By: Dave Lindo

I&I Clothing Company is making a big name for itself in the apparel business ever since coming on stream in June of last year.

It has been refreshing and captivating to see the eye catching colours and excellent finishes of the I and I designs.

The brand is owned by Jason Panton ,CEO and Creative Director of the company and Financial Officer, Keisha Hall who both hold 50-50 shares of the company.

Jason grew up in Miami, Florida but also spent time in Jamaica where he attended the Edna Manley College of Visual & Performing Arts. He is a talented painter who has done graphic work with top record companies both in Jamaica and the United States. He worked at an apparel company as their Creative Director but later stepped out on his own, thus the birth of I&I Clothing Company.

Dominica against Mavado's music

Mavado is again facing problems in regards to his lyrics. This time around it's from a prominent radio Disk Jockey, in Dominica, who has become a Christian. He has raised concerns as to whether Mavado should be allowed to perform at a show scheduled to be held in July.

There was an article published in Dominica addressing Mavado's lyrics and how negatively his blasphemous message has influenced the youths.

One of the writer's major concerns was why Mavado has to sing songs with lyrics suggesting he is above God. A typical example he explains is the popular church song entitled I am under the Rock. In this song he changes around the words to convey his message, the song now named "On the Rock." He explains that the song was originally written in relations to 1 Corinthians 10:4 which states that the children of Israel "Drank water from the Spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and that Rock was Christ." He has concluded that many countries refer to "crack/cocaine" as "rock" thus interpreting the song to mean "I am on crack."

Beenie Man and D'Angel together again?

A true sey Beenie Man and D'Angel may be getting back together. Mi nuh know but the rumour kinda a circulate from di odda day sey it look like something like dat a guh gwaan. Well YardFlex nuh believe in telling lies, suh wi a fling out di question out deh to everyone. Di ongle ting we notice is dat D'Angel now added pon dancehall night...whether a fi join Beenie Man or not...wi nuh know.

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More prayers needed for Shirley

Our last check revealed that Shirley Willis was still in a coma at the hospital. There has been a constant prayer vigil and the demand is still there to keep sending up prayers for this vibrant gospel singer. Doctors are reporting no injury to the brain, no bleeding, which would indicate that there is every chance she will come out of this thing. Let's help her family pray her back to 100% health.

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It's that time of year again for the annual "JAVAA Anniversary Show". The Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes & Affiliates in association with Jamaica National Building Society will be hosting a sequence of events in "The Gardens" at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday, July 11, 2008, along with the "JAVAA Anniversary Show". The concert will be called "Their Music Lives On", where the first twelve inductees to the JAVAA Jamaica Music Hall of Fame will be announced.

This year the focus will be on Delroy Wilson and Phyllis Dillon. Delroy Wilson is known to be the man who paved the way for Dennis Brown, Ken Boothe and Errol Dunkley. While Phyllis Dillon is remembered as one of the real queens of Jamaican music. Phyllis Dillon will be represented by Mary Isaacs and Angella Stewart. Ken Boothe OD, Errol Dunkley and young Jevaro Laing will represent Delroy Wilson.

Ziggy Marley has been known for his generous donations to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. His first donation was in 1991 and has continued over the years. The foundation which is called URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment) has made several donations since the start of the year to the cash strapped hospital. They have donated equipment such as Laryngoscope sets, blood pressure machines, a Metro Basic crash cart and a Stand Mounted Suction Pump.

The Chain of Hope, Jamaica had appealed to URGE and they responded by paying for a pacemaker for little Shinnia Porteous who was five months at the time. She is now recovering at home.

The Victoria Jubilee Hospital's Premature Nursery also received donations from the Marley family; they donated twelve CPI Baby Cots and an Infant Radiant Warmer to the institution.

St. Ann is also receiving attention from URGE as they are the host of an annual health fair in Nine Mile. Here one can find international doctors and nurses who come to offer their time, medical supplies and services.

Big up to the Marleys!

It has now been reported by the Management and Staff of Tuff Gong International Limited that Greg Morris, Oneil 'Mondays' Smith, who are engineers and Phillip James the keyboard player are now recovering from a car accident which happened last Monday on Hellshire's main road.

Oneil has awakened from a coma and is showing improvement, while Greg and Phillip have been released and sent home.

The Management and Staff of Tuff Gong would like to say thank you to members of the public and the entertainment fraternity for their continued support and concern.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Below are scenes from the recently held 'Get Ready Rock Steady':

In 1997, 18 year old, New Orleans native, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. known as Lil Wayne was the youngest member of the Cash Money Records group Hot Boys. He soon surmounted the groups expectations.

Now this Grammy nominated star will be joining other international stars, such as Keyshia Cole, for Reggae Sumfest's International Night on Friday, July 18, 2008.

The group, Hot Boys, careened to stardom with tracks such as "We on Fire" and "I Need a Hot Girl". Lil Wayne's release of his first solo album, "Tha Block is Hot" which debuted at number 3 on the Billboard charts, propelled him to stardom as a solo artiste.

The group, Hot Boys, also collaborated with The Big Tymers to produce the internationally acclaimed hit "Bling Bling".

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

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 2 10 Nah Go Nuh Weh-Vybz Kartel- Big Ship (1wk@#1) U-1
02 4 7 Gully Creepa-Elephant Man-Seanizzle U-2
03 1 13 On The Rock- Mavado-Baby G (2wks@#1) D-2
04 3 15 Wine Gal - Beenie Man - TJ Records (3wks@#1) D-1
05 5 13 Money Changer-Mavado-Juke Boxx NM
06 6 11 The Mission-Damian Marley & Stephen Marley-Tuff Gong (2wks@#1) NM
07 8 10 Laptop-Macka Diamond-D-Ice U-1
08 9 9 Dancers Anthem-RDX-Apt 19 U-1
09 10 9 Chiney-K-Mavado-Big Ship U-1
10 11 6 Falling Down-Stacious-John John U-1
11 12 11 Stinking Rich-Serani-Daseca U-1
12 13 6 Dem Nuh Want Nuh Gal - Assassin-Board House U-1
13 14 6 Ting Dem Tall - Chino - Big Ship U-1
14 16 2 Nuh Linga-Elephant Man-Board House U-2
15 7 17 Money Fi Spend-Vybz Kartel-Big Ship (2wks@#1) D-8
16 18 4 What Have I Done To You-Bugle- Daseca U-2
17 - New Gimmi Likkle-Beenie Man-Born So Records
18 19 2 Study People-Serani-Fire Links U-1
19 20 2 Hustle-Andrew & Wada Blood-Fire Links U-1
20 - New Even If Mi Lef Di Gully-Mavado-Daseca

By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor

The Canadian and Swiss Government joined together to co- produce a film about Jamaica's Rock Steady music which is being documented by Director, Stascha Bader from Switzerland and Robert Boulos from Canada, who is the film's Line Producer.

The project which is dubbed Get Ready to Rock Steady is a tribute to the great music form. "Rock Steady was a pivotal part of Jamaica's music from the 60's where everybody was talking about love." Robert said. "Rock Steady is a forgotten era, people remember Ska and Reggae but they forget about Rock Steady."

The idea was formulated by Stascha 2 years ago where we decided to unite all the artistes and musician involved in that music form. It was the first time they were working together in over 40 years so this is a big reunion.

Girlie charged for molesting a boy

Girlie, Girlie, Girlie, what's wrong with you? Everybody wants to know. Everyone remembers Lascell "Girlie" Parnell for his role in many Jamaican plays, where he always plays the roles of females. Well it seems this has affected him psychologically as he was charged and arrested for sexually molesting a teenage boy in Brooklyn. It's like he has forgotten that this is real life not a play and he is a man not a woman.

It was reported by the police that on May 28, 2008 the teenage boy's mother reported that "Girlie" allegedly molested her son. The police carried out their investigation and he was arrested. On May 29, 2008 he was charged and arrested for the allegations. He was later released on a US$7500 bail with surety.

This was not all, it only gets worse. Later "Girlie" was arrested again for child pornography. Has this man (male or female) lost his mind? There is no evidence of "Girlie" being formally charged with these additional offences. If he is, he will be deported back to Jamaica. This is not good. He better not be involved and stays where he is. He will need another lawyer as well, because it is rumoured that his original lawyer "bailed on him".

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By: Joan Wilson

Gargamel Music productions Jamrock Classics Vol 1 is truly one to be added to the musical collection. The CD comes with some real 'classics' in its collection. The first release in Gargamel's music new compilation series the compilation CD is a fresh mix of tunes from a diverse assortment of Jamaican talents.

The 10-track album kicks off with Buju Banton's 'Cowboys' which really hit out at the violence in the society. Buju appeals to the gangstas to put down the guns and act like conscious thinking human beings.

George Nooks is up next with Police and Thieves a Junior Murvin original and he puts his own spin on it making it one for enjoyable listening.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 02 09 Elephant Man-Gully Creeper-Seanizzle New#1
02 01 12 Mavado-On The Rock-Baby G-1wk@#1
03 04 08 L.U.S.T-Just As I Am- Borne Music
04 03 13 Damian & Stephen Marley-The Mission-Baby G-2weeks#1
05 04 17 Bounty Killer-Nuh Fren Fish-Foota Hype
06 05 18 Beenie Man- Wine Gal-TJ Records-6wks@#1
07 08 08 Richie Spice-The Plane Land- No Doubt
08 07 13 Da'Ville-Yesterday-Fashozy Records-Peak@#2
09 11 10 Beenie Man-Gimme Likkle-Born So Records-Shot to Watch
10 09 11 Mega Flex-Love Question-Flex Production`

The 2008 BET Awards was broadcasted live from Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Tuesday the 24th of June. The show as always had great performances and several surprises.

