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

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

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

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

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

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By: Buffilous

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

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

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

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

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

Well when mi check mi friend and ask har, she sey if dem suh concern, dem fi come check har and meck she teach dem a ting or two about how fi hol’ a man and fix him up proper!

She sey she have a freak guide book and she can pass on some knowledge free a cost! Backside yuh know sey all a dis a meck mi wonda now wha really a gwaan inna dis ya island.

A mi friend, so mi nah judge har, but after fi har experience mi start to check out and talk to more people and yuh waan fi know di shocker? Yeah man a nuff nuff people a engage inna threesome and all foursome tuh!

A suh sex get boring dat one couple caan enjoy it again. But if yuh ask mi a tink is di man dem come up wid it as a way fi deal wid odda women and not get cussed fi it. And as fi di woman dem a tink dem do it cause dem waan fi control who dem man sleep wid. Cause it betta dem dey dey dan him dweet behind dem back.

Yes mi chile, threesome and foursome a way a life now inna Jamaica and it nuh look like sey it a guh put pon di back burner anytime soon. Well a it dat fi mi till next time...if a your ting dem deh, den get yuh freak on...but if yub stay like mi...enjoy yuh man...alone!

By: Janice Dayle

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

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

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

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

Levy has been blazing a trail ever since on commercial radio, taking his penchant for bringing the cultures of the Caribbean and all music to the world - on a fast ride to the top. In a short four weeks his brand new KISS FM show went number one for its time slot, prompting other mainstream radio programmers to take notice and begin including Caribbean programming in their content. In short, Levy's impact on the airwaves influenced the huge acceptance Caribbean culture now enjoys in media.

Consistent in bringing the heavyweights in Hip-Hop, R & B, Reggae, Soca and Dancehall together on stage and in broadcasts for New York audiences; the quick witted and lyrically fit Levy has been unmatchable in both areas.

He became the first radio announcer/DJ to host three separate shows on different radio stations simultaneously in the New Your market; since 1993 saw him pile on commitments at 105.9 FM WNWK and 107.5 WBLS FM & 1190 WLIB AM.

On other historical notes, Levy became the first person to not only start the ball rolling for that triggered Shabba Ranks' huge success; he also was the first promoter to bring Beres Hammond and Buju Banton to Madison Square Gardens and Radio City Music Hall and partnered in producing the only annual All Star Mothers Day Festival that featured Reggae, Soca, Calypso and R&B, at both venues.

"I got into promoting early and as a student at City College, did parties at Red Zone, alternating two days with Bad Boy's Puffy," Levy told YardFlex in his charismatic, striking tone. A successful fundraiser for the newly expanded City College radio station further opened Levy’s eyes to not only his own immense capabilities, but also to the lucrative possibilities of the music business; and his party planning got more serious and intense.

Levy had come a long way from his childhood days in the Caribbean and England, where he also spent some formative years. He reflected on those youthful days when he would make a habit of mimicking radio announcers and pretend to be a pilot addressing his passengers from the cockpit. Convinced that he would one day be on radio, Levy said, "I even entered and won a Franky Crocker sound alike contest when I first came to live in the US."

Known as the radio personality 'without borders,' Levy makes every effort to not only satisfy his diverse audience but to also completely understand his programme content by immersing himself in the cultures he presents through travels and research. Presenting with no hype, no profiling, but just plain humility and eloquence Levy continues to deliver first rate cultural information because he says, "I am a citizen of the Caribbean and I love all of what the Caribbean has to offer."

Continuing with his multi-tasking busyness, Levy is currently engaged in preparations for the highly anticipated Madison Square Gardens, Machel Montana headlining show; coming up on March 28, 2008. He will also be presenting Buju Banton on Mothers Day this year. Check out his global activities at www.caribbeanfever.com

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

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

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

TOP 20 REGGAE SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 21 Mi Nah Rub-Queen Ifrica-Downsound Records(3wks@#1) NM
02 2 21 St. Jago De La Vega-Lutan Fyah-Mac D's(2wks@#1) NM
03 5 26 Praise God- Little Hero-Inspire U-2
04 4 14 Old Rugged Cross-George Nooks-Tad's International NM
05 3 13 Sometimes-Courtney "Yogi" John-Fi Wi Music(pp#3) D-2
06 8 12 Warrior Love –Etana-Freemind U-2
07 6 18 Daddy Don't Touch Me There-Queen Ifrica- No Doubt Records (2wks@#1) D-1
08 9 9 Yesterday-Daville-Fashowzy(pp#14) U-1
09 10 7 Just Like The Rain-Courtney Melody-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes U-1
10 13 4 Baby Tonight-Courtney "Yogi" John-Taxi U-3
11 7 13 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-Cannon/VP Records (pp#7) D-4
12 11 19 Bonafide Girl-Shaggy feat Ric Rok and Tony Gold- Big Yard(2wks@#1) D-1
13 14 6 Lion Paw-Tarrus Riley- Cannon U-1
14 12 9 Book Of Life-I-Wayne-Loyal Soldiers/VP Records (pp#12) D-2
15 15 9 Stronger-Fantan Mojah- Maximum Sound (pp#12) NM
16 - New Mercy Please-Black Judah feat. Warrior King-Teflon Blood
17 18 2 I'm Bless-Prestige-Timeless Records U-1
18 17 18 Fling It Up Pon Mi-Da'ville- Big Yard(pp#6) D-1
19 - New Love Fire-Tony Rebel-Taxi
20 - New Love You Pure-Sophia Brown-321 Strong

TOP TEN ALBUMS/CD CHART

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 14 Intoxication-Shaggy- VP Records/Big Yard (8wks@#1) NM
02 2 15 Unselfish -Courtney (Yogie) John-Fi Wi Music NM
03 3 11 Book of Life-I-Wayne-VP Records NM
04 4 8 Love & Affection-Pressure-Don Corleon NM
05 5 19 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-VP Records (2wks@#1) NM
06 7 6 Sacrifice-Alaine-Don Corleon U-1
07 6 12 Purge Riddim Meets Zee Drop Riddim-Various Artistes- In Your Face Music/Tad's International D-1
08 10 2 Jah Is My Navigator-Luciano–VP Records U-2
09 8 22 Sean Kingston-Sean Kingston-Beluga Heights/Epic (4wks@#1) D-1
10 - New Revelation -Little Hero-Inspire/Diamond Edge

_____________________NOTES_____________________________________
Numbers in bracket indicate the number of weeks at the No. 1 Spot.
Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover
TW - This Week, LW - Last Week, WC Weeks on Chart, PP in bracket -
Peak Position
Sources: Sound Systems, Record Shops, Night Clubs & Radio Play

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

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

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

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

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Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

See below the article in question.

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

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

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

Asked why these chose Mavado in particular, Hopkinson said he has been in the business for over 12 years and understands what music does to people. He said he had nothing personally against Mavado and his music.

"But we need to understand what Mavado is doing to the youths when he says he's a gangsta for life. We have to take a stand against the music that's inflaming these young minds, because they are not strong enough to withstand these messages," he said.

Hopkinson said his Afternoon Drive programme, which airs from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, would be focusing on music with more positive messages. He also spoke about the music of 50 Cent and newcomers Busy Signal and Demarco as having negative influences.

Hopkinson said he hoped DJs at other stations would see the harm that is being done and take a similar stance.

"We certainly are taking a stand at this station," he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Janice Dayle

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

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

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

"Before car seats and because I was the baby, I got to sit in the middle facing the radio; and especially on long car trips to Toronto or Florida, from New York; I would be the family DJ." Developing imaginary friendships with radio personalities was a natural progression for Pat who had become the self appointed family selector.

Starving for sounds of Jamaica as a teen returning to New York after living in Kingston and attending Alpha Academy; the 'sports and music buff' gravitated to a Ken Williams owned club, where her first taste of being Master of Ceremonies, had her hooked on the microphone. Taking over for Ken, who lost his voice one evening, to introduce the band 'Chalice,' was the beginning of something that has propelled Pat to a historic position in 'US Reggae Radio.'

Becoming a Reggae Ambassador through college radio programming in 1983 and as a frequently called upon MC for major Reggae concerts featuring great acts like: Black Uhuru, Michigan and Smiley, Denroy Morgan and Sister Carol, was a natural progression. And Pat's expertise in the field of Reggae was soon in high demand, leading to stints as consultant and narrator on films, televised features and print articles; in addition to numerous international stage appearances and productions featuring her as the subject.

"It's a service thing...I work for Reggae lovers wherever they are," the mother of two teenaged sons said, of her steadfast dedication that has seen her pumping Reggae music on commercial radio in the US since 1986. Keen on realizing an improved visibility for Caribbean culture, Pat aims at continually beefing up her progressive contribution to the representation and inclusion of the rich Caribbean culture in all media.

Her undiluted Reggae vibes have been alive on air in New York ever since she initiated the first ever all Reggae show on general market radio called, 'The WBLS Reggae House Party.' She was a part of the WBLS and sister-station WLIB/1190AM/NY, family until 2004 and has lent her voice-power to KISS FM, WRTN, WNYE, IRIE FM, WBLS, WQXR, WRKS and WLIB.

"Life has its ups and downs 97 reggae rhythms is one of the ups," is how one Reggae Rhythms Station ID reads. Checking out the non-stop Reggae programming generated at Sirius with Pat at the lead is guaranteed to give you 365 days of commercial free Reggae in all genres and from every era. It is really an uplifting experience.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

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

11 14 02 Beenie Man- Wine Gal-TJ Records- Greatest Gainer up 3
12 11 06 Deva Bratt-Gussy Clarke-Truck Back
13 09 17 Brick & Lace- Love Is Wicked-180 Entertainment-Peak@#6
14 16 02 Busy Signal-Pon Di Edge-Star Kutt
15 13 14 Garrison Hawk –Gangsta Roll- Warner Bros
16 17 06 Prestige-I'm Bless-Timeless Records
17 15 24 Assassin-Dem A Sissy-Don Corleon- Peak@#4
18 NE 01 I-Octane-Poverty-No Doubt Records- New Entry
19 18 23 Movado-Squeeze Har -H2o- Peak@#5
20 20 23 Busy Signal- Nah Go A Jail-Jam2-3wks@#1

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

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

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

Joe Gibbs, and the late Errol Thompson, have an exclusive worldwide agreement with VP Records vintage imprint, 17 North Parade, to re-release his complete catalog, including the Barrington Levy Collection (Apr. 26th), Joe Gibbs Reggae Anthology (May 2008) and many more.

17 North Parade (VP Records) A&R Fidel Luna states, "The legendary Joe Gibbs to me is one of the most humble, straightforward and pleasant people I have ever encountered in the music business. His contributions to Reggae as a hit-making producer and distributor are truly second to none."

Sirius Satellite's Reggae Rhythms channel will air his last interview on Sunday, March 2nd when they debut their new weekly series 'Sunday Classics'.

Rest in peace Joe Gibbs.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

"And in the early 1990s when I realised that the whole world was only focusing on Bob Marley and everybody had forgotten about Peter, I decided to put together this film so the world could understand the mind of this great poet."

Carl Bradshaw also expressed pleasure in the standard of the films that were featured and noted that it "will grow from strength to strength."

"This film festival is of a difference. This is not the first film festival to be held in Jamaica, but one of this nature, a reggae film festival with the kind of films being shown, really presents a different perspective to the culture."

By: Michelle Thomas
Photography By: Marie Mendoza

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

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

Bringing plenty of charisma & energy to the stage, the roots reggae band Soul Majestic, from the Santa Cruz and bay area had the crowd swaying back & forth. Rootz Underground had conscious lyrics and a magnetic stage presence. Their performance rocked and they electrified the crowd with their dance moves. Puerto Rican reggae band, Cultura Profetica had a unique sound that had fans moving.

Anthony B gave an energizing performance that had Beenie Man dancing along the side lines. The crowd got fired up when he took the stage and serenaded the ladies as the entire arena joined in.

The Dub Champions, Sly & Robbie – so named by MC's Amlak Tafari & Richie B, hypnotized & captivated the audience with their phenomenal sounds as they backed actress/singer/songwriter, Cherine Anderson and Queen Ifrica. Known as one of Jamaica's number one female artists, Cherine commanded attention as she opened with her rendition of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song". She blew the crowd away with her soulful sounds & amazing voice. Her performance blended a mixture of Reggae, Dancehall, Soul & R&B. Queen Ifrica's powerful voice delivered a stellar performance that shook the fans and got the crowd jumping and singing along. She performed crowd favorites like "What Is Life," "Miss You Randy Baby," & "Daddy" before delivering a heartfelt thank you to her fans for supporting and keeping the love and spirit of reggae music alive.

The King of Fire, Capleton, opened with an explosive performance of "That Day Will Come" afterwards imparting, "Fire is the purification for humanity" as the Long Beach and San Diego crowds continued to rock his every move. Beenie Man, recognized "King of Dancehall", became the King of the bedroom as he broke it down for the crowd and discussed the Art of Sex, and likewise professed his affinity for his musical genre proclaiming, "It's Reggae Month not Black History month because we're still here."

Ed Robinson sang a special tune dedicated to the ladies. He touched the crowd with his melodic tunes and did a rendition to "Nothing Won't Change My Love". Fans screamed as Gentleman took the stage. He transcended his energy throughout the arena as he performed "Bounce With Me." While interacting with the audience and posing for photos, he commented that there is a lack of love in today's society & performed a compilation called "Lack of Love" featuring Sizzla Kalonji.

Midnite mesmerized the crowd with their smooth sounds in Long Beach. Positive vibes permeated from the powerful performance that had San Diego all lit up. His encore had fans still wanting more. Tarrus Riley had a lively spirit that the crowd enjoyed. He performed hits like "Back Bitter," "She's Royal" and a love song called "Far Away." Don Carlos had the mass singing and dancing along with each and every tune.

Long Beach closed out the festival with the Legendary Gregory Isaacs. The glow from all the lit lighters was almost celestial as Isaacs took the stage. The crowd was instantly transported into a musical love zone that had everyone engrossed in the classics like "I Wanna Love You," "Have You Ever," "Meet At The Corner," "Make You Sweat," and "Night Nurse."

Barrington Levy shut down the San Diego crowd. The crowd erupted like a volcano as he took the stage. He performed hits like "Everyday I Love You" and "Too Experienced." Barrington said, "This is my home away from home," which made the crowd go ballistic. He performed a remix that thrilled everyone. As he performed "Here I Come" the audience recited the lyrics. He left San Diego after an encore performance - "Murderer."

The Ragga Muffins Festival was produced by Moss Jacobs Presents and Ragga Muffins Productions. The Tribute to the Reggae Legends was produced by Worldbeat Cultural Center and Moss Jacobs Presents. The Ragga Muffins Festival had a great turn out with a higher attendance on Sunday. The Tribute to the Reggae Legends was a sold out show. Power in numbers says it all as the message within Reggae music infects the world.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

Juggling by the KLAS disc jockey created a extremely hyped atmosphere, which resembled a sports day or a party session. However, the "Stay In School" theme was echoed consistently throughout the afternoon.

The Inseason Juice drinking contest further ignited the students, and so did quizzes about black history. Phone cards and gift baskets were presented to Principals from Digicel.

Entertainment from mainstream artistes closed both tours, with Black-Er headlining on both occasions. Whenever he took to the stage the students got into a frenzy, even more so, when he paraphrased his popular songs to teach lessons about safe sex and general moral uprightness.

Jah Mason made a surprise appearance at Manchester High, much to the delight of that school community.

By: Elizabeth Smith

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

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

"What we are doing is blending the old with the new. We are making every effort to ensure that this year's staging is the best we have ever had. We have fine tuned the production, reworked the venue and put together some of the best entertainers that Jamaicans love. Being the first major dancehall event for the year we have to set the trend" - Dexton Ennis CEO of Decky Promotions said.

Ennis initiated 'Follow Di Arrow' in Mango Valley back in 1999 and has watched the seed he planted grow to become high quality entertainment that now attracts a large overseas contingent annually. In 2004, Magnum Tonic Wine jumped on board, fulfilling its brand's vision of bringing authentic grassroots entertainment to Jamaicans. Today, 'Magnum Follow Di Arrow' is bigger and better.

Magnum Tonic Wine is serious about energizing entertainment. Gary Dixon, Brand Manager said, "One of the aims at Magnum Tonic Wine is to develop authentic Jamaican culture and 'Magnum Follow the Arrow' is one such effort. We have done the same with the Magnum GT Extravaganza which was [this year] voted the best show for 2007 by IRIE FM listeners. Magnum Tonic Wine symbolizes quality and that's what we bring to our events."

This year's 'Magnum Follow Di Arrow' will also feature a special segment dubbed 'Touch of Magic.' It is dedicated to the veterans of dancehall and will feature Josey Wales, Professor Nuts, General Trees and Terror Fabulous among others. There are over 30 performances scheduled for 'Magnum Follow Di Arrow' 2008 backed by the Ruff Cut and Kaution bands while GT's Aggregation along with Sound Wave and Rock Away Movement will be juggling.

