By Joan Wilson

Yardflex got its hands on a copy of Vegas' new album "Hot It Up" and all we can say is that it's worth the effort of listening.

Hot It Comes with a lot Vegas chart topper and makes the experience an enjoyable cruise into listening land.

The album kicks off with the emotion puller "Do You Know" yes, that same track that shows Vegas sensitive side as he takes a trek into the emotional roller coaster that's called postpartum depression. This song rode every local chart and created havoc on the international scene.

Track two "Tamborine" is meant to take you out of that mood and bring on a more festive vibes. The soca-laced song is just the thing to do it too.

You should be sweating now and ready to really go into a full workout and track number 3 is just the thing to do it "Hot Wuk" needs no introduction. It is still maintaining a dominant presence on the scene and even made its way to the Billboard Hot R&B chart.

The dancing vibes continues with you track number 4, "Tek Weh Yuhself" another song that is creating mad vibes in the dancehall.

This song is showing no sign of fading in the background any time soon.

Vegas and Jovi Rockwell team up for this slow, oldies groove remake of Errol Dunkley, "You Gonna Need Me". It carries a fun vibe to it and you can almost feel yourself getting caught up in the fun and frolic coming across in the song.

"Lean Wid It" comes in at number 7 on the album followed by the mad "Raging Bull" with Over Mars. We are talking some classic stuff here.

Other tracks featured on the album are "Sitting On My Corner", "Bloodstain" featuring Sadeke, 'Gangster Prayer", "We Nuh Want Nuh Friend", "Meck Dem RIP", "Up and Live", "Talk The Things Dem" featuring Opal and "Taxi Fare" featuring Mr. Lex.

Executively produced by Mr. Vegas "Hot It Up" is the album for the archives of classic collections.

Brooklyn-born reggae artiste Ras Shiloh's new album 'Coming Home' is out and already garnering rave reviews. 'Coming Home' is the artist's third album and was produced by the legendary Bobby 'Digital' Dixon. Recent additions to Digital's impressive portfolio include production work on Sizzla's 'Black Woman and Child' and 'Da Real Thing' albums.

'Coming Home' was released on May 22 by VP Records and features the instrumental talents of saxophonist Dean Fraser, drummer Squidley Cole, guitarist Dalton Browne and Bassist Danny Bassie. The 16 track album is a strictly roots and culture inspired compilation with the title track, 'Come Down Jah Jah,' 'All What Ah Go On' 'Voice of the People' and 'Rebel with a Cause' solidifying Ras Shiloh's position as true talent in the reggae fraternity. His last VP Records release was back in 2002, 'From Rasta to You,' and featured the hit single 'Are you satisfied.' On this new album Ras Shiloh attends to the lovers rock crowd with 'Need Your Love,' 'Are you Lonely and 'All of Me.'

Guest artists on the album include Morgan Heritage ('Let the People Voice Be Heard'), Natural Black ('It Will Be Over'), and Bascom X ('New Rising Day'). No official word on Ras Shiloh's official tour plans but the artiste is currently booked for a few European stops this summer.

Ras Shiloh's brief musical hiatus has allowed the young Rasta's voice to mature and his refined vocals are masterfully showcased on this new album. Ras Shiloh is a true ambassador of sound and substance and 'Coming Home' was definitely worth the wait.

VP Records will release international dancehall reggae sensation Wayne Wonder's newest album 'Foreva' this summer. A follow-up to his 2003 smash release 'No Holding Back', 'Foreva' features the single "Again" and includes an infectious reggae remake of the Thompson Twins 1984 classic "Hold Me Now" produced by No Doubt's Tony Kanal.

Wayne Wonder is world renowned for his buttery vocals, driving beats and impossibly catchy hooks and 'Foreva' is poised to be the soundtrack for the summer of 2007 -- it's guaranteed to be heard blasting out of car windows, dominating the airwaves and pulsating through nightclubs all over the globe.

A household name in Jamaica for nearly 15 years, 2002 saw Wayne Wonder's first ever #1 mainstream US hit with the romantic single "No Letting Go" -- released by Atlantic Records. "No Letting Go" was a crossover hit and catapulted Wonder into the stratosphere with a 2003 appearance on Saturday Night Live, a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, a peak chart position at #11 on the Billboard’s Top 200, and nonstop airplay on Urban and Pop radio stations nationwide.

Mavado, the turbulent genius taking dancehall by storm, brilliantly shines as the next star of his genre. Developing his artistry under the supervision of the dancehall icon Bounty Killer, Mavado crafted his sound into a class of its own. His bone chilling lyrics and raspy toned vocals resonate throughout the ghettos of Jamaica. In his tumultuous surroundings of Cassava Piece, Jamaica, Mavado tells a story of survival throughout his anticipated debut album, "Gangsta For Life: The Symphony of David Brooks," released on July 10th, 2007 by VP Records.

This carefully orchestrated street narrative, features the hustling anthem "Dreamin," one of his first famed singles of Jamaica produced by Daseca on the Riddim. The album continues with "Weh Dem A Do," the ever popular hit that was at heavy rotation on mainstream radio, like New York's Hot 97 and earned him major magazine covers, such as The Fader. His father's death is spoken of on the one-drop tune "Sadness," while "Pon The Gully Side" and "Born and Raised" document the singer's rough upbringing even as they showcase the more angelic side of his gangster gospel.

