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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Rihanna and Chris Brown both walked the orange carpet at the Kids' Choice Awards. Separately. "We're not in a relationship or anything," Brown was reported to have said to the Associated Press before Saturday's slime-filled ceremony.

Rumors have been swirling for weeks the R&B singers are dating, but Brown was quick to squash such gossip, insisting he was single and Rihanna was just a friend. The 18-year-old "Kiss Kiss" crooner, clad in a custom-made orange hoodie emblazoned with a blingin' Nickelodeon logo, later collected a trophy for favorite male singer.

Rihanna, 20, bypassed the press line before the awards ceremony, strutting down the carpet in a polka-dot corset top.

Wow...after all this time they just see fit to deny the rumours! Makes you wonder huh.

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Wow, I think Jamaican artistes should take a page out Wyclef's book and set the trend for a better Jamaica.

Check this out:

Wyclef Jean has recorded a radio message asking people in the country to give up crime. "If you love Wyclef that means you love Haiti," he said in Creole in a short ad run by local stations in the nation. "So you should not be raping women, kidnapping people and children. There can be no excuse for doing so." "I reject these evil practices," said Jean in his message, in which he also urged Haitian men to respect women's rights.

Jean, 35, was made a roving ambassador for Haitilast year by President Rene Preval. His message was supported by the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas. Kidnapping is rife in the Caribbean republic, with 36 people abducted in the capital city Port-au-Prince during March alone.

Jean was born in Haiti in 1972 but moved with his family to New York when he was nine years old. The award-winning musician provides humanitarian aid and assistance through his Yele Haiti foundation.

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By: Joseph Cunningham

Reggae music is not just about a feel-good vibe, it is a genre of music, which is accompanied by deep spirituality that emancipates the mind.

Young reggae musicians, most often are those who have been exposed to the negative challenges life presents.

Ras Emanuel was born in Kingston, Jamaica, relatively close to gangs, political struggle, armed police and poverty.

He earned money by working as a construction labourer and as a fisherman. He also made money by digging and pushing through garbage dumps to find salvaged metal and plastics.

As a way of escape, he kept music in his soul, performing and making radio dubs for local disc jockeys and local radio stations. He described himself as a very diligent youngster who was serious about his career, spending countless nights in the studio and performing on subway platforms, clubs, and in parks.

As a young teen he was selected to compete at a talent contest in Jamaica. During the contest he was discovered by legendary Jamaican veteran deejay, U Roy.

Today, he resides mainly in the United States, where he has developed a sound that ranges from roots, dancehall, hip hop and R&B. He has been privileged to share stages with the likes of Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Johnny Osbourne.

Hailed as a true storyteller through his music, Ras Emanuel speaks strongly against violence, family separation, and advocates just as strongly for love as well as national and international unity.

His upcoming album is called, "Loving Enemies." a title which symbolizes his life long message.

On The Rocks Entertainment, Inc. presents the Women Empowerment Gospel Festival at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. The event will be hosted by Juanita Bynum and will feature performances by a dynamic line up of Grammy Award winning artists including Yolanda Adams, Pastor Shirley Caesar and The Clark Sisters.

In addition to musical performances, the Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, current officiating pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church located in Harlem, New York will be a special guest speaker. A host of celebrity speakers will join Rev. Washington in sharing positive and powerful messages for women of all spiritual backgrounds. The event will give women the opportunity to come together and highlight the efforts of some of the most non-vocal, yet obedient disciples of the Lord.

Several women of the Gospel who are true advocates of inspirational empowerment for women and embody the power of worship and the impact that comes along with it will be honoured during the event.

This event is the first one promoted by On The Rocks Entertainment at a major union house. The company founders, Derrick Sanders and Shelby Joyner, began the concert promotion company 13 years ago after coming to the realization that working a 9 to 5 job was not for them.

"We had a vision," states Sanders. "We had the vision of taking 'On The Rocks Entertainment' from small local parties to the mainstream for Concert promotions. We went from a fan base of about 1,000 to over 10,000 strong. When everyone told us it couldn't happen, we proved them wrong every single time. We are now moving to bigger venues like Radio City Music Hall and The Beacon Theater. This is what dreams are made of. We believe that. Life is about the journey, not the destination."

Returning to the top of the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week is Marvin Sapp's "Thirsty," ending WOW Gospel 2008's four week run at the top of the charts, as it moves down to the number two position for the week.

Kirk Franklin's "The Fight of My Life" holds on to the number three position as "Jesus" from Shekinah Glory Ministry maintains the number four spot. Israel & New Breed's "A Deeper Level" rounds out the week's top five. Other notable chart activity includes strong debuts from LaRue Howard with "How Great is Our God" - number 6 and Norman Hutchins' latest, "Spontaneous Praise: Vol. 1" -number nine.

In the world of radio, Marvin Sapp continues to dominate with his second consecutive week back at the top spot with "Never Would Have Made It." In total, this single has spent 28 weeks at the number one position. Kirk Franklin's "Declaration (This Is It!)" holds to the number two spot. "He's Done Enough" from Beverly Crawford sits at number three while The Clark Sisters' "Livin" takes the number four position. Ricky Dillard & New G round out the week's top five with "The Light."

