Beenie Man rightly proclaimed himself, King Of The Dancehall, a couple years ago and no one in the battle-based culture batted an eye-lash. Why? Because when it comes to chats and riddems, Beenie Man is the alpha and the omega. That is, the 33-year-old Kingston native, born Moses Davis, but better know 'round the world as Beenie Man, is the dancehall movement personified.

Releasing his first record, "Too Fancy" at the tender age of 7-years-old in in '81, Beenie has not only been at the forefront of the genre ever since, but has been largely responsible for growing it into the international phenomenon it is today. And it is exactly this legacy which his latest release, Undisputed, serves to maintain. "This album is all about the title," he says. "It wasn't a concept, but more of a theme. Each song had to live up to that name." And with production by the likes of Scott Storch, Don Corleon (Elephant Man, Sizzla) and Tony Kelly (Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder), and appearances by Akon, Brooke Valentine and reggaeton artist Voltio, Beenie ably completed the task of crafting an LP worthy of such a bombastic title. The lead single, "Hmm Hmm" is vintage Beenie at his best with infectious choruses and unforgettable melodies.

However, is it really any surprise that the man behind over 1000 songs would be able to make an LP with such a cocksure title? "Music is in me since I was little," he says. "My uncle had a DJ set up and I got my start doing that before I was 6 years old." Perhaps in part due to the fact that he still spins to this day, since childhood Beenie has had his finger on the pulse of . Consequently by 7 he had recorded his first single, and by 10 he had released his first long-player, The Invincible Beenie Man. Throughout the '80s he

continued to record, perform and DJ. In '92 Beenie made a splash at the famous Reggae Sun Splash by going after rival Bounty Killer in what would become an infamous back-and-forth. Though the following year they would squash it and record a split album, Gunz Out.

Shortly thereafter Beenie release a remake of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry", titled "No Mama, No Cry", which was produced by legendary tracksmen Sly and Robbie. It was during this collaboration that Beenie was enlightened to the Rastafarian doctrine and eventually converted. A slew of national hits ensued through out the mid nineties, including "World Dance" and "Slam." But it was in 1997, on the strength of his crossover smash of his Grammy-nominated Many Moods Of Moses and it's single "Who Am I?", that Beenie exploded as an international superstar. And in doing so for himself, he opened ears and doors for everyone in his genre around the world, but especially in the . Around the same time Beenie made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed Dancehall Queen. He then went on to The Doctor and Y2K, in '98 and '99, for VP Records. Both considered dancehall classics in their own rights, solidified his core base. Virgin records responded to Beenie's breakout success and signed him. Art And Life, his debut on the new label, truly broke him stateside. Monster hits like the Neptunes produced "Girls Dem Sugar" featuring Mya, and the Wyclef-guested, Saalam Remi produced "Love Me Now" took him to the top of the pops.

From there Beenie continued to churn out hits at home and abroad. "I still do singles, and DJ," he says. "Because it is important to never lose touch and stay in what's going on. And I still love it, as well." His 2002 set, Tropical Storm only further solidified him in the with it's brilliant collaboration with Janet Jackson, "Feel It Boy". However it was his latest, Back-To-Basics, which is arguably the closest thing dancehall has seen to a summer-blockbuster-esque album a la Get Rich Or Die Trying. The LP yielded hit after hit after hit. Undeniable anthems like "Dude" and "King Of The Dancehall" served to coronate Beenie as truly undisputed in every sense of the word.

"I've broken down every barrier and broken every record," says the man who's been nominated for 3 Grammys and won multiple MOBOs in the , in a tone of absolute humility, referring back to Undisputed. "So this album is just one more step forward." Was there ever any doubt?

When 50 Cent was sentenced for his role in a melee at a May 2004 concert, judge Robert Kumor told the rapper, "You're a cross-cultural entertainer; you have an obligation to people in society."

That obligation might soon include the G-Unit member forking out big dollars to two women who were injured in the scuffle.

Fiddy lept into the crowd at the Springfield, Massachusetts show in search of an unknown individual who had doused him with water. In his attempts to locate the responsible party before being pushed back on to the stage by security and police officers, 50 jostled with several people, two of whom are now pursuing compensation.

Donna DeJesus, 25, and Taneka Nesbitt, 27, have filed a civil suit against 50 and are seeking an undisclosed amount of cash.

DeJesus claims that 50 punched her in the face during the brawl, while Nesbitt claims that he pushed her down, which caused her to undergo knee surgery.

In the 2005 criminal trial, 50 avoided going to jail for assault and battery and was instead sentenced to a number of probationary terms. He was forced to enroll in an anger management program, undergo random drug testing and ordered to make an anti-violence public service announcement.

ChartAttack.com Staff
—Scott Bryson

Freddie McGregor will head to Trinidad this weekend for the premiere of a documentary he helped to produce that highlights the charming historical and cultural similarities between Jamaica and the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The documentary will premiere on August 31st.

"The documentary is about Trinidad and Jamaica as twin islands in the Caribbean, and attempts to highlight similarities in music, culture and so on. We shot scenes in Trinidad, and in Jamaica, we also interviewed personalities like Sparrow, Byron Lee, Kitchener's son, well-known steel pan people, and also visited an AIDS orphanage, the Cyrell Ross home for children. These are some of the other things we are taking on, apart from music. I am trying to launch into other areas where we, as artistes, can contribute positive things, and this is a personal ambition of mine," McGregor told YardFlex.com.

McGregor, who has had a very successful Summer highlighted by two number one singles, 'Real Slave Master', and the Willie Lindo-produced 'St. Ann's' which appears on the Big Ship label. The

latter single is distributed by All Access.

"Before I went to Japan to do Reggae Sunsplash, 'Real Slave Master' was #1 and 'St. Ann's' was #2 , and by the time I came back, the singles had reversed positions with St. Ann's going #1, and 'Real Slave Master' slipping down the charts, so things are going well on the South Florida charts. The single, St. Ann is a really good song and is in heavy rotation in Jamaica as well."

Carlington Wilmot Photos

Hanging out with Mr. Lex a.k.a The Prince in Kingston is quite an experience. We cruised with him through the Corporate Area over the weekend, listening to him vibe Busta Rhymes's 'Big Bang' CD, and talk about dancehall, his upcoming divorce and his beef with artistes such as Cobra, Bounty, Beenie and even Elephant Man.

The thugs respect him, some of them asking an oft-repeated question: 'deejay, when yu a just get vex and run the place again'. But it is the girls, oh the girls, who adore him. One thing is obvious though, the deejay is a magnet for females. They ogle him, flirt openly with him, walk up to him to ask for autographs, and slip him their numbers, before they walk away giggling. He's one of the more engaging personalities, a breath of fresh air when compared to dancehall's tired cocktail of characters. What can we say? In Jamaica, it's good to be the Prince.

However, when he's relaxed, you realize that he may be doing away with his warm-and-fuzzy image as the events in his life over the last few years have conspired to make him wary of the people he had once called his friends.

It would be safe to say he has had a epiphany, the kind that Moses himself could have been party to when he emerged from God's tent, brainburned by His inside information.

"Right now, I just want to get some things off my chest," he said. "What else dem can say about me? Mi wife gi way de tings, bad man no play dat. Dem say me do oral sex, demtry to wreck my career, they can't hurt me anymore, I am a new man," he told YardFlex.com.

People were a bit shocked last year when HYPE TV repeatedly aired footage of an livid Mr. Lex punching selector Foota Hype in his mouth after the selector made a derogatory comment about the deejay's 'tongue'. Lex lost it, and in the aftermath, faced down Bouty Killer and the Alliance crew in a public war of words.

"Him (Foota) no know nutten 'bout me and ah come buy out my argument. Him tink say me and him ah size, I just want to apologize to my fans who were offended by that. But what would you do if you were me, I just feel that if him say nutten like that again, I would do the same thing again," he said.

Lex is firmly focused on jumpstarting his career.

"I am not getting any fight right now, radio has been playing me like crazy, plus I will be working on Sunsplash, that's a good platform for me to do what I do," he said.

He is looking to ink a management contract with overseas-based artiste manager Chris Thomas, but that agreement is still in the embryonic stages. In the meantime, Mr. Lex has been confirmed to perform on World Beat Night at Reggae Sunsplash

"I've cut out smoking two weeks ago, right now, it is a total lifestyle change. Drinking lots of water, eating fruits, I want to be in top condition for the festival," he said.

Lex also has a number of new singles which are in regular rotation on the FM radio such as 'We Say Party' on the Raw rhythm, 'Dem No Build No Gun', the popular 'Bad Inna Dance' on the Gully Slime rhythm, 'Oh Yes' for producers Steelie and Clevie, and 'Reggae's Real' featuring Luciano, and the Las Vegas-based Bonafide band.

He also has a single with Jada Kiss called 'Big Boys' which will appear on his next album. But it is a single that pokes fun on the personalities in dancehall such as Beenie, Bounty and Elephant Man which has the streets buzzing. But Lex isn't pulling any punches. He feels about Bounty Killer the way Patton felt about Rommel.

"Sean Paul, Shaggy, Shabba, those artistes ah run the place in terms of cross over appeal in the international market. Not some of these guys who are making that claim. How yu fi say yu a run the place, and yu de ya every Saturday? Yuh nuh buck dem a airport or nothing," he said with a smirk.

HE ARE WHO HE ARE

"Yu only have to par wid Killa for four months, and yu realize say a pure problem, to him mind, him nuh like see other stars around him, ah just so him mind stay. Kartel ah the smart one, him cut at a early stage so that he could be his own man, and mi respect that."

"When yu par wid him, yu ah fi him yute, me ah mi owna star, mi mek mi owna money. How a man fi tell me where to go, how to dress, and tell me who fi talk to? That is some girl s---t...I'm telling you some of these guys are co-stars, but you cannot blame him, he are who he are, he are the one," Lex said, imitating the Killa's trademark phrase.

"He just collects all the promising yutes dem and turn dem inna co-star too. Still, me and him cool, we have mutual friends, and they are trying to get us to be civil, y'know, and me even talk to him couple of times. But he and I can never be friends, him need fi know that, me no like him, and that's how it's gonna be."

He doesn't have anything particularly kind to say about Beenie Man either.

"I idolize Beenie Man as an artiste but when it come to anything personal, man to man, he is not real, as a human being, him just not 100 per cent real. Him no rate people. Which artiste him ever buss?" he said. "Which one?"

Lex is on the long road back to resurrecting his career. Last year, his first tentative steps back into the business almost ended in disaster at Sting 2005 when he performed alongside Mr. Vegas.

"I heard the boos, and it kinda killed mi courage, but then Vegas jump in a buss the place, and him carry mi in pon the ting, and we just buss the place the real way. Vegas ah mi true friend, General B and Roundhead, friends, but ah just it dat," he said.

To say that Mr. Lex may have lost his bravado is saying a lot. When he was a brash young artiste six years ago, he and Delly Ranks got booed at a stage show at the Jamaica Maritime Institute, but Lex refused to leave the stage even thougha couple of Bigga bottles whizzed past his head.

He simply paused, pointed down in the crowd and said in his ultra-cool voice.

"Lady, you don't have anywhere bigger to throw the Bigga."

The crowd howled with laughter. Then he did his Boogie Woogie song, and exited stage left. Now that's star power!

He jumped into the public spotlight in 1999, and his debut VP album, "Mr. Lex", was released to rave reviews on June 20th, 2000 chock full of hits such as "Ring Mi Cellie", "Divine Reasoning", "Cook", "Get Wid It" and "Yuh Nuh".

But does Lex still have it?

"Yes, of course I do, I have been through a lot. But I am getting my head together again, I am feeling like my old self. If I get half the chance that Beenie and Elephant Man got, you would see real results. Some ah dem deejay ya fi know dem role, Bounty, Beenie dem a co-star, Shabba, Shaggy, Sean Paul, ah dem man de ah the real stars," he said.

Lex is also concerned about the future growth of dancehall stars if it is just the same tired cocktail of characters which represent dancehall.

"We need to have an industry, to the degree where everybody can get hot and move major units. It's big enough for everybody to earn well, nuff people can get hot one time, we don't need all the animosity, it is just the small-mindedness of the so-called icons in the business now. Everybody fi eat a food, why fight against a next man?" he asked.

"Me ah the last yute weh buss outta Jamaican dancehall. Kartel ah de closest one after me, when mi buss, mi buss ah Jamaica, Europe and the Americas one time, same time

Nobody else neva just get hot like that and have the place in a tizzy like that. We need more stars, more deejays, we cannot lock people outta the business."

Rodney 'Bounty Killer' Pryce pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent and abusive language when he appeared in the Yallahs RM court this morning.
He will return to court on October 4th .

In the meantime, the Morant Bay police have said that singer Mavado has failed to respond to a summons issued by the officers relating to his alleged involvement in the use of indecent language at the 'Saddle to the East,' event held in St. Thomas on Saturday night.

"To the best of my knowledge, a representative of Mavado called to say that he would be coming today, but he has not arrived yet. The police put in place special arrangements to deal with traffic and crowd control in the town of Yallahs when Rodney Pryce appeared in court this morning given what transpired with the roadblock over the weekend. We were ready, and there were no incidents," the officer said.

Mavado, whose real name is David Brooks, is not bound to report to

the police, and the summons only has authority once the document is delivered, and then the police can then detain him. YardFlex.com will have more details later of the court case.

Check out these photos that we have pool together from various events such as CooYah XL, Appleton ATI Launch, Fully Loaded Launch.etc....

Sean Miller/Freelance Writer
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

A couple of years ago, dancehall aficionados were scanning the dials of dancehall-reggae FM radio, searching for a new sound, a new energy, and then 'Hollow Point' hit them. Like a thunderbolt.

Known for the hits such as 'Parro Mi Parro' and the current chart-smasher, 'Who Goes', Hollow Point is not just another artless pop deejay hiding behind a hook. He has got the steely determination to make it in this game.

Born Shevon Toriano Stewart, this deejay was raised between the rustic community of Clonmel in St. Mary, and the middle-class neighbourhood of Duhaney Park in Kingston. He grew up in a household where dancehall personalities such as Super Cat, Major Worries, Nicodemus were regular staples in his father’s cassette player.

He explained how he got his stage name:

"The name has no deep meaning, mi de pon the corner ah deejay inna about 1995, and the hollowpoint bullet did just drop, people just know about it, the armorplate that can fly through vest and tear up flesh etcetera, and mi used to write violent, deejay lyrics, so mi friend dem say, how yu love talk 'bout hollowpoint so? Wha' name so? Mi tell dem and the man dem say, 'ah gunshot name mi ah gi yu' and ah so it happen," he explained to YardFlex.com.

HP often bounced back and forth between studios and producers for a little while before his cousin, dancehall artist Chico introduced him to his friend Alozade, who then introduced him to producer Cordel 'Skatta' Burrell who made him a part of his camp for about five years. During that time, he had a number of songs released on the Kings of Kings label in that time period including the successful, 'Sitting By The Window'. After leaving this camp, Hollow Point recorded for a selected few producers including the riddim twins, Steelie and Clevie of Studio 2000. Cool Face, another reputable producer, introduced him to Don Corleone.

HP is now firmly focused on making hits like 'Who Goes' which has strongarmed FM radio like The Undertaker taking a wrestler in a headlock. New releases like 'Real Don' on Chris Goldfinga's (of Hard Drive fame) new joint, as well as 'Easy Skankin' and 'Enemies' on noted producer Don Corleone's 'Gully' riddim look to carry on that trend.

"Ah just crazy new songs out there," he said.

HP has upcoming stage show appearances in Connecticut this Summer, at Capleton's 'St. Mary Mi Come From', and said he "may make a cameo at this year's Reggae Sumfest alongside Munga". But despite all his individual success, he still seems to invite comparisons with deejay Super Cat for his laid-back cool, and dangerous good looks.

