Matthew Golding, was the last of five children born to Joseph and Beverley Golding in Kingston, Jamaica. His father was a soldier so he grew up on an army base. At the age of thirteen his father retired and his family moved to Portmore, St. Catherine. As a child, Matthew was drawn to music with an innate desire to perform and entertain.

"My mother was a drama teacher and she wrote a lot of plays and still writes to this day," says Matthew, "Maybe that's why I am so dramatic. She is an on fire Christian and that's where I get my Christian roots. My Father was a soldier and that's why I am so militant."

BR>Matthew's greatest inspiration growing up was his older brother Mark (aka RAMROD), who was into deejaying and rapping. Following Mark's footsteps, in 1992, Matthew attended St. Georges College where he wrote his first rap lyrics while in the eighth grade. As his lyrical skills continued to develop, he took up the name "Suicide", for he was notorious for his crazy ways.

From 1996 to 2001, Matthew was part of a group called the Marawdaz. During that time he flipped his style from hip-hop to dancehall. As he was enjoying the growth of his secular career, all the attributes that typically accompany this type of lifestyle were prevalent; girls and a crazy party life. Yet with all that, there was one area of his life that he had not conquered; the unexplainable bleakness and profound emptiness within his soul that he couldn't drink, smoke or manage to chase away.

On September 11th 2001, when the world was waking up to the tragedy of the twin towers in New York succumbing to an outright terrorist attack, another attack of sorts was going on within Matthew. Seeing the grief and finally getting the courage to put a name to the confusion in his soul, Matthew decided not only to surrender his life to Jesus Christ but in doing so, resigned from Marawdaz and dropped his popular alias "Suicide". Although this was a wonderful event, transition wasn't easy as he was now a one-man show without a name. Matthew felt he had to go back to basics, before all the girls, cars, money, jewelry, drugs, and alcohol. He started reflecting on his life and new that he had to make a change.

Armed with this knowledge, Matthew became born again and adopted the moniker of St. Matthew aka "the Gospel Defender." Armed with the catch phrase "readyback", (which means be ready, equipped and prepared), Matthew was ready to take on the World!

Described as "The most engaging voice in gospel dancehall," (Mark Mohr, GospelReggae.com), St. Matthew has now become a force to be reckoned with in Gospel Dancehall arena. In addition to the release of his first three mixtapes and Kingdom Vibrations (with DJ Counsellor and Mr. Lynx), Matthew has been featured on over a dozen top selling gospel reggae albums/compilations.

In addition to his numerous performances on both the gospel and secular circuits, Matthew continues to maintain his rigorous writing and recording schedule. In July of 2006 he was thrown for a loop with the passing of his father in a tragic car accident. Coming out of that St. Matthew has even more resolve than ever before. He refuses to let anything hinder him from his calling. Despite personal and professional obstacles, he is determined to push forward as a Christian Soldier and gospel defender.

"I am who I am... Readyback!"-St. Matthew

By: Joan Wilson


He burst on the scene in the 90s with a string of hits include Shelly-Ann and Pencil…his fresh style and humour made him an immediate hit in the dancehall. Wallace Wilson aka Red Rat, now performing under the moniker Double R is still going strong.

Yardflex had a one on one with the DJ and it was hard not to notice that he hasn’t lost his easy charm and great sense of humour.

Double R who says he has been performing since the age of four said his inspiration came from his father who was a prominent person in the industry. His dad who played the guitar for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires and produced his first album Soft Lee. His dad was also a writer, producer and musical director for Cynthia Schloss and Boris Gardner.

It was not surprising when the music bug bit Red Rat, now with over 15 years in the biz the DJ has performed all over the globe. Responding to Yardflex question on some of the places he performed he jokes, “it would be easier to tell you where I’ve not performed,” he said with a teasing smile.

The DJ has performed to rave reviews every stop he makes and for him there can be no greater ‘award’ than to see the looks on the faces of his fans when he steps on stage.

When it comes to flexibility and not being limited to any one style Double R will be the first to tell you that he doesn’t set a limit on himself. “As a producer and a songwriter you have to keep up to date with what’s going on in the music world and move with the time,” he stressed.

With the downtown in the economy Double R is not allowing that to faze him in his usual down to earth style he pointed out that “Recession affects people that don’t plan.” He continued, “It’s all about moving with the times again. There are still artistes selling over six and eight million unit,” he pointed out adding that artistes must realize that regardless of what the situation, good music will always sell,

The DJ also had a few words for those who hold artistes ransom with the practice of payola, “Jamaica is not the only country that has payola, and payola will still be going on whether we like it or not. I don’t agree with the practice whether in Jamaica or anywhere else…but I personally feel if you have a good tune, payola or not it is going to buss,” he said.

Since being in the business, Red Rat has worked with some of the biggest producers and has performed on many top riddim including Scandal, Sweet Sunshine…he has recorded hits such as Dwayne, Tight Up Skirt, Over the past decade he has had the chance to make some worthwhile international connections such as Groove Armada from the UK, Lord Kossidy from France, Mims and many more.

As he looks ahead to his next decade in the business Double R says he wants to help the younger generation coming up who wants to make their mark in the business, as such he will be featuring some of them on his label.

Regarding the fight some of his fellow DJs are getting from the gay community Double R says, “Every artiste is entitled to do what they want in his or her career. Art is a form of expression regardless of what kind of art it is. The Bible teaches that homosexuality is wrong so if artistes want to place that message in their music, they should be allowed to without fear of repercussions.”

What’s on the horizon for this DJ…marriage…”soon!”

By Joan Wilson
Julian Marley’s new album Awake is a message he wants to send to the world. In a one and one with Yardflex the son of the late Bob Marley says he has chosen this name for his new album because “This the time when the world should awake through music.”

In speaking about the album he says that he was inspired to do the album by everyday things seen in the world.

“Listening to this album should give positive feelings,” he said about his latest project.

Julian says it was a good feeling working on the album as this time around he got more ‘hands on’ approach on the production side more thoroughly.

Born in London in 1975, Julian has been blessed both by his father's great talent and legacy and by the unique perspective that comes with an upbringing in a multicultural community. Since recording his first song at age five at the Marley family home in Kingston, Julian has become a skillful, self-taught musician, mastering the bass, drums, and keyboards.

In 1989 he released his first album, titled "Uprising" -- also the name of his new band. He moved to Jamaica in 1992 and began to work with such reggae veterans as Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Earl "Wire" Lindo, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Chinna" Smith.

A veteran performer despite his youth, Julian has performed at Jamaica's Sumfest and Sunsplash shows, and has toured in Japan, Brazil and Mexico. He and brother Damian were also featured as part of the "Marley Magic" North American tour in 1996.

Produced by himself, Stephen and Junior Gong, Awake was two years in the making and listening to it, it is more than worth the wait.

With his album ‘Awake’ completed and released the singer is now looking forward to doing more collabs with his siblings. He will be teaming up with Stephen, Junior Gong to do a single entitled Violence in the Streets, and also on the agenda is a combination with Mr Cheeks from the Lost Boys entitled Oh Girl.

Nicholas A. Holter, professionally known as Nico D is a single 27 year old Norwegian reggae artist who started singing about seven years ago, when he was inspired to express his views about to the state of the world to the masses. He aims to not only have a successful career but to also inform and convey a constructive message.
This bilingual artist has performed at not only festivals at home in Norway but also in the United States, Switzerland, Sweden, France, the UK, Canada and Chile, he has also performed on tours, to what he says was very positive responses. This he expected as he says that when you provide positive music you get positive responses.
Nico D is proud to be gaining International recognition as his songs, "Ruff Times" and "Dreams" have been played on one of Jamaica's local radio stations - Irie FM. The Norwegian Production Company 'Afterglow' is the producer of his songs.
Though he enjoys all genre of music his favourite is reggae. He, however has a word of caution to the artistes of gangsta rap. He says that he is aware that these artistes are a product of their background but that they must be careful of what they say as some may take their message literally.
He is not worried about the effects of the recession on the music industry as he says that historically recessions do not affect the entertainment industry.
Nico D has done two collaborations in Jamaica, one with Jah Mason and the other with Congos. He has also collaborated with two Norwegians, Admiral P and Jaba Man.
During his spare time he enjoys playing sports: football, tennis and basketball or unwinding with friends and his special lady friend.

Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley OM. born February 6, 1945 was a Jamaican musician, singer-songwriter and Rastafarian. He was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands: The Wailers. He died on May 11, 1981. Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited for helping spread Jamaican music to the worldwide audience.

Marley's best known hits include "I Shot the Sheriff", "No Woman, No Cry", "Exodus", "Could You Be Loved", "Stir It Up", "Jamming", "Redemption Song", "One Love" and, together with The Wailers, "Three Little Birds", as well as the posthumous releases "Buffalo Soldier" and "Iron Lion Zion". The compilation album, Legend, released in 1984, three years after his death, is the best-selling reggae album ever (10 times platinum in US), with sales of more than 20 million copies.

Long live the King of Reggae.

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Paul Hudson aka Chrisinti is back. The singer who started performing professionally in 1997 is back with a new single "Sincerely".
Not a novice to the music fraternity as he has performed in places such as USA, the Caribbean, Canada, Africa and Europe. He is best known for his songs; "Oh Shiela", "My Sunshine has come", Save a little for a rainy day","Say Jah", "Joy" and "Sincerely".
He has the distinction of working with some of the top producers in the music business such as: Kings of Kings, Coolie Budz Records, Brickwall, Morgan Heritage, DASECA, Bobby Digital, Harmony House, King Jammys, Link Movement and 876 Radio as well as collaborating with the likes of Jah Mason for the song "Up Up Up", Nadine Sutherland for "Can't tek it" and Ikya for "Rock Baby".
Chrisinti credits his experiences of growing up in the community of Drewsland as his inspiration as well as having a Black Scorpio studio within the community.

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Nerissa Irving has been a very busy young lady. She has been involved in many projects recently. She has been featured in Playboys Natural Beauties October - November 2008 issue. She also performed in Mojo Morgan's, of Morgan Heritage, "River Nile" music video. Nerissa is also the spokes model for a new hair product to be released soon on the market. She is also working on a novel and a movie to be released later next year.

Fitz Laing (Tom Laing), 51, married with eight children says that he started singing from birth and credits Bob Marley, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cook, Alton Ellis, John Holt and his mother as his inspiration.
He acknowledges that his love of Reggae music began while growing up in Trench Town, Kingston. His early days in the music business began in Brooklyn's Front Room recording studio.
He writes and produces his own songs and hopes to always provide good music that is accepted universally.
He has released songs such as: " It's not over", "Feel Da Vibes" and "Prayer" all on the m-16 rhythm.
He enjoys poetry and thinks that the music of yesteryear had more meaning and was more universal. He enjoys time in the park with his family.

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Gospel artiste Calvin Whilby aka Prodigal Son started singing in 1997 and has performed in the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and the USA. The self made song writer and producer enjoys doing his own thing but has on occasion worked with other producers such as: Danny Brownie and Rayon Smith.
He says that his preferred music is Gospel as he hopes to reach the world with his music.
Prodigal Son has also collaborated with International star Micah Stampley and local artistes Junior Tucker, Richie Stephens, Wayne Marshall and Jason Mighty.
The separated father of three does not believe in polygamy, "it must be costly" he jokes.
During his down time he enjoys playing FIFA on his playstation.
His next appearance is in Belize and Africa.

BYM Entertainment
office: 1876-944-3550
cell: 1876-890-7184
US: 1973- 479- 1275

In this village some girls are very stupid! Hey Pamputae!!! That line is easily one of the most popular ones in the dancehall arena at this time and, it is because of one of the genres newest stars, Eveana Henry, known also as Pamputae.

Hailing from Fletchers Land, one of Jamaica's toughest ghetto communities, she has emerged with a familiar raunchy lyrical flow and content, manifested through her singles, "Good Gold," "Goody Good," and "No Lovy Dovie" - songs which have all connected well with the hardcore lovers of Dancehall music.

The rising sensation has become such a hot commodity in the customarily rough 'n' tumble industry that her name is even linked to rumors of a rivalry with longstanding icon, Buju Banton. In recent times, Buju has been heard using Pamputae's second hot slang, "They are all up in the Kool Aid and dem nuh know di flavour!" The slang highlights the inability of some women to display the sensual prowess to be a consistent talking point amongst males.

What Pamputae has done is to take courage from the occasion that an international icon like Buju Banton finds her slang effective enough to use it. "Although Buju has never given me recognition as being the originator of the slang, I have taken encouragement from the fact that he of all persons is using it," Pamputae reasoned.

The manner that she has dealt with this controversy seems to be synonymous with her character. The 23-year-old dropped out of school after getting pregnant; however, she said she never lost sight of her dreams and aspirations. The song "Goody Good" she said, is testimony of how she remained focused and maintained her self-esteem. "I voiced that song because every woman is good. Some men do not appreciate us women, but regardless of our faults, without us humans would become extinct."

She added, "I lost my mother at age 10 and my big sister age 11, but instead of having 10 babies I only made the mistake once, and have been taking good care of the one child. Things could have been worst with me, but I kept focused."

She loves watching African movies in her spare-time, and that's where her current slang derives, "In this village some girls are very stupid! Hey Pamputae!!!

She confesses her love for music and says she will only continue working towards becoming the best musical ambassador she can.

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Last Friday night was ‘big nice time’ at Lucea’s Club 300 where the McGregors shook up the small stage like a ‘quake’.

Freddie McGregor gave the truly delighted crowd a stunning performance as he weaved through hit after hit, with fans chanting along word for word.

It was The Star’s ‘Jungle Fever’ Part Two, when chosen ‘Stars of the Month’ get a special ‘spotlight’ with meet and greets that involve autograph signings, coupled with selective performances.

Club 300 was one of these special features where patrons got up close and personal with the McGregor clan, who did not disappoint. Freddie’s, “And So I’ll Wait For You” had the crowd serenading and after songs like: “Stop Loving You,” “Push Come To Shove,” “Rain Start Falling Down,” and “I Was Born A Winner,” some ladies had virtually lost their voices from screaming, while the men chanted and flashed lighters.

Anthony Cruz hosted the evening and also on hand to entertain and sign autographs were Chino and Shema. Cruz was full of life and did a great job as emcee. He also had the crowd rocking to songs like: “Half Way Tree,” Block The Road” and “Mama.”

Chino elicited high energy from the audience as he gave them, “Burn Them,” “Girl Dem Straight” and “Protected.” Other entertainers appearing on the bill included: Tellah, Skeptic, Cassandra, and fashion designer Minka.

The McGregors topped off a perfect evening by hanging out with fans while the selectors kept the groove going into the wee hours.

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By: Jaide & DC
Mr Barrington “Shuddli-Waddli-Didli-Oh” Levy, boasts being the first Jamaican singer to have three rappers featured in one song, and in line with this achievement, the reggae icon is proud of his latest release, “No War”.

Collaborating with Busta Rhymes and T. Dot top shot rapper Kardinal Offishal on this blazing track, Levy takes his God given gift to levels that do nothing other than rock you.

Levy told Yardflex recently of his linking with ‘Busta’ and ‘Kardi’ and the energetic artist, known for constantly working hard, said it was a natural creative attraction. He said, “I was at a show in New Jersey, when Foxy Brown called up Busta to come to the club. After the show he asked me to sing a song and then right away he said let’s go to studio…” The historical remainder of the tale is the hard hitting conclusion – that is, “No War.”

Previous collaborations by the avid musically driven entrepreneur, who stands firm by his words in what became almost a ‘motto’ for the world, “Every Posse Must Work,” have been with rappers like: Snoop Dogg, Bounty Killer and Lil Wayne.

Mr. “Broader Than Broadway” has a catalogue loaded with hits and whenever he performs fans bask in the sheer pleasure. He said singing came natural to him at a very early age and with the inspirations of artists like: Dennis Brown, Michael Jackson, Jackson 5, John Holt, Gregory Issacs and Freddy McGregor he embraced his own sound and honed his skills to perfection.

Working with top producers like: Tallman Records,Sly & Robbie and Platinum Camp Productions, Levy churned out many hits over the years and his unique vocals have graced countless airwaves and subsequent charts around the world.

Taking time out to be a helping hand in his community, Levy’s enterprises provide employment for many in his area of Clarendon. The proprietor of : a restaurant, wholesale store, bar and Mystic Recording Company, Levy is steadfast in his focus on increasing employability by offering opportunity. “Everyone must work and I try to create more jobs for the local people,” he told Yardflex.

And the veteran, who is certainly solidly prime, is set to release a new album titled, “Its About Time”, while preparing also to bring his sweet sounds to Honolulu, Hawaii and Maui in the near future.

Look out for him – and be sure to pick up a copy of the hot shot, “No War”.

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The temperature was a bit on the chilly side at Alexandria Market, St Ann, but Pisces and Rebel T got temperatures high to boiling for the many who came out to support the Guiness Sounds of Greatness semi-final – Round 2.

It was a night of over the top fun for all as the crowds cheered on their favourite sound system. Rebel T ended up capturing the final spot and will be challenging Bodyguard for the title of Best Competitive Sound System in Jamaica.

That most coveted title comes with a grand monetary prize of a quarter-million Jamaican dollars.

By:Ricardo Bailey

Everyone knows New Kidz from his burst out single "Hotter Set a Gal". Now New Kidz is coming out fresh again.

He has an upcoming single entitled "Woman" and he is slated to be doing a album which will be releasing in early January 2009.

Although detailed information on the album is yet to be released, New Kidz promises that it will be "banging".

Everyone wonders where the name New Kidz originated. The uniquely named artist explained to YardFlex that his friends on the corner just came up with the name as he was always coming up with new ideas and new jokes. Hence the name New Kidz.

New Kidz has been dabbling in the music business since the age from 12 but he became officially immersed in it as of 1998 when his hit song "Hotter Set a Gal" was released.

Now signed to Gargamel Records, New Kidz has other hot singles including, "Ready to Roll Out" on the Big Jeans Label and "Again." New Kidz has done collaborations with Singer J and Buju Banton; and has set his sites on doing a few with Bounty Killer, Sean Paul and Jay Z.

A few of New Kidz’ achievements include: traveling the world and discovering new places while touring with Buju Banton and making good music.

"Put God first and music second, don't be bad mind and envious and don't mix badness with music," New Kidz said, as advice for anyone who is interested in getting involved in the music business.

For more information on New Kidz visit www.myspace.com/newkidzmusic

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Big up my peeps, yuh done know every now and again a have to check in no matter how busy mi be. Now a have a very touchy subject fi all a wi and it's time wi call a spade a spade and talk up di tings dem.

Now fi di longest time di debate a guh back and forth bout whether we shoulda have condom inna school and inna di prison. Some people sey it come een like wi a issue one open invitation fi have sex, especially when it come on to di schoolers dem. Dem under age and giving dem condom is like we a sey we agree sey dem fi start venture inna big people world.

Now regarding di prison, yuh and mi know sey man and woman nuh go inna di same prison so from we sey condom fi inna prison suh yuh done know a di sex ting we a talk bout and not with man and woman... that is unless de guard dem get wild...but i doubt dat go on still.

Now is not dat we a sanction dem levity deh, but si whey mi a come from, suppose a man get hold dung and dem tings deh, at least him nuh haffi deal wid AIDS and any other repercussion. As to di one dem whey a deal with it willingly fire bun fiI dem, but dem fi still play it safe.

Mi nuh have nutton more fi sey pon di prison issue, but when it come to schoolers now hear mi thoughts.

A wish di whole a dem woulda concentrate pon dem book and figet di big people sinting and meck dem parents proud, but guess what, if wishes were horses beggars woulda ride, suh nuh matta how unno wish it, reality check…it nah guh happen, some a dem a guh do whey dem a guh do same way!

So make condoms available in school and when it's being issued give good counselling showing that it's not an open invitation.

Nuff time school pickney bruck and dem nah go out a dem way fi buy nuh condom, so meck it available, who knows maybe they would stay in school longer instead of dropping out through pregnancy.

That's fi mi thoughts on di issue…whey unno sey.

By Kaylia Williams

At the young age of seventeen, Stephen McGregor was defined by the music industry and the media as 'Di Genius' and is now dubbed as one of the greatest producers. A son of one of the greatest reggae icons, Freddie McGregor, Stephen wrote his first song at age five while attending Vaz Preparatory entitled School Don Rule. The song, which was about staying in school received airplay both locally and internationally in 1995.

At the age of ten Stephen began to take his music more seriously by going to the studio with his father, who he emulates, as well as by watching the masters around him. He mastered five instruments; the drum, bass, violin, piano and the guitar, and completed his first production Dutch Master, featuring the likes of Fambo, Natural Black and Da'Ville. Since the Dutch Master, Di Genius continued with a positive vibe, making him one of the top producers in Jamaica.

While still attending Ardenne High School, Stephen kept working at his music and released the hard hitting Cartoon Riddim at the tender age of fourteen. This brought his career and Big Ship onto the high seas, as the rhythm sailed through the different airwaves daily.

Since then, Stephen has shown his competence as a producer over and over again. YardFlex asked Di Genius how he manages to vibe these hard hitting beats and produce unifying sounds. He explained that the vibe came naturally not only from his surroundings but also from the feeling within him at the time. Recently he has received an award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Music and his Red Bull and Guinness Riddim entered the Billboard Charts with the Mavado hit Weh dem a Do. Locally he has already released two rhythms for the summer Dark Again and Party Time and boasts of more to come.

By: Joseph Cunningham

It's in the genetics. This famous adage applies to Reggae's hottest current 'blood-line', Jimmy and Taurus Riley.

Taurus Riley is the hottest crooner in Reggae music and his father is a living legend. Yardflex caught up with Jimmy Riley during a recording session, and he obliged to give an impromptu interview. "I am an artiste with history. This makes me more than just another singer," he said. He then proceeded to tell the tale of his musical journey.

His career started while still a student at St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) in Jamaica, with a group called The Sensations. Jimmy reminisced on how he formed the group after being denied entry into another boy group called The Techniques. He said, "This was a group formed and led by Slim Smith, who was my best friend at the time; however I did not take the group seriously until I turned on the radio one afternoon and heard their song being played."

Although Jimmy had already formed his own group, he still wanted to sing with his friend, Slim Smith. Fortuitously for young Jimmy there was a split among the members of the Techniques, and he got his wish. Jimmy along with Slim Smith and Lloyd Tyrell then formed The Uniques.

Recording with Duke Reid, a leading producer at the time, gave Jimmy Riley national attention, as the group scored a number 1 hit with a song titled My Conversation. The song started a meteoric rise for Jimmy's career, as The Uniques became a leading group in the country with a total of three songs on the local Reggae top ten chart simultaneously.

However, tragedy struck while the group was at the heights of its popularity when its leader, Slim Smith died in a motor vehicle accident. At this point Jimmy reunited with The Techniques, comprised of Pat Kelly and Winston Riley, continuing with the group until he embarked on a solo career. The loss of his best friend had a devastating effect on him, so Jimmy migrated to the U. S.

After being encouraged by fellow artistes not to 'sit' on his musical talent, he took the trip back to the Jamaica. This proved to be the real start of his musical legacy. He joined the Taxi Label, a camp of artistes comprising the likes of Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Black Uhuru and others. The late 1970s going into the early 80s is the period known to be the highest point of Jimmy Riley's career. Four number one hits in succession made him a bona fide star. He said, "In the same way that you see my son Taurus breaking out, that was how I took over the airwaves." He had close to ten number one songs during this period. During this period he had developed a close musical relationship with Sly Dunbar, working together on many projects that gave Sly his initial recognition as 'top-flight' producer, locally and internationally.

After touring the world and becoming an official international Reggae star, Jimmy took a hiatus during the late 80s, living in Miami, Florida.

At the start of the 1990s he returned to Jamaica to commence another episode of his legacy." When I returned to Jamaica a number of persons asked me what did I intend to achieve. Persons in the music industry said it was Dancehall time," he recalled. However with a smile on his face he said he recorded a song titled, Its Gonna Get Rougher, which went straight to number one. At this point he said he was given the alias,' Done di place' by fellow artistes. "They said that whenever Jimmy Riley comes around he takes over," he said while laughing.

Jimmy Riley said that one of the principles that he has adopted throughout his career is, 'Quality over Quantity'. "I do not have 40 or 50 album like most people," he asserted. To date, the musical icon has only completed six albums whilst doing innumerable singles. His career was as good as gold all over again, when he voiced on one of Reggae music's all time greatest projects. His mega hit Love You Too Much to Ever Stop Liking You, in collaboration with Wayne Wade, is arguably what made him the legend he is today. On that same rhythm are songs like Garnett Silk's, Oh Me Oh My and Tinga Stewart's, Inside my Heart.

Jimmy Riley is currently working on a new album that will be a combination of old and new singles, being produced by Sly and Robby. Further he revealed that he is also completing an album with Harmony House, of which the great Beresford Hammond is CEO. Current songs voiced by Jimmy Riley are getting steady rotation on the airwaves, chief among them, My Girl and Taking time to Praise Him.

In conjunction with Taurus, Jimmy Riley will appear at Roots Bamboo in Negril later this month, and the Port Royal Festival in late August where he will share the stage with Brian McKnight.

Beenie Man recorded a slew of hit songs throughout the 90's that captured the dancehall arena, dancehall fans were busy learning and practicing the new dance move "World Dance", which was followed by more hit songs such as "Defend It" and "Dis Unu Fi Hear", "Damsel Ship", "Suzuki", "Ole Dawg", "Slam", "Ketteh Drum" and many more.

His performance in the music industry landed him the title DJ of the year in 1994, the same year that these singles were released. This was a significant year for Beenie Man; he also released his debut album which was titled "Blessed" which included a grip of hit songs.

By now, Beenie man had gone international; his songs were blazing the clubs and radio stations in England. The following year was even bigger and more successful for Beenie Man; he was doing major collaborations with Dennis Brown, Triston Palmer and Mad Cobra. In fact his biggest collaborations for that era were with Lady Saw for the song "Healing" and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" that he did with Third World. This was another fantastic year for Beenie Man and he was back in line for DJ of the year for the second consecutive time...

This upcoming summer season has shaped up to be a very busy one for Beenie Man. He's currently schedule for a European Festival Tour at the end of June and runs during the month of July where he's also confirmed for Sumfest - Mo-Bay, Good Year Oval - St. Thomas, Connecticut and Miami. Currently, he has a lot of videos and songs in rotation both on the Cable Stations, Radio Stations and on the Charts.

For Sean, [the EPIC records joint venture] was almost like a prophecy beginning to be fulfilled. Not only is music his love, it is in his blood. Iconic Reggae artist Buju Banton is his uncle and Jack Ruby, who produced records for Bob Marley and Burning Spear in Jamaica, is his grandfather. Now Kingston says he's looking forward to making music and living out his dream. nephew

After producing an endless array of hit records for the likes of musical heavyweights such as 50 Cent, The Game, Rihanna and Snoop Dogg, production savant J.R. Rotem has turned his attention to one of the most innovative young talents in music, Sean Kingston, the first signing on his Beluga Heights label.

Kingston, a 17 year old native of Jamaica who now lives in Miami brings his very unique triple threat of talent of rapping, reggae chatting and soulful harmonization with the 2007 release of his debut yet to be titled album.