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Photography By: Marie Mendoza

Colin Harper, also known as Collie Buddz has a rock-solid foundation in reggae - and its power to connect ghetto reality with the highest heights of human aspiration.

Born in 1981, Collie was immersed in the sound system culture since the age of 6. "I used to come home from primary school and my brother would always be on the turntables, playing his new 45's an' I'd just be there vibesin," he revealed.

The evolution of dancehall and the sound-clash culture, into a movement of it's own in the late 1980s and early 1990s set the backdrop for young Collie's discovery of his own identity; and the dancehall kings of that generation, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, served as his primary influences. "Back when Beenie and Bounty used to war lyrically, seeing clashes wit' Kilimanjaro an all the sound-man an' everything...the whole music scene for me took on a new meaning. Clash thing an' lyrical war became a part of my daily life from early out."

The daily operation of trading lyrics in schoolyard clashes quickly gave way to more serious combat as, "...people started sayin 'Ay, Buddz got some lyrics!" From an early age, some of the local sounds on the island wanted to get me on dub plate," says Collie, who stepped into the first of many vocal booths at age 16 to voice customized dubs for some Bermudian sounds. "Sounds was always trying to buss local artists in Bermuda." Consistent encouragement from the various sound men and engineers he encountered on those dub excursions led Collie to maintain a musical focus and eventually trek to Florida for a degree in audio engineering, a path that ended behind the boards of his own Bermudian studio, jointly run with his older brother (Smokey) and Sneek Success from one of Bermuda's founding sounds, 'Newclear Weapon.'

Building riddims for other artists only expanded his love for writing and voicing his own lyrics however. "I used to make these beats an none of the tunes came out how I pictured an artist sittin on de riddim, so I decided to start to get in the booth myself again and spit some lyrics. Unless my brother engineerin' for me, I'm runnin from the board to the booth, back to the board!" Like boot camp for a one-man army, that experience molded the signature vocal style that defines Collie Buddz – a songwriter who can lay his own riddim, sing the hook and chat on the verse.

"I build de riddim first and while I'm building it I don't try an' think about lyrics 'cause I'm trying to focus on the riddim, yunno? I make it sound as best I can and then for a day or two I rest my ears then start de writing process. I come up with a melody firs' and get that down, then start with the lyrics." The skill with which he compartmentalizes multiple roles in the studio also extends to his
easy movement between styles.

A falsetto that combines the singsong lover's rock appeal of a carnival crooner like Rupee with the deeper emotional catch of Bob Marley or Sizzla, Collie's voice sits with equal comfort over the jump-up pace of ragga-soca, 4/4 hip-hop beats or an achingly slow one drop. Most strikingly on tunes like "My Everything" he finds both the drive of dancehall and the bluesy edge of roots in a frenetic polyrhythm built around the Latin horns of David Bowie's "Let's Dance" an up-tempo track that could be just as at home in a Trinidad carnival as in a UK discothèque. "Some tunes I create are just to show that I could do anything I put my mind to," he explains "to show the versatility of my style."

"Nowadays when I go to put on a CD, its old tune: Alton Ellis, The Meditations, The Heptones, Skatalites, Jacob Miller, Eric Monty Morris; love the rockers music. From that I start to teach myself some of the history of this music, that's where I started to come a little more versatile with the singin'...the foundation just straight reality, yunno. I like dancehall, but de foundation and conscious tune really what me love."

Born in New Orleans but raised in Bermuda, dancehall singer Collie Buddz was entranced by the urban music of his island home. He favored dancehall the most, but soca and hip-hop were important too, all of which exploded out the speakers of his DJ brother. His brother was also involved in recording Collie's demo track, "Come Around", an infectious song that blew up in Europe and topped the charts in the U.K. before it came to Jamaica.

As the marijuana anthem was climbing the JA charts all the way up to number one, rapper Busta Rhymes cut his own, unauthorized remix, which increased the track's presence on urban American radio. Guest vocals on a remix of Beyonce's "Ring the Alarm" began his relationship with the Sony label. A guest appearance on an American rappers Lil' Flip latest album kept spreading the Collie Buddz name on the streets. Everything was in place as his second single, "Mamacita," and his self-titled debut album were both released by Sony in the summer of 2007.

Prodigy, one half of the hip-hop's legendary platinum selling duo, Mobb Deep, has agreed to be the first Urban artist to be featured in the Sansa advertising campaign for Sandisk's ShopSansa.com online e-tail store.

Prodigy, one of hip-hop's most prolific lyricists said "I am excited to be working with Sansa, a SanDisk creation and ShopSansa.com. The Sansa brand is known for being a leader in digital entertainment and producing cutting edge products. I am proud to be associated with ShopSansa.com." Peter Kuys, Chairman of AAO Music adds "Prodigy has a real connection to the Sansa products and to ShopSansa.com. As an artist providing music is a big part of his life and is Prodigy's motivation and inspiration."