The album's centerpiece, however, is undoubtedly "Dying." Already a hit on reggae charts and video shows in a version built around a tribute to Tupac rhymes, Mavado has redone the emotional song with original lines that show a new sophistication and a lyrical edge as sharp as any rapper's.

For more info on Mavado visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/realmavado. For interview requests please contact tiffanym@vprecords.com. He is also scheduled to come to NYC for a special showcase event on June 14th. The date is TBC.

By: Olimatta Taal

Nadine Sutherland's newest album was launched at the Grogge Shop in Devon House on May 22nd, by Eight76 Records. The album, Call My Name, was inspired by real-life events with at least ten of fifteen tracks on the album co-written by Nadine.

Music industry veteran and judge of Rising Stars competition, Clyde McKenzie, hosted the launch. In the quaint, historical setting of Devon House, McKenzie introduced a number of distinguished guests who spoke about Nadine's extensive contribution to the reggae fraternity.

Considered by fans and critics alike to be the premier Jamaican female vocalist of her generation, she made her stage debut at the age of nine as a winner of Jamaica's popular Tastees Talent Contest. As an adolescent, Sutherland was signed to International reggae superstar Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label and thirty years later she still remains a rarity.

Commonly described as a talented female singer capable of voicing any style; sexy and hauntingly beautiful, yet with uncompromising class and intelligence; one whose roots are embedded in the very heart of Jamaican culture. Nadine went from being known as reggae's "Teen Queen" with hits like Starvation and Until, to getting recognition for reggae anthems like Action and Anything for You.

Call My Name has one collaboration, Can't Tek It, featuring Chrisinti and Nadine has recorded music with Buju Banton, Mad Cobra, Spragga Benz, Terror Fabulous, and Snow in the past. In 1997, she released her self-titled album on VP Records, that showcased her depth and sincerity as a writer and performer.

In 2004, Nadine conquered yet another entertainment medium, television. As one of the judges on Jamaica's most popular television show and first live talent search, Rising Stars, she has come full circle. "I see myself in some of the young contestants, and I understand what they go through. I feel protective of them because this business can be rough, and you won't always have someone to hold your hand," Nadine explained.

Call My Name debuted at number14 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. It is currently number 12 on the same chart. This album marks the first Billboard Reggae Albums Chart appearance for both Nadine and Eight76 Records. It takes you on a musical journey with a combination of beautiful reggae riddims to international eclectic sounds. This album will lift your spirits yet sooth your soul to Call My Name.

By: Olimatta Taal

Self proclaimed "poor people's defender," Chuck Fenda, launched his new album, Living Fire at Weekendz, May 9, 2007. Most popularly known as a gangster deejay in the 90s, Fenda changed his lyrical content to reflect more positive music and swore to never switch again.

"I'm a messenger for the Almighty. My songs are inspirational songs. Hype and controversy will fade away in a moment. Inspirational music will be everlasting. Look at Bob Marley and Burning Spear, them man deh live on forever," Fenda said as he spoke of his inspiration to sing positive music.

Released by Greensleeves Records, Living Fire has already started to make a buzz. One of the singles on the album, Gash Dem caused controversy in Jamaica and was immediately banned from radio airplay after release. Internationally, the tune sparked a flame that continues to burn. It was one of the biggest reggae anthems during its release year.

"Gash Dem clearly said that judgment was for the Almighty," explains Fenda firmly. He explained, "The lyrics were When God hold you nuh badda tell the Almighty bout maybe, so it is reminding the wicked people that their actions will be judged and they will be punished by the Almighty for their crimes. It wasn’t about my judgment or mankind's judgment so I don’t think I should be held responsible for the way people interpreted the song. The song never encouraged anybody to take punishment into their own hands."

Fenda began to show a more nurturing and loving side of himself with the release of Coming Over, featuring Cherine Anderson. This single continues to get regular rotation on major radio stations and the video is igniting and sensual to the heart. Other collaborations on the album include, 5th Elements, Richie Spice and one of dancehall's leading ladies, Tanya Stephens. Produced by one of Jamaica's premier producers, Shane Brown, the alum is powerful and thought provoking.

Born in the United States and raised in Spanish Town, Fend's childhood was anything but glamorous. But it built the foundation of his "poor people's defender" alter-ego. "Growing up, I had one pair of shoes and I had one school shirt that I had to wash and iron every day, so it was ready to wear to school the next day. So when I talk about representing for poor people, it comes naturally to me. I'm from that background, so I'm not unfamiliar with poverty. Even though I'm a musician, I still see people's struggles, and I feel it's my duty to represent for them in my music." It is Fenda's life struggles that gave him the living fire to create his newest album, Living Fire.

Chuck Fenda's 'Living Fire' album cover was shot by Carlington Wilmot who has over eight years experience in the field of professional photography.

Voice Mail's latest album Let's Go has sold over 40,000 copies since its release in Japan on April 18. A release from Pony Canon, the label responsible for distribution, marketing and promotion of the album, stated that Let's Go is among its top sellers for this year so far.