"As an artist, my whole goal is to make powerful and classic music," Sean divulges. "I want everyone to feel me and understand where I’m from and that's what this album will do. The music is all about an authentic Sean Kingston vibe. JR is a talented dude and a dope producer and he saw that I had something different than any other artist out there. Together we're a powerful force.

In addition to J.R., The Runners, Cool and Dre, DJ Felli Fell, and DJ Khaled will be supplying beats. In just a short time, Kingston has already done what few in his age bracket can accomplish - solidify a following in the streets and get people excited about music again.

He has two certified thunder knockers on his hands with "Colors 2007" and the Jamaican remix. The original version is a lyrical brouhaha with Kingston showing he can hang with the acclaimed guest MCs. Miami Mayor Rick Ross and the multi-platinum west coast superstar, The Game. The reggae remix of Colors is a Caribbean hailstorm featuring the legendary Vybez Cartel and the always profound Kardinal Offishall. Both records maintain the same theme of unity and self-reflection.

"That's the whole campaign," Kingston, whose parents are from Jamaica, elaborated. "The song is about representing every flag that you're loyal to - whether it is Jamaica, the States, your block etc. It's a lifestyle record that can be a street anthem no matter where you are. I couldn't ask for anybody better than The Game and Ross to join me on the track. The Reggae version came up because I knew I had to do one special for Jamaica. The first person I thought of was Vybez Cartel. His verse came out crazy. Then Kardinal Official, that's my homie, he really attacked the track."

Kingston's album is shaping up to be as diverse as the colors are on the different flags he talks about.

The melody of "Stand By Me," also acted a muse for the first official single off the album "Beautiful Girls." It is way more than puppy love when Sean lays his vocals on the record, singing about a shattering break up.

"You're way too beautiful girl," he sings about heartbreak. "Girls will have you suicidal when they say it's over."

"I heard the track 'Stand By Me,' one night in the studio, the radio was on. "I asked J.R., did anybody ever flip that? He made the beat the beat right there on the spot and I wrote the songs in a few minutes. It's hard when you're in love and a girl tells you that it is time to end things. I know everyone can relate to that, so that's why I had to write about it."

"Drummer Boy" finds Kingston sticking mainly to rapping over the trouncing pounce of drums, while "I Can Feel" takes it to the party and incorporates a sample of Phil Collins' timeless "In the Air Tonight."

Perhaps one of the most eye opening track however may the song "Prosecutor," where Kingston vents about what he calls the wrongful imprisonment of his sister and mother. "You're lying and there's no way to prove it," he fumes.

Sean says he was inspired to write the record after he saw his family incarcerated when he was just 14 years old.

"I always had my sister and my brother," he began to explain. "My brother was doing his own thing, he was there but he was running around doing his own thing. When my mother and sister went away, it took a lot out of me. My sister went away for four months and my mom been away for over a year. When she went way, I was like 'nah man, this is too much.' I was only 14. I missed her like crazy but I pulled through and used it as my motivation. "Prosecutor" is a defining song on the album for me - nothing fake about it because it touches on something very personal to me. The dope melody that's on there makes me feel even closer to it."

Kingston wants to make it clear that he is no cookie cutter artist that has the songs laid out for him. He comes up with 100 percent of his lyrics.

"Man, it feels good to get that creative freedom," he says. "Not a lot of artists are put in that position. I don't feel that just because I'm a young dude, somebody should write my songs and say 'ok spit it this way.' I think music is better when it comes from the person, when it comes from your heart. I feel comfortable writing my own music and them letting me do it, is a great situation.

Sean talks about J.R. more like a big brother, rather than an Executive Producer of his album. Couple of years ago, Kingston started randomly hitting music industry contacts on MySpace. Although none of the A&R reps responded, Rotem emailed him back. J.R. almost had no choice, "Sean would hit me up at least three times a day!" J.R. says.

"He just had a real distinct sound," Rotem remembers. "I worked with some of the best and I don't see why Sean can’t grow to be one of them. His potential is limitless."

Rotem invited Sean for a meeting in Los Angeles, coincidentally; the young performer was already in the process of moving to California. Shortly after their initial meeting, Rotem had a flagship artist for his Epic records joint venture, Beluga Heights. For Sean, it was almost like a prophecy beginning to be fulfilled. Not only is music his love, it is in his blood. Iconic Reggae artist Buju Banton is his uncle and Jack Ruby, who produced records for Bob Marley and Burning Spear in Jamaica, is his grandfather. Now Kingston says he's looking forward to making music and living out his dream.

"In the future I want to have my own label and work on the business side," he said. "I went to acting school when I was younger, so I want to get into that. I want to get into every aspect of the business. It took me a little while to develop and build my sound, to find out who the real Sean Kingston was. I didn't know if I wanted to harmonize, or to rap. But I found out that I can do it all."

"Wha dem a deal wid?" - The slogan of fast-rising Dancehall artist Flex - can be heard from the garrison to uptown, from radios to buses to school children. Widely tipped as the next member of the Bounty Killer-led Alliance collective, Flex has made a name for himself via rapid-fire lyrics and melodies that hook you on first listen. Born Omar Henry at the Jubilee Hospital, Flex was first raised on the tough streets of Maxfield Avenue, before moving around Kingston, finally settling as a proud resident of Grant's Pen.

"From mi know myself I've wanted to be a DJ," says Flex. "As a youth I used to deejay Lt. Stitchie's song dem like they were my own," he continues, explaining the roots of his lyrical dexterity. His first time on stage was as an 8 yr old, at a community stage show where he deejayed Stitchie's intricate lyrics from start to finish and needless to say tore up the stage.

When Buju Banton burst onto the scene Flex found a new idol and began developing his own lyrics and imitating Buju's gravelly tones. Once Bounty Killer exploded, Flex, like many of the current frontrunners in Dancehall, was influenced beyond the point of no return.

At a stage show held in Cassava Piece '94 he performed and took the accolades of the show along with an area artist named Singing Blacks, who the world would later better know as Mavado. Since then both artists have been sparring, with Flex currently getting worldwide exposure opening for Mavado at stage shows around the globe. Back in the days Flex, Mavado, Terror Kid and Rockilla formed the Mafidi Crew and took it to the streets.

Since the day Tyrical introduced them to Bounty Killer, according to Flex, their future started to look bright. "Killer was the only artist who used to take time to school we," remembers Flex, who can be considered as a foundation Alliance member.. "He said we had crazy lyrics but taught us about how to construct verses, choruses and how to bring melody into the ting. Killer even put us in Dave Kelly's studio to voice, on Saddle to the East and It's Tha Party. Julian also carried us to crazy shows from back then."

Having co-written hits for fellow Grants Pen resident Predator, with whom he also travelled extensively, Flex's time has now arrived. "Murderer," on Delly Rank's mammoth Red Bull and Guiness riddim and backed up by a hardcore video was an instant hit.

Follow-ups "Kill Kill Kill," "Sunday Morning" on the Powercut, "Buss mi gun" and a new track on Steven McGregor's Tremor soundbed has seen Flex acquire a new army of fans.

Supremely confident on stage and with plans to expand into production and stage shows with the newly-formed Fagan Fraternity, Flex shows every sign of maintaining his current momentum for a long time to come.

Born Christopher Palmer and raised in the Mountain View area of Kingston, Mr. Lexx has been performing, as he says "since the day I was born". A former student at Kingston's (now defunct) Fox Drama School, Mr. Lexx is an accomplished actor who has appeared in several plays and earned a Best Actor award in 1992.

Mr. Lexx also distinguished himself as one of the finest dancers in Jamaica when he joined the popular dance troupe Squad One but for the past seven years he has pursued an extremely promising career as a deejay whose electrifying stage performances are enhanced by his vast experience in dance and theatre.

Mr. Lex has done video collaborations with Artistes such as Vegas, Taxi-Fare and Wayne Wonder with CNN, Anything Goes. This VP Recording Artiste has done shows in the Caribbean, United States, Europe and Japan.

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

Not many artistes out of Jamaica can claim having been on the Billboard Top 25 Hip-Hop R&B Sales chart. E-Dee has however, been doing just that as he is featured on Ms Triniti's newest smash "Bongce Along". The 25 year old artist out of Clarendon, Jamaica is experiencing a breakthrough in the US market since spending the last five weeks as a chart topper. Already in Japan he is ready for his second full-length CD release and has appeared on four compilation CDs out of Japan. With two videos in rotation on Hype, CVM and Irie-FM in Jamaica, and US radio picking up his single "R U Ready" and "Between the Sheets" E-Dee could soon step into the international mainstream.

Born Everton Dennis, E-Dee was the youngest of eight siblings. His musical career began in the church, where he sang in the choir. His mother was very religious and did not allow E-Dee to listen to music other than gospel because she considered dancehall/reggae to be profane. So E-Dee's early musical experience was steeped in gospel. Suddenly his mother passed without warning when he was 12 years old and a young E-Dee had to grow up quickly. Working hard to earn money for his school uniform and books, E-Dee learnt dedication and focus very early, having to take care of himself. Applied to his musical career, that diligence brought E-Dee to his dreams. After completing his secondary education he moved to America to pursue his music career and to study to become an Actor. While in the U.S. E-Dee's steady exposure to Hip-Hop and R&B began to influence his writing, infusing the American slang with Jamaican Patois E-Dee's sound began to evolve.

Ending up in Los Angeles, E-Dee began performing at showcases. Word soon got out about this 6'5" rapper from Jamaica that was building a following. It wasn't long before promoters began putting E-Dee on the bill of major festivals. With two CDs selling strong in the streets, E-Dee was soon sharing the stage with the biggest names in Dancehall/Reggae including Sizzla, Wayne Wonder, Ce'Cile, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beres Hammond, Lady Saw and the list goes on. Not to be ruled out as only a dancehall/reggae favourite his cross-over appeal has landed him shows opening for Hip-Hop artists D-12 and Ja Rule and got him collaborations with Capitol recording artist Houston.

In 2004 platinum record producer Qmillion sought out E-Dee to collaborate with Junior P. and Ms Triniti on the song "Hot Again" which was one of E-Dee's four collaborations with Ms Triniti on her debut album Ragga Hop. Qmillion was so impressed with E-Dee's talent that he immediately signed him to Unseen Lab Recordings and began recording a full length CD with E-Dee. During the recording of the album E- Dee headed to New York to film a cameo appearance in the urban action film "The Party" starring RL from the R&B group Next, and Darryl Hammond from Saturday Night Live. This work led to him landing a lead role in the upcoming feature film "Overkill" co-starring Malik Yoba due for release in 2008. E-Dee is also featured on the soundtrack of the 2007 movie, "I Think I Love My Wife" starring Chris Rock. On this collaborative effort he is joined by Black Shakespere and Terence Yoshiaki, a founding member of the Black Eye Peas. While many dancehall CDs focus on the subject of women, E-Dee's 18 song album entitled, "JA 2 LA 2 DI WORLD" takes you along his life's journey, touching on many subjects from the struggles of surviving in Babylon, to jealousy and envy of haters in the industry, to party life in the clubs on the dancefloor, to love and relationships, to the last song on the CD dedicated to his mother, "Mamma".

The first release from the album is the double single "R U Ready" an up tempo club banger and "Between The Sheets" a lovers-rock reggae version of the Isley Brothers hit. The double single is gaining momentum around the U.S. topping regional charts in Connecticut, Los Angles, Miami and more. The music video for "R U Ready" shot in Compton, California, will be serviced to BET and other outlets this fall and features a cameo appearance by Amorossa from The Apprentice and The Surreal Life. The sound of E-Dee's album "JA 2 LA 2 DI WORLD" represents a new sound in dancehall/reggae, influenced by Hip-Hop and R&B that is appealing to a whole new market as well as dancehall's traditional fans. Energetic, exciting, emotional and raw this artist is poised to be the next Jamaican to capture the attention of music lovers around the world and take dancehall/reggae to the next level. 2007 brings the release of his second single "Revolution" featuring "Irie Love" an adaptation of the classic hit by Dennis Brown. The reworking of this song with additional lyrics by E-Dee hits the streets this spring and the early response in clubs is - pure shots.

Natalie Storm is a multitalented Singer, D.J, and Songwriter who believes the universe is hers to conquer. Born Natalie Cole in rural Jamaica, she moved to Kingston as a child. She grew up listening to, and being influenced by the sounds of Skeeter Davis, Smokey Robinson, Madonna, and the dancehall female artists like Mumma Nancy and Lady Patra. She attended the Franklyn Town Primary and Holy Childhood High. It was in school that she decided to make a career of music. After joining the Holy Childhood choir she successfully auditioned for the Cathy Levy Players.

While in school, Natalie was approached by a producer seeking female singers for an all girl reggae group. The producer was Computer Paul Henton and the group was M.B.C. The group released one album in Japan.

After sometime as group leader and writer Natalie decided in late 2006 to pursue an alternative course. She left the group and began to record material with some of the top producers in Jamaica and across the globe. These include, Swatch International, Flabba (MO' Music) and New York based Stretch Armstrong (who has produced for Nelly Furtado, Lil' Kim, Wu Tang Clan).

Her first single on the Swatch International label titled "Best Friend" has just been released and getting strong radio play both locally and overseas. The video has been getting maximum exposure on HYPE TV, RE TV and Music Plus. The dance music remix of her Hot Love single featuring Jigsy from Danger Zone is being played at dance clubs all across Europe. She has just recorded a new single "Talk Di Tings" on Swatch International's Slackas Riddim which is taking dealing with the dances and clubs wicked. A video for this hot single is being prepared for the road. She will be on the HITZ FM street party showcases which will be held across Jamaica throughout the year. Natalie will also accompany Swatch International as one of their featured artists on selected Passa Passa dates throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Big things continue to happen for this multitalented songstress as she has started to produce other artistes including Peter Lloyd and Cezar among others. The new generation of Jamaican music has arrived. And it has come by Storm. Natalie Storm.

Blackrose is an East African artist who is widely in love with Jamaica. I love Jamaica because of the reggae music, people, talents and dancing. I had been growing up watching much of VHC1, MTV there I discover some of my favourite artists like Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Neneh Cherry, Mc Hammer and more. By age of 8 I was exposed into reggae music. My bigger brother Anil Mohamed owned several reggae records and his favourite was Bob Marley. I loved the music of Bob Marley too we use to listen to his tracks often. As the years went by I got to know Maxi Priest, Patra, Shaba Ranks and Diana King. That was when I was 12 years I started to learn me dancing Dancehall/ Reggae Muffin as it was called those days. Then right then I started composing my own songs.

I was singing to my friends and family for fun. While at school in Uganda I won a singing contest by singing Patra's song "Worker Man". The artist who held the contest was known by name of Shanks Vividee and I was to attend to any of his show by mentioning Patra`s name. It was just one simple call I made at one radio station one day in Tanzania. I was to send shout out to my friends and the Dj asked me to hang on he will talk to me after he set the song I request on air. Anxiously I waited and there he was on phone again John Delinga. He though I had a sweet voice and he was wondering if I could sing. I admitted yes I could and it is one of my dreams. Right there and then I was invited to open the concert for different artists from Tanzania. I cried loud said "I have songs but no instrumental". He assured me that would not be a problem at all can be fixed by using other artist beats that goes with my song.

The day came and i went to club Bilicanas in Dar-es - Salaam. I made a performance that night and people came to me after asking me whose song was that I performed. I told them it was mine. They were very pleased and asked me to pursue my music career further. I didn't know how to continue.One day I met the assistant manager of Clouds Fm and asked me to join into the music project. I went there with my music book with almost 80 songs by age of 16. We selected "Sijui Niseme" and the song was recorded with Mj Production and released year 2000. Lucky enough I was people loved the song and encourage me to do more songs. I went to record other songs with Don Bosco studio unfortunately somebody I gave all money to pay for my recording stole it. Then I got stuck right then. I had to work hard to collect some cash and my sister Cleopatra contributed big time into my album. Then I got a chance to record with Bongo records I made about 7 songs with them. But I didn't release the material. I was not only focused into music though I did several shows and covers on magazines like Femina. I had to study and that was in another country in Uganda. Later on I moved to Norway and continue studying Fashion Design until today. Fashion is my passion just like music.

In Norway I entered singing competition Idol unfortunately I didn't go further throughout the competition. Then there I met a man called Pal Gazchmann contributing his business card for his recording studio. Trondheim studio that is the one am working with today. I work with great producer known as Conor Patric, Idd Aziz the drummer from Kenya, Sonny the guitarist and more. Now at the age of 25 then I realize everything for sure has it own time to be done. I feel so much stronger now and matured to do my music the way i want. I have made songs in Swahili and English. Into my album which will be released in late June will have Reggae, Dancehall and pop all available in Swahili and English. You just going to love the songs into this album.

Internet is people's best friend. I had it much easier to advertise my music through different websites. I came across myspace and there I met so much wonderful people. Not mentioning Jamaican friends. I then got lucky to feature with Konshens from Jamaica in one of my songs Sugar into Melting Sugar. Konshens he is so talented and am so glad to work with him. I hope someday it will be with Buju Banton or Cecile. I traveled to I still continue working with my album to make it with the Baddest sound. All I want to do is make people dance and connect. I traveled to East Africa for Christmas holiday and did some promotion in Zanzibar and Tanzania. At myspace website is worldwide thing and am so glad for having internet today makes it somehow easier to artists. Keep spreading them roots of Blackrose with love and support. One of my hugest dreams is to perform in Jamaica and dance reggae and dancehall all night long.

'The man who thinks he's larger than life' the title of the Taurian's first album formerly introduced Omar Riley a.k.a Taurus Riley into the music industry in 2001. The name Taurus Riley originated from him being ruled under the sign Taurus and the style he first came on the scene with, his friends said he fired musical shots with the fast pace that he would deejay, both were combined hence the name Taurus Riley.

The new musical sensation got hands on experience from his dad Jimmy Riley who is a veteran in the music fraternity, he shared, that life was always in the studio and traveling with his dad and so he was exposed to the music and to other veterans which he looks up to such as Beres Hammond and instrumentalist Dean Frazer.

At age ten he started fooling around with different instruments and just created a vibe vocally; his mother was his motivator as she insisted on him to pursue his talent, his father was also adamant but mainly his mother.

What you see is what you get from the musical sniper as his career did not take off as he would wanted but some how he says he fired a musical bullet which connected in April of 2006, he describes the feeling to be overwhelming as he didn't expect such a great response to his music, he shares that he tries to make his music to empower people and to uplift. His hit single 'Stay with You' which brought him on the scene was doomed to be a chart topper, for him, he said he visited his heart for another hit because 'Stay with you' was not an original, however his old track 'Larger than life' from his first album was reintroduced and the love is overwhelming. 'BeWare' is another track that is conscious and is well received across the airwaves both locally and internationally.

The introduction to his 15 track album 'Parables' produced under Dean Frazer Canon Production was launched in the heat of his career, on October 21st of 2006, fans were introduced to the musical shooter as they saw how well he used words emphatically. He explains that "Parables the name of the album had to be used because of the versatility and creativity he displayed, parables is also a track on the album he states that the nursery rhymes, we grew up on has meaning behind them, therefore I saw the need to play with the nursery rhymes a little to educate the youths of some of these things we face each day. For example the three blind mice... Are the big guys that put price on the rice". In other tracks he speaks on humanitarian topics such as bleaching, the lack of jobs and racism still being exercised in our societies. From talks with VP Records the distributors of the album, it is well received both here and abroad. Taurus expresses the love and respect he has been receiving from is fans, throughout all, his recognition and achievements he maintains his goal in music which is not to preach to people but to uplift youths and to increase peace and love in societies.

On February 6 each year, celebrations and tributes ring out around the world in memory of the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, born on this day in 1945. Succumbing to a menacing cancer at the age of 36, he was prematurely taken from us on May 11, 1981. Lauded with several accolades that include Order of Merit in Jamaica, Bob Marley was crowned The King of Reggae Music by a fan base that spans the four corners of the earth.

The powerful force guiding young Bob Marley from very humble beginnings in Nine Miles St Ann and Trench Town's inner city, through to his being not only a colossal artistic success, but also a steadfast proponent of social justice and human rights is relentless, and lives on in the long legacy of compelling tracks left for the world to reflect on and enjoy. In a 1979 European interview Marley noted he was driven to speak out against weapons, wars, the corrupted or programmed, like those who create actual or virtual weapons to overthrow others. "Scientists still studying and not listening to what I am saying, but if they are not creating things for good, but creating weapons to overthrow people, they will get overthrown with it too," Marley opined. He went on to say the needy shall not be forgotten and the expectations of the righteous shall not perish.

Embracing Rastafari spiritual philosophy, Bob Marley brought its teachings to the world mainly through his music. "I don't have any religion, Rasta is life - I am what I am…I am a Rastaman," Bob once declared to an interviewer. With messages of peace, love and truth being the main components of his pulsating sound, doors to success opened globally for Bob, whose first major impact on the Jamaica music scene in 1964 was as a member of, The Wailers - comprised of, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston.

Burning a trail for Jamaican music with the revolutionary sounds of their first singles, "Simmer Down," "Soul Rebel" and "400 Years," as well as with debut albums in the early 70's, "Burnin" and "Catch A Fire," The Wailers commanded attention, and have retained that stance from the day they came on the scene until today - amidst many changes.

After a brief alliance with Lee "Scratch" Perry and around 1969 Alan "Skill" Cole, one of Jamaica's all time favourite star football players returned to Jamaica from his global football stints and regrouped with his friend Bob Marley. "What had been a cordial friendship since meeting at a football game in my early teens, grew into a close connection, that could only have been described as a binding relationship...we were closer than brothers...we were one blood," Skill explained. They formed Tuff Gong Records and from there releases kept coming, Skill said - and then Island Records came along. Being a strong support behind the stage front scenes was a pleasure for Skill, whose invaluable input was greatly appreciated by Bob.

It may have been the commonality of their love for football coupled with dedication to each other and similar values and principles that caused Skill and Bob to mesh so well, but their friendship grew only to become cemented in Bob’s last days. Skill, who stuck with Bob - physically and as a super source of emotional support, particularly during his final days on earth, recounted Bob's brave battle with a killer disease called, Melanoma or skin cancer.

"It started in 1970 while Bob played football in Boys Town. He got a rough tackle that left him needing rest for two weeks," Skill recounted. Flaring up again in 1977, the injury was diagnosed as the deadly Melanoma - one of the most aggressive skin cancers. Skill spoke of the treatments and side effects that initially involved removing Bob's toenail and placing him on a strict diet. In describing the shocking manifestation of Bob's illness on stage, Skill said, "When he collapsed in Central Park, he fell into my hands...from there I was with him every step of the way on his road to what I hoped would have been recovery."

Chemotherapy, that seemed to be more hurtful than helpful ensued and Skill described Bob's trip to Germany as one built on the hope of new and more natural treatments that had emerged. Making the trip with his brother, Skill spoke of the dismay that overcame not only him, but everyone around Bob, when his hair fell out. Facing the inevitable was like harsh defeat, leaving solace only in the prolific legacy of music amassed by Bob and The Wailers.

Skill lost a brother, Cedella Booker, Bob's mother, a son and Rita Marley, Bob's baby mothers and his children lost their soulmate and father on that fated day in 1981. However, like the song, "Natural Mystic," whether on February 6 or not, the undeniable truth in Bob's messages serve to somehow continually inspire our world, that is in dire need of an influx of peace, love and harmony.

Bob's numerous awards are listed below:

• 1976: Band of the Year (Rolling Stone)
• June 1978: Awarded the Peace Medal of the Third World from the United Nations
• February 1981: Awarded Jamaica's third highest honor, the Jamaican Order of Merit
• March 1994: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• 1999: Album of the Century for Exodus (Time Magazine)
• February 2001: A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• February 2001: Awarded Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2004: Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #11 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time..
• 2005: Posthumous Achievement Award
• "One Love" named song of the millennium by The BBC
• Voted as one of the greatest lyricists of all time by a BBC poll.

There's this old black and white photo of Stephen Marley; it's a portrait of the lion as a young man. He's standing against a wall of bamboo rocking short hair and an '80s-style I-Threes t-shirt-puffed up and proud the way only a rebel youth can be. But there's something else in the image-something about the intensity and focus in Stephen's face even as a teen-that shows in an instant that having the last name "Marley" has nothing to do with being the son of a musical icon or an heir to a throne. It does, however, have everything to do with being an individual with a purpose.

Stephen hammers this point home with the release of Mind Control-his highly anticipated solo debut. Music heads have been up on his work for years, whether for collaborations with R&B stars like Erykah Badu or his part on the dancehall burner "It Was Written", and especially after Chant Down Babylon, the platinum-selling star-studded Bob Marley tribute he produced. But Mind Control represents a new stage in Stephen's evolution, one that brings together the genius of his production and his wise and soulful voice with hip-hop beats, smoky bass and winding keyboard runs. This is the sound of a man coming into full realization of his powers-and his legacy.

"It's a blessing to not have to stagger through life. I was born firm and conscious," explains Stephen, who was first heard on record at age six as part of the family's group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. All the Marley children share the politics and passion of their father, so Stephen needed no introduction when he stepped up to become the de facto musical hub of his father's recordings and the family's various projects around age 18. "It was a special experience but at the same time it was nothing new, because I grew up around it-so I had it," he continues. "But even though I had it, I still had to man it. And even if it's anticipated, it come when it come."

Now the wait is over, and perhaps the most surprising thing about Mind Control is just how rooted in the real world it is. Never content to simply rehash the sounds and themes of the past, Stephen uses the full length of the album to balance his range of ideas as a songwriter, musician and a man. The lead single "Mind Control" opens the album with a slow-burning groove that builds to a brushfire as it calls out the unseen social forces that still subject us to mental slavery; "Chase Dem" is even more explicit about the effect of political corruption on our lives. Stephen is never dragged under by bitterness, however: "Inna Di Red" is a poetic mystical soul search that escapes the shackles of everyday strife, while the album's title track is a family roll call that shows the unity of the Marley clan in the face of struggle.

Featuring cameos from roots-rock star Ben Harper, hip-hop hero Mos Def and younger brother Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, it's a collection of songs that range from conscious critiques of society ("Mind Control") and politics ("Chase Dem"), to the sweet and open-hearted ("Hey Baby"), to the simple and fun (the sexy, club-rocking, Latin-tinged grinder "Let Her Dance," which features Maya Azucena & Illestr8).

The softer and sweeter side of Stephen is also on full display in the album. A smooth, smart slab of hip-hop featuring a dose of Brooklyn flow courtesy of Mos Def on the album's first single, "Hey Baby," is based on a song Stephen would sing to his children to keep them from being sad while he was on tour with The Melody Makers: "Hey baby/ don't you worry/ even though the road is rocky/ I'll be coming home to you again." The hypnotic "Lonely Avenue," is a sweet, harmony vocal- and organ-soaked take on the Ray Charles classic-done Marley style. "I'm a big fan of Ray," says Marley. "I couldn't tell you the first time I heard him, but I could tell ya what I remember is hearing him and feeling him in pain." Blending modern sounds with classic roots vibes, Mind Control finds Stephen carrying the Marley legacy even further into the future with such samples as the smart piece of the Martina Topley Bird song "Sandpaper Kisses" heard throughout "You're Gonna Leave."