The television campaign will feature the legendary hip hop artist's latest release H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 and cross promote the exciting new Sansa FUZE. The television commercials featuring Prodigy and promoting the ShopSansa.com store will be featured on MTV, BET, VH1 and many other Comcast cable networks.

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The self proclaimed 'Gangsta For Life' Mavado was granted bail on Friday to the sum of $200,000 when he appeared in court to answer to two counts of shooting with intent and one count of illegal possession of a firearm.

Mavado, whose real name is David Brooks, was also required to submit his passport to the courts, which means that he will not be able to keep his commitment to perform at the Queen Park Oval in Trinidad tomorrow.

YardFlex understands that the promoter for the show has rescheduled for an April date.

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

Jamaica on Wednesday squandered a glorious opportunity to chalk up another victory against arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago when they surrendered a two goal lead to end the game 2-2 in front of a fairly disappointed crowd at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Reggae Boyz looked vastly superior to a largely ineffective though young and inexperienced T n T aggregation. The Boyz with a couple of senior professionals from England, including Luton Shelton, Demar Phillips, Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, Omar Daley and the recalled Deon Burton waltzed to a comfortable two goal half time advantage thanks to strikes from captain and Wigan FC player Marlon King in the 34th minute and Tyrone 'Granny' Marshall - who plays for Toronto football club in the U.S Major League Soccer - in minute 41.

In the second half Jamaica's technical director Rene Simoes introduced the local players and the Jamaicans suddenly slumped from being the superior team to a team struggling to defend their lead, in front of a Stadium of approximately 22,000 spectators.

The Soca Warriors with renewed vitality in the second half, eventually pulled one back from substitute Osei Telesford and then sealed the equalizer through captain Aurtis Whitely with only two minutes added on in extra time.

Coach Simoes took the blame for the tie saying he was giving some of the local based players a chance to get some exposure and experience.

The Reggae Boyz will look to avenge this tie when they have a date with the T n T players on Soca soil in June.

This is the second drawn match for The newly appointed Technical Director Simoes after the Boyz were held to a one all draw against Costa Rica.

These friendly internationals are in preparation for Jamaica's 2010 World Cup Qualification bid starting this summer.

By: Janice Dayle

Examining poverty, gun, crime and community, in the multicultural Canadian context, the award winning film, "A Winter Tale," is rooted in reality.

As the Frances-Anne Solomon written and directed film sets out to delve beneath the surface of a rough Toronto inner city 'skin', it succeeds in highlighting the inner lives of Black men; often portrayed in media as, "monsters."

In Montreal for a special screening tonight as part of the weekend festival, Kasserian Ingera, "A Winter Tale" tells the story of a community responding to a bullet that virtually shattering the spirit of their region.

Following the sounds of deadly shots meant for a drug dealer, a
ten-year-old lays dead on a downtown Parkdale, Toronto street.

Broken and filled with grief and suspicion the community's hellish pangs are addressed as social worker, Gene Wright, galvanizes six Black men to make a pact; forming a support group in the hopes of getting things 'right.'

Peter Williams, the Vancouver based star of stage and screen, who hails from Jamaica, brings Gene Wright to life in the movie; and says, "The film has a universal appeal...the beauty is people in it are treated as individuals and not stereotyped." He told YardFlex that while not expected to influence immediate changes in Canada's ivy coloured walls of establishment, "It [the film] is giving voice to people who are actually living the experiences in these multicultural places we have formed in Canada."

Driven to explore the inner lives of Black men after media reporting of a huge rise on 'black on Black' violence in Toronto, Frances Anne Solomon employed the amazing technique of improvisational workshops in creating the film. "All the actors lived together in close quarters on three occasions...we were presented with different scenarios to act out in improv style...the brains behind the whole thing - Francis Anne Solomon would videotape; and go away and write the scene," Williams told YardFlex.

This under-used, but ingenious technique brought out some real life experiences, "It helped the film get a sense of realism," Williams expounded.

With a star-studded cast that includes Michael Miller and Leonie Forbes, the film has been described as "Pure Fireworks," and will be continuing its global tour - soon to touch down in Jamaica.

As part of Quebec Canada's, "Action Week Against Racism," the festival, Kasserian Ingera [which means – and how are the children]; runs at Edifice de la Grande bibliotheque, 475 de Maisonneuve Est on March 28, 29 and 30. Admission is free.

"A Winter Tale" begins at 7:00pm tonight.

Japan sound system Mighty Crown, won the annual Death Before Dishonor sound clash beating out selector Tony Matterhorn, Black Kat, Hype Zone and more.

Sammy of Mighty Crown tells Music News that they are elated as it is not easy for a foreign sound to win. The event was held on Easter Monday, March 24 at Pier One in Montego Bay.

Instead of the usual early warm-up juggling there was a 'vintage tribute' with foundation sounds, King Jammys, Black Scorpio, David Rodigan, Downbeat and others.