"Mi no really find no fault with the comparisons, ah the big top dada, the top dog, from dem even compare me with him, mi glad...Super Cat ah de foundation, dem man de set the ting, and mi plan fi gives the business my all, 100 per cent," he said.

Ya heard him, 'Hollow Point' gives his heart. Now all he needs is the world to give him their ears

"I don't think there's ever been anyone like me that's lasted. And I'm going to keep on lasting." -- Paris Hilton

As Paris Hilton sees it, her main problem is that people don't understand how hard she works. "People are going to judge me: 'Paris Hilton, she uses money to get what she wants.' Whatever," she said. "I haven't accepted money from my parents since I was 18. I've worked my [butt] off. I have things no heiress has. I've done it all on my own, like a hustler."

It was a recent sweltering morning, and the socialite, 25, was speaking at her three-story compound up a winding hill in West Hollywood, within valet parking range of some of the area's hottest nightlife. Fresh from a hair and makeup session that a publicist said cost $10,000, she had descended her marble staircase, passed under the gaze of several poster-sized vanity portraits of herself, breezed by the chrome stripper pole she uses as an exercise prop ("It's great for parties," she said) and settled herself into a white sofa beneath a black Baccarat chandelier.

The professional celebutante and heir to the Hilton hotel fortune released her debut album, "Paris," on Warner Bros. Records earlier this month. Next, Hilton will disseminate what she calls "the brand of Paris Hilton" even more widely, and more lucratively. She has signed off on signature lines of lingerie, shoes, bathing suits, makeup, wigs, purses, an energy drink, a video game and champagne in a can -- all meant to land at the average Middle American mall. She also intends to open several restaurants and has begun developing properties for what she calls a "boutique hotel chain," to be called Paris, that will remain unaffiliated with her parents' worldwide franchise. READ FULL STORY

-By CHRIS LEE
LOS ANGELES TIMES

By: Sean Miller/Freelance Writer
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

THEY ARE WHO THEY ARE

Mr. Lex believes that the prolonged Beenie-Bounty feud is a ruse to keep them at the top of the dancehall game by choking the rise of other artistes.

"Bounty Killer lucky say him get a hit with No Doubt, and sell platinum, but him struggle fi even sell 50,000 units by himself. But look at Beenie Man, he is the worst at being a cross over Jamaican artiste. How can you be the big man and yu caan sell 250,000 copies and yu a fight to be the king of dancehall? Is a strategy him and Bounty have, every time some other yute get the hype, dem start the war so the focus switch, and pressure de young yute dem," he reasoned.

"That's why yu may never see Busy Signal or Idonia get to that real national level because as the yute dem buss, Bounty carry dem under him wing, and claim say ah him buss dem. So no matter how hot yu get as an artiste, yu will always just be Bounty yute, Bounty's protege, to hell wid dat."

BEEFING BIG TIME

Lex lets loose on who he calls the 'co-stars in the business.

Elephant Man and Kip Rich

"Ele, the half of the hype that Elephant have, the majority of it is me do that. Me give him 500,000 in him hand cash after mi do mi tour inna 2000, Mi give Kip Rich 250,000, and the band members another 250,000, and mi live fi see Elephant get hot and ah run the place and not even look pon me. The man no real. One hand wash the other, if you do good for one, you should return the favour, and even Kip Rich, him ah de biggest wagonist inna the history of dancehall. Me ah go

buss back the place, and show dem how it fi run."

Wagonist is a term in the Jamaican vernacular that means someone who merely hops on to what is already popular or accepted.

LEFTSIDE AND ESCO

"Mi no have no vibes with Leftside and Esco, but dem feel that when me and Mr. Vegas go record 'Taxi Fare', we ah try counteract fi dem song, but there is no animosity, mi not even see dem, me ah star. Me rate dem as two talented yute, who remind me of myself, so mi gi dem dem props, but dem need fi know, mi no counteract man

HIS SOON-TO-BE EX WIFE TUNYA

Me ah try get over it, we have a nice, cool friendship, but mi tink about it, me caan go back de so. Me love har, but she hurt me dog, me have to move on. The divorce soon come through, we ah go split up the things nice and civil, no bitterness."

COBRA AND MEAN-SPIRITEDNESS

Cobra is a yute weh mi respect and love, even now. Him ah de first man carry mi go pon tour inna 1996, an across state tour, and me and him became good friends, and mi live fi see him ah try capitalize pon my downfall when Bounty start talk up some oral sex argument 'bout me. As a friend, how yu fi talk 'bout me caan diss Bounty when Bounty ah try wreck my career? Me have him as a big p----y," he told YardFlex.com.

"How the artiste dem so mean-spirited wid dem one another? Jeez, man. When something did happen wid Chicken and de belt a Miami, man put it inna song, when Zebra get jail, how do you even seek to capitalize on another man's downfall? That's why now certain things ah reach Bounty. Angel de wid Beenie Man, but it is not as bad as it seems, it just look bad because of who he is. Check it, J-Lo left Puffy and go de wid Ben Affleck, no biggie, but with him, it's a big deal, it's just his mind. That is something he should have ignored, that's why it look so bad,"

ANGEL'S CAREER

"Is me and Angel do the first combination together, and the first thing Bounty did was tell her say she no sound good, he called the producer to say she was off-key and say don't put that out. What a yute! If my wife can sing like Angel, I would encourage her, hey, it would mean more money coming into the relationship, everybody's achieving. Me respect how Beenie Man did ah try help har."

BIG UPS

Big up journalist Andrew Clunis, artistes like Delly Ranx, Daddy Screw, Earlton Clarke, Steelie and Clevie, WARD 21, Headline Entertainment, Jerome, Carlette, who are like the big brother and sister I never had. Big up Mama Texi, the Arrows family, DJ Wayne, Liquid, Mighty Mike, GT Taylor and Colin Hines.

THIS IS A TWO PART STORY - WE HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY PART-ONE - CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR PART TWO.

September 11 is a date that no one in the Western world will be allowed to forget, well at least for the next couple of decades as it reminds of that unfortunate day some years ago when an airliner crashed into the World Trade Centre, and took the lives of hundreds of innocent people.

That date also has some amount of significance, albeit with more positive connotations, in the reggae-dancehall world as it is the day that the 'Energy God', Oneil 'Elephant Man; Bryan was born into an unsuspecting world. Little did they know that this sometimes-eccentric deejay would one day become one of the most exciting deejays of the 21st century.

For the past four years, thousands of his fans have descended on his annual birthday party to celebrate with the 'Energy God'. However, this year, there is a twist as the party has found a new home in the

resort capital of Ocho Rios, and has been officially renamed, 'Shizzle'.

"Shizzle" takes place on Saturday, September 9, 2006 in the Amnesia car park, and 'Elly' hopes that all his Kingston-based fans will come down to party with him on the North Coast.

"All my artiste friends are coming too," he told YardFlex.com in an exclusive interview. "Bounty, Movado, Busy Signal, Cobra, Ninjaman, too much a dem."
"Even some ah mi foreign friends ah come too," he said, grinning through his platinum grills. "We love all artiste and all ah dem give we back love plus all ah di big sound dem, Stone Love, Coppershot and Renaissance."

Why Ocho Rios, YardFlex asked.
"Well, Ochi is really my second home," he declared. "I spend a lot of time there just cooling out and some of my closest friends live in Ochi and I am building a house there so I am going to be an official resident of Ochi real soon, so this is just my way of bonding with the people who are already my fans and will soon be my neighbours."
"We still going to party in Kingston, we caan leave out the Kingston fans, but the Shizzle is going to be an annual Ochi event."
A spokesman from Big and Mighty Productions, producers of the event, told YardFlex that all the preparations are in place to make this a stellar event.

"We will be creating a real party atmosphere in the car park with tents and lights, and great décor, plus there will be lots of cake and ice cream on the house," the spokesman said.

"SHIZZLE" is expected to become a fixture on the Ocho Rios entertainment calendar, and by all accounts, it's going to be sizzling.
Shizzle!

Robert Murphy
YardFlex Writer

P & L Recording artiste Selah has a thing for the number seven. He believes that it plays an important role in his life so much so that he wears a gold chain with a large number seven pendant around his neck at all times

"The number seven has a special significance in my life from birth because my mom and dad had eight children, I am the seventh one, so I always take #7 as a lucky number, it is significant as in the seventh seal, number seven will always be special to me," he said.

Selah is one of the frontrunners of a brand new genre, one which the critics have dubbed reggae-soul, and he has been scorching the nation's airwaves along with other contemporary artistes like Etana with their phenomenal new sound. Selah's most popular single to date is a refreshing gem of a song called 'Think About It' that become an anthem of some local FM radio stations.

"Reggae soul is a new genre that is set to take over the world, it's powerful," Selah told YardFlex.com.

His name breathes spirituality. Selah is a Hebrew word meaning "pause, reflection", within the context of a prayer or psalms, is similar in purpose to amen in that it stresses the importance of the preceding passage. This word occurs seventy-one times in thirty-nine of the Psalms.

Selah takes his chosen role in music very seriously.

"Every artiste should see himself as a messenger, as a servant to speak to the people, to give them advice and positive messages, that's what I try to do, try to be positive, and inform and uplift the yutes," he said.

He began growing his 'covenant' five years in a move to explore the Rastafarian philosophy of living deeper and he has not regretted it.

"I am a rastafarian, it is not a hair doctrine with me, nuh true yu see me pierce two of mi ears, now a modern time blood," he said, laughing.

Born Chevan Gaunlette Clarke on October 5, 1974 at Brunswick Avenue in the old capital of Spanish Town, Selah attended McCauley elementary and primary school and later spent five years at Spanish Town Secondary School (now Spanish Town High School. He migrated to the UK, but failed to break into the mainstream market because of what he says is 'racism'.

But he has put those bad experiences behind him, and under the supervision of his new management team, P & L Records Ltd., Selah is poised for big things in the 2006. The buzz on Selah is growing.

He was one of a few foreign acts who performed at the launch of the MTV Network Channel "Tempo" dubbed Caribbean Rising, which took place at the James Bond beach in Oracabessa, St. Mary Jamaica in October last year. He was also one of the main acts at the recent B-Mobile High School Tour which sought to promote non-violence in schools.

On August 28th, he will be peforming in London at a show dubbed 'Reggae in the Palace' which will be held under the patronage of the Mayor of London. He also has upcoming shows in Germany.

"I am just giving thanks right now to Jah, I like the direction that my career is heading in, and I have lots of music left in me, reggae-soul is going to be the next big thing," he said.

Selah.

By: Jigga Mattic
YardFlex Reporter

Hours after the end of the 'Saddle to the East 2K6' show in St. Thomas on Saturday night, deejay Bounty Killer was charged by the cops with breaches of the Town and Country Act for using abusive, and indecent language.

"He was arrested at about 6:15 this morning, and brought to the station. He was charged with one count of using indecent language, and one count of abusive language. He will appear in the Yallahs Resident Magistrate's court on Wednesday. So far he is the only deejay charged," Woman Corporal Georgette Aiken told YardFlex.com yesterday afternoon.

Bounty Killer was offered station bail in the sum of $50,000.

Details on exactly what transpired at the stage show were sketchy, but a source at the stage show confided that: "What happened was that Idonia cuss a bad word, and the police come onstage and accuse Sizzla of being the one who cursed. They surrounded him, and Sizzla tried to avoid them, and because the action stopped, the crowd grew restless and start throw bottles onstage"

"Killer come onstage and was able to quiet the crowd, saying 'wah do dem BC police yah, how dem caan find Shanika Anderson killer and dem waan come terrorise we?' And then in the morning now, on the way home, the police had a roadblock and they arrested him. It took a little while but he eventually got bail," the source said.

Killer had resurrected 'Saddle', his signature celebrity stage show, and joined forces with the non-profit organization Upliftment Jamaica, in a commitment to raise funds to aid in the transformation of the impoverished communities of Jamaica with quality education, health, and social welfare programs in addition to creating economic opportunities.

BOUNTY'S BRUSHES WITH THE LAW

Earlier this year, Pryce was arrested by police and charged with assaulting the mother of his child, 33 year-old Julie Rambally in a May incident. He has appeared in court to answer the charges, and the case is still before the courts.

This is not the first time that Bounty is being charged with using indecent and abusive language. In August 2004, the Killer was stranded in Port-of-Spain,Trinidad for three days after his passport was seized by the police there. He was reportedly taken off the stage at 'Summerfest 2004', a concert staged at the Queen's Park Savannah on Saturday night, for using obscene language during his performance.

In September 2001, Killer was sentenced to do 240 hours of community service for using indecent language at the Champions in Action show on August 18 at Fort Clarence Beach in St Catherine. Once oustide, he unleashed a slew of expletives in a scathing attack on former Prime Minister P J Patterson and Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police Cornwall "Bigga" Ford. News reports at the time quoted him as saying "Bigga Ford and de prime minister a play b...o c....t palitics wid me. A because me play a West Kingston man session why de p...y c...t man dem de pon me, but dem caan mek me stap, for a nuh fe dem b...o c...t mouth. Me naw go stap, mek dem b...o c...t go wey," the deejay told a crowd supporters who had gathered around his car.

A story published in the New York Post on Sunday disclosed that reggae star Tanya Stephens has sued rap diva Lil' Kim's for plagiarism.

The suit was filed in a suit filed in Manhattan federal court last week. According to the story, the suit alleges that L'il Kim flew Stephens to New York, asking her to sing on one of her albums and belting out by heart the very song she pilfered to show what a big fan she was of Stephens, according to the suit.

Stephens and her representatives from the Royalty Network were shocked when they first listened to Lil' Kim's late-2005 album, "The Naked Truth."

The writer of the article, Janon Fisher wrote that "the lyrics of Kim's track "Durty" match almost word for word with Stephens' song "Mi and Mi God" recorded in Jamaica and released in 1997, they say. Kim reached out to Stephens in 1999 and flew her up to have her sing on one of her albums. She gushed over Stephens when they met in the New York recording studio, telling her that she was a "big fan" and

that she owned several of the reggae artist's albums, the suit says. Kim even sang her favorite Stephens song, which she knew by heart. It was "Mi and Mi God," according to the lawsuit. Stephens then sang with Kim, but the vocals never made the album."

Lil' Kim's lawyer and agent did not respond to messages requesting comment, the article said.

The Brooklyn-born Kim, a k a Kimberly Jones, even sings the tune with a West Indian accent, the suit alleges. The lyrics are so duplicative that Stephens is claiming she should own the song and receive all past and future royalties.

To add insult to injury, Lil' Kim is one of Stephens' biggest fans, she claims in the complaint.

Kim's album, "The Naked Truth" shot to No. 3 on the hip-hop charts and rose to No. 6 on the Billboard chart. It was nominated for album of the year for the BET Awards.

This latest legal predicament comes after Kim was released from a federal prison in Philadelphia on July 3. She had served 10 months for lying to a grand jury about a shooting that erupted outside radio station Hot 97 in lower Manhattan when her posse clashed with rapper Foxy Brown's. She completed house arrest on Aug. 3.
SOURCE: New York Post

It was with great fanfare that Atlantic Records announced the signing of Tego Calderón in June 2005. He was the first major-label signing of a reggaeton artist, the Caribbean style (a combination of hip hop, dancehall, salsa, bomba, and merengue) that had already become a mixtape and urban-radio hit, and now looked poised to take the rest of America by storm.

Around that time, I profiled Mr. Calderón for a magazine. We spent the afternoon driving from a photo shoot to an interview with Hot 97 DJ Angie Martinez, where he talked about his forthcoming album, "Subestimato/The Underdog." Our transportation was a deluxe SUV - compliments of Atlantic - wallpapered in a huge image of Mr. Calderón's afroed profile on the side. With the window rolled down, he chain smoked Marlboros and signed autographs at stop lights all the way downtown.It appeared the underdog had the world by the tail.