If the trend continues, Let's Go could surpass sales of Voice Mail's debut album Hey, which sold more than 100,000 copies in Japan last year.

Let's Go contains 18 tracks. The album is available in Jamaica exclusively at Music Mart in Twin Gates Shopping Centre. It features production work from heavy weights such as Donovan Bennett, Danny Champagnie, Tony Kelly and Delano Thomas from Renaissance Disco among others.

Lady Saw, Walk Out (VP): American pop music audiences may mainly know Lady Saw from her cameo on No Doubt's Grammy-winning 2003 single, Underneath It All. But the reggae vocalist has more than a decade of music under her belt, or shall we say under her skirt? Respected as dancehall's first lady in Jamaica, Lady Saw's post-feminist, sex-obsessed lyrics often extol the power of women's sex organs.

On her eighth solo disc, Walk Out, she makes pains to balance the raunchiness with street anthems and some self-help sentimentalism. Me and My Crew (The Rae) is a flag-waving party song, punctuated by sharp turntable scratches. Meanwhile, the electro-riddim of Power of the Pum is all dark seduction, with Lady Saw bragging about her nookie: "Gotta lotta men losing their senses/ just to get close and be friends/ me have big men jumping wire fences."

Yet Lady Saw displays a vulnerable side too. The inspirational No Less Than A Woman addresses female infertility. And the lilting R&B of Not the World's Prettiest is a love-yourself rejoinder to the narrow Western standards of beauty.

The slight earnestness adds a humane touch to her catalog of hardcore tracks, proving that Lady Saw endures not only because of her sharp tongue but her big heart.

Source: SFGate.com

Richie Spice's 'In the Streets to Africa ' VP Records/Fifth Element Records album is climbing the Billboard Reggae chart, peaking at number six after three weeks. The single 'Brown Skin', taken from the album, is sitting inside the top ten of the BBC1Xtra Dancehall charts in the UK and number one on the Hype TV and RE TV charts in Jamaica.

The Fifth Element recording artiste just completed a tour to promote the album which was released in February and getting rave reviews. The March 2007 issue of playboy Magazine gave it four stars, saying,...... 'Spice offers an exception to the slackness and hyperactivity of dancehall. One of the best roots release in years.'

The title of the album highlights the struggles as well as the business options that are available within the Africa continent. Spice, who is now in Jamaica for a series of events, plans to tour Africa for the first time in 2007.

Chuck Fenda, aka "The Poor People's Defender" is releasing his first album on Greensleeeves on March 27th entitled "The Living Fire".

The album includes the Jamaican chart topping social commentary track "Gash Dem", which was banned from Jamaican airwaves because of its incendiary lyrical content. It also includes "Coming Over", a track that features Cherine Anderson (actress from the film "Dancehall Queen" and "One Love"), which has been undoubtedly one of the biggest hits of the year so far.

Chuck Fenda rose to prominence in the dancehall scene in the late 90's, where he was a hardcore dancehall dj with tunes like "Shut Yuh Mouth" and 'Badda Badda". Fender soon after had found Rastafarianism and his sound has evolved into a more conscious sound. He linked up with 5th Element Records (home to Richie Spice) and put out his debut album "Better Days" which included such hits as "I Swear", "Better Days", and "Haffi Win".

Now on a solo roll, Fenda is still on fire, blazing up the streets and the charts. His new album "The Living Fire" features collaborations with artists such as Tanya Stephens, Richie Spice, and Cherine Anderson.

For more more information see: www.greensleeves.net

Jamaican artist Nadine Sutherland has just wrapped shooting on the music video for her newest hit single "Big Tingz" from her upcoming album Call My Name on Eight76 Records (in stores April 3, 2007).

The upbeat single was released to radio earlier this month, and has quickly become a staple at reggae radio in South Florida and is picking up steam all over the Caribbean. Shot on location at the beautiful Negril Escape resort in Negril, Jamaica the video is directed by Michelle Barnes (Red Rat's "Crying For My People" and Macka Diamond's "Bun Him") of Mad Multimedia Productions and choreographed by local dancers Erica Allen, Anika Thomas, and Nakoy Asher.

Every member of the cast and crew was local, from the stylists to the set auditors. Eight76 Records exec Myshjua Archibald flew down to oversee the shoot and was thrilled with the results. "The talent in Jamaica always blows me away.

There is so much brilliance there, both aesthetically and creatively, and I get excited just watching these young people express themselves. Very professional as well - we came in on schedule and under budget." The video showcases several facets of Nadine and will premiere in early March. Some photos and out-takes from the shoot will be available on the eight76 website and their myspace page, but don't expect to see too much. "We don't want to spoil the effect of the premiere by giving away too much beforehand", says Archibald. Sutherland will also perform the song at several of the official events planned for the 2007 World Cup Cricket series taking place March 5 through April 28.

After several years out of the musical spotlight, Nadine's profile has stepped up in a major way since hooking up with Eight76 Records a little more than a year ago. The association has already produced two hit singles, "Keep Me Safe" and "Cyan Tek It" (featuring Chrisinti) and both label and artist promise that the best is yet to come.