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Easter Stars on Parade featuring Bounty Killer and Mavado

In what was seen as an attempt to recover a loss of earnings from the poorly organized Real McKoy tour last year, the Easter weekend played host to another offering from dancehall entertainer Mavado alongside Bounty Killer. The promotional material carried three dates beginning with Birmingham on 21st March, Bradford (although patrons were pre-warned that the venue had yet to be confirmed) and London on 22nd and 23rd March respectively. In keeping with the risk factor now attached to Mavado, a decision was taken by the Police to cancel the Birmingham leg and the Bradford date was moved to Huddersfield. In almost identical terms as the show last year, the London leg went ahead with a heavy Police presence. Units were placed both inside and outside the venue, yet despite the alarmingly visible firearms a fight between patrons ensued, though it was curtailed by the Police within minutes.

In spite of notification to YardFlex in February that Baby Cham and Spice were added to the line-up, our London sources confirmed that the pair did not make the trip. A call placed to the publicist of Spice prior to the event confirmed that she had no booking for the UK. Support acts materialized in the form of Future Trouble, Einstein and Oh Me Oh My.

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By: Michelle Edwards

Verdict: Utterly enjoyable successful transition from the cinema

Questionably, one right-wing critic chose to refer to the stage version of Perry Henzell's The Harder They Come, as having 'rather too much of the Caribbean', in it. It's a somewhat hilarious assertion since the film and naturally the stage adaptation is set in Jamaica. To view Caribbean culture (or, for that matter, any prevailing culture), with such an explicit disregard as later determined by further remarks about the Jamaican dialects being 'so strong' and a reference to 'laid-back time-keeping' points to a broader tendency to strengthen lazy stereotypes.

Based on the true story of Ivanhoe 'Rhygin' Martin, a famed Jamaican outlaw who died of gunshot wounds sustained during a shootout with Police officers on September 9,1948 in Lime Cay, Jamaica, the 1972 film has enjoyed iconic status. The soundtrack to the film, performed largely by singer/musician Jimmy Cliff is also heavily referenced as being a breakthrough album for Reggae in the US. With the assistance of Perry Henzell, the production was initially ignited at the Theatre Royal, east London, in 2006 and surpassed all expectations concluding with two sell-out performances.

There was no truth whatsoever that the patois was intelligible enough to distract from the production and the slight delay in opening was hardly noticed by the patrons (the late entry by a vexed couple was quite another). Indeed excruciating efforts were made by actor Rolan Bell (who led as Ivanhoe) to duplicate the palatable performance of Jimmy Cliff, though not always successfully. Bell incorporated a realistic theatric performance leading the audience through the narrative and familiar numbers (Many Rivers To Cross, Johnny Too Bad, Sitting In Limbo) to the extended death scene. A stirring vocal performance by Joanna Francis as Ivanhoe's love interest Elsa, was comparable to that given by Jennifer Hudson in the otherwise weak American flick Dreamgirls. A credible selection of support actors drawn from the Black Theatre Co-operative such as Chris Tummings (Ray Pierre) and Victor Romero Evans (Pedro), who remain revered for their parts in the hit 80's TV sitcom 'No Problem' and singer Joy Mack (Miss Daisy) authenticated the musical.

In similar terms as the film, the audience left as overt sympathizers thus alluding to a tale that pushes a perfectly good citizen to a destructive end. The curtain call was delivered to a standing ovation.
* The Harder They Come runs until April 5th. Thereafter, they hit the Birmingham Hippodrome from April 11 to April 13.

The self-proclaimed 'Gangsta Fah Life' artiste Mavado is now living the lifestyle as he is behind bars following his arrest last night on gun related charges.

The entertainer has been charged with two counts of shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm.

Mavado, 27, whose real name is David Brooks, was held when he showed up for questioning in connection with a shooting incident on July 27th last year on Mannings Hill Road in St. Andrew.

Head of the Major Investigation Task Force Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Greene said Mavado will remain in custody for at least another 24 hours.

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By: Buffilous

Yow, mi done wid di almshouse ting, fi real mi need unno honest opinion fi gi a friend. She pour out har heart to mi and at di end she a ask whey she mus duh. Fi tell di truth mi nuh know, mi a put di case to unno and unno tell har whey unno would a duh okay.

Here is har story. She deh wid dis man fi ova three years and him convince har fi left har two man dem (whey she neva did a have nuh problem wid).

Him tell har how much him a guh adopt di two pickney dem whey she have, all a gi har engagement ring fi show har how him really serious. Now di woman finally believe him, lef har baby fada and decide fi settle wid him.

She get fi trust him suh much dat she all a pinch him and tell him how har best friend man a look har, but she wouldn't dream of betraying har friend like dat.

Now mi dear she start to get suspicious sey him a mess around when one night she ago sleep wid him, she sey him smell a 'rotten fishy'. She ask him bout one girl inna him office if him a have one affair wid har and him sware blind sey him ongle a help har fi pass di bar (legal exam).

She notice sey even after she pass di bar him a spend nuff time wid har still...nuff late night a har office...till she find out.