The album includes a trilogy of sorts ("Officer Jimmy Interlude," "The Traffic Jam," featuring Damian, and "Iron Bars," featuring brother Julian Marley, Mr. Cheeks & Spragga Benz) inspired by the few hours that Stephen and Julian spent in a Tallahassee jail in 2002 for marijuana possession: On "Iron Bars"-the song in which he sings "Let me out!/Let me out!/I'm an angry lion!"-Stephen asks himself, "What am I doing here, among the wolves? For some herb? It's like I'm a murderer. Ya know what I mean? Ya make me feel like I'm a murderer, for some herb, where, ya know, it's my culture."

Mind Control "has more magic than 'great songs,'" says Stephen mischievously. "But it has a little magic in it, still.' And perhaps more than anything that's the secret to this Marley's auspicious solo debut: the magic created when diverse roots combine in an artist's singular musical vision-when a blistering electric guitar solo slides into a bluesy harmonica riff and Stephen's wails let me out, let me out/I'm an angry lion on "Iron Bars", a collaboration with brother Julian and longtime friend the rapper Mr Cheeks-the only guest artists on the album. With the release of Got Music? that lion is out-and he's roaring.

www.myspace.com/stephenmarley
www.stephenmarleymusic.com (coming soon)

Dancehall quartet, TOK, has proven that they are consistent hit makers. Powerful harmonies, soaring leads, sinewy deejaying, tunes that hit, studly appeal, plus a canny album production that goes way beyond the usual "string together proven tunes with new tunes as filler" M.O. all the ingredients are in place and they translate into BREAK-OUT, big time.

Although former schoolmates, TOK has created a place in the Dancehall industry, which they share with no one else. Singjays, Craig "Craigy T" Thompson, Roshaun "Bay C" Clarke, Allistaire "Alexx" McAllister and Xavier "Flexx" Davidson give the group its unique edge. Starting off as a Jamaican R&B group they saw the need to appeal to the massive Dancehall populace. So Craigy T and Bay C worked assiduously to hone their deejay-ing skill.

TOK has been a member of the Dancehall fraternity for over a decade. They have successfully released two albums, the critically acclaimed, My Crew, My Dawgs and Unknown Language. Their second album, Unknown Language, was certified gold in two weeks in Japan, which went platinum shortly after.

The group is well-known for their chart toppers: Eagles Cry, Footprints, Bad Man, Galang Gal, She's Hot, Hey Ladies and Gal Yuh A Lead.

Now two albums deep, the still untitled third album is well on its way. Working with the best of the best Dancehall producers, the album, slated to be dropped later this year, is guaranteed to be a hot one. With songs like, Hotta, Bounce, Get Insane and Live It Up, the new LP is highly-anticipated.

By: Shilo Evans

The Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley O.M...musician, humanitarian, prophet, reggae icon, and legend. Bob 'Tuff Gong' Marley has been called many different names by the millions of us worldwide who love him, but for his offsprings, the title of 'father', 'dad', or 'daddy', is the most significant role...the most important title Bob Marley ever wore.

Even if you've been living under a rock for the past three decades or so, you will know who Bob Marley was/is, and everything that he stood for. There is no need for me to go into the biography of the Gong, so I will leave the root for now, and head directly to the branches.

"My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool who seh dat, but when mi know facts, mi seh facts.
My music will go on forever." - Bob Marley

He didn't lie.
It's no secret that Bob Marley's children have all worked hard, and the Marley name, the Marley legacy, will always be alive and on the forefront...in music, fashion, charity, everything. The name lives on.

"Dem a go tiad fi si mi face." - Bob Marley

The Marley name has always sparked interest and curiosity in many. Some out of genuine love and care, and others because dem just bad mind and love chat. Ky-Mani Marley, one of the offsprings of the Tuff Gong, has always peaked the interest of fans. I'm not sure if it's because of his warm friendly persona, the genuine smile, the laughter from the belly like his dad, the down-to-earth always mingling with his supporters attitude, his exceptional musical and acting abilities, or it could just be the shower scene from the movie 'Shottas'.
Whatever it is...Ky-Mani Marley has a lot to say, and he said most of it in our two and a half hour conversation yesterday.

Ky-Mani stated facts and dispelled myths and rumors. The fact that many feel as if he was born with a gold spoon in his mouth is also something Ky-Mani spoke about. [Nothing could be further from the truth.] After listening to him speak with heartfelt emotion about his childhood, it's apparent that the only thing Ky-Mani had an abundance of while growing up...besides his health, was love. Family love. A mothers love. A fathers love. Sometimes that's all a soldier needs.
If you don't know...ask somebody. Don't assume.

Born on February 26th, in Falmouth, Ky-Mani spoke happily about his childhood in Jamaica. Although very young, he roamed about freely and innocent, with no worry of danger. Growing up in humble surroundings, Ky-Mani felt so much love, being poor was never a factor...he didn't realize it. To him it didn't matter.

"People see the name Marley and think everything is everything cause my father is the King Of Reggae. Everything is good now, but it wasn't always this way."

At age eight, Ky-Mani and his mother, Anita Belnavis, former Ping Pong champion of Jamaica relocated to Miami to live with his grandmother and other family members. After arriving at what was to be his new home, Ky-Mani remembers thinking to himself, "this can't be it!"
The neighborhood left much to be desired, and Ky-Mani found himself growing up very fast surrounded by violence and drugs in the vicinity. He soon learned that life wasn't going to be as easy as he thought, but through it all, his mother taught him well, and he credits her with the man he is today.
"As tough and poor as I grew up, I loved it. It helped to build my character, and build my love for people."

Shilo
Tell us about the relationship between you and your mom.

Ky-Mani
Anita Belnavis is a strong woman. Militant in action and thinking. Hats off to her. She is way beyond just a mother to me. She was a single black woman raising a boy, and she taught me about everything. She gave me this militant mind. Teaching me to never back down from anything. She told me that anything that came my way I should face it. Our relationship is somewhat like brother and sister. No matter how tough the struggle was...my mother always worked it out. Anything I needed, she provided it for me...my shoes and clothes were always clean. I love that woman!
She might have been the Ping Pong champion of Jamaica at one time, but she never liked the limelight. My mother molded me. She gave me strength in everything, to face anything.

Even with the music, I didn't really want to do music, but my mother made sure I took guitar lessons, piano lessons and even made me practice the drum. She kept me active. Even though sometimes taking those lessons to me was like taking medicine, I now wish I had taken some of it a bit more seriously.

Shilo
I know and you know that Bob Marley is your dad...but when did you realize that your dad wasn't just any ordinary everyday dad. Your dad was Bob Marley the Icon, the Legend?

Ky-Mani
The magnitude of that didn't hit me until about seven years ago. I always knew he was a great man...a great musician. However, I never really realized how great he was until I started traveling the world. Going through places like Germany in little neighborhoods where everyone, even babies were wearing Bob Marley t-shirts, or going to countries in Africa and everyone greeting you with a Bob Marley memorabilia to be signed...even people who lived in the jungles, living by nature...they all knew the Gong.

I remember one time in Sweden, this young man, about twenty-four years old, came to me and broke down in tears. Apparently he had been going through some tough times and had also lost his dad. He told me he had contemplated suicide, and had had the gun ready to take his life. Someone had given him one of my father's cd's and he started listening. He said the more he listened to my father's words, the more his burdens lifted. He said the Gong saved his life. Yes my father was a musician...but it was more than that. He was like an angel to me. A gift. His music is timeless. Gong Marley music is always relevant. You never hear anyone saying they going to listen to some old Bob Marley tunes. Every Gong Marley tune is timeless. Always current.

Shilo
What is that one memory of your dad I have heard you speak about?

Ky-Mani
Jah blessed me. I have one memory of him. How I captured it [at 4 years old] is only Rastafari know.
My father, Stephen and my father's friend came to pick me up one day in Falmouth. Then all of us, and my mother went to Nine Miles.

When we got to Nine Miles, me and Stephen went into the bushes to play with my father's sling shot. The sling shot got lost, and Stephen said, 'yu inna trouble now, yu loss daddy slingshot!' I said, a nuh me loss it, and I started to fret. When we left the bushes and went back to the house, I saw my father standing in the doorway leaning up holding on to the column. I marched right up to him, walked up the bricks that formed the steps, looked up and said, daddy, mi loss yu sling shot. My father looked down at me and laughed. I have always remembered that...and I don't know why.

I never realized asking Ky-Mani to speak about his father's death would be so hard for him. When asked if he remembered where he was when he got the news that shocked the world, it was with tremendous emotion that Ky-Mani took me through that memory.

"Don't worry about a thing, every little thing, is gonna be alright." - Bob Marley

Shilo
We all remember that day in 1981 when the news about your father's passing made headlines worldwide.
Can you tell me your recollection of that day?

Ky-Mani
I was at the Center in Falmouth. I was five years old. A big man come up to me and said, 'your mother say to come home now!'
I didn't know why, but I went home. When I got to the house, everyone was sitting watching the tv, which I found strange cause no one really watched tv in that house. No one was talking, but everyone was crying. Someone said to me, 'yute, yu father jus died'. I didn't even know he was sick. From that day my life changed. I hold on to the memory of me walking up to him and telling him about the sling shot. I hold on to the memory of the way he looked down at me and laughed. I miss him, and I love him. I vision him sometimes. Sometimes he will be serious, but most times he is usually smiling. My father was a great great man, and a loving father.

Shilo
B.O.B---Bond Of Brothers
How is the relationship between you and your siblings?

Ky-Mani
The relationship between me and my brothers and sisters are perfect.
It's like a fairytale people find hard to believe. We're always together. As long we not on tour, we're together. We eat together, in the evenings we play ball together, and in the nights it's the studio. Ziggy is the eldest son...hats off to him and nuff respect to him. Stephen is the man. His mission is to keep the family as a unit. Ever since he was young, Stephen always placed emphasis on the family bond. Musically he keeps everything working. He won't stand for nonsense either.

My sister Cedella is the eldest. She is Bob Marley's first born. The mother bear. She is always fighting for family, and we all turn to her with our problems. She is very firm...but with so many brothers she had to be. I love her nuff.
I would gladly give my life for anyone of them, anytime. My brothers and my sisters. We support each other.

Shilo
I know if I have heard people making comparisons with Bob Marley and his sons...I am sure you have heard it also.
Do you feel pressure being the son of Bob Marley? Let me clarify...do you feel as if pressure is put on you to act a certain way or achieve certain things because of who your father is/was?

Ky-Mani
I love being compared to my father. There is no one else I'd rather be compared to. It shows I am on the right path.
The only pressure I feel is when people try to tell me what I should be singing about. Telling me I should sing this or that.
Take 'Shottas' for instance...I got heat from some people who thought that I should not have accepted the role.
Some said because I am Bob Marley's son, the movie was too violent a movie for me to be in. The movie is real. It's an eye-opener. It shows some of the things that goes on in the real world. It's art imitating life. We not glorifying violence. My character at the end of the movie ended up with nothing. I might have left on a boat with seven million dollars in a bag, but my childhood best friend was dead, police was hunting me, my woman was dead, and therefore I had nothing. It's teaching the youths that the life-style should not be glorified.

Photo Courtesy of www.celebrityplus.net

You can read part two this Saturday

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

The recording company Fearless Records has released the latest Fyakin single, 'Free the Rasta', to local disc jockeys which is getting a lot of love from FM radio.

Fyakin is the flagship artiste of the Fearless Records camp as it seeks to establish itself as a force to reckon with in the industry in 2007.

"We are trying to focus on Fyakin right now, we're not going to overwhelm ourselves with too many productions and we like the feedback we're getting from everyone so far on the 'Gun Season' rhythm with the duo, Serenity. However, we feel that Fyakin is going to be the next big thing," 'Fearless', head of Fearless Records, said.

In the meantime, Fyakin is growing from strength to strength. He was booked on GT Taylor's Magnum Xtravaganza on Xmas Day 2006 and he recently performed his popular single, 'They Don't Know' at a dance in Waterford, St. Catherine. You can check out Fyakin’s profile at myspace.com/fyakin.

The Portmore-based Fearless Records has also signed a bunch of talented artistes to its roster such as Serenity, Confident, Jah Lonzo and Rattigan. On the Easy rhythm, the singles which have been gaining attention on FM radio are Jah Lonzo's 'Free', 'Suffering' by Rattigan, 'Stress' by Confident and 'Gun Season' with Serenity, a duo of two girls.

"I have always been around the business, I am friends with a lot of artistes, when they come to the US, I would pick them up as friends and carry them around, then I got into the sound system game. The sound system was introduced to me by Cobra, who gave me two dubs, and suggested why yu don't build a sound fi yourself. I thought about it, we came up with a name, came up with Fearless and Cobra sort me out with my first set of dubs. So I was in teh business for a while, and I was by Wong studio, and a guy by Capone introduced me to the girls, Serenity. They did a song for me, and I tried it and I just got deeper into it," Fearless explained.

Fearless believes in 'bussing' young artistes and is willing to go against the conventional wisdom of established producers who choose to work almost exclusively with popular acts.

"People feel I am different from other producers, especially with the girls, who have experienced things with other producers who try to trick them and get into their pants, or try to exploit them. So i was different in that way, and people just gravitate towards me. I want to work with just young artistes who I know are good, talented and need the break and the producers always focus on the big artistes, so I didn't like that, so I tried this approach, and now, ah just pure young artiste mi ah push," he explained.

He built the Fearless Recording studio in August of last year. It is located in Old Braeton in Portmore.

"People say it is one of the best in Portmore and Kingston and the artistes gravitate towards it, Frisco, Cobra, Bascom X, Guidance, all of them have gone there and say it is excellent...right now, mi just have the love for the music and hopefully, something can come out of it," Fearless said.

Wayne Wonder is a staple in the Dancehall industry. He has established himself to be one that is sure to be around for a long time.

In the Dancehall realm, it is probably rare that singers are highly-respected, but when you are as talented and artsitic as Wayne Wonder, it is hard not to be. Whether he is cooing of a new found love or if he is lamenting about lost love, his sound and style are distinctive and definitely fancied.

Wayne Wonder has been a consistent hit maker from the 80's. His catalogue includes hits like Joyride (with Baby Cham), Keep Them Coming, No Letting Go and I Still Believe.

Wanye Wonder Wayne has worked with a slew of talented Steve "Lenky" Marsden and Tony Kelly. He has also collaborated with the best in the business like Buju Banton, Baby Cham as well as rapper Foxy Brown and Kanye West.

Currently, Wayne Wonder is in the studio working on his next album, Forever, which is scheduled to be released later this year. He has also done two new music videos for his new singles, You and I Don't Give A Damn, which is in rotation. His website, www.waynewonder.com, has been redesigned and updated, so fans can log on for cool information.

Wayne Wonder is a mainstream artiste who specializes in bringing a blast of fresh air to the Dancehall industry with remain true to himself and his fans. His aim is to entertain and give maximum satisfaction and he won't stop making music until this mission is accomplished!

After one decade, six albums, two of them multi-platinum, five #1 hits, and eleven top ten singles world wide, Grammy winning Big Yard recording artist Shaggy is still on the grind. Making music that celebrates his culture and being an ambassador for Reggae music has always been the driving force in the heart of Jamaica's only living Diamond-plus selling artist.

In the early 1990's Shaggy entered the scene with his deep throaty remix of the Ska classic 'Oh Carolina', the first major Reggae record to come out of the dancehall underground. Soon after, the steady dub rhythm of the platinum selling Boombastic solidified Shaggy as a dancehall hit-maker winning the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

When Hotshot dropped in 2000 no one could have predicted that this was going to be the album to set Shaggy totally apart from any artist on the dancehall stage. Hotshot, the best-selling album in 2001, sold over 13 million albums world wide and topped the charts in the US, UK, Germany and Australia simultaneously. The album was seven times platinum certified in Canada and six times platinum in the US. Hotshot rocketed to the top of the charts with two phenomenal singles, "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel", which featured Big Yard proteges Rik Rok and Rayvon, respectively.

Fall of 2005 found Shaggy releasing Clothes Drop an album that gave his audience chart topping dancehall singles like "Wild2Nite" and "Ready Fi Di Ride". Steady contributions to the dancehall are what keep Shaggy current. He is one of very few Reggae artists who always have a fresh new record pulsing through the dancehall market. And fall 2006 being no exception, he released one to keep the masses guessing with "Reggae Vibes", a well-received tune that finds Shaggy taking on the role of singing. "Vibes" is the first song to ever feature this famed deejay singing, just more proof that with Shaggy's ingenuity anything is possible.

To date, Shaggy has sold over 20 million albums, but he doesn't take that achievement lightly. Knowing that records are meant to be broken, today we find Shaggy in the studio putting the finishing touches on his eagerly anticipated but still untitled album due in 2007. "Church Heathen" on Big Yard's new Heathen riddim is the hottest new song in heavy rotation on Jamaican radio and in the clubs, and this single is just a taste of what's to come. In his new project Shaggy is going full circle, pulling together the original crew for collaborations that include artists such as Redd Foxx and Screechy Dan, alongside side Rik Rok and the ever-solid Rayvon. For production, the project boasts the creative excellence of Sting International, Robert Livingston, Tony Kelly, Christopher Birch, and Dave Kelly. Working from his strong foundation and always expecting the best, Shaggy is doing his part to make good music, make a difference and prove that the 'world is just one big yard!!'

Photo by: Carlington Wilmot

Even though he is still in his teens, Fyakin is creating a wicked vibe in the dancehall with a number of songs including 'They Don't Know' for the Fifth Element label, and at least three songs for Fearless Records: 'I Know You Love Me', 'Free the Rasta' and 'Yodding in the Streets'. A video was shot for 'I Know You Love Me' which is getting love from radio disc jockeys across the island.

Fyakin has lived in the community of Portmore since 2003, and has developed a growing fan base in that community, even while he has been able to grow closer to his mother who was absent from his life for several years.

"It feel joyful more time to be with her certain way, we ah uplift her certain way, and ah try ease off the pressure offa her," he told YardFlex.com.

Fyakin has performed at a number of stage shows include Blazay Blazay, Kulcha Shock, Calabar Career Day, Gaynestead Career Day, the annual Garverymeade Barbecue, the Village Cafe, the annual Stone Love Anniversary dance, and the Cooyah launch in Annotto Bay.

Fyakin is not your garden variety singer with delusions of grandeur bubbling up in the stem of his brain. Here is a young man, a true firebrand who believes in walking the path of righteousness and spreading a positive message to the human race.

"Is just righteousness me ah defend and the upliftment of black people, each and every one. I believe that love and unity can conquer all things, so we just ah save who we can save," he said.

Born Nicholas Levy, he attended the Tarrant High School in the 1990s, but was forced to drop out because of financial problems being experienced by his family at that time. Undaunted by that early setback, he has returned to school via the Horizon Institute of Business where he is going to take CSEC exams in the areas of Mathematics, English, P.O.B and Biology, even as he pursues a career in music.

"I took the decision to go back to school, and get these subjects so that later, there is no need to do that when I am a successful artiste in the business, I am laying the foundation from now," the 19 year-old said.

He basically grew up on his own, living with members of his extended family, as both his father and mother lived and worked in different locales, so he did not grow up in a tight family setting.

He got turned onto music through his elder brother, Neumowatt, who taught him the fundamentals of how to write songs, and then, after that, how to tackle the live performance aspect of the business - stage shows. It was a lot to digest at 15 but Fyakin was an eager and apt pupil.

"Neumowatt showed me how to set the thing, and it helped me a lot in those early years," he said. "The bible say you must call up on the young ones because they are strong, and if I stay true to rastafari, and do all that is pure, and not dwell in the wrong, then which force raised against I can stop me?"

The lyrics to Ghetto Story, a haunting tale of growing up poor in the vividly violent streets of a Jamaican ghetto, were written from a surprising place: the grassy knoll of a lake deep in the suburbs of Southwest Miami-Dade, where ducks waddle by and the water laps softly against the grass.

It is a sweet irony not lost on Dameon ''Baby Cham'' Beckett, the popular Jamaican dancehall star whose searingly gritty song leapt from smash hit on the island a year ago to international acclaim with the help of remixes from R&B princess Alicia Keys and rapper Akon. The song and the remix with Keys earned Cham two nominations at last week's BET music awards.

This is my story. Real ghetto story. I remember those days when hell was my home. When me and mama bed was a big piece of foam. And mi never like bathe and mi hair never comb. When mama go a work me go street go roam.

It is indeed his story: Of growing up poor in the Kingston enclave of Sherlock Crescent. Of not having a father around. Of watching his mother work every day to support five kids. Of seeing his best friend murdered when he was 12. Of dodging bullets and waging war on behalf of the politicians who controlled the neighborhood.

''The story is real. Seventy percent of it is my personal life. The things I grew up seeing around me,'' he says.

Cham, as he prefers to be called these days, has been plotting his escape from that neighborhood since the fateful murder of that childhood friend.

He decided to become a pilot.

''I researched everything about the profession. How much it paid, how long it would take to learn. I wanted to fly [my mother] out of Sherlock,'' he said.
But his mother was already supporting two children in college. His pilot dreams would only add to the financial burden.

And so he did what young men do. He went to a local dance and fell in love.
''I saw how the crowd reacted to Super Cat, to John Wayne and I loved it. They were getting so much attention.''

By age 16 he'd earned the respect of producer Dave Kelly, who had told him years before to return to his studio when he had a high school diploma in hand. So he did: ''It was the best thing he could have done for me,'' Cham said.

The two have been inseparable since producing several hits by Kelly's Madhouse Label including: Gallang Ya Gal, Hands off My Property, Middle Fingers and Vitamin S. The label's studio is based in South Dade.
Then along came Ghetto Story in November 2005.

Source: The Miami Herald

Sean Miller
Yardflex Writer

Quick, kids. Pop quiz. Who is Courtney John? Is he the same person as Yogi of 'I go Crazy' fame? Or is this another textbook case of 'identity theft'?

No, says Courtney 'Yogi' John, "we are the same persona."
But who can blame the public for being a little confused after seeing the reggae-pop singer in the snarky new video, 'Hey', where he changes his sound, looks way more dapper, gets up close and personal with Jovi, and in the stunning climax, where they both take a running jump into a pool. Yogi wouldn't have done any of that stuff.

The new persona appears to be generating a lot of buzz for this new incarnation of Yogi.

"Girls see me and ah call me all Junior Gong. But I am not Junior Gong, I am Courtney John, but I am happy that the young people are really into the Courtney John thing and because of the video and the song, I have a new set of fans," he said.

Interviewer: Who is Courtney John? And what are the streets saying about the new you?

"The street always love anything that ah gwaan. The Courtney John ting is a different vibe where I can integrate younger energies. He is the I-don't-give-a-f&&^ yute who don't care what people want to say while Yogi is the one who is worried about people, worried about balance, but CJ know say food haffi eat. One or two man will mek up dem face, or screw because dem ah say inna dem heart 'yu first me to that'. Mi just did want to step out of the pigeonhole and do other things, and look with a kind of peripheral vision at the world around me."

He explained the process behind the creation of the 'Hey' song.

"The song came about in an interesting way, we never plan to have a combination, we were just playing around, Jovi put a demo down, that introduction where she is making the moaning sound, that was the demo, and Vegas come and say, 'do a combination', and ah so it happen...we have some other moaning whe' the public no hear, that will be on the DVD Uncut version," he quipped.

Asked what he thought about people who felt about this new persona, he responded:

"It is selling out, selling secords, things haffi sell out. But I am not going to sell my soul...there's no space for soul in the business unless it's soul music...you have to separate self from business. People were saying 'mind the bobo dem bun yu up', but the Bobo dem no pay my mortgage. Mi just know mi nah dehumanize women, or over-sexualise women...I am going to push the envelope and be comfortable just being a creative person."

ABOUT THE VIDEO

The video, with its offbeat sense of humour and stylish shots of limos and private jets, has set tongues wagging from here to Negril.

"The video was my concept, we wanted to go out of the box a little. So when we got the first reactions from people who say it wicked after it was released on radio, I called Jovi, and we planned it. I told her limo driver, private jet, the works, and she began laughing and say me smoke some bad weed; she even call Dessa and say 'something wrong with Courtney'. And then she got into the idea, and said she was going to create her own alter ego, Veronica, and go for a Jackie O look, and source a dress.If you notice, the video end on a 'to be continued...." We don't know yet where we go after, maybe Jovi pregnant...I am not at liberty to discuss that, maybe she strip down, and dry off under one towel."

Interviewer: What about rumours that you and Jovi are "involved"?

His eyebrows shoot up mischievously at this statement, and he blurts out: "Yes, we de....musically."

Courtney John's phones have been ringing off the hook for shows both her and in the Caribbean and as a consequence of that, he has had to take off his producing hat for a while.

"If the price is right, I will do it. But I want to do something with Tanya Stephens, call me, I want to do something. Tanya showed all of us that we can come and just be artistes, and not care what people think. Tesanne sings good songs, I like Etana as well, and people in the business into them ting fi real"

Courtney John's album, 'Unselfish' is due out next year and a follow-up single, 'Sometimes', written by accomplished songwriter Jovi, is creating waves on commercial radio overseas.

Step aside Yogi. Courtney John is here to stay.

When Donald Fyffe a.k.a Erasto got fired from one of his chef jobs a few years ago, he did not hang his head in despair. No, that would not fit the fighting spirit of this young warrior, he pressed on with his life, until eventually finding the path towards music, his first true love.

"My baby mother Roxanne has been very supportive, she strengthen me, and encourage me to get into the music business if I loved it so much," he said.

Born on the 7th day of February 1976, in the parish of St. Mary Janaica W.I at the Annotto Bay Hospital, this young man was re-christened Erasto by a female admirer who thought it best represented his personality. The word, African in origin, means "Man of Peace".

"I'm a peaceful and humble person. Music has always been a major influence on me from my younger years in school listening to artistes such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Dennis Brown. As of late, Sizzla and Richie Spice have also lent me their musical influences".

"During the many times that I listened to these artistes, I've had a keen interest in becoming a musician myself." says the self-effacing singer. "I started to attend Donovan Coal's music class to develop my musical skills. That is where I met my mentor and friend, Ras Handsome. Ras Handsome had his own record label, Donsome Records, Ltd. He encouraged me to start my own record label as well." Erasto's first recording was done at Black Scorpio Recording Studio on the "Life Journey" riddim under BoBo Productions/Donsome Records. That song was entitled "Future of Tomorrow".

"My main inspiration is to make music that the whole world can rock to; music is my biggest love, and I know that rastafari is the way because my main inspiration was always Bob Marley. I couldn't rass when I was younger because of my parents, and because I realize I had to uplift myself before I say it owing to the pressure on rasta and all that. But ah rastafari mi a say now," he said.

Artistes such as Jado, Jah Mason and Ras Handsome feat. Dr. Marshall is also featured on the riddim. There is also a medley video (Life Journey Medley) which includes all of these artistes. The Life Journey Medley video is presently enjoying rotation on television channels such as CVM-TV, RE-TV, Plush TV and others.

"One of my greatest experiences was on my second project at Tuff Gong Recording Studio. Why? It was a great pleasure to work with such legends as Dean Fraser and Sly Dunbar where they created a live riddim around my song." Erasto states.

The rhythm is named "Hard Rock" and song is entitled "Tek away". "Tek Away" was produced by Ras Handsome.

Recent accomplishments for Erasto have included several radio station interviews, including the world-renowned Baby Ace Radio station with DJ SKS. In October 2006, Erasto has also achieved the coveted status of "Artist of the Week" on Jamaica's Zip 103FM.

