings out the most prolific voices in Reggae music along with the hottest up and coming acts all around the world.

Positive vibes and Unity were the common thread among the festivals that featured heavy hitters like Gregory Isaacs, Beenie Man, Capleton, Sly & Robbie and many more.

By: Elizabeth Smith

The force of 'Magnum Follow Di Arrow' will hit James Bond Beach on Saturday, March 1st, bringing a tradition of collaborating for the development of authentic Jamaican culture to its 2008 climax. Boasting the best line-up in its eight year history, the Magnum Tonic Wine endorsed annual show will deliver on its commitment to provide quality, top class entertainment to the masses.

A barrage of veterans and current hit-makers are billed for 2008, with The Alliance Crew as headlining acts. Headed by Grung Gad Bounty Killer, Alliance will undoubtedly bright up the night as the Killer will be supported by: Mr. Gully Side – Mavado, Wayne Marshall, Busy Signal, Bling Dawg and Bad Boy recording artist Elephant Man. The show will also feature Assassin who is riding high with the recent release of his "Gully Sittin" Album, Ninja Man, Mr Vegas, Bugle, Warrior King, Macka Diamond, Anthony B and the ever tempting Lady Saw.

By: Elizabeth Smith

'He was born in Jamaica, grew up in Canada and plays like he's from
Georgia,' is how Grammy winning Blues icon, James 'Blood' Ulmer describes Jamaican born drummer, Aubrey Dayle.

After decades of honing, developing and flaunting his powerful drumming skills on international stages and in major studios, accompanying numerous stellar musicians, Dayle returned to Canada from his New York City base and launched the astounding contemporary jazz ensemble called, My id.

Tomorrow night, February 27, at the Revival Music Lounge in Toronto, My id will appear in a special concert that features: Living Colour guitarist and multi-Grammy winner, Vernon Reid, who joins the electric Toronto based band in what may seem like somewhat of a reunion for himself and Dayle. Reid, who is known for his guitar virtuosity and ground breaking work in rock, jazz, fusion and R&B, has worked with some of music's most talented including: Mick Jagger, Bill Frisell, Carlos Santana, Public Enemy, Garland Jefferies and James Blood Ulmer.

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photography By: Milton Raynor

It was a night with a difference, a special night, signifying the dawn of a new day in Jamaican music. It was the first staging of the Reggae Academy Awards. It signified a new day because, it represented an award concept in Reggae that got the nod of approval from a wider audience of experts.

"And the award for the Best Solo Male Dancehall Vocalist goes to"; and fans seated towards the back of National Indoor Sports Centre, bellowed, "Busy Signal!" Much to everyone's delight, he was announced the winner. The ceremony was void of ridiculous surprises, and so all received their just rewards.

On entering the venue, YardFlex observed that something special was about to take place. The National Indoor Sports Centre had been given an ambiance, that shouted, "This is something first-world and first class." The stage, lighting, big screens, sound effects the show host and performances, all displayed the handy work of what must have been a highly skilled and trained production team.

The introductions ended and the presentations began. At the end of it all Omar "Tarrus" Riley was the toast of the ceremony, winning in the categories, "Best Breakthrough Artiste 2007," "Best Solo Male Vocalist," "Most Popular Song" - "She Royal" and "Best Reggae Song."

Record producer Clive Jarrett who was shot and killed at his home in Vineyard Town recently was laid to rest on Sunday at Dovecot.

Clive Jarrett started producing in 1979 and was co-owner of the Dynamite label. He enjoyed great success in the early 80's with LP's by Carlton Livingston (Rumours) Lone Ranger (Hi Yo Silver Away) and Welton Irie (Army Life).

It is reported that Jarrett and Wright were at their home in Deanery Terrace where some construction work had been taking place, when neighbours were alerted by the sound of gunfire and summoned the police.

On arrival of the police, the bullet riddled bodies of the two men described as 'respected elders' of the community were discovered.

Blacka joke sell off

Blacka Ellis sell off at the Reggae Academy Awards. Bwoy mi a tell yuh him jokes dem done di place. First when him sey big up to the Prime Minister who a glow unda di Cuban light bulb...di people dem crack up. But if yuh tink sey da one dey did meck it, yuh should si when him come out inna him police uniform and deh pon him cell phone and 'lock off' di show and sey "yeah soup, mi lock dung di show cause di promoter nah let off!" Fi one minute mi did tink sey a stampede but a just di people dem a lick di bench dem and a laugh. Whey day mean, police dem too licky licky and everyone can relate?

Which country yuh really love

Mi nuh done wid Blacka yet, him deh pon di stage a talk bout how Jamaica a di best place in the world and him love it suh much and him want to die in Jamaica. Den one woman shout out from inna di crowd, "den if yuh love it suh much, how come yuh gawn live a Canada!" Good question...but den again one man did sing sey, "I man born ya, I nah leave yah, go live America...and him a live deh now!"

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photography By: Milton Raynor

As far as performances were concerned at Smile Jamaica/Africa Unite, the concert was of a high standard. The promotional hype seems to have worked, because from as early as 10:30pm, a good size crowd had already crammed into the venue.

When YardFlex arrived at about that time, Bunny Wailer was busy recapturing his vintage form. He volunteered with "Come Mek Mi Show Yuh How Fi Ram Dancehall". Jah B, as he is fondly known, gave an energetic set. Singing songs that many were not acquainted with, he still connected with his special ability for showmanship. The "Wailer" dug deep into the repertoire, which himself, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh combined for, and at the end of his one hour set, patrons were fulfilled.

Last week one of Reggae luminaries struck his final note making it a sad day for his many fans all over the world.

Joe Gibbs died of heart attack at University Hospital of the West Indies from a heart attack at age 65.

He leaves behind a rich legacy that not only impacted Jamaica, but indeed the whole world.

Born in Montego Bay in 1943, Gibbs left Jamaica to train as an engineer in the US. After some time spent in the United States as an electronic engineer, Gibbs went back to Kingston, and opened a repair TV shop at 32 Beeston Street where he soon started to sell records. The fast growth of the local music scene encouraged him to be more involved in the business, and in 1967 he started to record some artists in the back of his shop with a two-track tape machine and the already established Lee Perry who had just ended his association with Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. In 1968, with the help of Bunny Lee, he launched his Amalgamated label, and had his first success with one of the earliest rock steady tunes, Roy Shirley's "Hold Them".

By: Kemesha Bolton
Photography By: Milton Raynor

It was another week for the KLAS Inseason Tour and this time they stopped off at the Constant Spring Primary and Junior High School. DJ Kat started the afternoon's proceedings with some hot tracks and while the students gathered, shouts, screams and verbal gun salutes were heard as they scurried for the front to get a good view the stage.

The tour's resident host, Tony Young from KLAS Sports Radio spoke to Acting Principal Beverly Anderson Clarke who welcomed everyone to the school. Mrs. Ann Marie Smelling - Cultural Agent spoke about the school's upcoming Jamaica Day celebration scheduled for February 29th 2008.

The rumors were circulating far and wide that reggae crooner Beresford Hammond passed away.

As far afield as England, Canada and the States, people were calling to find out if it was true.

At the Academy Awards we had to check with one of Beres' friends who assured, "he can't be dead, I just spoke with him!"

Honestly, we have to wonder, who really get these rumors going...and who's the next person will be on the list.

By: Janice Dayle

Can a fine upstanding practicing Minister of religion be banned from visiting his former congregation? In Montreal some factions of the United Church of Canada are trying to do just that.

Reverend Daryl Gray who once held the position of Minister at the Union United Church, was sent a letter from David Clinker, Supervising Minister of Union United Church, stating that Gray's attending the funeral for the mother of one of his current church members in December 2007, was "in violation" of an agreement made between Gray and The Montreal Presbytery.

According to Clinker in the letter, Reverend Gray was, "not to enter the premises or to take part in the events of Union United Church." Clinker also stated in the letter that he "insist" that Gray follow the agreement made by the Montreal Presbytery, and that Gray is not allowed to enter the church building for any reason without Clinker's "expressed permission".

There was every indication at a very early stage that George Stiebel was destined to lead an intriguing life. Born to a Jamaican housekeeper, and a German Jew in the 1820s, George was subject to a range of criticisms and harsh treatment from his peers as a result of his mixed parentage. School was therefore not as fulfilling an experience as it should have been, and he quit the classroom at age fourteen to become a carpenter’s apprentice. George quickly developed a flair for carpentry, and by age 19 he played an integral role in the reconstruction of the famous Ferry Inn, between Kingston and Spanish Town.

In the 1840's, George's father gave him start up capital to purchase a ship, which he began using to transport cargo between North and South America. Shortly after he purchased two additional ships to develop his new business venture in the Caribbean, including Cuba where a revolution was in high gear. He realized that the island would be ideal to undertake a lucrative gun-trading ring. While he did manage to make respectable profits from trading guns, he also fell in trouble with the law for his activities.

In 1851, George's life took a turn for the better when he married long time sweetheart Magdalene Baker, daughter of a Moravian Missionary. Soon after their son, Sigismund, named after George's father, was born. Two years later a girl, Theresa, joined the Stiebel family. Five years after their marriage, his ships were caught in a terrible storm, which destroyed the vessels. Unfortunately Stiebel was aboard one of the ships which sank off the coast of Venezuela. He managed to survive the wreckage and luckily he had the foresight to secure all his money which was stored in a leather belt. Stiebel's tenacity soon began to show results, because shortly after arriving in Venezuela he became a peddler, and with his savings he purchased a mule to assist in transporting his goods. His misfortune at sea quickly dulled when he began trading gold in Venezuela. He invested in a gold mine with his friends, and fifteen years later in 1873 the business was showing huge profits. George Stiebel had undoubtedly made an impressive stake in the gold mining business and the accolade awarded to him as Jamaica's first millionaire of African descend seemed very deserving and appropriate. His achievements were shattered however with the death of his son, and he returned home to Jamaica.

By: Kemesha Bolton

As we celebrate Black History/Reggae month, YardFlex takes time out to highlight some of the many persons who have contributed to the development of Reggae Music and empowerment of Black people world wide.

With these values and accomplishments in mind, YardFlex spoke with Tarrus Riley, one man whose music empowers the woman. He sings in a most enthralling and heartfelt way, reminding her that 'She's Royal.'

Just as poet John Bodely paints a realistic and uplifting picture in his verses of, 'A Strong Black Woman,' Tarrus draws for lyrics that inspire and elevate the woman. In 'A Strong Black Woman' Bodely wrote: "Regardless of blistered hands, aching back, weary knees, disfiguring frown, she was not allowed to sit down..." and ends with, "...a woman who is now henceforth and forever grateful, still fine and forever free."

In explaining what prompted his creation of "She's Royal," Tarrus Riley explained to YardFlex, "It's our culture and our reality. It's about [reversing] slavery. It is to make our women feel good about themselves. They are all Queens."

Of Reggae Month, Tarrus said, "I love it all for Reggae, we need more than one month for this, so that men like Delroy Wilson and Junior Byles can get the recognition dem really deserve."

Like her father, the illustrious founding Wailer - Bunny Wailer; singer, songwriter, arranger and guitarist, Cen'C Love is focused on using her talents as a tool for equal rights, justice and overall social change. Penning piercing lyrics that address issues of inequality, poverty, sexism and racism, Cen'C reinforces the obvious; that at 20 years old, she is a 'chip off the old block.'

Cen'C's debut single, "A Little More Time," is a rhythmic example of her fine style of writing about love in all its many forms. Recently released, it proves that this all-round renaissance woman is ready to command the world's attention.

Songs such as "Strange," taken from her demo CD, keep that powerful voice and poignant messages lingering on your mind.

The graduate of DeKalb School of The Arts in Atlanta, Georgia has an electrifying stage presence yet she manages to deliver each note intimately to her audience.

Ready to spread her musical wings, Cen'C is a musical Goddess poised to conquer your heart.

By: Ears to the Ground

Bounty done wid Julian?

Yuh done kno mi caan kip fi mi mouth shet aready and mi dun know sey unno love di likkle passa passa. Well it a circulate di rounds big and large sey Bounty Killer part ways wid him publicist Julian...still mi neva get fi find out why so maybe unno can tell mi more bout it.