"Big Tingz" is a significant choice for the first single from the album. Written by Nadine and producer Kenroy 'YahBreeze' Archibald the song was the first track recorded specifically for the new album. "I work with a lot of different producers, and YahBreeze is definitely one of my favorites," says Nadine. "I always write, and the vibe and connection was there instantly with us. I immediately wanted to do more songs. We worked together the whole way." Nadine is also credited as a co-producer on the album. For the next two months, preview music will be available on both Nadine's myspace page and the label's page. There will also be snippets on their distributor's website, CED Entertainment Distribution. "We are excited and proud to be working with Eight76 Records and Nadine Sutherland on Call My Name," said CEO Steve Lane. "This album is great, and the label continues to impress me with their hard work and integrity as well as talent."

In the latter part of 2007, Tad's Records International released the debut album for Mr. Perfect titled 'Gidimani'. Loaded with conscious tunes, the album has been holding its own among the many albums released last year, and continues to be a hot item for music lovers.

The album features tracks like 'Hand Kart Bwoy', 'Johnny', 'How Come', 'Amerimaka', 'No Badda Me', 'For Sure', 'All I've Got', Ganja Spliff', Eight Gangster', 'Market Place', 'Cry Me A River', 'Love Has Found It's Way', 'For Ma Family', 'Little Old Lady', 'Rasta Rebel', 'Wingless Earth Angel', Black Marcus, 'Hit Dem' and 'Tyme'.

Ever since he made his presence felt on the Irie FM's Big Break Competition, the dancehall world recognized that Mr. Perfect had something special. No wonder he walked away with the top prize in that competition.

Boosted by the win it was a confident Mr. Perfect who later on came out with his self-produced single 'Hand Kart Bwoy'. The song took off like wildfire, bringing him fully into the public's attention.

He followed up that success with 'How Come', '8 Gangstas', 'Ghetto Colour' and the very popular 'Nuh Badda Mi' which was a runaway hit for him, sitting on the local charts in the top position for five weeks.

The St. Ann-born Mr. Perfect got the attention of producer Tad Dawkin's Senior and it was then that he knew he wanted to do an album with him.

'Gidimani' was co-produced by Tad's Record International and Chalice Palace (Perfect's label).

Poignant "visions" of social ills, undoubtedly one of Dennis Brown's best studio albums recorded at Joe Gibbs Recording Studio, Jamaica. One of the classic reggae albums of the 1970s, 'Visions of Dennis Brown' is one of the pinnacles of his amazingly fecund and prolific era with the legendary Joe Gibbs.

These songs, simply recorded but full of near-apocalyptic dread and spirited exhortations, are Brown at his most powerful. Through his lyrics, he seeks to eradicate the corrupt self and the tribulations in existence when he searches for the sense in hidden brutality through the assassination of "Malcolm X", the frustration and depression in "Oh Mother" and the suffering of his people as "Concrete Castles King". Songs as direct as "Deliverance Will Come" or as elliptical and knotty as "Milk and Honey" all benefit from Brown's remarkable voice, truly one of the finest instruments the style has ever known.

Dennis also engages in some straight preaching, castigating rumormongers in the sneering "Say What You Say" and adopting a wise but never patronizing tone in the anti-runaway "Stay At Home. The musicians: "The Professionals", featuring Gibbs' usual suspects, is tight and groove-oriented throughout.

Championing the genre, 'progressive reggae', the band Gullibanque stepped into the breach this week in a bid to push reggae to new frontiers worldwide. The launch of their new CD, held in the bowels of the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston was attended by small group of media, friends, fellow musicians and other well-wishers. The group, formed by Paul Campbell, in 1988 has displayed its artistry and bugled its message-driven brand of reggae all across Jamaica for several years winning an IRAWMA award for Best Band, Best Female Vocalist and Best Bass Player.

Recent additions Nigel Shaw and Orlando Johnson, along with Courtland White, have earned their chops playing with the biggest names in reggae such as Black Uhuru, the Abyssinians, Ini Kamoze and Junior Kelly, just to name a few.

The lead vocalist is the full-figured, syrupy-voiced Merle Gayle, while Christopher Nicholson plays bass guitar, Richard Nicholson plays drums, Courtland White plays rhythm guitar, while Nigel Shaw and Orlando Johnson handle keyboards.
During the launch, the music video, 'We Are' was shown. Paul Campbell introduced the band, and Raymond Roxbugh was the guest speaker.

Sizzla Kalonji's most highly anticipated album, The Overstanding is scheduled to be released on November 21st. The album will be marketed and distributed by DDMG/Kalonji Records. The following day after the release of the album, Sizzla will embark on a U.S. tour to promote the album.

Emerging in the latter half of the 90's, Sizzla quickly became one of the leaders in the modern dancehall movement. The success of Praise Ye Jah in 1997, secured a strong following which placed him at the top as one of Reggae's great artist. He released Black Woman, & Child that same year, and the self-titled single become a reggae anthem, lasting almost one decade. It was within this era that he helped lead dancehall back to the musical and spiritual influences of roots reggae, favoring organic productions with heavy Rastafarian teachings, philosophies, and the Back To Africa Movement (Repatriation).