Big things are destined for Erasto in 2007, who is now working his own record label, "D-Rock Productions" under "Donsome Records Ltd".

"Ah just honour and respect me ah experience from the people, I feel good because now mi a live up for something. It can only get better, we intend to grow," he said.

You can check out Erasto, up close and personal at MySpace.com/Erasto3.

By: Claude Mills
Photos by: Carlington Wilmot

Reggae songstress Alaine never gets tired of people coming up to her and saying with complete innocence:

"I love your song, yu have any more?".

The song everyone seems so hopelessly enamoured with is the breakout charmer carved in lover's rock oak, 'No Ordinary Love'.

And even though she is an established force in the business, what some artiste might have misinterpreted as a 'complisult' (compliment and insult in one) never rubs Alaine the wrong way because the song occupies a special place in her heart as well.

"That song has wings, and I got a lot of promotion from people who have heard and loved that song, I get comments from people who say that song made them fall in love again, and that's an incredible feeling," she told YardFlex.com.

The song charted on the New York Reggae Charts as well as on various Caribbean and Jamaican charts, and the music video has also quickly become a favorite among viewers and was the number one requested video for five straight weeks on one of Jamaica's largest video request shows called the E-Strip.

"The video also got play on MTV Tempo, and was one of their top ten most requested songs, and that has given the song more wings because people in the Caribbean are hearing the song and seeing me," Alaine said.

Alaine pauses here as Razz, the selector from the dynamic duo, Razz and Biggy, enters the Red Hills Road studio. As he squeezes past her, she reaches out a demure hand and rubs his belly in sisterly sort of way. We're not sure if he misinterprets the gesture, but he giggles like a schoolboy intoxicated by the first blush of love.

But it is easy to understand Razz's reaction. The American born, Jamaican-raised Alaine is a 5'8 stunner. To spend a few minutes with her is to be captivated. Being in the corona of her presence could inspire you to quote Shakespeare....the brightness of her cheek would shame those stars (Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II). It is easy to be impressed by her intellect, her authenticity and to be blown away by the steely ambition and passionate drive beneath those soft curves and bedroom eyes.

She spoke to us about her decidedly Jamaican 'out of many, one people' origin.

"My father is a mix-up black man from St. Elizabeth who looks like Haile Selassie" while my mother is a mix-up Jamaican black woman. My great-grandfather was Jewish, and probably that's why I don't eat pork, just bacon," she said, smiling.

However, it is her drive and ambition which defines her. After all, how many persons do you know who would quit a high-paying job after securing a coveted promotion merely because this turn of good luck would take them away from their one true love?

Alaine did.

After graduating from the University of the West Indies, Alaine moved to New York in 1999 where she juggled working in an Investment Bank (JPMorgan) while pursuing her songwriting career. Her efforts resulted in her songs being recorded by artists signed to major record labels such as Bad Boy and Jay records. She also worked with artistes from the Philippines such as Rachel Alejandro as well as Lynden David Hall of England. Alaine has also sung hooks for Roc-A-Fella Recording artist Cam'Ron in the songs 'Live My Life' from the album 'Come Home With Me’(Roc-A-Fella 2002), and Yeo from 'Music Inspired by Scarface' (Def Jam, 2003).

"It was rough, I would work from 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m., and then I was in the studio from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., I got no sleep for almost one-and-a-half years. And then I got promoted again, and I realized I would have to start traveling to represent the bank, and I would have no time for music. So I quit my job with its security and retirement plan and moved back home," she said.

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Since returning to Jamaica in July of 2004 Alaine has worked with some of the island's top producers including the internationally acclaimed Sly Dunbar, Donovan Don Corleon' Bennett, Arif Coper, Leftside and Esco, Daseca, and Mikey Bennett.

In an industry gone rancid from stale samples and stagnant beats, many critics regard her as a breath of fresh air who pushes the genre's soulful horizon with her candy cane harmonies, and pastel piano textures.

"At Sumfest 2006, I was able to show that I am a musician as I played the keyboard, and people were very receptive to that. I had rearranged 'No Ordinary Love', got three background singers, and created a R & B vibe with a piano intro. The beginning was slow and moody, the second verse was a one-drop and then I slowed it up and brought it back down. The crowd loved it," she gushed.

Alaine is an accomplished musician in her own right, having studied classical piano for four years. As a child, she secured roles in numerous Jamaican television programmes and commercials, radio jingles, and theatrical productions. Industry insiders remember her as the one who sang the jingle for the super-popular Victoria Mutual Building Society television commercial in the early 1990s.

This overachiever had by the age nine, been a Red Cross Ambassador, performed in several cabaret shows and national events, hosted a popular children's television show, and landed herself a role in the movie Clara's Heart starring Whoopi Goldberg.

But despite her accomplishments, she is no primadonna.

"I am a work in progress, I just feel that Jamaican and Caribbean people are talented yet they are under-appreciated, and a lot don't get the opportunity to do what they want to do. I want to eventually help other people with similar ambitions to fulfil their ambitions and work hard at what they want to achieve," she said.

Alaine manages herself, but her booking is handled by Headline Entertainment.

She is now collating the singles for her debut album.

"I have a lot of singles, several of them are unreleased, and there are a lot of sides to me, reggae, R & B, neo-soul influences, but at the same time, I am not going to be all over the place with my material," she said.

She writes and arranges all her vocals, which sparkle with her R&B/hip hop influences, and the buzz on her on the street and in the industry is incredible

"It's good that people are talking, that means I'm relevant. At the same time, I appreciate the positive vibes, and happy to be recognized. People embrace me on the road, and I am just havin' a great time," she said.

"I feel God is directing my life, I step out in faith a lot, and if you do that, and trust in Him, you can't go wrong. It is now the time for singers, both male and female, and the risk seems to be paying off and that my career will continue to grow."

By: Claude Mills

To the casual observer, Ms. Triniti may seem like just another pretty face. But this young woman has got soul, wit and class, and through her unique hybrid sound, she is introducing a whole new generation to Caribbean music.

Ms. Triniti who was born to a Trinidadian father, and an American mother, was raised between the UK and the Caribbean and now resides in Los Angeles, California. A seasoned performer, she has recorded with almost every major producer in her genre. She has put the disappointment of having been signed to and released from Sony/Columbia behind her, and continued to plough along to be a frontrunner a new genre of music - 'ragga-hop', which she defines as an outsize melding of West Indian soca, dancehall, US hip hop and R & B. It is a sound that can be expected to bedazzle and befuddle the uninitiated for here is a girl who looks Caucasian but sounds Caribbean black.

"When I do dancehall, they do a little double-take, they don't get it, but the bottomline is that if you believe in your heart in what you're doing, there is no need to convince yourself, Eminem is real, I am real, I don't feel like I am putting up a front, this is me," she told YardFlex.com.

Triniti is not afraid to show her sensitive side, a no-no sometimes in the rough-and-tumble world of dancehall. On her album, you will find her hybrid of cute, sexy dancehall with pop-like chorus hooks almost disarming. Songs like "Uptown Top Rankin" featuring E-Dee and the nostalgic 'Virtual Reality' shows that she's got good pipes, and great versatility. And she never stops working to finetune her sound.

"I have recorded four songs in 10 days in Jamaica, and it has been a good experience so far," she said during a poolside interview at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica.

During the interview, she would lapse into her pseudo-Jamaican accent. She laughed when we pointed it out to her.

"Sometimes, people ask me why you speaking Jamaican? I use the slang, I speak a little bit of patois, but I do use a bit of Trini slang because I have to rep where I'm from," she said.

Environmentally conscious, she divers a VW which is all at once "energy-efficient, safe because it's got that steel cage, and humble".

Triniti has been steadily gaining recognition for her work. She was 'Itunes Artist of the Week' worldwide during November 2004's downloads. One of her videos, 'Bounce Along' is enjoying favourable rotation on HYPE, while another, 'For the Love of Dancehall' is being broadcast on BET Jazz and MTV Tempo.

She has toured with Ja Rule and Sean Paul, opened for D12, Elephant Man, and Kevin Lyttle. She was recently sought out by Mario Winans after he came across her independently pressed CD.

"Being on the Sean Paul tour was an important thing for my career because I got to play in big stadiums in Japan, and introduce my music to a new crowd who didn't know me. At some of the venues, the crowd knew my music, and they sang along...the energy of the crowd is like a drug, that energy when you connect with the people, it's amazing," she said,

Ms. Trinity has been working on a number of collaborations with Jamaican dancehall artistes. Earlier this year, her song, 'Bling Bling Eyes' with Beenie Man was slated to be on the deejay's recently released 'Undisputed' album.

"However, there was some politics with the producer so it never did. Anyway, I am doing something with Sean, who is now working on his fourth album, so I am looking forward to that experience," she said.

By: Claude Mills
Editor

Look who's all grown up now.

Little Cherine Anderson who most Jamaicans know as the precocious girl from the 'Dancehall Queen' movie from the early 90s is now a bonafide hottie with a smile that can melt the heart of any man. And, oh, she's a helluva singer as well.

You might have already heard her one-drop hit single, 'Good Love' which has been bombing local FM radio into submission like an Israeli air strike on civilian targets in Lebanon. The single, which is sunshiny with soul, got 'good love' from reggae and urban radio stations in Jamaica, the US, Canada, several European countries, as well as internet radio, translating into a lot of buzz about Cherine.

Cherine's main prerogative now is to define the boundaries on this yet-unexplored territory dubbed dancehall soul. But just what the heck is dancehall soul?

"It is a hybrid of reggae, harder dancehall, soul and R&B, where I can incorporating the grittiness of my past with the sweetness of the things I've been exposed to...the world is opening up to the possibilities of this hybrid sound, look at how Rihanna made it to the top of the charts," she told YardFlex.com.

She grew up listening to artistes such as Lauryn Hill, Chevelle Franklyn and of course Lady Saw. "I know what moves me. Chevelle taught me a lot in terms of getting my stuff tight, and making it you. I believe I have grown, when I listen to Tanya's 'Rebelution' which is great, I realize that sometimes you have to live and experience things in order to write about it and bring it across in your music," she told YardFlex.com.

She described her choice to get her degree as the "best decision she has ever made". She graduated with honors from the prestigious Middlebury College with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Music and a minor in Japanese Language and Literature. She also did successful internships at MTV Networks, Interscope and the Chris Blackwell owned Palm Pictures and Palm Records.

Then she devoted her full time to recording music. Although she stands at a mere five feet, three inches tall, don't underestimate this young girl. Her singular ability to marry hardcore topics with radio-friendly cuts such as dancehall-soca-flavoured 'Oochie Wally' shows that she will be on the forefront of the new female movement in reggae.

"You need more than just a pretty face to make it in this business, you have to wicked vocally and tough lyrically. I am not going to be any fly-by-night artiste, I plan to be around for a long time in this business," she said.

Her manager is Patrick Lindsay.

THE COLOUR ISSUE

Certain elements in the media landscape have been touting a new crop of girls such as Alaine, Tami Chynn, Jovi as the next big thing to come out of Jamaica. Concerned interests within the industry feel that there is a deliberate strategy to sideline dark-skinned women who don't have certain Caucasian features which might appeal to the US marketplace.

"I would be foolish to say that it (colour) did not play a part in the promotion and packaging of an artiste, but I cannot attribute the success of our music acts to what they look like. Just look at Shabba, he was a phenomenon in the urban market, when you turn on your TV and watch Saturday Night Live and they are making Shabba jokes, that is great because they only do that when you matter," she said.

Cherine has been working with industry giants such as David Norland (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Dallas Austin), JeekyMan (Lil Kim), as well as prominent Jamaican producers such as Steven "Lenky" Marsden (Sean Paul), Christopher Birch (Shaggy)., and she has forged a creative partnership with reggae legend Sly Dunbar who believes that Cherine "is the real deal".

"She is a truly strong vocalist on hard core reggae riddims with the ability and potential to surpass Jamaican audiences to reach the masses," he said.

Cherine is moving ahead with her career at warp speed, learning at each step of the way.

"A lot of good stuff happened this year, I was on Reggae Sumfest opening for Sly and Robbie, I did Reggae on the River, Sting Miami, and got a good review from the Miami Herald, it's been real good," she said..

She has completed between 12 and 16 tracks for her debut album.

"It is not just dancehall, there is a one-drop on it, I deal with real issue, socio-political commentaries. On one of my favourite songs, 'How We Living'. I give my take on Nannyville, striking a contrast between the community then and now. The album will have a Caribbean flavour," she said..

She has been working with producers like Lenky Marsden on a cut called 'Jealous', and she has done collaborations with Anthony B ('So Sexy'), and with Chuck Fender on 'Coming Over Tonight'. A video for the latter was shot by Kimala Bennett recently.

Cherine is an out-and-out triple threat: singer, songwriter and acclaimed Jamaican actress, having starred in two of Jamaica's most successful films, Dancehall Queen (1997) and One Love ((2003).

"I've got scripts but none of them are stretching me from 'One Love', so right now, it is just the music. I am committed to making good music. It may not be hot and hip, but it will stand the test of time, that's my benchmark for Cherine, everything else is an accessory," she said,

"We're working right now, not getting caught up in the debate about who is blowing up. I just want to make music that will stand the test of time," she said.

We hear you, girl. We hear you.

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND HISTORY

Born in Rockfort in East Kingston, Jamaica, her parents Derryck & Barbara Anderson kept Cherine and her two older sisters in Sunday school and any other church activity that would keep them off the unstable streets. It was in church that her musical talent was discovered. Cherine explains, "It wasn't so much the message in the church songs that appealed to me at first...it was the passion and strength of peoples' voices." At the age of 12, she became a touring member of Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble, one of the Caribbean's most successful performance companies, and received professional training in dance, music and theatre. In 2003, Cherine combined her two loves, singing and acting, starring in the film One Love. Her voice lent two heartfelt songs to the film's soundtrack, and her acting talent earned her the MTV2/Urbanworld Film Festival Award for best actress in a feature film.

Some Cherine Facts

* Cherine co-starred in the film Dancehall Queen playing the sexually molested teen daughter Tanya in 1997
* Cherine has written for Bootsy Collins and appears with Fat Joe on the song entitled "Soul Sister" on Bootsy's 2003 release Playing With Boosty
* Cherine's first release was a cover of Gloria Estefan's Party Time in 1998
* Cherine studied Japanese Language and Literature at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan
* Cherine has three songs which appear in the film One Love
* Cherine's official debut single "Good Love" (produced by Sly & Robbie) peaked at #2 on the South Florida reggae charts
* Cherine recorded with Wyclef Jean and Sting while she was still in high school

By: Tessane Chin

Its been a year already and a hell of a ride.

Well where do I begin? My Name is Tessanne, My passion and every breath is music, all types of music, but especially the kind of music that leaves a message and gets yah thinking, The kind a music that lives on even when many many years have passed, and basically that's the kind of music I wanna make, and with Yahwehs help I'll get there. I've been singing since forever and I pretty much knew all my life that this is what I was made for.

I've had some good experiences on the way, and some bad ones too but hey, all the best songs come from when yah feel like just calling it a day and crawling under some rock hahahah so everything for a reason, but to put everything in a nut shell right quick (cause I hate talking bout my self) I've toured with international reggae superstar and legend "Sir Jimmy Cliff" as his back up singer for about 2-3 years, Most of my fellow Jamaicans may know me as the lead singer from a rock reggae band called Mile High but that came to an end for me about a year and a half ago.

Soooooo, for a solid year I've practically buried myself in the studio with the best producer and yes, the best friend a girl could haveRudy Valentino. I also worked with one of the best drummers/producers in Jamaica, Paul Kastick,. I did the best I could to start working on music that was true to me, music that would move you, make yah think and music that would uplift ...and yes at times ....music that would blow yah God damn head off hahahahahaha!!!

Our type of music cannot be put in a box, it is a mixture of Reggae, Dancehall, Rock and Soul. All these types of music have touched me the most through my journey in music, soo ultimately when I wanted to make music that represented me, this came out! I hope I've succeeded in my efforts, and I pray that my music touches you in some way and if it don't (piss off!) joke! Thanks for listening anyway. For now I'm satisfied (for now) but eventually I know I'll be back in the studio with something else. So thanks for taking the time to visit My space, enjoy!!

Deejay Assassin lives up to his name with unfailing accuracy. His musical moves have been calculated, versatile, deliberate, and deadly, and now that he's back from a smashing nine-week tour with the Penthouse family, dancehalls can again look forward to more smashers from the prolific deejay.

Ever since his mainstream emergence in 2001, Assassin has guaranteed his fans a steady string of chart toppers every single year and this year has been no different. Gully Sitten, Anyweh We Go, and Gangsta Rock have been ripping up the charts both in Jamaica and overseas, giving the deejay's argument of quality over quantity more credence.

He describes 2006 as a refreshing year with unique challenges. "Last year was a rough year on the personal side, so I never really got to revel in what was happening musically," he recalls. "I had a couple of number ones, made some progress cause we always want to find ourselves in a better position than what we were in the year before...we trying the father thing now, getting used to it, and even while being on the road now so many weeks, my tunes people a recognize them, so we have been doing good."

His tour spanned several states, and the love and respect he received from diverse audiences have made him understand the relevance of his approach to music.

"Being on the road yu learn seh it's not about 100 songs, it's some proper song to add to your catalogue and people can sing them constantly…material sticks around when there's substance to it and how people can relate to it. It must relate to people now and five year's time people must still can relate to it and love it still."

His studies in Business Management have also been going well. He has begun to appreciate the value of proper time management. "I have found that in my readings there are things that I can apply to things happening around me last week, last month, last year," he explains. "It's that type of study. I can manage it easily, and it's more understandable 'cause I can relate it. You can see exactly how it fits in the world, so we're going good and it should make me a better person, when I'm finished."

In five meteoric years, Assassin has climbed past scores of other deejays who all left the starting blocks with him. Many have fizzled and others have lost the focus they started with. Assassin's hunger and rock hard motivation for excellence however, have remained intact for a simple reason. "In my mind I have not made it yet...it's the love that's more important now than anything else. My love of the music is the motivation. It is clean, it's pure, it's sincere. From me a five year old I don't find myself with anything else in my life that gives the joy that music does. That's the motivation".

Despite the achievements however, the deejay feels there are still some hurdles left to clear. "In lyrical content there's always room to grow," he states. "To sing songs that give people cold bumps, to have the tunes standing the test of time, that would make me feel accomplished."

"I have some things that I listen to and feel I would like to try that. I would like sometime to experiment somewhat with tunes, tracks. When yu do that it shows you are on a next level with music, it shows experience."

Though he's just returned and the dust has not yet settled on his last album Infiltration, plans are advanced for another album, and he has started with a plan for recording his material.

"I will start adjusting the material to satisfy the local market, but at the same time can reach a man in Arizona or Colorado. It's not just about Asylum and Weddy Weddy anymore, it must can reach further. It's not a cross over thing, there's a way to do songs that satisfy the ghetto and overseas markets too. I'll be choosing the rhythms carefully for this one, so look for even better things."

Once hailed in music circles as the Next Big Thing, these days, music aficionados have had to be asking instead: What happened to Yvad?

Well, these days Yvad is signed to New Beat Records, and is working on a new album which will be completed within the next two months.

"Since teaming up with Victor Simpson, I am just getting ready to launch the attack," Yvad said.

At this point, 12 tracks have been completed, and Yvad had worked with such industry heavyweights as Clive Hunt, Wayne Armond, David Kennedy, Michael Myrie, Bobby Digital, and Mikey Bennett.

When Yvad hit the scene with the album "Young, Gifted & Dread" - released by Ras Records in 1996 - he was surrounded by hype, but promptly disappeared.

Of the years since then, Yvad only commented:
"Sometimes, a lot of artistes have to struggle with contractual things, but I am good to move right now," he said.

Industry insiders disclosed that Yvad was locked into a contract that he did not like, but never stopped working, amassing an impressive catalogue of unreleased songs while working out of a studio in New York.

Since returning to Jamaica, he has traveled a lot between Kingston and Central Jamaica, getting his head together, and he readies himself to re-launch his career.

"Over the years, I have been writing and recording consistently, I have the Yvad catalogue, and once this new album builds momentum, I have a lot of unreleased stuff that the whole world is going to want to hear," he said.

Yvad was born Kevin Davy in Kingston, Jamaica. When he was two years old his parents sent him to the country to escape political violence. In the peace and quiet of the country, he attended school and church, and discovered his love for music. While attending the Moravian Church, he began singing, playing guitar, and became a member of the choir. Yvad was at school with his friends when he formed a singing group. As time passed, he realized that he lived for the moments when they were singing together. He also found that through songwriting he could record his inner-most thoughts in his pensive moments. He was always hanging out at the Bob Marley Museum singing and playing guitar, and it was there that he was discovered by Cedella Marley.
Yvad's sophomore album was "Justice" in 2004 which included an awesome cover version of John Lennon's "Imagine" which earned rave reviews from critics and disc jocks. Now, he is looking to seal the deal with his third.

The lead single for the album could be 'Sweet Jamaica' or 'The Cry for the Youths' which are both awesome tracks that this reporter was able to listen to during the interview. It showed that Yvad remains as irrepressible as ever, and his mellow, ital vibes bleed out of the tracks.

"When the album is complete, I intend to shop it around to the major record companies, but if doesn't work out, I plan to sell and distribute this album myself. The message has to get out," he said.

And that it will. We have a feeling that the whole world will be beating a path to his door to listen to Yvad's unique reggae stylings. You can bet your house on it.

When The Alliance, Bounty Killer's powerful circle of artiste and music heavyweights formed in 2001, Ras Myrdhak was one of the youths who was hardest hit by the partnership.

"When Alliance form, it did shake everybody foot, it cramp everything. Yu coulden hear yourself on the radio, or inna the dance. Nuff man run outta the business after that, but ah really Jah govern everything and some man can only rule for a time if is not a positive sound dem ah push through on the earth," he told YardFlex.com.

Myrdhak said he was inspired when a new crop of artistes such as Fantan Mojah, Bascom X, Nanko and I-Wayne rose to the forefront of the music industry

"I was glad, because if ah dem alone (Alliance), no artiste no rise. So mi just heights and pray and waited for my time," he said.

That time is now because the whole of the dancehall universe is buzzing about the rise of Ras Myrdhak and the Blaque Warriaz. Myrdhak's radio hit, 'Blazer', has been getting crazy airplay on local stations, and a video, shot by Nordia Rose, will be released on HYPE TV, RE TV, and local stations this week.

"This year, 2006, has been my most promising to date, the name Ras Myrdhak is known now, it ring a bell all over, and that is satisfying after 15 years in the business," he said.

Born Stephon Moulton on March 3, 1977, Ras Myrdhak grew up in the Linton Park in Brown's Town, St. Ann, and at age eight, began singing bass in his mother's church choir at the local Church of God. While attending Brown's Town High School, Myrdhak began to establish himself as a deejay. Pursuing his dream, he decided to leave St. Ann and move to Kingston where he could get the exposure he break into the Game.

In 1997, Ras Myrdhak linked with producer Phillip Thomas a.k.a Cutty Ranks in Kingston to produce the singles, 'Hot Bwoy' and 'Gal a Say Myrdhak' on the Shark label distributed by Greensleeves Company. The singles generated major buzz and provoked the interest of Annette Brewster-Aitken, who later became his manager. During that ime, he worked with great producers such as King Jammys, Bobby Digital, Kings of Kings, Gemtar Production. Among his many releases are songs such as 'Camille' and 'All I Do', but he failed to generate that first big hit.

Then the Alliance muscled their way into the business, and things looked even bleaker. So when he realized that he was not getting the airplay or recognition for his efforts, he flipped the game and went into producing.

"It was a dream I always had, you know, to set the foundation for my youths. So when I realized that nuff producer ah go round me, say dem riddim full up, I had to start helping myself. The first riddim I got was 'Breath a Fire' which was built by Suku and Wring Move' from Firehouse who played the keyboard," he explained.

The 'Breath a Fire' rhythm is somewhat of a phenomenon in dancehall circles with over 50 artistes and counting who have already recorded songs. It has made Myrdhak's Blaque Warriaz Production a force to reckon with in the music business, especially since it has already spawned two bonafide hits.

Capleton's 'Forty Sup'em' and RasMyrdhak's 'Blazer' are storming the top ten segment of the RE TV dancehall charts, and looking to conquer Richie B's chart as well.

"The 'Blazer' which is a girls tune catch the people dem, but is my other song on the riddim, 'Heights and Pray' which gets up close and personal, that is soaking into the people. Mi know a yute who tell me say him mother work obeah, and him ask her what she think about the tune, and she say, 'da rasta de too drastic', and him just laugh to himself because 'Heights and Pray' is a powerful tune," he said.

The song is inspired by the death of a Rastafarian girl in Montego Bay at the hands of gunmen.

"A friend of mine had called and said it was my empress who was killed by gunmen, but when mi call her, mi get fi realize is her sister dem kill, but the whole ting still hurt me a way. But Jah say leave all vengeance to him, so mi say, mi ah just heights and pray fi dem bwoy de, and the whole ah dem end up dead eventually. You see, Jah govern all things," he said with a smile.

As his career gathers momentum, Myrdhak has performed at stage shows such as Sting, East Fest, and Bob Marley Day 2004 US West Coast tour where he was backed by Grammy winners Sly and Robbie. The show also showcased such heavyweight acts as Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Elephant Man, Beres Hammond, and T.O.K. He recently performed in Cleveland, Ohio where he graced the stage with reggae greats such as Sizzla and the Fifth Element Family. However, it was at the 'Champions in Action' show at Jamworld, Portmore where he earned his biggest forwards and rave reviews from the press.

He is currently working on his upcoming album, 'Passion of a Blaque Warriah' tyo be released late 2006, and his latest project, 'Double Kick' which features Elephant Man, Monster Shack, Macka Diamond, Mr. Easy, Lady G, Chris Howell and Christopher. There are also plans to shoot a music video for the hit tune, 'Blazer' with well-known director Nordia Rose.

"Everything is just going well, and mi nah ease up, mi just a push forward wid my career," he said.

That's all he can do, for his hit songs are like a runaway train, and there's no turning back now.

Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Zumjay is a street legend in the ghettos of Jamaica. He has built his name and street rep one stage show at a time to the extent where he is a household name in dancehall circles even though he does not have a string of commercial hits behind his name.

"People need more Zumjay in their lives, slowly but surely, we'll never do it poorly," he promised.

Born Rohan Alphonso Stephens, this Waterhouse-reared deejay attended Kingston College and then Hydel High School where he raised the eyebrows of his fellow students with his offbeat, artfully conceptualized rhymes. One day, a parent, Michael Rutherford, impressed by the young talent's vocal abilities, arranged a studio cameo for him.

"I used to deejay all the time during lunch break, and Rutherford, who was a parent at K.C, heard about me, and invited me to the Dynamic Studio. So I did my first recording in 1994, I remember still having on my uniform and K.C tie. The song was not released but gave me a studio experience," he told YardFlex.com.

It was another 'high school link' that landed him his first job after graduating. Corey Bennett, the son of Hyacinth Bennett, then the principal of Hydel High School, arranged for him to meet Penthouse manager/producer Donovan Germaine. Soon after, Zumjay began to work at Penthouse as an apprentice studio engineer.

"I never wanted to learn a trade, so I asked Germaine if I could learn engineering at the studio," he explained.