Now she hopping mad, cause every time she call him, him busy, him wid client, him deh pon di phone wid him daughter...backside di man have more excuses dan whey John read bout.

But di hottest ting is dat him find time fi di lawyer chick... dem chat from sun up to sun down. And fi meck matters wuss when mi friend call him pon di office phone him caan talk cause di lawyer chick wuck in near vicinity and him nuh waan she fi hear.

Now mi friend couldn't teck it nuh more and call di lawyer girl who sey she and di man nuh deh, dem just have a working relationship.

Di wuss ting is dat a mi friend fix him up meck him look more attractive cause she mek him do gastric bypass surgery fi tuck een him 'tires' and extra breast, and now him tun round come a disrespect har fi one gal whey a two years har junior but look 10 years har senior!

Pussfoot, rumour have it dat him all a slap har inna di office whey mi friend visit him all di time. She sey in di beginning him did love har a lot but she never love him dat much. But him did so sweet to har dat she eventually fall in love wid him and now him a dish har dirt.

Him really dump har fi one cheaper package...di girl have one pickney so it look him him couldn't hangle two.

Well there yuh have di whole story...nuh ansa me tell di woman (cause she read di website nuff) whey she fi do to him.

YardFlex would like to send our condolences to Mama Joy who just lost her son Jeffery S. Dixon Jr. affectionately known as 'Aio', also son of the late 'Free I' Dixon.

Bless!!!!!

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Bounty Killer has come upon one main obstacle in his tour and that’s the very determined gay community! Killer's concerts have been felled by the fagalas.

From the ever-ready Peter Tatchell's celebratory press release:

Bounty Killer, has had two of his three UK concerts canceled in the last week, following a campaign by the gay human rights group OutRage! His concerts in Bradford and Birmingham were axed, losing him thousands of pounds in performance fees. In Germany, Bounty Killer’s performance in Essen was canceled and other German concert dates are now in doubt.

The Outrage! campaign extends all over Europe, including France and Belgium. Bounty Killer previously boasted that the gays would be no match for him. He obviously underestimated the lavender set's determination.

One of the British clubs, however, claim the Outrage! protest had nothing to do with the concerts' cancellations, but because Killer missed his flight from Jamaica. They’re now trying to reschedule the contentious event.

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Songwriter sues Kanye West

A wacky songwriter-producer in Maryland says that Kanye West is diggin' his gold, lifting his tune "Volume of Good Life" for the Kanye smash hit "Good Life."

According to TMZ.com In a rambling lawsuit filed in Maryland District Court, Dayna Staggs (aka D'Mystro) is suing Kanye and his record label, Roc-a-Fella for copyright infringement. Staggs says that West "didn't obtain a license to use "Volume of Good Life" for his tune, and points out that Kanye was "only at the age of 6 or 7 years of age [sic]" when his song was written. ??D'Mystro is also peeved because Kanye's song "contains vulgar and offensive" images and "harms the reputation" of his much cleaner song. He wants 85% of all world sales of the proceeds from the music that uses his work, though he doesn't explain how he came up with that number. Kanye's label hasn't returned a message seeking comment.

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Nate Dogg Pleads Guilty To Trespass and Battery

Former Death Row recording artist Nate Dogg won't be packing heat for the next ten years!?? Website TMZ reported that Nate, who is Snoop Dogg's cousin, pleaded guilty in Orange County, Calif. court on March 20 to aggravated trespassing and battery stemming from a domestic violence complaint back in 2006. Dogg was sentenced to three years informal probation, must complete a domestic violence/batterers treatment program and can not own a weapon for 10 years. What's a guy to do without his piece?

In 2006, Nate was charged with five misdemeanors; aggravated trespass of a dwelling, battery, annoying telephone calls, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and violating a protective order. The protective order came from a previous domestic violence incident after breaking into a Huntington Beach home where his ex-girlfriend, Jane Doe, her new boyfriend and her mother resided. Nate then punched the boyfriend in the face and left.

While three of the five charges were dropped, Nate's ex and her boyfriend both filed restraining orders against the hip hop artist. It hasn't been an easy couple of years for the 38-year-old. In December 2007, he suffered a stroke and spent time recovering in a medical rehabilitation facility.

"Love Crazy," a rhythmic ballad by promising vocalist, Jamelody, is making waves on reggae radio charts with a record breaking sixth place entry as a debut single.

The latest Media Guide Report charts it at number five; and it is steadily rising up the reggae specialty charts.

It is no wonder, since Jamelody's 15 track album "Be Prepared," that features the new hit, "Love Crazy" is filled with his rare voice that is soulful and gritty; he is clearly the new roots messenger. Set for release April 29, the album is sizzling.

Jamelody gives a boost to the foundation already set in reggae’s call for truth, rights, justice and love; and "Be Prepared" highlights this. Including hardcore tracks – produced by legendary mixing board master, Bobby 'Digital' Dixon – as well as a 'new roots' 'rock, pop, R&B' style, produced by Carl James, the album brings out an amazing talent, no doubt headed for the very top.