-----------------------------------------

Matterhorn fall out wid manager

But a what dis mi a hear sey Tony Matterhorn and him manager have a big falling out. From what wi can sniff out the falling out come bout because she did a withhold money from him fi pay tax. Him meck demands fi it and she nah give it up cause di woman just neva waan nuh problem wid IRS...yuh can imagine a Beenie Man situation inna US! Hear sey dem have a big argument and nah work together again and Tony a manage himself now.

-----------------------------------------------

On November 4, 2007 at University Hospital, Hamilton County, Cincinnati, an 11 year old gave birth to a baby girl.

The troubling part of this tale of children having children is that the newborn's DNA matched that of her 11 year old mother's "step-dad." This new 'child mom' was impregnated by her own mother's boyfriend when she was only age 10.

An intense investigation was set off following the baby's birth, that in itself was shocking to the Department of Job and Family Services, because the child's mother was so young.

On Wednesday, prosecutors were in Hamilton County Dependency Court to
discuss the future of both children at what is called a status session
where an update on both mother and baby was disclosed.

While court was in session, Lockland police were in Columbus talking to Michael Chaffer, the 40 year old, whose DNA matches that of the newborn. In jail for an unrelated matter, Chaffer now faces charges for impregnating and sexually molesting a girl under the age of 13, Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor, Lee Slocum said.

"Unfortunately sexual abuse is pretty common in the cases we see," JFS Director, Moira Wier said, "But it is unusual and extremely sad to see a case where a 10 year old becomes pregnant." She added, "This is an example of why everyone in communities need to be extremely vigilant about watching for the signs of abuse and [notifying authorities.]"

A Mount Clemens, Michigan man who was convicted of the second-degree murder/dismemberment of his wife received a sentence of at least 50 years behind bars last Thursday.

A jury that was unable to unanimously agree that Stephen Grant's actions were premeditated, spared the 38 year old a charge of first –degree murder last December.

Macomb County Crcuit Judge Diane Druzinski, agreed with the prosecution's recommendation of a 50 – 80 year sentence for the killing and called Grant's actions of not only choking his wife Tara to death, but then following up by cutting her corpse up in a machine shop, "demonic, manipulative, barbaric and dishonest."

An additional 10 years were added for mutilating the body and it is to run concurrently with the longer sentence.

What was most amazing for the judge, who made note of Grant's façade while handing down her sentence, was the way he went so far as to grieve in public, crying on television camera, begging for his wife to come home; after he had already killed her.

He is "evil personified," prosecutor, Eric Smith said, as he fought the defence's argument for a 15 – 25 year sentence.

Macomb County Sheriff's department reported during his trial that; on February 14, 2007 Grant contacted them saying his 34 year old wife, who worked as an Operations Manager for a construction firm, was missing. He told them that the last time he saw her was on February 9 when they had argued about her frequent business trips.

Why Jamaica Should Make Bob Marley A National Hero

By: Falana Fray

It's been almost 27 years since the death of Bob Marley, yet despite international appeals and a host of post-humous awards, Jamaica still fails to accord him National Hero status. Even when Bob was a young musician from Trench Town, his music wasn't even recognized by his own people in Jamaica until his debut album 'Catch A Fire' became an international hit, thanks to Chris Blackwell, who I had the pleasure of meeting last month in Jamaica, and the fact that Rastas were regarded as outcasts in the 60s and 70s.

I'm just getting warmed up!

Marley deserves to be among the fraternity of Jamaica's honored heroes. He has done more for strong>Jamaica through his music than most politicians have done to temper violence and businessmen to promote tourism to their war ravaged country. Even Bob's song 'One Love' was adopted as a theme song for the Jamaican Tourist Board. It was even voted Anthem of the Millennium by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC).

Marley's laundry list of recognitions is even more reason to dub him, not just a National Hero, but an 'International Hero.' At home, his birthday, February 6th, is observed as a national holiday in Jamaica, he has the Order of Merit (OM), which is Jamaica's third highest honour, was awarded the Medal of Peace from the United Nations and voted Artiste of the Century by Billboard magazine. He was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jennifer Lopez gave birth to twins early this morning, making the singer and husband Marc Anthony the proud parents of a boy and a girl after one of pop music's most closely watched pregnancies, People magazine reported.

Lopez' manager, Simon Fields said the musical couple's babies were born at 12:45 a.m. Friday on New York's Long Island, the magazine's Web site reported. The location was not identified.

Negril will come alive on Monday the 25th of February as Negril based promoter Kenneth Darling aka Money Cologne presents another installment of his annual birthday bash.

Slated to unfold at Bourbon Beach on the Negril beach strip, this event will feature headliners, the Legendary Bunny Wailer along with one of the biggest dancehall artists of all times, King Yellow Man.

Several talented new acts will appear on the lineup such as the very
promising Timmi Burrell, Vengeance, Sining Hana, Yendah, Whisky Baggio & Swallo. Backing Bands for the event will be the Solomonic Reggaestra and the Indika Band – with MC Barry G.

Jamaica Tourist Board, Mr. Natural & Zojak Worldwide are the proud
sponsors of the event.

Rihanna signed a deal back in July with Gillette insuring those legs of hers for a million dollars.

By: Joseph Cunningham

In February, Reggae Month initiatives continue to flow to make Reggae Land, Jamaica, the most prolific brand. In order to bring back the pride of Jamaicans at Independence, the board of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has decided to bring back for 2008, what was once known as the Jamaica Festival Song Competition.

Renee Robinson, Director of Programmes Management at JCDC, said, "We seek to identify a song that is reflective of the spirit of the Jamaican people at Independence time."

Entries are currently being accepted for the competition that will take the familiar format of ten finalists being selected via island-wide road shows and public voting in order to declare a winner.

Music composed from any genre was accepted, and contestants were asked to keep the lyrics in line with the spirit of festivity and celebration. The original song competition will be returned to the series of activities hosted by the JCDC over the July to August "Emanci-pendence" period.

Past winners and icons of Jamaica festival, are Roy Rayon, Toots & The Maytals, Eric Donaldson, Desmond Decker, Stanley and the Astronauts.

By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 10 Pon Di Edge-Busy Signal-Star Kutt (2wks@#1) NM
02 2 10 Click My Finger-Erup-Truck Back(3wks@#1) NM
03 3 9 Doh-Serani feat Bugle-Daseca NM
04 4 10 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back NM
05 6 11 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John U-1
06 7 7 Nuff Love/Buddy Buddy-Charly Black-M/Bass Production U-1
07 9 10 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John U-2
08 10 5 Bembe-Voicemail-Big Ship U-2
09 5 19 Pick It Up & Drop It-Sean Paul-Birchill Records(2wks@#1) D-4
10 8 24 Nah Go A Jail-Busy Signal-Jam 2(4wks@#1) D-2
11 15 3 Journey - Bugle - Daseca U-4
12 11 22 Tell Dem Don't Follow-Buju Banton-Heart of Love(pp#3)D-1
13 12 14 Dandy Shandy - Macka Diamond-Birch Hill (pp#5) D-1
14 13 16 Empire Army- Vybz Kartel-Big Ship(pp#6) D-1
15 14 19 Everybody Dance-RDX -Apt 19 (2wks@#1) D-1
16 16 11 Dreaming of You-Beenie Man & Alaine-Sleepy Splu(pp#10) NM
17 17 23 Dem A Sissy-Assassin-Don Corleon(pp#3) NM
18 - New Unknown Number-Busy Signal-Juke Boxx
19 18 10 Mama Cry-Beenie Man-357 Records(pp#12) D-1
20 - New Touch Di Road-Mavado-Foota Hype

The "Rihanna Day" ceremony was extraordinary. It started off when the Minister of Culture for Barbados, Mr. Steve Blackett read a proclamation before a packed crowd and a live TV audience which made Rihanna an official Ambassador of Barbados for Youth Affairs.

But that's not all, MediaTakeOut.com has learned that along with the title, Rihanna was also granted a piece of land in the exclusive and ritzy Apes Hill of Barbados.

Then, after the formal part of the ceremony was done, MediaTakeOut.com learned that Rihanna's boyfriend Chris Brown was invited on stage to help the Bajan superstar cut a birthday cake.

It's official, these two are our new favorite couple.

Don't forget guys, MediaTakeOut.com was the first news source in the world to tell you that they were a couple ... now do you believe us.

YardFlex photographer was more than prepared to capture this phenomenal event. According to NASA, the next Total Lunar Eclipse will be in the year 2010.

Below are photos depicting the event:

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Please vote for either Contestant A or B for the hottest Girl of the Week.

Choose the image you like best and vote by placing the letter A or B in your comments.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 02 09 Erup-Click My Finger-Truck Back-New#1
02 01 14 Queen I-Frica- Don't Touch Me There-No Doubt Records-3wks#1
03 04 06 Serani feat.Bugle-DOH-Daseca-Shot to Watch
04 03 12 Sean Paul – Pick It Up & Drop It –Birchill-Peak@#3
05 05 15 Demarco-Fallen Soldiers- Star Kutt-4wks@#1
06 10 06 Bugle-Journey-Daseca
07 06 15 Shaggy feat Rik Rok- Bonafide Girl-Big Yard-Peak@#2
08 09 07 Spice –Up Inna De Light- Truck Back
09 08 16 Brick & Lace- Love Is Wicked-180 Entertainment-Peak@#6
10 15 04 Courtney Melody-Just Like The Rain-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes

Coming on board the drama musical "Cadillac Records" as an actress proved to be not enough for Beyonce Knowles as she adds "executive producer" title for her involvement in the movie. According to Hollywood Reporter, the 26-year-old "Bootylicious" singer has signed on for the role of the film's executive, this according to accessshowbiz.com.

Before joining the film as executive producer, the co-star of Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls", has agreed to portray 1950s' singer Etta James for the Sony BMG Films' movie. She joined the rest of the cast that include Adrien Brody, Columbus Short, Cedric the Entertainer and Tammy Blanchard.

For all those who have the opportunity of going to school and are procrastinating then read the story of Booker T Washington. Imagine having to walk 200 miles to get an education! His life should inspire us to forget about the minor irritations and really get focused on making more of our lives!

(1856-1915) - Lecturer, Civil Rights/Human Rights Activist, Educational Administrator, Professor, Organization Executive/Founder, Author/Poet.

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in Hale's Ford, Virginia, reportedly on April 5, 1856. After emancipation, his family was so poverty stricken that he worked in salt furnaces and coal mines beginning at age nine. Always an intelligent and curious child, he yearned for an education and was frustrated when he could not receive good schooling locally. When he was 16 his parents allowed him to quit work to go to school. They had no money to help him, so he walked 200 miles to attend the Hampton Institute in Virginia and paid his tuition and board there by working as the janitor.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Lennox Lewis, former undisputed Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the world, is scheduled to take a quick break from NBC's Celebrity Apprentice to return to Jamaican shores for the inaugural Reggae Film Festival, which runs from February 20 to 23 in Kingston.

Since his retirement, he has also had a starring role in the UK-based thriller Johnny Was, which will be premiered at the festival's grand opening at the Emancipation Park today.

Arthur Gorson, noted producer from Hollywood, producers/directors Wayne and Dickie Jobson, as well as directors Generoso Fierro, Jep Jorba, George Tait and Bill Parker will all be traveling to Jamaica for the event.

The Reggae Film Festival, is organized as part of the Reggae Month celebrations. It will span three days, featuring approximately 30 films, which celebrate Jamaica's unique musical idiom including documentaries and music videos. The music video category has the largest number of entries.

Kingston, Jamaica: The sultry soul singer John Legend has been added to the star packed line up for the Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite concert on Saturday February 23 at James Bond Beach.

The Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite concert will be the Grammy winner's third performance in Jamaica. Legend wowed Jamaican audiences at Reggae Sumfest as he performed alongside rapper Kanye West and he also headlined the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival. Legend exploded on the scene with Ordinary People. The Track and album were local and International hits. His follow up album spawned the chart topper Stay with You, a favourite of Jamaicans, Legend will have audiences singing along.

John Legend grew up in Ohio, surrounded by every musical influence from gospel to hip-hop. While attending university Legend found time to make his own music, whether it was recording his own albums, performing at talent shows and open mics, or directing the choir at a local church. In 1998, John got his first taste of success, playing piano on Everything is Everything off Lauryn's Hill's multiple-Grammy winning album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. In 2001, a college roommate introduced John to the then up-and-coming producer/artiste Kanye West. By 2002, Legend was part of West's creative team, appearing on albums by Talib Kweli, Common, Alecia Keys, Mary J Blige and on West's 2004 breakthrough The College Dropout.