He began working at Penthouse at age 14, and four years, later he had become proficient enough at it to work professionally with artistes such as Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Morgan Heritagh, Beenie Man, and the duo, Tanto Metro and Devonte.

Zumjay was the studio engineer who worked on the Beres Hammond/Buju Banton 'Pull Up the Vibes' remix, as well as the Beenie Man smash hit, 'Crazy Notion', on Flabba Malcolm's label.

Then, in the year 2000, a sudden burst of inspiration would change Zumjay's life forever when he recorded 'Courtney', a tribute to international cricketer Courtney Walsh as he closed in on the individual record for highest wicket-taker in Test history.

"I recorded the song using an engineering trick I learned from Stephen Stanley who would come to Penthouse every Wednesday and Thursday. He taught me the trick and I did the Courtney song after my mom told me that Richie B (a disc jockey) wanted someone to do a song for Courtney. After recording it that night, I carried it to him the next morning," he explained.

The song blew up big time, becoming almost anthemic as national pride spiked following Walsh's remarkable achievement. He performed at the Prime Minister's residence, and later, he performed on national television during the parade held in the cricketer's honour in the streets of the Kingston. The song eventually peaked at #4 on the reggae charts in California, and dominated local charts for several weeks after it was released.

"It did very well for me, especially when mi go Cally, and say who ah the big man inna cricket? The place lift up," he said.

Zumjay seized the opportunity to start his recording career, and eventually left Penthouse to pursue his dreams. He began to land major gigs and performed at the star-studded Sashi show in August 2001. Later that year, he also performed at the annual Sting and Stone Love anniversary shows in December. In February 2002, Zumjay's manager and friend, Stephen 'Lenky' Marsden produced the critically acclaimed Diwali rhythm. Zumjay scored another major hit on the Diwali with the ultra-popular, 'Zumjay News', and later that year, he performed at Sashi, Sting and the Stone Love anniversary shows again. Then, Zumjay dropped 'Shake It' in late 2002, and his career continued to blossom. Zumjay has continued to record, scoring a major video hit with 'Dancing Team' in late 2004.

He has also performed at Reggae Sumfest in August 2003, and at the Summer Sizzle show in the year 2004, and soon after, producer Stephen 'Lenky' Marsden became his manager

"I am a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and you can look out for me, I am working on hit singles, and then move onto albums in the future," he said. "I am focusing on the dancehall mainly. I am loved in the streets, I can go any garrison and deal wid it. Other artistes get crazy airplay on the radio, but when it comes to the dancehall and the streets, it is a different matter," he said.

Zumjay has also done a European tour for two consecutive years 2004 through to 2005, the second one alongside deejay Alozade that played to packed nightclubs.

"I am just going to continue to work hard, until I get my chance to shine. There is a lot of politics in the music business but I am not a sour loser, can slow me donw, but dem caan stop me, good always reign over evil. Me fairly young, still in my 20s, caan hold me down forever."

Are you surprised you haven't been able to break into the mainstream market with a big hit yet?

"No, I am not really surprised, when is your time is your time, I have got substantial hits, and popular songs in the dancehall arena, but maybe, not consistently enough. Still, I am going to keep on working," he said.

Zumjay's latest songs include 'Bad Man Story' on the Inspector riddim, 'Nah Nyam' featuring dancer Shelly Belly, 'Gone But Not Forgotten' on the 40/40 label, and 'Beauty of Jamaica' on the new Firelinks' riddim, 'Crouch' (inspired by the English footballer Peter Crouch).

"One thing I know for sure, within any ghetto or garrison, I and I respected. I response fi the ghetto yutes. It's all gravy," Zumjay said.

While finding feminine faces behind the turntables has become more and more frequent in New York City's ever-evolving nightlife scene, few female DJs have earned a resume that compares with DJ Elle's.

Originally drawn to the cross-fader by her love of blended music and the desire to share her impeccable taste with the carousing masses, Elle (pronounced "el") began learning her craft back in 1998. Inspired by legends such as DJ Stretch Armstrong, Red Alert, Coco Channel, Jazzy Joyce and Evil Dee, the New York City native spent countless hours practicing her mixing skills and studying recordings of her blends. Although Elle is primarily self-taught, she credits practicing with DJs such as A.Vee, Lyve and Ava as valuable experiences. "I still practice with DJs 'til this day," she reports. "It helps keep things fresh."

Although she respects turntablism - and had the opportunity to spin between sets at the renowned DMC DJ battles in 2004 at Webster Hall - Elle remains most focused on getting the party popping. A versatile performer, she is comfortable spinning for both underground and mainstream crowds. "I just do my thing," she says nonchalantly, "Depending on the parties and the clubs I'm at, I change my selection up to suit the crowd I will be playing for." The parties, clubs and

Crowds are plentiful; venues where Elle has rocked the ones-and-twos include The Tunnel, Limelight, Irving Plaza, Sway, Volume, Joe's Pub and BLVD. She's also had the chance to open for such notables as DJ Premier, 9th Wonder and Red Alert and has filled in for Stretch Armstrong and Green Lantern. Some Corporate parties Elle has rocked include Jive Records Christmas Party 2005, NARS Cosmetics Christmas Party 2005, LRG Spring Campaign Photo shoots 2004/2005. Elle also exclusively DJ's all Kareem Blacks high profile photo shoots and has been busy DJing for acts such as Oxy Cottontail and Candace Jones.

Besides spinning at parties, Elle has put together an impressive discography of mixtapes. From 1999 to the present, she's unleashed the

following: DJ Elle#1, DJ Elle#2, DJ Elle #3, DJ Elle & DJ Lyve: The Ill Collabo, Backseat Banga, Live @ DJ Honda's 2002, Fall Back Part 1, Fall Back Part 2, Just Another Day The Ladies' Tape, Mama Mix for Mamaclothing.com and We Run New York. Available at Burkina, Sandbox Automatic, Fat Beats and other New York/World boutiques, Elle's tapes have earned her something of a cult following. "People tell me that they still listen to my first mixtape," she says incredulously, "So I just like getting them out there." Although she enjoys the critical acclaim, Elle credits her success to simply creating the kind of mixtapes she herself enjoys listening to. "I make mixtapes that I would want to hear," she explains of her artistic ideology. "You can't please everyone. But it's a mixtape, so I believe it should be mixed. And the screaming over the mixtapes can get a little too crazy; I'm not too into that." But people are definitely into her work - Elle was recently nominated in the "Best Female Mixtape DJ" category in the high-profile 2005 Justo’s Mixtape Awards. Future projects for the on-the-grind DJ include focusing more on Producing, Making Mixtapes, Collaborating, and Party Rocking.

Talented, hardworking and easy on the eyes, DJ Elle has become a respected figure in Hip-Hop circles and in the NYC party circuit -- and her notoriety will only continue to grow through 2006 and beyond. For more information on DJ Elle's parties and mixtapes, check djelle.net and www.myspace.com/DJELLE

Assassin, or Sassin, is the tip of the iceberg in terms of the future of dancehall. Though relatively young in dancehall years, Assassin has grabbed the attention and support that many others slave for years to get.

Biting lyrics, clever phrases and slangs, plus controlled vocals have made the deejay stand out among his colleagues. His signature slogan 'Versatile' aptly summarizes Assassin as he eases through several topics in his cutting lyrics. From We A De Roughest, to How We Roll, to Girls Gone Wild, to Step Pon Dem, Assassin has shown a level of versatility that only seasoned veterans can achieve.

On the international front, it is believed he will become the next flag bearer, with his intelligent approach to the business.

Calm, controlled and collective, Assassin is known to strike heavy blows with his tracks rather than speaking out in interviews or at sessions.

As a protege of Spragga Benz, on stage he is just as electrifying. Assassin has rocked all the major shows in Jamaica and has pleased all the pundits that report in the papers. He has appeared on Sting, Reggae Sumfest, and countless others where he has elevated the energy level of the show and turned it around.

MESSAGE BOARD

Antigua-born recording artist Shermain is ready to show the world what she's made of, and that big things can come from small packages. In late June the Caribbean beauty released her first single - 'I Came to Show You' from her debut album 'My Way'; My Style and has since then set the charts, the streets and the dance floors ablaze in the Caribbean region, the USA and even in Europe, particularly countries like Croatia, Germany and France, capturing the hearts of fans with her fresh new reggae-pop sound.

Already booked to perform in a number of countries including Canada, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Germany, Shermain's charming personality, incredible stage performance, and sultry jazz like tones are winning the hearts of many fans across the globe; much like she had done at the Miss World pageant in 2004 and Miss Universe Pageant in 2005.

To add to her accolades, in late August she received the award for Most Promising Female Singer of the Year at the 4th annual Underground Music Awards held at the world renowned BB Kings in New York City.

Shermain thanks other Caribbean artists such as Rupee, Sean Paul and Rihanna, who have opened doors for artists like herself. She says "I am very excited about the project and the way things are progressing. As Caribbean people our music is our culture. It's what makes us unique and I am excited that I now have the opportunity to share that with the world."

Already topping charts, with the remix to the single I Came to Show You featuring the well known Vybz Kartel, Shermain seems destined for success and is currently number one on the Tropical Fete Caribbean Top Ten Chart, and number three on the British Virgin Islands music charts, and others across the Caribbean region.

Shermain is set to appear as co-host on the BET program segment highlighting Antigua's carnival, and is currently in studio completing the album My Way; My Style to be released in early 2007.

Check out www.shermain.com for more info, and add her on myspace at www.myspace.com/shermaindiva

Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

There are various ways to describe an artiste, some can be powerful in terms of delivery, energetic and explosive, some can be poetic, and some just humorous. When one thinks of poetry anyone that has experience the lyrical prowess of G:Maffiah will remember him always. Born, Ian Ramsay, G:Maffiah hails from Thompson Pen in a small district just outside Spanish Town. He is a graduate of St. Catherine High with several CXC passes but refuse to continue in the path of academics. Music is where his heart is.

His pursuit led him to Dillon Reid of Manatee Records, who was impressed with his lyrical bravado and rushed him to the studios to record two tracks entitled, 'Money Haffi Mek' and 'Saturday Night' both of which did well. G:Maffiah went on to work with other prominent Producers such as Jah Snow Cone, Lady G, Mickey John of Lion Paw Production, Power Mix Records Entertainment out of New York, Kingston 6 Rekords/BYG Family Muzik and King Jammys.

Formerly known as Krayzie Hype, G:Maffiah sought to change his name after Elephant Man recorded "Dance De Crazy Hype" as this had people confused and thought he was a dancer. His skill at writing has led him to work with other popular artistes such as Macka Diamond, Queen Paula, Mad Anju, Lady G and Red Rose. The Artiste has performed on several major events both locally and internationally in the Bahamas, Connecticut, New York, Orlando and New Jersey.

G:Maffiah's creative writng skills are attributed from listening to various Reggae, Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B and Jazz music. He is thankful to the creator for blessing him with this gift and hope that one day soon he will accomplish his mission of acquiring multi-platinum status.

G:Maffiah works closely with Power Mix Records and Kingston 6 Rekords. He has recently recorded a song entitled 'Life' on their "Easy Rock' Riddim. This single speaks on issues and hardships that many Jamaicans can relate to. Other recent singles include 'I'm a Hustla' on the 'Gully Slime Riddim' produced by Natural Bridge, 'More Money More Gal' on the 'Power Up Riddim' a Dwayne Powell production and 'Bag A Noise' on Flabba's Migraine Riddim. Through his lyrics, G:Maffiah will definitely make a mark in the music industry, "Till the day we die the limit is the sky".

By: Claude Mills

I cannot forget where I come from/No 'mount of money can change man/Still blaze the skunk/But some leave the ghetto, get rich and tun punk. - Rude Boy Pledge

In this poker game that we call the music industry, music insiders feel that artistes like Baby Cham is playing with a loaded hand. He is supremely talented, he's got arguably the greatest producer of his generation, Dave Kelly in his corner, he only puts out one great project a year, and he has the devilish the good looks to relax the thighs of any young girl he looks on.

Man, who wouldn't want to be Damian 'Baby Cham' Beckett?

"Some people may think that it is easy, not doing a lot of songs every year like other dancehall artistes but it is hard, I only have one shot to fire so I cannot miss, while another deejay might do 35 songs, he has plenty of back up in case he misses, so my thing requires tremendous precision," the 6'2 star told YardFlex.com.

Baby Cham is currently on a Summer-long local promotional tour, which is titled 'Giving Back'. He will be making islandwide appearances at various community events during the tour. He has cleared his schedule until early October to give himself enough time to get back in touch with his fans.

"I am giving back to my fans, donating things here and there to the people, a two pounds of cornmeal, two pound of floor, rice, two tin of beef, two mackerel, and CDs," he said.

Some people may say this act is merely an astute bit of 'guerilla marketing' to win over the hearts and pocketbooks of dancehall lovers. But Cham truly seems to enjoy his philanthropic role.
"Just the look on the faces of the mothers is worth it, they can leave the dance and know that they have something to go home with...if you need it, you take it," he said.

Cham knows a thing or two about poverty growing up as he did in Waterhouse, a notorious part of the Corporate Area. In fact, Cham's seminal dancehall hit "Ghetto Story" explicitly describes the poverty raging through Jamaica. Cham's gritty video for the track features him rhyming into a cell phone and children enacting his verses of knocking off corner stores and sleeping on wafer-thin foam. The video showed up on MTV, airing on "Direct Effect" and "MTV Jams." Cham also tapped Akon for the "Ghetto Story" remix, which recently went to radio.

But while the "Ghetto Story" single, a ubiquitous mixtape-to-mainstream success, may be old news in Jamaica debuting as it did in November 2005, an album of the same name is slated for an August release on Atlantic. The song will be the lead-off hitter on his album. Other songs include hi pro collabos with US heavy hitters such as 'Boom Boom' with Rihanna, 'Bad Boys' with Thea, and 'Bring it On' with Magic. The second single off the album for his dancehall fan base will be 'Rude Boy Pledge', a hard hitting song that decries people who 'get rich and switch' from their roots.

"It is always good to remember where you're coming from," he said.

PERSONAL LIFE

Things are definitely looking up for 'Baby Cham'. Even though he has been booked solid for the past few months, he cleared his schedule for the next eight weeks to accommodate his Jamaican tour, a move that might anger his accountant and money managers, but shows that he must be making 'major moolah', but his heart is still in the right place.

A few years ago, Cham bought a house in Miami, Florida where he spends a lot of time, but periodically comes to Jamaica for long stretches of time.

He denied rumours that he had tied the knot in an official ceremony with the mother of his two boys.

"I am married, yes, but not by a pastor, married, with children. Both of my sons are with one woman, who I call Mommy...yu dun know, the money stay inna one house," he said, laughing.

Known for such hits as 'Joyride', 'Many Many', 'Que Serra' and 'Gallang Yah Gal', Baby Cham graduated to star status after a smash hit, 'Another Level' with former friend Bounty Killer. But the two had a much-publicised falling out, and have not spoken since 2000.

"Mi no think about it personally. As long as mi know my heart clean, I did nothing to offend Bounty...I respect friendship, but when the person have something bigger and badder wrong wid dem, what can you do?" he said, shrugging his shoulders.

Cham has gone on with his life, reaping major international success. His 2003 crossover hit, 'Vitamin S' piqued the attention of Atlantic Records, and his international appeal was further heightened with the release of the controversial Ghetto Story which has been progressively clambering up the US and European charts. It is currently at #43 on the R & B Hip Hop Singles chart and #23 on the Hot Rap tracks chart.

He revealed that he was also thinking about doing a collaboration with female deejay Spice who he said "is saying some things no other female in the biz is saying right now'.

"I am not thinking about doing my own production yet, that is down the line, right now, I am just trying to focus on Madhouse, we got to keep the money in one house, and build it. I am not even working with any other producers right now, your songs have to be selective, not working with too many outside beats right now," he said.

What was your first job?

Raising sheep in Sherlock Crescent, 'crazy mutton we eat'

Who would he want to sit down and have lunch with, and why?

I would like to siddown with the Father, and ask Him if I can buy him lunch. He has blessed me over the years, and this would be my day to give back something to God, and ask Him a couple of important questions.

Caribbean born with roots from Venezuela, Scottland, St. Vincent and Barbados; Nyaka is from the island of Trinidad and Tobago...born 21st September 1985. She has been involved in music since the tender age of 9, reading sheet music, playing musical instruments (steel pan) and singing with a group that traveled the Caribbean islands at a very young age. After studying Travel and Tourism in college she packed up her books and returned to her home country and went into the recording studio to record her first collaboration with a Trinidadian born Hip Hop artist SEF GAINES.

Determined she returned to Miami for a short stint before realizing that Jamaica is a main hub of music to the World and one of the Capitals of Caribbean Music among the islands. She recorded a sizzling hott, hit single with a reknowned Reggae Star Norisman, just a month after arriving on Jamaican Soil ..."My Boy (Put It On Me)" off her upcoming album which she is currently working on with Orange Hill Records and who better to introduce Nyaka to Jamaica than one of the hottest djs in Jamaica today.

Nyaka is a rising sun of the Caribbean Islands with a body that
defies gravity. This Caribbean Queen exudes as her name means
...grace...with an essence of sensuality..and vivacity.
Check out her sites to get more about her and see some more hott

pics. www.myspace.com/nyakaonline and www.myspace.com/_nyaka

Sean Miller/Freelance Writer
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

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

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

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

He explained how he got his stage name:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Murphy
YardFlex Writer

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

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

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

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

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

Selah takes his chosen role in music very seriously.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selah.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By MARITN EDLUND
www.nysun.com

By Sean Miller/Freelance Writer
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TANYA BELIEVES DANCEHALL IS OVEREXPOSED

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

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

Too much people have an MPC machine, she added.

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

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

ON HER RELATIONSHIP WITH PARTNER ANDREW

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

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

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

TANYA LOVES 'DUTTY WINE'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preparing to capture fans with new single "Keep On"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rude Bwoy Warning Video - Coming Soon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Jigga Mattic
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot
Yardflex Reporters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STORY BEHIND THE HIT

He explains the story behind the hit:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Empress aka Empress Camielle {poised for stardom} is a young and new artiste to the world's musical stage. She has been involved in music from a child. Growing up between Jamaica, the USA and Australia has had a huge influence on her sound. Musically she loves soul, old time reggae, hip hop and flavors of the dancehall.

She has travelled to over 13 countries with music, television commercials and other creative projects. Empress is the newest VJ and Television Host on RE TV (Jamaica's number 1 reggae entertainment station). She hosts the top ten and VIP Backstage shows. She is a strong and determined Leo, with a killer personality and a killer voice.

Releasing singles with Sony & Warner Music previously in Australia, Empress has absorbed the runnings of the music business. She's tasted success and dabbled in many musical genres. Living back in Jamaica and making an album has been her goal and that's what she is doing. She sleeps 3-4 hours a night and is ready to take the world by storm.

After going through major record deals with Sony Music and Warner Music, Empress knew she wanted to do things her way the next time around. She set up her own independent record label called D'Royale Empire ENT. and currently runs the label herself. She works many jobs which allows her to fund the everyday runnings of the company. 'Born to die?' is the first release from the label and her other 2 singles from her debut album are in the mixing and mastering studio for release this year.

Raquel Sa was born on February 17th 1983 in Fortaleza, Brazil to musician parents. At a very early age it was evident that she shared the same passion that emerges from the various styles of the Bossa Nova, the Samba and the Timbales of Salvador Bahia, among others. At just 8 years old, Raquel formed part of a dance troupe made up of her sister and two cousins.

The group performed with great success in several contests mainly those of the Lambada: a style of dance that was sweeping Brazil at that time. At the age of 14 she began to contribute more significantly to her musical foundation by joining local singing groups and doing live performances. It was this exposure to a vibrant public that convinced her of her future life as a star.

At the age of 17 Raquel moved to Barcelona with her family, balancing studies with music and dance, still participating in local dance groups when possible. On her first trip to Jamaica in 2003, she fell in love with the music and the culture of Dance Hall. During this period she was introduced local producers and Djs that were impressed by her singing and dancing ability.

Thus was born the idea to create a unique and contagious sound based on the fusion of Hip Hop, Dance Hall and Brazilian drum beats. Raquel is currently living in Kingston, Jamaica where she is continuing her voice training in preparation for the recording of her second demo. New demo coming soon!!

Influences:
The people who have influenced me and my music are first My Mother, My Father, Brazilian artistes (Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, Carlinhos Brown, Gabriel Pensador, Tribo de Jah, Timbalada, Marcelo D2...) and Jamaican artistes such as Tessanne and Tami Chin, Luciano, Busy Signal, Capleton, Lady Saw and Beres Hammond among others. Also Beyonce, Shakira, HIM............. I love music...

Whatever happened to Galaxy P? Remember he scored
big hits in the 90s.

He has changed his name to Ras Amun Ra Ptah.
"I decided to mek changes in my life, and move to a more spiritual and divine name, that's why I chose an ancient Egyptian name, Ptah, which means 'peace to the world'," he told YardFlex.Com.

Years ago, when he was riding high in the dancehall world, things took a dramatic turn for the worse in Galaxy P's life. He endured a particularly torrid 2003 when he was shot in his Greater Portmore
home by armed men, and then a few months later, the SUV in which he was traveling crashed in a major accident on the Washington Boulevard road in St. Andrew. The vehicle was written off, but no one died
in the accident.

"From I start to rass (grow locks) in 2005, things start to change for me. I see life differently, I read my bible and other books that teach me about life, and open up my eyes how to live as a man in this world. People even deal with me different since me rass, they are more respectful, even the radio disc jocks play me more, so it is a good thing to take things on a more spiritual level rather than a physical level," he told YardFlex.Com

Ras Ptah has a slew of new singles on his own Rattler Records imprint such as 'Life So Hard', 'Baby Don't Leave' and 'Tell Everybody'.
He will be appearing at Nuffy's annual 'Portmore Awards' stage show this weekend.

"There are a lot of things in the making, you will hear more about Ras Ptah," he said. His album, 'Changes', will be released in September 2006, and will be distributed by VP Records. He is now
walking the path firmly with Jah.

Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Brace yourself world for the next big thing, Shevon Toriano Stewart aka Hollow Point! A dapper, clean cut, quiet and humble artist, as we Jamaicans would say "one a way" meaning reserved. Do not be fooled by the flamboyant pretty boy look, Hollow point is a true gangsta much like his mentor the Wild Apachie Super Cat.

Hollow Point bounced back and forth between studios and producers for a little while before his cousin, dancehall artist Chico introduced him to his friend Alozade, who then introduced him to producer Scatta who made him a part of his camp for just about five years. He had a number of songs released on the Kings of Kings label in that time period.

After leaving this camp Hollow Point recorded for a selected few producers including Steelie and Clevie of studio 2000 .Cool Face another reputable producer introduced him to top record producer Don Carleon who gave him the opportunity to record a number of songs for his label including Most Infamous and the current smash hit Who Goes.

Hollow Point brings to the table versatility wrapped with a touch of yester-year the true core of reggae/dancehall music, breaking down all barriers and taking no prisoners. His journey to the world of entertainment has been a slow one but with time and patience he is far in the direction of becoming a superstar.

Chris Goldfinga of Golden Cartel/Universal Dancehall was one of the first producers to take Hollow Point's work to Greensleeves records when he recorded him on the Hard Drive riddim song title, Got You Deh. Clearly there was an interest in managing his career from then. Now under this new management Hollow Point hopes to establish his place in the international arena.

Hollow Point a complete package, good lyrics, good looks, great flow, topped off with a humble persona. A true legend is in the making.

From talking about bad 'bwoys' to the goodness of the girls, Spragga Benz' music has always showcased a versatility that is incomparable. The dee-jay shows yet another side in his latest project Thug Nature, that of business man.

The CD, which features 17 songs and three interludes, was released by Spragga's newest venture, Red Square Productions. Thug Nature doesn't fall far from the lyrical tree that dropped such hits as Jack It Up, Good Day, We Nuh Like and Weh Yu A Seh Star.

Clever lyrics over bouncy dancehall tracks, done in perfect timing in his distinctive voice is one of the things that keeps Spragga on the scene a decade after he first blew up.

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Grammy Award winning, reggae pioneer BURNING SPEAR is a certifiable legend, celebrating more than 35 years in the music business. As the popular story goes, Rodney bumped into BOB MARLEY while walking through a field, and the two began talking about music. Marley encouraged him to visit Jamaica's Studio One, where Rodney and a fellow musician recorded "Door Peep." By the time of its release, Rodney had branded the duo Burning Spear, taking the nickname of Jomo Kenyatta, who was jailed by a colonial British government in Africa but rose to become the first president of Kenya..."I think people have to remember the originals," Burning Spear suggests. "So to be honest, I don't really feel no way about it when people put reggae in a different form. Regardless who's gonna do what with the music, I don't think they interfere with Burning Spear."

"I don't know how other people see music," reggae legend Burning Spear reflects. "Some people might see it based upon money, some people might see music based upon opportunity and access. But I see music as life. I see music as inspiration."

For more than 35 years, Burning Spear's music-thus, his life-has inspired people on numerous continents. Since the beginning, his songs have implored listeners to fight oppression in all its forms, to work at improving their own condition and to consider the social impact of their actions.

OUR MUSIC builds upon the Jamaican native's legacy of musical activism. With its inimitable dancing groove, the album percolates and bubbles rhythmically in its call for unity between races, between nations, between individuals and even between business associates.

OUR MUSIC is the second album released on his Burning Spear label, following 2003's Grammy-nominated FREEMAN. In the midst of its expected messages about love, oppression and African history is the title track, a public confirmation that his brand of positivity is tempered with a strong sense of self. "Our Music" is Burning Spear's reclamation of his own artistry-a justification for establishing his record company and a challenge to all artists to commandeer their own future.

"A lot of artists just have no time to really look within the business section of the music business," Burning Spear reasons. "There's no one to really sit them down and give them some of that business understanding before they get into what they get into. So then people walk all over these artists and do things where it's not appropriate and it's not right. It's not in the artist's love."

With his art and his business now firmly in his own control, Burning Spear's OUR MUSIC stands among the most joyful albums of his career. Bolstered by its throbbing basslines, bright horn parts and slinky female background singers, the songs embrace persistence ("Try Again"), self-analysis ("Friends"), love ("Fix Me") and community ("Together") through deceptively simple lyrics that point to deeper issues. It is, in effect, smart music you can dance to.

"It's like art," he says. "You're gonna paint this thing, and people are gonna look at this art and say that it looks like a tree, looks like a car, some people it looks like a flower. People are gonna say different things according to what they see. It's very different, what it looks like to them."

By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

She is talented and set on making big strides in the music business. You could say she started being groomed for the big times from as far back as she remember. Her name is Helen Lindsay and she has had a
love affair with music for almost seventeen years now.

It all started when she was a little girl of five years old. According to Helen she would use singing as therapy whenever she was sad.

She first started singing in church, as her father was a piano player. He would take her along with him "and I was always placed in the front bench with the choir. I would sing along not knowing the song, but i was the seed that was being planted for my love of
music," Helene reminisced with a smile.

Born in Kingston, Helen attended several schools there, including Waterford Primary, before going on to Continuation High in St. Mary. She later migrated to the USA. While going to college there she was very active in radio. She briefly thought about being a nurse, but singing was uppermost in her mind and it was a desire she could not ignore.

Helen got the chance she needed to show her talent when she met Scaramooch of Junkyard Record who saw her potential.