Everyone will remember Alicia Keys for her performance at this year BET Awards. It was a reunion on stage for three of the top female R&B groups. During Alicia Key's performance of "Teenage Love Affair" she brought on SWV who performed their single "Weak", En Vogue then graced the stage and performed "Hold On" and finally TLC came out sadly without Left Eye and performed "Waterfalls".

Other performances for the night included Ne-yo performing his new song "Closure". T. Pain was very busy at the awards as he was nominated four times for best collaboration and performed all four songs. He performed "Low" with Flo Rida, "The Boss" with Rick Ross, "I'm so Hood Remix" with DJ Khaled and the closing performance was T Pain and Lil Wayne performing his number one hit "Lollipop". Chris Brown performed his single "Take You Down" with Ciara, Usher performed "Love in this Club" and Keyshia Cole performed "Heaven Sent". These were some of the performances for the night.

Shaq Loses Deputy Status

Shaquille O'Neal will lose his special deputy's badge in Maricopa County because of language he used in a rap video that mocks former teammate Kobe Bryant.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the Phoenix Suns center's use of a racially derogatory word and other foul language left him no choice. Arpaio made Shaq a special deputy in 2006 and promoted him to colonel of his largely ceremonial posse later that year.

"I want his two badges back," Arpaio told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "Because if any one of my deputies did something like this, they're fired. I don't condone this type of racial conduct."

Bembe, which is typically held in Kingston on Thursdays and is well known as one of the hottest weekly events in the capital parish will be introduced to the patrons of Westmoreland on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Rickie's Motors car park, Negril Spot.

Bembe usually features a variety of talented entertainers and this event will be no different, headlining Bounty Killer, Ninja Man, the Bembe Squad; Razz & Biggy, Richie Feelings, Jigzy & Penny Bling as well as IRIE FM's Master DJ, GT Taylor. 103 FM's Nikki Z will host along with Skerrit Boy out of New York City.

Along with a series of entertainers and performances there will also be dancing contests where dancers will vie for cash prizes and trophies.

Western Bembe is sponsored by IRIE FM, VYBZ FM, New York Entertainment Records, and ZIP.

The Montreal Reggae Festival reaches a milestone celebrating its 5th consecutive year of hosting the hottest names in reggae music at the three day annual festival. To celebrate in style the Festival is now expanding to include indoor concerts at the House of Reggae, Pub St. Ciboire, Alize Show Bar and E.B. Resto-Bar, all in the Quartier-Latin (St. Denis and surrounding areas).

Reggae acts like Wes'li, Shadrock and Mello G as well as International stars Crystal Axe from Berlin, Germany and Tinga Stewart and Little John from Jamaica, will rock the reggae stages in the Quartier-Latin and E.B. Resto-Bar near Vendome Metro; more artists, more concerts and most definitely more reggae! Indoor concerts will take place on from July 8th-13th in addition to the three days of non-stop positive reggae vibrations at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal (July 11th-13th).

Another artiste is now receiving a hard time because of his violent lyrics. Promoters of the 12th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival have been expressing concern since the line up of artistes for the show has been released. They fear that the use of profanity, lyrics promoting violence and sexual acts will be on display.

The main artiste for this event is Busy Signal. The promoters are however worried as they feel his lyrics are violence based.

They have argued that everyone knows Busy Signal for his "gangsta" lyrics which have been perceived to persuade people to use violence to resolve issues. This is depicted in his breakout hit single "Step Out", a line from which goes: "Afta mi step out, inna mi black, have glock, unda mi throwback. Shot holla pon spot, Badman nuh tek back chat..." and "Bwoy disrespect, Mi get mi guns fi do a fine job". The promoters fear that Busy's lyrics will not be appropriate and are too violent for him to be on the show.

By: Joan Wilson

Look for better alternatives

Honestly what is the world coming to when we in Jamaica are gonna contemplate legalizing the oldest profession in the world. Sex workers Association? Articles have even gone on to refer to it as an industry? What is so Industrious about that?

I am no prude but come on man shouldn't there be a better programme aimed at helping these men and women to have some respect for themselves, helping them to look at a better alternative than abusing their bodies night after night? Can you imagine how shocked I was when I heard the PRO for the association coming on national television and saying they are willing to pay their taxes and stuff like that.

Before you had prostitutes, but they were never willing to come up front and admit that they are involved in it, now everywhere you turn it is staring you in the face. If this trend is to be continued, then very soon Jamaica will have their own 'red light district. Instead of suggesting such a thing about legalizing something that's morally wrong, not to mention unsafe for these men and women, come up with some better programmes that can set them on the path to independence and one which will see them not using their bodies as a means of support.

Florida HIV/AIDS Advocacy Groups, Health Departments To Increase HIV Awareness Among Minorities Ahead of National HIV Testing Day.

HIV/AIDS advocacy groups and health departments in Florida are planning several events aimed at increasing awareness about HIV among minorities ahead of National HIV Testing Day, which is scheduled for Friday, the Naples Daily News reports.

According to the Daily News, Florida in 2006 reported the third-highest AIDS rate for blacks and fourth-highest rate for Hispanics nationwide, as well as the highest rate for whites. Amalia Zamot, regional minority HIV/AIDS coordinator for the Florida Department of Health, said that there is a "general disproportion" in HIV/AIDS rates among white and minority communities in the area. She added that the disparity is especially true for the area's black community, in which one in every 72 people is living with HIV/AIDS.

Instead of the level of crime in Jamaica being reduced it seems to be aggressively increasing. According to The Gleaner, the Global Ratings Agency has ranked Kingston as the 31st most dangerous city in the world to live in. This report was issued earlier this month. Jamaica is a small island yet the level of crime committed in our island reflects that of a larger country.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields has, however, come forth to say that this report is unfair as most of the crimes in Jamaica are gang related. He explains that although Kingston is ranked as unsafe, in comparison to London and other developed countries, it is one of the safest.

Dressed in all white, Ninja Man took his seat at the front of the conference centre, appearing relaxed, and focused on discussing the One Umbrella Movement and its' organization, which promotes non-violence, especially amongst the youth.

"There is no one better than me to head this movement. Bounty can't do it; Beenie Man can't do it. Only a man like me who has lived the life I've lived can be a role model to these youths, and telling them that if they go the path of drugs, they will end up like this, or if they take up a gun, they will end up like that. I've been down that road, which everyone knows, and it's time for me to take up this cause to save the youths from a life that's not good. I know; I've been there as everybody knows. The only two other man who could do this is Josie Whales, or Super Cat. We know that violence will never be eliminated, but we can at least bring violence down, and I am going to do it"! So said Ninja Man when asked how his life's experience has prepared him for this role

It's been 21 years since Ninja Man has touched Canadian soil, but this past weekend put that two decade absence to an end as Ninja Man, escorted by his wife, held a press conference at York University promoting the One Umbrella Movement founded by the Don Gargon himself.

Keisha Patterson, who is signed to Busy Bee Records, has come out with her debut album entitled, "Sunday Kind of Love". This album was produced by Dalton Browne of Big Ship fame and will be released soon. The album has a central jazz flavour. Keisha's inspiration for this album stemmed from listening to Jazz while growing up and listening to romantic (souls) music. Several musicians worked on this album. Musicians such as Sly Dunbar, Ewan Simpson, Robbie Lyn and Dalton Browne among others.

Songs on the album include "What a Difference", "Cry Me a River" and "At Last". The songs on this album are intended to free the mind. Removing all the problems one may be facing and taking you away from reality in a romantic way. This is a good album for lovers and persons who enjoys conscious love songs.

The album that everyone has been anticipating is finally here! Etana's latest album, "The Strong One" is released June 24, 2008. The album was already release digitally and will now be available in stores today. Everyone knows Etana for her conscious lyrics backed by her powerful voice.

The album features familiar as well as unfamiliar songs. These include: "Roots", "Warrior Love", "I am not Afraid" and "Wrong Address". The album has a little of everything; love songs, uplifting songs, inspiring songs - songs that everyone of all ages can listen to. The album is very relatable.

While listening to this album Etana's natural beauty, both internally and externally shines through. You can hear the passion that she has for music in her voice and that she really loves what she is doing. This is an album that the public should really go out and purchase.

In recognition of International Reggae Day, the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) in association with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), present the IRD Copyright Forum at the Terra Nova Hotel on July 1st. JIPO's ongoing work to heighten public awareness on the importance and economic value of Intellectual Property Rights and the need for the protection of these rights, will gain momentum and additional support with the July 1st forum which is open to the public. Produced annually as a virtual media reggae festival hosted by Jamaica, IRD seeks to combine the power of music, media and technology to celebrate and highlight the power and impact of Jamaican culture around the world.

IRD 2008 joins with the Toots Foundation in a one-year campaign to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Reggae as defined by the 1968 recording of Do the Reggae by Toots and the Maytals, which is credited with giving the genre its name.

Born Natalie Cole in rural Jamaica, she moved to Kingston as a child. Natalie grew up listening to, and being influenced by the sounds of Motown, Madonna, and dancehall female artistes like Mumma Nancy, Lady Patra and Lady Saw. It was while a student at the Holy Childhood High School that she decided to make a career of music. After joining the Holy Childhood choir she successfully auditioned for the Cathy Levy Players.