MySpace.com will exclusively debut dancehall superstar Shaggy's new Hype Williams directed video "What's Love” featuring international hitmaker Akon on Feb. 20th, 2008 at 12PM PST (3PM EST). The 20 times platinum reggae icon contemplates leaving his girl for all the wrong reasons while Akon adds his silky smooth chorus on this track off Shaggy's latest album Intoxication (VP/Big Yard). The legendary Hype Williams, also known for his works with Kanye West, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Missy Elliot, perfectly complements "What's Love" with his colorful and bold direction. The video premiere will also be coupled with a special behind-the-scenes making of this high concept, high fashion video.

Shaggy recently performed this burgeoning hit off his critically acclaimed release on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and now the reggae/dancehall single is currently receiving the most U.S. radio airplay for its genre.

Intoxication "merges catchy choruses with deep, fluid growls landing like smart bombs over irresistible beats" (Village Voice), and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae charts. People magazine raves club smash "Church Heathen" "ingeniously intermixes dancehall riddims and Gregorian chant."

Photography By: Michael Burbridge

Uh Uh, Kanye West was a big flop at a concert in Australia. According to mediatakeout.com readers from that part of the world reported on his performance on February 18.

Check out the report:

If you want to know how Kanye West's concert went in Perth, Western Australia at the music festival "Good Vibrations", it was crap. He is getting the worst reviews.

He just sort of came out and did his thing, there was no feeling about it. I think there was also something wrong with the sound because it was hell quiet and you could hardly hear him over the music.

By: Janice Dayle

Are you sick of hearing about especially youth who end up HIV positive because "They had no clue?" Are you lyrically fit and ready for a challenge?

Then get out your writing tools and carve out a good 60 second rhyme to express the importance of getting tested for HIV. Hip-hop Grammy winning artist Common has collaborated with It's Your (Sex) Life, a public information partnership between the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV, and the Common Ground Foundation, with support from Youth Speaks, to launch: "A Minute," a new lyrics contest to encourage young people to get tested for HIV.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HIV screening for all adults and adolescents (ages 13-64) in the United States. Through this new joint initiative, Common, MTV and Kaiser are encouraging young people to take a minute to inform themselves and others about HIV testing.

CDC estimates that in the United States 1 in 4 people do not know that they are HIV positive.

By: Joseph Cunningham

African musicians will place an integral role on Saturday, February 23, at the James Bond Beach, for 'Smile Jamaica/Africa Unite.' Innocent Ujah Idibia, K'Naan and D'banj Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, will headline the show alongside Rihanna, Black Uhuru and the Marleys.

Better known as 2Face, Idibia, who hails from the Idoma tribe in the southern part of Benue State in Central Nigeria, is a hip hop musician/songwriter and was a member of the defunct R&B/hip hop group Plantashun Boyz Contents.

Another first-time performer on the Jamaican stage, Somalian-born K'Naan, at age nine was MC'ing for his friends and loved Nas and Rakim. He always wanted to be a successful musician.

Now based in Canada, his debut album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, has given him two Canadian Urban Music Award nominations, for best songwriter and best hip hop recording.

By: Joseph Cunningham

It is Reggae Month and the world seems to be paying homage to the music and its king, Bob Marley.

Besides the film that Martin Scorcese will create on the late reggae icon, news has also surfaced that the world famous Adidas brand is set to unleash a global campaign that includes reggae music and Bob Marley. According to Mediaposts, the campaign involves short films, one of which – "Sounds of the City" - will promote a number of Adidas Originals products.

The first film focuses on Adi Dassler, the brand's founder, and there is a clip of Bob Marley, the singer who loved football, wearing Adidas.

The campaign is the first by Adidas promoting its Originals lifestyle range, which includes retro products similar to that worn by Marley, either for casual wear or for when playing football. He is recognized with the 'Marley Jacket' and the 'Pro Model Tuff Gong Adidas Shoes,' but there is also the 'Pro Model Kingston' (shoes) and the 'Kingston Zip Jacket.'

By: Rootzgirl

It's black history month and I can't help but think back to the many things we have to be proud of as black people...but it's also a time that really makes me feel sad too.

When I look around and see the many bleached out faces it makes me wonder, where is that sense of black pride. Remember when we used to say 'black is beautiful' with so much conviction...is that no longer the case?

What is it about our colour that drives many to put their health at risk all in seeking that product that will let them appear much lighter than they really are? What is so repugnant about having a mahogany colour that (in my opinion) is the most beautiful thing to behold?

Then again, I wonder if the poor suckers can help themselves as I have time and time again heard comments such as 'anyting too black nuh good,' 'meck sure unno pickney have some colouring' (implying if they are dark skinned, they should talk to someone who is much lighter).

Little girls growing up were not made to feel a sense of pride as the dolls they were given to play with were anything but black. Once I tried to buy my niece a mahogany coloured doll and was bluntly told, "aunty it too ugly!"

UNAIDS – The joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS & WHO - The World Health Organization - issued the following statement following a Swiss medical journal bulletin that negates the high possibility of HIV transmission under certain circumstances. YardFlex will follow up with more on the Swiss research and their controversial announcement.

Antiretroviral therapy and sexual transmission of HIV

Geneva, 1 February 2008 - Following the recent publication of an article on Antiretroviral Treatment (medicines taken by people living with HIV that can reduce the amount of the virus in the blood to the point that the virus becomes undetectable) and sexual transmission of HIV in the Swiss medical journal 'Bulletin des médecins suisses', UNAIDS and WHO reiterate the importance of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention including correct and consistent use of condoms.

The article, published by Switzerland's Federal AIDS Commission (La Commission fédérale pour les problèmes liés au Sida), states that seropositive (HIV Positive) individuals do not risk transmitting HIV to a seronegative (HIV Negative) partner under the following conditions:

The seropositive partner has to have had undetectable HIV in the blood for at least 6 months, there must be strict with adherence to his/her antiretroviral regimen, and he/she must be free of any other sexually transmitted infections.

In the article the Commission states that although available medical and biological evidence does not rule out the possibility of HIV transmission they feel that there is nonetheless enough information to support its statement.

By: Kemesha Bolton

Down to earth, spirited and real are just some of the words that can be used to describe Etana. Introduced to music as a child by her late aunt, Etana would be called up to sing with her at every family wedding and or funeral. After growing older she developed a love for music and auditioned for an all girls rock group in America where she lived at the time. She was chosen and the dream seemed to be on its way to fulfillment.

The group met and Etana was told she had to braid or perm her hair; adamant that she would not perm, she agreed to the braiding. This was not the end as she was also asked to make her skirts shorter and blouses tighter. For her dreams, she complied, but the straw that broke the camel's back came in the form of an inappropriate move by a cameraman during a video shoot in which Etana was clad in pink Victoria Secret Lingerie.

Although she initially agreed to wear the costume, the cameraman's actions forced Etana to ask herself, "Is this what I really want," and the answer was, "No." So she left the group. And as for the present state of her locks, she was very open with YardFlex explaining that she was persuaded by her management to get it done professionally but by the next day pulled it out, "I love myself and I want to feel comfortable and it is my decision to let it grow naturally," she stated.

After leaving the American group Etana decided to start a business in Jamaica with a friend, but by the time she got to Jamaica the friend had other plans for her and with his connections he got an audition with Fifth Element Records and the rest is history.

Most people hearing the name Garrett Morgan can associate it with he being the man who invented the traffic light – but his work goes far beyond that. He also designed the first gas mask for use by firefighters, too.

Garrett Augustus Morgan was born on March 4, 1877 in Paris, Kentucky. He was the seventh of eleven children, and he spent his childhood working on their farm and attending elementary school.

At the age of 14 Garrett Morgan moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and hired a tutor so he could continue his English grammar studies. Garrett moved again in 1895, this time to Cleveland, Ohio and went to work for a clothing manufacturer as a repairman for the sewing machines. He did such a good job that news of his proficiency and experimentation spread quickly around town, and many job offers came pouring in.

In 1909, he had already opened his own tailoring shop when he came upon an interesting situation that led to the first of his famous inventions. Garrett noticed that the needles moved so fast through the wool fabrics, that the friction often caused them to scorch the fabric. He decided to try to come up with a liquid to polish the needles and reduce the friction. One day, when his wife called him for dinner, he wiped the liquid from his hands onto a pony-fur cloth to clean them. When he returned after dinner, he noticed that the fibers were standing up straight now. He thought that the liquid must have straightened them. He decided to test this theory by applying the liquid to the fur of his neighbor's dog, which was an Airedale.

By: Joseph Cunningham

The Jamaica School of Music recently held a tribute to Reggae Month, at the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts.

The tribute featured an eleven-piece aggregation led by master musician Peter Ashbourne, who was also on keyboards. The aggregation known as the E-Park Band, was featured as part of the Black History and Reggae Month observations at the institution.

The band also featured: Vivian Scott and Hopeton Williams on trumpet; Romeo Grey, trombone; Dean Fraser, baritone saxophone; Ian Hird, saxophone and flute; Everton Gaynor, tenor saxophone; Othneil Lewis, keyboards; Dwight Pinkney, guitar; Glen Browne, bass and Desi Jones on drums.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Inseason Juices' KLAS High School Tour, titled, "Stay In School," visited St. Elizabeth Technical High School on Friday afternoon, and YardFlex was there.

When we arrived approximately an hour after the start of the live
broadcast, we were just in time to witness the Inseason Juice drinking competition, which really got the school population animated.

That aside, the event was based primarily on quizzes, and performances by entertainers, who while delivering their songs, reminded the students about the importance of obtaining a quality education. A turnout which crammed the auditorium, gave the likes of Dancehall deejay, Black-er enough of a vibe to give a rare, but appreciated high quality set. Needless to say, there was pandemonium when he delivered the song, "Bun Him"... and the female students and teachers gave loud cheers.

Head Coach for the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics, John Barnes, was proud to commend the Jamaican National U-20 team yesterday, on their 1-0 win in a rigorous match against Seba United in Kingston, Jamaica. Marking the end of the eight country Digicel Clinics, the Nationals fought hard and were victorious against a strong team. In congratulating the U-20s, who he had been guiding for two full days before, Barnes said, "It was not an easy win, but a well deserved win. It is not always easy for a team that does not usually play together to win against a team like Seba United who play together all the time. You worked together well today in the true spirit of teamwork."

Throughout the tour Barnes has been keenly observing the enormous talent in Caribbean football and now must execute his mandate to choose six footballers from the region to take part in one week's training at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light in the UK. While this has been one main focus, Barnes' first-rate coaching skills, that facilitated development in an outstanding number of winners on every leg of the tour; have also been lauded in each island visited.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Bad Boy Records artiste, Elephant Man, has teamed with American superstar, Chris Brown, to record the single, "Girl Tonight."

The single is a dance tune, the kind that has become a staple for Ele. "This tune a go dun the place for sure. Ele and Chris Brown in combination ... pure madness," an excited Elephant Man said.

Ele is confident that this year will be a great one for him, and revealed that he had just finished shooting the video for another single, Gully Creeper. "We were in Barbican, pon Roses corner and at the studio over the weekend, and it was just niceness. This song is already getting lots of play in the dancehall and in places outside of Jamaica."

Organisers of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations have started negotiations with the Spice Girls to play one final gig in his honour, this according to Digital Spy.

The girl band recently cut short their reunion world tour, and Posh Spice Victoria Beckham said earlier this month that she was finished with the music industry.

However, officials believe the girls may be tempted to perform together one final time in tribute to the former president of South Africa.

A source told The Mirror: "Nelson is desperate for them to perform one last time - and he's confident it will happen.

"He first met the Spices in 1997 and called them his 'heroes', so he has deep admiration for them."

Other stars rumoured to be playing the concert include Jay-Z, Robbie Williams, The Rolling Stones and Rihanna.

The event takes place in London's Hyde Park in June.

By: Kemesha Bolton

On the eve of Valentines Day IRIE FM hosted their second annual IRIE FM awards. Hosted by veteran radio broadcaster Elise Kelly, DJ Bones and Kashima Francis the programme was filled with exciting interviews with winners and talks with Panelist Copeland Forbes and Sonia Stanliniaa.