By: Elizabeth Smith

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

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

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

Dayle toured and recorded with Reid on the James 'Blood' Ulmer Grammy nominated CD project, "Memphis Blood: The Sun Sessions" and "No Escape for the Blues: The Electric Lady Sessions." His debut CD as 'front man' where he composed, arranged and produced the tracks for My id also features Reid with his striking guitar rifts.

Entitled, My id, the CD features, Allman Brothersbassist, Oteil Burbridge, singer Hassan Hakmoun and includes social commentary with spoken word pieces on health and human rights.

Following a tradition where contemporary music has been a voice for a community of people who need to express their frustrations, challenges and triumphs in a way that is sophisticated and subtle, yet effective – Dayle fuses the award winning theatrical voices of his sisters to bring multiple issues of importance to the fore. Dayle says he patterns a custom from Africa that facilitated communication through drumming, music, theatre and the arts. My id continues this tradition in a way that will help us examine and re-examine our ever emerging global community.

Dayle has also been drummer on tour and in studio with musicians like: Garland Jeffries, Sonny Rollins, Peter Gabriel, Hassan Hakmoun and John Popper Band.

A portion of the ticket sales from tomorrow's show will be donated to Lupus Canada (www.lupuscanada.org). Dayle has Lupus which is an incurable disease. Normally the body's immune system makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign material. With Lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues and makes antibodies directed against itself. Despite the stress of being a working musician traveling to a new city daily, Dayle has found a way to balance his lifestyle and his illness to continue his passion for making music.

In explaining the band name he says, "The id is: the unconscious source of psychic energy derived from instinctual needs and drives and therefore My id becomes: the conscious musical illustration of my instinctual needs and drives.

for more check My id at www.myspace.com/myidmusic

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

Other winners on the night were:

Best Reggae Album - Stephen Marley

Best Reggae Compilation Album (Executive Producer's Award) - Jamdown Riddim Driven, Delmar Drummond/Dangerzone

Best International Artist – Collie Buddz

Best Dancehall Rhythm - Steven McGregor

Best Dub Recording or Album - Live As One Album, Zion Train

Best Dancehall Vocal Performance (Duo, Group) - Love Is Wicked, Brick and Lace

Best Producer - Stephen Marley

Best Solo Male Dancehall Vocalist - Busy Signal

Best Dancehall Album - Shaggy, Intoxication

Best Dancehall Video Director – Jay Will

Best Reggae Vocal Performance (Duo, Group, Collaboration) – On My Mind, Da'Ville & Sean Paul

Best Gospel Song (Songwriter's Award) - Can't Stop Now, Kemoy Rowe, William Barclay and Courick Clarke

Best Instrumental - Robbie Lyn, Making Notes

Best Reggae Riddim (Producer's Award) - Guardian Angel,Arif Cooper/Fresh Ear

Best Gospel Song, Katalyst Crew

Best Gospel Album-Prodigal Son

Best Dancehall Compilation (two or more artiste Big Ship Music)
(Executive Producer's Award) - Tremor Riddim Driven, Stephen McGregor

Best Break-Through Male Dancehall Artist- Munga Honourable

Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist – Etana

Best Solo Performance - Lady Saw

Best Gospel Music Video (Video Director's Award) - Gully People Supen, Abdrew Grey

Most Popular Artiste - Beenie Man

Special Awardees

Reggae Icon Award- Bob Marley

Reggae Trailblazer Award - Chris Blackwell

Reggae Living Legend Award- Ernest Ranglin

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

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

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

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

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Blacka joke sell off

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

Which country yuh really love

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

Big up Copeland Forbes

Bwoy, Copeland Forbes gi mi goose bump when him talk sey likkle most wi hear sey him dead. Him fly in well tiad from halfway cross di world and go Ocho Rios, den di whole a dem inna di car drop asleep on dem way back to Kingston. Nearly ram inna one trailer...but a di good driving puddung by the trailer driver kip dem from disaster.

Well tenk heavens nutten neva happen and him coulda come tell di tale. Nex time Copeland...meck sure yuh and yuh passengers dem well rested.

Big up to Stitchie

Bwoy him a one proud daddy. Wi link up wid him at the Reggae Academy Awards and him tell wi sey him daughter a 18 years old now and guess what, the child a study fi be a doctor! Go deh Stitchie yuh mus did puddung a whole heap a 'Fast and Pray' inna har upbringing. In another two weeks Stitchie will be heading off for a tour. More in depth info for you later.

Junie Platinum and Kip Rich team up

Junie Platinum was at the awards too and she told YardFlex about her latest single "40 and over" wid Kiprich. Bwoy mi nah tell nuh lie, deh title deh sound like she a try fi send a message...but she look good.
still.

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

John Legend followed, and pandemonium broke out on James Bond Beach. He performed in customary fashion with his piano, and sang hits such as "Stay With You" and "Ordinary People." He interacted with the women very well, and actually called one young woman on stage, who he literally caressed, much to the amusement of the patrons.

The Marley's then took to the stage after an extended break for a band change, and when Ziggy Marley began the set, it was immediately perceived that this would have been the performance to talk about. It seemed as of all the Marley children ascended the stage after Ziggy's opening, and the power this brought was awesome. During Ziggy's short stint alone, he performed "Tomorrow People" and other renditions which lyrical content brought back to mind, the great songwriter Ziggy is.

Stephen Marley, Junior Gong, Kymani, Cedella, Kenyatta, Rohan, and a host of younger siblings were involved in the Marley's presentation. Every song delivered was received with loud cheers. In Jamaican terminology, the performance was "long but short"; nobody noticed the length of the performance because of its excellence.

Hip Hop sensation, Chris Brown appeared during Elephant Man's set, and his cameo almost stole the show. His "snake-like" movement while dancing, and his shrilling voice could not have failed. Chris accompanied his new love interest, Rihanna to the concert. She had been officially billed for the concert, but she performed as if she did not belong. Her three song set was lethargic, and patrons breathed a shy of relief when she left the stage.

Smile Jamaica/Africa Unite had its first time in Jamaica and it proved to be a worthy addition to the local entertainment calendar. Parking provision was "top notch" and so were all other arrangements.

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

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

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

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

After Perry went away to set his own label "Upsetters", Gibbs enrolled the young Winston "Niney" Holness who helped maintain Gibbs' production on the top of the charts. During the rock steady period until 1970, he met success with numerous hits by vocalists like The Pioneers, Errol Dunkley, and Ken Parker, and worked with backing bands like Lynn Taitt and the Jets (including the organist Ansel Collins, and horns players Tommy McCook, Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, Bobby Ellis and Vin Gordon), or The Hippy Boys (featuring the Barrett brothers as the rhythm section).

He switched to the reggae sound with his first international success "Love of the Common People" by Nicky Thomas (#9 in the UK Singles Chart in the summer of 1970). He kept on recording artists like The Ethiopians, Delroy Wilson, and The Heptones (the two volumes of his singles' compilations The Heptones and Friends were bestsellers in Jamaica). During this period he launched three new labels; Jogib, Shock, and Pressure Beat and also opened his New York Record Mart at 11 South Parade.

In 1972, after having moved his studio in the Duhaney Park district, he set up a new one at 20 North Parade and started to work with the sound engineer Errol Thompson, who used to be at Randy's Studio. Together, known as "The Mighty Two", along with his studio band known as The Professionals (that includes bassist Robbie Shakespeare, drummer Sly Dunbar and guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith) they produced hundreds of singles including the hits "Money In My Pocket" by Dennis Brown and "Ah So We Stay" by Big Youth and "Eviction" by Black Uhuru. The duo worked on over 100 Jamaican number one hits.

In 1975, he set up his new 16-track studio and record pressing plant at 24 Retirement Crescent and kept on producing Jamaican artists under numerous label names (Crazy Joe, Reflections, Belmont, Town & Country) meeting success again not only in roots reggae, rockers and lovers rock styles with Dennis Brown, Jacob Miller, Sylford Walker, The Mighty Diamonds, Gregory Isaacs, Prince Alla or Junior Byles but also with instrumental and dub cuts (African Dub series).

The 1977 Culture album Two Sevens Clash is probably Gibbs' most internationally acclaimed production, with a major impact on the punk band The Clash. Other successful artists produced by the Mighty Two during the end of the seventies include Marcia Aitken, Althea & Donna, John Holt, Barrington Levy, Cornell Campbell, Dean Fraser, Delroy Wilson, Beres Hammond, Ranking Joe, Prince Jazzbo, Prince Mohammed, Dillinger, Trinity, Prince Far I, Clint Eastwood, I-Roy and Kojak & Liza.

In the 1980s, Gibbs had an international hit with J.C. Lodge's hit of "Someone Loves You Honey". He did not pay any royalties to the song's writer, Charley Pride, who sued and won. Unable to pay the huge settlement ordered by the Court, Gibbs went out of business. In 1993, he went back on the Jamaican scene, reissuing works from his catalogue on the Rocky One label his son Carl had started from Miami, Florida a few years before, and teaming again with Errol Thompson to produce some new music.

Joe Gibbs is gone but his musical works will live on forever.

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By: Kemesha Bolton
Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

As part of its mandate the KLAS Inseaon Tour seeks to discover talent; and the Constant Spring based school had it in droves. Performances came from Jodian Robinson doing "Lord I Believe In You," Dane Chambers' delivered a drum piece that reminded the audience of its power with every slap and the school's choir sang "Gloria." Tasanique Thomas added a comical and dramatic twist to Bob Marley's " Don't Worry" while Chantal Bailey played "Wind Beneath My Wings" on the recorder.

Female performers dominated as performances came from upcoming artistes Alibra, Keri Page and Bridges. Other Performers were Nesbeth doing popular tunes "Board House Bun Down," "I Love Her, She Loves Me," much to the delight of the students who sang both songs line by line. Two students from other institutions also performed. Terro Prince did "Ghetto Life" and Bushu Tail, "Mi Nuh Undastan." Nawh Switch was next doing "Ga Ga" and "Nawh Switch."

Gospel artist Junior Thompson "He's my daddy Oh", I Octane "Vampire" and "Gun rise" that were received with much appreciation from the students,

Chuck Fenda went against the wishes of Alicia Anderson, the tour's producer when he performed "Gash Dem and Light Dem." Anderson has been keenly weighing the influences brought to school goers during the sports/arts live broadcast collaboration. He also gave the crowd, "Coming Over Tonight" and the girls assumed the role of absent Cherine Anderson singing the words with feeling and passion.

Students showed their appreciation in a big way for performances by gospel artist Junior Thompson and I Octane; then the highly anticipated Shane O unfortunately did not deliver. He struggled to perform because of a faulty CD that would not allow him to finish his performance. The biggest and most exciting performance for the afternoon came from Baby Chris, popular for "Ring Dind Ding" and "Ring Ding Ding And Gone." When he entered the stage tables used as barriers were turned over and host Tony Young had to stop the performance. Once things got going again the students danced, sang jumped and screamed, with the girls at the front taking every opportunity to grab Baby Chris. One student got her heart's desire as he brought her on stage to dance with him.

This was a wonderful afternoon, full of vibes and enjoyment and there is no doubt that the students enjoyed KLAS passing through.

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

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

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

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

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By: Janice Dayle

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

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

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

The alarming side to this story is that the Minister in question, Reverend Daryl Gray, is no less than one of the most compassionate, sincere and aware, community focused - Black individuals in a position of leadership in Montreal.

"Bottom line is – 'The Rev' keeps it real, I've met no other preacher in Montreal who speaks as if he knows my every move and need...he is almost like a group counselor and that's the sign of a good reverend for me," Jade Smyth a member of Gray's new Imani Full Family and Gospel Church told YardFlex.

In a very public way some years ago, the United Church of Canada relieved Reverend Gray of his duties at Montreal's and Quebec's oldest Black Church – The Union United Church. Gray reportedly had not satisfied the United Church of Canada that he was actively engaged in professional development, as they had requested.

Situated in the inner city neighborhood of Little Burgundy where Blacks in Montreal have a rich history, the Union United Church was established by 26 blacks who were forced out of white churches in Montreal by white church leaders who would not allow Montreal Blacks to sit besides white members. It is ironic that with such a history of displacement, that a Black reverend – and not just any Black reverend, but that Daryl Gray, could be treated in this way.

There are many heroes of African descent in Montreal, but few stand up for equal rights and justice in as vocal a way as Reverend Daryl Gray does today and has in the past. Known for: questioning authorities when issues seem nebulous; getting up close and personal with the street guys, when things in the neighborhood get out of hand; initiating community activism for all round betterment for particularly Blacks and for creating a wonderful new Black Church called Imani, Gray has been credited for saving lives, nurturing souls and giving his all to youth.

This move of the United Church of Canada remains mind boggling to most, but seems to be seeped in bias.

Gray maintains that at no time did he agreed with the United Church of Canada not to enter Union United Church, and that he stated to the United Church representatives at a Union Board meeting that he definitely would not agree to any such provision. And recalls that many black members of the Union Board expressed outraged that this would be suggested to Gray by the United Church. Gray also attended a Special Celebration Service at Union to commemorate Union's 100 year anniversary, where he received a warm welcome from members of his former congregation.

A defiant Gray says he will be visiting Union United Church today for the closing programme for Black History Month and will not seek permission from the United Church to do so.

"This is plantation mentality to think that white folk still think that they can dictate to black people how to worship, where to worship, and who can lead them in worship. It's an insult to the Black community", said Gray.

He added, "I have no problem with Union United Church. This letter did not come from Union, but from United Church leaders. They (United Church officials) didn't even have the respect for Union to cc a copy of the letter to their 'Black' Official Board."

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

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

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

Stiebel's love for his country and sense of civic duty kicked in almost immediately after his return to Jamaica. It is reported that he purchased 99 properties (it was illegal to own 100 properties during the period) including two sugar estates, a wharf at Church Street, Great Salt Pond and a Cattle Pen named Minard, in St. Ann.

He built a lavish home at Minard, which became the family’s favorite vacation getaway. In 1881 he commissioned the services of contractor Charles P. Lazarus to build the magnificent Devon House. The house boasted a library, gaming room, ballroom, sitting rooms, a sewing room, dining room, and bedrooms. The kitchen (now occupied by the Brick Oven) was located towards the back away from the House.

In addition to investing in property in Jamaica, Stiebel was a philanthropist, assisting the poor and disadvantaged, as well as exhibiting continuous interest in the socio-economic state of the country. Several civic authorities and local groups invited Stiebel to sit on their Boards including the Jamaica Permanent Benefit Society, the Jamaica Co-operative Fruit Insurance Company, the Board of Education and the Kingston and St. Andrew Union Poorhouse. Stiebel's most noted civic duty came when he was named a Justice of the Peace (JP) and later Custos of St. Andrew. It was during his tenure as Custos that the Great Exhibition of 1891 was staged in Kingston. The Exhibition, which sought to introduce tourism to the island, required extensive financing which the government was unable to undertake. Stiebel was among a small group of entrepreneurs who loaned the Government funds to stage the exhibition. In recognition of his services in the interest of the island, Her Majesty the Queen bestowed on Stiebel the honour of Companion of the Most Distinguished Order (C.M.G.).

Over the next ten years George Stiebel lived happily at Devon House with his wife Magdalene, and surrounded by his grandchildren. The Stiebels also did an impressive job of holding lavish parties for friends and family. It was not surprising then that they employed a large staff which reportedly included four gardeners, two house maids, a butler, cook, laundress, grooms and coachman. Servants' Quarters were located in the space now used as the property's commercial complex.

Sadness again befell Devon House when Stiebel's wife Magdalene died in October 1892. Magdalene was buried at the St. Andrew Parish Cemetery under a grey granite tombstone with a white marble cross-wreathed in white marble flowers. It is said that at the time Stiebel imported enough grey granite from Scotland to bury his entire family. Tragedy
continued to mark the Stiebel family. In 1895 his grandson Douglas died of typhoid, and only a week later his son in law Richard Hill Jackson (who served as Mayor of Kingston) passed away.

George Stiebel died in 1896 at age 75. Stiebel's generous spirit lived on even after his death, as he ensured that his family was well taken care of. His daughter for example was granted an annual annuity of three thousand pounds, and she was assured a permanent place at Devon House while she was alive. A total of ten thousand pounds was to be allotted to each of his grandchildren once they turned 21. The Stiebel- Jacksons occupied Devon House until 1922 following the death of Theresa Stiebel- Jackson.