Now, a full year after the original release date, his album is finally seeing the light of day. I won't pretend to know the minds of record executives or the specific causes for the delay, but I have a

theory: The record isn't at all what Atlantic signed on for.

What made Mr. Calderón so attractive, what set him apart from the rest of the emerging reggaeton stars, was his ability to move seamlessly between the worlds of Spanish and English, reggaeton and hip hop.Whereas stars like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar sound soft with their sing-songy styles, Mr. Calderón is pure street. Like Tupac, Biggie, and Jay-Z, he is gifted with an instantly recognizable voice - in his case a sultry, syrupy baritone - that flows easily over any beat. His reputation in America owes as much to mixtape appearances - on 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P.," Fat Joe's "Lean Back," the Game's "Love Them Hoes," and Cypress Hill's "Latin Thugs" - as to his own songs. No matter whom you match him up with, Mr. Calderón seems to get the better of his American counterparts.

That's what makes "The Underdog" so baffling, as much to listeners as to the record label. Instead of stuffing it with top-shelf beats and name-brand rappers, Mr. Calderón has instead taken the opportunity to explore his afro-carribbean roots and to showcase salsa, dancehall, and reggaeton talents even less well known than himself (among them Voltio and Chyno Nyno).

At 25 tracks, there's a little bit of everything here. "Los Maté," the first single, showcases the pixilated boomtick-ticka-tick-boom beats that have come to define reggaeton during the reign of super producers Luny Tunes. The Latin rhythms and Santana-sounding bent guitar notes of "Mardi Gras" recall the stoned funk of Cypress Hill. "Bad Man" is a straightforward reggae track with choruses by dancehall MC Buju Banton.

Mr. Calderón's first love - before rap - was Latin jazz. He was trained as a percussionist, and you can hear his affinity for the music on songs like "Llevatelo Todo" and "Slo' Mo." "Chango Blanco" does away with rapping altogether, as he sings a classic samba over a hipshaking beat of congo, piano, trumpets, and an all-male nightclub chorus.

By MARITN EDLUND
www.nysun.com

By Sean Miller/Freelance Writer
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

Tanya Stephens has never been accused of being afraid to speak her mind. She believes firmly in the mantra: "tell the truth and shame the devil".

She is one of the exclusive acts for the rebirth of Reggae Sunsplash this year, and in a surprising move, chose to spurn this year's Reggae Sumfest show. She sat down with YardFlex.com this month to voice her opinions on her personal life, her music and the state of dancehall-reggae.

"Sumfest people dem no have nah no manners, and dem hype fi no reason 'cause dem tink dem a star," she said. "Gourzong a little bit too big fi him breaches, mi caan stand dem, dem no have no manners. Everytime they call, they're disrespectful, condescending, dem belittle you. Nuff artistes run back at them, oh please put me on, but for what? Nobody nuh buss offa Sumfest."

Stephens, who is riding a high on the international scene where her amazing voice and intelligent, socially conscious songs have made her

a bona fide reggae star, said he is actually looking forward to appearing at this year's Sunsplash.

"I'm happy to see Splash back, and honestly, they have way more manners, so I am looking forward to working with them," she said. Stephens will be performing at the Richmond Estate venue on August 5th.

Tanya has been focusing on the release of her upcoming album, 'Rebelution' for VP Records, the followup to the critically acclaimed 'Gangsta Blues' which spawned the hit, "It's A Pity", on the German-produced "Doctor's Darling" riddim.

Her album, which hits stores on August 29th, is almost exclusively produced by her partner/lover, Andrew Henton of Tarantula Records, but there are a few guest producers such as Ainsworth 'Big A' Higgins, Barry O'Hare and the rookie producer, Sherkhan from Tiger Records, a French Caucasian living in Jamaica.

TANYA BELIEVES DANCEHALL IS OVEREXPOSED

But even after over a decade in the business, Tanya is not satisfied with the quality of the overall dancehall product coming out of Jamaica.

"Right now, dancehall reggae is overexposed, it is the most promoted music as a genre, check it, nobody no out there promoting rap as a genre, or hip hop as a genre, artistes come out and promote dem album, and that's that. We need to work on our product...and stop worrying about marketing and worry more about production. We can’t be like 'hey, I am over here, look at me, look at me', then when everybody look at you, you have nothing to offer them," she said.

Too much people have an MPC machine, she added.

"Our industry spits on the talented people, the hype is what everybody subscribe to, so a little man who come with a really good song, you probably hear it one time if you hear it at all. If you hear it one time, and love it, you don't know where to get it because the jockeys don't even call dem name when dem play it," Tanya complained.

This sort of caustic commentary is de riguer for the writer/singer of tunes like "Big Ninja Bike," an exuberant deflation of men who don't deliver on sexual promises. But that is Tanya being well, Tanya.

ON HER RELATIONSHIP WITH PARTNER ANDREW

Tomboyish growing up, Tanya has blossomed into a full-blown sex bomb. During the interview, she was dressed in a figure-hugging blouse, and the buttons were open enough to offer a glimpse of her, ahem, 'assets'. She has also blossomed in love, sharing a steady relationship with Andrew Henton, the son of producer 'Computer Paul' Henton.

"We set high standards, we pressure and push each other, because we want the best product out there. I am my own worst critic, and I cannot give anyone ammunition to use against me so I shot it up myself, remove all the bullets, heal the bullet wounds...remove all the offensive parts," she said.

Not that Tanya gives a damn if anyone finds her candor and wit offensive. She even had some harsh words for the media, saying they were no longer trendsetters, but 'wagonists' when it came to exposing new artistes.

TANYA LOVES 'DUTTY WINE'

She loves Matterhorn's 'Dutty Wine' which at the time of the interview, was the number one song in Jamaica.

"It is well written, a classic, when I first heard it, I wondered, who this? Because it was pop-sounding and up-tempo. Matterhorn really did a good job with it. And you know Matterhorn did born hype, so you can imagine now," she said, laughing.

Even though she is in a better place spiritually, Tanya has not buried the hatchet with fellow deejay Lady Saw with whom she had a very public falling out a few years ago.

"Me and Saw no have no relationship. Full Stop. I don't wish her no ill will, but we will never have a relationship," she said.

Look out for Tanya's lead single, 'These Streets' which has popped up on the South Florida and New York reggae charts. It is 'rebelutionary'.

Word on the street is that Jay-Z and Beyonce plan on spending $3 million on a lavish wedding slated for November.

According to these guys, the wedding is set to go down in the Caribbean island of Anguilla:

Beyonce Knowles is pulling out all the stops for her wedding. The Dreamgirls star is set to wed rap impresario Jay Z, and the lavish event will come with a $3 million price tag, according to Star magazine. The former Destiny's Child member is planning a late November wedding on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Guests will dine on $300,000 worth of caviar as well as lobster and truffles and will wash it down with $200 bottles of Dom Perignon.

I'll keep my hands crossed on this one until it's validated elsewhere. Not saying that there's no truth to it, it's just that these marriage rumors have been going on forever. You'd think that by now celeb-gossip media would have upgraded the conversation to how

many kids these two have had together.

Speaking of which, what are you thoughts on Jayonce's latest collaboration, Upgrade U, taken from B'Day?

YARDFLEX GIRL OF THE WEEK

Christine Otherwise known as ANASI, a versatile and exotic six (6) feet tall model from Toronto, Canada.
Says she's interested in doing BIG things in the modeling industry because her look is different, unique and marketable.

ANASI's background is the development of a mixture of Chinese-Jamaican with a bit of Cherokee. She's also an amateur boxer and a fitness enthusiast. Salsa dancing is one of her passions which she trained for years; and she's also a lover of playing the violin.

She considers herself a woman of many talents, who is blessed with a total package of brains and beauty. She majored in Marketing and Human Resources at Humber College and has worked in the corporate world in various capacities. She has worked with one of the World's Biggest Corporation and Heavy weights - Microsoft Canada.

In 2002 she finally opened her own consulting employment firm called Phoenix Management Solutions. ANASI still continued to work in a full time capacity and conducted her own business on part time basis.

ANASI's zodiac sing is Scorpio. If you know anything about a Scorpio woman, you will know the drive and ambition she possesses.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A 'YARDLFEX GIRL OF THE WEEK'

By: Claude Mills

DJ Roshane 'Shane-O' McDonald has switched camps from producer Rohan 'Sno Cone' Fuller's Wasp Nest to the rising dancehall powerhouse, P&L
Records.

It was reported a few weeks ago on YardFlex.com that the Billboard-topping producer 'Sno Cone' had cut all ties with the DJ with whom he had forged a close relationship since Shane-O was 11 years old.

"Me neva really have no falling out with 'Sno Cone'. Me deh a New York and see it pon a website, so all now mi no know wha a gwaan, or wha really gwaan. Me send Cone message pon him phone, him no reply, and him no call me back," said Shane-O, whose 'Lightning Flash' hit on the Applause rhythm went to number one on the RE TV and Richie B charts last year.

"The last call a me mek dem, and he never gave a reply, so me feel a way to go back around there, and me have a family to take care of. So mi need to promote mi career right now; every man a man, mi a hold my

corner...me do nuff fi him, and him do nuff fi me, a just so life go," Shane-O reasoned.

However, former manager and mentor Rohan 'Sno Cone' Fuller hit back with revelations of his own.

"What Shane-O can do for me? Mi read an interview that him say 'him do nuff fi me'. What Shane-O can do for me when is my money spend to buss him inna Jamaica? Mi no mek no money offa 'Lightning Flash', and it go #1 here. How him fi send me text? Ah big man ting me ah deal wid. Mi rate the man like a son, and mi neva expect this. Deejay like Spragga, Wayne Wonder and Assassin come and see the yute round me, and know say mi have him like a son, and the man just switch pon me through him have some lickle people inna him ears ah tell him tings," Sno Cone said.

"I don't have a problem with Shane-O moving on. Mi nuh vex. It's just that he still doesn't understand the business. When you spend money on an artiste to build him up, how can he feel like he can just walk away and switch because some little man a tell him tings? And these young artistes do this when it is time for the producer/manager to recoup money they have spent...these young artistes don't understand the business. When him gone, that nah go break or make me," 'Sno Cone' said.

During the interview, Shane-O hinted that financial considerations might have played a role in the severing of ties with his former mentor and producer. Sources close to the camp have even hinted that Shane-O had wanted 'Sno Cone' to purchase a motor vehicle for him.

"If no money no spend pon your career, yu not going nowhere as an artiste. Right now a money, friend and family run the business and if you don't have anybody doing exclusive tracks with you, and working with you in the studio, yu not going anywhere," Shane-O said.

Sno Cone laughed at this comment saying that money was not the significant thing in the music industry.

"If Bill Gates and Donald Trump come and spend several billions out of dem personal billions, and you no have no hit tune, or song weh the people dem accept and endorse, dem ah go waste dem money. Anno money count, is solid work, well put together lyrics, melody and belief in yourself that counts; money is not the problem, you ah de problem," he said.

In the meantime, despite all the brouhaha, P & L Records' executives are pleased with their latest acquisition.

"He signed the contract last week," Keona Williams, chief operations officer of P&L Records, told YardFlex.com. "It will be a three-year management and booking contract, and we are expecting a mutually beneficial relationship because we believe that Shane-O is an excellent artiste with a lot of potential, and great
things are ahead in his future."

SHANE-O TO RETURN TO SCHOOL?

The move to P&L Records is quite surprising for dancehall lovers who are well aware that there was ongoing friction between DJ Schoolboy, one of the signature acts of P&L, and Shane-O, to the extent that there was even a mix-tape where they exchanged verbal disses.

"He and Schoolboy used to have a beef, but they have since made amends, and now they even hang out together, so we're excited about the prospects for the future," Ms. Williams said.

For his part, 18-year-old Shane-O has a number of new singles out which will be distributed by P&L Records, including 'Life Difficult' and 'No No No'. Singles that have already been released include 'Filla Pop' on the Galore rhythm, and 'Fly Di Grill' on the
Build Back rhythm.

"I wish him all the best still because mi no bad mind, and he is his own man a mek his own decisions. He needs to go out there and sort himself out, and write the real tunes, not the gun and the slackness
songs that he is doing now. Him start off good, he must not let the wannabes and the distractions lead him astray. May God be with him."

In the meantime, Shane-O has promised to return to
school during the next school year.
"Mi sorry KT [Kingston Technical], but I had to stop from school, too much pressure. Mi plan to go somewhere else and do six subjects and conquer dem because me anno duncehead," he said.

Damon Dash Music Group proudly announces the release of a brand new album from dance hall legend Sizzla. The Overstanding is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, October 3. The Overstanding will be marketed and distributed by DDMG / Kalonji Records.

Sizzla Sizzla emerged during the latter half of the '90s, and quickly became one of the leaders of the modern dancehall movement. Along with Buju Banton and Capleton, he helped lead dancehall back to the musical and spiritual influence of roots reggae, favoring organic productions and heavily Rastafarian subject matter.

Sizzla's first success came with the release of Praise Ye Jah in 1997. Widely considered one of the top modern dancehall albums of its time, Praise Ye Jah was quickly trumped by the release of Black Woman & Child that same year. The title track was a smash hit and

became something of a cultural reggae anthem.

Damon Dash Sizzla continued to release a string of successful albums including Be I Strong in 1999, the spiritually driven, hip-hop influenced Bobo Ashanti in 2001, and Da Real Thing in 2002, where he concentrated on softer, mellower, more romantic material. With a catalogue of over 40 albums to his credit, Sizzla remains one of the most if not the most widely respected figures in all of dancehall reggae. The Overstanding hits stores Tuesday, October 3, 2006.

Other albums already out this year are Waterhouse Redemption (Greensleeves), Ain't Gonna See Us Fall (VP).

'You a-go tired fe see me face,' is the opening line of one of reggae icon Bob Marley's greatest hits, 'Bad Card'.

And that assertion may just well turn out to be true as Jamaica's central bank has released a commemorative coin of Bob Marley marking the 60th anniversary of the reggae icon's birth.

The $50 denomination bi-metallic coin manufactured in 2005, is the second minted coin of the reggae icon. Made of silver and gold, the coins are currently being sold for $6,000 (US$100; euro80). According to a release from the BOJ, �the coins were minted by the London-based British Royal Mint, a 1,100-year-old company that manufactures collector's items, and provides coinage for Britain and 100 other countries, including Jamaica.

The coins are now available to the public in 2006 and can be purchased directly from the Bank of Jamaica's banking department. Bank of Jamaica has issued similar coins in the past, commemorating the national heroes; 2004 triple Olympic medallist Veronica Campbell; and one for the University of the West Indies, Mona's 60th, among others.

.

"It is apparent that there is a consistent plan by some to create chaos around Beyonce's B'Day album release on Sept 5 in the US. First, it was a petition against the single, "Deja Vu", then a rumor regarding conflict between Beyonce and Rihanna, seizures caused by the "Ring the Alarm" video, putting out a single to compete with LeToya's album and now to add to all the ridiculous rumors, is my plan to postpone the release of her B'Day album. What will be next? Beyonce's cut off all her hair? Dyed it green? Maybe she's singing the songs in reverse with some hidden subliminal message!

Unfortunately what it shows is that anyone can go on the internet and create rumors and the media in some cases will pick up these stories and run with them which influence the consumer's perception.

Beyonce has sold over a 140 million records as an artist. Over half sold outside of America. 2500 responses for a petition on the internet (which really represents often the same people responding 2-3 times) go online with a petition regarding "Deja V u", and it's national news? Think about that for a minute. 140 million records sold versus 2500 responses about a

video. Does that really equate to a major concern? The answer is No!

I couldn't be happier with where "Deja Vu" is on the charts. It's a Top 10 song on Billboard 100 and #1 on this week's R&B charts. Mid week numbers in the UK is trending at #1 for the "Deja Vu" single for this week. Records have broken in Japan regarding ringtone sales of "Deja Vu." It is one of the most ever streamed videos at Yahoo. "Ring The Alarm" was added to TRL on its first day of airing and it is on the R&B charts this week which gives Beyonce two singles on the charts at the same time.