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Roots and culture artists have long been a constant in Jamaica, from the influence of legends like Bob Marley to conscious roots dancehall singers like Garnet Silk. However, in the summer of 2004 a new and powerfully distinct voice emerged on the reggae music scene. With a fresh timbre, substantive lyrics and passionate performance, this artist has almost singlehandedly led the new wave of roots and culture reggae music that has swept the island of Jamaica.

I Wayne, born Cliffroy Taylor in Portmore, Jamaica, officially hit the international scene with the hit, "Cant Satisfy Her." The, 24 year old, singer has been the first cultural reggae artist to be added to Hot 97 in New York, a station notorious for its hip hop influence.

Since then the track caught on in several markets and entered the
Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Singles charts. The fiery tone of the track describes the desperate reality of prostitution, poverty, and sexually transmitted diseases in Jamaica. His follow-up single, "Living in Love," went atop the New York and Florida reggae charts for more than seven weeks.

Although it seems like he recently burst onto the scene, this young artist has been refining his craft since age seven. Coming from a musical family, I Wayne first made his venture into performance as a student at Greater Portmore High School, joining a local group Vibes Machine. The group, consisting of singers and DJs who used to perform
for after work parties at popular clubs like Cactus and Asylum.

One night, the artist was forced to perform alone due to the fact that the rest of his bandmates were running extremely late. The response was tremendous, and I Wayne was motivated to perfect his solo act. He later moved on to chant with local sound systems like Diamond Cruise and The Legend, and has contributed significantly to the annual event in his hometown, Garveymeade, held on December 24th for the past 10 years.

With an admitted affinity for love songs that highlight his ethnicity, I Wayne has a unique ability to compose and commit to memory all material without ever writing down a word for the recording session.

In November of 2004, I Wayne signed a record deal with VP Records to release his debut album "Lava Ground." The album included the two hit singles "Can't Satisfy Her" and "Living in Love," as well as the title track "Lava Ground." He has since released another album, "Book Of Life," in November 2007.

I Wayne's rapid rise to the top of the reggae world is unprecedented, and has sparked a wave of enthusiasm within the industry for the next generation of roots and culture singers and songwriters.

Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart

TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label

01 01 11 Serani feat.Bugle-DOH-Daseca-3wks@#1
02 03 06 Beenie Man- Wine Gal-TJ Records--Shot to Watch
03 05 05 Busy Signal-Pon Di Edge-Star Kutt
04 02 11 Bugle-Journey-Daseca-Peak@#2
05 05 07 Harry Toddler-Don't Run In-Truck Back-Peak@#4
06 11 04 Demarco-Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-John John-Greatest Gainer up 5
07 06 14 Erup-Click My Finger-Truck Back-3wks@#1
08 08 09 Courtney Melody-Just Like The Rain-Smith Mansion/Reggae Vibes
09 07 19 Queen I-Frica- Don't Touch Me There-No Doubt Records-3wks#1
10 10 05 I-Octane-Poverty-No Doubt Records

11 09 17 Sean Paul – Pick It Up & Drop It –Birchill-Peak@#3
12 16 03 Mykal Rose-Shoot Out-John John
13 12 12 Spice –Up Inna De Light- Truck Back-Peak@#7
14 13 20 Demarco-Fallen Soldiers- Star Kutt-4wks@#1
15 17 03 Spice- Whoa-Truck Back
16 14 20 Shaggy feat Rik Rok- Bonafide Girl-Big Yard-Peak@#2
17 NE 01 Busy Signal-Unknown Number-Juke Boxx-(NE-New Entry)
18 15 10 Deva Bratt-Gussy Clarke-Truck Back-Peak@#11
19 18 21 Brick & Lace- Love Is Wicked-180 Entertainment-Peak@#6
20 19 10 Prestige-I'm Bless-Timeless Records-Peak@#16

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 photographer was on Reggae Beach, ocho Rios to part-take in Luau on Easter Sunday. The event sell-off.

Below are photos from the event:

Is a crying shame

Bwoy is a crying shame di way how di British Link Up dance turn out. Look how di people dem go out fi enjoy demself and di man end up dead. Den tell mi something a really woman dem did a have di kas kas bout? And den di police a sey a two time dem guh fi tun off di dance and dat di organizers start it back again. Fi real people a nonsense dat dem a chat, cause if dem did really waan fi lock off di dance dem coulda, mi nuh tink dem did go all out fi do dat.

Bwoy it really dread dough, it put big stigma inna di dancehall. Nuh wonda di police dem ban all dance fid at deh venue...it dread fi true.

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Passa Passa tame

Bwoy it come een like di dead stock vibes whey a follow dancehall reach Passa Passa anniversary di odda day. Dem sey di usual amount a entertainers whey generally flock di house was missing and dat dem neva get a bumper crowd. But den maybe a because nuff a di artiste dem did de pon tour and nuff people did a save up dem money fi buy bun and cheese fi di Easter.

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and ain't that the truth where Lindsay Lohan and her ex-boyfriend are concerned.

YardFlex understands she went ballistic after a photograph from a sex tape the pair allegedly made surfaced on the web.