By: Kemesha Bolton

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

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

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

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

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

Tarrus started doing music at age 13. He says "I preferred to DJ. I used to go to de studio wit mi fahda (Jimmy Riley), but mi neva interested in singing. Mi used to tink dat was a old man ting so mi listen Buju Banton, Shabba an dem man deh." He however learnt to love singing and after more than ten years at honing, developing and mastering his skills, is now one of the most sought after, reggae performers.

Tarrus feels indebted to his fans and accredits his immense success to them. It is not unusual to see him sitting patiently, signing autograph after autograph following a grueling show – no matter how many fans line up. He said "mi grateful to mi fans. Mi a big fan of mi fans. Is dem buy mi CD, di music business belongs to dem. Dem buy di ringtones an come a di stage shows, so mi love dem." He also stated that he loves to sing now, "a singy singy mi name so mi ago sing foreva for mi fans."

Taking the opportunity to address the controversial misunderstanding that took place recently in Antigua, Tarrus said, "All dat happen was, Dean tell di MC to come off de stage and allow de youth to perform and him go fi some a him frens. I did not get to perform for my fans and mi really sorry fi dat cause mi love dem [the fans]."

Tarrus Riley is currently working with Dean Fraser and says "Dean is like a father to mi and a bredda: but when di studio door close, I am di student and him a di teacher."

As writer of nearly all the lyrics for his songs, Tarrus also helps to create the rhythms on his guitar or piano. He has signed a two year distributing deal with VP Records, and is involved in all aspects of his career. "I have to make good business decisions so that my music can last," he stated.

Despite all the fame, Tarrus remains humble and true to the spirit and message of Reggae Music.

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Ears to the Ground

Bounty done wid Julian?

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

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Matterhorn fall out wid manager

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

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Reggae conference flop

Mi disappointed inna di turnout a UWI di odda day at the Global Reggae Conference. Mi hear sey yuh did have more speakers dan audience. When yuh look roun a pure empty chairs. It's a sad day in Reggae music when yuh nuh have enough players fi come support di ting. Considering dat wi a celebrate Reggae Month, yuh woulda tink sey it woulda different. Can you imagine, lots of foreign presenters, and very few locals...oh bwoy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The University Hospital notified JFS of the birth because the mother was so young. The baby and her 11 year old mom were allowed to remain at home while the JFS investigated, but there was a condition; that no men be in the home. However, despite this order, on January 4 Chaffer was found in the home by a social worker and found in violation of the JFS order. He was arrested on a charge of obstruction of official business, as he got in the way of police entering the home.

JFS promptly removed both infant and her adolescent mother from the home.

Dressed in a T-shirt hoody, jeans and sporting a ponytail, the new mom spoke about school, music and Disney video games as she sat beside her mom waiting for the hearing to begin. As prosecutors chatted about the possibilities of her losing her baby, the 11 year old wiped away tears from her eyes.

Hamilton court prosecutors want a court designation that the 11 year old girl was abused. They allege the mother did not care for her daughter by allowing Chaffer near her. Prosecutors also argued and won for the infant to be taken from her young mom because they say a sixth grade student is too young to care for a baby.

The baby is now in foster care, while her child-mom is being taken care of by relatives. Her mother is not allowed to see the baby and can only see her daughter when supervised by social workers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following month deputies served Grant with a search warrant for his home and after letting the officers in, he borrowed a friends pickup truck and drove away.

A guilty conscience took over Grant, whose wife's torso was found by the deputies, in a container in the garage.

Knowing the deputies would discover his gruesome and wicked works, Grant hid in Wilderness State Park and was found hiding under a tree, wearing only a shirt, slacks and socks in freezing weather.

Evidence presented during the trial included a graphic 3 hour confession given by Grant while being treated for frostbite and hypothermia at a hospital. Testimony at trial time also came from the Grants' nanny, who testified that Grant had sex with her the night before strangling his wife.

Stone-faced - Grant showed little emotion during the sentencing, and seemed a little troubled when Tara's sister, Alicia Standerfer spoke of the current struggles the Grants' 2 children are enduring. She said, "he is Satan in the flesh...I don't believe he loved Tara or his children."

Why Jamaica Should Make Bob Marley A National Hero

By: Falana Fray

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

I'm just getting warmed up!

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

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

His album Exodus was chosen Album of the Century by TIME magazine and his Legend album received the Diamond Award. He is also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by National Academy of Recording Artistes. Last but not least, Bob has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As Robert Palmer wrote in a tribute to Marley upon his induction, 'No one in rock and roll has left a musical legacy that matters more or one that matters in such fundamental ways.'

From Bob's perspective, reggae gave a voice to the poor and disfranchised citizens of Jamaica and, by extension, the world. In so doing, he also instilled them with pride and dignity in their heritage, however sorrowful the realities of their daily existence. Moreover, Marley's reggae anthems provided rhythmic uplift that induced what Marley called 'positive vibrations' in all who heard it. Regardless of how you heard it - political music suitable for dancing, or dance music with a potent political subtext – Marley's music was a powerful potion for troubled times.

To many, Marley was a true musical ambassador and a messenger of peace. Though he never aligned himself with any political party, he found an urgent calling to bring together a divided nation riped apart by political violence and hostility. At the Smile Jamaica Concert held on December 5, 1976 at the National Heroes Park, Kingston, Jamaica, Bob Marley & The Wailers performed for 80,000 people and in an unprecedented move, warranted on stage Michael Manley and Edward Seaga where he put their hands together in unity. Coincidently, this concert was held at the National Heroes Park, so why not add Bob Marley to the roster of National Heroes?

Is it because Bob Marley was a Rasta man who smoked and promoted the use of Marijuana as a religious sacrament? Fact: Jesus Christ and his apostles used a cannabis-based anointing oil to help cure people with crippling diseases. Exodus 30:23,25

Is it because he wasn't thrown in prison for civil disobedience or ignite a rebellion? Fact: Bob Marley was a champion of human rights and spread the message of Rasta fari to the world. The religion is embraced by millions of people from Japan to Johannesburg.

Is it because he was a notorios womanizer? Fact: So was John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Martin Luther King. According to a TIME magazines cover story, *'womanizing was the source of such agonizing moral conflict that MLK was compelled to confess his most enduring extramarital affair to his wife at 'her most vulnerable moment — days after she recovered from a hysterectomy.'*

Is it because he didn't hold political office? Fact: Neither did Marcus Garvey or Martin Luther King, Jr.

Is it because the national heroes committee is out of touch? Fact: Yes!

The fact remains for most casual listeners, reggae music can be reduced to one artist Bob Marley. For most tourists and travelers, Jamaica is synonymous with Bob Marley. Bob's music is a like a flag or a text book to those who have never been to Jamaica or read about the country in global studies.

Most importantly, Bob Marley is largely responsible for the worldwide popularity of reggae music and with it subjects, including faith, love, relationships, poverty injustice and other broad social issues that we can all relate to and experienced first hand, or through the eyes of others. Bob Marley has paved the way for many new and celebrated artists to compete on the international stage of music. Because of Bob, reggae music is a respected category at the annual Grammy Music Awards in America.

Bob's music bridges the cross-cultural divide, soothes the heart and mind from mental slavery, can be heard by people of every gender, race, religion, color, ethnic background and political affiliation.

Without the legendary Bob Marley, there wouldn't be a Reggae Academy Awards Ceremony set to take place on February 24th that recognizes the musical talents and achievements of celebrity reggae artists from Jamaica and around the world, or the Smile Jamaica concert that is guaranteed to pump sun bathers, tourists and the almighty dollar or strong Euro into Jamaica's inflated economy.

Award Bob Marley the Order of National Hero and continue to make Jamaica proud.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

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

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

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

TOP 20 REGGAE SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 20 Mi Nah Rub-Queen Ifrica-Downsound Records(2wks@#1) NM
02 2 20 St. Jago De La Vega-Lutan Fyah-Mac D's(2wks@#1) NM
03 3 12 Sometimes-Courtney "Yogi" John-Fi Wi Music NM
04 6 13 Old Rugged Cross-George Nooks-Tad's International U-2
05 5 25 Praise God- Little Hero-Inspire NM
06 4 17 Daddy Don't Touch Me There-Queen Ifrica- No Doubt Records (2wks@#1) D-2
07 7 12 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-Cannon/VP Records NM
08 8 11 Warrior Love –Etana-Freemind NM
09 10 8 Yesterday-Daville-Fashowzy(pp#14) U-1
10 11 6 Just Like The Rain-Courtney Melody-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes U-1
11 9 18 Bonafide Girl-Shaggy feat Ric Rok and Tony Gold- Big Yard(2wks@#1) D-2
12 13 8 Book Of Life-I-Wayne-Loyal Soldiers/VP Records U-1
13 16 3 Baby Tonight-Courtney "Yogi" John-Taxi U-3
14 15 5 Lion Paw-Tarrus Riley- Cannon U-1
15 12 8 Stronger-Fantan Mojah- Maximum Sound (pp#12) D-3
16 14 13 Missing You-Jnr Kelly/Barbee-B & P Production(pp#6) D-2
17 17 17 Fling It Up Pon Mi-Da'ville- Big Yard(pp#6) NM
18 - New I'm Bless-Prestige-Timeless Records
19 18 23 Fallen Soldiers-Demarco-Star Kutt (2wks@#1) D-1
20 20 29 I'm Waiting -Cecile-Danger Zone (pp#4) NM

TOP TEN ALBUMS/CD CHART

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 13 Intoxication-Shaggy- VP Records/Big Yard(7wks@#1) NM
02 2 14 Unselfish -Courtney (Yogie) John-Fi Wi Music NM
03 3 10 Book of Life-I-Wayne-VP Records NM
04 5 7 Love & Affection-Pressure-Don Corleon U-1
05 4 18 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-VP Records (2wks@#1) D-1
06 6 11 Purge Riddim Meets Zee Drop Riddim-Various Artistes- In Your Face Music/Tad's International NM
07 8 5 Sacrifice-Alaine-Don Corleon D-1
08 7 21 Sean Kingston-Sean Kingston-Beluga Heights/Epic (4wks@#1) D-1
09 9 21 Foreva-Wayne Wonder-VP Records NM
10 - New Jah Is My Navigator-Luciano–VP Records

_____________________NOTES_____________________________________
Numbers in bracket indicate the number of weeks at the No. 1 Spot.
Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover
TW - This Week, LW - Last Week, WC Weeks on Chart, PP in bracket -
Peak Position
Sources: Sound Systems, Record Shops, Night Clubs & Radio Play

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below are photos depicting the event:

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

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

11 13 05 Deva Bratt-Gussy Clarke-Truck Back
12 20 02 Harry Toddler-Don't Run In-Truck Back- Greatest Gainer up 12
13 11 13 Garrison Hawk –Gangsta Roll- Warner Bros
14 NE 01 Beenie Man- Wine Gal-TJ Records-Hot Shot Debut
15 17 23 Assassin-Dem A Sissy-Don Corleon- Peak@#4
16 NE 01 Busy Signal-Pon Di Edge-Star Kutt- New Entry
17 17 05 Prestige-I'm Bless-Timeless Records
18 12 22 Movado-Squeeze Har -H2o- Peak@#5
19 14 23 Bugle-What I'm Gonna Do- Daseca-2wks@#1
20 16 22 Busy Signal- Nah Go A Jail-Jam2-3wks@#1

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

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

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

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

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

Dedicating himself to the idea that education would raise his people to equality in this country, Washington became a teacher. He first taught in his home town, then at the Hampton Institute, and then in 1881, he founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. As head of the Institute, he traveled the country unceasingly to raise funds from blacks and whites both; soon he became a well-known speaker.

In 1895, Washington was asked to speak at the opening of the Cotton States Exposition, an unprecedented honor for an African American. His Atlanta Compromise speech explained his major thesis, that blacks could secure their constitutional rights through their own economic and moral advancement rather than through legal and political changes. Although his conciliatory stand angered some blacks who feared it would encourage the foes of equal rights, whites approved of his views. Thus his major achievement was to win over diverse elements among southern whites, without whose support the programs he envisioned and brought into being would have been impossible.

In addition to Tuskegee Institute, which still educates many today, Washington instituted a variety of programs for rural extension work, and helped to establish the National Negro Business League. Shortly after the election of President William McKinley in 1896, a movement was set in motion that Washington be named to a cabinet post, but he withdrew his name from consideration, preferring to work outside the political arena. He died on November 14, 1915.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

The Courtleigh Auditorium will host day two of the event which is also open to the public and features "Surf Rasta" and the Bill Parker hit "Klash." The third and final day is reserved for guests of the gala event, which will showcase the German production "Almost Heaven," and "Africa Unite," the much anticipated Stephanie Black documentary.

The Bob Marley Museum will host a fund-raising screening of the film, "Seed - The African Safari," on February 21, while the University of the West Indies will showcase films during the Global Reggae Conference on February 22 between 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

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

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

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

Legend then burst unto the scene in 2004 stepping into the solo spotlight as a premier singer-songwriter-pianist-performer in his own right with his debut album Get Lifted. This was a critical and commercial triumph, earning John an astounding eight Grammy nominations - he won Best New Artiste, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B album, selling more than three million copies worldwide.

Legend captured the hearts of his audiences with his boyish charm as well as his honest and daring approach in his lyrics to topics such as love and cheating. On that level he has connected with his fans in each and every arena he has performed at. Legend's success only continued with second album Once Again. The pop/soul album is fueled by intelligence, intuition, sensuality, spirit and creativity and includes tracks with artistes such as Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West, Craig Street and will.i.am. Once Again saw hit songs such as Save Room, Stormy and Where Did My Baby Go.

Even more so than he did on Get Lifted, John went boldly in his own creative direction on Once Again, opting to write, not from a marketing standpoint, but from his heart and soul and personal experience. The already iconic Legend is scheduled to perform at the Bob Marley tribute concert Smile Jamaica among other legends such as Bunny Wailer, Black Uhuru and the Marley sons: Stephen, Ziggy, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley.

Smile Jamaica- Africa Unite Concert takes place Saturday February 23, 2008 at 8PM at James Bond Beach, Oraccabessa, St. Mary.

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

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

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

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Photography By: Michael Burbridge

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

Check out the report:

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

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

People in the crowd were booing and leaving and paying no attention and hell bagging him out. Cypress Hill played before him...they were awesome. I'm a huge fan of Kanye but I was so disappointed.

He had an amazing stage set up and light show, but it meant nothing. On the radio here this morning it's all about how disappointed everyone is, and people are ringing in etc.

Oh boy, poor Kanye, they coulda show him some love from down under man.

By: Janice Dayle

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

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

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

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

Research has also proven that particularly in African American and Caribbean communities, HIV is largely diagnosed at late stages, implying again that Black people especially, do not test and so only discover their illness once they become extremely ill - in the later stages, leading to higher instances of mortality and morbidity.

'A Minute' aims at helping to put a stop to all that, because one major weapon in the fight against HIV is knowledge. Submitting original lyrics about the importance of getting tested will give winning writers a chance to have their lyrics used to create a special PSA (Public Service Announcement) to be song by Common and premiered live on MTV on National HIV Testing Day, June 27, 2008. The PSA will also air throughout the summer on MTV2 and mtvU, MTV’s college network, as well as be available on demand at www.itsyoursexlife.com.

"It's important to know your status by getting tested because HIV/AIDS is taking a lot of lives in our community and around the world. I had an uncle succumb to HIV, so I've personally felt the impact of the disease," Common said. "Your lyrics can really have an affect on people's lives and I’ve seen it happen."

Ian Rowe, VP of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnership, MTV said, "This contest offers our audience an amazing way to bring their words to life through Common's voice and will serve as a powerful way to drive home the importance of getting tested."

The competition that intends on engaging and inspiring youth everywhere to learn more about HIV and to get tested, kicked off on Valentines Day on MTV's TRL (Total Request Live). To learn more about the contest or apply, visit http://www.itsyoursexlife.com or http://www.aminutecontest.com.

"The stigma surrounding HIV remains a barrier to many people getting tested," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director of Entertainment Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "By normalizing HIV testing, this contest seeks to make getting tested a mark of empowerment not shame."

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

D'banj.Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, also from Nigeria, is a singer/songwriter and harmonica player widely known as D'banj. Described as "a harmonica master and a charismatic stage performer with boundless energy, he moved to London to further his musical career against his parents' wishes in December 2002. In addition to the featuring the music of the continent, Africa will be on display at the concert in various ways.

There will also be a tribute to the recently departed Lucky Dube, Africa's most popular reggae superstar, in the form of a video presentation.

According to Mrs Rita Marley, "First of all, we're trying to create an African theme on the grounds of the James Bond Beach, you'll feel like you're in Jamaica and Africa." She added that there will be African products on sale.

Jerome Hamilton of Headline Entertainment, explained, "We thought it was important to have authentic African items straight from Africa on display. So there will be a booth dedicated to selling arts and crafts as well as paintings and clothing."

The Africa Unite concert was first held in 2005 in Ethiopia. The concert has come to Jamaica, for the first time, to link with the "Smile Jamaica Concert."