Sizzla has released over 40 albums which include a string of other very successful singles, crossing different genres in Reggae Music. In 1999, Be I Strong was released and Bobo Shanti in 2001, which was spiritually driven and had strong hip hop influence, and in 2002 Da Real Thing was definitely the Reggae album of the year, showing a more softer, mellow, and romantic material.

The Overstanding is a prolific, iritical, meditative and melodic album. The production is a collaboration of genius within the Reggae and Hip Hop industry that have delivered music of great quality and beautiful international sounds. The topics of the album range from issues of love, education, overcoming poverty, teaching values, and life in general. Sizzla is one of the world's most respected figures in dancehall reggae and continues to bless the world with musical masterpieces albums after albums. Praise Be Unto The Most I, H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I, Jah Rastafari.

The Grammy nominated Sis Carol(Black Cinderalla) is backagain. Remember she was the stylist in the movie "Married 2 the Mob",also Something Wild".

The titled 1-DERFUL WORD" celebrating the silver jubilee", will be released on Oct 31, with 17 tracks.

The album release party is set for Oct 29th at the Canal Room in Manhattan 285W Broadway, from 7-12pm. All press & media are invited.

The night's performances will showcase artists such as Ras Droppa, Empress Keba(Sis Carol"s daughter), Asher Vision & more guest appearances.

About The Album:
"Make It Right" was produced by Oniel Gray (son of Judy Mowatt & Junior Gray) the video was shot in Israel, being aired now. 'Leave Yah' produced by Yeshemabeth McGregor of Big Ship Music, 'Hype Up' featuring Empress Keba,'Inspire Me', featuring Asher Vision," Got 2 B Strong' featuring Ras Droppa.

This album was recorded in America, Jamaica & Israel. Five tracks were produced by Karing Records based in Jamaica & Israel. For more info. contact www.sistercarol.com

Album: Another Rockaz Moment
Artiste: Morgan Heritage
Release Date: September 26, 2006
Record Label: VP / Universal Records

Morgan Heritage Album 'Another Rockaz Moment' is deemed one of the most energetic and electrifying album to be released by Morgan Heritage. The contemporary R&B flavour produces a brand of Reggae that has listeners yearning for more. It features stage versions from albums Three In One and Full Circle, the combination embraces their message of spiritual and conscious livity which is conveyed throughout the entire live recording.

From Inna Dem Ting Deh to Tell Me How Come the self titled track on the Seasons Rhythm, Morgan Heritage delivered and this album captures one of their best performances from 2005.

It's no secret their father Denroy Morgan is and still remains an inspiration throughout their musical career.

This group of five siblings unique in sound, conscious in lyrics has one common goal and that is to spread universal love through music.

Their Live album has been compared to live albums like Reggae Icons Bob Marley and Burning Spearing. Even though the feeling is overwhelming to have that comparison it's safe to say Morgan Heritage has and continues to pave their own musical path.

By: Jigga Mattic
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

After a scintillating performance at Miami Sting, Mr. Lex returned to the island last week to continue working on his album which will be released by VP Records next year.

"VP has finally signed off on it, and they have given me a release date for next year, so that's great news," the deejay told YardFlex.com while hanging out at the Mixing Lab studios.

"The album is progressing well, I have completed seven tracks, and there will be guest appearances by Jadakiss, Mr. Vegas, Buju and Sean Paul, so right now, I am trying to keep the creative juices flowing, and make good music that is marketable all over the world. I want to carry the thing to the level of a pop star, and be one of the top stars," he added, laughing.

Some of Lex's latest releases include 'Do So Gal' on the Flamenco rhythm, for which a medley video with Elephant Man, Kurup and other acts was recently shot, and another hot single, 'Something Fi Chat' on the Black Chiney label.

In the meantime, Mr. Lex's bookings have been on the rise as he has been distributing his mixtape in the ethnic communities in Miami, New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

"My mixtape is also doing especially well in Miami and New York. In fact, I was in Miami for the Miami Sting show (September 24th) , and I gave a good account of myself in a nice 10 minute set. I got a couple of forwards, the girls screamed for me....I just hope the media was there and write the real thing...to me, it seemed the crowd was looking for a real hottie hottie deejay that night and mi tek it to them," he said.

Mr. Lex will be appearing on a show in Toronto, Canada this weekend.

Arguably one of the better dancehall albums to be released this year, Busy Signal's debut album, 'Step Out', is being watched closely by the industry because it may be paving the way for other artistes who want to go the tough route of attempting an independent release.

The album, released on the artiste's own Network Records, is unapologetically 'gully', accessibly dancehall and true to its roots. This is Busy coming to you straight from the garrisons and that explains why there is no track 2, instead, there is a track 1A. If we have to explain why, you should stop reading this article and get your a*s to another website.

My favourite track is 'Full Clip' feat. Mavado which is preceded by an interlude where a man makes an overture to the deejay of exchanging guns for dubs, a decidedly ancient system of barter, but effective nonetheless because it works in this instance because (surprise surprise) the going rate on a Busy dub is 'a one K, two mattic, and the one spin-barrel'.

After this interlude, Mavado's haunting lyrics, 'A boy inform...', and Busy blows p all over the simple dancehall beat with some hardcore gangster lyrics that promise dismemberment and death coming to a location near you.