While still in school, Natalie was approached by a producer seeking female singers for an all girl reggae group. The group was Make Boyz Cry(M.B.C). After a few years as group leader and an album released by the Toshiba-Emi label in Japan, Natalie decided in late 2006 to pursue an alternative course. She left the group and began to record material with some of the top producers in Jamaica and across the globe. These include, Swatch International, Flabba (MO’ Music), Ward 21, Jam 2, Seanizzle, Wildlife (Switzerland), Phlatline (Germany) and New York based Stretch Armstrong (who has produced for Nelly Feurtado, Lil' Kim, Wu Tang Clan).

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Jamaican forward, Luton Shelton, registered a first half hat-trick in eight minutes to propel the Reggae Boyz to a comfortable 6-0 victory over The Bahamas, in their return leg CONCACAF second round qualifying match, at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Wednesday. This feat was witnessed by a fair size crowd of spectators.

Added to the 7-0 drubbing in the first leg on Sunday, Jamaica advanced to the semi-final phase of the qualifying series with a 13-0 aggregate margin.

No Finish Line

Isn't it sad when artistes and their fans are mashing up the business. Can you imagine Finish Line the Summer edition which was supposed to be held on Saturday featuring Kartel and Mavado did not get a permit from the police to be held in the division...cause they feared the two camps would go at it.

Remember that big press conference at Pegasus Hotel where the two cried peace, wonder if they didn't remember to pass it on to their supporters. Save the music, before nutten nuh lef!

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By: Joan Wilson

Lubert Levy took the top prize in the JCDC's gospel competition in 2004. Four years later his son Ovando is a finalist. It is left to be seen whether he will repeat his dad's achievement.

From as far back as he can remember Ovando has always enjoyed a fascination for singing, he has been doing it since the age of three. In fact he has entered the Tastee Talent Contest on more than one occasion with his siblings under the banner Levy's Heritage.

Ovando said that in 2005 his dad got a revelation from the Holy Spirit that Levy's Heritage would be a group to be reckoned with and since then, he along with his brother Oneil and sister Oshin took Levy's Heritage on the road, performing at churches, concerts and just ministering the word in songs. The group eventually won the Canadian MAJA Award in 2006.

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.

Story & Photos By: Dave Lindo

Busy Signal and Dugsy Ranks created a storm in the Turks and Caicos Island when performing at Techno Sound's 10th Anniversary celebration titled 'Sound The Big Thing' on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the Williams Auditorium in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Busy Signal could do nothing wrong for his audience. He had them in a frenzy as he kicked off his performance with the song 'Rising To The Top'. Busy... then dropped the 'bomb' when he sang 'Bad Man Place' which resulted in the lighters and 'gun fingers' coming out in a flourish.

Below is a picture of Lady Saw and Headline's Shauna Chin both wearing the same dress.

Please choose who compliments the dress more by typing Lady Saw or Shauna Chin in your comment.

Following an accident on Wednesday night gospel singer Shirley Willis in now fighting for her life in a Kingston Hospital. Up to submission of this news brief, the singer was said to be in a coma. Details are sketchy, but it is understood that the singer was alone when she crashed.

Shirley Willis was the unforgettable leading vocal of the age-old gospel group, The Grace Thrillers. One of the most visible and renowned member of the original group, Shirley's compelling voice in popular songs like "By the Grace of God I am Saved", "Can't Even Walk", "Oh What a Sunrise" and "Not My Will" has won the hearts of Jamaicans at home and Jamaicans through out the Diaspora.

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

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 12 On The Rock- Mavado-Baby G (2wks@#1) NM
02 4 9 Nah Go Nuh Weh-Vybz Kartel- Big Ship U-2
03 2 14 Wine Gal - Beenie Man - TJ Records (3wks@#1) D-1
04 5 6 Gully Creepa-Elephant Man-Seanizzle U-1
05 6 12 Money Changer-Mavado-Juke Boxx U-1
06 3 10 The Mission-Damian Marley & Stephen Marley-Tuff Gong (2wks@#1) D-3
07 7 16 Money Fi Spend-Vybz Kartel-Big Ship (2wks@#1) NM
08 8 9 Laptop-Macka Diamond-D-Ice NM
09 9 8 Dancers Anthem-RDX-Apt 19 NM
10 10 8 Chiney-K-Mavado-Big Ship NM
11 12 5 Falling Down-Stacious-John John U-1
12 13 10 Stinking Rich-Serani-Daseca U-1
13 14 5 Dem Nuh Want Nuh Gal - Assassin-Board House U-1
14 15 5 Ting Dem Tall - Chino - Big Ship U-1
15 11 16 Brown Bottle-Mavado-Big Ship (pp#4) D-4
16 - New Nuh Linga-Elephant Man-Board House
17 17 4 No, No-Beenie Man-Big Ship NM
18 18 3 What Have I Done To You-Bugle- Daseca NM
19 - New Study People-Serani-Fire Links
20 - New Hustle-Andrew & Wada Blood-Fire Links

Peer pressure can be a dangerous thing and this was made very clear the other day when five teenagers from a Massachusetts high school gave in to that kind of pressure by intentionally getting pregnant. One even went as far as sleeping with a homeless man to accomplish the agenda.

Time magazine quoted the principal of Gloucester High as saying the girls decided to get pregnant and raise their babies together.

The number of pregnancies at the school jumped from the usual four per year to 17. Gloucester High School has a total of 1,200 students, reported Boston TV station WCVB.

Principal Joseph Sullivan told Time magazine that the girls were making frequent stops at the school clinic for pregnancy tests and "seemed more upset when they weren't pregnant than when they were." He said when some of the girls found out they were pregnant, they traded high fives and talked about baby showers.

The Sex Workers Association of Jamaica has spoken out in support of recommendations for de-criminalization and levying taxes on Jamaica's sex industry, this ccording to a report on radiojamaica.com.

In a front page story in one of the dailies, Dr. Kevin Harvey, Senior Medical Officer in charge of the Health Ministry's National HIV/STI Programme is quoted as saying the government could earn some $3 billion in revenue if they de-criminalized, regularized and taxed this sector.

The Association Spokesperson Marsha Grant said its members are ready for this move and are more than happy to support the call.

Ms Grant argued that despite the fact that prostitution and other segments of the sector are covertly supported by many Jamaicans, it remains a largely underground enterprise, fraught with danger.

Photography By: Dreamy Riley

"There was about 10,000 people there. The entertainment was off the chain, everything was just right", commented Patrick Lexus, organizer of the event.

Below are scenes from the event:

Photography By: Dreamy Riley

Below are scenes from the event:

Photography By: Dreamy Riley

Christopher 'Johnny' Daley was in Miami for Amazing Grace, a play which many are touting as one of the better ones to come across the Miami shores. The play which premiered on Father's Day June 15 had the Miami massive laughing away at the hilarious scenes.

Amazing Grace is a collaborative effort between Jamaica Awareness and Riddims Marketing at producing and presenting a play in South Florida. The play is Martin's first effort at playwriting and features several Florida-based actors. Johnny Daley serves in the dual role as director and one of the lead characters.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 02 11 Mavado-On The Rock-Baby G-New#1
02 03 08 Elephant Man-Gully Creeper-Seanizzle -Shot to Watch
03 01 11 Damian & Stephen Marley-The Mission-Baby G-2weeks#1
04 07 07 L.U.S.T-Just As I Am- Borne Music-- Greatest Gainer up 3
05 04 17 Beenie Man- Wine Gal-TJ Records-6wks@#1
06 06 10 Bounty Killer-Nuh Fren Fish-Foota Hype
07 05 12 Da'Ville-Yesterday-Fashozy Records-Peak@#2
08 11 07 Richie Spice-The Plane Land- No Doubt -Greatest Gainer up 3
09 09 10 Mega Flex-Love Question-Flex Production
10 08 14 Spice- Whoa-Truck Back-Peak@#4

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

Are our parents losing the love for their children? How can you as a parent see your child needing your help and yet neglect them? Children need constant love and emotional support from parents. If they are not receiving this support, they will seek it elsewhere, and get mixed up with the wrong company, then you call them worthless!

Another thing that puzzles me is that parents find it necessary to call their children insulting names such as, "jancrow, dutty gal, idiot and dunce", just to name a few. Let me ask you all this, when children hear their parents referring to them by these abusive names won't they think that's what they really are? If everyday you call your child 'dunce' won't the child actually feel that he/she is indeed a 'dunce'? So don't get mad when his/her grades reflects this mentality. If you see that your child is regressing academically or hanging out with the wrong group of friends, remember it is your fault!

Prodigal Son and wife Split

This is one marriage YardFlex never had on the books to be on the rocks. But according to a report published in the Star the Christian couple have now decided to call it quits.

No details was given on why the union was broken but the gospel artiste was reported as saying to the evening tabloid, "If I share a relationship with someone, I believe that is private. There's no way I will speak about the person. I don't wish to do that, but I am separated."

Prodigal's wife told the Star that she has started filing for divorce.

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As a result of some disparaging remarks made by Jamaican artist, Eek A Mouse at the Carifest C.A.R.E.S. press conference on June 4th, organizers have pulled him from the event lineup. The organizers for Carifest C.A.R.E.S. made this decision based on Eek A Mouse's inability to realize the seriousness of the issue the festival is trying to raise awareness for as well as his refusal to apologize.