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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By: Rootzgirl

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

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

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

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

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

Believe it or not we are programming them to feel as if there is nothing beautiful about our colour when we glorify another.

Ironically, I can't help but be amazed at how some whites put their health at risk by staying in the sun all in the hope of looking 'darker.' When they come to our shores they make it a point to get their hair 'corn row' a style, which we are slowly doing away with!

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month let's make the conscious decision to start valuing ourselves even more. No more bleaching...if you are tempted take a good look into the mirror and tell yourself that you are God's beautiful creation and perfect just as you are.

If you have to bleach for someone to love you then they definitely are not worth your love.

In closing I borrow a line from James Brown song, "say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud!"

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

Antiretroviral therapy and sexual transmission of HIV

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

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

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

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

To prevent transmission of HIV, UNAIDS and WHO strongly recommend a comprehensive package of HIV prevention approaches, including correct and consistent use of condoms. People living with HIV who are following an effective antiretroviral therapy regimen can achieve undetectable viral loads (the amount of virus in a body fluid such as blood, semen or vaginal secretions) at certain stages of their treatment.

Research suggests that when the viral load is undetectable in blood the risk of HIV transmission is significantly reduced. However, it has not been proven to completely eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus.

More research is needed to determine the degree to which the viral load in blood predicts the risk of HIV transmission and to determine the association between the viral load in blood and the viral load in semen and vaginal secretions. Research also needs to consider other related factors that contribute to HIV transmission including comorbidity with other sexually transmitted diseases.

UNAIDS and WHO will continue to follow the science of HIV transmission and the effect of antiretroviral treatment on the transmission of HIV. UNAIDS and WHO underline the importance of effective and proven HIV prevention methods for all people irrespective of their HIV status.

In 2005 UNAIDS published a policy position paper on HIV prevention to provide policy guidance on intensifying HIV prevention efforts.

A comprehensive HIV prevention package includes, but is not limited to, delaying sexual debut, mutual fidelity, reduction of the number of sexual partners, avoidance of penetration, safer sex including correct and consistent male and female condom use, and early and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

By: Kemesha Bolton

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

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

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

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

Etana started out at Fifth Element doing back up for Richie Spice, but her extra-ordinary talent was roaring to be unleashed. This finally came in the latter part 2005 when she released her first single "Wrong Address" that received daily rotation on radio and television stations. Etana says it is one of her favorite songs from her repertoire. The song propelled her career and other singles like: "Money," "Roots" and "Warrior Love" came next. She is currently signed to VP Records and in five years hopes to have at least two albums out, with the tours that go along with it. Etana also has her sights on developing her own clothing line. She is aware that all this will take "A whole heap of hard work."

She has grown tremendously over the past 3 years and is considered to be one of the new sounds in the roots reggae genre. Humbled by this, Etana encourages new and upcoming artistes - especially females when she says, "It's not going to be easy, but eventually it pays off, you will need self confidence, perseverance and strength." She also urges newcomers in reggae, to love who they are, being careful not to belittle themselves or their souls, because they owe nobody anything and most importantly she says they should keep themselves together. Etana feels blessed and privileged and is thankful for the positive response from people all over the world.

Having performed in Africa, Europe and North America, Etana said she believes that reggae music is like food to the people and she deems herself very privileged to be a part of such a legacy.

Etana -the strong one is destined for greatness and her melodious voice keeps us tuned in to her always.

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

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

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

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

The liquid was so successful at straightening the dog's hair that the owner didn't even recognize his own dog, and tried to chase it away! The next step was for Garrett Morgan to try the liquid on his own hair, which he did with great success. He had just invented the first human hair straightener, and he began to market it as the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Cream. These kinds of hair products are still popular today.

The next invention of Garrett Morgan took place in 1912. He called it the Safety Hood and patented it as a breathing device, but it was commonly known as the gas mask. This Safety Hood was specifically meant to assist Firefighters so that they could breathe longer in thick, suffocating gases and smoke, and allow them to do their jobs more efficiently and safely. Garrett Morgan set up the National Safety Device Company to manufacture and sell the Safety Hood, and they did several exhibitions all over the country and won some prizes. That helped business, but a real-life application is what really put it on the map.

On July 24, 1916 Garrett Morgan was relaxing at home when someone called on him and asked him to help. An explosion in a tunnel that was being dug under Lake Erie had trapped 32 workers underground with dust, smoke and poisonous gases. Nobody wanted to go in after them, because there was no way to breathe long enough to rescue them and get back out. In one of the more exciting stories in the biography of Garrett Morgan, Garrett and his brother Frank arrived with their Safety hoods, put them on, and entered the tunnel. Eventually, they returned with a survivor on each of their backs. Applause erupted from the bystanders, and two other men put on Safety Hoods and joined Garrett and Frank as they went back in again. While they were not able to save all of the trapped workers, they did save many who certainly would have died without Garrett Morgan and his Safety Hood.

Orders began pouring in from all over the country from Police and Fire departments who recognized the benefit of this amazing invention. Several orders were later canceled when some customers realized that Garrett Morgan was an African American inventor, but there were many others including the U.S. Army, who bought and utilized the Safety Hood.

In the midst of the biography of Garrett Morgan, Henry Ford invented the Automobile. In 1903 the Ford Motor Company was founded, and soon afterward, many Americans were speeding down the roadways along with the horse drawn carriages, bicycles and pedestrians. It didn't take long to realize that the increased traffic, along with the wide variety in traveling speeds was a problem. The most obvious problem was at the intersections. Many times a police officer would work the busiest intersections to direct and control traffic flow for maximum safety and efficiency, but many intersections were unmanned. It was after Morgan witnessed a particularly bad accident at an intersection that he decided to do something about it.

Garrett designed an automatic system for controlling traffic flow at intersections, patented it, and became known as the traffic light inventor.

The biography of Garrett Morgan shows that he continued to work for the improvement of man and was politically active throughout his life. He died on July 27, 1963, but he will always be remembered for his contributions to society.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

The band played a tribute to the late Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd. This included the favourites, "Simmer Down," "Ball of Fire," "Love I Can Feel" and "Got to Go Back Home."

Karen Smith also performed a number of Jazz infused flavored pieces, and topped it off with her cover of the song, "Fever."

The Reggae month tribute ended with a wonderfully moving rendition of Bob Marley's "One Love." According to Peter Ashbourne, "This aggregation represents some of the finest musicians in Jamaica and it is hoped that this will inspire the students who experience them."

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

Yasus Afari brought edutainment with dub poetry, the St. Elizabeth Tech choir did a medley of folk songs, and Dez-I rolled in from the west.

Andrew Parker, a student expressed delight about the event. He appeared at a lost for words, and kept reaping the lines, "mi like it man, it tuff." Jonathan Grant High and Spanish Town High will host the tour next.

The idea of building a Technical High School in Santa Cruz was initiated by the Santa Cruz Citizen's Association in 1958. Various representations were made to the Ministry of Education and Kaiser Bauxite Company. These institutions soon realized the importance of a Technical School and the latter donated twelve acres of land and a grant of ten thousand pounds from the ministry to start the project.

The then Minister of Education, Hon F. L. Glasspole decided that Saint Elizabeth Technical High School be built, opening date being early 1961. The first batch of students were chosen before the ground breaking ceremony.

Before the physical school existed Mr. E. G. Roper was appointed Principal as of January 1st, 1961. The school opened with 110 students housed in one building, on October 10, 1961. Under the direction of Mr. Roper a school choir and sports programmes were developed.

The school encountered problems in the early years, such as lack of equipment, insufficient water supply and insufficient accommodations for boarders in the community. The members of staff together with Kaiser Bauxite Company contributed twelve thousand pounds to help alleviate the problems.

In 1962 evening classes commenced with an enrollment of 36 students. A year later Kaiser Bauxite Company lent tents and the second intake of students was made possible. At the end of the summer term the Workshop, Arts and Craft, Laboratory, and Home Economics blocks were added to the school building.

On January 27th, 1964, 112 new students were admitted and in September that year a new classroom block was completed and for the first time, students registered on the first day of the term. In 1962 the administrative staff moved from two to four and the academic staff from seven to twenty-five.

Esso Standard Oil Company donated funds for a Movie Projector, Power Saw and other equipment. The Emanuel Brothers of Santa Cruz gave two scholarships, one for a boy in Agriculture to the Jamaica School of Agriculture and the other for a girl to pursue Home Economics at Church Teachers College, Mandeville.

In 1966 Mr. E. G. Roper left to take up a position as Headmaster at Kingston Technical High School and was succeeded by Mr. J.C. Wray. Mr. J. A. Pottinger was appointed principal in 1970 to replace Mr. J. C. Wray who left for Alcan.

The student enrollment increased to five hundred and thirty-eight with fifteen forms. In 1971 the Ministry of Education started construction of the Junior Secondary Department.

In 1972 the student enrollment stood at eleven hundred with the completion of the Junior Secondary Department. The curriculum was consequently widened to include such subjects as Arts, Science, and other Industrial and Vocational areas. The Board of Governors allocated funds for the construction of a road, the installation of electric fans in the auditorium, and the fencing of the playing field.

In 1982, Mr. B. St. Clair Burton, a past student took over the reins from Mr. John A. Pottinger who served meritoriously for twelve years. Mr. S. U. Watson is the current principal, since 1987.

The tour continues to be sponsored by Inseason Juice, Pharmaton, Adidas Deodorant, Aamm Co-op Credit Union, KFC and YardFlex Inc.

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

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

Head Coach for the National Junior team and Assistant Coach of the Jamaica Digicel Clinics, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore commented on the two day training sessions - saying, “What John Barnes has implemented here is exactly what these players needed. They needed to be reminded of the basics and John has brought it back to basics. We have a lot of talented players here and these Clinics have helped them to adopt the right attitude, the will, the discipline and the focus needed to be professional."

Digicel's decision to highlight and develop football brilliance in the Caribbean has also been highly spoken of during the tour. Jamaica Football Federation President, Horace Burrell told press recently that it was in 2005 that Digicel launched its initiative to sponsor and develop Caribbean football. He praised the Clinics noting they are, "A true reflection of that Digicel has been doing with Caribbean football."

Both Seba United and National U-20 players were given wise words of advise from Barnes after the match yesterday. He said, "While only six boys from the region will be picked to go to Sunderland, this should not dishearten those who are not chosen. The opportunity is there and you never know who may be watching, so stay diligent, keep focused and work hard to be the best footballers you can be."

The Jamaican born Barnes will announce the six talented footballers who will travel to the UK for training at the end of February in Kingston, Jamaica.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

Ele believes that he will have everybody dancing because, "Elephant Man is the original dancehall dance creator", he bragged.

His Bad Boy album, "Let's Get Physical" has missed a couple of release
dates, but Ele noted that the album is set for official release on March 25, 2008.

The first single released was "Five-O" featuring Wyclef Jean. The second single "Jump," was released on November 6 and it features Swizz Beatz.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Kemesha Bolton

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

And the WINNERS are:

COME BACK ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: JUNIOR REID

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: MUNGA HONOURABLE

SINGER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE
WINNER: ETANA

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

REGGAE AMBASSADOR AWARD
WINNER: JUNIOR REID

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

SLANG OF THE YEAR
WINNER: TO DI WORLD – ROUND HEAD & BUNG BANG – BOUNTY KILLER

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: DON CORLEON

RHYTHM OF THE YEAR
WINNER: GUARDIAN ANGEL – ARIF COOPER

BEST DRESS FEMALE
WINNER: D'ANGEL

BEST DRESS MALE
WINNER: BEENIE MAN

FEMALE DJ OF THE YEAR
WINNER: QUEEN IFRIKA

DANCE OF THE YEAR
WINNER: TEK WHEY YUHSELF - VEGAS

GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
WINNER: PRODIGAL SON

HUMANITARIAN AWARD
WINNER: CAPLETON

SINGER OF THE YEAR – MALE
WINNER: TARRUS RILEY

SINGJAY OF THE YEAR – MALE
WINNER: MAVADO

LISTENERS CHOICE AWARD
WINNER: BEENIE MAN

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
WINNER: GANGSTER FOR LIFE; THE SYMPHONY OF DAVID BROOKS – MAVADO

SONG OF THE YEAR
WINNERS: SHE'S ROYAL – TAURUS RILEY

MALE DJ OF THE YEAR
WINNERS: BEENIE MAN

BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
WINNERS: THIS IS WHY I'M HOT – REMIX...JUNIOR REID, MIMS & BABY CHAM

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

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

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

Warner had praises for Digicel in its progressive approach to the enrichment of Caribbean football, commenting that, "I feel it went very well. This experience will benefit Trinidad football in the present and in the future. Again I thank Digicel for their continued support in developing Caribbean football."

Incorporated in Bermuda, Digicel operates in twenty three markets, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curaçao, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and El Salvador. Digicel also has a license in Guatemala and coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths.

As a lead sponsor of Caribbean sports, Digicel supports many teams including the West Indies Cricket Team, Special Olympics teams across the Caribbean and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup, involving over 30 Caribbean countries and is an important qualifier towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The eighth and final leg of the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics wind up in Jamaica today, Saturday, February 16.

For more information, visit http://digicelfootball.com

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

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

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

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

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

Worn Undies with my personal scent - Only $24.95!

I've lost count of all the emails saying "I would pay any amount of money for the g-string right off your butt." Well, here's your chance. I will wear each pair of panties long enough to transfer my 'natural' scent, but these are limited, not mass-produced. So order them now. I might not be offering that many of them!

That's hilarious.

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

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

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

The response to the tour has been overwhelming and the welcome from school administrators has been encouraging but even though the artiste did not perform at any of the schools, the students received them very well. The organizers of the "Education Is No Joke' school tour, VP Records and No Joke Entertainment thought it would be better for the students to talk to their favourite artistes on a personal level and felt that entertainment would overshadow the positive message. The artistes on the tour have been focusing on some of the more troublesome issues facing students and have been using their influence to motivate students to develop positive attitudes towards their academics.

D'Angel disembarked the Infinity Tours bus well prepared for the questions posed to her by the students of St. Catherine High School. The students fielded questions on female empowerment plus teenage pregnancy among others and D'Angel was on point in giving positive and uplifting answers. Macka Diamond gave the students of Jose Marti good advice on career choices and spoke to them about the importance of a good education in today's modern world, she also emphasized that without a good education she could not be in the position she is in today.

Busy Signal, making his first trip to Browns Town High School since his dancehall ascendancy, provided valuable information to the students about life in the real world and the importance of being grounded and knowing ones priorities. He focused his talk on the of education in the modern world and at the end presented some of the most improved students with prizes in the form school stationary and music paraphernalia.

All the artiste involved in Cooyah, Hype TV and Logostitch sponsored tour so far have been very appreciative of the opportunity given to them by the schools for them to make a positive contribution to the socialization of the students at their former school. Tour organisers VP Records and No Joke Entertainment are also very positive about the progress of the tour so far and anticipate the same level of success for the rest of the tour.

"The tour has been incredible and beneficial to both the students and the artistes. The artistes have had a chance to see what power they hold over the kids and the kids finally have a chance to sit and ask questions to the people they see on TV and admire. The tour has been a learning opportunity for both artistes and students. We thank the sponsors Island Grill, Western Sports, Arctic Ice and All Signs as well the principals and the schools for giving us the opportunity to show that Education Is No Joke" – Mario Lazarre CEO, No Joke Entertainment.

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

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

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

As Dr. Bynum's publicist I say this "After all is said and done, Juanita Bynum is an anointed woman of God, and called to be a voice to the nation. She is genuine in her relationship with God and understands it is impossible to maintain bitterness and love in the same heart. She has handled herself with dignity and integrity throughout this unfortunate ordeal, and as she moves forward she will continue to do no less. Dr. Bynum is treating these invitations as she does all others; an opportunity to minister to God's people. Her acceptance of the invitations are in no way a step towards reconciliation."

Name: Nikita Byfield

D.O.B: October 28,1986

Height: 5" 6"

Weight: 125 lbs

Nationality: Jamaican

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

Occupation: Model

What I like about myself: My personality I'm very kind, humble, trustworthy and honest. I'm a great person to talk to about any situation.

Favourite Dish: Curry Goat & Rice :)

Favourite Colour: Red

Favourite Slang: Weh yu hear bout :)

Favourite Local Artist: Movado and Lady Saw

Favourite International Artist: Beyonce

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

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

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

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

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

Life in Slavery

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Dorchester County on the Eastern shore of Maryland, on the plantation of Edward Brodas or Brodess.

Her birth name was Araminta, and she was called Minty until she changed her name to Harriet in her early teen years. Her parents, Benjamin Ross and Harriet Green, were enslaved Ashanti Africans who had eleven children, and saw any of the older children sold into the Deep South.