One has to enjoy his lyrical gymnastics on singles such as 'That Bad' where he gives mad props to the other artistes in the business whose music he enjoys. But arguably one of the best tracks is 'I Love Yuh' featuring Alaine. Over a bouncy beat, Alaine's pop-friendly sonics soar while Busy Signal tones down his usually delivery to deliver some silly-silly wordplay for the females.

Later, he teams up with his alter ego, Reanno Gordon, on 'Love Me Not?', a whiny plaintive introspective song on the end of a relationship. Busy shows a surprising range of emotions for a hardcore dancehall artiste with the Ava Interlude, and his tribute to his mom, 'Mammy', on a playful laid-back one-drop rhythm.

Busy's heavyweight friends show up on tracks such as 'Do the Maths' with mentor Bounty Killer. This track, delivered over a stripped-down beat that is almost cinematic in its intensity, uses clever wordplay that marinates in gangsterism to deliver its message: '20 plus 8, 40 plus five, nah stay alive, .357 magnum create a landslide...K lef yu body inna bin' . The only problem is that this track is way too short, only 2:29 minutes, but great while it lasted.

Later, he again teams up with fellow Alliance member, Mavado, for 'Badman Place'

with its hi-hats all over the place. It is a track that is perhaps intentionally inelegant

'Born and Grow' which samples Eric Donaldson's 'Land of My Birth' is a patriotic nod to his native land, and shows the deejay's unique ability to find great sing-along hooks that reflect garrison life on the rock.

There is some fast-forward material such as the (ho-hum, yawn) track, 'Since U Been Away' with Kris Kelly and 'Bare Tings' where he again shows off his penchant for repeating phrases he has fallen in love with. And of course, the super-disposable 'Everybody Busy' never should have made it to the album. Here it seems that Reanno has fallen in love with his alter ego just a bit too much and he deejays: 'Everybody busy, Jamaica, busy, America, busy, Canada, busy, Londonese, busy, Japanese, busy...the garrison, busy, uptown, downtown, everybody busy. Are you still with me? Pop quiz time. What is the defining theme of this song? You guessed it. Everybody busy. This tune should have died a horrible death on the studio's cutting room floor. But then, that's my opinion, I could be wrong.

I enjoyed tracks such as the 'Ava Interlude' which features a conversation between Busy and his daughter, Avonique, where they have a chat (with the phone giving the low battery beeping warning) that ends with "Daddy luv yu, yu hear ba-...', and then Busy's voice chips in "Jah know, ah dead it dead, mi love mi lickle dawta..." Nice. Real nice.

The album also contains his biggest local hit to date, 'Not Going Down', which interestingly is the final song on the album. Perhaps it's a statement of intent, or just a coincidence, but whatever it is, one thing is certain. Busy Signal is going to be around the dancehall game for a while. You can bet your house on it.

Entering the music industry in January 2003 and going through a very hectic two years of learning the business, writing and recording, performing at a number of major stage shows and charity events locally, going on an eleven-city tour in the United States as well as performances in Canada and filming some music videos, a decision was made in early 2005 that the time has come to focus on her debut album.

Kris spent the last 18 months writing, recording and working with a number of top producers to come up with her debut album titled "My World". The album boasts 15 tracks including two collaborations with Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel.

The album represents various genres of Reggae music and also captures the essence, journey and versatility of the artiste. "MY WORLD" will be released in Japan by Pony Canyon on September 20th, 2006 and by all indication, it is expected to do well.

On her recent visit to Pony Canyon, the executives and sales team were busy putting together the finishing touches on the production and promotional items. Kris Kelli is ready and is looking forward to a very exciting future.

www.myspace.com/kriskelli

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

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

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

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

Kingston, Jamaica: - Farenheit, the self-styled Jamaican soul crooner who came onto the music scene in the nineties is set to launch his new album in July. The new album "Port Antonio Virgin", is a follow up to his critically acclaimed first "Fringe to Fore" and will be unveiled to press and public on the July 30th at the Caves in Negril West End.

The textured album features Farenheit flexing his musical muscles, and enjoys a heavier injection of dancehall flavour. The album features collaborations with Kurupt, Sizzla, Loogaman, and Sean Paul. The project will be released on the Mystic Urchin Label and distributed by All Access Distribution.

The launch will take place overlooking the ocean, on the sand at The Caves. The party is open to the public and will feature a listening session, an intimate acoustic set from Farenheit, giveaways, appearances by collaborators on the album.

The uber talented singer from the Mystic Urchin camp is already planning a 20 city US tour to promote the project.

The "Port Antonio Virgin" launch party starts at 4:00pm on July 30th at the Caves, West End Negirl.

One of music's most honest and inspirational singer/songwriters, 12-time Grammy nominated India.Arie will release her new album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship, on June 27.

Her third studio album, and her first since 2002's acclaimed Voyage To India, which reached #6 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, the new disc was produced by longtime collaborators Shannon Sanders and Mark Batson (Seal, Beyonce), among others. The album's first single, "I Am Not My Hair," featuring searing remix collaborations with Akon, Swizz Beatz, and Jazze Pha, marks the first time India.Arie has agreed to let other artists remix her work.