Carifest C.A.R.E.S. has teamed up this year with Keep A Child Alive, an organization dedicated to help fight the AIDS epidemic in Africa which crosses all racial barriers. The organizers feel that Eek A Mouse's racial outburst towards the other artists on the panel who have all come together from a wide array of racial and cultural backgrounds to help the cause was unacceptable. In a rebuttal to Eek A Mouse's comments, Matisyahu and Midnite simply came together in an impromptu duet that illustrated the point the best way possible: music can make a difference no matter where you come from. As the late brother Bob Marley would say: "one good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain".

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz made an explosive start to their 2010 South Africa World Cup Finals campaign when they comprehensively beat an inferior Bahamas outfit 7-0 at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday.

Playing before an almost capacity crowd the Boyz made a giant step towards advancing to the semi-final stage of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying series.

Captain Ricardo Gardner started the on-slaught when he scored in the 17th minute. This was followed by goals from Demar Phillips, Marlon King, Andy Williams, Omar Daley and a double strike from Luton Shelton.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

When asked at last week's Carifest C.A.R.E.S. (Compassionate Artists Recognizing Entertainment Solutions) press conference what Carifest meant to him, Eek-A-Mouse replied. "It doesn't mean (expletive) to me." He then changed the subject entirely and went off on a tirade, dissing all the white people who control reggae, like Ace Of Base, Matisyahu, (whose name he repeatedly mispronounced and called Matissaweh), Sean Paul and Shaggy; bitterly blaming them for his inability to get signed by a major label. He even included the late, great, reggae founder Bob Marley in his racist rant, citing that he had a white father.

Don't take our word for it...check out the video for yourselves

Photography By: Milton Raynor

By: Buffilous

Yow, yuh si like how mi lose mi best friend mi a guh talk di tings dem. But a wha do some ediat gal sah, who claim sey dem a hot gal and gwaan like dem a hype pon mi and dem a man mascot. Di way dem a gwaan is like sey dem a fuss inna di line, but a waan tell dem sey dem deh a di back a di line!

Mi a di original and mi know di imitator dem – straight!

Now since as mi a talk up di tings might as well mi cuss and done. Now dis gal who claim sey she a marketing executive and sey companies not stop fly har all over di globe a try hype pon me and a watch my business. But weh she no kno is datwhile she a watch fi mi business fi har a spoil. She a run dung di engineer whey she claim sey har bonafide man and mi a have di last laugh cause if she ongle know sey di man a nuh fi har alone, mi stop count how much woman him breed and she still tink sey him nah stray.

Ordinarily mi nuh cater, but when a girl waan gwaan like she deh pon top a di worl...me affi bring her bak to grung. And weh hot mi even more, she deh yah a play di role a wedding planner and in di mean time a hope sey di man wi put di ring pon fi har finger, she not even know sey di muma out a road a chat har big time, how she a use har and ting. Di madda sey she want better fi har son and him coulda never lick him head a guh put ring pon fi har finga.

What a coincidence.....YardFlex understands that Beenie Man broke his hand whilst playing Football. Both his accident and Barbee's accident seemed to have occurred the same time. hmm, Is there some kind of connection? Well, I just guess he couldn't stand being healthy whilst she wasn't.

By: Vanessa

The Marley Resort and Spa, West Bay Street ,came alive this past labour day weekend with the sounds of Pliers one half of, arguably Jamaica's most successful duo, Chackademus and Pliers. The resort which is presently closed to the public, is getting geared up for its grand opening, slated for Sunday 16th, June 2008.

Rita Marley, the proprietor, who staged this free concert, was on hand to celebrate with the employees. "It was wonderful. Big up Nassau I love it!" she said as she was seen dancing along with staff members of the resort.

On quizzing Pliers about the resort, he was quite happy to recommend it to everyone. "I love the setting – it is very beautiful. The rooms are very nice. I did not expect anything less. I know Mrs. Marley very well, she is a quality lady with lots of style and she meditates before she does anything. Meditation is quite important."

The good book reads, "To whom much is given, much is required", and for Charmaine Munroe, better known to the world as Macka Diamond, it is quite clear that she not only knows this principle, but lives by it.

Just recently she again showed her kinder, gentler and more compassionate side by hosting an All School Beach Party at Ocho Rios' Margaritaville, with proceeds from the event going towards the enhancement of the music departments of schools in and around the area.

The all day, incident free, Beach Party, which was held on the 24th of May, was the first of its kind at the venue, usually reserved for visitors to the island, but with its success and benefit to the community, Macka Diamond and her company, Diamond District Ja. along with Margaritaville, Ocho Rios, have agreed to again partner on yet another beach party, The Remix- Summer Edition, scheduled to be held on July 12th, at Margaritaville Ocho Rios, with proceeds again going towards the enhancement of the music department in schools.

Barbee was hospitalized Saturday night following an accident in New York on her way to Jamrock Reggae Fest that was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

According to reports Barbee took off her seat belt to apply makeup as she was running late for the show. Her friend, who was driving a Mercedes Benz lost control of the vehicle due to the reportedly slippery conditions of the road, resulting in the Benz hitting a SUV. Barbee hit her head against the windshield, breaking it and in the process knocking herself unconscious.

She awoke some two hours later in the hospital. The upcoming singer is now recuperating and is expected to be released soon from hospital.

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

Free Myspace Layouts

Fathers Day is a day for children to show their love and appreciation to their fathers. However it often seems that individuals pay more attention to Mothers' Day than Fathers' Day. We all know mothers are important and children share a special bond with their mothers but aren't fathers important too?

When it's close to Mothers' Day the pharmacies, stores and vendors on the streets have dozens of baskets for sale. Now, I am sure this Fathers' Day weekend some persons won't even remember about Fathers' Day on Sunday, June 15. The pharmacies, stores and street sides are not flooded with baskets and gifts. Why is this so? Even Valentines' Day gets more recognition than Fathers' Day.

The Buju Banton and Junior Reid drama seem to have no end. Junior Reid was quoted publicly as saying that he has forgiven Buju for the disrespect he showed him at the Best of the Best show in Miami. Reid was annoyed and upset because he claimed that Buju referred to him as 'Junior Greed' in front of his daughter Destiny who wanted to meet Buju whom she really admired. That was the real reason Junior got all upset and called Banton a fish.

A lot of people feel as if Buju should have apologized to Reid for his behaviour but a report in a weekend paper claimed that Buju had disparaging words for Junior Reid at Weddy Weddy. So...where will this end? All we at YardFlex can say is let good sense prevail we don't endorse insult or any kind of verbal abuse....if Reid's daughter looks up to you and wanted to meet you, show some professional courtesy.

By: Buffilous

Now let's set the record straight, a sick and tiad a how Jamaicans dem a hypocrite and love crucify people f I whey dem duh inna dem bedroom or in private. Although di jury still out whether a lass di man phone did lass and smady fine it and start Bluetooth di video all ova di place. Personally mi believe odda wise cause mi know how some man hype and galang and mi did hear a likkle ting sey a long time him did have di video a show him friend dem a di radio station...so as mi sey mi nuh suh sure bout di lass phone story.

But wha mi a guh cuss bout is di fact how everybody a persecute di woman like sey a sinting she did thief or a crime she commit. Suh wha if she feel like give har man maximum pleasure...a whey di big crime inna dat. Tell mi now? Mi all hear how di TV station a put har pon suspension and di next ting mi hear is dat she mighta lose har job. Now di last time mi check giving yuh man pleasure is not a crime. It might be embarrassing when the video buss out like dat, but crime nah.

Di hottest ting bout it is that she have har pickney inna school and him a face no ends a embarrassment since di video start to blue tooth. Whey mi waan know is why Jamaican people suh obsessed wid whey happen inna di bedroom. Seriously dem need a life man. Mi tiad a all dis excitement ova di video. A bet yuh if a two no name people whey did deh pon one video yuh wouldn’t hear peep fire bout it.

Hilton sold to Delroy Howell

The Hilton Kingston Hotel has reportedly been sold for about US$50 million to Delroy Howell of First Financial Caribbean parent company of the local Quick Cash Sun Money Transfer.

Hilton Hotel has been in the news lately as the embattled Cash Plus' Carlos Hill claimed to have bought it. The closing cost is above that claimed to have been paid by hill which was an unconfirmed US$42 million. But Cash Plus part in that is now history as First Financial bought the property from the previous owners Ron Kelly and Tobias Rowe. Interesting days are ahead for the hotel and the new owners.

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Friday the 13 may spell bad omen for some people but certainly not for R Kelly as he beat the child pornography charge in Chicago. It's official, R Kelly was acquitted of all charges after less than 24 hours of deliberation, ending the long ordeal for the singer.

Kelly dabbed his face with a handkerchief and hugged each of his four attorneys after the verdict - not guilty on all 14 counts - was read. The Grammy award-winning singer had faced 15 years in prison if convicted.

Minutes later, surrounded by bodyguards, he left the courthouse
without comment. Dozens of fans screamed and cheered as he climbed into a waiting SUV.

Everyone remembers Esco from the duet Leftside and Esco. He is now pursuing a solo career and has established a new record label called 111 Productions. You seldom find artistes who write and engineer their own music, voice themself, build their own rhythms, mix for themself and yet remain quite humble. Well, Esco has been doing all this.

Esco grew up in a musical surrounding and has always been around beautiful melodies. His father was a disc jockey and Marcia Griffiths was his step mother. This is one factor which has contributed to his musical career.