Our plan is to have three singles on the charts together. For this album we have a unique strategy. Rather than concern ourselves with purely chart positioning we are focusing on the combine audiences who are listening and are aware of the singles on the album. That strategy is based on the combine belief of Beyonce, SonyBMG and Music World. This is unique, creative body of work on B'Day (spelling corrected B'Day) and every song is a potential single.

After all what do we know? Some weeklies reviewed "Independent Women" and gave it a "D-" and Beyonce's first album "Dangerously in Love," a "D".

And just for the record, Beyonce's success or failure for me is not based on the number of records she sells. For me it's based on how proud I am that she is a genuine good person (Ask anyone who's worked with her). That she always has a kind word for others. That she is respectful and honest. That she gives back to her community and that she has so much love for her family. That she has grown to be such a leader. And lastly, she has the confidence not to be bothered by these planned distractions."

By: Claude Mills

The body of Joseph 'Culture' Hill will return to Jamaica on Sunday. His family will return on Tuesday. The funeral will be held on September 9th at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kingston.

"We have two confirmed dates for events marking Joseph's life, the funeral date will be on the ninth at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (North Street), and prior to that, a going home celebration at the Ranny Williams Centre on the 8th in the open grounds, and which will be free to the public. The public can come and havea wonderful evening in celebrating Joseph's life. A number of artistes who have expressed an interest, we have not solidified the lineup yet, but we are looking at 6 p.m to 12 midnight," Lloyd Evans, a member of the six-member committee which has been put together to carry out the wishes of the family, told YardFlex.com.

Buju Banton, who is a grand-nephew of Joseph Hill, has definitely expressed an interest in participating in the celebrations marking the singer's life.

"We are looking forward to a really joyous celebration on Joseph's life. Jospeh is so well loved, people from all over the world have been flocking to the website.

At home, we did not know the treasure we had in Culture, how mobs and mobs of people flocked Culture, and how immensely popular from Brazil to Kenya to Ghana. He was named chief of a town in Ghana, I want people to know the value of this man," Mr. Evans said.

It was reported last week Saturday that Hill and his band, Culture were in the middle of a European tour when Hill collapsed outside the band's tour bus in Berlin, Germany. Early reports suggested that he had died of complications arising out of 'liver failure' because of Hill's reported alcohol abuse in the past, but there has been no official release regarding cause of death.

The band's most recent album, 2003's World Peace, was its 30th album.The current European tour will continue on with Hill's son Kenyata taking on lead vocals as a tribute to his father. Culture had last performed at the Bob Marley 61st Birthday Celebration in Ghana and during this year's Reggae Sunsplash 2006.

Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

Beenie Man the King of the Dancehall is certainly not a lonely king anymore, Moses - found himself an Angel
CHECK OUT THESE BREATHTAKING WEDDING PHOTOS

Spragga Benz is one of the most talented deejays to emerge from Jamaica's shores. He has carved a distinguishable niche for himself in the dancehall industry, and remains respected locally and internationally for his rich and constant supply of hits throughout the years, and memorable performances at leading Dancehall and Reggae events.

From his days of voicing classic raw dancehall cuts such as Jack It Up, to more conscious cuts like Brighter Days, Spragga has proven to the world his ability to give incisive commentary on the topic of the day, or deliver tracks that sum up various situations in Jamaica's diverse culture.

Capitol Records bought into the talent, and signed him back in the 1990s. Since then, Spragga has demonstrated over and over that he has the mettle to maintain a dominant presence in an often cut throat dancehall market.

Observant, witty, forthright, and unapologetic on certain issues, Spragga has delivered chart toppers that are still favourites today. Machine Gun Kelly, Born Good Looking, A-1 Lover, Warrior Cause (with Elephant Man), Inna Mi Style (with Ilano) and Run Tings are all solid dancehall anthems that still govern the turntables whenever they are played in the sessions.

Spragga has not stopped there either. He has stretched his talents into film, starring in Brooklyn Babylon and Shottas. Adition to these exploits, he is mentor and leader of the Red Square crew, a talented team of dancehall artistes on the verge of breaking out of their creative shell.

West Indies skipper Brian Lara, a man considered a primadonna by critics and fan, is set to make his Bollywood debut soon.

According to T&T news reports, Lara is set to appear in the million-dollar production of 'Dulha Mil Gaya,' or 'I Found A Husband.' The film is to be produced by Viveck Vaswani and and Mudassar Aziz and is slated to be shot in Trinidad, the hometown of the batting legend, later this year.

"I can tell you he (Lara) will be part of this film," T&T Newsday quoted Aziz as saying. Lara is set for the tri-nation series next month that will see the Windies taking on both India and Australia.

Source: Hardbeatnews.com

Downsound Records did a three day shoot for two videos, Nanko's 'Loco Amore' and the 'Sika Medley' last week which involved scenes shot over two days in the parish of Portland, and culminated in an exciting alcohol-fueled, girl-crazy finale at the Asylum nightclub in Kingston on day three.

The HWT-based music outfit shot the Sika Medley at the Asylum nightclub on Tuesday. The video features the artistes Harry Toddler's 'Beggy Beggy', I Maroon's 'One Woman Kill Nature', Nanko's 'Step Up In the Club', Lion's title track, 'Sika' and Natalie's 'Big Things', Millennium 'Dig It'. The Cadillac Dancers also developed a new dance move called the 'Sika' to compliment the rhythm.

"The shoot went really well, we got some great scenes, especially with our slate of upcoming acts. Downsound believes in working with young artistes, they're hungry and they have great potential, and we have some amazing beach footage with Nanko in Portland for his solo, 'Loco Amore'," Downsound boss Joseph Bogdanovich said.

Scenes for 'Loco Amore', Nanko's follow-up to his monster hit, 'Lucky You', were shot at the studio in HWT, Frenchman's Cove, Portland Port Royal and in Kingston. A scene was also shot at Morgan's Harbour in Port Royal.

"This video is a sure hit!" exclaimed Teneille Baxter, A & R representative of Downsound Records. "We got great response from the regulars at the club, it was very exciting, we got some great shots, especially a scene where Nanko grabs the mike, jumps on stage and the girls rush him and take off his shirt...it was incredible to capture that on film."

Xtra News was able to get a sneak peak of what the video for 'Loco Amore' was all about.

"In Loco Amore, which in English, means 'crazy love', Nanko is showing the many ways how to treat a lady, the fine places you can take her, traveling with her in the Caribbean, or romancing her at home. The ladies are going to love this video," Mr. Baxter said.

A young lady called Bouriesha plays Nanko's love interest in the video.

Downsound is known for its breakthrough work in the video field, having shot the critically acclaimed 'Hungry' video featuring Fantan Mojah, and 'True Reflections' with Jah Cure. Joe B, who directed both videos, is once again at the controls. Downsound editor Roger Maxwell is now editing the clips, and the video will soon be aired on local television stations such as CVM, TVJ, HYPE, RE and JUICE.

By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot
YardFlex Reporters

Under a gunmetal grey sky and a thick canopy of clouds, Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis and Michelle 'D'Angel' Downer got married in a lavish ceremony at Crichton Estate, St. Andrew (adjacent to Chris Blackwell's Strawberry Hill) on August 22nd. The event was attended by at least 150 guests, all clad in full-white, and featured many moments of high comedy, sweet drama and at least one unexpected surprise for all those in attendance.

The marriage ceremony got off to a late start as D'Angel, looking ravishing in a satin dress with a sweetheart neckline encrusted with swaroski crystals, was escorted down the aisle by her uncle, Loxley Downer. Beenie Man had arrived over an hour earlier, and kept guests entertained by dancing down the aisle, and giving jokes, and at one time shouted 'where is my wife?'.

The ceremony finally got underway at about 6:15 p.m., and Reverend Al Miller, who officiated the ceremony, wasted no time in injecting a level of sobriety into the proceedings by stressing the sanctity of the covenant of marriage. Nevertheless, Beenie Man ad-libbed sections of his repeated vows, provoking delighted titters from the audience. For her part, D'Angel was quite emotional, and her cheeks were often wet with tears as she recited her vows, and there was a palpable sense of love in the air, so much so that Beenie Man had to choke back the tears standing in his own eyes as he stood beside the woman who in October, will bear his son, Marco Dean.

After they kissed, bells rung out loudly throughout the rural countryside, and the strains of the Etta James classic 'At Last' poured out of the speakers. The newly married couple then moved like slow molasses towards the reception area with a small army of reporters and photographers in tow, shutter-bugging their every move.
Later, with the lights of the city shining below the rowdy reception like thousands of diamonds on a coat of black sable, Beenie Man grabbed the microphone, and backed by the Gumption band, serenaded his wife with the song, 'Woman I Need You' which captivated the attention of the crowd. One of the crowd's favourite lines was: 'I call/It was like the Great China Wall/But I never fall/I never stall...today is the best day/my wedding and my birthday...'.

KARTEL'S APPEARANCE

One of the surprises of the night was the appearance of deejay Vybz Kartel who is a prominent member of 'The Alliance', whose head is Bounty Killer, the sworn arch-enemy of deejay Beenie Man. During the unscripted 'stage show' segment, Kartel joined Beenie Man onstage and shook his hand, saying 'welcome to the club, you already know that I am Mr. Palmer', a reference to Kartel's own nuptials last year.

"Yu a legend, we affi de ya fi be a part of it," he said, before singing a few bars from 'Even If I Neva See You Again'.

Notables in attendance included Minister Kern Spencer, Zachary Harding and his wife, Tamara, Mr. G, Zumjay, Kip Rich, Big A, Captain Barkey, a pregnant Paula Ann Porter. The Lititz Mento Band of St. Elizabeth also performed mento songs. Some members of the media seemed a bit miffed by the non-appearances of celebrities like Hulk Hogan, Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri. Wedding crashers, some dressed in the required all-white ensembles, gathered outside the gates hoping for a chance to get in once the word got out of the wedding's location. But sadly, nobody never bothered to 'fly the gate' as it goes in the local parlance. Earlier that evening, the guests had been ferried to the location via coaster buses that were parked on a playing field adjacent to the Jamaica College school on Hope Road.

THE YARDFLEX TEAM WAS BUSY ALL DAY - OH YES, IT'S SLEEPING TIME, SO CHECK BACK LATER FOR MORE WEDDING PHOTOS

NEW YORK, NY, United States (UPI) -- Hip-hop legend and businessman Sean 'Diddy' Combs and his girlfriend, Model Kim Porter, are expecting their second child, People magazine reports.

The couple already has a son, 8-year-old Christian, and Combs has another son, Justin, 12, with fashion stylist Misa Hylton-Brim.

Combs and Porter, 35, first began dating sometime in the 1990s; however they broke up in 1999. The couple later reconciled and Combs told People in March 2003, 'My love life is straight. I`m back with Kim.'

Combs, 36, was formerly known as Sean 'P 'Diddy' Combs and also as 'Puff Daddy' Combs, all names that late-night talk-show host David Letterman likes to play with to amuse his audience.

Combs, together with the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., popularized the East Coast sound of American hip-hop.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

Singjay Vegas is sitting pretty when it comes to adulation from his fans. If he needed proof regarding how much his songs and popularity has soared then he got it and plus tax at the major shows held recently.

At Sumfest performing for the first time on International Night Vegas worked a professional solid

25 minutes set. According to the artiste it was a whole different ball game working on that night. But it was a challenge he was more than up to and no one appreciated that than his fans as he gave them their money's worth and then some.

At the recently held Fully Loaded event word coming from the selectors is that his songs 'Do You Know', 'Inna Mouth' and 'Taxi Fare' enjoyed some of the biggest forwards at the venue. "Trust me is like the crowd just explode when we draw fi one a him tunes," one selector gushed.

Vegas next assignment bMobile Reggae Sunsplash he gave an awesome performance which tongues are still wagging about now. The artiste is now gearing up to leave for Africa by the end of this month where he is scheduled to perform.

Vegas current single 'Dance with You' done in combination with soca monarch Machel Montano is getting some great vibes right now. Another song that has just been released is 'Promiscuous' remix of Nelly Furtado and Timberland's hit song which soared to number one on the Billboard Top 100 charts. It is expected that the remix will follow the same path.

The singjay couldn't be happier with the way his career his going. And as far as he is concerned - it's all good!

OSAMA bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader, was obsessed with the singer Whitney Houston and wanted to marry her, a new book claims.

Kola Boof, a Sudanese poet and novelist, who says she was kept against her will as the terrorism mastermind's mistress in 1996, writes in her autobiography that he wanted to give the star a mansion and make her one of his wives.

"He told me that Whitney Houston was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen," Boof claims in Diary of a Lost Girl, excerpts of which are published in Harper's magazine.

But bin Laden had less respect for Houston's husband Bobby Brown, apparently talking about the possibility of having him killed.

"He said that he had a paramount desire for Whitney Houston and although he claimed music was evil, he spoke of some day spending vast amounts of money to go to America and try to arrange a meeting with the superstar," Boof writes.

"He said he wanted to give Whitney Houston a mansion that he owned in a suburb of Khartoum.

"He explained to me that to possess Whitney, he would be willing to break his colour rule and make her one of his wives."

Bin Laden would speak constantly about "how beautiful she [Houston] is, what a nice smile she has, how truly Islamic she is but is just brainwashed by American culture and by her husband - Bobby Brown, whom Osama talked about having killed, as if it were normal to have women's husbands killed."

Boof, who also says the al- Qaeda leader would "ramble on" about his favourite TV shows, The Wonder Years, Miami Vice and MacGyver, adds: "In his briefcase, I would come across photographs of the star, as well as copies of Playboy ... It would soon come to the point where I was sick of hearing Whitney Houston's name."

Bin Laden was first married in 1974, at the age of 17, to Najwa Ghanem, his mother's niece.

Although bin Laden has reportedly married four other women, he divorced one, Umm Ali bin Laden, a university lecturer, who studied in Saudi Arabia, and spent holidays in Khartoum, Sudan, where Osama later settled during his exile in the years 1991 to 1996.

The three latter wives of bin Laden were all university lecturers.

The al-Qaeda leader has fathered at least 24 children. His wife Najwa reportedly has 11 children by him.

Source: ScotsmanCom

By: Claude Mills
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

A surprise move by the wedding planners behind the Moses Davis-Michelle Downer wedding threw friends, family and media a wicked curve ball over the weekend when they announced that the venue for the event had been changed, and that the guest list had been radically slashed in half.

An email was circulated to previously invited friends and well-wishers which declared that "due to the mad media around the upcoming wedding the couple has decided to relocate the event and reduce the guest list to immediate family only therefore the previously received invitation is null and void...with apologies...".

The modus operandi for Tuesday's event will instead involve invited guests being shuttled from Jamaica College to an as-yet-undisclosed location for the event. The shuttles begin leaving the Hope Road school at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

The celebrity couple's wedding has generated lots of interest over the past few months because of the personalities and stakes involved, and the media coverage has been especially manic given that the couple is already expecting a child in October later this year.

The guest list includes famous celebrities such as wrestling icon/reality TV star Hulk Hogan, recording superstar Janet Jackson who graced this month's cover of VIBE, Jermaine Dupri and other Hollywood A-listers.

YardFlex will be there to bring you exclusive coverage of the event so log on later to be the first to view the dazzling pictures of the celebrity nuptials.

Popular Reggae/Dancehall recording artiste Jeffery 'Assasin' Campbell has been awarded a full academic scholarship, tenable at the prestigious University of Sunderland (UK) where he will be pursuing a three year, Bachelors degree in Business Management via the distance learning mode.

The scholarship is being presented by world leader in distance education, Resource Development International (RDI) Jamaica. Assassin, who enjoys tremendous acclaim both locally and internationally, will join over 300 Jamaican students who are currently pursuing similar UK qualifications facilitated by RDI Jamaica.