And the WINNERS are:

COME BACK ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: JUNIOR REID

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: MUNGA HONOURABLE

SINGER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE
WINNER: ETANA

DUO/GROUP/BAND OF THE YEAR
WINNER: VOICE MAIL

REGGAE AMBASSADOR AWARD
WINNER: JUNIOR REID

STAGE SHOW/CONCERT OF THE YEAR
WINNER: GT TAYLOR'S MAGNUM CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

In Port Of Spain, Trinidad, the Trinidad National U-20 team finished the final day of the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic, defeating the popular Joe Public FC 2-1 at the Marvin Lee Stadium.

"Trinidad is a football powerhouse," Jack Warner, President of the Caribbean Football Union said, and the U-20s along with their strong opponents, demonstrated this strength throughout the match. By half time the score was one all and the Nationals pounced on the chance to take the lead only one minute into the second half when they scored the winning goal.

Digicel Clinics' Head Coach, John Barnes thanked the young Trinidadian players after the match saying, "I'd like to thank you all for your hard work, discipline, diligence and enthusiasm over that past three days. I hope that you continue on this path of professionalism. Today you have proved that players such as Dwight York are not a rarity in Trinidad."

One of YardFlex's most trusted source gave us the heads up on an incident occurring during Vegas' performance in Houston, Texas just recently. According to our source, "Vegas was hotting up the place with some of his retro hits. He couldn't have done more than three songs when there were sounds of gunshots."

Our source informed that pandemonium broke out as everyone started scattering in every which directions and when the smoke was cleared there was a man lying down on the ground.

Well, it is not clear if the man was dead or wounded as our source didn't stop to find out!

But if any of our YardFlex readers were there you can give us the 411 on what happened after.

In case you were wondering who the chick is in Kanye West's new "Flashing Lights" video bashing him with the shovel, here she is, Rita G. Rita is so popular that she sells used thongs on the internet:

The tour has been a learning opportunity for both artistes and students.

FACT: "Young people face many challenges as they pass through puberty and face explicit media messages on sex and with little or no parenting support. Based on the increase in the number of children having first sex at an earlier age, the increase in child and teenage pregnancy, as well as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), children and teenagers are in need of help". – Heather Little-White, Ph.D, Lifestyle Consultant.

Kingston, Jamaica:--The main aim of the "Education Is No Jok" school tour is to sensitize students as to the importance of a good education and motivate them to adopt positive lifestyles. The tour has been reuniting some of Jamaica's most popular artistes with their Alma Maters and this week surprised the students of three schools in different parts of the island. Browns Town High School was visited on Monday, February 11 by Busy Signal, on Tuesday, February 12th D'Angel visited her Alma Mater, St Catherine High and Jose Marti was visited on Wednesday February 13th by Macka Diamond.

In response to an article on www.articlesofinfo.com, Juanita Bynum would like to make it very clear that she is not in counseling with Bishop Thomas Weeks III, nor are there any talks of reconciliation as stated in the false article written by Doug Campbell.

As Dr. Bynum has stated in the past, she feels that reconciliation with her estranged husband could be a tremendous testimony to the body of Christ; however that is not the case at this time.

After severing all ties with the Weeks Family, Juanita Bynum Ministries received a request from Bishop Week's uncle, Bishop Leo Smith to speak at his conference in Barbados this June. She also received an invitation from his grandfather and aunt, Bishop Thomas J. Weeks, and Dr. Gwendolyn Weeks to speak at their 2-Day Prayer Revival in Boston. Dr. Bynum has always honored her ministry and has great love and respect for the Weeks family, and after much prayer she accepted both invitations.

Name: Nikita Byfield

D.O.B: October 28,1986

Height: 5" 6"

Weight: 125 lbs

Nationality: Jamaican

Career Goal: To further my career as a model there's no limit to the industry and with god you must succeed.

Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and others have dominated when it comes to imparting the achievements of blacks...but not enough is sung about Araminta Ross aka Harriet Tubman. Many often refer to her as 'the Moses of her people.' Get familiar with her inspiring story.

Born around 1820 in Bucktown, Maryland. Reared in slavery, she married a free black, John Tubman, in 1844. He opposed her plans to flee north, so she escaped alone via the Underground Railroad in 1849, and over the next decade she led nearly 300 Maryland slaves to safety, including several siblings and her elderly parents.

Harriet was a deeply devoutly religious woman and a believer in decisive action. She helped John Brown organize his 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia, but was prevented by illness from accompanying him. During the Civil War she repeatedly went behind enemy lines to spy for the Union, and recruit slaves to fight in the army.

In her later years, living in Auburn, New York, she helped support relatives and other former slaves, and raised money for freedmen's schools and a home for elderly blacks.

While Harriet Tubman remains one of history's best-known African Americans, until recently there have been few biographies of her written for adults. Because her life is inspiring, there are appropriately many children's stories about Tubman, but these tend to stress her early life, her own escape from slavery, and her work with the Underground Railroad. Less well known and neglected by many historians are her Civil War service and her activities in the nearly 50 years she lived after the Civil War ended. In this article, you'll find details about Harriet Tubman's life in slavery and her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but you'll also find information about Tubman's later and less-known work and life.

By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 2 9 Pon Di Edge-Busy Signal-Star Kutt (1wk@#1) U-1
02 1 9 Click My Finger-Erup-Truck Back(3wks@#1) D-1
03 3 8 Doh-Serani feat Bugle-Daseca NM
04 5 9 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back U-1
05 4 18 Pick It Up & Drop It-Sean Paul-Birchill Records(2wks@#1) D-1
06 6 10 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John NM
07 9 6 Nuff Love/Buddy Buddy-Charley Black-M/Bass Production U-2
08 7 23 Nah Go A Jail-Busy Signal-Jam 2(4wks@#1) D-1
09 10 9 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John U-1
10 11 4 Bembe-Voicemail-Big Ship U-1
11 8 21 Tell Dem Don't Follow-Buju Banton-Heart of Love(pp#3)D-3
12 12 13 Dandy Shandy - Macka Diamond-Birch Hill (pp#5) NM
13 13 15 Empire Army- Vybz Kartel-Big Ship(pp#6) NM
14 14 18 Everybody Dance-RDX -Apt 19 (2wks@#1) NM
15 17 2 Journey - Bugle - Daseca U-2
16 15 10 Dreaming of You-Beenie Man & Alaine-Sleepy Splu(pp#10) D-1
17 16 22 Dem A Sissy-Assassin-Don Corleon(pp#3) D-1
18 18 9 Mama Cry-Beenie Man-357 Records(pp#12) NM
19 19 12 When My Gun Rise-Munga-Heart of Love (pp#10) NM
20 20 28 Give It Up-Beenie Man feat Barbee-357 Records (3wks@#1) NM

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Please vote for either Contestant A or B for the hottest Girl of the Week.

Choose the image you like best and vote by placing the letter A or B in your comments.

By: Rootzgirl

Timing is everything...and on Valentine's Night this is even more true. You don't want to spoil a perfect, romantic night by turning off your partner with a word spoken out of turn, or ghastly apparel or music that does nothing for him...do you?

So how about it? Let's create the perfect atmosphere for the one you love. You do want the romance to continue long after February 14 don't you?

Let's say you have already dined, he has taken you home and it's time for the 'grand finale'.

Here is how it should play out.

The minute he walks through the door, he is greeted by soft red and white scented candles glowing in the room and some classic love songs playing in the background. Take his hand and lead him to the couch where on the centre table you have a bottle of champagne chilling and some chocolate as nibbles.

Pour him a drink and then blow him a kiss telling him you'll be with him in a jiffy.

Later (don't stay too long), you re-emerge in a red daringly cut negligee and waltz your way to where he's seated. His mouth should be opened in astonishment by this. Close it...with your lips.

You...and he...should be getting all hot and bothered and ready to 'dine' all over again. It's time to cool off. Back away and take another sip of the champagne.

Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honor Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.

The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome.

The public may have heard of my recent arrest on the charge of arson. This comes out of an incident in Spanish Town which I was accused of being involved in.

I would like to state that I am innocent of all charges and find this conspiracy misleading and wanton. I have constantly contributed to the development of youths in Spanish Town and would never get myself involved in such activities. Lutan Fyah symbolises positivity and upliftment of the people and the music.

2007 was a good year for Lutan Fyah. Indeed I was able to spread my message world wide and bring reggae music to new peoples. I understand my obligation to my fans, Jamaica and the music and would never under any circumstance manifest such evil behaviour.

I continue to give praises to my supporters for their continued faith in my music and I look forward to continuing the positive trend that I am known for.

Lutan Fyah

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 01 13 Queen I-Frica- Don't Touch Me There-No Doubt Records-3wks#1
02 02 08 Erup-Click My Finger-Truck Back -Shot to Watch
03 03 11 Sean Paul – Pick It Up & Drop It -Birchill
04 07 05 Serani feat.Bugle-DOH-Daseca
05 04 14 Demarco-Fallen Soldiers- Star Kutt-4wks@#1
06 05 14 Shaggy feat Rik Rok- Bonafide Girl-Big Yard-Peak@#2
07 06 22 Assassin-Dem A Sissy-Don Corleon- Peak@#4
08 08 15 Brick & Lace- Love Is Wicked-180 Entertainment-Peak@#6
09 11 06 Spice –Up Inna De Light- Truck Back
10 14 05 Bugle-Journey-Daseca–Greatest Gainer up 4

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex photographer was on location at Bridgeport High School for another leg of the Inseason Juice KLAS School Tour.

Below are pictures:

Arnold finally lost his virginity!

Man, when I watched the '40-year-old Virgin' I never thought I would be reading about a real life case. You remember that cute little guy from 'Diff'rent Strokes' Gary Coleman well he says he has finally found true love with his red head Shannon Price — and finally lost his virginity. The 40-year-old, 4-foot-8 Coleman secretly wed the Utah woman, who's 22 and 5-foot-7.

According to bossip.com Gary said all that mattered to him was "I never got the opportunity to be romantic or feel romantic with anyone. I don't have issues with age, I have issues with intelligence. She's more intelligent than I am, and that's what matters to me."

And as for Gary's wife Shannon here's her view, "He was 10 feet tall to me because he was sweet. He lets his anger conquer him sometimes. He throws things around, and sometimes he throws it in my direction."

Mmm, wonder what the wedding night was like!

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Plans are now in high gear for the production of the much anticipated first REGGAE ACADEMY AWARDS. The event unfolds on Sunday February 24th at 8.00 PM at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, and according to representatives of the RIAJam and the REGGAE ACADEMY, a first class live presentation is in store for patrons attending the show.

REGGAE ACADEMY chairman and RIAJam representative Lloyd Stanbury has indicated that a very experienced team of event and show producers is now in place and working hard to ensure a well organized and smooth production. The team includes Robert Bryan of Grizzlys Entertainment who will be responsible for venue management, stage, sound, lighting and design, L’Antoinette Stines who will be in charge of choreography, movement and costumes, Ibo Cooper who is technical musical director, Dean Fraser band leader and musical arranger, Sharon Burke of Solid Agency with responsibility for media and artist relations, and Clyde McKenzie who is responsible for the script. Lighting director is John DaCosta. The team will also benefit from the experience of former Hollywood based music and film producer Josef Bogdanovich who now operates in Jamaica through his company Downsound Records.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Following on the heels of Sly Dunbar's selections, we continue to highlight the greatest social commentaries in Dancehall history, selected by some of Jamaica's greatest producers.

Today the selections are made by Robbie Shakespear, and his list includes:

Equal Rights and Justice- Peter Tosh.
This is a song appealing for a balance in favour from the state especially, to all people regardless of the social stratification.

African- Peter Tosh
A call to self pride.

Pick Myself Up- Peter Tosh
This song teaches the type of determination needed to withstand the ills of today's global society.

Damian Marley to record with Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey will be releasing her follow up album to "The Emancipation if Mimi" on April 14 in the UK and following a day later in the US.

Her 11th studio album to date will be named "E=MC2".

The new album features production from the likes of Jermaine Dupri and Will.i.am, as well as collaborations with R&B singer T-Pain and reggae star Damian Marley.

Other tracks expected to appear on the album include "Migrate," "Love Story," "Lovin' You Long Time" and "OOC."

The lead single from the album "Touch My Body" hit U.S. radio outlets this week.

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Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall contest, initiated to bring forward the new generation of dancehall stars, has received an overwhelming response from those following the live auditions as well as those televised. Now being hailed by many as a landmark achievement in the history of Jamaican entertainment, the contest passed through different areas in Jamaica, discovering talent never before seen, heard or exposed.