Esco has been on the dancehall scene for quite a number of years and has not changed much except becoming more fierce and aggressive. "One has to be fierce and aggressive to survive in the music industry." he says. Esco has had many accomplishments in his career but his greatest has been having a number one single.

Touring is a vital part of an artiste's career. Esco has been on tour for the last couple of months and will be heading off again this summer. He has been to Italy, Japan and Ghana.

From touring to making hit songs we just can't keep up with this busy artiste. This is all in an effort to be internationally acclaimed.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex went to Reggae Sumfest launch on Wednesday at the Hilton, Kingston and yes we have to big up the fact that they don't have a title sponsor and they are still going through. But the thing that got our attention is the fact that although Red Stripe is no longer the title sponsor they (Red Stripe) give Sumfest some money to be the exclusive liquor in the house selling. Now we don't understand what's happening, didn't we hear some artistes hitting out that they will be boycotting this beer? So Sumfest now give them the right to take their back a beer to enjoy the sweet sales down there. Guess that was nine day wonder thing then?

Sumfest launch really seem to hit a spot. One of the members in the audience at the launch asked Robert Russell from Summerfest if the festival will be adhering to the 2 am lock off time that other shows are being pressured to adhere to. And guess what...no such thing for Sumfest, the man proudly stated that the show will be going on till the sun comes up. Yes, it's sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board and they applied for a "special dispensation" levy, and don't forget that a lot of tourist coming with US dollars to spend. Plus they say they don't want the people leaving the venue in the wee hours of the morning to be hurt.

By: Joan Wilson

Its Father's Day again

Well father's day a come up Sunday and mi haffi talk bout di good and di bad one dem. Big up to di man dem whey all a comb dem daughter hair cause dem a single dad...yes a few a dem out deh. Is not only man alone a run leave dem responsibility, woman do it too. So kudos to the real responsible and caring ones who stick around to have a positive imput in their children's lives. Fi mi it's one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen when I see a father out with his kids and they are looking trustingly at him and you can see that there is no shortage of love in that family. YardFlex sey you must continue doing your thing.

Now to the wutless puppa dem, it really get to me when I have to listen to some of them bragging about how much yout dem get. Well dem right, dem really get di youth dem but dem not doing anything else wid dem, more time dem just pass dem on fi somebody else take up the responsibility.

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

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 3 11 On The Rock- Mavado-Baby G (1wk@#1) U-2
02 2 13 Wine Gal - Beenie Man - TJ Records (3wks@#1) NM
03 1 12 The Mission-Damian Marley & Stephen Marley-Tuff Gong(2wks@#1) D-1
04 5 8 Nah Go Nuh Weh-Vybz Kartel- Big Ship U-1
05 7 5 Gully Creepa-Elephant Man-Seanizzle U-2
06 6 11 Money Changer-Mavado-Juke Boxx NM
07 4 15 Money Fi Spend-Vybz Kartel-Big Ship (2wks@#1) D-3
08 9 8 Laptop-Macka Diamond-D-Ice U-1
09 10 7 Dancers Anthem-RDX-Apt 19 U-1
10 11 7 Chiney-K-Mavado-Big Ship U-1
11 8 15 Brown Bottle-Mavado-Big Ship (pp#4) D-3
12 13 4 Falling Down-Stacious-John John U-1
13 14 9 Stinking Rich-Serani-Daseca U-1
14 16 4 Dem Nuh Want Nuh Gal - Assassin-Board House U-2
15 17 4 Ting Dem Tall - Chino - Big Ship U-2
16 12 26 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back (3wks@#1) D-4
17 18 3 No, No-Beenie Man-Big Ship U-1
18 20 2 What Have I Done To You-Bugle- Daseca U-2
19 15 27 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John (2wks@#1) D-4
20 19 26 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John (pp#4) D-1

Photography By: Gavin Henriques

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: Gavin Henriques

Below are photos of some ladies partying in Miami recently

Richie Spice leaves Fifth Element

Richie Spice and his long time management company Fifth Element Records have parted on friendly terms. Following months of speculations, company officials confirmed the rumours reminding fans and media members that it was a mutual decision taken in the best interest of Richie Spice's career.

Fifth Element Records helped in shaping the career of Richie Spice; and has expressed their blessings for him on his journey. After spending so many years atop charts around the world, Richie Spice has taken a decision to invest more time and energy into his own previously formed family based management company, aptly titled Bonner Cornerstone Music.

Bonner Cornerstone Music currently handles the affairs of family members, Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion.

According to Richie Spice, the change was necessary, as he desires to take his career on a different path.

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By: Buffilous

Bwoy mi nuh know how fi sey dis but di ongle way mi can really bring di point across is sey dat you really have some "good badmind friend" bout di place. Yes mi know onnu a wonder how me can use good, bad mind and friend inna di same sentence but afta mi explain onnu wi si sey nuh odda word coulda work.

Yuh know sey yuh have some friend whey nuh really wish yuh well. Dem wi come round, and galang like sey yuh a all dat, dem caring, dem willing fi listen to yuh problem dem and dem all a get upset if nubady look like sey dem even waan fi si yuh.

But check out di move nuh, if yuh did a notice yuh woulda realise sey dem always a ask yuh fi sinting. Dem eva a borrow money and afta dem get it dem develop amnesia right away suh yuh realise sey dat dey money nuh have nuh pay a pay back! And di wus part a di friendship is dat everyting whey yuh tell dem sey dem go cross di cawna a chat a tell everybady.

Now if yuh waan ask mi wha meck mi write bout dis yah topic yah is dat mi get burn bad di odda day. Yeah, nuff a unno gooda sey mi nuh have nuh good friend and unno probably right, but mi did really have a sistren whey mi check fah. But mi shoulda si di writing pon di wall cause everytime she come a di house har yeye all ova di place, she nuh stop talk how mi tings dem look good and a ask whey mi buy dem and nuff time she want dis and dat and mi gi it to har.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 01 10 Damian & Stephen Marley-The Mission-Baby G-2weeks#1
02 02 10 Mavado-On The Rock-Baby G--Shot to Watch
03 06 07 Elephant Man-Gully Creeper-Seanizzle- Greatest Gainer up 3
04 03 16 Beenie Man- Wine Gal-TJ Records-6wks@#1
05 04 11 Da'Ville-Yesterday-Fashozy Records-Peak@#2
06 07 09 Bounty Killer-Nuh Fren Fish-Foota Hype
07 09 06 L.U.S.T-Just As I Am- Borne Music-
08 05 13 Spice- Whoa-Truck Back-Peak@#4
09 10 09 Mega Flex-Love Question-Flex Production
10 08 16 Busy Signal-Pon Di Edge-Star Kutt-3wks@#1

Photography By: Gavin Henriques

Here are scenes from the event:

Kyino Cunningham back on the scene

From one mix up to a next. We hear seh Kyino Cunningham, (yes the fish) is back in the island. But him brave no backside. We also hear seh him inna one new show weh dem call Candy Shop. From unu hear the sound a dat unu know seh a something freaky. Well inna the show him and him friend go out and get lap dance from two woman and then them realize say dem really a man. Why the hell this likkle bwoy love the nastiness so? If him know weh good fi him, him try be careful cause everybody know how Jamaicans stay when it cone on to homosexuality.

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More sex video

Just when yuh tink di video ting dem a die dung anodda sex one surface and dis time is wid di comedian and the grand daughter of the reggae late reggae king. A wha duh dem people yah man. Di ongle question mi haffi ask is, how much more video out deh lef fi reveal. It look like sey more action deh pon dem entertainer video dan whey deh pon di Peter King Tape.

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By: Joan Wilson

Former Love FM disc jockey Delroy Lingo who is now based in Connecticut will be launching an Internet Gospel station called Gospel Vybz and that mission will be the fulfillment of a dream for the radio jock.

Delingo who had a one on one with YardFlex shared that while being on air in Connecticut he was frustrated by lack of outlet for the traditional Caribbean gospel. And it was there that the dream was laid on his heart to create a station that would be the avenue to play those kinds of songs.

So five years ago he started buying the essential equipment he would need, now he is in sight of that vision.

Later on this month in at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore he will be officially launching the Internet site. "The internet gospel station will be streaming live gospel shows, church services and playing your favourite traditional gospel music along with the modern ones," Delingo as he is popular called in the gospel arena told YardFlex.

YardFlex caught up with Milk yesterday morning as she explains her feelings about the video that has been in circulation. I am sure some, if not everyone has heard or seen the video of Milk and her boyfriend. Milk has stated that she is deeply hurt by the fact that people are so evil. "Dj Liquid and I have been together for six years and the video only got out because he lost his phone," Milk explained

"I just want it all to stop because of my son; I don't want this to affect him as he is currently in high school. Some people are saying why I didn't think of him before? Well I wasn't thinking of him before because I didn't expect the video to go public. Yes it was wrong to videotape myself but nothing is wrong with what I was doing. It's not like I was having sex with a woman or anything like that. The public needs to stop acting as if it's taboo". These are the words of Milk herself.

Etana's fourth video for her single "Don't Forget" from her eagerly anticipated album, "The Strong One", will be shot in Hope Gardens and Villa Ronai on June 17. The video will be directed by no other than Winston 'Tyson' Mayhew.

Etana is also scheduled to perform at Jamrock Reggae Fest at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

She will begin a 5 week tour of Europe on June 18. She will visit Cardiff, Wales, London, Birmingham, Manchester (England), Zurich, Switzerland, Brussells (Belgium), Rome (Italy) and Barcelona and Milan (Spain).

Etana will return to Jamaica on July 19 for Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, St. James.