Source: Reggae Country

Preparing to capture fans with new single "Keep On"

Kingston, Jamaica: - Cezar, multi-textured Jamaican artiste is set to release his newest single "Keep on". The song, an uplifting anthem of perseverance and hope, is a collaboration with renowned producer/engineer, David Kennedy, and will hit the airwaves in early August.

Cezar made his debut in 2004 and caught attention with his eclectic style. His cleverly balanced pop and R&B infused vocal style and guitar riffs with hardcore dancehall beats resulted in a fresh sound that generated a flurry of press and hot collaborations with popular dancehall producers such as Tony Kelly, Blaxx, Renaissance, and most recently, international producer David Kennedy.

Having built a stellar reputation for his work in the NY R&B/Hiphop/Rap scene, Kennedy's work with artists like Mary J. Blige, Mos Def, and A Tribe Called Quest, earned him numerous credits, awards, and - a testament to his acclaim - a Grammy nomination. He has returned to Jamaica to create a base of operations, and with the intention of translating his reputation into collaborations that showcase the power of local talent infused with his signature sound. Ultimately, he intends to serve this layered cocktail to the international market through his label, Intelek Entertainment.

Kennedy's drive to showcase the diversity of the Jamaican music market led him to Cezar. The resulting single shows off Cezar's writing skills, with a clever juxtaposition of life and a poker hand. The song, a reaffirmation of faith, rides on an equally clever and upbeat one drop reggae rhythm.

The track, which debuted on Cezar's myspace page has been enjoying a strong response with multiple comments being posted daily. The accompanying video has already been shot, and is currently being edited. The talented singer will be promoting the single at various events, including Mystic Urchin's live music show "Tuesday Nite Live" where he will appear on August 15th. The show happens at the Village Café every Tuesday night.

The single, slated for release early August, can also be heard at www.myspace.com/intelekentertainment

Before a jam packed ballroom at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, 21 year old medical student Sara Lawrence who wore the sash Ms Crane Ridge Resort, emerged as winner in bmobile Ms Jamaica World beauty pageant. Lawrence who was among the crowd favorites, won from a field of 15 contestants. Lawrence also won the sectional prize for
Most Aware.

Christelle Harris who wore the sash Ms Diet Ting, placed second. She also secured the most votes in the Public Voting competition. Third place winner was Zahra McGraham who wore the sash Ms Empire Supermarket. Fourth place winner was Saint International Model Gillian Taylor, while Chantal Raymond, an overseas based university student, placed 5th.

Check out www.missjamaicaworld.com to see photos of the contestants. Ms Lawrence will now head to Poland in September to represent Jamaica at the Ms World finals. We wish her all the very best!

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Christopher Telfer, Andrew Chin, and 'Miss Chin' were a few of the birthday peeps who celebrates their birthday together in style on the grounds of Alex Chin's Hope Pastures residence. The party could be classified as a five star 'bashment'. As usual, YardFlex was there to capture the celebration as it unfolds.....

Joseph 'Culture' Hill died over the weekend minutes after he had finished performing on stage in Berlin, Germany.
'I heard that he collapsed after performing on stage in Berlin. It is a sad day for reggae music because Joseph really contributed a lot to reggae music,' noted producer/musician Dean Fraser told YardFlex.com.

Known for the landmark 1977 album, 'Two Sevens Clash' which Rolling Stones magazine rated number 25 on its list of 50 coolest recordings in a 1993 poll, Hill is one of the true icons of the roots reggae movement coming out of Jamaica.

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Proper way. Weh no drop a night, drop a day.
So goes the popular intro to one of dancehall's most talented young bloods to have emerged in the past year - deejay Idonia. The artiste is known for his complex, cocky wordplay that shows up on the intense asphalt visions that he conjures up on his gritty singles.

He spits sick rhymes on the riot-inducing 'Breeze Off' where he deejays: 'what a gun full a beauty and elegance/Caan violate Delly Ranks...', but he can also kick it for the girls, 'wine up yu body, squeeze up yu breast pon me...'.

He is poised to earn the underground respect and mainstream success of his dancehall mentors. Idonia's combination song with Bounty Killer called 'Send Fi Dem' where he rips the frame out of the track. The song has been enjoying heavy rotation in the island's clubs and street dance circuit.

Look out for his attention-grabbing gems bubbling up in the underground, like lyrically rich venting session 'Save the Day' with topflight deejay Vybz Kartel, and a song called 'Kingfish Saga: Next Part' for producer Preston Onfroy, which is a followup to his 'Kingfish Ah Come' radio hit.

Earlier this year, he took a PR pummeling after his acrimonious break-up with ex-mentor/friend Cordel 'Skatta' Burrell. Now, the young artiste is riding out the storm well, stepping out into a brave new world on his own, and teaming up with the Alliance.

"Right now, the whole thing is fairly new, it's different, before, I felt I was at home, I was used to having access to a studio, everything was always good, I never faced certain struggles, I was protected, I never controlled my money how I should have but now, I am without a home, I have to take it to the streets more, I am learning everyday," he told YardFlex.com.

Idonia's involvement in the 'Alliance' is a bit unusual given that his bitter arch-rival, Busy Signal is also a member of that cadre of artistes.

IF BUSY SIGNAL BEHAVES HIMSELF, NO PROBLEM

For those who are not in the know, Signal and Idonia have exchanged disses over the years. Idonia also had a lot of uncharitable things to say about Signal as he was centerpiece diss on 'Du-Du-Du' (Dem Signal Nah Pick Up), a song that appeared on a popular mix tape that was an underground sensation in the Corporate Area. But Idonia has always been a bit of a conundrum, something that even those closest to him will attest to.

"I like to do my own thing," he said. "I like hanging out with the Killer. Whenever I am there with Killa, he (Busy Signal) is never there. And from him behave himself, we not going to have a problem with him."

Then he smiles a cold smile that seems to die on his lips. This young gun has got the swagger, alright.

Idonia intends to release his debut album next year, a project of "exclusive tracks that no one has heard before, not a compilation album which dancehall artistes often do". Word is that a number of major labels have taken an interest in his work.

Whatever he does, you can rest assured that Idonia is going to raise eyebrows because the truth is hollow. So just open up your mind, and Idonia will follow.

BOOKAM!

In Jamaica they say 'badmind worse than obey', but these two young proteges who goes by the name Sojah will never give 'dutty niaga' the chance of excelling over them.

Once again they are on the road to Japan.
On their first trip in November of last year the duo Konshens and Delus tour Osaka, Tokyo, Hokaido, Akihabara etc...
Since then they have completed their debut album titled Sons of Jah. Sojah will be leaving the island this weekend for Japan where they will engage in a two weeks promotional tour that includes media promo...tv/radio/magazine/photo shoot etc...

Sons Of Jah album has a total of 16 tracks that features hits such as 'Voting Time" on Carlington Wilmot/Cash Flow' brand new rythm 'WOOMBA' and 'Mi Mother' produced by Cash Flow Family, plus a bonus track 'Pon Di Coner Remix'. Other producers on the album are the famous 'Coolie Dance' producer Cordell Skatta Burrell, Digital Chris from Ire FM and Vertex to name a few.

"It's all good to know that our music greatly appreciated in Japan and we would like to say thanks to the Japanese for support. But as as wi get to Jamaica we ago do some whole heap a promotional materials that will open the eyes of the Jamaican people. Konshens told YardFlex.com.

"Right now there is no turning back for Sojah - we ago mek sure that the thing set our way."

BEYONCE KNOWLES is determined to cope with her spiralling fame, insisting she will never "lose herself" like FUGEES star Lauryn Hill. The Crazy in love star was shocked when Hill suddenly shaved her head and turned her back on the limelight, visiting tough Brooklyn schools with her guitar. And although she still respects the READY OR NOT singer's work, Knowles believes she is far more grounded than Hill.

She says, "Her story is the most tragic. I mean, her record was genius. But drama and demands and the pressure and all of the people giving you so much access to so many things can be too much. "So couple that with everyone telling you you're so this and so that and so perfect and of course you can lose yourself.

"I don't know what's going to happen to me but I know I'm more than a singer and I have so many other things in my life to keep me focused. I hope and pray that I stay as comfortable in my own skin as I am right now."

Source: www.contactmusic.com

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

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 16 Dutty Wine-Tony Matterhorn-Hyperactive Entertainment (6wks@#1) NM

02 3 17 The Prayer (Oh Lord)-Little Hero-Inspire U-1

03 2 19 Bad Man Forward-Elephant Man-Fire Links D-1

04 6 11 On My Mind-Daville-Fashowzy U-2

05 7 11 Bounce-TOK-Stainless Records U-2

06 4 17 Haffi Get It-Sizzla--(pp#3) Stainless Records D-2

07 5 18 Weh Dem A Do-Mavado--(pp#2) Pure Music D-2

08 9 19 Heart Attack-Beenie Man-Fire Links (1wk@#1) U-1

09 8 14 Forgot Them –Wayne Marshall-Legends D-1

10 11 12 Don't Come Tell Me-Prophecy-Explorer U-1

11 10 21 Gash Dem-Chuck FendaJuke Boxx (5wks@#1) D-1

12 15 5 Forty Sup'em-Capleton-Blaque Warriahs/Trendsetta Ent U-3

13 17 8 Nothing with Them-Buju Banton-Gargamel U-4

14 14 8 Freedom of Speech-Chuck Fender-Juke Boxx NM

15 16 9 Most High-Jah Mason-New York Entertainment Movement U-1

16 18 7 These Streets-Tanya Stevens-Tarantula Records U-2

17 19 5 Unity is Strength-Sizzla - New York Entertainment Movement U-2

18 13 14 Red Bull & Guinness-Delly Ranks/Chino-(pp#12) Pure Music D-5

19 24 2 Goodas Fi Dem-Tony Matterhorn-Natural Bridge U-5

20 22 6 Gully Sinting-Assassin-Zero G U-2

21 12 16 Talk To Me-Buju Banton-(pp#10) H2O D-9

22 25 4 Inna Di Road-Chezidek-Massive B U-3

23 23 6 Brown Skin-Richie Spice-Don Corleon NM

24 27 4 Independent Gal - Heather Cummings feat Shaka Pow-Doc Records U-3

25 26 7 No Man Caan-Kiprich/Black-er-Fresh Ear U-1

26 28 3 Blazer-Ras Myrhdak-Blaque Warriahs/Trendsetta Entertainment U-2

27 20 24 Too Much Gun-Busy Signal - (pp#6) H2O D-7

28 21 14 One Man-Beenie Man & D'Angel-(pp#13) Fire Links D-7

29 30 2 Life Seeds-I-Wayne-Loyal Soldiers U-1

30 - New Take It With A Smile-Chuck Fender - New York Entertainment Movement

An engaging and confident young man, full of wit and lip, Tafari Buchanan, was born in Kingston Jamaica. At age 13, he became passionate about Hip Hop music. In the summer of 2002, Tafari went on tour with his Dad, Reggae artiste Big Youth, appearing on gigs in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. The experience gained from these performances and the enthusiastic responses he got from his audience motivated the young vibrant and energetic rapper to continue working.

Tafari collaborated with some of Jamaica's popular Dancehall Giants such as Lady Saw, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton and more recently Wayne Wonder. Working with these artists further motivated the young rapper to push on. His hunger for international recognition is now his main focus and working with Producer Tony Kelly gave birth to improved production suitable for that audience.

Tafari and his management team are now in the process of shooting a video for his hit Single 'Rude Bwoy Warning'

Log on to www.myspace.com/tafarigansta and check out Tafari's music. "Can't Sey Mi Neva Did A Warn You".

Rude Bwoy Warning Video - Coming Soon

Just when you think you've heard it all before, along comes an artist with the power and vitality to steer reggae in a fresh direction. At only twenty-three, Gyptian sounds like no one else and, unlike 99% of his peers, he's oblivious to the constant parade of flavas of the month.

My Name is Gyptian, introduces the bold new voice thats swept Jamaican airwaves with the incendiary hit Serious Time plus a full set of other tunes that rock the dance floor as hard as they ache with sociological impact. Gyptian finds his inspiration in the world around him and in the venerable spirits of original truth-tellers like Peter Tosh, but an authentic voice like this demands its own words, and Gyptians writing dazzles as much as his tough, passionate chanting and lyrical singing.

We like the real facts of things, not going around the corner and wait - just light music, you know, Gyptian says. Raised as Windel Beneto Edwards in the countryside of St. Andrew above Kingston, JA, by a Christian muma and Rasta pupa, Gyptian describes his temperament as everything in balancehumble and calm as the wind...although at times, the wind turn hurricane and haffi blow off house top, he says. Unimpressed by the born-again Rasta craze that dominates Jamaicas music fraternity, Gyptian notes that Rasta is not something you feel or think you are; its just a natural mystic. A lot of people come in the music and turn Rasta, but Gyptian is not about that. I really sing pon the higher soul - real, authentic music, and its just life and music.

He's been rocking the mic since he was a school boy, mashing up the church from the choir on Sunday mornings and, by night, wowing the massive at his father Basil Edwards sound system dances in Kingstons working class Barbican district. Serious Times came to him in a dream when he was sixteen, and he recorded his first version of the tune with Earl China Smith. But it wasnt until 2004, when his family moved to the teeming pool of musical talent that is Portmore, a town located just outside the capital city, that his career got legs.

There he met Ravin Wong, the one who start the whole thing, says Gyptian. Wong was known for helping budding artists, like current sensation I Wayne, build their musical standard and get them right, as Wong describes it. I got a lot of artists started but I never had the financial backing. I have a little studio in the corner where they hang out and cook and sleep just like a family unit. The people with the money would come and grab them and gone with them, because they have the money to do the production and whatever it takes. That was the pattern until Gyptian, who declares today, Where I started is where Im going to be.

DJ Flavor (Kemar McGregor) from Kingston Song Productions was one of those who came around flashing paper. He wasnt able to get all of Gyptian, but, except for Serious Times (produced by Kenneth Wilson), he produced this CDs tracks, blending the visceral juiciness pumped out by live one-drop musicians with the angular tautness of modern-day dancehall production.

Gyptian leads off his debut set by daring to go where few newcomers would casting his own searing litany of modern-day blame against choruses from Barrington Levys Murderer anthem, and more than matching Buju Bantons own boomshot combination with the master singer. And it just keeps coming. Unlike most CDs, this one has no weak links. The woozy, hip hop-infused vibes of Through the Valley breathe new life into reggaes overworked spliff motif. Yet Take Me Higher and its follow-up, More, celebrate the even greater kick of singing from ones soul. Sadness hangs like a shadow over Serious Times call for transformation of the human condition, underscored by a low-key, roots instrumental by Rasta elder Bongo Hermans African drumming, acoustic guitar, and a melancholy saxophone: With, Woman I Love Up, Around the World, Stop the Fussing, and Keep on Knocking, Gyptian alternates between the reprieves of romantic antics and more fervent pleas for peace and justice. He closes, fittingly, with Mama, a homage to the ones in this world who love the hardest and suffer the most.

"Im trying to make songs that people can understand and tell them what they can do to help themselves how they can get whatever they need, Gyptian says. I want to influence the people. One man cant carry the world, and Im not saying Im a saint or anything. Im just trying."

Queens, NY: Labor Day Sunday, September 3, 2006 is a special day for reggae/dancehall lovers in New York as it marks the forth staging of Irie Jamboree, dubbed North America's premier reggae festival. The annual reggae show will again play Roy Wilkins Park, located in the heart of the predominantly Caribbean community in Queens and fans are lining up to get their tickets early so as not to miss the opportunity to see their favorite stars on stage.