Reports claim the actress made a series of phone calls to Best, the son of late football legend George, after a blurry clip from the video of the pair made appeared online.

A source, claiming to have overheard Lohan, said the actress was furious.

"I can't believe you would ever f***ing do this to me, I should have listened to everyone. I should never have f***ing trusted you," Lohan is quoted as saying in The Sun .

Lohan was forced to leave a second voicemail message to finish her attack on Best, saying: "It's everywhere now, all over the net, everyone's seen it, how f***ing could you?"

A representative for Best has denied that he appears in the tape.

By: Jaide Bridge
Photgraphy By: Milton Raynor

The next stop for Inseason Juice KLAS High School Tour was Pembroke Hall High; and we arrived just in time to catch part of an inter-house football match that was in progress.

It was also the first day of boys and girls track and field Championships; from which KLAS Sports Radio was broadcasting live as well. All this 'sports fever' in the surroundings made the mood more exciting for all.

In the true spirit of KLAS FM's sports/lifestyle blend, the entertainment on this leg of the High School Tour rocked, encouraged and sometimes had students in a frenzy.

Nesbeth was in his glory at his alma mater and had students singing along with him like a choir. "What is the best school...who has the best teachers," he asked, to the uproar of voices shouting - Pembroke Hall! Spirits were high amongst students who created a sea of raised hands when asked to hold them up if they intend on graduating.

Host, Tony Young along with tour producer, Alicia Anderson and all the KLAS crew had their usual upbeat and extensive interactions with students that included organizing a dance competition to the fine juggling of DJ Kat and the Inseason Juice drinking competition.

Black-er's encouraging mode went into high gear, as it has at all the school tour venues so far. He told students that if they had a friend who was not dealing with school work to tell her to "tek whe herself." That had the students laughing. He also told them, "When you reach of age to have a boyfried mek sure yu get yu education so if the boyfriend leaves you "Yu no pop down...'Nobody no hyper than Black;" and the students responded "er."

Alibra and her striking R&B tune done in acapella moved the crowd to singing along with her; as did Ras Emanuel, with his winning style. Winner of a New Jersey DJ competition, he had students waving their hands in the air as they clearly enjoyed the new material he brought to them. Everon had the girls in a frenzy, while all the students sang along with him – as if in a choir. And the school band was remarkable, playing renditions of Bob Marley tunes and others.

Baby Chris was the final entertainer for the afternoon and he delivered exceptionally well; sending students in an uproar, as he sealed up another successful 'stay in school' concert.

Anthony Cruz's unwavering and strong lover's rock vocals mixed with his excellent stage presence and edgy style, has earned him a firm place in reggae music.

"Fight With All Your Might" is his soon to be released album that highlights his immense talent through the delivery of diverse musical styles. Tracks to watch include: "Hold Me," "Leaders of the World," "Take It Off" and his first single "Love Is Falling."

While his destiny in music was just about 'ordained' through inspirational family ties with the great late Garnett Silk, who was his uncle, Cruz worked unrelentingly, dedicating himself to honing his craft until his songs became impressive enough to catch the attention of veteran producer, Willie Lindo, in 1993. Taking Cruz under his wing, Lindo - in Miami, Florida at the time - was behind the release of his debut album, "Where There Is Love," featuring global hits, "Just Call My Name" and "When You Get Lonely."

Following his return to Jamaica in 1999, Cruz became in demand for major stage shows like: Sting, Rebel Salute and Stone Love's Annual Anniversary Dance. More number one hits followed, as he joined Fifth Element Records, releasing tracks like: "You Got it Bad," "The Place Too Bloody" featuring Buju Banton and "Halfway Tree."

Now affiliated with the Penthouse Label, Cruz is anticipating the release of "Fight With All Your Might," expected in stores on April 15th, 2008.

YardFlex understands that the Air Jamaica Love Bird has been grounded due to an industrial dispute by Flight Attendants. The Ministry of Labour is presently in negotiations with Union Delegates. In the Meantime passengers have been left stranded at both international airports. The Minister states he is looking forward to a settlement this evening.

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Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex was at White River Park, Ocho Rios on Easter Sunday, where we went to Rapids.

Below are photos from the events:

Last week Hype TV network premiered Mavado's latest scorching video, "Last Night." Hitting the streets 'racing', the Little X masterpiece gives viewers a pulsating stroll through what is seen as one of the roughest spots in Jamaica - his Cassava-Piece 'Gully' hometown.

Little X, who is the mastermind behind, creatively solid video clips like, Sean Paul's "Gimme The Light," Kanye West's "Workout Plan," and Usher's "U Got It Bad," directed this one in marathon style while on a brief 'break' from his film school professional development. The result - a dynamic video, that is reportedly spreading virally throughout major media circuits.

The single, "Last Night" is scorching up clubs and is featured on Mavado's critically–acclaimed album "Gangsta for Life: Symphony of David Brooks".