Known for her soulful pursuit of unvarnished musical perfection, the new album is a more personal expression containing more intimate songscapes from the artist, duly recognized through the years for her keen insights about the world at large. She will be doing an extensive promotional tour this month, with a trek to Europe after Memorial Day to perform select songs from the much anticipated album.

The video for "I Am Not My Hair," helmed by noted director Barnaby Roper (Moby, Razorlight), premiered on Yahoo! Music, and has been embraced by other major video outlets including BET and MTV.

India.Arie emerged onto the music scene in 2001 with her platinum plus debut Acoustic Soul. A masterful meditation on self-acceptance and womanhood, she was dubbed the new "neo-soulstress" by no less than Newsweek Magazine, praising her as "one of the freshest talents to come out of 2001," the emotive singer went on to be nominated for seven Grammys for her debut album, and subsequently has won a host of awards including 2 Grammys, 3 NAACP Awards, as well as being recognized by BET, Billboard Magazine, MTV, VH1 and Essence Magazine, among others.

2002's Voyage To India cemented her rep as a seminal singer/songwriter, netting her 4 Grammy nominations and two statues. With more than six million albums sold, she most recently was nominated for her 12th Grammy in the Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals category for her collaboration with Stevie Wonder on the title song of his most recent album, A Time To Love.

India.Arie is also a U.S. ambassador for UNICEF and universally recognized as a tireless champion of social and humanitarian causes around the world. She recently returned from a trip to South Africa where she observed and assisted humanitarian efforts taking place in the epicenter of the global AIDS crisis.

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Turbulence 'Notorious' is taking the reggae scene by storm! The harmonizing deejay has scored hits in the roots and dancehall genres as a solo artist and on duets (with sultry songstress Sasha).

His vocal delivery is both passionate and raw as he easily moves from conscious tune to love song. Turbulence has won fans and positive press through well crafted live performances.

Spending much of the last two years touring with Sizzla. Displaying a wide range of musical influences and exciting musical approach, Notorious - the Album promises to break Turbulence onto a new level of recognition.

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Male vocal group Voise Mail has been on a high lately. The trio which comprises Oneil, Kevin and Craig, will head to Japan later this month for a two-week jaunt aimed at promoting their debut album Hayee.

The album was released in Japan earlier this year, and based on information gleaned from the Internet, the album ranks as one of the top sellers in that part of the world, over the past two months.
Hayee will be released in the Caribbean and the US later this year. It contains the hits Tribute To Bogle (Wacky Dip), Jamaican Jiggas, and Do What You Feel Like among others. The group's latest chart entry is Get Crazy, which is riding local charts as well as the New York reggae chart.

On April 22, Voise Mail will participate in a celebrity basketball match in Kingston. The event is set to raise funds for various charities. The group recently gave the island proceeds from performances in Cayman and Connecticut, USA.

Sly and Robbie, the long-time production partners have begun releasing compilation albums showcasing hits from their Taxi label.
The first of these collections, Ini, singer Ini Kamoze's first album from the early 1980s, was released recently through All Access Records. Ini contains the smash hit, World a Reggae.

Drummer Sly Dunbar said last week that the second of the releases will be Taxi Trio, which features songs from Dennis Brown (Revolution, Hold On To What You've Got), Gregory Isaacs (Soon Forward, What A Feeling) and Sugar Minott (Herbman Hustling).

After collaborating with big-name acts like Grace Jones, Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan, Dunbar says it was time to get the Taxi releases out to old and new fans.

"Wi jus' taking time to put the stuff out on CD. It's important for the home base to hear from you," he told the press recently.

Other Taxi releases scheduled for release this year are The Taxi Gang Collection Volume 1 (instrumentals);Bounty and Beenie (featuring songs from Bounty Killer and Beenie Man) and Love And Devotion, with songs on the beat from Jimmy Riley's 1979 hit song of the same name.

Dunbar and Shakespeare were part of The Revolutionaries, the legendary house band at the Channel One studio during the 1970s. They resurrected the Taxi label in the mid-1970s; Dunbar launched Taxi with bass player, Ranchie McLean, in the mid-1970s.

Spragga Benz is slated to release a new album, 'Thug Nature: Volume New' on April 18.

"I also have some singles coming out, yuh have one called 'Inna Mi Style 'featuring Ilano, the MissJamaica on the 'Red Bull & Guinness' and Run Things on the Snow Cone 'Applause' rhythm," he told YardFlex.

The deejay, whose real name is Carlton Grant, combined with soca star Kevin Lyttle to rise to the top of the Billboard Single Chart with the dancehall remix of Lyttle's 'Turn Me On'. The song climbed the charts for 12 weeks until August 12th, 2004 where it reached #1.

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Downsound Recording artiste Fantan Mojah now has the number one album in Jamaica. The album, 'Hail the King' vaulted to the pole position on local charts this week.

"I am just grateful to my fans who are supporting my album in Jamaica, mi love the support," he said. "The album is also doing well overseas, in fact, a few weeks ago, the album was leading Jr. Gong, and even I-Wayne on the reggae album charts in Europe, and only Lucky Dube was ahead of me. The people are responding to me, Downsound is already into the third pressing of the album so we are registering a lot of real sales and subsequent re-orders which shows that we are quickly gaining momentum," Fantan told YardFlex.