Aired on TVJ, the auditions were held in Portmore, Savanna-La-Mar, Mandeville and Ocho Rios with the final one taking place recently in Kingston. While primarily aiming at giving every area the opportunity to shine, each parish was chosen for other specific reasons; as the initiators of this search for stardom recognized the rich heritage of reggae music embedded in Jamaica’s beautiful corners and crevices.

All parishes were acknowledged as contributing to the growth of Reggae, but the first auditions took place in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland and got rave reviews. Westmoreland was chosen because many great reggae minds were born in that parish. They include: singer and DJ Scotty, a former rock steady and later reggae chart topper of the late 60s and early 70s and Peter Tosh – a founding Wailer who mastered his solo career, releasing hits like the 1976 "Legalize It" that became one of the greatest records of all time.

San Diego's Sports Arena is set to light up on President's Day, with rugged and raw reggae current that will electrify the 27th Annual Tribute To The Reggae Legends Festival.

On Monday, February 18 the Arena will be customized in the famous 'Reggae-Dance-hall' configuration, with no chairs and ample space for patrons to 'do their thing.' This ideal atmosphere comes with a price; that of floor tickets, while unreserved seats are also on sale.

Formerly called 'The Bob Marley Day Festival,' the festival is produced by WorldBeat Productions in association with Moss Jacobs Presents, as a benefit for the WorldBeat Cultural Center.

One of Africa's most prolific Reggae messengers, Alpha Blondy, is slated to be the closing act. Also on the bill are: Capleton, Barrington Levy, St. Croix's Midnite, Don Carlos, Jamaica's most prolific drum and bass duo: Sly & Robbie, Germany's Gentleman, Gregory Isaacs, Queen Ifrica, San Juan, Puerto Rico's Cultura Profetica, Cherine Anderson and San Diego based favorites Tribal Seeds.

For more on the festival check out: www.tributetothelegends.com www.worldbeatcenter.org

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Here are pictures depicting the vibes at Trench Town last weekend.

Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia "Babsy" Grange has hailed Stephen Marley on his success at the 50th Grammy Awards, presented on Sunday night in Los Angeles, California.

Stephen won the Best Reggae Album category with his debut solo album, 'Mind Control'. The win was the first for Stephen as a solo artiste. He had previously won four Grammy awards as a member of his sibling group, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.

Minister Grange said Stephen's success represented the continuum of a great tradition which of which his father Bob Marley has been the greatest exponent. "It is amazing to behold the level of belief and commitment that the Marley family has displayed over the years in helping to keep reggae at the front row of world music.

Lenny Kravitz has been admitted to hospital in Miami suffering from severe bronchitis, his spokeswoman confirmed to digitalspy.

The 43-year-old was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital yesterday morning suffering from "extreme dehydration and fatigue".

Kravitz had been suffering from the flu since January and a series of respiratory infections have led to bronchitis.

The musician's spokeswoman said: "Doctors were unable to control it with outpatient treatment and advised the singer to check into the hospital. He was taken yesterday morning to the emergency room at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami for immediate treatment."

Kravitz has been forced to postpone his upcoming European tour in support of new album "It Is Time For A Love Revolution."

"I'm going on record as an artist who is able to critique Amy Winehouse. I think she has a great talent, but I don't agree with the Grammys giving her those nods. I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards."

"It's a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn't have a grasp of what she has. I've been in this business over 25 years and I sacrificed five years of my own life on drugs and almost lost my life because of it. So I take great offense to almost see someone getting glory out of being in the position that they're in – she needs to get her life together and embrace her craft, she will lose it if she doesn't get it together."

Wow that was a comment singer Natalie Cole made at the Grammy Awards. Hmm, that's tell it!

Wow, looks like Jay Z doesn't want Rihanna under his umbrella! According to mediatakeout.com there were fireworks at the Grammy's afterparty at Los Angeles steakhouse STK. According to one of website's spies Jay Z confronted Rihanna about the infamous hug - and then all hell broke loose. Below is insider's eyewitness account:

I saw Jay Z and Rihanna arguing. I couldn't hear what it was about, but it must have had something to do with her hugging him when she won [the Grammy}.

Jay Z was trying to be really cool about it, but Rihanna got all loud and dramatic. She was like, "I didn't mean to embarrass you ... Why are you saying that to me." And she said it so loud that people around could hear.

One of America's largest and best Reggae Festivals is about to get underway in Los Angeles on this upcoming Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17. The 27th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival - to be held at The Long Beach Arena on Ocean Boulevard, continues its tradition of not only featuring Reggae's top brass, but also of honouring Bob Marley, recognising him for being one of the champions of human rights and world peace.

This year's festival will feature international artists who exemplify the spirit of Reggae as it was manifested and championed by Bob Marley. Capleton, Sly & Robbie, Anthony B, Rootz Underground, Cultura Profetica, Cherine Anderson, Soul Majestic, Idren and more to be announced will fill Saturday's line-up that will also feature New Orleans born; Bermuda raised Collie Buddz.

Hmm, exactly what would life be like without black people? For those who want to belittle the contribution of blacks then this humorous story should be an eye opener...read and learn!

A group of people was fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished themselves away.

They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone where there is an America without black people.

At first these people breathed a sigh of relief. At last, they said, No more crime, drugs, violence and welfare.

All of the blacks have gone! Then suddenly, reality set in. The "NEW AMERICA" is not America at all-only a barren land.

1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built on a slave-supported system.

2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Miles, a black man, invented the elevator, and without it, one finds great difficulty reaching higher floors.

3. There are few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines, and Garrett A. Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic signals.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Gregory Isaacs, fondly known as "The Cool Ruler," is set to begin a five-week tour of North America in support of his latest album "Brand New Me." Throughout the tour he will be backed by the Live Wyya Band.

Isaacs will begin performances at the Ragamuffin Festival (formerly Bob Marley reggae festival) at the Long Beach Arena, California. He will then journey to New York City, Connecticut, Boston, Washington DC, Richmond Virginia, Raleigh North Carolina, before finishing in Philadelphia March 22 at North Bay Northwest theatre. He will then visit Canadian provinces including British Columbia.

'The Cool Ruler,' who is celebrating 35 years in the music business, will be promoting the new Mikey Bennett-produced single, titled, "Masterpiece."

Isaacs will be joined on the tour by Brazilian singer Soraia, who did a cover of Tarrus Riley's hit "She's Royal" in Portuguese and The K Queens, members of the Bounty Killer lead, Alliance.

By: Kemesha Bolton and Elizabeth Smith
Photography By: Milton Raynor

"Mek sure when yuh boyfriend leave yuh dont pop down, thats why you must have yuh education so yuh can be independent an can look good," Black-er said in all earnest as he encouraged the enthusiastic crowd at Dunoon Technical High School recently. Students and Teachers gathered with celebrities sponsors and friends for another Inseason Juice KLAS High School Tour outside broadcast; heard live on Sorts Radio, KLAS FM.

Dunoon Technical rocked, as the tour was in high gear. The school does very well in local netball competitions and Crystal Gayle the Goal Attack/ Goal Shoot took the microphone, revealing her team's and her own accomplishments. Coming second in the last season, Dunoon Technical's team also boasts having an up and coming Sunshine Girl in their midst; who is Gayle herself.

By: Buffilous

Hey my peeps, it's been a while since a chat to yuh. But to be honest, mi did haffi cool out mi head space so mi go a one small island and chill out fi a while. But mi still keep in touch wid YardFlex happenings.

Mi si unno have Rootzgirl a gwaan well doan, but a wonda if she good as how she sound.

Now - mi suh disgusted dat mi couldn't resist, mi did really haffi resurface wid deh one yah. Peeps, unno done know sey mi hot, mi a happen and any man mi waan mi can get...why yuh tink mi name Buffilous.

But mi get the shock a mi life di odda day when mi meet one sweet sweet bwoy. From mi look pon him, mi start to salivate to how di bwoy look good. Nah tell nuh lie, him a happen and all mi did waan do is jump inna di bwoy pants and meck him deal wid mi case.

Well, big conversation strike up and before long sparks start to fly and mi and di bwoy mek date.

Wi find a nice little classy hotel and mi a gear up fi put mi groove on wid di man...yeah, mood set, kissing and tings...den mi get horny like hell...a tremble cause mi a imagine how mi dream a guh come true when a get di shock of mi life...di man want mi fi tun over!

Stephen Marley carries on the Marley tradition where the Grammy Award is concerned. Last year Ziggy won it with "Love Is My Religion" and this year Stephen cops it with "Mind Control."

Stephen Marley has come a long way from the child who first appeared on record in 1979, when he was only six years old. With his brother Ziggy, the young Stephen recorded the single "Children Playing in the Streets," a charity single with the profits going to the United Nations to aid its efforts during the International Year of the Child.

Stephen played a supportive role in the Melody Makers from the beginning as guitarist, singer, and occasional songwriter. To satisfy his creative interests outside the group, Stephen decided to become familiar with the music industry from behind the scenes.

By: Kemesha Bolton and Elizabeth Smith
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Spirited Performances at Edith Dalton James Comprehensive High School, set the Inseason Juice KLAS tour in a class by itself. The tour passed through on February 1st, the date marking the beginning of Reggae month in Jamaica.

Interacting with students was definitely a highlight at the school that celebrates its 30th year in existence this year. School Principal, Mr. Howell, took time out to present an outline of all the wonderful activities planned to commemorate the school's founding. Speaking with show host, Tony Young, he addressed KLAS FM radio listeners as well as students and teachers gathered in the school yard for the concert that was being broadcast live.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Gospel deejay Stitchie has been spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his music, with great intensity on the international scene.

Recently, he returned from the United States where he promoted his third album, titled "Real Life Story." The official release of the album took the form of a concert held at the Harvest Fire Worship Centre in Florida. There was also a live radio launch on Florida's Mystic 1400.

The album has 17 tracks, produced by the likes of Bobby Digital, Don McDowell, Shawn Brown and Rohan McDermott.

Stitchie says, "It is the best album I have done to date. The engineers were good. The concepts of the songs are just a review of my life, real issues with spiritual solutions."

Stitchie said the album was released in Jamaica last Tuesday. While here, he says he will be using the opportunity to promote the album and video for the title track. The video was shot in Spanish Town by Billy Yapp, who also directed Stitchie's "Fast and Pray." "It is very hardcore and dancehall to the max," Stitchie said.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Bishop Weeks and his estranged wife Evangelist Juanita Bynum are reported to have met behind a locked courtroom door, along with a group of attorneys, to discuss whether Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III, would agree to plead guilty in Fulton County Superior Court to felony charges for allegedly beating, stomping, choking and threatening to kill Bynum at an Atlanta hotel parking lot on August 21 last year.

They met for over five hours, according to a report from an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

After the meeting they are reported to have slipped out a back door. No one involved in the meeting would discuss details. The couple's divorce is pending in Gwinnett County Superior Court.

Bishop Weeks, a 40 year-old senior pastor of Duluth's Global Destiny
Church and its international ministries, still claims that he never harmed his wife.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex crew was present to celebrate with family and friends the earth strong of Mikey Bennett.

Check out photos below:

By: Look Out
Photography By: Milton Raynor

The Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards turned out to be one drama after the other. Yeah, the award ceremony itself was okay, but man we couldn't stop cracking up at some of the things that went on there!

LA Lewis' blunder

But a who really tell Richie B fi ask LA Lewis to make a presentation! Mi nah lie yuh mi suh embarrass dat di whole time mi kinda tun whey mi head from the stage. When LA went on stage to announce the winner...he said and we quote, "the category goes to! Then he realized something was wrong with that and 'corrected' himself by saying "the nominee goes to...uh oh! Well at least we can say LA was persistent as he finally got it right by process of elimination!

Richie get award too

Richie held the award show to honour artistes in the biz but bwoy dem pop a surprise on him when he was presented with an award from the Ministry of Tourism...only thing is we kinda did a think still sey him neva look too surprise...but chu maybe him di man just cool like dat. Big up Richie continue fi duh yuh ting.

Junior Reid teck over

But what a way Junior Reid just teck ova di people dem award eeh. Him collect one award and den when him fi teck whey himself off di stage him start ask di people dem if dem waan fi si him perform. All di frantic signal from backstage neva meck a difference Junior just start perform, den him call on him two pickney dem and do him ting...all di same him neva do to bad him shoulda just leave Alicia Keys song alone.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Reggae music, and its baby, Dancehall are known internationally to be genres of music with loud voices highlighting the thrills and spills of the global community.