By: Dave Lindo

Byron Lee and The Dragonaires will be coming in full force at the 2008 International Curry Festival which gets on the way on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Central Broward Regional Park, in Lauderhill, Florida.

"We are the only band that can play any type of music and get a good response, it is because we have been around for the past 53 years. We have a Trinidadian and a Guyanese in our band so we can play a variety of music."

The 'Dragon' himself, Byron Lee said, "We will be playing music to suit everybody from the young to the old so the people at The Curry Fest are really in for a good time."

Byron Lee is one of the top bands in the Caribbean who have played at most of the top Festivals and Carnivals in the West Indies, North America and other regions across the world.

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson
Photography By: Milton Raynor

The patrons who attended Exodus on Friday 6, 2008 left satisfied and blessed. Exodus brought out some of the best gospel reggae artistes. The line up was commendable.

The crowd saw the talented Tia Tamari who was a member of the group Perpetual Praise. Carlene Davis; one of the veterans in the business rocked the house with her performance and her hit "This Island Needs Jesus".

From one talented artiste to another, that's how the organizers kept the flow going. Young Omari did several songs but his hit "Tell Me a Who" got everyone in the crowd rocking and singing. The show was not just centered on singing and deejaying but the crowd also received ministering from the talented dance group Praise Academy of Dance who are currently celebrating their 15th Anniversary.

Jamaican chef, musician and entrepreneur, Levi Roots, officially released his new Reggae Reggae Cook Book at a launch party held at the Jamaican High Commission on June 5.

Levi Roots, who originally hails from the parish of Clarendon and who went to Britain to join his mother at the age of 12, gained widespread fame from his successful appearance on the BBC television programme, 'The Dragon's Den,' in which small business owners pitch their ideas and seek financial backing for their projects from a panel of prominent businessmen.

He was one of the first success stories from that programme, with two of the panel members opting to invest in his Reggae Reggae Sauce. He garnered far more attention than most of the other hopefuls to appear on the programme because of his flamboyant personality and his idea of presenting his pitch in the form of a song.

Levi has now become a celebrity in Britain, making numerous TV appearances and even recording an extended version of his Reggae Reggae Sauce song to raise money for the Comic Relief charity. The product has become a great success, selling far above the original estimates, and according to Levi, even outselling tomato ketchup in certain months.

Greetings to all and welcome to GINGER BAY CAFE'S CONCERT EXTRAVAGANGA SERIES! Produced by Class Act Productions. It all happens on Saturday, June 14th 2008 at CORAL SPRINGS CENTER FOR THE ARTS. 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs FL. Doors open @ 7pm, showtime 8pm sharp. Tickets $40, $45, $50. For Information call: (954) 344 5990, (954) 274 5312, (954) 639 2893.

Ginger Bay Cafe' is celebrating there 1st anniversary in association with Class Act by presenting a "FATHERS DAY EXTRAVAGANZA". 'Ginger Bay Cafe', located at 1908 Hollywood Blvd., downtown Hollywood, FL. "A Taste Of The Caribbean"; a place to unwind, dine & dance to Reggae, Souls and R&B, while being entertained by live bands; local & foreign. This year's 2008 Extravaganza will feature three icon's of Reggae, 'The Kool Ruler', GREGORY ISAACS hits like "Night Nurse", "Oh What A Feeling", KEN "Rocksteady" BOOTHE, singing hits like "Silver Words Crying Over You" & "When I Fall in Love", FRANKIE "Dancehall" PAUL with hits like; "Sarah", "I know the Score", "Stuck on You" and many more.

By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Tuff Gong International Limited Recording Studio, the musical haven of the Legendary Bob Marley, recently hosted a group from Poland who teamed up with Jamaican musicians to record an album.

The project began on May 27 and ended on June 8, 2008. It had Polish producers, Krystian 'K- Jah' Walczak and David 'Jamal' Portasz, from top polish reggae band Jafia Namuel working with some of the best local musicians sourced by Tuff Gong to work on the album.

Bwoy, what's happening with the Milky One. YardFlex took in the famous video everyone is now talking about and we have to say this woman don't play when it comes to going down on her man! She handled it like a pro, licking it sucking it giving the man a proper fix. Although we could not see the man's face we can tell he was one pleased customer, there has been assumptions that the guy is of a fluid nature.

But honestly, what's really happening? Everyone seemed to be staring their own pornography movie. I wonder who is next.

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His songs have spanned decades, and his lovers-rock blend, which has thrilled thousands of fans since he burst on the reggae scene, is set to send Reggae Sumfest fans back in time this summer.

Veteran lovers rock, reggae singer and songwriter, John Kenneth Holt, has been added to this year`s line-up of the festival, set for July 13-19 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Holt is set to help bring the curtains down on the popular musical event on Saturday, July 19th and he is sure to leave lovers 'crooning' for more.

Publicist strangled

Well known entertainment publicist Marc Johnson was found strangled in his apartment at Sullivan Place last Sunday.

According to the CCN, Johnson's body was found by the caretakers at the apartment at 12:30 yesterday afternoon. The police was called and Johnson was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Marc has done publicist work for Dancehall Queen Carlene, Stone Love and Shocking Vibes.

We here at YardFlex would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of the late Marc Johnson.
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By: Joan Wilson

Barrel Children

Bwoy di week past so fast dat mi all neva realize sey mi neva do mi column! Can you believe it. Yes dis week since as mi read one story bout barrel children mi a guh touch pon it. Is a ting whey mi always concern bout.

Life hard, without a doubt mi agree wid dat and sometimes di parents dem haffi guh look it in a next country, but a don't tink dat both parents should do dat and in di case whey is a single parent home, den dat parent should meck sure sey the children mentally and emotionally alright wid dat decision.

Some a di parents dem guh whey and yuh done know sey dem spoil di visa suh dem caan come and guh as dem please, so di poor child suffer. And to compensate fi di fact dat dem caan physically si di pickney, dem send all kinda stuff from foreign inna barrel come gi dem. Like sey di barrel supposed to meck up fi di fact dat dem not around.

By: Joan Wilson

Born in Shiloah, St Elizabeth, Jamaica Festival Development Commission’s (JCDC) gospel finalist for 2008 Tarshea Williams grew up in Windsor, Clarendon then came to live with her mom in Kingston at age 13 where she attended the Denham Town High School.

Tarshea admitted to YardFlex that she has always had a love for gospel music but because she didn't know the proper outlet to work on her talent, that passion lay dormant. Until her aggressive sister decided to push her to expose her gift.

In 2005 she entered the gospel festival but made her exit in the elimination rounds. Four years later, she is back and this time she is in the finals and if Tarshea has her way she will be going all the way to the top!

We brought you the story and the pictures, well here is the video.

The Jamaica Government is embracing faith tourism efforts which stimulate the economy and provide medical care to its nationals.

Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Environment recently expressed appreciation to the San Diego-based Miles Ahead nonprofit organization for its faith-based humanitarian mission, in which 80 medical professionals brought some US $5 million in free medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and health care to Montego Bay. The volunteers, which included specialist doctors, pediatricians, surgeons, dentists and nurses, held free clinics and served an estimated 6,000 residents. "The team must be commended for the excellent manner in which activities were organized to facilitate the treatment of patients, especially in deeply rural areas," noted the local government authorities, who were impressed with the fast turn around time for Pap smear results facilitated by use of modern equipment.

"Timely results are crucial to the prevention of cervical cancer, which affects hundreds of women in the region. We also wish to place on record our special thanks for the gifts of equipment donated to the local health system. Accept our very best wishes for your future endeavours," the Ministry of Health and Environment stated.

Jody-Ann Wallace, 18-year-old Mannings High School student, is Miss Jamaica Global.

She copped various prizes, including an all-expense paid trip to London, a trip for two to the United States or any Caribbean destination of her choice as well as jewelery, courtesy of Rainbow Souvenirs,among others.

Interestingly, Wallace did not produce a top 10 talent piece, however, her poise and the confidence she exuded on the night gave her the edge.

On a night when third-place winner Natasha Brown was a big crowd favourite, she asserted, "I need to be number one in every area." As such, she was dominant in all other categories. "I like to think positively," she told reporters, adding, "I thought to myself, I'm gonna do my best to win. After the final five questions, I felt very confident that I'd make it into the top three."

By: Dave Lindo

Killamanjaro is one of the long standing sound systems in the business who has carved a name for themselves as a sound system with true class and quality. Named after the famous mountain in Africa, Killamanjaro has stood tall, whether in fierce sound clashes or 'nicing' up a dance or party with some 'wicked' selections. YardFlex caught up with the owner, popularly known as Papajaro.

YardFlex: In what year and how did Killamanjaro get started?

Papajaro: The sound was started in the summer of 1969 while I was at school. My brother had a sound system, and I developed a love for it. After some years my brother migrated to the UK, and left the sound system with our father. My father operated it for awhile and then sold it. At that point I decided that I was going to build my own sound system.

Yardflex: In the early days it was said that the sound used to be transported in a VW van. People were appalled by its small size, yet its excellent sound quality exceeded that of sound systems many times bigger. What was the secret in getting such high sound quality from a small system?

Papajaro: This was not an accident (size), it was a deliberate design. Since this sound system was going to be moving from place to place. I designed it as small as I could with the highest level of efficiency.

YardFlex: Who were the members of your team in the 'early days'?

Papajaro: In the early days we had artistes like: Super Cat, Early B, Jim Kelly, Dirty Harry, and selector Ainsley.