The confirmed acts are indeed very special. The beloved king of lover's rock, Beres Hammond is eager to perform for his many fans in the tri-state area. Fact is he has not performed in New York at a park event in over three years. He will headline the event along with the Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths and veteran singer Gregory Isaacs who defines elegance and longevity. Beenieman, Capleton and Buju Banton are three stalwarts of the dancehall who consistently deliver stellar performances. The lineup would not be complete without them on board. Baby Cham and Assassin are legends in the making. Cocoa Tea is a class act not to be missed on stage, while Red Rat, Mr. Vegas, Mr. Peppa, Kulcha Don, Stephen Souza and Jovi Rockwell are rising stars who represent the future of reggae and dancehall music.

The very first Irie Jamboree concert took place at Roy Wilkins Park on Sunday, August 24th 2003. It was an excellent event that reggae lovers still reminisce about today. Each year the festival has made subtle improvements and has now won the respect and admiration of reggae lovers globally.

To get a gauge on the 'man in the street' thoughts about the event, we sought reaction in and around the tri-state area. The findings were highly favorable according to our survey.

Chris Green, Long Island - Irie Jamboree 2005 was by far the best line up, and the most organized show I attended last year. I can't wait for this year's festival, because it only gets better each year.

Esroy Bernard, Bronx, NY: "I have been to many concerts in New York, NJ and even Florida but without a doubt Irie Jamboree is the best organized of the bunch. Last year the vibe was magical so I am again looking forward to attend this year.

Althea Spence, Dutchess County, NY: I have attended Irie Jamboree since it was launched and plan to attend this year. This is by far the best reggae event in New York. Keep up the great work!

Jacequie Jones, Bronx, NY: "Irie Jamboree is the only concert I make sure that I attend each year. It is the best!

Rhonda 'China Doll' Tracy, Queens, NY: Irie Jamboree is a great festival for the Caribbean community in NY. I encourage everyone to support it.

Andrew Johnson, Florida: "Irie Jamboree 2005 was a beautiful show. Beenieman's performance was exceptional. I am happy he will be performing again this year.

Michelle Wright, Florida: "Irie Jamboree is the bomb! I will be flying in from Florida again this year. The greatest reggae show in North America!

Another Dancehall Superstar has emerged, Bramma "De Bomma" Born and raised in some of Kingston's toughest communities Waterhouse and Maxfield. BRAMMA "De Bomma" got first hand experience with the music and the music business from his father who had a sound called "Riddim Force" and his uncle, a musician who plays in Capleton's band.

The 19 year old Dancehall artiste has brought another twist to the music that is new and innovative. His writing skills are excellent and his use of metaphors in his lyrics has set him apart from his competition. This fast rising Mega Dancehall Superstar has recently released a couple of singles that have been getting heavy rotation on radio. Tracks like "Dem Bad Mind" on the Ghetto Whiskey rhythm, "Star" on the Wumba rhythm and "Set It Off" on the Stinger rhythm Bramma Mixed CD will be available soon, log on www.myspace.com/brammadebommer for more information.

Bramma describes his style as pure lyrics with catchy melodies "my songs are appealing largely to teenagers and young adults" says Bramma. The young star has worked with hit making producers such as Delly Ranks, Steven McGregor, Cash Flow and more. He is adamant about shaping his career for the international market and sets his goal to elevate to the status of Sean Paul and beyond. The crafty young talent is quickly spreading his wings internationally, Bramma is confident in his career and his ability and know that for him "THE SKY IS THE LIMIT". Bramma "De Bomma

Luciano's new CD 'Child of a King' which will be released on October 8th 2006 on VP Records label. The album, produced by Byron Murray of "In The Streets Records".

The "Child of a King Tour" will commence on November 4th in New York City at the famous Hammerstein Ballroom at 34th Street in Manhattan NYC.

"The tour will last for six weeks. Luciano has a big fan base in the continents of North America and Europe, so we're expecting a great response," Copeland Forbes, Luciano's manager and head of Comar Productions, said.

The 'Messenjah' will have Taurus Riley and Reggae's no. 1 Saxophonist Dean Fraser who's also the Musical Director of the Jah Messenjah Band as supporting acts.The 'Child Of A King' tour will trek across the USA then into Canada, on to Hawaii then down to South America,New Calidonia and on to Australia and New Zealand.

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Kingston, Jamaica
Fresh off the heels of Mystic Urchin's Trans Dub Massive Tour, the Rebel Love Goddess, Jovi Rockwell, is gearing up to blaze the stage at Beenie Man's highly anticipated Summer Sizzle event.

Riding high off the buzz surrounding 'Hey', her hot new video with singer/songwriter Courtney 'Yogie' John, Jovi is ready to touch base in Clarendon, to give patrons a taste of her vibrant flavour.

Good things are happening for Ms. Rockwell, whose hit single, "All About Love", is still making its presence felt on the RETV reggae charts. In addition to countless appearances and performances across the globe, her recent addition to Summer Sizzle's line up is another step in her journey to success.

Be sure to catch Jovi Rockwell's performance at Beenie Man's Summer Sizzle on August 26, 2006 at the Jamalco Sports Complex, Halse Hall, Clarendon.

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The Mutual Gallery will stage a "Meet the Artists" session on Tuesday 22 August 2006 at 6:00 p.m. The artists selected for this year's competition are: Keisha Castello, Kereina Chang Fatt, Tricia Gordon-Johnston, Khalil Deane, Phillip Thomas and Zawdie Reece.

Five of the six artists (Keisha Castello is currently abroad) vying for the Artist of the Year award and for the People's Prize will speak on how their work has developed over the years. They will explain the message behind their work, how their everyday life relates to the creative input into their work and their career as artists. The presentations are supported by slide shows.

Members of the artistic community, students and members of the public are invited.

The exhibition continues until 8 September 2006. Gallery hours are Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

If you want to find Prodigy, you have to ambush him at the Herbal Life on Braemar Avenue where he hangs out everyday.

"I like it here, I can do my meditation on the word right here in this quiet atmosphere, and drink a tea and shake, it's a healthy thing for my immune system," he told YardFlex.Com.

He is wearing a black shirt with the words 'A blood donor saved my life' emblazoned on the front and Mathew 26:28 (This is my blood of the covenant....) printed on the back. He wears silver jewellery.

He is one of the new faces leading the reggae gospel charge in Jamaica.

So songs like 'Every Morning' and 'Sin No More' came out of particular struggles that I had, while other songs like I Love You Lord featuring Crissy D came out of worship and quiet time being spent with God."

The Chosen Prodigy is currently being distributed by Caribbean Gospel.

Shows in England, St. Maarten, and the Turks and Caicos, and Canada in August.

"Reggae gospel is still on the rise and it's getting bigger especially in the wider Caribbean. The UK is one of those markets that is showing a lot of potential as well.

"People come to me, say they heard the testimony, and say, if this young yute can do it at 21, then why can't I? Recently, at a show in Clarendon, I had an altar call and I asked if there were people who didn't know Jesus, and 25 people came up and I was actually surprised," he told YardFlex.Com.

He said that given the reaction of some of the audience members, especially those at the front, he had been pondering whether it was necessary to make an altar call or not.

"The persons at the front were in a frenzy for Jesus, it seemed that they had been saved already, but I listened to the spirit, and did it, and several persons at the front, young people, actually came forward."

He said that within church circles, he has met stiff opposition from what he dubs "Scribes and Pharisees' who criticize his method of evangelicizing to proselytes.

"I am not going to listen to jazz, maybe when I am older, I can appreciate it more, now, I gravitate towards dancehall, that is what I am using to draw a younger audience closer to God," he said.

"I think the critics are afraid of change, they don't want to open their minds to new things. When the church started, the 'Ole Ragged Cross' was enough to save souls, and it worked, it saved millions, but we must be flexible in this fight to win new souls. The word of God says to take the gospels to the highways and by-ways, and dancehall is the vehicle I am going to use."

Songs such as Every Morning which speaks about the temptations and struggles of Christian brethren with the opposite sex, Tell the Devil Now, and Sure with Minister Goddy Goddy, Prodigy's older brother.

"My brother Goddy Goddy was actually a secular deejay called Snakeman. I admired him a lot and his conversion to Christianity played a big role in me getting converted because one week after, I accepted Jesus Christ as well," he told YardFlex.Com.

His debut album, 'The Chosen Prodigy' got rave reviews from critics, and for a time, was the top selling gospel album in the country. However, Prodigy plans to up the ante with the release of his latest effort, 'The Tabernacle' which will be more dancehall-influenced and edgy. One of the lead songs from the album will be 'Don't Judge Me', a scathing commentary about his early experiences in the church, and the criticism and envy that came with his recording success.

He also believes that the 'hypocrisy in the church is the biggest problem, they are afraid that we will explose the church lifestyle, but they should not worry if there is nothing to hide".

"I plan to target the dancehall more than the church with this album. That is where I feel that we should direct our attention, we have to win souls, and I will do what God tells me to do, the dancehall is where the fight for souls is being won and lost, and I am not afraid, I will dead for the gospel like Stephen if that is God's will, I am one of the radicals in the church...a radical for Christ,"

He is a big fan of Wayne Marshall, who he says "uses a lot of positive songs like Forgive Him Please with Alaine and Overcome to get his message across".

"I also like Assassin because he writes sensibly and I admire the stage performances of Beenie Man," he said.

Prodigy was last at a secular stage show in December 2005 when he attended the annual Sting concert in Portmore.

"Prodigal Son had been billed to perform that night, and I was there to offer support and take in is performance, I was accompanying a fellow gospel deejay. I

"I would love to take to someone from VP Records to get them to stop separating gospel reggae from secular deejays like Capleton and Sizzla. Those artistes have their own religion, but it should be seen as one with gospel reggae, we are a part of the fraternity, I would like to talk to someone with the power to change how reggae gospel is marketed and distributed to the international audience," he said.

He also wants to make some changes in his management structure.

.

By: Jigga Mattic
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot
Yardflex Reporters

Building a rep in the dancehall game without a record deal is no easy task. But Munga is a testament to the power of dedication and talent. He has been able to 'trick dem and buss'.

The rookie deejay's growing buzz is centred around the unapologetically hardcore single, 'No Bad Like I', which has become a rude-boy anthem at stage shows all across Jamaica, plus he is getting crazy love from turntablists as well as FM radio as the track is a must-play for every disc jockey worth his salt in the business today.

"I never knew the song had a current, but I never knew that it would be this big," the 26 year-old deejay born Damian Rhoden told YardFlex.Com.

He grew up in the parish of St. Mary where he attended Hillside Primary and later St. Mary High for two years. He then moved to Kingston where he attended Tarrant High at the same time as Denise Plummer a.k.a Dancehall Queen Stacie. At school, he made good grades, and could have done any number of things but he chose to deejay.

"A stage show was always going on in, before and during class but I had people taking notes for me so I didn't miss anything," he said.

Growing up, he was an avid fan of Hardy Boys novels, a hobby that explains his love for 'songs with a storyline'. In 1997, he fell in with a thug crowd, and one day, stopped attending school thereby pre-empting plans to expel him, .

"I started banging, taking it to the streets, doing things to survive, washing cars, odd jobs in supermarkets, y'know, hustling," he said.

Munga's decision deeply disappointed his mother, a teacher, Karen Hamilton, who had nurtured hopes that her son would have become an accountant. Fate had different plans for him. In 1998, while visiting his grandmother in St. Mary, his uncle, Norman Hamilton a.k.a La Lumba encouraged him to enter the Red Label Wine Superstar competition with a song he co-wrote called 'Who Drink Out the Red Label Wine?". Munga entered and annihilated the competition, taking home the top prize.

After that, he drifted a little, hanging around the David House camp. He was the 'bannerman' in Capleton's 'Dutty Life' video in the late 90s, and he also did collaborations with Little Capes (Capleton's younger brother), all the while trying to concentrate his energies on honing his talents and mic skills. He did his first recording in 1999, a song called 'Hold A Vibes', a collaboration with other David House members on the Loyal Soldier label. Soon after, he began to do small stage shows.

"We start travel in 2001, opening for Capleton in the small islands, and then in 2002, I opened for him on the US tour. The Prophet has been the best teacher I could possibly have, he taught me about presentation, which is your image to the people, and the delivery of your sound and vocals, I commend him for that, he has the presentation aspect locked," he said.

However, despite his outstanding vocal ability, it was not until the year 2005 that the deejay who describes his sound as 'part Biggie-part Pac-part-Jigga with a piece of Capleton, Sizzla and Bob Marley' registered his first hit, when he recorded 'Bad Like I'.

STORY BEHIND THE HIT

He explains the story behind the hit:

"It was originally a 16-bar freestyle that I had, and one day, Cool Face, who scouts for Don, heard it and told Don, and Don told me to finish it. When Don hear, him turn red, him skin colour change, so mi know him feel it too. Two days later, mi call him and say me finish. So for the next two weeks, mi check him everyday straight, and on the 15th day, him record me," he told YardFlex.Com.

The song's lyrics launch a lyrical attack on rising star Idonia, 'If Busy Signal fraida Idonia, I don't/Fraid to shoot him/I won't'. Munga says that they have a good natured rivalry and there is no bad blood between the two.

"Me and him go tune fi tune at a stage show already, ah just love," he said.

In the meantime, the song continues to enjoy great airplay.

"I knew it was a hit from the night I record it, the reception mi get from the artiste dem: Voise Mail, Bling Dawg, Don, DJ Wayne, mi just know. The following day, the Friday, it play on the radio and it just gain momentum from then," he said.

He is now jointly managed by David House and the Don Corleone-owned Vendetta Records. Munga's upcoming singles include 'Flipping Rhymes' and 'Hold Her'.

"I will be shooting a combination video, for 'Bad Like I' for the garrison and the next single, 'Flipping Rhymes' for the uptown audience, when I am done, people are going to remember Munga," he said.

Sounds about right. Dem bwoy de no bad like.....

YardFlex Girl of The Day

Eneka Bleary the recently crown dancehall queen of Poughkeepsie has been dancing for sixteen years now and by becoming the next dancehall queen has always been a profound interest of hers.

"Dancing to me is something serious but sometimes it's fun. I eat, sleep, and drink dancing, to me without dancing I don't know what I would be doing right now," she told YardFlex.Com.

She strongly believes dancing is what helps to get her through her everyday struggles.

"I dance whenever I get the chance this helps me to express myself to others. To me dancing is a gift some people has it and some don't, I am glad to say I am one of those people who do."

Whenever Eneka is at the club she can't help but to hit the dance floor and 'buss di' place, while patrons watch keenly hoping to learn a few dance moves.

"I get a lot of attention from people who admires my dance patterns. They would often ask where did I learn to dance like that. "I would reply from watching television and then by adding my own flavors."

Inspirations: dancehall queen carline is my inspiration, I have been admiring her styles from a child growing up.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS IF YOU WANT TO BE A 'YARDFLEX GIRL OF THE DAY'

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

"The Poor People's Governor" Rodney "Bounty Killer" Price has teamed up with well-known non-profit Upliftment Jamaica to revive his signature celebrity charity concert SADDLE TO THE EAST, with the SADDLE TO THE EAST NY LAUNCH PARTY on August 20th at the Wild Palm Nightclub in the Bronx.

The Five Star General Bounty Killer will be making another highly anticipated appearance in the Big Apple with his Alliance soldiers Wayne Marshall, Movado, Aidonia, and Marlon Binns, and upcoming talent Mr. Zion. NY's famous Platinum Kidz will be at the controls with special guest, Jamaica's favorite selector Foota Hype. Upliftment Chairman Gary Foster will also be at the Wild Palm with the Upliftment Jamaica team to officially launch SADDLE TO THE EAST 2K6.