The kind of musical composition, referred to as "Social Commentary Tunes," is dear to the hearts of the Jamaican music fraternity, and the world.

As such, YardFlex has embarked on a mission to highlight the most revered "Social Commentary Songs" in the history of Reggae; selected by the greatest producers in Reggae music.

Today we begin with Sly Dunbar's selections, half of the legendary riddim twins, Sly and Robbie.

With two countries to go the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic wound up its sixth leg in Paramaribo, Suriname, on February 3rd with a high tempo match infused with disciplined performances. At the Franklyn Essed Stadium, the National U-20 and opposing team, Robin Hood played the match taken by U-20 2- 1. with great spirit.

Described as showing commendable promise for the future development of
football in Suriname, U-20 players who attended the three day Clinic as well as their opponents, Robin Hood were highly commended by Digicel Clinics' Head Coach, John Barnes. "All the players exhibited the discipline and togetherness that I have been speaking about. There are about three or four players from Suriname that will be up for consideration to go to Sunderland and one of the players I'm considering is from Robin Hood," Barnes said.

'If you don't stand for something, then you will fall for anything' and no one knew that more than Rosa Parks the woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man on December 1, 1955. Tired and weary from a long day of work no one was gonna get Rosa's seat...enough was enough!

Rosa Louise Parks was nationally recognized as the "mother of the modern day civil rights movement" in America. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white male passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, December 1, 1955, triggered a wave of protest December 5, 1955 that reverberated throughout the United States. Her quiet courageous act changed America, its view of black people and redirected the course of history.

Mrs. Parks was born Rosa Louise McCauley, February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama. She was the first child of James and Leona Edwards McCauley. Her brother, Sylvester McCauley, now deceased, was born August 20, 1915. Later, the family moved to Pine Level, Alabama where Rosa was reared and educated in the rural school. When she completed her education in Pine Level at age eleven, her mother, Leona, enrolled her in Montgomery Industrial School for Girls (Miss White's School for Girls), a private institution. After finishing Miss White's School, she went on to Alabama State Teacher's College High School. She, however, was unable to graduate with her class, because of the illness of her grandmother Rose Edwards and later her death.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Please vote for either Contestant A or B for the hottest Girl of the Week.

Choose the image you like best and vote by placing the letter A or B in your comments.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex was there to celebrate with family and friends the earth strong of the late Honourable Robert Nesta Marley O.M.

Below are pictures from the dinner:

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

On a day when the entire nation celebrated the birthday of our own legend and icon the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, our Reggae Boyz could only salvage a 1-1 scoreline against their CONCACAF and Central American rivals Costa Rica in the first friendly international at Kingston's National Stadium on Ash Wednesday.

The game was the first for Technical Director Rene Simoes who has returned after successfully taken the Boyz to the World Cup in 1998. His goal is now set to qualify the senior team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Anthony B is set to shake up Grenada and Curacao this weekend after steaming up Trinidad during Carnival season. His smash hit "Tease Me" is also riding high, with its Ras Kassa directed video that has now been added to regular rotation on Tempo.

"Tease Me" rose to number one in Jamaica and while topping worldwide charts, does not overshadow Anthony B's decade of delivering some of reggae's most notable rootsy conscious nuggets.

"Fire Pon Rome," "Raid The Barn" and "Mr. Heartless" are some of the hits that thrust Anthony B in the ranks of top 20 reggae acts. Along with these tracks, "Tease me" was produced by Mario C for Trinity 7 Records.

He is set to release an adaptation of Rick Astley's 1987 hit, "Never Gonna Give You Up." Primed to become another smash hit, the song features dancehall artiste, Singer J.

Other recent recordings include: "Rolling Wid Mi Own Woman" and "Satisfaction," both on the Bonfire Label.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Its original release was in 1997 and the Penthouse/VP-produced album has been digitally modified as a two-disc (including DVD) package. It was released on January 22 bearing the logo of both companies.

Donovan Germain, Buju's manager at that time, says that the album's re-release "Shows that a deejay can make an album which is still relevant 10 years later."

The sequence of tracks on the album has not been altered, but this time there are three bonus songs at the end. Among the bonus is collaboration with Morgan Heritage, and live footage of his Reggae Sumfest performance in 1996.

Germain suggests that younger fans who are familiar with songs like
"Driver A," will be made to remember Buju's gift for social commentary.

The Carnival has been marred with violence, as five men, among them the brother of attorney Wayne Sturge, were killed in separate incidents during last Friday's Soca Monarch competition and J'Ouvert morning, this according to the Guardian News out of Trinidad.

Their deaths have pushed the year's murder toll to 50. Several others were stabbed and robbed during the Carnival celebrations. It was only last week that Police Commissioner Trevor Paul announced that no one would spoil the mas, while Tourism Minister Joseph Ross said tourists had nothing to fear.

Nicholas Sturge died at Port-of-Spain General Hospital on Sunday, after he was stabbed during Friday's Soca Monarch at Queen's Park Oval.

Sturge, 25, of Greenhill Village in Diego Martin, died after suffering from multiple stab wounds to his back, detectives said.

A report said Sturge was at the competition around 5 am on Saturday when he was accosted by two men who attempted to rob him.

Sturge struggled with the men and was stabbed in the back. The men disappeared in the crowd.

Sturge was taken to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.

Three other patrons were stabbed at the Oval and taken to hospital for treatment.

Up to late Monday evening, one party goer was listed in critical condition. The other two patrons were treated and discharged.

Former Laventille Executive Council member Sheldon "Croc" Scott, of Picton Road, was killed on Sunday night at Fatima Trace in Laventille.

Police said Scott, described as "Most Wanted and notorious," died around 9 pm.

A report said residents heard several loud explosions. On checking, Scott's body was found in a pool of blood.

Macdonald Padmore, public relations officer of the Laventille Executive Council, said men were killing for fame or a stupid cause.

Padmore said peace talks would be held after Carnival.

Wayne Sherry, 40, of Prizgar Lands in Laventille, was found dead on Sunday night on Sixth Street, Beetham Gardens.

A police report said Sherry left home with a female companion to find transport for her around 10.15 pm.

Beetham residents reportedly heard several loud explosions and called the police.

When officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force responded, they found Sherry's body on the road.

His body bore multiple gunshot wounds.

By: Joseph Cunningham

The internet is as involved in "Reggae rotation" during Reggae month, as is any radio or television station.

Some of the world's leading Reggae websites are making the access to
Reggae music easy through online music mediums.

VP Records has launched planetreggae.com, an online music store selling MP3s, music videos and ringtones. Along with it is an affiliate programme, that allows anyone to set up a co-branded planetreggae.com store and earn 10 per cent on each item sale.

The online music store will have VP Records' digital reggae music catalogue, including music from Channel One, Joe Gibbs, Penthouse Productions, Techniques, Dynamic Recordings and King Jammy's to name a few. It sells single tracks for US$.99, full album downloads for US$9.99 and videos for US$1.99. Ring tones are likely to be sold for US$1.99, though the price is not yet finalized.

Top film producer Martin Scorsese has announced that he is to make a documentary about late reggae star Bob Marley.

According to a story posted on digitalspy.com the Oscar-winning director wants to follow his 2005 Bob Dylan documentary 'No Direction Home' and forthcoming Rolling Stones film Shine a Light with a movie about the legendary singer.

According to Variety, the project has the backing of Marley's family, with son Ziggy acting as an executive producer.

The Steve Bing-financed film will be released on February 6, 2010 to mark what would have been Marley's 65th birthday.

The musician died of cancer in May 1981 at the age of 36.

By: Joseph Cunningham

India, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Kenya and Israel, are taking time to notice that February 6 was the birthday of Bob Marley.

On the night of February 6, 2008, in Imphal, India, the 13th Annual Bob Marley Tribute, was held featuring Roots Reggae Bands and featuring guest artistes like Daniel Boko from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh; Rewben Mashangva from Ukhrul, Manipur; PhuNingDing from Karbi Anglong, Assam; Dymsal from Shillong, Meghalaya; X-Cannibals from Imphal, Manipur and Jerry from Aizawl, Mizoram.

Jamaican artistes, Freddie McGregor, Delly Ranx, Chino and Weed Family were in Belgium and Denmark to perform on Bob Marley tributes there; a special celebration was held on February 2 in Finland which featured the best mix of roots reggae, dancehall and reggaeton.

In Germany, on Saturday February 9, there will be a Bob Marley Birthday Bash with Jah Woodland Sound featuring Jah Present, Mista Wicked & Riddim Disasta, special guest Gauwailers and a midnight, Ganjaman, while a Bob Marley 63rd Birthday Celebration will be held at Ganey Hataroucha, Tel Aviv, Israel on February 7.

YardFlex would like to wish Capleton's manager Miss Kemp a wonderful and happy Birthday. We hope you live to see many more and all the best on your special day.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label
01 01 12 Queen I-Frica- Don't Touch Me There-No Doubt Records-2wks#1
02 02 07 Erup-Click My Finger-Truck Back -Shot to Watch
03 01 10 Sean Paul – Pick It Up & Drop It -Birchill
04 03 13 Demarco-Fallen Soldiers- Star Kutt-4wks@#1
05 05 13 Shaggy feat Rik Rok- Bonafide Girl-Big Yard-Peak@#2
06 06 21 Assassin-Dem A Sissy-Don Corleon- Peak@#4
07 12 04 Serani feat.Bugle-DOH-Daseca–Greatest Gainer up 5
08 07 14 Brick & Lace- Love Is Wicked-180 Entertainment-Peak@#6
09 08 20 Movado-Squeeze Har -H2o- Peak@#5
10 10 11 Garrison Hawk –Gangsta Roll- Warner Bros

Contributed to YardFlex

Jamaica's top sound system Renaissance Disco aided by the likes of Shaggy and Christopher Martin, ignited the musical flames at Sean Kingston's birthday bash last weekend. The party was hosted by the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Sean, who had been in the island since early last week, partied with
friends, family, fans and tourism officials at the Sunset Jamaica Grande hotel. The event was filmed by a crew from MTV and will be aired on MTV celebrity birthday series.

Sean's entry was by sea on an exotic catamaran dancing to the sounds from the Renaissance Disco whose selection of "Welcome to Jamrock" was most appropriate for such an event. Sean then touched down onto the ground and made his entry to the poolside which was exquisitely decorated. He pranced to "Party Like A Rockstar."

Tourism Minister Edmond Bartlett and Carole Guntley-Brady presented Sean with a large portrait of himself after which Minister Ed. Bartlett gave a small welcome speech and highlighted the fact that Sean was an ambassador for Jamaica through his music worldwide.

An even hotter mix of Mr. Vegas' "Tek Weh Yuh Self" has been produced and is about to explode, with intensified heat. Ready to rock airwaves; the anthem , called "Tek Weh Yuhself Again," features Hip Hop Queen Lil' Kim and Latin singing sensation, Kat Deluna. Dancehalls need to watch out as this track is heading to tear up every place.

Transformed into a multi-ethnic fusion of hip hop, soca and dancehall with Spanish flavouring, the re-mix was initiated by Mr. Cee of New York's Hot 97 radio. The collaborators were excited and passionate about the project, to which they added extra verses coined by them to, "Bring the fire on."

Vegas is more than thrilled about the project that has a sizzling music video lined up for an early 2008 release. "The re-mix is catchy and comes with a whole heap of vibes," he said.

Yesterday for the 18th consecutive year, February 6 has been proclaimed Bob Marley Day in the city of Toronto, Canada.

Mayor David Miller, on behalf of the Toronto City Council, issued the Proclamation in honour of the reggae superstar, who spoke out against "oppression, poverty, slavery, apartheid and for human rights."

This year's Proclamation reads: "Whereas Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945 and in his 36 years created a music legacy which has continued to inspire hope and creativity. Bob Marley earned his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the distinctive reggae beat of music which captivated people of all cultures, changed the history of popular music and continues to bring enjoyment around the world.

Through his music, Bob Marley became an international ambassador for peace, courageously speaking out against oppression, poverty, slavery, apartheid and for human rights, and for this work he was honoured by the United Nations with the Peace Medal of the Third World and by his home country of Jamaica with the Order of Merit.

By: Janice Dayle

February 7 is Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the United States and in honour of this occasion, BET Networks announced, the airing of a news special, titled, STIGMA: THE SILENT KILLER.