Also in the pipeline for Mavado, is the showcasing of his signature 'real raw' vibe on an upcoming official Barack Obama supporting mixtape to be produced by Green latern and Russell Simmons. The 'major league' production team requested Mavado join Lenny Kravitz, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Common and Mos Def; who are all featured on the compilation to be given away as part of the candidate's campaign. Mavado popular, "On the Rock" track was adapted to suit the occasion.

With that new, "On The Rock" re-mix featuring Jay-Z bursting out at number one on airwaves everywhere right now, Mavado has been thrust into the category titled: 'Best of Rock'; and will be featured as such in an upcoming Rolling Stones Magazine issue.

We've often heard the slang, "Ma mama Madhouse" bellowing from the heavy vocal cords of Baby Cham. It's his home label, but not many are aware of the rich vein of success the label has.

1992 saw the birth of Madhouse Records, a collaboration of excellence developed from fusing the business acumen of Janet Davidson and the creative genius of musical guru, Dave Kelly.

Home of dancehall anthems like "Action," "Slam" and "Joyride," Madhouse is a true reggae institution. The philosophy of the work at Madhouse reflects the chorus of Kelly's hit tune by Terror Fabulous and Nadine Sutherland, "Action." "Action, not a bag of mouth." Since its inception, without seeking publicity or hype, Madhouse has been quietly and relentlessly producing the biggest sounds in dancehall.

Madhouse has been responsible for the dissemination of true dancehall music worldwide by releasing hit tunes without compromising the art-form by watering down the music in hopes to "cross-over" into the mainstream. Madhouse Records does not follow trends, it sets them. In 1987 Janet was living in London, running Germaine Music along with producer Donovan Germaine. Meanwhile Dave's brother, Tony Kelly, was assistant engineer at Tuff Gong and Dave was being trained under his wing.

By 1989 Germaine , having recognized Dave's talent, offered him a position at the infamous Slipe Road Penthouse studio. Janet, also began managing Maxi Priest that year. The following year Tony and Dave, at young ages 21 and 18 respectively, accompanied Madhouse crew on the road as engineers.

Two years later Dave returned from the road full of ideas and itching to execute them. His career prospered in the studio. As a songwriter, musician, and engineer, Dave Kelly played a crucial role during Penthouse's glory days. By 1992 Dave had dancehall classics such as Buju Banton "Bogle" "Love Mi Browning" and "Batty Rider;" Beres Hammond/Cutty Ranks "Tempted to Touch," Tony Rebel's "Fresh Vegetable" and Marcia Griffith's "Fire Burning," as his production credits.

Janet Davidson, whose management experience included everyone from Peter Tosh to Placido Domingo, recognized the need for hyper-creative Kelly to expand his potential as a producer. Together they set up Madhouse Records. That formation of his own company with Janet Davidson enabled him to maintain control over the production of his material. In the beginning they worked from home but were soon able to re-invest the fruits of their labour back into the business; and it expanded. In 1996 she and Dave started a distribution house, Platinum Distribution at Mikey Bennett's Grafton Road recording complex and by 1997 Platinum Distribution moved into its own building.

The Madhouse Complex was then completed at Half Way Tree including offices as well as The Boxx, Dave's own recording studio. Madhouse is highly organized and efficient in a world where chaos reigns supreme. Whereas the traditional reggae label floods the market with dozens of releases, Madhouse only drops a few select records a year. Because each record stamped with the logo has been tailored-made to bring out the best in the artist; the Madhouse logo is a symbol with credibility. Assuring high quality tunes, Madhouse has established "die-hard" loyalty with both deejays and consumers alike.

Releases on the flagship Madhouse record label and sub-labels like Xtra Large (XL) which cater to more hardcore tastes include: Beenie Man's "Slam" and "Old Dog," Lady Saw's "Sycamore Tree" and "Eh Hem," Frisco Kid's "Rubbers" and "Little and Cute," Bounty Killer's "Eagle and the Hawk" and "Can't Believe My Eyes," Spragga Benz "Dolly House" and "We Nuh Like," Baby Cham's "Man and Man" and "Gallong Yah Gal," Wayne Wonder's "Joyride" and "Bashment Girl," Daddy Screw/Donovan Steele's "Kerry," as well as Buju Banton's "Big It Up" and "Only Man."

Custom-built Madhouse Rhythms include Pepperseed, Rae Rae, Action, Arab, Joyride, Haunted, Showtime, Stink, Dugu Dugu, Bruk-Out, Back Yard, Bug, Clone, Bounce, and Return.

An integral part of Madhouse music is the Alias project. Described by Kelly, "Alias is an artists' collective of the new millennium." With Alias, no holds are barred. Anything goes except one thing; as the artists involved with the Alias project enter the session, they must leave their egos outside the studio. The artists (all established) assume aliases, allowing them to shed any preconceived notions or stereotypes as they test unchartered waters . Producers deejay, deejays play instruments, and singers produce and write tunes during these spontaneous sessions .

Some of the other projects that Dave Kelly has worked on include Shaggy's "Hotshot," Rayvon's "My Bad," the title theme for Scooby Doo, and Foxy Brown's "Broken Silence."