In celebration of Upliftment's commitment to transforming the impoverished communities of Jamaica with quality education, health, and social welfare programs in addition to creating economic opportunities, Bounty Killer is taking SADDLE TO THE EAST 2K6 to Upliftment's base in the heart of Jamaica's eastern coast--the rural, poverty-stricken parish of St. Thomas. On August 26th, the General rides into town with Sizzla, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Macka Diamond, Capelton, Anthony B, Chuck Fenda, Voicemail, Bling Dawg, Busy Signal, Bushman, Alozade, Richie Stephens, Lady Saw, Richie Spice, Aidonia, Movado, Kiprich, Twin of Twins, Leftside & Esco and many many more of Jamaica’s biggest and best entertainers to raise funds and awareness for the Upliftment purpose. Proceeds from the launch and the concert will be donated to Upliftment.

What are the chances of a born and bred Midwestern female from a midwestern family becoming a reggae dancehall deejay?(Jamaican rapper) Pretty slim - But the story of Zerby is nothing short of sensational. With a lot of guts, determination and talent, she defied the odds and has proven that she can lick a mic just as well as a Jamaican yardie. She threw herself into a world of the unknown and learned the know-how, survived, and has become the next female deejay sensation.

Nicole Williams was born in Ludington, Michigan on August 28, 1978. She spent all of her childhood in a town called Hudsonville. While she growing up there, she learned how to master many musical instruments including the piano, trumpet and bass guitar.

While she was attending Central Michigan University as a music major, she met up with the Ark band, who she went out on the road with as their new found member. I linked up with them one night and played all the horn lines with their trombone player, she explains. They had a trombone player and a sax player, so they needed a trumpet player. They then asked me to go on the road with them and I accepted. I didnt want to sit in school; I wanted to travel around. When you sit in the same place for long time you eventually want to leave. You want to see everything else. So that she did. Nicole moved with the Ark band to Columbus, Ohio, and found herself traveling all over the midwest and south as the trumpet player for the band. But because of artistical differences between rival siblings that continuously tormented the band, Nicole decided to leave.

Soon after the split-up, she met the Arks ex-lead singer (before she was a member), Ras Shaggai, and decided to help him form a new band entitled, Liviration. Her membership lasted three years with the group. During that period several things changed in Nicoles life. First, she relocated to Youngstown, Ohio. Then Liviration recorded their debut E.P. Liviration Posse, which was released by the Conscious Vision label. After a year of touring the midwest as the bands keyboard player, Liviration decided to pack up and move to St. Croix.

We used to always have to replace musicians, she states. They would play well for a month and then they would emulate Jazz or Rock and destroy the whole Reggae groove, so we couldnt play with them, and we moved to the Caribbean. In St. Croix, they played many local clubs including the Moonraker in Christiansted, where they performed for a standing room-only crowd every weekend, as well as toured the U.S. and headlined such shows as the the Detroit State Theater. Later, Nicole decided to venture out to Jamaica and seek out her long awaited love-Dancehall Deejaying.

On her own, with her new found identity ZERBY (which was a coined name give to Nicole by Ras Shaggai) booked her own studio time at the famous Penthouse Studios in Jamaica. She soon linked up with George from the Firehouse Crew and produced her own collaboration tune with DJ Easy Fresh entitled, Culture Shock. This was released on the C&G label and was distributed by the Tuff Gong music group. Next to follow was her second single Mash Up, which was released on the Firehouse label.

Zerby has worked with many producers such as Sly Dunbar, Steelie and Clevie, and Danny Brownie to name a few. She has performed with several sound systems in Jamaica and received an overwhelming response at Star Wave, Beach Bash, the Mirage nightclub and Godfathers Night Club in Kingston, Jamaica. She has shared the stage with deejay greats like Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and Spragga Benz.

Please look out for Zerby's album which is being released in the summer of 2007

Press Release:
Madhouse/Atlantic recording artist Cham has unveiled details of his eagerly awaited new album, "GHETTO STORY." The Kingston, Jamaica native's Atlantic debut hits stores nationwide August 15th.

Produced by Dave Kelly, "GHETTO STORY" is the follow-up to Cham's debut album, "WOW... THE STORY," released on Madhouse Records in 2000. Cham's 2003 released buzz track, "Vitamin S," was the reggae star's first Billboard-charting single. Cham, one of the world's greatest and most successful dancehall DJs, has been hailed a true superstar, a cutting-edge talent known around the world for his imaginative wordplay, creative sounds, and up-to-the-minute news reports of modern ghetto life.

The title track from "GHETTO STORY," featuring Alicia Keys, saw a 33 percent rebound this week as it jumped back into Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and bulleted to #22 in the Billboard Rap chart. "Ghetto Story" is also one of the top 5 researched records at both POWER 105 and HOT 97 radio stations in New York.

The music video for "Ghetto Story," also featuring Keys, began official rotation last week on MTV and BET. Cham's Makes A Video as well as an appearance on Sucker Free Countdown will air on MTV2 August 20th. He has also been named a "Discover and Download" artist on MTV and MTV2, and "Ghetto Story" is featured on The Leak on MTV2 and MTV Jams. Just last week, "Ghetto Story" aired as a New Joint on BET's 106 & Park.

First we gave you part one of Appleton Treasure Island, now we bring to you the wet side of this amazing party fever. The more the rain pours the wilder the party gets.

Appleton was the order of the day at Appleton Treasure Island (ATI) held in Negril on Heroes weekend. Even though the rain was falling It was a none stop partying affair - 11 parties in four days. Check out these amazing photos taken by
YardFlex.Com Photo Editor Carlington Wilmot

On Billboard's Hot 100 chart, Sean Paul scores his sixth top 10 hit as When You Gonna Give It Up To Me hops from 12 to 7. Moving to the R&B singles chart Sean Paul bullets from 11 to 6, while Cham inches from 40 to 37.

Beenie Man's Hmm Hmm skyrockets from 61 to 49, and Tony Matterhorn's Dutty Wine steps up from 42 to 40. Its Okay (One Blood) by rapper the Game, featuring Junior Reid, moves from 80 to 76.

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Appleton Treasure Island was the place to be over the weekend. The party kicks off on August 4 and will end on August 7. Here are a few scenes of crazy party goers getting their groves on at Appleton Treasure Island, Negril.

Hardbeatnews, NEW YORK, N.Y., Tues. Aug. 1, 2006: Four Caribbean-born artists are among the list of high profile nominees competing for this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

Those making the cut in the list announced yesterday are Jamaican-born Sean Paul, Barbados' Rihanna, Puerto Rico's Daddy Yankee and Haiti's Wyclef Jean.

Jean along with Columbian hottie Shakira, topped with seven nominations for the infectious single, 'Hips Don't Lie.' The duo was nominated in the Video of the Year category, as well as for Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, Best Dance Video, Best Art Direction In A Video, Best Choreography In A Video and the Viewer's Choice award.

Paul received two nominations for his 'Temperature,' in the Best Dance Video and Best Choreography In A Video categories while Rihanna was nominated in the Best New Artist in a Video category as well as for the Viewer's Choice award for her 'S.O.S.'

Paul faces tough competition from the likes of Christina Aguilera, Madonna, the Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg, Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland and of course Jean and Shakira. While Rihanna is going up against the likes of not just Jean and Shakira but Kelly Clarkson, Chris Brown and James Blunt among others.

For full story:
http://www.hardbeatnews.com/editor/RTE/my_documents/my_files/details.asp?newsid=10316&title=Top%20Stories

Keyshia Cole is the real deal. Like many young people raised in a tough neighborhood, the 21-year-old songstress endured a tumultuous childhood in Oakland, California, and has fought all her life to keep her dream of a music career alive. Now she's realizing that dream on her own terms with her first album for the A&M label, The Way It Is. It's been a long road for Keyshia, but it's her powerful voice-- a bell-like instrument whose soaring clarity is topped off with a tantalizing touch of soulful grit -- that's carried her through, not to mention the diminutive singer's personal combination of sugar, spice, sass and sex appeal, along with a solid-steel spine.

"Being young, you have to be really dedicated to doing it for yourself," says Keyshia, who co-wrote most of the songs on her new CD and cites artists like Mary J. Blige and Brandy as inspirations. "There's a lot of trials and tribulations you have to go through to get what you want, especially if you feel like it belongs to you."

Keyshia's talent, personality, and faith have won her fans and supporters within the notoriously picky entertainment industry since she was a young girl. While still a pre-teen she convinced then-superstar MC Hammer that he should put her on, and she even got a chance to do some recording with the rap star before she was 12 years old. She also scored sessions singing hooks with other Bay Area artists, including Messy Marv's "Nubian Queen" remix, which was a regional hit for the rapper, and with Tony Toni Tone's Dwayne Wiggins, who featured her on his soundtrack for the indie film Me & Mrs. Jones.

Within minutes of catching her boyfriend cheating, Keyshia was in her car driving to Los Angeles in the middle of the night to start a brand-new life. It only took the determined singer a few months of making connections to snag an introduction to A&M Records President Ron Fair, who immediately signed her to her first solo recording deal. For her first album, Keyshia has garnered the support of none other than reigning hip-hop star Kanye West; producer and songwriter DaRon of R&B group 112; rapper Chink Santana, whose gruff stylings have graced hits by Ashanti and The Inc.; and popular producer E-Poppi. She also got a chance this past Spring to collaborate with Eve for her debut single, "Never," on the Barbershop 2 soundtrack.

So what's everybody raving about? Check Keyshia's first single with West, "I Changed My Mind." The tune is a perfect fit for Keyshia's longing soprano and her distinct stance as a performer: Like many young women, she's looking for love, but she's not so desirous of romance that she'll sacrifice her own needs. Having been devoted to her man, she quickly realized that he is devoted to himself. What's a girl to do? She simply changes her mind about being involved and walks away.

Keyshia easily admits that the song reflects her romantic philosophy. "That song was actually about being focused and dedicated to what you want and what you're trying to be. It's about the things you're trying to accomplish in life and dealing with somebody, a significant other, who comes in between that, especially with their ways. I want to be an example for young girls in following your goals and dreams and making it happen and checking him out later if you have to."

A twist on that philosophy is on display in "I Should've Cheated," which was crafted by DuRon, a producer whose songs Keyshia admired so much she chased him down in Atlanta to work with him. On the track, Keyshia sings of being a devoted girlfriend who is constantly accused of cheating by her man. It seems that two can play that game, and Keyshia has no trouble letting Mr. Suspicious know what's up. "That song has a lot of emotion, because I feel every girl and every guy can relate to that," she says. "If somebody is doing you wrong or saying that you're doing something and you're being the best that you can be in the relationship, then you get home and they're like 'Where you been?' "Well, where I could have been is ...' Don't start! It could get real ugly."

At the same time, Keyshia's songcraft reveals that the plucky artist isn't afraid to let a man know she's interested. On the flowing "We Could Be," she fearlessly lays out all a former friendship could blossom into. On the mid-tempo "Down N Dirty," she has no trouble expressing what she'd like to do, while on the spare, deep groove "Talk To Me," co-written by singer Mya, Keyshia lets a guy know that his seeming disinterest is just a front. And Chink Santana lends his gritty rhyming skills to "Situations," another love song with a twist.

On the feel-good, old-school-styled ballad "Love," Keyshia's powerful vocal intensifies a straight-ahead plea to the object of her affection, who's involved with someone else. It was a real-life situation that compelled Keyshia, who admits ballads are not her favorite style, to come up with the lyrics to "Love" in five minutes flat. At a Malibu restaurant, she spied the same guy who years earlier had told her he wasn't interested in a committed relationship with her dining with his girlfriend. "So I was looking at the girl and I was like, 'What is it about her? You know, like seriously, what are you thinking?'" Keyshia remembers. "And I just wrote about it, it came out really quick." She immediately headed into the studio with producer Greg Curtis: "After I wrote the song, I went to the studio about 4 in the morning, and by 5 or 6 I was done with the song and that's what you hear."

Ms. Cole even applies her keep-it-real aesthetic to the tune "You've Changed," in which she takes on none other than Jay-Z for the lyrics to his tune "Song Cry." The tune is from the point of view of a neglected wife who's had enough.

The realities surrounding where she was raised and the hurdles she overcame are never far from her mind. She says she recorded the tune "Streets Is A Mothaf---a" because the lyrics reflected some true-to-life scenarios, including crime, drugs, and the hustles that come with survival. "It's just different things that we see in the 'hood that we never see in Hollywood. I liked the contents of the song, because I felt like no girls talked about it," she says.

A self-described "hard worker" who can sometimes be "goofy" and "fun" yet says she would never kiss a guy she doesn't know for a video, Keyshia is passionate about providing inspiration to young girls, and young people in general, who come from troubled backgrounds. "I want to be an example for young people, especially growing up in the 'hood, because it's already hard enough to not be focused, not to be trying, to be doing something," she says, adding that hope and faith and holding on to a dream can carry anyone far. The tattoo on her right shoulder -- a cross, a heart, and a star-- truly reflects her belief that goals can be realized, despite the circumstances. "It's really possible," she says with a grin. And those are her thoughts -- just the way it is.

By: Claude Mills
Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

D'Angel revealed that her first biological child will indeed be a "Beenie boy".

"We're just excited about the whole pregnancy, and we just recently found out that it's going to be a boy!" she said, excitedly.

"People already want to pay us millions for exclusive pictures of the baby, some have said that they want some exclusive photo shoots and interviews with me. Some media representatives are even bidding for exclusive rights to the wedding, the baby pictures and our life story; right now, Beenie and I are trying to get everything sorted out, and select the best candidate to do it," she gushed.

"It's just like what happens with stars overseas, we're getting the same kind of energy that Brad and Angelina got, and it's overwhelming how so many people are interested in us and this, our first child together," she told YardFlex.Com.

D'Angel said that she is loving the life of a pregnant woman, the cravings, watching sonograms and the pampering at the hands of her beau, Beenie Man.

"I am just so fabulous right now, I am glowing, God no make no mistake with this gal, we pretty and blooming everyday, mi no know what happen to dem, I am loved and it shows," she said.

After first seeing a sonogram of her baby, D'Angel, whose real name is Michelle Downer, was speechless.

"I didn't know what to say...this beautiful life inside me, that I helped to create."

How many kids do you intend to have?

"Not anymore right now, I am going to be too busy," she said.

Any names? Moses Jr. perhaps?
"I am not really 'medsing' that right now, plus me caan mek the whole world know what me a think," she said, laughing.

[Intro: Sean Paul
Get out my head and into the bed girl...
Cau yuh dun know, plottin' out the fantasy..
Hey baby girl and it's you a di key...yo...mi go so then

[Chorus: Sean Paul] (Letters in CAPS means Keyshia Cole is singing with Sean Paul)
From yuh look inna mi eye gal I see seh yuh want me
When you gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Because yuh body enticin yuh makin mi horny
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Well if a no today girl then a must be tomorrow (Oooh, oooh, oooh)
When you FULFILL MY FANTASY
Because yuh know I give yuh lovin straight like an arrow
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME

[Verse 1:]
So back it up deh..So pack it up yeah
Cause I wanna be the man that's really gonna have it up and mack it up and
Slap it up yeah...So what is up yeah...You know you got the sinting inna me pants a develop and a swell up and
Double up yeah...So gimmie the work yeah cause if you no gimme the work the blue balls a erupt yeah..
So rev it up deh gal gwaan try you luck deh cause when you stir it up you know me haffi measure up yeah.

[Chorus: Sean Paul] (Letters in CAPS means Keyshia Cole is singing with Sean Paul)
From yuh look inna mi eye gal I see seh yuh want me
When you gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Because yuh body enticin yuh makin mi horny
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Well if a no today girl then a must be tomorrow (Oooh, oooh, oooh)
When you FULFILL MY FANTASY
Because yuh know I give yuh lovin straight like an arrow
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME

[Verse 2: Sean Paul]
Hey pretty girl...Seh mi love fi see you walk...
Yuh no habla ingles but just listen me when me a talk
This ya one yeah from me heart, woman you got me caught
You ever inna me thoughts and no left me inna the dark, inna the...
First place gal that's where you belong, so just let me flip the switch woman I can turn it on and...
Gimme the passion from dusk till dawn...Tell me if you want it fi gwaan...my girl..