Designed to examine the role stigma plays in the spread of HIV/AIDS among Blacks in the US and Caribbean, this special airs on Thursday, February 7 at 8:00pm ET/PT.

Part of a longstanding "BET Rap-It-Up" campaign - the Emmy Award winning public education partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation - the news special examines not only the negative impact of stigma on prevention efforts, but also explores the challenges facing Blacks living with HIV.

The roles played by: religious leaders, the media and entertainment industries, in encouraging stigma and discrimination are highlighted as are real explorations on personal relationships among families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Warrant out for Vybz Kartel?

What's this YardFlex hearing? Seems that a photograph reached into the hands of Kingfish with Vybz Kartel posing with a gun and we understand that a warrant is now out for his arrest...again after he went to court on Tuesday to answer to the charge of indecent behaviour.

Adijah Palmer aka Vybz Kartel was arrested in Ocho Rios, St. Ann last month for reportedly using expletives during a performance at the Amnesia Night Club.

It is understood that Aidonia was also seen in the photo with a gun.

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A mini tour that will see the Father and Son of the Alliance appear on three shows in the UK is planned for this Easter.

Birmingham, Bradford and London are the lucky spots to be gearing up for hosting the 2008 throw down with Bounty Killer and Mavado. Word is demand for tickets in London is through the roof, prompting promoters to be considering a second London date.

The UK invasion comes after a flood of offers for Mavado that followed his successful November appearance there. As for the Killer, "[He] is an icon in the UK and we go there every year with him so the promoter decided to go all out and put on one show," Manager Julian Jones-Griffith explained of the concert dubbed as the biggest dancehall show to hit the UK shores. Jones-Griffith said, "It is going to be history."

By: Kemesha Bolton

In highlighting the legend that has surpassed all expectation and given us all a sense of who we are; we celebrate his birth, music and his death on this day his Earthstrong.

HIS BIRTH

There was no event which took place during the early hours of the morning in rural St. Ann, Jamaica when newly wed, nineteen year old Cedella Malcolm-Marley gave birth to her first child.

The 'moon faced' Cedella suffered greatly from morning sickness. When she went into labour on Sunday evening, she was taken to the house of her father, Omeriah Malcolm. She remained in labour through all of Monday; then at 2:30 the following morning Robert Nesta was finally delivered: a fawn colored boy with nose of his father Captain Norval Sinclair Marley.

Just after sunrise the after birth was wrapped carefully in a page from the Gleaner that contained a story describing the arrest in Kingston the day before of a young rude boy who had stolen 35 pounds from a Chinaman. The Hooligans alias was Pearl Harbor.

The after birth was buried at the foot of a young mango sapling that would from that day forth be Nesta's 'frenly tree', it would grow as tall and as strong as he wished it to, it's health and height reflecting his care; it would bend with the passage of time in the same direction as its cultivator.

Fond memories of The Honourable Robert Nesta Marley on the anniversary of his birth

The following persons were asked the question: "How has Bob Marley impacted on your life, the world and reggae music?"

Sly Dunbar (Musician)
" When I was a kid, I used to listen to the Wailers. I even played drum on their song "Punky Reggae Party". I respect Bob and his music a lot. He help push reggae music forward. I also remember visiting him in New York and up at the studios on Hope Road. Today (6th) is also my daughter's birthday."

Sangie Davies (Song Writer/Singer)
"Bob took me out of hiding. He is a great influence. I know him not only as Bob Marley, but as Robert Nesta Marley. Knowing him personally, he was a good friend. Can't even tell you the magnitude. Can't even describe the feeling. Great, great influence."

Sizzla (Singjay)
"A whole lot."

YardFlex's photographer was on location to capture every moment.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

By: Joseph Cunningham

The work of the great Robert Nesta Marley will take center stage at Jamaica's premier tertiary institution, the University of the West Indies, Mona, today.

The theme being explored at the annual Bob Marley lecture set for today is The Full Has Never Been Told: Exploring Dancehall's Moral Conscience and will be hosted by the Reggae Studies Unit at the Undercroft of the Senate Building under the direction Dr. Donna Hope.

Donna Hope is a lecturer in Reggae Studies at the Institute of Caribbean Studies, UWI, Mona. She has a PhD in Cultural Studies from George Mason University, supported by a Fulbright scholarship. Dr. Hope holds a Masters of Philosophy in Government and a Bachelors of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of the West Indies, Mona.

She has conducted work on Jamaican dancehall culture in local, regional and international settings in the print and electronic media. Her book, Inna di Dancehall: Popular Culture and the Politics of Identity in Jamaica, was published by the UWI Press in 2006. Other publications by Dr. Hope include articles on gender and sexuality in Jamaican popular culture. Dr. Hope's research interests encompass Jamaican music and dancehall culture, youth development, black masculinities, black popular culture, gender, identity, and power. She is currently completing her second book, Man Vibes: Discourses of Masculinity in Jamaican Dancehall Culture.

February 1, Bob Marley Photographic Exhibition @ The Bob Marley Museum. 56 Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica.

February 4-6, Africa Unite - Smile Jamaica Youth Symposium, Liberty Hall.

February 5, Annual Bob Marley Lecture, Location: UWI, Mona Campus.

February 6, Reggae Boyz vs. Costa Rica - football match, National Stadium.

February 6, Premiere of "Africa Unite", documentary film of Bob marley 60th anniversary concert in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at Carib Cinema.

February 6, Bob Marley's Birthday Dinner, hosted by Chris Blackwell and Rita Marley at Strawberry Hill.

February 7-9, African Film Festival, Bob Marley Museum.

February 13, 2nd Annual Irie FM Reggae Music Awards, live on radio.

February 14, Making of Music Tour, Tuff Gong Studios.

February 15, The Bob Marley Creative Expressions Day.

February 14-18, Global Regggae Conference hosted by the UWI Reggae Studies Unit, with scholarly dissertations on all aspects of reggae music.

The word "reggae" was coined around 1960 in Jamaica to identify a "ragged" style of dance music, that still had its roots in New Orleans rhythm'n'blues.

However, reggae soon acquired the lament-like style of chanting and emphasized the syncopated beat. It also made explicit the relationship with the underworld of the "Rastafarians" (adepts of a millenary African faith, revived Marcus Garvey who advocated a mass emigration back to Africa), both in the lyrics and in the appropriation of the African nyah-bingi drumming style (a style that mimicks the heartbeat with its pattern of "thump-thump, pause, thump-thump").

Compared with rock music, reggae music basically inverted the role of bass and guitar: the former was the lead, the latter beat the typical hiccupping pattern. The paradox of reggae, of course, is that this music "unique to Jamaica" is actually not Jamaican at all, having its foundations in the USA and Africa.

As we celebrate black history month you can't help but reflect on the great contributions blacks made in making life better for all.

YardFlex in celebration of Black History Month will be featuring some outstanding black luminaries throughout the month.

We start off with George Washington Carver one of the most famous black inventor in history.

His contributions to the world in the areas of agriculture have influenced the economy and provided us with great products ranging from peanut butter to colors for our clothing.

George Washington Carver was born on July 12, 1864 in Diamond Grove, Missouri. He was a sickly child who would remain that way for the majority of his childhood years. He and his mother lived on a farm owned by Moses and Susan Carver, when they were kidnapped during a raid one night. Days later, neighbors found George and returned him to the Carvers, but now he had contracted whooping cough. His mother was nowhere to be found, so the Carver family raised him as their own.

Because of his poor health, George Washington Carver was not able to help out by working in the fields, but he did have a great interest in plants, and even planted his own garden in the woods near their farm. He produced medicines for his family and was soon given the nicknamed, 'The Plant Doctor.'

George was unable to get into any schools until he was 12, due to his race. To get into first formal school, he had to move to Newton County, Missouri and leave his adoptive parents behind, because there were no black schools any closer. He worked on a farm to earn money for his education in a one-room schoolhouse. Shortly afterward, he moved with another family to Fort Scott, Kansas.

When it was time to move on and continue his education at the University level, George Washington Carver again ran into resistance because of the color of his skin. After being denied entrance into Highland University, he was accepted into Simpson College in Iowa in the year 1890. George was very talented in Art, and earned great respect for that, but his passion was in Science and Agriculture. He transferred to the Iowa Agricultural College, which is now known as Iowa State University, and graduated in 1894. Upon graduation, Carver was offered a position on the faculty and allowed great freedom in the school's greenhouses to pursue his agricultural work. He was the first African American to be offered a faculty position at that College.

In 1896, George Washington Carver received his Master's Degree in Agriculture having co-authored a series of papers on the cures for fungus diseases. In 1897, he discovered two new fungi that were later named after him.

Booker T. Washington convinced George to come down to the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to serve as the Director of Agriculture in 1897.

By: Joan Wilson
With February being declared Reggae Month comes a lot of request for Bob Marley to be declared a national hero.

Now I am not saying that he should or shouldn't be declared one, the only thing I want to know is what's the criteria for being a national hero?

Now while I don't know that, I can at least look at the lives of the other seven that we already have and use that as a marker. They overcame great hardships – most of them at the cost of their lives to make life better for all of us.

The overall consensus though is that all seven struggled for and paved a solid foundation for the freedom we now enjoy today.

They have been awarded the Order of National Hero for their contribution to the social and political development of Jamaica.

These heroes challenged and conquered the institutions of colonialism thereby changing the course of Jamaica's history from slavery to emancipation.

Desmond Dekker thrilled the world with his ska-laced songs and without a doubt when he died on May 25, 2006 he left a rich legacy of songs that can never be forgotten.

Desmond was the first musician who carried the music from his home Jamaica to the rest of the world. He is considered one of the ancestors of ska. YardFlex take time out to salute the man who made his contribution to the genre.

Desmond Dacres was born in 1942 in Kingston, Jamaica. At the age of 19 he met the influential Leslie Kong and who would have supposed that by now a new legend was born? In 1963, the newly named Dekker released his first single, "Honor Your Father And Mother," which was also issued in the UK courtesy of Chris Blackwell's Island label. During the same period, Dekker teamed up with his backing group, the Aces. Together they enjoyed enormous success in Jamaica during the mid-late 60's with a formidable run of 20 number 1 hits to their credit.

The emergence of rocksready in the latter half of 1966 propelled his James Bond inspired "007 (Shanty Town)" into the UK charts the following year. Also the single presaged Dekker's emergence as an
internationally famous artist. 1969 proved the year of Dekker's greatest worldwide success. "Get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir, so that every mouth can be fed", was a patois-sung opening line which entranced and confused pop listeners on both sides of the Atlantic. The intriguing "Israelites" was a club hit the previous year and by the spring of 1969 had become the first reggae song to top the UK charts ever!

What's with these rappers? Is it the lyrics, or the bad man image they portray? Whatever the reason they have to get their acts together.

On the heels of Lil' Wayne's felony arrest on gun charges earlier this month, 50 Cent was recently kicked out of a mall in Scottsdale because members of his crew were allegedly packing heat.

According to eurweb.com police said security at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall stopped 50 and his entourage asking that they remove their guns from the mall's premises.

The group quickly complied with the orders.

Later that same day, 50 Cent was back in the headlines for reportedly reducing Paris Hilton to tears during a pre-Super Bowl event.

Dubbed the energy god in Jamaica, Elephant Man rocked St. Kitts & Nevis at the 2008 Bmobile crackdown dance held recently at Club Kactus.

Performing to loud cheers Elephant Man served a delicious diet of his popular songs such as "Pon De River," "Willie Bounce," "Five-O," and "Arm Nuh Green."

Elephant Man big up St. Kitts saying it is a lot like Jamaica. According to him once the crowd likes an artiste then that artiste is always given full support.

Also contributing to the nice vines was Harry Toddler with lyrics such as "Bad Man No Dress Like Girls."

The event was the first event for the bmobile monthly customer appreciation parties.

But come to think of it, did we have any of those parties in Jamaica?

We have just closed out the first month of the New Year and already the figures for crime are looking quite ominous. Instead of crime going on the decrease it is skyrocketing. Just one month and already over 100 murders have been committed.

Last year will go down in the books as one of the bloodiest year the country has seen.

The murder rate for 2007 surpassed the previous year's total, this according to police reports.

Data received indicated there were 1,574 murders in 2007, a 17 percent rise from 2006. Of those murdered last year, 19 were members of the police force while 146 were women with 65 being children.

Reverend and the Makers singer Jon McClure has been making music with Bob Marley's family in Jamaica.