Indian fashion will also take precedence at Caribbean Fashionweek, this in the form of Sushma Patel, one of India's most prominent couture designers.

She will display her 2009 spring/summer collection which are Indo-Western fusions decorated with hand embroidery and crystals.

India's premier couture designer, Sushma, recently displayed her latest collection at Couture Fashion Week in New York. Her collection comprised of silhouettes and styles which complement her trademark drapes and subtlety.

Name: Donique Tulloch

D.O.B: June 20, 1987

Height: 5 '9

Weight: 169

Nationality: Jamaican

Location: South Orange, New Jersey

Career Goal: Undecided, I'm pursuing a BSc in Human Resource Management, but my heart is in the arts i.e photography, photo editing and abstract painting and I might do my Master's in Project Management. So, I'm thinking I will be a "Corporate" Manager".

Money O Sundays off to good start

Macka Diamond's Money O Sundays kicked off last week in Old Harbour, (Beside the Old Harbour Tax Office).

The free event enjoyed a decent turnout. Speaking with Karl Larmond he said at first the people were rather skeptical regarding the fact whether Macka would turn up or not, but as soon as Macka arrived at the venue they started coming in.

The vibes was right and patrons enjoyed themselves to the max. The only stipulation on the night came from the police and it was that they obeyed the night noise act. Keeping that fact in mind the dance ended at 2:30 am. "There are a lot of weekly events and Macka Diamond wanted to do something in that vein," Karl Larmond told YardFlex.

Unlike some events that attract a cover charge, Money O Sundays is free and come Sunday night, it is hoped that the DJ will have a special guest artiste there. "She is talking to a certain top artiste and everything looks promising," Larmond promised.

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Dozens packed in to a New York City restaurant Wednesday night as the sixteenth annual Reggae Sumfest festival kicked-off officially in the Big Apple.

Among those welcoming the Summerfest Production team to New York was new Jamaican Counsel General to New York, Genieve Brown Metzer; and New York Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, Guillermo Linares, who presented a message from New York City Mayor, Mike Bloomberg.

Emcee Irwine Clare then introduced SummerFest Productions Executive Director Johnny Gourzong to the throng of media practitioners, sponsors, Caribbean community leaders and supporters. Gourzong for his part revealed the 2008 line-up, which will include reggae's John Holt, Beres Hammond, roots' singer Anthony B, Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, Jah Cure, Tarus Riley and Etana and dancehall's Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Voice Mail, Macka Diamond, Vybz Kartel, Harry Toddler, Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall and Mavado. Additionally, Gourzong revealed that negotiations are underway for Keisha Cole, Akon or Chris Brown to perform at the event, set for July 13-19 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

At the official launch of the Pepsi Jerk Festival held in Portland on Tuesday, the organizing committee announced that the festival will now be expanded to three days.

This year the event will take place from July 4 – 6 with the official opening at Boston Playing Field. The day will kick off with a fun for the children from 12 noon to 6:00 pm. The following day, Saturday, July 5 there will be a retro-costume party "Flavours of Dancehall....A Trip Down Memory Lane" at Boston Beach. This will see performance coming from foundation artiste John Holt with Coppershot playing indigenous music though the ages. Patrons can spend Saturday afternoon with good friends, delicious food and great music. As part of the all-inclusive package they will be treated to some of the best cuisine from Portland's leading hotels and chefs and rock to the rhythms of Renaissance Disco and the party vibes of DJ Kurt Riley.

By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES
TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 11 The Mission-Damian Marley & Stephen Marley-Tuff Gong (2wks@#1) NM
02 2 12 Wine Gal - Beenie Man - TJ Records (3wks@#1) NM
03 5 10 On The Rock- Mavado-Baby G U-2
04 3 14 Money Fi Spend-Vybz Kartel-Big Ship (2wks@#1) D-1
05 6 7 Nah Go Nuh Weh-Vybz Kartel- Big Ship U-1
06 7 10 Money Changer-Mavado-Juke Boxx U-1
07 11 4 Gully Creepa-Elephant Man-Seanizzle U-4
08 4 14 Brown Bottle-Mavado-Big Ship (pp#4)D-4
09 10 7 Laptop-Macka Diamond-D-Ice U-1
10 12 6 Dancers Anthem-RDX-Apt 19 U-2
11 13 6 Chiney-K-Mavado-Big Ship U-2
12 8 25 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back (3wks@#1) D-4
13 16 3 Falling Down-Stacious-John John U-3
14 15 8 Stinking Rich-Serani-Daseca U-1
15 9 26 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John (2wks@#1) D-6
16 17 3 Dem Nuh Want Nuh Gal - Assassin-Board House U-1
17 19 3 Ting Dem Tall - Chino - Big Ship U-2
18 20 2 No, No-Beenie Man-Big Ship U-2
19 14 25 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John (pp#4) D-5
20 - New What Have I Done To You-Bugle- Daseca

Dancehall artiste Mavado had the gun-related charges against dropped earlier today when he appeared in the Gun Court in Kingston.

According to IrieFM, the director of public prosecution made an order that the proceedings should not continue after the police told the court this week that the witnesses had migrated.

These charges were the reason for him being refused entrance to the US awhile back. Hopefully, with the charges dropped, the DJ will once again be able to travel to the US.

July 27th last year, it was alleged that Mavado was involved in a shooting incident on Mannings Hill Road in St. Andrew.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson



Jamaica's senior Reggae Boyz turned in a spirited but somewhat patchy performance to defeat the St. Vincent and the Grenadines 5-1 in their friendly international at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday night.

Marlon King, (in the 26th and 42nd minutes), led the way for the Rene Simoes coached squad as the hard running Demar Phillips, of Stoke City in England, got his name on the score sheet as well, with a beautiful finish earlier in the 17th minute of play to open the scoring and send the spectators in a frenzy.

Wayne Marshall has recently released his Tru Story mix CD which features a mix of many artistes doing dub plates, exclusive freestyles and creative skits all in the name of True Story.

Wayne Speaking about the mix tape says "the beats and songs are unpredictable, it delivers hip hop riddims, dancehall and reggae. This cd is strictly for promotion and will be distributed extensively over the internet and on the streets. Some of the songs that are featured are brand new jams never before heard on the road," he told YardFlex.

Featured on the mix CD are Bounty Killa with a serious high-grade medley, Busy kicks a freestyle collabo with Marshall, Sean Paul and along with Marshall present their new combination entitled "As far as I see".

Critiques may be having a field day trying to prevent dancehall artiste from going to the States, but that doesn't stop the artiste from making great strides in his career.

News is that Mavado will be making his film debut this summer when he will appear in the Steve "Tehut-Nine" McAlpin directed 'What Goes Around' movie.

Mavado will be walking in the footsteps of other dancehall artistes such as Harry Toddler, Ninja Man, Beenie Man and others who have appeared in movies.

By: Dave Lindo



The exciting 2008 Festival Song Competition was launched at The Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.

Dubbed, "What A Bam Bam Festival", this years judging for the songs promises to be an exciting and competitive one. All ten songs in the finals were unveiled at the launch and were really sounding good, bringing back memories of the 'good old days' of festival. Songs like, Toots and the Maytal's "Bam Bam", the infectious "Cherry O Baby" by Eric Donaldson, 'yes man dem vibes deh!'

As disclosed by guest of honour, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, The Hon. Olivia Grange; the objective of this years competition was to bring back the high standard of the old days. She said, "I am happy that the festival songs are back on track, the original concept by Hon. Edward Seaga was to find a song that even little babies would rock to. With these songs I feel confident that we are right there."

Riding the waves of their current 'cover hit', "Just As I Am", has the privilege of representing the Reggae genre on a tour which promoter Garnet Newman says, "Is designed to show the synergy between Reggae, R&B and Hip-Hop music, and will be done in association with United Urban Motorsports/NASCAR Racing.

The group will tour with multi-platinum R&B groups; Prophet Jones and Nappy Roots, scheduled from July through to November 3.

Erup...the intense calm. He has formed his own record label, Fully Governed Inc., and he now has greater autonomy in relation to his musical career. He affirmed in a recent interview, "I'm running my show, an seeing how I can help myself, also tryin fi build up di youth dem." He has also found time to mentor new talent, artistes such as: Faydra, Jah Strength, Toni Bless and Management Ash, whilst performing in foreign lands and doing collaborations with the likes of Tarrus Riley and Anthony B. Erupt recently performed at 'The Return Of Supercat', held at the Madison Square Gardens. Erupt is renowned for the hits, "Run Dem Head", and "Click Ma Fingers".

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 03 09 Damian & Stephen Marley-The Mission-Baby G-New#1
02 05 09 Mavado-On The Rock-Baby G--Shot to Watch
03 01 15 Beenie Man- Wine Gal-TJ Records-6wks@#1
04 02 10 Da'Ville-Yesterday-Fashozy Records-Peak@#2
05 04 12 Spice- Whoa-Truck Back-Peak@#4
06 07 06 Elephant Man-Gully Creeper-Seanizzle
07 09 08 Bounty Killer-Nuh Fren Fish-Foota Hype
08 06 15 Busy Signal-Pon Di Edge-Star Kutt-3wks@#1
09 12 05 L.U.S.T-Just As I Am- Borne Music-Greatest Gainer up 3
10 11 08 Mega Flex-Love Question-Flex Production`

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Name: Kayewana Francis

D.O.B: July 12,1986

Height: 6" 1"

Weight: 135 lbs

Nationality: Jamaican

Career Goal: To become an entrepreneur

The priest in a small Irish village loved his chickens that he kept in the coop behind the church.