Since then Helen has been working on her recordings both independently and with other producers including Junkyard Records. Among the recordings she has done are 'No Lazy Body' (with Anthony B) and 'Please Be True' with Daddy U-Roy. She has also done back-up
singing for artistes such as Yami Bolo and other top artistes from Jamaica who performed in New York.

Helen is aware of the stiff competition to make it in the music business, but she is not worried about it, as she says "I am bringing love which is now crying to be free for all mankind in a world that is filled with hate, fear and despair."

Although singing is her life Helen is ensuring that she has something to fall back on. She is presently in college studying to be a pharmacist. No matter how long it takes to make it to the big times Helen is prepared to work hard and wait. Etched in her memory is the advice of a famous country singer on being successful: "She said three words; faith, courage and determination, and I got it," she shared with YardFlex.com.

For those who have not seen this up coming singer in action then the opportunity will soon present itself as she has several shows in the making.

Look out for her - she is ready!

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

Releasing his first record, "Too Fancy" at the tender age of 7-years-old in '81, Beenie has not only been at the forefront of the genre ever since, but has been largely responsible for growing it into the international phenomenon it is today. And it is exactly this legacy which his latest release, Undisputed, serves to maintain. "This album is all about the title," he says. "It wasn't a concept, but more of a theme.

Each song had to live up to that name." And with production by the likes of Scott Storch, Don Corleon (Elephant Man, Sizzla) and Tony Kelly (Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder), and appearances by Akon, Brooke Valentine and reggaeton artist Voltio, Beenie able to completed the task of crafting an LP worthy of such a bombastic title. The lead single, "Hmm Hmm" is vintage Beenie at his best with infectious choruses and unforgettable melodies.

However, is it really any surprise that the man behind over 1000 songs would be able to make an LP with such a cocksure title? "Music is in me since I was little," he says. "My uncle had a DJ set up and I got my start doing that before I was 6 years old." Perhaps in part due to the fact that he still spins to this day. Consequently by 7 he had recorded his first single, and by 10 he had released his first long-player, The Invincible Beenie Man. Throughout the '80s he continued to record, perform and DJ. In '92 Beenie made a splash at the famous Reggae Sun Splash by going after rival Bounty' Killer in what would become an infamous back-and-forth. Though the following year they would squash it and record a split album, Gunz Out.

Shortly thereafter Beenie release a remake of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry", titled "No Mama, No Cry", which was produced by legendary tracksmen Sly and Robbie. It was during this collaboration that Beenie was enlightened to the Rastafarian doctrine and eventually converted. A slew of national hits ensued through out the mid nineties, including "World Dance" and "Slam." But it was in 1997, on the strength of his crossover smash of his Grammy-nominated Many Moods Of Moses and it's single "Who Am I?", that Beenie exploded as an international superstar. And in doing so for himself, he opened ears and doors for everyone in his genre around the world.

Around the same time Beenie made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed Dancehall Queen. He then went on to The Doctor and Y2K, in '98 and '99, for VP Records. Both considered dancehall classics in their own rights, solidified his core base. Virgin records responded to Beenie's breakout success and signed him. Art And Life, his debut on the new label, truly broke him stateside. Monster hits like the Neptunes produced "Girls Dem Sugar" featuring Mya, and the Wyclef-guested, Saalam Remi produced "Love Me Now" took him to the top of the pops.

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

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

"Heaven took a melody, gave it a soul, gave it a mission, put it on earth and named it Ne-Yo" -- words spoken from the mouth of a chose young man. At the tender age of twenty-two, the lyrical and musical talent that Ne-Yo possesses is far beyond his years. Born into a family of musicians from Arkansas, Shaffer C. Smith aka Ne-Yo was raised in a single parent home by his mother. In hopes of a better opportunity, Ne-Yo's mother relocated his family to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Ne-Yo would discover his passion.

Topping Billboard's No. 1 R&B chart for several weeks, the words on "Let Me Love You" touch your heart and makes you feel good in your soul. Performed by the R&B artist Mario, "Let Me Love You" is just a glimpse into the mind of a true writer. A master in the art of storytelling, Ne-Yo began writing at an early age.

A vivid imagination and creative energy has allowed Ne-Yo to write songs for multi-platinum artists such as Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq Soulchild. When asked about writing number one hits for other artists, simply put, Ne-Yo said, "I feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach people's soul with my lyrics throug whatever vessel God chooses."

Set to release his debut album on Def Jam Recordings, this dynamic entertainer is ready to deliver. The fun and catchy first single from the album, "Stay" is a song about holding on to the one you love. With smooth rhythmic melodies over pulsating beats, this infecitous track is guaranteed to make your body tingle while swaying to the intoxicating music. While staying true to himself, Ne-Yo is a versatile artist able to express thoughts and emotions other artists are afraid to confront.

Citing Prince, Marvin Gaye, The Rat Pack and Stevie Wonder in his list of favorite entertainers, Ne-Yo's album invokes a nostalgic feeling, a renaissance if you will. On the track "Diamond," Ne-Yo sings from the heart, resonating pure and beautiful honesty. Not many men are capable of admitting that they are the richest man in the world, not financially, but rich because of the love he shares with that special woman. Whether it's the bedroom or the dance floor, Ne-Yo's songs are filled with passion and intense energy that pulls (you into the music) and puts you into a zone.

Ne-Yo is taking the music industry by storm, as he graces and challenges the R&B genre with his writing and vocal talents. Much more than today's male singer, Ne-Yo is a rare artist; expressing creativity thru drawings, paintings, martial arts and song. He is distinguished by youthful energy with in-depth lyrics that touch the soul. Ne-Yo is honored and ecstatic to be a part of the Def Jam brand, which produces some of the best R&B and hip-hop artists in the world. Every artist has something to prove and now it's Ne-Yo's turn. "The R&B heavens have opened its gates and blessed us with Ne-Yo -- A gift for everyone to enjoy."

--- from the official Ne-Yo website

Skullman is back with a bang. The deejay's latest hit, 'Don't Violate' has been scorching the airwaves like a US military strike over Baghdad in recent times.

While the big hit, 'Stuck' helped to define Skullman's career in the 1980s, he has not remained 'stuck in time', but has constantly evolved to keep pace with the dynamic demands of dancehall music, penning new favourites for music lovers of every generation. The song 'Don't Violate has earned him major props at stage shows across the island, and given Skullman his second taste of mainstream success.

Earlier this year, he signed a contract with the RJR Communications Group to do an islandwide tour called the 'Cross Country Invasion'. He appeared on 54 shows across the island.

"Mi love how the people dem respond to me right across the island, it was like mi launch mi career all over again, and then I tried a song I have called, 'Don't Violate', and the place lift up each time the way the people dem love the tune, mi know say it gone, this is going to be my next hit," he said.

He has also been doing a lot of work with famous Coolie Dance producer, Cordell 'Skatta' Burrell, as he seeks to redefine his sound for the 21st century.

The Spanish Town-based 'Skullman', born Paul Bartley, is a past student of Kingston College where he was an excellent athlete, excelling in various sports. However, it was music which was his true calling. He ventured into music in 1985, scoring immediate success when he won the St Catherine leg of the Deejay Championship of the Jamaica Festival competition in 1985 with March To Africa.

However, it was not until he sang the introductory, 'Me Name Skullman' that he began to generate a buzz in the dancehall.

"I got the name from the original Skull gang fro Kingston which was based outta East Kingston. Ah man did say me look like one of the Skull gang, and after that, me call myself Papa Skull, and then me create the new style called 'Stuck', and I changed my name to Skullman," he told Xtra Entertainment.

And then, his career rocketed into the next stratosphere. Skullman’s catchy original 'Stuck' inspired deejay Early Black to pen a song of the same name, and Early Black's version with the line, 'Follow me do the new dance...Stuck' became a monster hit, even spawning a dance of the same name.

"When I bussed the talk, 'Stuck', I told everybody that in six months, every deejay ah go talk like this, and it happened just like that," he said.

The 'Stuck' songs started a good-natured rivalry between Early Black and Skullman.

"When Early Black did 'Stuck' and put the dance style on it, it took off more than my original 'Stuck', maybe because it was on Dennis Star label, a big label at the time, it sold more than mine, and then that forced me to go out there and defend it," he said.

He did a counteraction called 'Buck' and followed that up with 'Run Outta Luck' for King Tubbys, a single that peaked at number seven on the local charts.

"For a while, we had a little thing going, Early Black had heard that Skullman was looking for him, and because of the name, he was probably a little fearful of me, but I sat him down and explained to him, no violence, ah just music, but this is what I was going to do, that I was going to brush him up a little, he never really liked the idea, but I had to do it, me affi mek the people know that I am the original," he said.

He says he hasn't seen Early Black in years but added in a jocular voice that 'probably he was stuck somewhere'.

AFTER STUCK

In 1989, Skullman followed up with other hit singles, 'Turbo me Turbo', produced by Dennis Star, and 'Jump and Spread Out and Stop' on the Pickout label. He also created an impression with 'Je T' aime' (French for 'I love you') on Sly and Robbie's hugely-successful Bhangara compilation album, which also includes the monster hit, 'Murder She Wrote' by Chaka Demus and Pliers.

As the 1990s rumbled around, Skullman found that he had fallen out of vogue with producers who were more interested in other upcoming acts. He was forced to find other ways to survive

"You have to help yourself, after a while, I found that no producers wanted to work with me, so I had to do things on my own. I was forced to produce my own songs, and I started to keep my own show, 'Border Clash'," he said.

The popular Border Clash series of concerts were held at Coney Park in the early 1990s, and then he switched to producing in the mid-1990s when he launched his first label, Border Clash. Its first release was 'Sneeze', which was followed by ‘Hold Up Your Hand' and 'Show Me'.

"It's been a hard struggle with the producing, as an artiste, I never really learned how to do it well, me can deejay over rhymes and stuff, but it is only when I meet up with a good producer that I can find the hit songs, that's why me always looking for one," he said.

Over the years, Skullman has performed solo all over the world in various locales such as London, England, Miami Florida, as well as states such as Connecticut and New York. He has also performed in Grand Cayman, Bermuda and Antigua.

"I've always worked alone, with one exception in 1993, I think it was, when I did a Skullman in concert featuring Shaggy, Worl-A-Girls and Sugar Man in Bermuda," he said.

Last year, Skullman scored a minor hit with 'New Dance...Stop' which peaked at #4 on Suzie Q's 'Reggae Train' video top ten, and hit #9 on the RJR charts.

This was the first indication that Skullman's career may indeed be on the rise again, especially given the advance buzz on his new single, 'Don't Violate' on the Full 100 label which has become a favourite at stage shows across the country.

For Booking
876-354-5084

By: Jigga Matic
Photos By: Warlington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STORY BEHIND THE HIT

He explains the story behind the hit:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos By: Warlington

Floydwest is not your typical garden-variety singer. He is a charismatic firebrand who is unafraid to speak his mind, even if it means that he might offend you. In fact, he is defined by one primary mission in his life, and that is to make music that speaks to the hearts of men.

"Right now, I believe that Jah ordain it for me to sing and perform for people, and I have a message that has to get out there to the people," he said.

West has packed a hectic full life in 25 short years. During his youth, he was a whiz at performing poetry and short narrative pieces, winning several medals in the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) competitions.

At one time, while attending Bridgeport High, he won a Colgate song contest under the name 'Rapper Kid'. In his late adolescence, acquired skills as a woodworker (learning from his father, Owen Fitzroy West), before going into music, later becoming disenchanted. After that, he began studying at Portmore Community College before leaving that to enjoy a brief stint in the army!

Now, that's a lot to pack into 25 years.

But recently, Floyd West has returned to his first true love -- music, and he's doing so with a bang as his latest singles, especially, 'Confession', have been generating a lot of attention in music circles.

Born December 13, 1980, Floyd West grew up in the Lincoln Crescent area of East Kingston before moving to Portmore at the age of four.

Floyd's mother, Vancile Nembhard-West, was a member of the Adventist church choir, which led to his having a background rooted in the Adventist church. He sang on the choir, and at one time, he was even a youth preacher. It is these early church-influenced experiences that fired his interest in English Literature even to this day because his older sister would often make a habit of reading biblical texts to him.

"I would say that I am heavily spiritual still, growing up in that environment, it expose me to certain questions about creation, and my role inna the universe, mek yu tink deep," he said.

He attended Independence City All Age and then Bridgeport High school for a few years, before his subsequent expulsion for a fight where a knife was brought into play.

"We not so violent, but we can be violent. That situation came out of the mixing of the intelligent with the not-so-intelligent, when those two people bounce together, a clash is almost inevitable, and in that, I was forced to become unintelligent...to defend myself," he said.

After that, he admitted that he 'drifted a bit', but his parents stood by him in this dark hour. Eventually, he finished his secondary education at Kingston Technical where he sat and gained four subjects including Mathematics and Physics. Having done so well, it seemed that Mrs. West's dreams that her son might become a preacher/engineer would be realized. His sister, Sophia Parkes is presently employed as an engineer at Kaiser Jamaica Bauxite Company.

However, Mrs. West's dreams were dashed because of the call of the music. Even while he was at KT, he had formed a group called the 'Gremlins', auditioning for Penthouse Records, and even Sly and Robbie. So upon graduating, he threw all his energy in that direction.

"From a youth growing up, me know that me abnormal, me can remember things at an early age, my mother told me that I started talking quite early, and my singing ability started to show early so much so that teachers used to put me on the desk and instruct me to sing…mi did always find myself in the spotlight," he said.

At age 18 when he began to record at Arrows but a few years later, became disenchanted when his songs were never released. Frustrated and angry, he decided to attend Portmore Community College to do a few courses.

"They have five tunes up there for me and when I return there, I am going with a lawyer…me did a leggo music through them...but music call me back, there's something special about music, and even as a youth, people clearly see me a singer, even in the army Rear Admiral Lewin used to call me Buju and even encourage me to go studio, so this is the path me a pursue fully," he said.

Now that he is back on the musical path, Floyd West has become a bit of an insider sensation, raising eyebrows with his brilliant vocals during performances at clubs like Asylum in New Kingston, and stage shows across Jamaica.

Recently, he did a song called 'Dance' with his brother, Damian 'Jerimyah' West for Christopher Cort, aka 'CK' of 'Infahred Records'. The recording eventually caught the ears of DJ Sunshine from IRIE FM, and DJ Chill of HOT 102, and this development has opened up vistas of opportunities for the young singer.

"Right now, this is a transition period for me, and Shine's (Sunshine's) influence allow me to mek whole heap of changes in my life, women represent a change, and she is doing that for me now," he said.

Other noteworthy singles which have been getting favourable airplay include 'Let Down Your Hair' and 'These Days', both combinations with 'Jerimyah'.

However, the single which is making FM radio sit up and pay attention is the smooth silky 'Confession'. A video was recently shot to promote this single, and it premiered on local TV and cable stations recently.

Editors At Large
By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

Dancer-turned-deejay Ding Dong is revolutionizing the dancehall game with his edgy creativity and dancing savvy, creating a host of new moves to match the slamming dancehall rhythms coming out of the island's studios.

YardFlex.Com caught up with him at Ravers Park in Nannyville, St. Andrew last week, the same week he scored his first number one hit, 'Bad Man Forward Bad Man Pull Up' on the CHOICE FM chart in London, England.

You've probably seen him in a recent Digicel commercial on TV, or in the 'Wacky Dip' video with Voice Mail. Now, Ding Dong's got his own thing - Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up, a self-explanatory dance geared towards the 'shotters' who once believed they were too macho to dance.

"The dance did build already long time from last year Summer when mi de ah England. Mi build the talk ah England, when me and Keiva, Mad Michelle, Sadiki, Craigy Dread and Sadiki were on tour there, and mi wait till the people dem were ready for it because the love the people have for Bogle the icon, so 'Willie Bounce' run the place for the while because there could be no other hit dance, so the people dem ready fi a new dance now," he said.

Ding Dong, whose real name is Kemar Ottey (no relation to Jamaican-born sprinter Merlene Ottey), has contributed his voice to a number of songs such as 'Wacky Dip' with Voice Mail and 'Weddy Time 2', along with Bogle and Voise Mail. His solo recording 'Chakka Chakka', also did well a few months ago. But 'Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up' is the first to bring him mainstream attention.

"Ah the greatest feeling in the world right now, yu know how much deejay neva go #1 yet, and mi get a number one, so mi just feel great," he said.

At the time of the interview, the single was also #15 on the South Florida Top 20 Reggae Singles chart.

In Jamaica, dance is widely considered to be an outlet for anger and is a nonviolent alternative to the street violence that is widespread in many of Kingston's tough neighbourhoods. Ding Dong has established his own clique of dancers, 'Ravers Clavers' which includes Overmars, Chicken and Beer, Johnny Bravo, Sir Yummy ("the youngest oldest looking"), Mundo, Pree Dem and Strength. The crew will be on tour in England in April, and just recently returned from Antigua and Barbados.

"We name Ravers Clavers because we rave seven days a week, we enjoy weself everyday, and I wanted to find something that rhyme with rave, so mi say 'ravers clavers' and set it," the 25 year-old Nannyville resident explained.

Ding Dong also explained the origins behind the 'Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up' dance, which is the current favourite among dancehall goers.

"The bad man forward is fi the bad man dem who no waan Jiggy, dem waan something inna dem own routine, so it must be a stepping dance, and if dem love it, everybody love it, and it work, cause ah de first me eva see so much bad man ah dance and ah enjoy demself," Ding Dong said, laughing.

"Dem nah pree man like dem used, dem a wait fi the song play so dem can dance too, ah de so the ting de right now."

Decked out in a colourful shirt, and rose-gold jewellery, Ding Dong, a thin 6'1, is a joy to be around. During the YardFlex photo shoot and interview, he cracked jokes, and made fun of his fellow dancers. Here are some of his comments during the shoot.

"Hey, oonu fi always smile when you a tek picture, ah the hottest picture when yu smile." Laughter greeted this remark.

"Yea, yu fi work pon one pose and master it."

More laughter.

"Hey, pictureman, tek one wid me phone 'cause mi phone hot," he told Warlington.

After seeing the photographs on the screen, he declared: "Mad, mi like da one de, mi shirt hot, mi shirt flop yu, Chicken and Beer, mi shirt flop yu."

He took a break during the interview to share a joke with his 'Ravers Clavers' clique about an incident at a street dance a few nights before.

"Mi de ah de dance, and Elephant Man see a old van park up at mi foot. Him say (lisping), 'wha kinda van that Ding Dong and yu thay yu hot?’. (Speaking normally now) Mi jus look pon him and say, 'wha kinda go inna mi song dat, Ele, and yu hot? And mi just lef him'," he said. He was referring to the 'Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up' phrase in one of Elephant Man's current songs that mimics Ding Dong's number one hit.

"We ah do we ting this year, Ravers Clavers fi life," he said.

You can see Ding Dong strut his stuff at Gabba Sundays between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. at Nannyville featuring Caution, the CD sound with DJ Whiteman.

Carlington Wilmot Photo

She is determined, confident and ready to launch big time on the entertainment scene. Danielle knows it's a tough business to break into, but she is confident that her charisma, personality and talent will cut a niche for herself in the dancehall arena.

Currently, "I am focusing on marketing myself right now". She has recently completed a single titled 'Sexual Healing' with Gramps from Morgan's Heritage. The single was released last week and she is expecting big things from it. The song is a remake of Marvin Gaye's hit "with my own interpretation on it," the DJ pointed out.

It is not hard to predict that Danielle will go places as her winsome personality, her childlike grin and her aptitude for music is evident when you talk with her.

Born in Kingston, Danielle enjoys swimming, listening to dancehall, hip hop, R&B, and writing music. She is somewhat free spirited and believes in being happy no matter what her circumstances are. She admits, however, that when the decisions are important, she plans ahead accordingly.

She delights in all types of cuisine, but especially loves Oyster and other seafood. Her taste in fashion goes all the way to Europe, as she adores Italian designers and French perfume.

Her relationship with music dates back a long time. While in high school she hungrily gobbled up dancehall music, listening to the racy rants of Lady Saw, and the boastful lyrical bites of Beenie Man, among other leading artistes. At the same time, however, she kept the sounds of hip hop, and R&B close to her heart. Rapper Lil Kim, Jay-Z, Foxy Brown and Usher are among the names she posted on her listening roster, even up to this day.

She constantly wrote tracks over the years, and even while in the USA studying, she never stopped listening to dancehall music. Ultimately, she could not ignore the call of dancehall for long, and decided to return to Jamaica.

Tami Chynn is sultry and street smart, keeping it real for her roots and for her fans. Addressing all thoughts, feelings, experiences, and dreams of young women and men within her demographic and beyond, Tami Chynn successfully expresses her own life in her music while providing fans with music that will transcend the test of time.

Born and raised in Kingston Jamaica in a musically charged family...her parents were in an all Female "Frontline" Band called The Carnations. Tami's mother was one of the First Female Trumpeters Jamaica had ever seen. In fact, the house that Tami grew up in was once used to house her parents band rehearsals. Even more intriguing, this house now facilitates Tami's own band rehearsals and also the studio where her entire debut album was recorded.

Tami's unique multicultural background includes a mixture of Caucasian, Chinese, Cherokee and African-American races. The result is a cultured individual aware of the power of music and the idea that music is indeed universal.

Throughout Tami's career she has had collaborative efforts with international Reggae superstars Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Lady Saw. In addition, she has vibed with underground artists such as Assassin, and Wayne Marshall. Prior to her Musical career, she toured with Shaggy as a backup dancer on his successful Caught Red Handed Tour: "Hot Shot's" Diamond selling album. She performed two years in a row, on the biggest reggae show in the world: Reggae Sumfest 2004 and 2005.

Obviously not a lightweight in the Reggae-Dancehall world, Tami has proven her-self to be an asset to the music industry. Since her sultry rise to recognition - by a public still in awe of her incredible voice, entrancing lyrics and rhythm wrapped within the smooth rhapsody of a true artist.

Tami has managed to not only pursue, but also conquer her love of music. Her debut album was recorded entirely in Kingston, Jamaica. Her style and drive to succeed have fostered the development of a sound that breaks the mold of typical music heard on radio. It's a blend that inspires both movement of body and the settling of the soul.

By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

They call him the 'Sherff' of Spanish Town but deejay Hitlist a.k.a Sherff is no lawman. He is a self-described 'thug' deejay determined to bring the hard-to-digest truths of inner city life to the ears of vulnerable, at-risk youth.

Recently, a combination of Hitlist's live high energy performances and the chart hit 'Please Stop the Killing' currently rocketing up all major local charts, has propelled him into the limelight as the Next Big Thing in the dancehall game - a title that he does not accept easily.

"I am just here to tell the yutes that blood for blood is not the answer. We live inna it, grow inna it, we see man drop out inna it, and my words come from the heart, people need fi recognize what is really going on, it wicked inna the garrison," he told YardFlex.Com.

He knows what he is talking about. The deejay's personal life was touched by the bloody gang violence that often defines life in the volatile areas of Spanish Town when his eldest brother was killed by a rival gang years ago.

"Mi just hold it still, and know that violence is not the answer. We mature early, see that we parents had nothing, and mi choose music, ah nuff temptation mi face the 17 years mi inna it, but the other way was just death," he said.

Born Marlon Lawrence on January 29, 1979, he attended St. Catherine Primary and Spanish Town High while growing up in the rough-and-tumble depressed community of Rivoli.

Asked about his unusual stage monicker, he responded:

"Sherff is the poor people's representer, there is no 'I' in it so it is not sheriff, no I so sheriff could never be I. It is Sherff."

What about Hitlist, does that connote violence or hit-making musical ability?

"My name really has nothing to do with violence. Colin Fatta game me the name because he wanted me to make hit tunes...nothing violent. In fact, a man can have the simplest name, and kill yu same way, a man can name Pretty Boy, and gi yu six inna yu head, a name doesn't determine the nature of the man."

He recorded his first single, 'Joe Grind' in 1994 for English-based producers but the song was never released locally, and through these overseas links, voiced with producers like Colin Fatta, Maxi, Flux and Hubert Grant. He even found himself in the company of UB 40 for whom he voiced a few singles in 1996.

"Yes, I did some work for UB 40 on songs they were producing for their label but I never did any work with them on their albums, but it was a good experience for me at that time," he said.

The first single of those recording sessions, 'Run the Place' was released in Jamaica in 1997-98. After its release, he did a number of overseas shows, and continued to refine his sound, while voicing for a small army of producers.

However, it was not until 2005 that he recorded the single, 'Please Stop the Killing', that his career began to move in a positive direction.

A protege of deejay Bounty Killer, Hitlist impressed the elder statesman of the business with his savvy lyrics, and his copycat sound.

"Bounty Killa gimme a strength, me ah Alliance, more time me and Killa par. He accepts me as a son and me accept him as a musical father, me sound like him, even talk like him, and him see it as a natural ting...yu caan trick the Killa, him will see right through yu," he revealed.

"Bounty was the one who told me that 'Please Stop the Killing' was my hit song long before anyone else, from last year March in fact, and that was the time he started to call me up on stage shows," he said.

'Please Stop the Killing' was originally released on the Gogan Music label, and is now available on the Fouta Record label. The song was licensed from the original producer, who recently handed over the rights to the song to producer Carlton Lewis.

Hitlist has not forgot the place of his birth, and references to Spanish Town and the recurring gang violence permeates his conscious songs.

"Spanish Town is always a controversial place, remember that the Arawaks and Caribs used to war in this area, and dem hang the first man inna Jamaica inna Spanish Town, ah pure rubbish gwaan when the Spaniards used to run the cut...the place haunted, but ah fi we place. We coulda do tings, but we hold it out, we know that gun violence is not the right road for a future, blood caan solve the problem...vengeance always come back, ah coulda 10 years from now," he reasoned.

"Me believe that the town can come back, we just need fi put politics aside and build it, we can do it," he added firmly.

Hitlist has a wide repertoire of material. He has a number of songs such as 'War She Waan', which is chock full of saucy bedroom boasts, as well as conscious songs like 'Nah Give Up' for the Mainframe label, 'Unite' on the Kingswell labe, 'Cherish the Love' with Christopher, the self-produced 'Drive and Survive' and 'One Day' for Famzhouse Records, for which he recently shot a video.

"We taking it to a new level, we ah go de pon the whole ah the big show for the Summer. I am an all-purpose deejay, mi can do song for the vipers, for the girls, conscious tunes, anything fi kick down Babylon," he said.

Although Hitlist is not a Rastafarian, he has allowed his hair to grow in dreadlocks and has become a vegetarian in recent months.

"It is just a lifestyle thing. I am not saying rastafari or anything. Religion an illusion, it merely separates people, the Muslim from the Christians from the Hindu, I live straight, I believe in the man who build you and me, the Almighty, not the religion ting, ah de so mi ting de right now," he said.

Finally! A deejay who is not afraid to tell it like it is.

Check the Hitlist at a stage show near to you, you won't be disappointed.

There are a million stories in the ghetto. And yet there's only one "Ghetto Story." And like the song says, it's a survival story.

In Jamaica's ultra-competitive music scene, stars are born every day and fade away just as fast. But ever since the mid 1990s, Baby Cham has represented the best of cutting-edge dancehall reggae. His every release seems to bring forth new sounds, new slang, and up-to-the minute ghetto news reports guaranteed to "bust the dance." Spelled with a C (like champagne), Cham should not be confused with any Flipmode Squad affiliate, although he has been known to bust a rhyme from time to time.