The frontman said his time in the Caribbean had been an "eye-opening experience" and slammed indie bands for failing to match the innovative styles of hip-hop and dance hall in recent years.

"I've had a great time hanging out making music with the Marley family and designing Jamaican-themed trainers," this according a story published in the Daily Star out of England.

"I went to Jamaica at the beginning of January so I've not had to suffer too much from the cold. It's been an eye-opening experience.

"It's good to go to other places. I mean can you name me a truly innovative British indie guitar band of the last 20 years? All the real innovation has come from hip-hop and Jamaican dance hall.

"I think if anything British music is retro. Nu rave is evidence of that. When you go abroad people just laugh at Britain. They say we're living in a time warp."

By: Joseph Cunningham

Morgan Heritage, the "Roots Reggae" Jamaican band, recently completed a tour of Senegal. The group was in Dakar, to be exact, for its first-ever tour of that country.

Concert promoter Fatima Berthe said the quintet performed alongside Senegalese pop and reggae acts such as Carlou D Fafai and Xuman.

"It's the first time they came to Senegal, and their second time in Africa, after going to Cote d'Ivoire in 1995," Berthe said during a radio interview.

Morgan Heritage was accompanied on the tour by Otiyah "Laza" Morgan, who performs with the hip-hop ensemble LMS, and Hawaiian soul-reggae singer Irie Love.

Since debuting in 1992 at the Reggae Sunsplash Festival, Morgan Heritage has built a strong fan following in Senegal, with their recent album Full Circle getting heavy rotation in Dakar, a fortress of African pop music.

Morgan Heritage also met faith leaders, during what Senegalese rapper Lord Aldji Man, a co-organiser of the tour, called a "spiritual return to roots".

By: Joseph Cunningham

If everything goes according to plan, the legacy of the Crowned Prince of Reggae, Dennis Emanuel Brown, will be further immortalized with the establishment of a 24-hour Internet radio station exclusively for his music.

"We're in the planning stages right now of doing an Internet radio station dedicated to the life, times and music of Dennis Emanuel Brown," Patrick Lafayette, honorary member of the Dennis Brown Trust, revealed during a recent interview.

"Strictly Dennis Brown, 24 hours, seven days per week. Anywhere you are and have Internet access, you can log on and you just get non-stop Dennis Brown - 24/7 live! We looking to begin within a few more months and it will be based where we can provide the widest broad band," Lafayette added.

By: Kemesha Bolton

Dubbed "Disclosure" The Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding has given Jamaicans the opportunity to voice their opinions, via a radio talk show program he started on January 30th. This will go down in the history books, as this is the first time that a Prime Minister of Jamaica has taken such an endeavor.

It was broadcast straight from Gordon House, Kingston, Jamaica on some of the country's top radio stations and will be aired every last Wednesday of each month.

The PM is not new to hosting his own program as he did this just a couple of years before.

By: Joan Wilson

He wears an infectious smile, does good uplifting music and he is more than ready to launch big time on the entertainment circuit. So far he is off to a great start as he has been nominated in the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) awards for Best New Artiste and in the Reggae Academy Music Awards for Best Reggae Video for 'Stab Vampire.'

YardFlex had a one to one with the 22-year-old Taurian who hails from Sandy Bay, Clarendon – joining the long list of talented artistes coming out of that parish.

I-Octane who prides himself on being a crusader for culture through his hard hitting social commentaries says he writes 90% of his songs and his inspiration comes from life itself.

Although he shared a healthy passion for the music, he never really took it serious in school. In fact he started pursuing a course in architecture at the Knox Community College "but lack of funds soon put a stop to that," he confessed.

With the door shut on that goal he turned his attention to the passion he had for music.

Just who is Trix and Flix? Well I have to admit that I have never heard abut them until Dancehall superstar Shaggy teamed up with them to do a video – Like A Superstar and this is all in aid of drumming up the party spirit for UEFA EURO 2008.

The video sees mascots Trix and Flix playing football and dancing in the mountains of Austria and Switzerland and in football stadiums giving their growing legion of fans a chance to see the striking twosome in action.

The video has been targeted at children and young people, but the organisers of UEFA EURO 2008™ hope Trix and Flix's signature tune will be a hit with adults too.

It was rumoured some time ago that R&B singers Chris Brown and Rihanna had rekindled their romantic relationship, now there’s more. According to one of Chris Brown's very close friends, he and Rihanna are IN LOVE.

Chris' pal sent mediatakeout.com a text message last night with new details of the two's relationship. The insider told them, "Rihanna's new "Love" tat is for Chris [Brown]. He's getting a similar one soon. Dem 2 in luv."

And it doesn't stop there. The website has EXCLUSIVELY learned that the two artists may be planning on moving in together. According to a Los Angeles real estate broker, Chris Brown's apartment in the Hollywood Hills is going up for rent. Tells the broker, who's also one of our faithful readers, "I hear [he's] looking for a bigger place for himself and his significant other."

Things seem to be moving pretty fast for these two. All we have to say is that they make a mighty fine couple.

July 1, 1999 will be a day remembered by lovers of good reggae music...it's the day when one of the greatest Reggae crooners – Dennis Brown made his exit from the world.

At age 42, he was definitely a life cut short way too soon. Yet in that span he managed to leave the world a rich legacy of feel good songs that decades from now will still be hot.

In a career that spanned almost 4 decades, Dennis worked with many of reggae's top names, beginning with Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, going on to work with such artistes and producers as Winston (Niney) Holness, Joe Gibbs, Derrick Harriott, Herman Chin-Loy, Sidney Crooks, Prince Buster, Randy's, Phil Pratt and GG Ranglin. The list goes on with Clive Hunt and Willie Lindo, engineer Errol Thompson, Sly & Robbie, Gussie Clarke, Tad Dawkins, Trevor Bow, Bunny Lee and Delroy Wright.

Dennis Emanuel Brown was born on February 1, 1957 in Kingston, Jamaica. Regularly billed as "The Crown Prince Of Reggae', it was only Brown's self-effacing nature that denied him advancement to the office of king. Loved in reggae music like no other singer, Brown was regularly courted by the major record labels, and even enjoyed a couple of token chart hits in Britain. More to the point, he produced more reggae classics than just about anyone else. Beginning his career at the age of 9 as one of the Studio One label's many child stars, his first hit, "No Man Is An Island" (1969), found him singing in much the same style he was to use throughout his career, only with a far less croaky voice.

"If I Follow My Heart", another major hit at Studio One, was every bit as good. He spent the early 70s freelancing between studios, recording for Lloyd Daley, Impact, Joe Gibbs and Aquarius, before recording his third collection, "Super Reggae And Soul Hits," a mature, classic record, full of Derrick Harriott's soulful arrangements and Brown's rich tones. A move to Winston "Niney" Holness' label was no less profitable. The two albums he made there, "Just Dennis" and "Wolf & Leopards," were recorded three years apart but their seamless rootsy artistry made them clearly part of one body of work.

A long, fruitful liaison with Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson resulted in a further series of classic albums, among them "Visions," "Joseph's Coat Of Many Colours," "Spellbound" and "Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow." While the rock critics were latching on to dub in the mid-70s, it was Brown who was drawing a mass audience almost unnoticed outside reggae's heartlands.

Ross Kemp looks at the gang violence in Kingston, Jamaica and examines the political history involved...

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Please vote for either Contestant A or B for the hottest Girl of the Week.

Choose the image you like best and vote by placing the letter A or B in your comments.

Noted Jamaican Dramatist and Playwright, Trevor Rhone; musician/folklorist, Irving Burgie of Barbados and Jamaican novelist/poet, Ainsley Burrows, will headline this year's presentation of 'Telling We Own Story', part of activities celebrating Black History Month (February), in New York (NY) City.

The month-long programme is being co-ordinated by the Caribbean Cultural Theatre of Brooklyn with five scheduled stops across the state from opening day, January 30 to February 27, when the programme closes at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza/Flatbush Avenue intersection, Brooklyn, New York.

"Our offerings for Black History Month honour cultural pioneers, showcase innovative new voices, exude pride and celebrate vision," declares Jamaican, E. Wayne McDonald, Artistic Director of the Cultural Theatre.

The work of Mr. Rhone takes centre stage during this year's Classic Stage and Screen Series with an intimate account of his journey from the poverty of rural Jamaica.

In 1926, Negro History Week was established to honor the accomplishments of African Americans. Carter G. Woodson, a black historian known as the Father of Black History, as well as others proposed the observance. During the 1970s, the observance became known as Black History Week.

In 1976, Black History Month was established. Black History Month is observed each year in February. It coincides with the birthdays of the great black leader Frederick Douglass (February 14) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12).

The celebration is sponsored by the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History in Washington, DC, which Woodson founded in 1915.

New York, NY: A riveting new documentary that examines the underbelly of the reggae culture internationally with shocking footage and brutally frank interviews is scheduled for release in the American market during Reggae month, on Tuesday February 26, 2008.

Appropriately named Reggae Uncensored, the footage showcases key elements of Reggae and its sub-culture in a candid way with sustained images of sizzling performances strung together with generous portions of drugs, sex and the inevitable passa passa.

The DVD gives an inside look at what's really going on in the world of reggae music. It takes the viewer on the road, back stage, behind the hallowed closed doors and beyond the eye of mainstream media to document the real truths.

The first of several episodes features today's brightest and biggest stars: Damian Marley, Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Sizzla Kalonji, Ninja Man and Junior Reid. The documentary also features the contemporary crop of hit makers - Mavado, Collie Budzz, Ding Dong, Aidonia, Macka Diamond and Empire Isis to name a few. This groundbreaking DVD title is broken down in chapters very much like a storybook. Some of the chapters are called 'The Return of Ninja Man,' 'Irie Jamboree,' 'Ravers Clavers,' 'Shopping with Macka Diamond,' 'Labor Day on the Parkway,' 'The Rise And Fall of a Jamaican Don' and 'Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley.' In defining his role in the reggae music business with host Chyna, Marley commented, "We are in a position where we can help and be a voice others who really do not have a voice for themselves."

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

In what was a glitsy affair at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, at the RJR Sports Man and Woman ceremony the world's fastest man Asafa Powell and the speed ball from Trelawny Veronica Campbell-Brown took the respective lions share of the accolades.

Powell walked away with his third such honour as 'Sports Man Of The Year,' dating back to 2005. A fitting bill after he was named the Central American and Caribbean top athlete for 2007 back in December.

Powell who won a bronze at the World Championship in the 100 metres along with a silver in the 4x100 metres relay, edged out fellow Sprinter Usain Bolt, World Championship Decathlon Silver medalist Maurice Smith and West Indies Pace Bowler Darren, Powell in the male category.

Smith was named the overall runner up in the male section.

Veronica Campbell-Brown in the meantime received her second such honour after winning in 2004.

By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 7 Click My Finger-Erup-Truck Back (2wks@#1) NM
02 3 7 Pon Di Edge-Busy Signal-Star Kutt U-1
03 2 16 Pick It Up & Drop It-Sean Paul-Birchill Records (2wks@#1)
D-1
04 6 6 Doh-Serani feat Bugle-Daseca U-2
05 5 21 Nah Go A Jail-Busy Signal-Jam 2(4wks@#1) NM
06 4 19 Tell Dem Don't Follow-Buju Banton-Heart of Love (pp#3) D-2
07 9 7 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back U-2
08 11 8 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John U-3
09 7 11 Dandy Shandy - Macka Diamond-Birch Hill (pp#5) D-2
10 8 13 Empire Army- Vybz Kartel-Big Ship (pp#6) D-2
11 14 7 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John U-3
12 15 4 Nuff Love/Buddy Buddy-Charly Black-M/Bass Production
U-3
13 10 16 Everybody Dance-RDX -Apt 19 (2wks@#1) D-3
14 12 8 Dreaming of You-Beenie Man & Alaine-Sleepy Splu (pp#10) D-2
15 19 2 Bembe-Voicemail-Big Ship U-4
16 13 20 Dem A Sissy-Assassin-Don Corleon (pp#3)D-3
17 16 7 Mama Cry-Beenie Man-357 Records (pp#12) D-1
18 17 10 When My Gun Rise-Munga-Heart of Love (pp#10) D-1
19 18 26 Give It Up-Beenie Man feat Barbee-357 Records (3wks@#1) D-1
20 20 12 Squeeze Har - Mavado - H20 (pp#7) NM