One Sunday morning before mass, he went to feed the birds and discovered that the cock was missing.

He knew about the cock fights in the village, so he decided to question his parishioners in church.

During mass, he asked his congregation, 'Has anybody got a cock?' All the men stood up.

'No, no, that wasn't what I meant. Has anybody seen a cock?' All the women stood up.

'No, no, that wasn't what I meant either. Has anybody seen a cock that doesn't belong to them?' Half the women stood up !

'No, no, no, that wasn't what I meant. What I really really mean is,
has anybody seen MY cock?' Sixteen altar boys, two priests and a goat stood up!

Hooray for Barack Obama

Yes people another victory for the di black race. A bet yuh a whole heap a unno neva si dis ya day ya a come. Nuff people a come wid dem negative vibes sey him nah last long inna di house if him win cause dem nuh want nuh black president a rule over dem.

But a just one ting mi haffi sey bout dem deh argument, a which colour delegate help fi meck him seal di right fi run gainst John McCain. Dem fi memba dat!

Di man a gwaan and wi ask God fi be with him and guide him as him campaign fi di real ting now...President of the United States.

Instead a criticize and a look fi obstacle unno pray fi di man and start rally up spport from now fi him. And dose of you who creative come up with some more addictive, catchy song that him name will be ringing on everyone's lips by the time voting come round.

But fi now YardFlex just waan fi big up Obama and congratulate him pon this achiemevement. Wi know more coming, suh hear wha, just gwaan do you ting!

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Island Queen, TVJ's exclusive show, begins its new season, airing at 6:30 pm on Fridays, with a repeat on Tuesdays at 9:00 am.

The show has a new host, in the form of Kaysia Johnson, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2006.

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is the driving force behind the competition, in partnership with title sponsors, TVJ. The television broadcast is aimed at popularizing the competition.

Marketing & Public Relations Consultant at the JCDC, Dahlia Harris, explained that, (JCDC's) "Island Queen received excellent feedback from the public and we believe that it has contributed to a lift in the standards of the overall programme this year.

The winner of The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition is selected as a 'cultural ambassador' and contestants at the parish and national level are judged based on talent, poise and cultural awareness. The winner will be determined by calls and text voting.

Better Mus' Come a suspense drama that was set in 1977 against the backdrop of political gang activity will make its world premier at the Flashpoint Film Festival on Saturday, June 7 at Fort Charles, Port Royal. The storyline was brought to life with the added talent of the exceptional and dynamic Nicole Grey, Roger Guenveur Smith (American Gangster, Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing), Everaldo Creary, Ricardo Orgill and Dwayne Pusey.

"Through reading about the political tensions in the seventies, I wanted to use this film to explore the root of many of our post-independence problems," commented director of the film Storm Saulter. "I became fascinated with the violent culture that was born with the arming of certain groups which has created a culture of violence that has stayed with Jamaica, and is identified with Jamaicans worldwide," he continued.

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

It seems like the price of everything is rising except the salary of Jamaicans. It has been announced that The Office of Utilities Regulation has approved a 25 per cent increase for rural buses and hackney carriages. Jamaica is a nice place to live, but it seems so impossible when you have citizens working for minimum wage while at the same time bus fares are increasing. When you really think about it $3,700 per week cannot do much. There are bills to pay, children have to go to school and people have to eat.

No working individual should take home less than $6,000 per week when considering the economic situation Jamaica is facing. I remember, just the other day one loaf of bread was for $95, now when you visit retail outlets it's $190 for that same loaf of bread! This is unbelievable! Jamaica needs a miracle if we are going to survive.

Gargamel Music will be dropping their newest compilation titled Jamrock Classics Vol. 1 in North America today, June 3. The compilation will be available in stores and online in the US and Canada.

Produced by Banton at his Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamrock Classics Vol. 1, features stellar guest turns from the legendary Pinchers, George Nooks, Terror Fabulous, Ghost, Jah Cure, Yami Bolo, Tony Curtis and Lutan Fyah. Buju has two tracks on the compilation on with Gargamel artiste New Kidz on the deadly combo "Curfew" and the other with the timely anti-gun tune "Cowboys,"

Junior Reid explains

Junior Reid a talk up di tings regarding his kick off with Buju Banton at Best of the Best. He was on Richie B's programme yesterday and in the Chat! The singer is contending that the only reason he reacted to Buju's hailing like that was because Buju was playing the hypocrite. Buju had earlier referred to him Junior in the earring of his daughter Destiny as Junior Greed and then he hailed him as if he hadn't just said something about him. According to Junior that's why he called him a fish. Well, seems as if the drama doesn't end!

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Jamaicans cold

Bwoy Jamaica people nuh easy yuh know. What a way di people dem whey gather a KPH forced di mentally ill man fi jump from offa di top a di building. Nah tell nuh lie, mi blood run cold when mi si sey him really jump. Him drop pon some spikes and barbed wire. It look like him might be paralyzed fi life.

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Sizzla decides to cancel the remaining part of his French tour

Dancehall artiste Sizzla went AWOl in France where he was scheduled to perform on May 29 in Ramonville near Toulouse, then on Sunday June 1 at Montpellier. According to reports Sizzla is said to have suddenly decided to cancel the remainder of his French tour. He left suddenly for Jamaica without even giving formal notice of his decision to the organizers of the remaining concerts.

Tjenbé Rèd expressed its sadness following Sizzla's incomprehensible and hardly professional decision. According to them his action bring into question the very possibility of a dialogue with him.

YardFlex is still confused on the whole drama as the press release sent from France would indicate that his actions could have something to with the Reggae Compassionate Act (RCA) where artistes agree not to do any songs hitting out against homosexual.

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By: Michelle Thomas
Photography By: Marie Mendoza

UCLA celebrated their 22nd Annual Jazz Reggae Festival over the Memorial Day weekend. This year’s theme was "A weekend of peace, love, and music". Two music filled days with some of the great Jazz, Hip Hop, & Reggae Artistes.

Jam Day hosted Dr. Lonnie Smith who's smooth and soulful sounds generated a great response from the crowd. John Densmore and The Tribal Jazz Band awakened the lively spirits in each of our souls. They played a Salsa flavored "Doors" tune that the audience loved. From the percussion, to Art Ellis' flute & sax playing; each beat and note was full of passion and intensity. The African drum beats added to the thrilling performance. We asked Densmore how he enjoyed the crowd and he said, "I loved it. We got everybody up and dancing."

The New National Party (NNP) government in Grenada said it was forced to caution Jamaican dance hall artiste Vegas about using offensive lyrics during his recent live performance at one of its rallies, this according to a report on radiojamaica.com

Youth Minister Senator Emmalin Pierre made her disclosure in response to public concerns as the party faced a likely fall-out over another pre-election concert.

Local media have reported that Vegas' performance featured songs promoting drug use and branding women as prostitutes in the presence of ruling party officials.

Usain Bolt lightning run in the men's 100m ahead of the field at last night's Reebok Grand Prix in a new world record time of 9.72 seconds.

50 Cent's home destroyed by fire

The home at the center of a bitter legal dispute between 50 Cent and his son's mother was destroyed by a suspicious fire early Friday morning.

Six people, including his 10-year-old son, Marquise and Shaniqua Tompkins, 50's ex-girlfriend, were taken to a hospital after suffering smoke inhalation and later released. A firefighter also suffered a minor eye injury, officials said. 50, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, doesn't live in the home and wasn't there at the time.

A representative for the rapper said, "Informed this morning while filming a new motion picture on location in Louisiana, Curtis Jackson expressed deep concern over this fire at his property. He is extremely thankful that everyone including his son, Marquise, escaped the burning house safely. He is confident that authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and is eager to review their findings."

Suffolk County arson squad Investigators were called to the scene after Dix Hills Fire Chief, Larry Feld thought the blaze suspicious.

Tompkins filed a lawsuit against 50 earlier this year claiming he had promised her a house more than a decade ago, but that since their breakup, he now wants to evict her and their 10-year-old son from the home. Tompkins' lawyer, Paul Catsandonis, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that the dispute over the house had become "extremely, extremely contentious in recent days." Although he declined to be specific, he said there was an "extremely dangerous incident" Monday in his Manhattan office, while taking a deposition for the lawsuit.

The dispute was "involving the parties in question," he said, adding that the case was back on the calendar in state Supreme Court in Manhattan on June 10. Catsandonis said 50 paid about $2.4 million for the house last year, one of the largest in the Long Island neighborhood of Dix Hills.

50's ex-girlfriend Shaniqua is making accusation that he is involved in the fire and that he tried to kill his own son.

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The hills came alive with the sound of music as international gospel reggae artiste, Jason Mighty launched his debut album, CORNERSTONE at the 16th annual Barbados Gospelfest. Commencing the charged performance with songs such as - "Wanna Know", "Da Vinci Code" and "One Soul" - Jason shocked the crowd into a spirit-filled frenzy.

"I have been waiting a whole year for this," one female patron screamed as she waved a copy of Jason's debut album, "I am not leaving this place until I get my copy signed!" On viewing the artiste's merchandise table, hundreds of fans could be seen vying for copies of the highly demanded album. "The company [Daystar Promotions] brought in over several hundred copies of the album for Gospelfest, and they all sold out within three hours," said a Daystar representative. Many patrons were so desperate for music from the 27 year old singer, that they began asking if there were promotional discs for sale.