With his athletic good looks, his booming baritone voice, and a catalog of hits that won't quit, Cham has managed to stay ahead of the times for longer than any other DJ in the game. And with the release of his long-awaited album Ghetto Story, Cham's poised to take dancehall to another level all over again.

Born and raised in Kingston Jamaica, young Damian Beckett survived his share of rough times along the way from Sherlock Crescent to Waterhouse. His love of music outweighed his talent for football and from his teenage years he devoted himself to developing his microphone skills.

Working closely with the Mad People Gang, a.k.a. Madhouse Productions, Cham blazed a trail of hardcore classics like "Many Many," "Boom Tune," and "Man & Man," which were collected on his impeccable 2000 debut album Wow: The Story. "That album opened a whole heap of doors," Cham reflects. "But at the same time a lot of doors were closed on me. We had the biggest song in dancehall but at the time some industry heads were claiming that 'dancehall can't do this' and 'dancehall can't do that.'"

Any such doubts were laid to rest in 2003 by Cham's crossover hit "Vitamin S," a boisterous bedroom boast bouncing to the beat of Madhouse's irresistible "Fiesta" riddim. The tune jumped from Jamaican sound systems to worldwide radio and club play, mesmerizing the hip-hop massive and proving beyond question that the raw uncut sounds of Kingston's dancehalls could rock the world. Cham soon signed a deal with Atlantic Records, home to Jamaican hitmaker Sean Paul and Yankee rap stars like Lil' Kim and Fat Joe. But his story was just beginning.

Rather than rushing to cash in with a quick & dirty CD, Cham and Madhouse mastermind Dave "The Stranger" Kelly took their time to make sure that the new album would be up to standard. The creative force behind records like "Bogle" by Buju Banton, "Action" by Terror Fabulous & Nadine Sutherland, and "Dude" by Beenie Man & Ms. Thing, Kelly overstands how to conjur up studio magic with Cham; the duo enjoys the sort of rare creative chemistry enjoyed by the likes of Dre and Snoop, but in a dancehall context. "Me and him click," says Cham. "We'll be writing, and he'll want a word, and by the time he's supposed to say it, I'm sayin' it."

By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

This handsome, cocky 27 year-old has been raising eyebrows in Portmore, St. Catherine with his carefully crafted rhymes and his offbeat signature slang, 'Tis like Murder'.

"The things I put in my songs are different from the norm...I think out of the box, I go out of my way to flip things, be bold, so that I can really click with an audience and make a mark," the goatee-wearing Vich said.

Chella Vich's songs are cooler than frozen kool-aid with sing-along hooks, and catchy wordplay. He is one of those few artistes with a singular ability to marry hard-core and radio friendly cuts.

Ever since coming to Portmore, St. Catherine six years ago, Chella Vich has been steadily making a name for himself, and he caught the interest of young producers, Orville 'Bush' Blake and Andrew Johnson, who comprise his new management team.

"They've encouraged me to step forward and do my thing. I have always been self-employed but this is what I really want to do, and my gang, the Melt Dem Gang and man like Barnes, dem see things in me I don't see, and they've always encouraged me to just do it...get in the business," he said.

He recorded his first single, 'Little Gal' in 1998, but took a break to support himself as a tailor designing outrageous outfits for small celebrities like Hottie Hottie Cherry.

But now, he is back in the Game with a pair of new choice cuts, 'Model Pon a Gal' - already a favourite at Portmore stage shows --, and the socially conscious 'Anno Every Yute Come Outta The Ghetto ah Cruff' on the Fathead label.

He has worked at stage shows in Portmore, Kingston, and recently performed at the popular Sunday Beach Jam at Tropical Vibes in Ocho Rios. He got his unusual name in the excitement following a World Cup Game in 2002 after a game involving the Dutch side.

"The Holland team had a lot of vichs on it, and after the game, me and my friends went to play football, and we just start name everybody this-vich, or that-vich, and they called me Chella Vich and the name just stick," he said.

He even rhymes when he talks.

This 6'2 self-described sportsman plans to shoot a video for 'Model Pon a Gal' in the near future, and hopefully, international stardom. Whatever happens, he is already a star for his legion of fans in Portmore.

"Big up the Melt Dem crew from Wellside Lane, Backland, Middle East and 3 North," he said.

Tis Like Murder, yea!

For Bookings:
(876) 456-4542 or 385-1748

It is hard to go to any local stage show and not be graced with the unique sound, Hayee which alerts you that 'you've got mail;' Voice Mail. The dancehall trio has been making waves in the Jamaican music industry for quite sometime. However, it was when they flipped it a little and piggybacked on the vibrant dancing culture that leading Dancehall artist, Elephant Man revived, that they made a lasting impression in the music mind of the populace.

The group comprises of three very talented and hardworking young gentlemen and their dynamic personalities add to the synergy of the group. Kevin, a former model is very low profile and comments that "I'm just a happy go lucky person... always ready for anything."

Craig on the other hand, is a perfectionist when it comes to recording and is considered as the most miserable. Nevertheless he is also the most fun loving and comical. O'Neil, who is very business oriented, is considered the "unspoken boss."

Voicemail has seen many hits songs. These include: Weddy Time, the successful collaboration with Gerald 'Bogle' Levy, Get on Up, Do What you Feel Like and the chart stopper tribute to Bogle Wacky Dip. The Reggae/ Dancehall 2005 Year in Review also deemed Voicemail, Group of the Year. O'Neil commented on the group's success and expressed the group's desire to remain consistent.

Their debut album Hayee was released in Japan on Sunday, January 1 and was released every where else in the first week of February. The album has 17 tracks with seven new songs. They worked with producers such as Danny Champagne, Tony Kelly, Christopher Birch, Nigel Staff, The Ballaz, Michael Fletcher, Robert Livingston, Don Corleone, and Alric and Boyd.

So whether it is a Community link up stage show, an internationally acclaimed event like Reggae Sumfest or just chilling at the popular night club, the Quad, listen out for the sound 'hayee' because Voicemail will be there.

Radam is a nightmare for potential managers and potential A & R representatives alike. He is fiery, cocksure, brash and has a quiet intensity that makes you want to take a step back.

But Radam has been raising eyebrows in dancehall circles for his catchy street anthem, 'Dam Dam', which is set to propel him into the Dancehall Game in a big way. But it has been a hard road to get to the point where he is now, all grown up and on the verge of stardom.

As a toddler, Radam's parents left him in the care of his grandmother who found that she couldn't manage to properly discipline the hell-raising teen who gave no end of trouble while attending Hope Bay All Age school in St. Mary.

"She couldn't control me, I had no father figure and I usually give her pure problem to the point where I ended up in reformatory school. I don't regret it though, if it wasn't for that, mi woulda dead already, Sister Mary Ignatius reach me as a mother, she was the boss," the man born Lincoln Dwight Hamilton said, smiling.

After leaving Alpha Boys Home, he landed a job at a coffee plantation for two years, and it was during this time, he was turned onto dancehall music by one of his friends, Daniel, the son of radio personality and former Member of Parliament Ronnie Thwaites, who used to sneak out to go deejay at the Guava Ridge club, not far from the Thwaites home.

"He was the one who made me start deejaying. In fact, it was his sister, Anne, who took me to my first stage show at Cinema II because she was a big Pinchers fan," he said.

After leaving the coffee plantation, he worked at various companies because he believed he was too feisty to join the long queue of other artistes begging for a chance to record.

"I don't like the begging ting, so mi just work straight, I never thought you could mix the two because if you deejay on the job, your employers might fire you because your mind's not there," he said.

However, before he could pursue his recording dreams, he migrated to England in 2001.

But the siren call of the music haunted him still.

"My friends kept telling me to be a deejay. Blacka Dread who owns one of the biggest record stores on Cold Harbour Lane, pressured me to return to Jamaica to do music the way he believed in me," he said.

So he obliged. In 2003, he returned to Jamaica to focus all his creative energies on his music.

"I believe that once you have talent, honesty and manners, then you deserve to get the break. Some producers want to use you, have you wash dem car, and mi no join dem ting de, king," he said. "When I meet a producer, I tell him to punch me like ajuke box, tell me what you want to hear and I can deliver. I know I can do this."

Confidence is not a commodity in short supply when it comes to Radam.

"When mi go to Buju studio, or Annx on Dunrobin, the man dem hail mi like Hitler. Radam-dam-dam," he said. "People flock me like mi buss at Payne Avenue, anywhere I go, people rate me, so much people caan tell lie. Mi no normal."

He has not pierced his ears, and sports a single gold tooth. Up close, he is a cauldron of smoldering intensity. You can see it in his eyes, and the way the creases in his forehead form like small hills, and tendons in his neck stand out like a nest of snakes whenever he deejays a song. He puts his entire being into his delivery, and you can't help but watch him do his thing. He has recently hooked up with music producer Courtney Laing of Hemp Higher Records, and his latest single, 'Dam Dam', is already a favourite at stage shows across the island. He recently shot a video for the single, a move that has upped his profile, and introduced him to a legion of new fans. Other follow-up singles include 'Dog', 'Shaggin' and 'Glass'. Radam is capable of cutting social commentary as well as evidenced by lines like: have people inna bondage/in a two slice of bread like egg sandwich.

"I have to make it, too much people believe in me, I was born to do this," he said.

We believe you. Radam. Just shine and do the damn thing.

Deejay Alozade is hot on the music scene again, ripping up the place with some hard-hitting music, chief among them 'Bad Out Deh', done on the Baddest Ting rhythm.

Alozade recorded 'Bad Out Deh' with long time friends Chico and Kiprich with whom he had previously joined forces to create the monster hit song 'Nuh Pet Gal'.

'Bad Out Deh' is presently creating a stir throughout the world. It is a 'must play' at local and overseas dancehall events and has elevated the artiste once again into the 'big times'. "I feel real good about the success of the song. It has done a lot for me where my career is concerned," he said. "My fans love it and I feel good about that."

A music video for the song was released recently. It was directed by local music video mogul Asha and is presently getting heavy rotation on local TV and cable stations.

Alozade has always been a hit with the teens, as he explained, "I guess this appeal is a natural one because they have been seeing a lot of overseas artistes and just tell themselves that this is what they are looking for. When an artiste can command a high level of respect from teenagers, that is a plus to his or her career. An artiste has to keep reaching out for the larger market. The teens contribute to a large share of the market."

Alozade kept the 'hit train' rolling with a song titled 'Jamaica', done on the Kings Of Kings label where he expresses his love for his country, and 'More Woman' on the CJ label.

His repertoire of hit songs over the years has kept him in high demand at major events both locally and overseas. He has made his mark performing at several stage shows right across Jamaica including top events such as Sumfest, Sting and Champions In Action.

Alozade has also performed extensively in North America, the Caribbean and Europe, which he toured in

2004 performing in countries such as Italy, France, Hungary, Belgium, Norway and Switzerland

Following the success of the song 'Bad Out Deh', Alozade has been very busy performing on stage. He created a big stir performing at events such as Asylum Anniversary, Stone Love Anniversary, Camp Fire, Western Jamboree, Fire Links Anniversary and more recently Garrison Party held at Asylum Night Club.

New releases such as 'Feminine Gender' on Don Corleon's Sweat rhythm and 'I Feel The Pain' on the popular Gangsta Rock rhythm are also doing very well for the artiste. "For the year 2006 and beyond, I will be hitting my fans with some more 'wicked' tunes so just keep listening," Alozade said.

By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

R&B singer Jimmy Cozier will soon complete his reggae album for Harmony House Records in Jamaica. The album, which has not yet been titled, could be released this Summer.

"I am just doing the last couple of tracks now, it's going to be 14 tracks of classic reggae," he said.

Jimmy Cozier's mother, Dawn, is Jamaican-born, while his dad is an accomplished jazz musician so he grew up in a home where diverse music cultures converged and he was exposed to a pantheon of jazz greats, as well as music from reggae icons such as Bob Marley and Beres Hammond. So it was almost inevitable that he would explore the Jamaican side of his heritage.

"I come here a lot, just for the peace of mind, and to work out on my album with Beres," he said.

Cozier's mother hails from Port Royal, just outside the capital city of Kingston. During the interview at the offices of entertainment promotions company, Solid Agency in Kingston, Cozier sometimes put on a pretty good Jamaican accent, and seemed to be quite knowledgeable about the lingua of the island.

One of the first singles on the reggae album will be 'Slow Down' which is an ambitious horn-happy reggae track centred around finding love.

In the meantime, he is also working on his R & B album, and he let YardFlex hear a single called 'You Got Them Goods', a juicy cut that will have the ladies swooning in the North American clubs. He has also been working with producers such as Swizz Beats, Sha Money and Salaam Remy.

"I am also doing some work with this hot new kid called Neo, who is signed to Jay Z, and he wrote two songs for my album," he said.
Jimmy is also challenging himself by donning a producer hat as head of Cozier Entertainment which signed singer Sheree Dennis recently. According to Cozier, her upcoming single, 'I Love You' features Jimmy Jones and a verse from the late Biggie Smalls".

The video for this single will be shot on March 14th and will premiere on BET 106 and Park soon afterwards.

"At this stage, the pull of being an artiste is still strong, I like doing the reggae and R & B projects, with reggae, you can say things, you have more artistic freedom than what you would have with R & B because those things would not be commercially successful. Reggae gives you more range to express yourself," he said.

Asked if he is trying to create a unique Reggae-R& B hybrid, he laughed and said: "The gap will be bridged, maybe not by Jimmy Cozier, but if I can play a role in helping to define the R& B and reggae sound, by bringing light to authentic reggae, that's what I am gonna do."

Cozier's voice was first heard on Junior M.A.F.I.A's 'Backstabber' and he has toured with Boyz II Men as well as Gladys Knight.
Cozier first vaulted into the spotlight with the single, 'She's All I Got' featuring Fabulous. He was first discovered when his managers at NY based Upgrade Entertainment slipped a tape of Jimmy Cozier's work to Wyclef Jean. Wyclef saw the talent in the Flatbush, Brooklyn-born Cozier and arranged a meeting with Clive Davis, a legend in the music music business, who was also in the midst of starting a new label - J Records. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Ambition never ends with the first hit song. The pursuit of excellence is the driving force behind reggae artiste Bescenta, who is a rare combination of intensity, quiet confidence and humility.

Born Bryden Bescenta Craig Wilkins on April 12, 1975, he grew up in the Salisbury Plain area, close to Stony Hill in St. Andrew. He attended Almond Hill All Age, then Oberlin High, before graduating from St. Andrew Technical High School (S.T.A.T.H.S) in Kingston. Immediately after high school, he learned the electrician trade, and to support himself, even did odd jobs like painting houses.

"I can even wire a house, and install lights if it come to the test. I am a pretty good electrician," he said. "However, it has always been about the music, while I was in high school, I was hunting for the truth in music, but when I got out in the real world, I knew I had to make a living, so I didn't watch the type of work I was doing, as long as when weekend come, mi ting put together," he said.

However, eventually, the influence of music began to exert itself in his life, and he began to record his first songs with Peter 'Sweetness' Nembhard on Auntie Boom Records. He joined up with a group called Cornerstone and in 2001, Bescenta met with producer 'Computer' Paul Henton, and they formed a successful partnership, recording 'World Is in Trouble'.

Now, the 'World Is in Trouble' is a song carved in reggae oak: solid. With Bescenta's rich vocals and lyrical stylings, the song became an anthem for residents of the island's tough inner city areas, and its end-of-days theme became a stirring call for action and change to arrest the killings and violence that lead to over 1,600 deaths last year.

The song enjoyed a lot of airplay during the Summer of 2004 during the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Song contest, and eventually finished second overall.

"It was not about winning, the money or the forward, it was the message of love and non-violence that I was trying to convey to the people, and I really wanted them to hear me, so I went with a current, an energy, and it worked," he said.

However, he was not pleased with the pace of his career, and when he was approached by Ray 'X-ray' Stephens from Vertex Records, he parted ways with Computer Paul in late 2000.

"I appreciate what Computer Paul did for me, I entered his establishment with my own current, and then I added that to his current, and we made some great music together. He had to do what he had to do, and I had to do what I had to do, focus on my career," he said.

Bescenta's star has begun to shine brilliantly with his new focused and efficient management structure led by his manager, X-ray and engineer, Ricky Genius.

By: Jigga Mattic
Photos by Carlington Wilmot

Dekka the Dak was born to be a deejay. Although he has spent the better part of the last five years supporting his young family doing a nine-to-five, this year, 2006, he plans to 'break free' from his self-made shackles to pursue his dreams of stardom with a single-minded ambition.

"Yes, I believe this is going to be my year, I caan waste no more time, mi need to just give the music thing a real shot," Dekka said during an interview with YardFlex this week.
Dekka, whose real name is Kerry Walker, hails from Kintyre, St. Andrew where he grew up in a family of seven -- four brothers and two sisters -- all raised by his mother, Sylvia Green. He attended Mona High School where his passion for dancehall music soon became evident to all those who knew him.

"Ah me alone musical inna mi family, so when I was younger, mi just decide fi tek it up serious, and at high school, mi start deejay wid friends like Mega Plow and Snakey Trouble, you know, beat desk ting, crowd draw inna the schoolyard, so from those days, it was just in me," he said.

After high school, Dekka recorded a single at Peter Blake's studio in Mona, which is also the home of Don Corleone's Vendetta Records, but the song was never released. Soon after that, at the request of his mother, migrated to the Cayman Islands in order to seek employment there to support his young family. He landed a job at an establishment called Noah's Ark doing deliveries, however his contract ends later this year.

"Working in Cayman was something I had to do...to take care of my son, but I have been saving up money, and now I plan to return to Jamaica later this year to take the music thing serious. I have a lot of talent, and I feel like I am wasting it by not doing music full time. So when I get back, I am going to buy myself a ride (car) so I can make the rounds to the studios and get my music out there," he said.

By Claude Mills/YardFlex Reporter

'I feel like bombing a church
now that you know that the preacher is lying.'

I wish I had met this great man face to face. However, as a rabid fan of Marley's music, I'm glad I never met him, or got the chance to form prejudices about this artiste who was well ahead of his time. Therefore, the mystique of the man will stay with me forever, despite the millions of words that have been penned and countless tomes painstakingly constructed, in his honour.

Certainly, the man who wrote the incendiary words italicised above was no ordinary singer or performer, but a man who - even under the influence of his favourite plant - was able to mesmerise and bring under his influence thousands through his soul-searing, energy-filled performances.

There is an ineffable something about Marley that I cannot deny, maybe if I could

figure Bob out, if I could box him in and categorise him then his magic, essence and power would wither and die, but I cannot, and therein lies his enduring charm.

Marley was born on Jamaica to a young black mother and an older white father in February 1945. A precocious musician, a teenaged Marley recorded his first song, 'Judge Not' in 1962, but afterwards, formed a vocal trio in 1963 with friends Neville "Bunny" O'Riley Livingston (later Bunny Wailer) and Peter McIntosh (later Peter Tosh). The group members had grown up in Trench Town, a ghetto neighborhood of Kingston, listening to rhythm and blues on American radio stations. They had been influenced by such names as Ray Charles, the Drifters, and Fats Domino.

The group christened themselves the Wailing Wailers (shortened to the Wailers) because they were ghetto sufferers who'd been born "wailing." The trio began to practise Rastafarianism - a sect that revered Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia (a.k.a. Ras Tafari) as a black Messiah. As practicing Rastas, they grew their hair in dreadlocks and smoked ganja (marijuana), believing it to be a sacred herb that brought enlightenment. Rastafarians took their name from Ras Tafari, Haile Selassie's title before he was crowned emperor in 1930, described in legend as a descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba who ruled 2,000 years ago

On February 10, 1966, Bob Marley and Alpharita ("Rita") Constantia Anderson got married. The union produced five children.
The Wailers recorded prolifically for small Jamaican labels throughout the Sixties, during which time ska - Jamaican dance music that drew from African rhythms and New Orleans R&B - was the hot sound. The Wailers had their first hit in 1963 with "Simmer Down," and they went on to record 30 sides in the "rude boy" ska style for Jamaican soundman Coxsone Dodd's Studio One.

As the music evolved from the bouncy ska beat to the more plaintive, sensual rhythms of rock steady, Marley struck up an with Jamaican producer Lee Perry resulted in some of the Wailers' memorable recordings, including "Soul Rebel" and "Duppy Conqueror," and the albums Soul Rebel and Soul Revolution. It was a remarkable time in Jamaican music history with the classic heavyweight lineup featuring Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and brothers Aston and Carlton Barrett.

Though the Wailers were popular in Jamaica, it was not until the group signed with Chris Blackwell's Island Records in the early 1970s that they found an international audience. After Catch a Fire (1972) and Burnin' (1973), Marley raised eyebrows but it was not until May 10, 1975 that he gained commercial success when his Natty Dread became the first album by Marley and the Wailers to make the U.S. charts, reaching #92.

On May 13, 1976, 'Rastaman Vibration,' by Bob Marley and the Wailers -and featuring an American, Don Kinsey, on lead guitar - was released. It became Marley's highest-charting album, reaching #8 in the U.S. and #15 in the U.K.

Marley was on his way to international stardom, but life would throw him a curve ball when there was an unsuccessful assassination attempt back in his homeland of Jamaica. When intruders entered the Marley compound on December 3, 1976, two days before the historic 'Smile Jamaica' peace concert at the National Stadium, little did the players in that early morning drama know that they would set in motion a series of events that would propel Bob Marley into the international spotlight. Though Bob and Rita Marley were grazed by bullets, they electrified a crowd of 80,000 people when both took to the stage with the Wailers on the 5th - a gesture of survival that only heightened Marley's legend.

In fact, he was so influential a cultural icon at that time in Jamaica that Time magazine proclaimed in an editorial that, "He rivals the government as a political force."

Still, the assassination attempt scarred him physically and emotionally. In a SUN newspaper article dated February 10, 1978, Bob Marley was quoted as saying: 'That shooting may be the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to leave Jamaica. I still can't go back because the men who tried to kill me have never been arrested. They might try again.'

After the shooting in '76, Marley went into a 14-month period of exile, and a period of intense creativity during which the albums, 'Exodus' (1977), the brilliant 'Survival'(1979) released at a time of great political turbulence and social unrest in Africa, were unleashed on an unsuspecting world. At the historic 'One Love Peace Concert' on April 21, 1978 on the 12th anniversary of Haile Selassie's visit to Jamaica, his popularity grew. He convinced JLP leader Edward Seaga and late former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley to shake hands. Later, he was summoned to the United Nations in New York and given a UN Peace Medal.

However, the fearsome hoofbeats of doom soon thundered into Marley’s life. In 1977, surgeons removed part of a toe that had been injured in a soccer game, upon which a cancerous growth was found. This led to the discovery of spreading cancer in 1980, after Marley collapsed while jogging in Central Park. The cancer would claim his life less than a year later, but not without a fight.

According to the book 'Chanting Down Babylon', in April 1980 Marley was invited to headline the Independence celebrations in Zimbabwe. He was the only performer on the main stage that night, squadrons of jets screamed overhead and 21 cannons were fired. Thousands of freedom fighters broke down the gates to enter the Harare National Stadium as he sang 'Zimbabwe', from the album 'Survival'.'

On September 21, 1980, Bob Marley performed the final show of his career, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The tour's remaining dates were canceled as Marley sought treatment for his spreading cancers. Marley was buried on the island with full state honors on May 21, 1981.

Here's a list of his international influences: Johnny Nash re-recorded 'Stir It 'in 1971, and it hit the UK charts in '72. Amnesty International used the single 'Get Up, Stand Up' as its anthem, features Peter Tosh on vocals. Another Marley creation, 'I Shot the Sheriff', was recorded by the legendary rock/blues guitarist Eric Clapton and gave Clapton his first number one US single. The

anti-racist 'War', with lyrics taken from a speech by Emperor Haile Selassie made in California on February 28, 1978 became an unofficial anthem of the guerrilla fighters in South Africa.

On October 4, 1980, Stevie Wonder's tribute to Bob Marley, the reggaefied "Master Blaster (Jammin')," entered the singles charts, eventually topping the R&B chart for seven weeks and peaking at #5 on the pop chart.

In a savage twist that Tuff Gong himself would have smiled at, Marley's pacifist reggae anthem, "One Love," was adapted as a theme song by the Jamaican Tourist Board, a remarkable about-face for a society where Rastafarians and their music had once been reviled and suffered physical abuse at the hands of the agents of the Jamaican government,

Marley's 'Zimbabwe' tune was inspirational to the Zimbabwe National Liberation Army (ZANLA) freedom fighters.The electronic drum machine employed on a version of 'No Woman No Cry' qualified that single as a widely regarded rock classic.

The hurricane relief concert in London in 1988 used 'Smile Jamaica' as its theme

song. Bob Marley Day is celebrated in Toronto and in Zimbabwe, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Berkley and Washington D.C.

In Addis Ababa, he is thought of as a modern reincarnation of the ancient Ethiopian church leader, the Holy Yared. Marley struggled in favour of history in defending Emperor Haile Selassie even in the dark days when it was almost considered as a subversive act to utter the name Selassie I. Marxist officers overthrew Selassie's feudal government in 1974 and he died a year later. Under dictator Haile Mariam Mengistu, whose government killed tens of thousands of its critics, it was taboo to speak of the emperor, or of his family, who were exiled until Mengistu was himself toppled in 1991. In a fitting twist of poetic justice, Marley's 60th birthday anniversary was celebrated in Ethiopia, last year.The celebrations move to the west African nation of Ghana which will host this year's Africa Unite Bob Marley celebration show. Plans are in the pipeline to stage the Bob Marley 62nd birthday celebrations in South Africa in 2007.

On a mountainside above Lima, Peru, carved in huge letters, are the words 'Bob Marley is King'. Maori, Tongan and Samoan islanders have formed a band called Herbs to sing Bob's 'songs of freedom'.

In 2001, on Bob Marley Day in Hollywood, the late reggae superstar claimed his own bit of real estate in the land of the rich and famous. He was accorded the 2171st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce during a ceremony of pomp and pageantry of which the reggae king was totally worthy. According to a Gleaner article written by Andrew Clunis published February 8, 2001, "significant of the nature of the man, the massive gathering could have represented the United Nations, as Rastas of all nationalities and general fans from all walks of life transformed 7081 Hollywood Boulevard into a kaleidoscope of red, gold and green".

Such was the awesome force of the man!

Bob Marley is indeed one of the greatest artistes of all music forms of the 20th century. Marley's influence on the worldwide music scene is undeniable, having been inducted in Rolling Stone's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 19, 1994, a first for any artiste from a Third World nation. Bono of U2 was his presenter, and Rita Marley accepted the award on behalf of her late husband.

He was also dubbed Time magazine's artiste of the century, and One Love was dubbed 'Song of the Millennium' . Marley's Legend album, which features some of the most popular Bob Marley & the Wailers standards, is by far the largest selling Jamaican album internationally, selling over 10 million copies in the United States.

Marley combined his own particular spirituality with his intimate knowledge of the deprivation and social injustice which, to some extent, still exist in local ghettos. Marley's lyrics are all at once a call to political action, rebellion, religious mysticism and universal love and brotherhood delivered in hypnotic rhythms that carry an unmistakable signature.

He will not be forgotten. Ever.