[Verse 3: Keyshia Cole]
As a woman on my own I got it goin on
And I'm liking what I'm seeing I don't wanna be alone
Cause you got me in a daze your illusion make me sway
We go back and forth and round and round and nothing turn away
Baby boy could it be wonderful like this
To say it's only bout in the way you twist
Cause you got me in a daze your illusion make me sway
I'm caught into you now I'm tempted to stay, oh no!

[Chorus: Sean Paul] (Letters in CAPS means Keyshia Cole is singing with Sean Paul)
From yuh look inna mi eye gal I see seh yuh want me
When you gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Because yuh body enticin yuh makin mi horny
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Well if a no today girl then a must be tomorrow (Oooh, oooh, oooh)
When you FULFILL MY FANTASY
Because yuh know I give yuh lovin straight like an arrow
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME

{Bridge: Keyshia Cole]
Boom, boom, boom boom, boom, boom, boom boom
Boom, boom, boom boom, ba ba boom, boom, boom boom

[Verse 4: Sean Paul]
So why can't you see....we ought to be....together girl don't front on me
I just wanna be near so don't have no fear and lemme see you bring your body right over here
Because you should share it...girl I'll care it.....And I'm gonna give you love so clear
It gonna make you shine and once you are mine...we be rockin' it until the end of time

[Chorus: Sean Paul] (Letters in CAPS means Keyshia Cole is singing with Sean Paul)
From yuh look inna mi eye gal I see seh yuh want me
When you gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Because yuh body enticin yuh makin mi horny
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Well if a no today girl then a must be tomorrow (Oooh, oooh, oooh)
When you FULFILL MY FANTASY
Because yuh know I give yuh lovin straight like an arrow
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
From yuh look inna mi eye gal I see seh yuh want me
When you gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Because yuh body enticin yuh makin mi horny
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME
Well if a no today girl then a must be tomorrow (Oooh, oooh, oooh)
When you FULFILL MY FANTASY
Because yuh know I give yuh lovin straight like an arrow
When yuh gonna GIVE IT UP TO ME

[Outro: Keyshia Cole] (Sean Paul)
Oh ah oh (Yeah yeah, yo yo)
Oh ah oh (Sean-A-Paul and yuh know we a nuh go yo)
Oh ah oh, oooh oh ah oh (Di S.P. and we deh yah pon di go yo)
Oooh oooh oooh (Sean Paul, Keyshia Cole and Don Corleon, a next chapter
Oh ah oh (Yah mon fah all my girls yuh know)
Oooh oh ah oh (Keep it keep it keep it keep it sexy)
Oh ah oh (Boom, boom, boom boom)
Oh ah oh (Boom, boom, boom boom)
Oh ah oh (Boom, boom, boom boom)
Oooh oh ah oh (Ba ba boom, boom, boom boom)
Oh ah oh (Boom, boom, boom boom)
Oh ah oh (Boom, boom, boom boom)
Oh ah oh (Boom, boom, boom boom)
Oooh oh ah oh (Ba ba boom, boom, boom boom)

The diverse sounds that have been brewing in the Caribbean island decades on end offer innovative new music with not only a distinct Jamaican flavor, but everything from gospel, to country, to contemporary R&B and hip-hop. And it's out of this fusion of styles (dancehall, R&B, and singer-songwriter soul) that sisters Nyanda and Nailah Thorbourne (otherwise known as Brick and Lace), have been born. No stranger to the music industry in both the and, the two in their Geffen debut, Love Is Wicked, features production from the likes of Akon (Universal Records recording artist), Raphael Saadiq (Mary J. Blige, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Bilal), Tony Kelly (Sean Paul, Shaggy, Lady Saw, Beenie Man), Full Force (Backstreet Boys, ), and Will.I.Am(Black Eyed Peas).

Raised in Kingston by a father who is a professional gospel musician and a mother who sang in the choir, the two always had music around them. "We were never religious musicians," explains Nyanda, "But the church is where we first started singing in front of an audience." From there the two began singing and recording together, working their way into the local dancehall scene as teens. In addition they sought gigs singing back up for more established acts. Their foray into that world lead to them eventually performing at Reggae Sunsplash and even opening for Roberta Flack. Later they were even invited by Lauryn Hill to sing back ups for her as well as perform on her forth-coming second album.

"Nyanda is the edgy one and Nailah is the more R&B one" says Nailah, laughing, "But you never know, on any given day it can change who's Brick and who's Lace." And it's this dichotomy that yields their superior songwriting. "We each have different experiences but we come together and collaborate," says Nailah, who actually plays guitar as well, and helped work with their producers on melodies. "The process of collaboration is really one of my favorite things, and we try to avoid having firm roles."

"We have so many influences," says Nyanda, in a thick, but sweet Jamaican accent. "We try and learn from them, their melodies and songwriting, to create something entirely new." And that's exactly what they do, infusing Jamaican rhythms and dancehall styling to R&B, and coupling it with a ride-or-die-chick aesthetic, the sisters concoct a delicious pop formula. Songs like "Get That Clear," their infectious Akon produced banger and first single, with it's syncopated handclaps, and modulated voice on the hook, and "Love Is Wicked" with it's tag-team of hard chanting and sensual singing, exemplify the mesmerizing style. But the girls are more than catchy hooks and sensual melodies, and no song demonstrates this better than "Why'd You Lie," their Full Force produced track which samples the Simon & Garfunkel classic, "The Boxer." "All of our songs are based on experiences that are true to us," says Nyanda, "We just take the situations that we've been through or that our friends have been through. Those things are universal and that's what makes records like 'Why'd You Lie' work."

The sisters got their break a little over a year ago when they signed with their current production company, 180 Music, who shopped their music around the states and eventually signed them to Geffen. "I think that the girls are incredibly talented, and that goes without saying," says their manager Marcus Grant, "Beyond the singing and the songwriting, both of which they do very well, Brick & Lace are stars and there is no ceiling to their potential."

And with an album full of radio-ready, songs that are both danceable and catchy, it seems there truly is no roof on the Thorbourne sisters.

Dancehall-reggae icon Buju Banton aka Gargamel is set to blaze the stage on Saturday night at the long-awaited return of BMobile Reggae Sunsplash in Ocho Rios, Jamaica this weekend.

The historic festival's "International Night" will also feature performances from Maxi Priest, Steele Pulse, UB40, Damian Marley, and many others.

Buju Banton and The Shiloh Band will juggle selections from Banton's extensive catalog of dancehall and roots reggae classics as well as debut new songs from the forthcoming dancehall album Too Bad, which is scheduled to hit stores on September 12th 2006 on Gargamel Music, Inc. The label is being distributed in North America by Tommy Boy Distribution. Nature Sounds Distribution will distribute to the rest of the world.

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Ninjaman is perhaps best known in dancehall circles for his wicked undressing of deejay Shabba Ranks with the put-down phrase, 'doodoo pants', at the infamous 1989 Reggae Sunsplash dancehall night at Bob Marley Centre in Freeport, Montego Bay.

However, surprisingly, the 'Don Gorgon' maintains that his greatest Sunsplash memory occurred in 1992 when he performed on the same stage as international recording star Buju Banton.

"Buju tek 45 minutes and mash up the venue, and me tek five minutes and do what Buju do and more," Ninjaman boasted. "After Buju perform, people did ah wonder what me coulda come wid and mi surprise dem, and that is what mi plan fi do again this year. Ninjaman is on a mission, I am a married man, new life, new wife, new lyrics, a new Millennium Ninjaman."

One patron on that memorable night said that Ninjaman, attired in full red, and his hair dyed red, walked on stage and placed his foot on the monitor and posed. The crowd lost its collective mind. By this time, Ninjaman, a champion of many clashes, had created an aura of invincibility, and a mystique around his Don Gorgon persona so he could effectively do no wrong from that moment.

"He had this delightful self-assurance about him that night as if to say, 'my boy did well, but the Don Gorgon is here'," the patron said.

Ninjaman has a new song called 'Step Pon Corn' that has become a bit of a 'staple' in the dancehall, earning major forwards at venues all across Jamaica.

He will be performing on Reggae Sunsplash's Dancehall Night on Thursday, August 3rd.

"At the time Buju performed, he was my artiste. Me and him did just come from Japan, before that, me and him perform in the US, but mi neva like how him perform when he was in the US, so mi give him a few pointers...it was in a small hotel room, mi teach him style, teach him say performance different from appearance different from lyrics, mi tell him about body language and movement…all these deejays, mi give them encouragement, but Buju is one of the artiste who I give encouragement that never go to waste," Ninjaman said.

There are however, many people who insist that the face-off with Shabba is one of dancehall's greatest moments. Ninjaman uttered the infamous phrase about Shabba Ranks: "some man arrive inna helicopter and leave inna minibus". There

was a lot of hype surrounding that year, especially with Shabba Ranks who had major international hits under his belt. The organizers had hired four trailers with sexy girls which had been paraded around Montego Bay, and there had been major fire works when he arrived.

"The Shabba war was not my greatest night, me and Shabba was on the same level, so that night, it was either me or him come first, we were long time rivals, so it wasn't like that, the Buju night was more important because Buju did go hard that night, him mash up the place, and me come flatten it after," Ninjaman said. "And ah that me ah go ah dis year's Sunsplash."

Photo Courtesy of http://members.aol.com/

By: Jigga Mattic
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Grammy-award winning deejay Beenie Man has parted ways with his backing band, Ruff Kut, just three days before his performance on this year's International Night of Reggae Sunsplash 2006.

Speaking by phone from Trinidad today, Beenie Man told YardFlex.Com that on Tuesday, August 1, he heard that the duo Twins of Twins, with whom he has had an ongoing friction in recent months, was rehearsing at the Shocking Vibes studio with the backing band, Ruff Kut. Angered by this development, he went to the studio and declared that the Twins of Twins should leave, but manager Patrick Roberts and the Ruff Kut band insisted instead that the duo stay and rehearse. The situation soon spiralled out of control.

"Right now, mi fire everybody," Beenie Man declared.
"Twins of Twins caan rehearse wid my band, inna my place, dem nah back me again, 'cause even dem waan diss me too 'cause dem say if me disrespect Twins and tell dem fi leave, dem (Ruff Kut) ah go leave too. Me ah big man, mi nah tek no disrespect from dem either. The world know say the Twins no like me, so how dem fi waan let dem through my gate, there's no need fi dem to be in my place, but even Patrick (Roberts) tek dem side inna it, so mi get vex, man," Beenie explained.

"Is like the backing band orchestrate the whole thing, dem mussi get a better offer from Shaggy or some other artiste. Dem invite the man dem inna my place, mi no hate the Twins, if me see dem now, mi nah go fight dem, but mi nuh waan dem inna my place, and when mi no like it, the band all ah tek fi dem side. Mi all play the Twins CD fi mek dem hear how the man dem diss me, and the man dem walk 'way, everyman walk way, so right now, me ah look fi rebuild, me dun wid Ruff Kut. Is a new band mi a look fi work wid ah Reggae Sunsplash on Saturday night when mi come in from Trinidad, mi sort it out."

As it relates to his manager, Patrick Roberts, Beenie said: "Him no call me, me no call him, but him shoulda be the one to defend me, me shoulda be his main priority."

The Ruff Kut band has been with Beenie Man for almost seven years.

Patrick Roberts laughed off claims that Beenie Man had dismissed him, saying it was all a misunderstanding.

"I told him I was done with him because of how disrespectfully he was behaving towards the band members, the expletives he was using, and him say, 'yu done wid me, if yu do that, mi war wid you', and then call Irie FM, and say 'oonu waan news?'," Mr. Roberts related, laughing.

"Mi say to him Moses, ah foolishness yu a do, but him start shout 'me ah de king', you know Beenie. But he needs to understand the rehearsal room is rented to the public, and further, Twins of Twins genuinely realise that after what happened in Portland, they need to mend fences with Beenie Man, or else they wouldn't have come here in the first place," he said.

Roberts added that he had met with the band today and that it was still up in the air as to whether it would be "an amicable departure or a continued relationship in the future".

"It all depends on the artiste," he said.

Beenie Man returns to the island on Saturday morning.

Ocho Rios, St. Ann

Everything's juiced and ready to go. The return is now a mere formality as the bMobile Reggae Sunsplash 2006 festival kicks off today at Richmond Estates, St. Ann with an adrenaline-charged lineup of dancehall heavyweights such as the Warlord Bounty Killer, Ninjaman and Vybz Kartel.

The resort town of Ocho Rios is buzzing with talk of the festival. The hotels are booked solid and the business community is bracing for the impact of a galaxy of international stars including high-powered names like UB 40 who are jetting into the island, along with a retinue of international journalists from Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States that would rival a United Nations conference.

In all, ninety six media houses will cover the landmark event including thirty six U.S. media houses, seven from the UK, six from Canada, two from the Caribbean and at least one from South America. Notables include top magazine Rasta Snob from Italy, Billboard magazine from the US, and Juice/Riddim Magazine from Germany.

"The response so far has been overwhelming and heartening from the international media," Charles Campbell, Director of Production of Reggae Sunsplash 2006, said.

An entire generation of young people who grew up hearing stories about Reggae Sunsplash will now have their chance to make their own 'Splash memories.' These young people, along with journalists and tourists, are set to make a pilgrimage of sorts to revive a festival that meant so much to the growth of reggae music in the vibrant, 1980s. After all, the name, Sunsplash, has become an instant adjective denoting youthful exuberance, great reggae music, and great vibes. The festival also formed the capstone of a landmark era of Jamaica's counter-cultural history, and historians still marvel over estimations from the local police that Dancehall Night in 1988 drew some 54,000 fans in the late 1980s. However, all that success seemed like eons ago.

What are we to make of this new reincarnation of Reggae Sunsplash?

Well, by all indications, the reggae festival, to use a term from the local vernacular, appears as though "it sell off."

"Ticket sales have been going exceptionally well," Mr. Campbell said. "The outlets in Kingston and Ocho Rios are doing much better than our initial forecasts and projections. In fact, we are expecting more tourists than we initially planned for, and this speaks to the enduring appeal of Reggae Sunsplash."

TWO STAGE CONCEPT

Mr. Campbell said that the "venue is up and ready...the art and craft villages are complete, and the concessionaries have taken possession of their stalls, the Sky Deck has been sold out, we are ready to go."

"People are looking forward to seeing how the two-stage concept is going to work," Mr. Campbell said.

The festival which begins today will run through to August 6th. Artistes such as Grammy award winners Beenie Man, Damian Marley, Maxi Priest, UB 40, as well as marquis performers like Mr. Lex, Freddie McGregor and Shinehead are expected to take the stage over the next few days. The internationally acclaimed reggae band UB 40 will be making its first local appearance in Jamaica at this year's Reggae Sunsplash.

"Six tonnes of UB 40 freightage has arrived for their show, and 59 hours of music is set to roll. As Beenie said, take a bus, take a boat, take a cart and get down here before you miss history in the making," Towa Beer, Revenue Generation and Special Events Manager of Cable and Wireless Ltd., said.

Bounty Killer and Ninjaman have reportedly mended their strained musical relationship. "Me ah big man so me go down a Sumfest fi talk to Bounty and Sharon Burke about the foolishness that a gwaan. Mi surprise how him talk to me, him look pon me and say, 'yu ah mi father, yu shoulden tek no side, yu fi just say what is wrong or right' and him right. Mi shoulden get caught up in the whole controversy between Beenie and Bounty, Killa ah mi son, Beenie ah
mi nephew, mi nah tek no side inna dem argument.

But Killa fi know say when one woman gone, put on a smiling face because a prettier one out there waiting," he told YardFlex.ComNinjaman will be performing on August 3, Dancehall Night on Reggae Sunsplash 2006. "Right now, mi a try bring back the love and unity in the business and the return of Reggae Sunsplash give us the opportunity to do that."

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