At five years old, Araminta was "rented" to neighbors to do housework. She was never very good at household chores, and was beaten regularly by her owners and those who "rented" her. She was, of course, not educated to read or write. She eventually was assigned work as a field hand, which she preferred to household work. Although she was a small woman, she was strong, and her time working in the fields probably contributed to her strength.

At age fifteen she sustained a head injury, when she deliberately blocked the path of the overseer pursuing an uncooperative fellow slave, and was hit by the heavy weight the overseer tried to fling at the other slave. Harriet, who probably sustained a severe concussion, was ill for a long time recovering from this injury, and never fully recovered. She had periodic "sleeping fits" which, in the early years after her injury, made her less attractive as a slave to others who wanted her services.

When the old master died, the son who inherited the slaves was able to hire Harriet out to a lumber merchant, where her work was appreciated and where she was allowed to keep some money she earned from extra work.

In 1844 or 1845, Harriet married John Tubman, a free black. The marriage was apparently not a good match, from the beginning. It was shortly after her marriage that Harriet hired a lawyer to investigate her own legal history, and discovered that her mother had been freed on a technicality on the death of a former owner. But the lawyer advised Harriet that a court would be unlikely to hear the case, so Tubman dropped it. But knowing that she should have been born free, not a slave, caused her to contemplate freedom and resent her situation.

In 1849, several events came together to motivate Harriet Tubman to act. She heard that two of her brothers were about to be sold to the Deep South. And her husband threatened to sell her South, too. She tried to persuade her brothers to escape with her, but ended up leaving alone, making her way to Philadelphia, and freedom.

Harriet Tubman died on March 10, 1913.

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

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

TOP 20 REGGAE SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 2 19 Mi Nah Rub-Queen Ifrica-Downsound Records(1wk@#1) U-1
02 1 19 St. Jago De La Vega-Lutan Fyah-Mac D's(2wks@#1) D-1
03 4 11 Sometimes-Courtney "Yogi" John-Fi Wi Music U-1
04 3 16 Daddy Don't Touch Me There-Queen Ifrica- No Doubt Records(2wks@#1) D-1
05 5 24 Praise God- Little Hero-Inspire NM
06 6 12 Old Rugged Cross-George Nooks-Tad's International NM
07 8 11 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-Cannon/VP Records U-1
08 9 10 Warrior Love –Etana-Freemind U-1
09 7 17 Bonafide Girl-Shaggy feat Ric Rok and Tony Gold- Big Yard(2wks@#1) D-2
10 11 7 Yesterday-Daville-Fashowzy(pp#14) U-1
11 12 5 Just Like The Rain-Courtney Melody-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes U-1
12 13 7 Stronger-Fantan Mojah- Maximum Sound D-1
13 14 7 Book Of Life-I-Wayne-Loyal Soldiers/VP Records U-1
14 10 12 Missing You-Jnr Kelly/Barbee-B & P Production(pp#6) D-4
15 16 4 Lion Paw-Tarrus Riley- Cannon U-1
16 17 2 Baby Tonight-Courtney "Yogi" John-Taxi U-1
17 15 16 Fling It Up Pon Mi-Da'ville- Big Yard(pp#6)D-2
18 18 22 Fallen Soldiers-Demarco-Star Kutt (2wks@#1) NM
19 19 20 Wi Nuh Trust Dem-Prestige-Timeless Records (pp#6)NM
20 20 28 I'm Waiting -Cecile-Danger Zone (pp#4) NM

TOP TEN ALBUMS/CD CHART

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 12 Intoxication-Shaggy- VP Records/Big Yard(6wks@#1) NM
02 2 13 Unselfish -Courtney (Yogie) John-Fi Wi Music NM
03 4 9 Book of Life-I-Wayne-VP Records U-1
04 3 17 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-VP Records (2wks@#1) D-1
05 6 6 Love & Affection-Pressure-Don Corleon U-1
06 5 10 Purge Riddim Meets Zee Drop Riddim-Various Artistes- In Your Face Music/Tad's International D-1
07 7 20 Sean Kingston-Sean Kingston-Beluga Heights/Epic (4wks@#1) NM
08 8 4 Sacrifice-Alaine-Don Corleon NM
09 9 20 Foreva-Wayne Wonder-VP Records NM
10 10 25 Biological Warfare-Cocoa Tea–Minor 7 Flat 5(2wks@#1)NM

_____________________NOTES_____________________________________
Numbers in bracket indicate the number of weeks at the No. 1 Spot.
Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover
TW - This Week, LW - Last Week, WC Weeks on Chart, PP in bracket -
Peak Position
Sources: Sound Systems, Record Shops, Night Clubs & Radio Play

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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By: Rootzgirl

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

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

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

Here is how it should play out.

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

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

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

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

Disentangle yourself and head for the component set. Put on play that special selection of music you pre-planned for the occasion. Here are some suggestions.

'Always' - Atlantic Star

This song is perfect when it comes to mood setting. The lyrics say everything you would want to voice. 'I will love you so for always!'

'Because You Loved Me' - Celine Dion

A classic Celine Dion song. It displays her talent for wailing like no other. If you close your eyes, you may even be able to see her beat her chest at the dramatic parts.

'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' - Elton John

The way we see it, there are basically two types of people: those who don't have kids, and those who have kids and are forced to watch every single Disney movie that comes out. This little gem is from 'The Lion King' soundtrack, and as long as you've got your toddler asleep, it should make somebody roar...get my drift.

'Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Baby' - Barry White

The man just oozes sensuality. Play this song and see why. How do you think the Biscuit from Ally McBeal landed the hottest chick on the entire show? Of course, Ling is pretty hot, too, but we think we made our point.

And you may have your own choices, like some Luther Vandross, Regina Belle, Beres Hammond...just put together a collection of your favourite love songs.

While these beautiful love songs are playing, take your partner's hand and lead him to the centre of the room. I suggest dancing with your back to him - the opportunities are endless here. He can kiss your neck, nibble your earlobes as you move sensuously to the beat, exploring all your sensual spots.

It's time to take a break - and head to the bathroom.

Darn, even though you look great in it, the negligee has to go... and his clothes too.

You slowly undress him, teasing him sensually here and there, taking him on a high...but not to the peak. Then slowly lead him to the bathroom filled with scented glowing red candles and a tub of inviting warm bubbles.

Make sure a bottle of champagne is near the bath, with grapes or strawberries. Make use of your loofah scrubs. Between that sensuous bath, and deep French kisses, you should be ready to get out of the bath and head for the bedroom - make sure you don't finish it up in the bath!

The bedroom is permeated with the scent of glowing aroma therapy candles with a bottle of scented oil, honey and chocolate on the night stand and music in the background. After toweling down...slowly...begin a sensual massage with the oil.

Make full use of the chocolate, honey, champagne, grapes, strawberries, ice cubes, candle wax...whatever you fancy. The rest of the night is all yours to explore each other's body, doing all sorts of wonderful things that will lead to a truly orgasmic night...over and over again.

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

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

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

The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia feasts in honor of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.

The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavored to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine's Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way.

Believing that Valentine's Day exists to celebrate the memory of a saint who valued love and romance, many exchange love notes or Valentines. Others believe that Valentine was later confused with the Norman French word 'galantin' meaning "lover of women". Through the passage of time, the two have merged with the result of St. Valentine being remembered as the patron saint of lovers.

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

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

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

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

Lutan Fyah

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Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

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

11 10 12 Garrison Hawk –Gangsta Roll- Warner Bros
12 09 21 Movado-Squeeze Har -H2o- Peak@#5
13 16 04 Deva Bratt-Gussy Clarke-Truck Back
14 12 22 Bugle-What I'm Gonna Do- Daseca-2wks@#1
15 17 03 Courtney Melody-Just Like The Rain-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes
16 13 21 Busy Signal-Nah Go A Jail-Jam2-3wks@#1
17 18 04 Prestige-I'm Bless-Timeless Records
18 15 12 Lutan Fyan –St. Jago De La Vega-Mac D's Peak@#10
19 19 03 RDX-Everybody Dance-Apt 19
20 NE 01 Harry Toddler-Don't Run In-Truck Back(NE-New Entry)

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

Below are pictures:

Arnold finally lost his virginity!

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

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

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

Mmm, wonder what the wedding night was like!

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50 Cent's baby mama got a pay cut
Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent took Shaniqua Tomkins to court after refusing to agree to her requests for more money for the upkeep of the 10-year-old.

Tomkins previously asked for $50,000 a month but was granted just half of that sum - $25,000 a month - when the court viewed her and her son's expenses. But that figure was reduced further earlier this week, and Tomkins will now only receive $6,700 a month, this according to bossip.com.

Well...at least the court smiled on a celebrity for a change.

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

OJ in the news again

OJ's trailer chick Christine Prody was rushed to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Miami Feb 11 after she collapsed at a local gas station. Police were alerted by hospital authorities after doctors found she was bleeding from her brain — and also had numerous large bruises and abrasions on her face, arms, legs and buttocks. O.J. says Christine's injuries are self-inflicted and explained that the 32-year-old woman went on a drunken binge and fell down. Investigators said from the damage to Christines's body, they believe she was beaten. One detective said he has never seen such severe bruises on a woman before. Police detectives questioned OJ at his home, and are conducting an ongoing investigation into what happened to Christine.

Oh boy, I really hope she fell and that OJ would not be crazy enough to land himself in trouble again!

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

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

The REGGAE ACADEMY AWARDS has been designed and will be presented as a made-for-television event and will be shot in HD. Stanbury explains that the decision to go HD has proven to be a very expensive proposition, but indicated that the long term broadcast value of this inaugural event could be prejudiced if done in other formats which are likely to become obsolete in years to come. "With the very limited financial resources of the RIAJam, we therefore took the decision to seek a TV production partner who would be able to both invest in the awards and facilitate international TV broadcasts in order to secure a return on the TV production investment." Two overseas based TV production and distribution entities have so far expressed interest, and these are being pursued on the basis that RIAJam will retain the worldwide rights in the final product.

In a recently held media reception hosted by RIAJam and attended by Minster of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Olivia Grange a very clear message was sent from the government with regard to the need for and its support of a properly produced first class international awards event for Reggae.

The REGGAE ACADEMY AWARDS has so far received local sponsorship endorsement and support from Television Jamaica/TVJ who has secured the exclusive rights for broadcast of the awards show in Jamaica and is on board as the official media partner. The Gleaner has also signed on as the official print media partner, and sponsorship agreements are about to be signed with Partners Financial and Investments, the Hilton Hotel and Beaumont Car Rentals and Tours. The Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Trade and Invest/JAMPRO and the Bob Marley Foundation have also officially endorsed the event.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

African- Peter Tosh
A call to self pride.

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

Revolution- Dennis Brown
A call for a change in mindset, to a higher more positive outlook.

Concrete Jungle- Bob Marley
This song highlighted just how tough it can be achieve dreams and
aspirations, when negative forces are like thorns, choking your dreams as it begins to blossom.

Dennis Brown- No Man Is An Island
United we stand, and divided we fall.

Damian Marley to record with Mariah Carey

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

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

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

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

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

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Marleys dominate Billboard's Top 10 Reggae Album

The Marleys continue to dominate the scene with their productions. Stephen clinched the award for Best Reggae Album with "Mind Control" now they are making their presence felt on the Billboard Reggae Charts. Even from the grave Bob Marley is still managing to beat the rest of the pack as "Bob Marley Forever" sits at the top. In the number three position is Ky-Mani Marley's "Radio" and Stephen Marley settles at number 6 with "Mind Control."

Making their presence felt in the top ten are Collie Buddz in number 2 with "Collie Buddz" and Shaggy comes in at number 5 with "Intoxication."

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

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

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

Auditions moved to Ocho Rios, St Ann, a parish central to the development of reggae in many ways. Not only had it been the birthplace of Bob Marley, but legends like: Burning Spear, Max Romeo and Shabba Ranks were also born in the northern parish.

Manchester, Mandeville has over the years produced some of reggaes best artists as well. Award winning performers like: Garnett Silk, Jacob Miller, and Free-I are just some of those hailing from the very red earthed parish, along with General Degree, who is also a co-judge of the Magnum Kings and Queens Dancehall Competition.

Portmore, St Catherine is the well known home of STING and the the dormitory home of some of dancehall's hottest acts like: Spice, Deva Brat, Vybz Kartel and Mad Cobra to name a few.

Kingston, with is large concentration of reggae industry players and institutions, is central to the history of Jamaican music and remains the current hub of a nightly cultural musical explosion. For this reason, the live shows will be held there.

Beginning in February, these shows will be staged at Weekendz, the home of Bembe.

Watch out for a new generation of dancehall royalty, brought to you by Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall.

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

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

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

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

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

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Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

"Stephen Marley in particular, with his creative genius as a producer, musician and artiste, is testament to the depth of Jamaica's talent base. As we continue to celebrate Reggae Month, let us focus on building on the considerable foundation that we have already set in the music world, by empowering more of our artistes to rise to the levels of consistency that will take them to the Grammy stage and beyond.

"As we hail Stephen Marley on his success, let us also pay tribute to the other nominees, Burning Spear, Sly and Robbie, UB 40 and Lee "Scratch", Perry. They comprise a formidable field and are all winners in their own rights. We also hail the hundreds of unsung heroes of reggae music who have toiled long and hard to help make the music what it is today."

Miss Grange urged contemporary artistes to reflect heavily on the works of the pioneers and veterans, with a view to continuously improving standards within the music.

She said: "Time and again we have shown that our music has a positive impact internationally. Let us create more Grammy superstars from the grassroots and give our youth a chance to prosper by helping them to build the inborn talent that is so common among us."

It is most fitting that Stephen's achievement comes during February, recently declared reggae month by the Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding and the Governor General Professor Sir Kenneth Hall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone went over to see what was going on and the paparazzi started taking pics of the two of them. All I saw was Jay Z putting his head down and looking like "What is this [EXPLETIVE] doing to me."

I didn't see Jay Z say another word to her all night. And believe me, I was watching them. I bet you Jay Z wished he never made Rihanna his jump off.

Give us a break here, so what if she hugged him...he is acting like a hug means she was looking him, phew! Talk about being petty.

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

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

Alpha Blondy who offers a Reggae beat with a distinctive African Cast is set to spice up Sunday with other giants in reggae: Midnite, Sly & Robbie, Anthony B, Queen Ifrica, Gentleman, Gregory Isaacs, Ed Robinson and the man known in some regions as 'Monsieur Royal' Tarrus Riley. The Los Angeles based Aggrolites and many more will also appear.

It promises to be another family friendly weekend with free admission granted to those children 12 years and under who are accompanied by an adult. Tickets are on sale and scorching hot as the highly anticipated festival prepares to roll.

Activities will include a chance to experience the largest North American Crafts and Food Fair along with a Children's Activity Space filled with things to enjoy like: face painting, story-telling and more.

Go to: www.raggamuffinsfestival.com ; www.raggamuffins.org for more information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its procurer was the electric trolley, which was invented by another black man, Albert R. Robinson.

5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate, they were cluttered with paper because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper.

6. There were few if any newspapers, magazines and books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener, William Purveys invented the fountain pen, and Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine and W. A. Love invented the Advanced Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, Black.

7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not have been transported by mail because William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine, William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp and Philip Downing invented the Letter Drop.

8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower.

9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the Air Conditioner and Alice Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis Lattimer later invented the Electric Lamp, Michael Harvey invented the lantern and Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch. Their homes were also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop and Lloyd P. Ray the Dust Pan.

10. Their children met them at the door-barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine, Walter Sammons! invented the Comb, Sarah Boone invented the Ironing Board and George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer.

11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled because another Black Man, John Standard invented the refrigerator.

Now, isn't that something? What would this country be like without the contributions of Blacks, as African-Americans?

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By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This concept of 'touring' a live broadcast from a Sports focused radio station around Jamaican schools; though formed in some brilliant minds at KLAS, came to fruition with the immense assistance of sponsors, who introduced some of their products.

A Pharmaton rep provided interesting information on some of the products the company provides; one being their stress relief pill that students especially those who are studying would benefit from.

From Adidas, a rep spoke about not only their wonderful deodorant line available in pharmacies and stores, but also of their upcoming sponsors of the Beijing Olympics.

Paula Saunders from KLAS presented More Time phone cards to one of the Office Administration teachers, Sheila Hines.

Up to his usually exceptional juggling, DJ Kat delighted the students taking them into another place as they sang along to every song played. The vibes was exceptionally right at Dunoon.

Talent from the school came from Dwight Duncan who performed and other students jumped at the opportunity to show their talent. Marco Henry - a dub poet did a well received piece.

Spitting his solid conscious lyrics, Lil' Joe did "No War" much to the delight of the female students and the teachers. Shane O, Chuck Fenda and Black-er were outstanding and their performances received rounds of
applause.