The album was released last December, and Fantan has two tours set for Europe to promote the LP. One of those tours is a four-week trek through select European cities in early Fall, and the other is a monster 45-gig, eight-week swing through Europe during the Summer which will see the Downsound recording artiste hitting the festival circuit and club dances.

"This will be the third time that I will be going to Europe in the last 12 months, and I am looking forward to it. Right now, Fantan is all about the message, I embrace different musical genres, opening the door for all to move forward," the artiste said.

Macka Diamond will be releasing her long-awaited album on March 27. The album titled 'Money-O' is Macka Diamond's first effort for Greensleeves since she created history by being the first Jamaican born female artiste to sign an album deal with the company.

The 20-track CD saw Macka working with top flight dancehall producers such as Steelie & Cleevie, Shane Brown, Don Corleon, Richard Browne, Christopher Birch, Robert Livingston, Dave Kelly and more.

The album already has a winning start as many of the tracks are dancehall favourites including the number one hits 'Done Already' and 'Bun Him' featuring Black-er. Among the other popular tracks on the album are 'Mi Nuh Done' remix, featuring Cobra, 'Lexus and Benz' and the title track 'Money-O'; the album also feature eight exclusive tracks

The album release party for Money-O will be held on March 28 in New York with the Jamaican leg scheduled for April 25.

By: Jigga Matic

Deejay Vybz Kartel recently returned from a six-show run in two weekends in the Tristate area, as well as shows in the state of Texas, Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando, Florida. The deejay's sophomore album, JMT, has been released by Greensleeves Records.

The lead single for the album is "Emergency" and it was released before the album, while "Hello Moto" is released with the album on 12 inch vinyl. The album is classic Vybz Kartel with songs like "Stammer", �High Altitude� with Bounty Killer, and the original 'Gun Session - Buddabye'. Wayne Marshall features twice on the album on "Late Night in the Scheme" and "Need You Girl". It's a really good mix of songs," he told YardFlex.Com.

Dancehall fans may be disappointed to hear that the remixed version of the song with T-Pain's 'So Sprung' is not on the album. However, a number of the songs have some crossover appeal and he is looking to repeat the success of 2004's effort with a UK R&B singer, Zena on "Been Around the World" which resulted in his first major mainstream hit outside the local Jamaican dancehall arena. The single debuted at number 44 on the UK singles chart.

In the meantime on the local scene, Kartel recently shot a combination video with Bling Dawg featuring Dawg's bouncy "Oh Oh" and Kartel's caustic "Mr. Politician". He had high praises for young director Julia Braham.

"She brings a youthfulness to the game as a director. And it's good to have a female point of view on the set, she is a like the little Nordia Rose, an up and coming talent to watch out for," he told YardFlex.

In the meantime, Kartel will be doing a rash of upcoming gigs, two in April in the US Virgin Islands, a show in Orlando, Florida, a college in Rochester, New York, Kartel's annual 'King of Queens' dance, as well as local shows in Brown's Town, St. Ann, the Aquasol Beach Park in Montego Bay, and a show at the 'Common Sense' playfield in St. Andrew.

Jamaica's top DJ Delroy Foster A.K.A Delly Ranx will be releasing his debut album "Break Free" on January 15 2006 that will be distributed by VP Records USA.

Break Free boast (15) solid tracks with over 80% of newness and unfamiliarity comprising of some of reggae music greatest which includes Beres Hammond, Shinehead, Sly & Robbie and more top DJs. He has also collaborated with newly signed Bad Boys Entertainment Recording artiste Elephant Man on a remix of the track called Headache produced by Louis "Flabba" Malcolm.

NB: The Album will be released on January 15 in Jamaica and on January 18 in USA and Europe. The album will be launched on December 17

Delly Ranx presently has one of the hottest songs in the dancehall circuit right now on which he collaborated with newcomer Maurice on the titled track 'Dancing Time' that was produced by the young and talented producers Cash Flow on their soon to be realease Woomba Riddim.

Look out for this artiste (Delly Ranx) who will be breaking new grounds both locally and world wide.

As Delly Ranx would say: Everything Plug In

Kiprich is here to make you party! He's in the club, he's on the stage and in the studio - he's Outta Road with the dancehall party album of the year.

"Outta Road" the debut album from dancehall deejay Kiprich was developed and recorded under the supervision of Robert Livingston and the Big Yard Production Crew (Shaggy, Rik Rok).

Having worked his way up through the ranks as former Hype man for Elephant Man, Kiprich came into his own this year with the #1 Jamaican radio hit "Telephone Ting".

The song has brought this promising young performer to the attention of the reggae massive and the release of his debut album will only heighten the demand. Follow up 7" singles "The Letter" and "Liquor" are available commercially and bubbling on reggae radio as plans for the album launch unfold. Core press and media have been targeted for features and album reviews. Look for Kiprich on the core club circuit.

Tek Time, Mix up and Your Time are just some of the outstanding album tracks which are banging in the clubs. Kiprich just goes in the studio and drops reggae music's biggest names on the Baby Song; which can't be explained, it's a must listen too. The ladies love Kippo and he shows his love on tracks like My Best Day and Where Is My Girl. All and all Kiprich is made to enjoy in any social event or jus chilling.