Black-er asked the teachers to "Tek Off Their Shoes"...he then praised KLAS for their big efforts before singing "Bun Him" - and the students sang it in harmony with him. "Walk Wid Attitude" was the last song he did.

'Man Of Business' otherwise called MOB dancers closed off the afternoons entertainment with their award winning and outstanding agility, originality and great style. All the sponsors were shown love and how much they were appreciated. They are: Inseason Juice, Pharmaton, Addidas Deodorant, Aamm Co-op Credit Union, KFC and Yardflex Inc.

By: Buffilous

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now same time mi start to question why, cause mi kinda cagey bout round dem back parts. Him start to ask mi if mi eva do anal sex...all a sey how it exciting and better dan anything...out of this world.

Peeps, forgive me yuh hear, mi sey no cloth nuh lef fi mi sew pon him. Damn bright!

Me...hot gal...fi guh...but a whey him teck big woman fah sah!

Afta whey happen to mi, a start to check a few a mi sistren dem fi find out if any man bright wid dem suh and a deh-suh mi have some more shock...nuff a dem a do it long time! All a try bring mi up to speed too!

But a wha di backside di world come to sah...anal sex...den if man a do dat to woman, mi nuh si why him wouldn't do dat to another man.

Yuh know wha, a getting upset again just tinking bout di whole ting, so hear wha...next time mi whi chat to yuh.

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

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

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

But a talent like his could not be placed on the back burner for long and so Stephen went ahead with 'Mind Control' in 2007 – leading to his proud moment yesterday when he took the Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

In winning Stephen edged out Burning Spear, Lee Scratch Perry, Sly & Robbie and Toots and the Maytals.

YardFlex congratulates Stephen Marley on his achievement.

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

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

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

Students were invited to showcase their own artistic talents and many grabbed the opportunity to perform. Entertaining not only the wider KLAS radio audience, but also their peers who sat mainly on chairs while some were seated on columns, railings and anything they could find, the students gave the High School Tour a new meaning, as their own artistic development was being enhanced.

Tameika McCleod was the first to step up to the challenge; she did a rendition of "Wrong Address" by Etana and Andre Thompson and Oshane did their original tunes; all to the encouraging cheers of approval from their fellow schoolmates. Marco Henry a dub poet also performed, while Terror Prince, a student from the Eltham Park High school lent his huge voice to the scene. Described as the young man with the big voice and sounding much like the warlord Bounty Killer himself, Terror Prince rocked the crowd with consciousness. Throughout these student centered performances, issues concerning guns and life of the ghetto permeated the air.

Ms. Ting, dressed in a yellow tights and top, ran to the stage from the gate as her name was being called. She jumped right into her performance asking, "Weh di hot gal dem deh" and the song "Tun It On" came next.

Shane-O's performance brought the afternoon's session to a climax, with him doing "Oh my Gosh," "Crab Inna Barrel," "Ghetto Prayer" and ”If I Did See An Know." The girls especially loved his performance and he did not hesitate to join them in the audience as they screamed and took every chance they got to touch him.

Other performances came from Dugsy Ranks, Baby Chris of LOL popular for "Ring Ding Ding" and "Ring Ding Remix," Nanko, Nawh Switch and Addi Babba... but without the forty thieves, doing "Tippi Toe" and "Tippi Toe an Wine" which had the female students dancing and showing off there skills as he beckoned them to move their waist lines.

It was another successful afternoon with the Inseason Juice KLAS High School Tour and producer of the event from KLAS, Alicia Anderson, says she has been very happy with the productions and even more pleased with the response so far.

The hospitality at Edith Dalton James Comprehensive High was amazing and they were thanked as were tour sponsors: Inseason Juice, Pharmaton, Addidas Deodorant, Aamm Co-op Credit Union, KFC and YardFlex Inc.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

He revealed that the album has been doing well as it was on the Grammy list for Best Reggae Album, but it did not receive enough votes for a nomination.

"The album made the initial Grammy list but it did not get enough votes to get a nomination. It is the first time gospel has reached this far. The next time around we will be in the nomination," he confidently said.

Since the album's international release last year Stitchie has toured the Caribbean, the U.S and Europe.

On the European tour he performed alongside secular Reggae stars like Yellowman, Capleton, Jimmy Cliff, Junior Kelly, Derrick Morgan, Ce'Cile, Admiral Bailey, Ward 21, Alton Ellis, Dennis Alcapone, Lone Ranger and the recently deceased Lucky Dube.

Stitchie was given a eight-page spread in Riddim Magazine that will be in the March edition. Riddim also named "Real Life Story" as one of the top 10 albums for 2007.

He will spend a significant part of February promoting his album in Jamaica, but by March he will be off again to start his tours of several places in Europe, Canada, US and Africa.

Stitchie is also currently writing his first book, 'The Power of Determination,' that will be released later this year. This book will be his autobiography.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

Check out photos below:

By: Look Out
Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

LA Lewis' blunder

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

Richie get award too

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

Junior Reid teck over

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

Angel leave miserable

Bwoy what a way D'Angel leave di Pegasus Gardens looking very dejected. Bwoy mi nah tell nuh lie, if it did inna mi powers a woulda meck sure she get one award fi 'most determined.' Mi rate har still fi turn up a di awards watch as Barbee guh up two times go collect award not to mention Beenie Man whey get three and leave like a lady.

Nice speech Brick and Lace

Mi couldn't dun and nuh big up the speech whey di Brick and Lace Sisters give when dem go up fi receive one award. Still mi neva tink dem woulda stop chat, but dem sey one ting whey mi rate... "big up to all a di females in the business." If we coulda find dat deh kinda attitude we woulda si more women a progress in di biz.

EME Winners

1. DJ of the Year (Male) (For a solo vocal performance) - Beenie Man

2. DJ/Singjay of the Year (Female) (For a solo vocal performance) - Queen Ifrica

3. Vocalist of the Year (Male) - Tarrus Riley

4. Vocalist of the Year (Female) - Etana

5. Producer of the Year (Dancehall) - Mario 'Mario C' Campbell for 357 Records

6. Producer of the Year (Reggae) - Robert Livingston for Big Yard Music

7. Best New Artiste (Male) - Munga

8. Best New Artist (Female) - Barbee

9. Duo/Group of the Year - RDX

10. BIGGEST COMEBACK ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Anthony B

11. Song of the Year (Dancehall) - Back It Up – Beenie Man

12. Song of the Year (Reggae) - She's Royal – Tarrus Riley

13. Top International Artiste of the Year - Junior Reid

14. Album of the Year - "Too Bad" - Buju Banton

15. Recording Artiste of the Year - Mavado

16. Cultural Artiste of the Year - Lutan Fyah

17. Breakthrough Artiste of the Year - Brick & Lace

18. Songwriter/Lyricist of the Year (Reggae/Dancehall) - Busy Signal

19. Singjay of the Year - Mavado

20. Best Collaboration of the Year (Dancehall) - "Give It Up To Me" - Beenie Man/Barbee

21. Best Collaboration of the Year (Reggae) - "Always On My Mind" - Da'Ville/Sean Paul

22. Rhythm of the Year (Reggae) - Guardian Angel - produced by Arif Cooper for Fresh Ear Music

23. Rhythm of the Year (Dancehall) - Raging Bull - produced by Donovan Bennett for Don Corleon Music

24. Most Uplifting Lyrics - Conscience written by Artiste Cham

25. Honour Awards

Reggae Role Model of the Year - Beres Hammond

Dance Hall Role Model of the Year - Shaggy

Best Original Dance Move of the Year - Tek Weh Yuhself By Black Blingas

Video of the Year (Reggae/Dancehall) - (Stab Vampire/Church Heathen)

Show of the Year (Local) - Reggae Sumfest 2007 - Summerfest Production (Promoters)

Show of the Year (International) - Millenium Countdown 7, Nassau, Bahamas - Downsound Records (Promoters)

International Friends of Reggae Awards (Two Int'l. superstars will each receive these awards for their continued support of reggae) - Alecia Keys & Akon

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

"Get Up Stand Up" - Bob Marley.
For its message of liberation and empowerment, and its uncompromising content against systems which oppresses the poor.

"I Shot The Sherrif" - Bob Marley.
Among other explanations given, was the one from Bob Marley himself, about his struggle to be appreciated as a musician at the beginning of his career. During one interview, Bob said humorously, "The way mi had to be determined, all the sherrif mi had to shot."

"Poor People Fed Up" - Bounty Killer.
This was released amidst increasing outcries against neglect from the poor in Jamaican inner cities. The song had a bullet effect against less than diplomatic approaches by local politicians in order to maintain or regain power.

"Buckingham Palace" - Peter Tosh.
This song epitomized what rebel music is. The 'stepping razor' as Tosh was affectionately known, chanted about smoking marijuana in Queen Elizabeth's home.

"Look Into My Eye" - Bounty Killer.
This represented the grieving and desperate poor, who had lost faith in the system, and was regrettably taking matters into own hands.

"The Day The Dollar Die"- Peter Tosh.
The song was prophetic. Tosh spoke about drastic inflation and the high cost of living, long before these things became reality.

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

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

During the intense two day training clinics held prior to the game, Barnes noted Suriname's National U-20consistently exhibited discipline and professionalism; demonstrating Suriname's potential for international success.

Robin Hood did put up an aggressive fight, but gave the match to the U-20 team in the second half. The score was 1 – 1 and Robin Hood's goalie fouled the National U-20 attacker, giving way to the winning penalty kick.

After the match, Barnes said, "I like what I saw today. The match was played in good spirit.

Kenneth Jalins, Head Coach for Suriname's National U-20 team, praised Barnes and the Digicel Clinics. "The organisation of the Digicel Kick
Start Clinics is very good. The structure of the sessions ensures that the players get everything they can out of it. Barnes is very clear and precise and makes it easy for the players to understand what he wants from them. He is very motivational and he has shown them how to further develop skills they already have. Barnes has a good spirit on the pitch, is motivational and has a passion for developing young footballers," he stated.

Barnes will announce the selected six players chosen to train at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light for one week in March 2008, at the end of the eight country tour. The announcement will take place in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

The CFU sponsored Clinic moves on now to Trinidad and Tobago.

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

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

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

As Rosa Parks prepared to return to Alabama State Teacher's College, her mother also became ill, therefore, she continued to take care of their home and care for her mother while her brother, Sylvester, worked outside of the home. She received her high school diploma in 1934, after her marriage to Raymond Parks, December 18, 1932. Raymond, now deceased was born in Wedowee, Alabama, Randolph County, February 12, 1903, received little formal education due to racial segregation. He was a self-educated person with the assistance of his mother, Geri Parks. His immaculate dress and his thorough knowledge of domestic affairs and current events made most think he was college educated. He supported and encouraged Rosa's desire to complete her formal education.

Mr. Parks was an early activist in the effort to free the "Scottsboro Boys," a celebrated case in the 1930's. Together, Raymond and Rosa worked in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP's) programs. He was an active member and she served as secretary and later youth leader of the local branch. At the time of her arrest, she was preparing for a major youth conference.

After the arrest of Rosa Parks, black people of Montgomery and sympathizers of other races organized and promoted a boycott of the city bus line that lasted 381 days. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was appointed the spokesperson for the Bus Boycott and taught nonviolence to all participants. Contingent with the protest in Montgomery, others took shape throughout the south and the country. They took form as sit-ins, eat-ins, swim-ins, and similar causes. Thousands of courageous people joined the "protest" to demand equal rights for all people.

Mrs. Parks moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1957. In 1964 she became a deaconess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME).

As a role model for youth she was stimulated by their enthusiasm to learn as much about her life as possible. A modest person, she always encourages them to research the lives of other contributors to world peace. The Institute and The Rosa Parks Legacy are her legacies to people of good will.

Mrs. Parks received more than forty-three honorary doctorate degrees, including one from SOKA UNIVERSITY, Tokyo Japan, hundreds of plaques, certificates, citations, awards and keys to many cities. Among them are the NAACP's Spingarn Medal, the UAW's Social Justice Award, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Non - Violent Peace Prize and the ROSA PARKS PEACE PRIZE in 1994, Stockholm Sweden, to name a few. In September 1996 President William J. Clinton, the forty second President of the United States of America gave Mrs. Parks the MEDAL OF FREEDOM, the highest award given to a civilian citizen.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

Below are pictures from the dinner:

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

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

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

In a game witnessed by some 30,000 spectators, the Jamaican team, with a blend of youth and experience took the action to the Los Tico's but did not convert their chances to end the half on goal-less.

On the resumption both teams attempted to step up the tempo with the
Reggae Boys enjoying greater ball possession virtually camping out in Costa Rica's half.

Ever so often there were flashes of brilliance and some telling runs by the goal scorer Marlon King, the speedy Jamal -Campbell -Ryce and Ricardo Fuller, but numerous shots either went wide of the post or over the cross bar. The deadlock was broken in the 88th minute when Jamaican defenders were appealing for a non-existent off-side call, after substitute William Sunsing broke free to slot the ball pass the advancing Jamaican Keeper Donavon Ricketts in goal.

With time running out and the crowd urging on the Boyz, their never say die attitude was duly rewarded in time addded on when, Marlon King who also plays in the English Premier League for Wiggan Athletic provided a perfect weighted cross from the right side for Tyrone Marshall who ply his trade with Toronto F.C. in the U.S. Major League Soccer, to soar above his markers and head powerfully into the goal.

At the end, the Boyz were able to salvage a tie although they clearly were the better team at The Office (National Stadium) on the day. The team was captained by Ricardo Gardner who play's for Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League.

The Reggae Boyz next international friendly will be against Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium on the 26th of March.

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Padmore said peace talks would be held after Carnival.

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

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

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

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

His body bore multiple gunshot wounds.

Police list of Carnival stabbings, shootings

* Aaron Ganish of Laventille, shot around 4 am in Port-of-Spain.

* Adison Gaines, 18, of Laventille shot in Port-of-Spain.

* Gary Lawrence of Aranguez, shot in Morvant.

* Indra Maraj, 47, of St Joseph, was shot in her left foot at George Street, Port-of-Spain.

* Camille Durham, 17, of Cocorite, stabbed in the back at Roxy Roundabout, St James.

* Marcus Phillips, 22, of St Augustine, stabbed in the back around at a St James bar.

* Kareem Forde, 19, of Upper Laventille, stabbed in the left arm in Port-of-Spain.

* Rose White, 25, of Petit Valley, was stabbed in her back on Frederick Street around 4 am in Port-of-Spain.

* John Pierre, 17, of Barataria, was stabbed about his body on Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain.

* Sheldon Charles, 20, of Laventille, stabbed in Port-of-Spain.

* Ravi Seecheran, 17, of St James, suffered injuries in an attempted robbery in Port-of-Spain.

* Marcus Phillips, of Barataria, stabbed on Alfredo Street, Woodbrook.

* Kiuro Brawaithe, 23, of Gonzales, stabbed on Broadway, Port-of-Spain..

* Marcia Phillips, of Barataria, stabbed on Alfredo Street, Woodbrook.

* Anthony Butler, of Morvant, stabbed on Greaves Street, St Clair.

* Curtis Simon of Beetham Estate, beaten in Port-of-Spain.

* Ralph Cupid, 25, of Carenage, stabbed on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.

* Anita Nicolas, 21, of Woodbrook, beaten on her head in Port-of-Spain.

* Shelly Ann Downes, 25, of John John, suffered head injuries in a fight in Port-of-Spain.

* Robert Mitchell, of Port-of-Spain, beaten on Queen Street, Port-of-Spain.

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

ReggaeID.co.uk, with 42,755 songs and OVER 16,000 albums in its online database, along with a huge and comprehensive list of reggae and dancehall artistes, producers, labels and compilations worldwide, also as a feature where anyone can add information they think useful.

Dancehall.mobi, has taken dancehall and reggae music and made it mobile. The blog and wap (mobile internet) site launched a couple of days ago boasts offering, "dancehall bytes from Jamaica and across the Globe, directly to your cellphone or other internet-enabled mobile device."The owners of the sites explained that Dancehall.Mobi will serve up snippets of dancehall/reggae news from Jamaica and around the globe, and it's done specifically for users of internet enabled cellphones, iPod Touch, iPhone and PDAs.

Riddimz.com an online directory of reggae and dancehall riddims is live and offers track listings and information about the best new and old dancehall riddims, sorted alphabetically and by year of release. The site is not only for the love of the music but it's also about commerce - you can listen to reggae music online, as well as buy and download the albums of your favourite reggae riddims.

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

Italy will Remember A Legend on February 9 with the presentation of the Kebra Nagast, translated for the first time in Italian by Lorenzo Mazzoni. A dance celebration with Heart on Fire & Dubass will be held at the Dread Lion Pub.

In Kenya, from February 8, there will be Bob Marley Day Street Walk and shows. The street walk will join children from Nairobi, Mombasa , Kisumu, Meru and Nyeri who have been affected by the crisis of election in the country. Events include First Word of Jah (Prayer), a fun day and a concert .

On Friday February 8, Mexico will host a Tribute to the Reggae Legends (formerly Bob Marley Day) Celebration in El Foro, Tijuana, while Slovenia will have a Reggae Vibes Earthday Celebration of Honourable Robert Nesta Marley in Tovarna Rog, Ljubljana, today.

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

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

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

11 14 05 Spice –Up Inna De Light- Truck Back
12 09 21 Bugle-What I’m Gonna Do- Daseca-2wks@#1
13 11 20 Busy Signal-Nah Go A Jail-Jam-3wks@#1
14 16 04 Bugle-Journey-Daseca
15 13 11 Lutan Fyan –St. Jago De La Vega-Mac D’s Peak@#10
16 17 03 Deva Bratt-Gussy Clarke-Truck Back
17 18 02 Courtney Melody-Just Like The Rain-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes
18 19 03 Prestige-I'm Bless-Timeless Records
19 20 02 RDX-Everybody Dance-Apt 19
20 15 25 Beenie Man Ft. Bar-Bee -Give It Up-357 Records-3wks@#1

Contributed to YardFlex

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

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

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

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

Sean then gave a small reply speech, but was eager to begin his super 18 birthday celebrations; however not before paying his respects to friends and family who have supported him throughout his journey. Sean made it clear to everyone about his Jamaican roots and that he was born and raised in Ocho Rios. He also made it known that he is the grandson of the late sound system operator and producer, Jack Ruby.

The party got underway with entertainment from the MOB and First Class dancers. Sean joined them and tried to learn the latest Jamaican dance moves. Other performances came from Cherine Anderson who serenaded Sean. Sean's label mates "The Dey" performed and Shaggy as the guest of honour - performed his smash hits "Mr. Boombastic" and "Church Heathen." Christopher Martin performing with Shaggy gave his "Jamaican Girls" something to scream about.

The cutting of Sean's cake was an elegant affair. The cake was carried by four beautiful ladies dressed in grass skirts. Sean cut the cake with his Father "Papa Kingston." It was decorated in the colours of the Jamaican flag and had a picture of the global hit-maker himself on it. Sean acknowledge the fact that his mother, who was his main support, was not able to make the celebrations; but was surprised by the MTV crew who were able to deliver a pre-recorded message from his mother giving birthday wishes. Sean's Mother had some words of encouragement for her son before unveiling his birthday gift which was a Bentley.

His aunt who was on hand to witness the celebrations presented Sean with a custom made Louis Vitton sunshade. Executives from Epic/Sony Music presented Sean with a plaque commemorating record sales in excess of 7 million albums, ringtones and singles.

Following the presentations Renaissance Disco then cranked up the music and put the party in high gear with the latest in dance hall tunes which had patrons rocking. Among the guests present were DJ Envy and DJ Demerio a close friend of Sean who came to celebrate with him; and Jamaican born actress, model and singer Grace Jones.

The after party continued at Ocean's 11, one of Ocho Rios's happening spots and Sean could be seen jamming to the latest dancehall rhythms and mingling with the crowd and representing Jamaica to the fullest extent. It seemed that the night could not be spent in one location as the party continued at Marguritaville into the wee hours of the morning.

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

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

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

Neither Kat nor Kim is a stranger to dancehall. Kat collaborated with Elephant Man in 2007 to create her hit single, "Whine Up," that climbed to number 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts. Hip Hop veteran Kim has been an avid dancehall and reggae fan who sometimes integrates reggae rifts into her own music.

Unconquerable, Vegas' latest album, "Hot Wuk" gained a pile of international airplay, reaching as far as number 58 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop song Billboard Chart. The new re-mix is expected to exceed all expectations.

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

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

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

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

A fundamental strength of our city is based on the diversity among the people of Toronto and the climate of mutual understanding which has come from respect for the heritage and traditions of communities in our City.

Now therefore, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2008 as Bob Marley Day in the City of Toronto and join with Torontonians of Jamaican heritage to salute a great humanitarian and artiste."

By: Janice Dayle

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

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

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

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

The show will feature up close and personal interviews with political and religious figures, public health experts, entertainers and people affected by HIV/AIDS, including Dr. Kevin Fenton, Director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB prevention; Phil Wilson, Founder and Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute; and Ainsley Reid, CEO and Co-Founder of the Jamaican Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS.

For up-to-the-minute information, footage and photos about the special, please visit our press only website http://www.bet.com/pr .

Warrant out for Vybz Kartel?

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

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

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

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Deva Bratt arrested for carnal abuse

28-year-old dancehall artiste Deva Brat, whose real name is Sheldon Smith, was arrested on Tuesday evening on a charge of carnal abuse.

Deva Bratt is charged with one count of rape, who resides in Westchester, Portmore, St. Catherine is charged after an alleged incident that took place on Monday.

Allegations are that Mr. Smith took a 14-year-old girl to his house and assaulted her.

The matter was reported to the police and the entertainer arrested.

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

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

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

Making that history with the firey Alliance crew will be, Baby Cham and Spice, who have been added to the line-up. Rising Alliance stars Einstein and Future Fambo will also join the tour.

From the UK, Bounty Killer continues on an extensive European Tour that takes him to France, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Italy.

Mavado, who is anxiously awaiting the February release of his Little X directed video, "Last Night," will appear throughout the Caribbean after the UK tour.

By: Kemesha Bolton

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

HIS BIRTH

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

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

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

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

THE BEGINNING

Born to Cedella Malcolm and Norval Marley on Tuesday February 6, 1945 at 2:30 am weighing 6 1/2 pounds in the village of Nine Miles St. Ann was Robert Nesta Marley called by many Bob Marley.

Bob's mother was a Jamaican who grew up with her father Omeriah Malcolm in Nine Miles St. Ann. Ciddy, as she was commonly called met Bob's father Norval Marley of the British West India Regiment two years after he moved there. Marley was a pipe puffing superintendent for the crown lands, who came riding into Nine Miles on a fine government bought horse trying to induce poor country people; to sow crops or even resettle in the deepest sections on the 'John Williams' jungle, the largely inhabited 'bridal lands' beyond the point where the crudest roads quit. Those were his activities in the day, at nights he was busy romancing with 'Ciddy' who was seventeen-year-old at the time with Norval being two or three years her senior. Out of this secret relationship came Bob Marley.

A couple of months after Bob was born his father left, but Bob had a happy childhood regardless. He lived with his mother, grandfather and other extended family in the steep hills of Rhoden Hill.

Tragedy struck and Bob's Grandfather died in 1957 and so most of the family migrated to the United States of America and Bob and his mother moved to Trench Town Kingston.

Trench Town was a housing scheme, built after the 1951 hurricane had destroyed the area's squatter camps. These camps which had gradually grown up around West Kingston had been built around the former Kingston refuge dump, where the country folks and displaced city dwellers would scavenge for whatever they could find. The area had been a sugar plantation, owned by the Lindos, one of the twenty-one families that are said to rule Jamaica.

Like other city dwellers Cedella came from the quiet rural surroundings to Jamaica's capital in search of work and excitement. As a youth Bob knew from an early age exactly what he wanted in life, he was not caught up in the negative existence of the ghetto bad boy profile. Bob was not a side walk bully, although Pauline (who was living in the community at the time when Bob was a youth) says, "if a guy come for him an' trouble him, he can defend himself." Even then Bob operated on several levels; on one hand he was affable, openly eager to assist. "He was a very easy going person, he was never rude or anything, him never aggressive and him always irie to me even as a kid coming from school, then on the other hand he was a loner, it was always the 'man and his guitar,' he was very moody, if people were sitting together with him, he would suddenly just get up and go somewhere else, just to be by himself," Pauline explained.

Six years after moving to Kingston at age eighteen (18) Bob met Rita Anderson who he later made his wife after three years of courting on February 10 1966, four days after his 21st birthday. Out of Bob and Rita's marriage came David (Ziggy), Stephen, Cedella and Stephanie Marley; a union inclusive of Rita's first child Sharon. Bob, however, had other outside children - Jah Nesta, Julian, Karen and Kimani Marley who were accepted openly by Rita. At the time of Bob's death there were eight children that were publicly known, but since Bob's death there has been an estimate of about twenty-two children that Bob Marley has fathered.

HIS MUSIC

Bob's music started way back in the 1950's when he was allegedly kidnapped by his father Norval Marley when he was just five years old and taken to Kingston and it is at this time he learnt about music. When he returned to Nine Miles he wanted to do nothing but play or sing. He started playing music using two sticks and tapping on a vegetable bin, his first guitar was made out of a large herring pan with strings attached to a wooden fret work.

In 1962 two years after Bob and his mother moved to Kingston the group 'Teenagers' was formed and the name was later changed to the 'Wailers' the members included Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley. Their first album was "Judge not" which was well accepted. Then came "Catch a Fire" and "Burning" which were both critically acclaimed.

Bob Marley has contributed significantly to Jamaica and the world. His songs took on real life stories, the group did more than entertain and their music translated a remarkable style and brought to the forefront the pain and feelings of million of people throughout the world.

HIS DEATH

There were many things that led up to Bob's death which takes me to the incident that happened on the morning of September 21, 1980 when Bob and his friend Skelly was jogging in Central Park, New York and he collapsed. Bob said, "I felt my body freezing."

After the incident the decision was taken to admit Bob in the Manhattan's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and he underwent radium treatment that caused the locks around his head and templates to drop off.

After extensive treatment Bob's health deteriorated. We hold close the memory of one instance when Ciddy stood at his bedside, clutching his hand he turned and said to her "I'll be alright. I am going to prepare a place."

He died just before noon on May 11, 1981, only forty hours after he left Germany. At that moment in Kingston, Judy Mowatt was sitting on the veranda of her home on the outskirts of Liguanea section of Kingston when a great burst of thunder shook the heavens and a bolt of lightening hurtled through her open window glancing off the framed photograph of Bob on her mantle piece. Frightened, her children began to cry; after calming them down Judy turned on the radio and heard the JBC bulletin that Bob was gone.

Tens of thousands of mourners Jamaicans, Africans, Americans, Europeans and West Indians attended the funeral which was a state funeral. His last performance was on the 23rd September 1980 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Bob now rest in peace at his birth place in Nine Miles, St. Ann.

He remains one of the greatest superstars of all time.

Long live the Crowned King Of Reggae Music. The Legend Robert Nesta Marley O.M. Jah Live.

Awards and honors

1976 - Band of the Year (Rolling Stone)
June 1978 - Awarded the Peace Medal of the Third World from the United
Nations
February 1981 - Awarded Jamaica's third highest honor, the Order of Merit
1999 - Album of the Century (Time Magazine) for Exodus)
February 2001 - A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
February 2001 - Awarded Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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

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

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

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

Sizzla (Singjay)
"A whole lot."

Daville (Singer)
"Bob Marley impacted me a great deal. Growing up and listening to his musical messages in songs and seeing how far he has helped to take not only reggae but the whole Jamaican culture to the rest of the world, well that makes me feel great. Personally, he just makes me feel proud to be a Jamaican."

Vegas (Singjay)
"I grew up more on Dennis Brown I think he is way underrated and more needs to be done to enhance his legacy. But to Bob I later realized how great a composer he is. His lyrics are deep and my favourite line from one of his songs is "only your best friend know your secret and only he can reveal it."

George Nooks (Singer)
"Bob Marley set the trend. He has had a great influence on the world and on me too. I really like his songs a lot, there are a lot of messages in them. Even after his death he is still influencing the world."

Delroy Carroll (Booking Agent/Artiste Manager)
"Well he made reggae what it is right now - a force to be reckoned with and subsequently higlighting Jamaica on the map therefore providing additional business for us in the music."

M. Archibald, 876 Records
"Well if my mother had never met Bob and Rita Marley in California back in the early 70's, she never would have left her job at United Artists Publishing and moved us to Jamaica - then she would not have recorded for Joe Gibbs. I would never have returned to Jamaica as an adult to work at Tuff Gong - never would have met my husband, started Eight76 Records...aside from his incredible impact on the world as an artist - my personal and professional life was greatly impacted by Bob Marley."

Tarrus Riley (Singer)
" Well Bob is the King of Reggae, simply words can't describe him he is a great human being. What he simbolises, what he has shown the world, no matter what struggles you can overcome. I am big fan of the Wailers."

Dean Fraser (Musician)
" He is the source everyone chose because of his influence, it is indelible, ultimate. If your going to do reggae music that is the school."

Etana (Singer)
"In a great way. When I first was going through my changes, I use to listen to Sizzla's "I have no White" and all of Bob's collection. He has played a role."

Earl ' Chinna' Smith (Musicians)
" Music of worth. Everybody has to understand that he did not do it by himself a whole lot of other people contributed. If Bob was here it would be a different story. The person that he was all of this would not be happening. Bob is a shepherd and I long to see someone like him."

Judy Mowatt (Former member of the I threes)
"Bob was a special jewel sent to this world. He has not left us, because his voice and message is still here. Remarkably, his message is still relevant; he was a man ahead of his time. His message was peace and love, and everyone, worldwide, could see themselves in Bob Marley's message."

Ziggy Marley (Bob Marley's son and Reggae musician)
"He is my role model and my father. I count it a privilege to be associated with a man who is such a role model to so many people, and I'm even more privileged to be his child."

Damion 'Junior Gong' Marley (Son and musician)
"As his son I've learnt a lot of lessons from him. Also, most of modern Reggae music is still following the trend he has set; the powerful, passionate style in which Reggae musicians are known to deliver their material with."

Ken Boothe (Reggae Musician)
"He's exceptional. Happy Birthday Bob! He's in the heavens. His music will live on."

Bob Andy (Reggae musician)
"He used his music to do what others use bombs and guns to do. He fought for what he believed in through his music."

Marcia Griffiths (Reggae musician)
"We were blessed to have a prophet among us, and he left a legacy. I was privileged to be a part of his mission."

Allan 'Skill' Cole (closest friend)
"Bob has grown larger after life. For me, it is a moment of joy to see Bob honoured. I'm glad that there is no mourning. Although he is dead, I see festivity, joy; and I love it."

Bounty Killer (Reggae musician)
"Bob Marley is number one. He put Reggae music on the international map."

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

She also hosts the daytime radio talk show, Disclosure, on Hot 102 FM.

Sharing today's spotlight also will be the launch of Vivien Goldman's Book of Exodus: The Making and meaning of Bob Marley and the Wailers' Album of the Century. The double-bill programme begins at 6:00 pm.

A professor of punk and reggae at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, Vivien Goldman has dedicated much to Afro-Caribbean and global music. She began her contribution to Reggae as the Public relations officer who helped in getting Bob Marley's message across the world.

Goldman's work has appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times, Interview, Spin and Rolling Stone. She conceived of and co-produced the groundbreaking 80's TV music series, Big World Cafe, and has made several documentaries and videos for artistes including Hugh Masekela, and Eric B and Rakim.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 15, The Bob Marley Creative Expressions Day.

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

February 20, Gala Opening of Reggae Film Festival hosted by Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports presenting 3 days of feature films, documentaries and music videos with reggae themes, or focus.

February 21, Reggae Film Festival continues.

February 21, Reggae Academy Awards Opeing night reception & showcase.

February 22, Reggae Film Festival special screening at UWI (a.m.)

February 22, Reggae Academy Awards Panels/Conferences

February 22, Reggae Academy Awards Artist Showcase.

February 22, Final night Reggae Fil Festival and Awards, Courtleigh Auditorium.

February 23, Reggae Academy Awards.

February 23, Africa Unite - Smile Jamaica Concert.

February 24, Reggae Academy Awards hosted by Recording Industry Association of Jamaica (RIAJam), Jamaica version of the Grammy Awards.

February 29, Presentation of Irie FM Reggae Awards by Minister of Information & Culture

February 29, Reggae Film Festival, Island Village, Ocho Rios.

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

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

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

An independent label, Island, distributed Jamaican records in the UK throughout the 1960s, but reggae became popular in the UK only when Prince Buster's "Al Capone" (1967) started a brief "dance craze". Jamaican music was very much a ghetto phenomenon, associated with gang-style violence, but Jimmy Cliff's "Wonderful World Beautiful People" (1969) wed reggae with the "peace and love" philosophy of the hippies, an association that would not die away. In the USA, Neil
Diamond's "Red Red Wine" (1967) was the first reggae hit by a pop musician. Shortly afterwards, Johnny Nash's "Hold Me Tight" (1968) propelled reggae onto the charts. "Do The Reggae" (1968) by Toots (Hibbert) And The Maytals was the record that gave the music its name. Fredrick Toots Hibbert's vocal style was actually closer to gospel, as proved by their other hits ("54-46," 1967; "Monkey Man," 1969; "Pressure Drop," 1970).

A little noticed event would have far-reaching consequences: in 1967, the Jamaican disc-jockey Rudolph "Ruddy" Redwood had begun recording instrumental versions of reggae hits. The success of his dance club was entirely due to that idea. Duke Reid, who was now the owner of the Trojan label, was the first one to capitalize on the idea: he began releasing singles with two sides: the original song and, on the back, the instrumental remix. This phenomenon elevated the status of dozens of recording engineers.

Reggae music was mainly popularized by Bob Marley, first as the co-leader of the Wailers, the band that promoted the image of the urban guerrilla with Rude Boy (1966) and that cut the first album of reggae music, Best Of The Wailers (1970); and later as the political and religious (rasta) guru of the movement, a stance that would transform him into a star, particularly after his conversion to pop-soul melody with ballads such as Stir It Up (1972), I Shot The Sheriff (1973) and No Woman No Cry (1974).

Among the reggae vocal groups, the Abyssinian' Satta Massa Gana (1971) is representative of the mood of the era.

In 1972 reggae became a staple of western radio stations thanks to the film The Harder They Come. Source: www.scaruffi.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carver accepted, and there is where the majority of the work was done that led to him being regarded as the most famous black inventor of all time.

In the south at that time, Tobacco and Cotton were the primary crops grown. The problem is that those crops deplete the soil of all of its nutrients. Between that and the devastation to the land from the Civil War, the agricultural situation in the south was not good. Considering that the majority of the agricultural products for the United States came from the south, this affected all of America.

George Washington Carver came up with a solution to the problem. Crop rotation was the key. George convinced the farmers to plant legumes like peanuts and peas because they produced nitrates and replenished the soil. He told them to rotate planting cotton and tobacco with the peanuts so that they could continue to have plentiful cotton and tobacco harvests. The farmers followed his instructions and were thrilled with the results, except for one thing. The production of cotton and tobacco was great, but now the farmers were left with all of these useless peanuts that were rotting in their overflowing warehouses. George Washington Carver took the challenge and quickly found new uses for peanuts. As a matter of fact, he eventually found over 300 uses for the peanut, such as peanut butter, ink, facial cream, and shampoo.

During this process, he also discovered that sweet potatoes and pecans enriched the soil, too. He convinced the farmers to work these crops into their rotation as well, and then found multiple uses for these products. Some of the uses of these crops include synthetic rubber and material for paving highways. From the pecan he invented over 75 products, and from common clays he developed dyes and paints. Many of these were used to color textiles, which made the colorful clothing people would wear.

Henry Ford, the famous inventor of the automobile, invited George Washington Carver to the Ford plant in Michigan where he came up with a way to use a plant weed named goldenrod to create synthetic rubber.

The famous inventor Thomas Edison was so impressed with Carver's work that he offered him a salary of $100,000 a year to work for him at the Edison Laboratories in their state of the art facilities. He turned it down, however, so that he could continue his research at Tuskegee.

Another way that George Washington Carver showed that his work was never about money and personal gain, is that even though he did hold 3 patents, the majority of his discoveries and inventions he never patented. When asked about this he replied, "God gave them to me, how can I sell them to someone else?"

The United States Government also took notice of Carver's brilliance and appointed him Collaborator in the Division of Plant Mycology and Disease Survey of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1935.

By 1938, peanuts were 200 million dollar industry and Alabama's chief product. In 1940 George donated over $60,000 of his own savings to the George Washington Carver Foundation. He later willed the remaining money he had to the foundation to carry on his work after he was gone.

Carver died on January 5, 1943 on the campus of the Tuskegee Institute. Governments from around the world honored him for his many inventions and his work that improved the life of all of mankind.

The United States Government designated the farmland he grew up on, as a national monument, and made January 5, 1946 George Washington Carver day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking back at the life of Bob Marley if we were to dissect it then yes we can admit that he sure opened a lot of social doors for us in that his music has spread across the globe and opened the eyes of many to Jamaica.

While a lot of people around the world would not know any of our famous leaders, they will recognize the name of Bob Marley and could probably repeat the verses of a lot of the many legacy of songs he left behind.

But we could also look at Louse Bennett-Coverley who revolutionized the country in accepting its own culture...and of course if we dig deeper we could come up with even more luminaries who opened other doors in one area or another.

But should they all be made heroes? Sooner or later if this trend continues being a Jamaican hero will be like the National Honours and Awards ceremony held each year...you don't know if it's a friend thing or those people really, truly deserved the honour...cause something if you are honest you are left wondering exactly what they did to deserve it.

Should you all start to chew fire...let me stress that Bob Marley did a lot...a whole lot for the music and for the country...but hero material...I don't think so!

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

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

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

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

After an astonishing Top10 hit in the USA Dekker went back to Britain where he settled down in 1969. During the same year he once again hit the UK Charts with "It Mek."

Through his success, buoyed by consistent touring, Dekker remained the most famous reggae artist in the international scene until the early 70's. So it probably doesn't surprise that the hits kept coming for Dekker - once again he topped the charts with the Jimmy Cliff song "You Can Get It If You Really Want." Since Leslie Kong died from a heart failure in 1971, Desmond Dekker decided to join the Cactus Label. "Sing A Little Song" plus the re-release of "Israelites" at the same time put Desmond back in the UK Top 10 in 1975.

The 80's were not a happy time for Desmond: in addition to some very heavily advertised financial problems, his managerial problems were coming to a head. But, however, Desmond kept doing what he knew best: singing.

During a 2-Tone revival in 1993, Desmond then recorded the album "King Of Kings" (Trojan Records) with four original members of the legendary Specials, which continued to sell well.

To sum it up, Desmond Dekker's unmistakable falsetto remains one of Reggae's most memorable and -although his songs got that popular by now that they're used for several TV spots - even the younger generation of the reggae fans appreciates the authentic sound of the artist which definitely belongs to the roots of this movement.

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

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

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

The group quickly complied with the orders.

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

According to the New York Post's Page Six, Hilton was hosting a party in Scottsdale for 944 magazine, where 50 Cent was one of the headliners. After 50 Cent said her name in one of his songs, Hilton tried to join the rapper onstage to dance, only to be met with 50 barking at her to "Get the f*** off the stage."

Witnesses said the outburst prompted Hilton to start crying, which was captured on film by photographers at the event.

Ouch 50, you need to show more respect to women!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were 82 double murders, 10 triple murders and five quadruple murders. Most of the murders - 79 percent - were committed by guns while most of the homicides were committed in the inner city communities of Olympic Gardens, Waterhouse, Drewsland, Seaview Gardens, Riverton City, and sections of Maxfield Avenue. November was the bloodiest with 166 persons murdered within that 30-day period.

Throughout last year there were several initiatives implemented to stop the rising surge of crime with little success. DCP Shield at one point revealed that they would be targeting hot spot areas in every division in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine...still the figures rise.

Some policemen are now beginning to cry out for the death penalty in an effort to send a serious message to criminals. Will it prove to be a deterrent? That is anyone's guess...still...YardFlex hopes that good sense will prevail and our country can truly go back to its slogan and mean it...come home to paradise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

The idea evolved out of a series of annual celebrations on 'D Brown's' birthday in the form of marathon radio programmes and simulcast among Kool 97FM the BBC and the London-based Choice FM.

Lafayette said, "Over the past three years, when I was with Kool 97FM, we did simulcast with Ranking Ms P from the BBC. That was very very successful. We had the opportunity to hear some of the features we produced aired over the BBC to 80 million people. Later on we extended the works of Dennis (Brown) in terms of the biography. We delved a little bit into his actual philosophy, and focused a little on his alma mater, Central Branch All Age School. The Dennis Brown Trust contributes to the school's feeding programme and provides scholarships to needy students."

By: Kemesha Bolton

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

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

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

This program is a one on one with citizens and despite some minor technical glitches the debut program ran relatively smoothly and as such 17 people got a chance to speak to the PM. Their concerns ranged from bad roads to the recent operation in Tivoli Gardens where members of the anti-crime task force 'King Fish' went in search of the leader of the Bone Crusher gang and five young men were killed. Also it is estimated that about 700 people called in from overseas.

Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Minister of Information Youth and Culture promised that next month's broadcast will be much better.

The program has received a thumbs up from Martin Henry, Communications Consultant at the University of the West Indies.

So if you have some burning issues with how the country is being run you can tune in every month and talk to your Prime Minister about it.

By: Joan Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

Since than he stepped up his game to become more visible in the often turbulent and cutthroat road to dancehall stardom. He worked at more barbecues and small stage shows, and tried harder to get his voice on a record. As fate would have it, words spread in dancehall circles about his exceptional natural ability, and he was approached by the famed Donovan Germain to do work with Penthouse Records.

In 2000, he recorded 'Oh Jah', 'Stepp A Seed' for Penthouse, plus 'Love In The streets' with Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and Assassin. These artistes are in no uncertain terms the cream of Jamaica music, so Octane took their decision to record the track with him as solid treatment to his talent. Working with than turned out to be much more than a mere morale booster

He later moved on and another friend introduced him to Junior Arrows who was impressed with his talent and signed him to a management contract.

Since then he has recorded songs like 'Stamp Class', 'Gun Rise' (with Teflon) and 'Stab Vampire' which catapulted him into the spotlight becoming a hit single.

YardFlex couldn't help but pick his brain on the state of the dancehall now...but with that diplomatic smile he explained, "life is growth, everything can't be on one page. Everyone couldn’t come with one dimensional music, it would be boring!"

Well, it's more social commentaries, lovers rock and defense songs from this conscious crusader.

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

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

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

With the real Trix and Flix being kept busy with their commitments to promoting UEFA EURO 2008™, the video will help the official tournament mascots spread their passion to parts of the world they cannot visit in person. While the video amply demonstrated their footballing skills, it is also hoped that their infectious spirit will give fans a taste of the great footballing celebration to come in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

Go deh Shaggy, you really flying the Reggae flag far and wide! Big up from YardFlex.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His combination of serious, "message" songs and soul-wailing love melodies was irresistible. His stage shows, too, were genuine events, and always packed a punch. "Money In My Pocket" (1979) was the first of three incursions into UK chart territory, with Brown eventually signing to A&M Records in the early 80s in an unsuccessful attempt to corner the crossover market following the death of Bob Marley.

Simultaneously, he became co-owner of the DEB label, successfully producing Junior Delgado and female lovers rock trio 15-16-17.

Brown gradually spent more time in London as a consequence, eventually settling there for much of the 80s. His Joe Gibbs connection was terminated in 1982, marking the de facto end of Gibbs' prominence as a producer.

Brown's series of reggae hits, including "To The Foundation" for Gussie Clarke, "Revolution" for Taxi Records or cuts on his own Yvonne's Special label (named after his wife), saw him become one of the few established singers to ride the early dancehall boom unscathed. However, when digital music exploded onto reggae in 1985, Brown faltered for the first time in his career, seemingly unsure of his next move. Eventually, he settled into the new style, recording The Exit for King Jammy's in the digital mode.

A move to Gussie Clarke's Music Works Studio in 1989 gave him more kudos with the youth market, particularly on the duet with Gregory Isaacs, "Big All Around". Once again, Dennis Brown was in demand in Jamaica, back at the roots of the music, and rolling once again, recording everywhere and anywhere for a few months. In 1995 he recorded with Beenie Man and Triston Palmer for the hit compilation "Three Against War."

Dennis Brown passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies. The cause of death - pneumonia/respiratory failure.

Jamaican Prime Minister Patterson led the eulogies while Dennis Brown became the first entertainer to be buried in the National Heroes Park.

Among Brown's most prolific songs are 'If I Follow My Heart', 'Love Me Always', 'Westbound Train', 'Silhouette', 'Stop The Fighting' and 'Here I Come'.

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

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Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

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

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

As told through 'Bellas Gate Boy', Mr. Rhone's captivating narrative reveals a master storyteller at his best, Mr. McDonald told JIS News.

'Bellas Gate Boy' will be presented at York College in Jamaica, NY, on Friday, February 1 at 8:00 pm; St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY on Sunday, February 3, at 6:00 pm; Rockland County Community College, Rockland, NY on Friday, February 8, at 7:30 pm, and St. John's University, Queens, NY, on Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 pm.

Mr. Rhone will also be a featured guest at the Flatbush Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, 22 Linden Boulevard, on Tuesday, February 5 at 6:30 pm, where Mr. Burgie will join the noted playwright to share their insights on career and cultural identity in an interactive session with members of the audience.

'Africa Unite', a film that is part of the 60th birthday concert tribute to Bob Marley, will be screened at St. Francis College, downtown Brooklyn, NY, on February 12 at 7:00 p.m.

The programme closes on February 27 with the monthly platform for published and unpublished writers. The session will be anchored by Mr. Burrows who will read from his most recent work, 'Black Angels with Sky Blue Feathers'.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reggae Uncensored is 90 minutes long with English subtitles to support the Jamaican Creole. Other parts of the series are to follow. The documentary was produced by Nutz Films (New York City) in collaboration with Chyna Doll Productions and is being distributed worldwide by Gold Dust Media.

"We feel extremely proud of the world class quality and professionalism of this exciting new product, and we feel this DVD will continue to push our music to new levels of understanding and acceptance globally," remarked Ray Stewart, executive producer of Reggae Uncensored.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

The former Vere Technical athlete Campbell-Brown won gold at the Osaka Championship last summer winning the 100 metres, taking silver in the 200 metres and in the sprint relays. That 100 metres World Championship Gold in 11.01 seconds completed the total package at the international level, with previous gold at the Olympics in 2004 and the IAAF Junior and Youth Championships in 1998 and 1999.

Campbell-Brown got the nod ahead of Olympian and National Champion Deloreen Ennis-London.

Chris Dehring took home the Chairman's Award for his nine year planning and exceptional efforts in helping the Caribbean to stage last year's International Cricket Council/World Cup Cricket Tournament.

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

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

TOP 20 REGGAE SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 3 17 St. Jago De La Vega-Lutan Fyah-Mac D's (1wk@#1) U-2
02 2 17 Mi Nah Rub-Queen Ifrica-Downsound Records NM
03 1 14 Daddy Don't Touch Me There-Queen Ifrica-No Doubt Records (2wks@#1) D-2
04 4 22 Praise God- Little Hero-Inspire NM
05 7 9 Sometimes-Courtney "Yogi" John-Fi Wi Music U-2
06 5 15 Bonafide Girl-Shaggy feat Ric Rok and Tony Gold- Big Yard (2wks@#1) D-1
07 8 10 Old Rugged Cross-George Nooks-Tad's International U-1
08 6 10 Missing You-Jnr Kelly/Barbee-B & P Production (pp#6) D-2
09 10 9 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-Cannon/VP Records U-1
10 11 8 Warrior Love –Etana-Freemind U-1
11 9 14 Fling It Up Pon Mi-Da'ville- Big Yard (pp#6) D-2
12 13 5 Stronger-Fantan Mojah- Maximum Sound U-1
13 16 3 Just Like The Rain-Courtney Melody-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes U-3
14 12 20 Fallen Soldiers-Demarco-Star Kutt (2wks@#1) D-2
15 14 5 Yesterday-Daville-Fashowzy (pp#14) D-1
16 17 5 Book Of Life-I-Wayne-Loyal Soldiers/VP Records U-1
17 15 18 Wi Nuh Trust Dem-Prestige-Timeless Records (pp#6) D-2
18 20 2 Lion Paw-Tarrus Riley- Cannon U-2
19 19 26 I'm Waiting -Cecile-Danger Zone (pp#4) NM
20 18 23 Poverty-Cocoa Tea-Minor 7, Flat 5(2wks@#1) D-2

TOP TEN ALBUMS/CD CHART

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 10 Intoxication-Shaggy- VP Records/Big Yard (4wks@#1) NM
02 2 11 Unselfish -Courtney ‘Yogi’ John-Fi Wi Music NM
03 3 15 From August Town-Duane Stephenson-VP Records (2wks@#1) NM
04 4 8 Purge Riddim Meets Zee Drop Riddim-Various Artistes- In Your Face Music/Tad's International NM
05 5 7 Book of Life-I-Wayne-VP Records NM
06 7 4 Love & Affection-Pressure-Don Corleon U-1
07 6 18 Sean Kingston-Sean Kingston-Beluga Heights/Epic (4wks@#1) D-1
08 8 18 Foreva-Wayne Wonder-VP Records NM
09 10 2 Sacrifice-Alaine-Don Corleon U-1
10 9 23 Biological Warfare-Cocoa Tea–Minor 7 Flat 5 (2wks@#1) D-1

_____________________NOTES_____________________________________
Numbers in bracket indicate the number of weeks at the No. 1 Spot.
Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover
TW - This Week, LW - Last Week, WC Weeks on Chart, PP in bracket -
Peak Position
Sources: Sound Systems, Record Shops, Night Clubs & Radio Play