The quintessential Jamaican singer/songwriter, Tanya Stephens is equally adept at blazing the latest dancehall riddims as she is at blessing an acoustic guitar-driven ballad with lyrics that are insightful, relevant, comical, and often scathing...life and love observed with the honest eyes of a child, yet processed and returned to her audience with uncommon maturity and melody.

On Rebelution, Tanya Stephens once again displays her wit and musical sensibilities with bouncy songs like Hey Lady, in which she matter-of-factly explains to a woman (and all women) what steps she could have taken to keep Tanya from stealing her man.

Paying respect to the masters, Tanya borrows some rhythmic ideas on songs like Dirty Thoughts, where listeners will instantly recognize Bob Marley's "Mr. Brown" riddim, and To the Limit, which draws on a classic Burning Spear riddim. On the first single These Streets, and airy acoustic guitar track, Tanya pleads with her thug-love to realize that "these streets don't love you like I do." On this, her fourth LP, Tanya is poised to reach even greater international acclaim and finally be recognized by the masses as one of the great talents to emerge from Jamaica. Rebelution features the musings of a songbird who is vulnera! ble enough to feel the pain, but tough enough to live through it.

With a militant swagger, Rebelution is an edgy narrative of a street smart guerilla poet who continues to break the stereotype of what a female Jamaican artist should sound like. Smart and sexy, jagged and cunning, the lyrics flow out of the speakers and attack the unfortunate victims of her sharp tongue. This is not a passive listener's record, nor is it a record for the weak hearted. It screams and bites in the gentlest way possible, with back handed compliments and sometimes less-than-reaffirming opinions.

Armed with a fervent voice and classy demeanor Tanya tells her truth the way she sees it, uncompromising and uncensored. The evolution from the love scorned Gangsta Blues is apparent, but does not stray from the autobiographical, if anything Rebelution is the next chapter in her story. Already a cult hero in her native Jamaica, this album has Tanya Stephens crying from the hills and streets of Kingst! on... Viva La Rebelution!

Source: VP Records

Yo, just let me test the speakers, HYPEEEEEEEEEE!
You may know him for the abovementioned intro ON 'Wear My Sunglasses at Night' or maybe for his provocative disses of dancehall diva, Cecile, or, yet again, for his somber, cerebral ultra-creative radio hit, 'Mirrow', but Benzly Hype remains a bit of conundrum for dancehall fans who are unable to label him or put him in a box.

"Small minds think alike, great minds thinks differently, out the box, if you want to remembered, you have to be great. Every great Jamaican artiste is never recognized in his own country, but when he's recognized overseas, he gets the recognition at home, Marley is the perfect example of that," said the only deejay who can boast that he has an exclamation mark as part of his stage name.

He is also starring in a comedic pilot for local television which is a semi-autobiographical take of a young deejay life, a project being spearheaded by Rick Elgood of Dancehall Queen fame.

"It is a comedy, and about weird, quirky characters I met on the journey coming up, it features Zimbu from Africa, Clumsy Dapps and the Innocent Kru are in it, it is all about the journey...it is a blast, you'll see," he said.

After embarking on a solo career, Benzly has quickly made a name for himself, especially the rave critical reviews which greeted his
'Mirrow' single. Since then, he has recorded a number of other singles such as 'Friday (T.G.I.F)', 'Jasmine Jones' and 'Stroke' on the Black Chiney label for his debut solo album.

"I have been shopping my Mirrow album around to a number of overseas record labels including Shady Records and Jive Records. Jive has more latched onto it, and I am waiting on them to get back to my team that is liaising with them right now," he said.

The super-talented artiste has also dabbled in other areas of entertainment, creating the 'Brown Girl in the Ring' rhythm which already has spawned a juicy combination single of the same name featuring Beenie Man and the deliciously looking Danielle.

"I made the Brown Girl in the Ring track when I was 18 years old. Originally, the track was supposed to appear on my album, but while I was overseas, I got a call from Rory saying that Beenie Man and Danielle had recorded on the track, so I decided at that time to just run with their single, and the song is now #2 on the New York reggae charts," he said.

Of his behind-the-scenes production skills, he said: "I have been producing tracks here and there behind the scenes for years, but people may not have realized that I was the one creating those rhythms. I played the keyboards, the flute and other instruments on Norris Man's 'Persistence(Is To Try)', that big hit many years ago."

He is indeed a man of many talents, even conceptualizing the artistic designs for his own Benzly Hype Collectible Sticker series which he gives away free to his growing teenybopper audience.

Born Hemsley Ainsley Gary Coleman Morris Jr. on September 20, 1976, Benzly Hype! - a member of the popular Innocent Kru has an extraordinary combination of musical talent, brains and hype.

For Booking: (1876) 392-3489
Email: channel2@musician.org

Dancehall Girl power at its best, bundled with youth, great voices
and sexy images all rolled into this exciting new female dancehall
group emerging from the bustling Kingston, Jamaica metropolis.

Introducing Storm (aka Natalie) the writer*, Foxy (aka Joy-ann)
the lead singer*, and the baby of the bunch Miss Chin (aka Heather)
the musician*, all excellent singers with great attitude and tremendous potential.

With ages ranging from 18-22 years this group of sexy females have already been compared to their male counterparts TOK and have been turning heads since their debut performance at Blazee Blazee in Mandeville.

MBC so far have been getting nuff love from radio Jocks in Jamaica,
the UK and the USA with their released debut singles "platinum" and
"make boyz cry" from producer / manager extraordinaire "Computer" Paul Henton.

He also is the mastermind behind the conceptualizing and grooming of this sexsational new group, guaranteed to breathe some exciting new air into the Dancehall.

Their new sizzling hot singles "short a nut'n" and the hard hitting
"wuklis man" released in August 2005 are already creating a buzz
in the streetz, and are directly contributing to requests for live
performances and voicing sessions from other top producers in Jamaica.

As their name implies M.B.C. has been, and will continue "making boyz and big men cry"

As the whole nation gets ready for the first-ever explosive reggae festival in Gambian music biz featuring superstar Buju Banton, What's On caught up with the man behind it. Mike Randoll is a Black British who have worked with a lot of popular world musicians. In this interview he talks more about the Buju festival.

What's On: Tells us what role do you play with regards to the coming of Buju Banton to The Gambia?

Mike: My company is called Level 22. We are behind the coming of Buju on Christmas day in The Gambia and also on the 31st December in Sierra Leone.

Out of all the countries in Africa, you only identified The Gambia and Sierra Leone for Buju to perform. Why The Gambia?

A friend of mine Lamin Manga, we worked together while he was in the UK, invited me to The Gambia two years back. I felt in love with the country and he encouraged me to do something for the country. The people here are friendly and it's a very nice peaceful place. I feel safer here, even more than the Caribbean. This is why I want it happen here than any other place.

You already got a local organising team, under the dynamic leadership of Azziz Willan. Are you impressed with what they are doing?

Yes, definitely! All the things we expected them to do, has been done. The stadium has been booked, the people are responding, the flyers and posters are arriving in the next few weeks. We are waiting on materials from Buju in Jamaica for the radio and TV adverts. All that is left now is to convince the people that he is coming.

How do you intend to convince the people?

Lot of promotions... Get Buju to say "hey Gambia look out am coming on Christmas day." We are getting some audios from him for the adverts.

When we talk about Buju he is seemingly a controversial musician. What sort of impact do you think he is going to create in the life of young Gambians?

Buju controversial? May be because of his homophobic lyrics. I don't think he is. There are lots of reggae musicians who sing negative things, making the kids to be bad, taking guns and all other things. Buju loves Africa, when I spoke to him the last night before coming here, he said he has been hearing about The Gambia. He is so excited about the Christmas festival. Buju sings about peace and love. Being a rasta is not about being a bad man.

Most of the time when music superstars come to The Gambia, young Gambian artistes are invited to perform but this performances always take place in the absence of the star. Do we expect the same during the Buju festival?

The only problem with that is when you have a major artiste, it happens in the West as well, and you also have local artiste on board they can't see. The routine is you do your sound check and go to chill in your room. It's not that they are not interested in seeing the musicians, the routine doesn't allow that. I don't think it's going to be possible but I hope The Gambian artiste will learn from Buju's performance.

How many times was Buju in Africa?

I think it's been a couple of times. He has been at Ivory Coast and may be Nigeria or East Africa. He wants to be in places where the culture is alive and the people are nice. If this goes well, the other artiste like Sizzla, Capleton, Morgan Heritage and others may also be interested. Buju will surely share his experience with them.

What type of a welcome do you think we should give to Buju when he lands at the Airport?

Well, Azziz who is the person doing the work on the grounds has a heavy welcoming package for him. When he comes off the plane, there will be a traditional African welcome. He will be taken round town for the people to see him, so that he can say hello to everybody. They will be treating him like a king. We want him to go back to Jamaica and keep on talking about The Gambia.

What are some of his engagements in The Gambia, apart from the Christmas night performance?

Sixteen of them are coming from Jamaica and they will be here on the 20th December. So they will be able to meet and greet government officials, the sponsors etc. He will also visit historical sites of cultural interest. He will finally leave on the 27th December for Sierra Leone.

Any message for the reggae fans?

What I have to say to the fans is we are dealing with peace and love. That's what the music talk about. Peace, love and unity. Buju's show is not about negativity, it is not about burn down Babylon or having conflicts with the police. We want every body to enjoy and go home talking about it.

Young Andrew Cameron is one of the most competent young deejays working on the International Music scene. He may be young in age, at 28, but he is a veteran artiste, having started mashing up stage shows from the age of ten.

"LITTLE WICKED", as he was now called, because of his size and how good he was lyrically registered the fact that he is a talent to be reckoned with. During those early days, "LITTLE WICKED", went on to record quite a few songs. The first of which is titled, "Chicago Bulls", which was released in 1991 on the Prof record label. He followed up his first release with another single titled, "I Spy", which was also released on the Prof record label.

On the strength of these two singles "LITTLE WICKED" began to garner some recognition as a qualified artiste. So much so, that ace deejay, Ninja Man, having taken note of his talent and decided to take him under his wings which saw him earning the opportunity to perform at Border Clash before a huge audience in 1992, in which Little Wicked was called up on stage by Gun teeth, Gold teeth Ninja Man.

In the early '90s "Border Clash", was a premier calendar event that showcased the best talents in the parishes of Kingston and St. Catherine. Of course, this was the beginning of stardom for "LITTLE WICKED." Immediately after his '92, "Border Clash" performance he was booked by Isiah Laing to appear on, "STING" that same year."

The following year, (1993), "LITTLE WICKED", met veteran producer, Tappa Zoukie Sinclair, who expressed the desire to work with him and assist him in building his career. The first single, "Tappa", released for him is titled, "Done Wid De War." It was released that same year, along with "Nah Get Nuh Ratings." The popularity of, "Nah Get Nuh Ratings", inspired Ronnie Burke, the then C.E.O., of the now defunct, Synergy Productions, to book him for an appearance on "REGGAE SUNSPLASH '93." On that historic occasion he ended up performing in a 'clash' situation with, "ANTHONY B" (who was then also an upcoming artistes). That same year he also performed at REGGAE SUMFEST. His first overseas show was in Grand Cayman in 1994.

LEXUS PROMOTIONS AND RECORDING COMPANY head Mr Carroll Powell heard and saw LITTLE WICKED'S talent and sign him in 1996. He began to travel extensively and after performing at an event in New York, a gentleman came and told him that the late Biggy Small wants to have a word with him, Biggy lamented about his talent and potential. He also stated that he will be having his own record company soon to be called Junior Mafia and wanted him to be one of his first artistes to team up with his production. This same year they performed together at Sting. But it did not materialized because of his death.

Soon after LITTLE WICKED met Dougie Fresh once more whose path was cross during his time with Biggy Small, they did a song together called "NUTTY BUDDY" which did well overseas, so much that he and Dougie Fresh performed at the Apollo in New York. There he met the presenter of the Soul Train Awards who requested their performance on that show. LITTLE WICKED was now sparring with the rich and famous. He was introduced to Tommy Hilfiger and became the first artiste from Jamaica and the Caribbean to model his couture.

In the ever evolving international recording and entertainment firmament trends change rapidly and in the beginning of the new millennium he became a father ease off the scene relaxing and helping to raise his three children. It was during this period he found his true calling in the Rastafarian faith and became a Rasta, which is newly found name form to the now "RASSHADY". Now this son of the sunshine city is back bigger and better and has resign with Lexus Promotions and recording Company. His Latest single is "RUN IT" which is creating waves on the local dancehall circuit. You can expect great things from LITTLE WICKED AKA RASSHADY for the coming years.

For Booking Contact:
Lexxus Promotion
(876) 461-6552 or 309-4689
Office: (876) 754-2718
Email: Lexxuspro@cwjamaica.com

Engineer/Song writer/Artiste Delano McLaughlin more familiarly known to others by his alias 'Ilano' will no doubt be one of Jamaica's main characters behind the scenes of Jamaica’s Dancehall/reggae music.

Ilano has steadily been in the music industry for over five years now, where he started out in the position of assistant engineer for internationally acclaimed producer Dave Kelly.

Within the first six months on the job Ilano shows tremendous amount of skills that impressed Dave Kelly so, he decided to upgrade his position from assistant to Recording Engineer which saw Ilano taking vocals for well known artiste such as Baby Cham, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Foxy Brown, Kimani Marley, you name it.

As Ilano got more mature in the business, he then sailed ship to join forces with Ili Dread at Kings of Kings.

There he became one of the main recording engineers and it was from there he started to develop his skills as a songwriter and managed to pen a couple of hit tunes for entertainers such as Wayne Wonder, Spragga Benz, Chico, Mr. Easy to name a few.

WhenYardFlex.Com asked Ilano which area of the music industry he first fell in love with this is what he had to say. "To tell you the truth, singing was my first love, but then I got curious wanting to know how the music was created, this was when I decided to rest being an artiste. But one thing I can tell you it's best when you master what's behind the music before you decide on becoming a recording artiste," said Ilano who's the nephew of the late veteran DJ Pan Head.

Ilano closed by letting us know what his philosophy of life is: Everything Measures by Time - With That You Will Succeed.

By: YardFlex Reporter Jigga

You'd be hard pressed to find a more humble artiste than singer Gyptian. He has been able to retain his easygoing persona even though he has been bombarded by accolades and hailed by many admirers since his smash hit, 'Serious Times'.

The powerful hit, 'Serious Times', is a song carved in reggae oak - solid. The terrific trifecta of Gyptian's rich, ice-cube clear sound, the mournful drums of noted Nyabinghi drummer, Bongo Herman, and the sweet saxophone of Tony Green have made the song a bona fide hit that has made FM radio in Jamaica sit up and pay attention.

It has graduated to cult status, becoming a ghetto anthem on the lips of the poverty-stricken masses. The song is all at once a call to action, a sad commentary on the country's spiraling murder count, and an earnest advice column to young males on how to survive these most 'serious of times'.

Riddim magazine interviewed the artiste just a few days shy of his 23rd birthday at Mr. Wong's studio, 'Ten Times Strong' in Portmore, St. Catherine recently. Seated on a fire hydrant outside the studio, and dressed in his underpants and a white merino, Gyptian is the impresario of cool.

"Calm as the breeze would describe me, just cool and easy going, it's an Edwards thing, in the genes," he joked, a dying ganga 'spliff' hanging from his lower lip.

Gyptian was born Windel Beneto Edwards on October 25, 1983, and hails from King Weston District near Lawrence Tavern in St. Andrew. He got his first whiff of success last year when he was chosen as the winner of a major talent contest. Now, only a few months later, everybody knows his name. But this humble young man is almost at pains to maintain that his recent heady success has not changed him in any way.

"Nothing no change, people see me as a star, but I always see myself as a leader, growing up, going to high school, I was always a leader long before this, so this is nothing I can't handle," he said.

He attended King Weston All-Age before going on to Glengoffe High school, and had always harboured the ambitions of either becoming a police officer, or a soldier. He had never seriously entertained the idea of a career in the music business, but admits that he used to love singing in churches.

"The church is like the dancehall, God de everywhere, Methodist, Baptist, Ebenezer church so I go there go sing," he said. He grew up in what he calls "a happy household" with both parents, his Christian mother, Pauline, and his Rastafarian father, Basil. "They have always lived lovingly and they never tried to influence us to become Rastafarians or Christians, they allowed us to make up our own minds," he said.

Encouraged by family members, Gyptian began to pursue his music career, and began to hone his craft at several talent shows and small concerts across the island. He came to Kingston and hooked up with renowned musician Earl 'Chinna' Smith, who produced the first 'Serious Times' track as far back as 1999, but it was never released. "I went back to King Weston to regroup, and then I had some relatives in Portmore who told me about this studio there, so I went to that community to live in 2004," he said.

A few months later, after winning the 'Portmore Star Search' contest, the Big Enchilada came (drum roll please), the resurrection, re-make and release of 'Serious Times'.

"This producer, Kenneth 'Spragga' Wilson actually took me off a construction job I was doing for $1,000 a day to voice the tune, and he never paid me for voicing the tune because he used up all his money to book the studio time, and ting, si I never got paid for the song," he said.

But all that is forgotten now given the smashing success of the song.
"The whole vibe with the tune good right now, everyone a reach out to it and to me, so I have to keep my composure about it," he said.
Several artistes have already began to comment on Gyptian's serenity, and composure when on stage. Reggae l0vers who have seen him perform are struck by the mesmerizing quality of his delivery when singing 'Serious Times'. He stands almost stationary, and he begins to chant in that distinctive throaty voice, and audiences stand a little in awe of what appears to be the cool, matter-of-fact musings of a youthful Old Testament prophet who has a little bit of God's inside information.

In that moment, he becomes what Jamaicans like to call a 'warner man', a doomsday Messiah prophesying about approaching destruction. All that's left is that single finger of reproof. Gyptian is a shortened word for 'Egyptian', a name given to him by his friends who were teasing the artiste one day because he had wrapped a towel over his head, and "looked like an Egyptian", and the name stuck. He is still learning about the Rastafarian faith, and has begun to grow his covenant (locks).

"If it grow, it grow. Right now, life is just for living, and am not 100 per cent sure about Rastafarianism being a religion as some people make it out to be, so I am just taking it easy," he said.
Gyptian credits Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Luciano, Beres Hammond and other cultural icons as his influences, but surprisingly, it is Celine Dion.

"I love her delivery, her clarity, her work is powerful, the songs are incredible, each note is sharp and clear, she is so good I can't even pick out my favourite song, I love all of them," he said.
He also has great admiration for Jimmy Cliff, who the singer claims "looks a lot like my father."

"I would love to sit and have a conversation with him one day," he said. He has not been signed to any label, but has been doing some freelance work with a number of different producers, working on follow-up songs such as 'What a Policy' on the Season rhythm, 'You Never Know', 'Mama Don't Cry' and 'Going on Life's Journey'.

"I have done some things that I have put my all into and I feel really proud about it. Music is the only thing that will transpire eternally and the idea of doing conscious music has become a part of me," he said.

Source: Riddim Magazine

One of nine children, Rodney's destiny would be irrevocably shaped by the landscapes of inner-city Kingston, where tribalism and poverty battle for the morals of the hungry and the desperate.

Leaving Trenchtown soon after, Miss Ivy relocates her family to Riverton City, a community founded on the Kingston City dump. Once known as 'Dungle,' the sprawling rubbish heap is a vital resource to many of its inhabitants.

Clothed just by 'tear-up-batty' pants, Rodney would sneak out late at night to hear the music thundering from speaker boxes strung up in the community.

Belonging to the sound system owned by his Father, affectionately known as Breezer.

"I used to just grab the mic and vibe up the place with my arguments and slangs!" remembers Bounty of the beginning. "I never had any lyrics of my own. Once I went to take the microphone at a talent show in Riverton. I intended to DJ, but I just opened my mouth and began to sing Junior Reid's 'Woman Make Your Waistline Roll!' Even though it didn't work out how I planned it, the crowd were hyped by it so I decided to build my own lyrics."

By: Jigga - YardFlex Reporter

Peter Lloyd is an artiste who has had a remarkable odyssey. He has matured and grown up under the bright lights of the media spotlight, so much so he took an enforced sabbatical a few years ago. Now, he's back. He has rediscovered his love for the music, and the world had better watch out.

"My problem was that I was actor, a broadcasting, did a lot of film work, I do edutainment, I give motivational talks. When I came back to Jamaica in 1999, I stopped singing, I was tired of it, and about 2000, I went to stage shows, and decided I can do this again," he told YardFlex.com.

In the early part of his career, he was known as a "girls' artiste". The classy vocalist, a former top north coast cabaret star, is no stranger to making hit songs. In fact, he has been the voice behind classic dancehall hits such as "Dancehall Queen", "Perfect Body", "Oh My Darling", and 'Pose', a sensuous combination with Lady Saw.

Now, he has flipped his game, so to speak, by doing the roots rock anthem, 'Wake Dem Up', and dancehall flavoured 'Gold Digga'"When mi do dem song de, mi a pickney, a teenager, I wanted the hype, the girls, but when you become a man, you put away childish things, so I am doing conscious songs, then I was writing my reality, now I am doing our reality. I have developed as a good songwriters and I have been working with the best producers," he said.

A teetotaller, he has never touched alcohol, never smoke, and likes to read,"If me want to get high, I have my music," he quipped.

What are his future plans?
"We are putting together an album for VP through Dean Fraser's label. We are choosing 16 tracks and we are in the process of putting it out, maybe in February of next year," he said.

"I am working with Sno Cone, Sly and Robbie, Dia Fearon and a lot of the top producer, and doing some co-writes with some of these producers as well."

He is a devout Rastafarian who started growing his covenant 18 months ago. " I just start locks again a year and a half ago, I had a difference of opinion with my elders, they call me a neo-rasta. They have some beliefs not relevant today, just like Jews say Old, and Christians say new, I believe man and woman equal, the brain is fundamentally the same, people need to stop watching so much white TV, not knocking the white race, I love Africa,"

Peter Lloyd's philosophy on life is centred around the all-conquering emotion of love. In his heart, he believes love can conquer all things.

"If a man do you the worst thing possible, and you show love to that man, that makes you the strongest possible human being, we don't need no more hate, that is why I don't see the same as certain rastas who burn fire. Love is the answer," he said.
Amen.

Damian Junior Gong Marley is unique ... as the son of the legendary Bob Marley, the youngest veteran has lived up to and exceed critical expectations even while shedding the "stereotype" of his father to deliver a musical hybrid as conscious as it is infectious.

Welcome to Jamrock and the forthcoming Road to Zion singles may have catapulted Damian into the mainstream (with hit videos, national TV appearances, Billboard chart action and record breaking album debut) but long time fans earned respect and returned admiration when Damian dropped his sophomore Grammy award winning album Half Way Tree along with its hit singles It Was Written, Still Searching and More Justice.

With performances exceeding an hour in length, Damian is known to captivate his audiences with extremely powerful and colourful sets underscored by excellent musicians. Capitalising on the success of Welcome to Jamrock, Damian is expected to tour the Caribbean in January.

From their ground breaking My Crew, My Dogs, to their current hit album, Unknown Language, dancehall's first and only quartet, T.O.K. continue to make their mark in the mainstream. Their current single, Footprints (a stirring tribute to loved ones lost due to senseless violence) is in rotation in major US markets even as the music video climbs BET's 106 and Park. Their explosive performances include a ten year career of club banging tracks – Money 2 Burn, Eagles Cry, Hey Ladies, Solid as A Rock, Shake Your Bam Bam and their most recent hit, Tears.

Performing at a slew of US based radio concerts, "yard based" calendar concerts and embarking on a sold out Japan tour, T.O.K. have precious few booking dates available.

Once again topping the charts with his current hit, I Still Believe, Wayne Wonder has produced several classic hits during the course of his 15 year career including the monster crossover success, No Letting Go.

His powerful live performances dispense a plethora of sing along favourites including Saddest Day, Joy Ride, Movie Star, Forever Young and Enemies along with new clubs hits like Glad You Came, Bounce Along and Friend Like Me from his recent VP/Atlantic album, No Holding Back.

Anything Goes from the Grammy Award winning compilation album, Def Jamaica and Hold Me Now from 50 First Dates movie soundtrack are also crowd favourites.

'It's Yuh Boy' - is the slang of the singing sensation Maurice that he frequently use to intro is songs or when representing on stage. Maurice can be classified as one of fastest rising young artiste on the dancehall circuit - riding high with a tally four hit singles, 'COME BACK HOME', 'PLEASE CALL ME', 'MARY MARY'and 'DANCING TIME' feat. Delly Ranx.

His professional entry in the world of dancehall music started 2 years ago, after his relationship with his girlfriend ended, which inspires him to write the song Come Back Home that explains his feelings towards his princess who have walked out of his life leaving him home alone. The single was also Co produced by Maurice.

He believes that music is a very powerful medium of expressing ones self and to educate. His repertoire includes Gospel, Scoa, Reggae, and Dance Hall etc.

Maurice is very satisfied with the buzz that he is received at this time and intends to use every opportunity he gets to improve the quality of his music, while eyeing the international market.

Maurice has made appearances on both TV and radio. Namely: Hype TV, MUSIC PLUS (channel 14,) TVJ (morning time) CVM TV (The party and Hit list) Hot 102 to name a few.
He was also featured in the Star, X news and Gleaner.

So far he has performed on Teen Fest, St Mary Wi Come From, Bling Dwag Summer Jam, Barbeques, Street Dances, Fashion Shows etc.

It seems like such a long time ago that Marlon Plunkett aka KIPRICH was the Crazy Kid working out with the big one Jack Scorpio, as well as Danny Brownie of the hot Main Street Label to which he had been signed.

It was in fact, just the other day, the late nineties, when he catapulted onto the dancehall scene with his first number one single, LOGO DI BWOY. But KIPRICH has been so prolific since then, that he leaves fans in wonder at his many hits over such a short period of time.

Perhaps the catalyst for his successful beginning was a name change which came about when one of his management representatives Audley "Bredi" Allen decided that it was time to get rid of the Crazy Kid. Armed with his new moniker KIPRICH began to make his mark, turning out hit after hit all written by the young deejay himself.

With lyrics readily flowing from his pen, KIPRICH has become one of the most consistent deejays in the business. This has made him much sought after, by major producers. As one of their number enthusiastically put it "he can be counted on to give producers chart topping singles." Dance hall hits like Loggo Di Bwoy, Imagine This, All Ladies, Cut Him Off, Bad Man No Snitch, Waste Time represent just a few of his strong catalogue.

Not everyone can make the transition from studio to stage with the same degree of success. However, armed with his trademark smile, KIPRICH performs with so much commitment on stage that he has made a name for himself as an exciting live performer.

His latest project, scheduled to be released soon, is his first album. The producers read like a who's who of reggae/dancehall music with heavyweights Snow Cone, John Baker, Rock Wilder, Bobby Digital, Sly & Robbie, King Jammys, Flabba Malcolm and Steely and Clevie all on board. KIPRICH is justifiably hyped up about the project at it represents another level of achievement in his development as an artist.

Always in perpetual motion, KIPRICH had toured extensively through North & South America, the Caribbean and Europe. But he wastes no time dwelling on his past successes. For KIPRICH it's all about charting new territory while keeping it real...and rich!

By: Jigga - YardFlex Reporter

All the guys want her. And all the girls want to be her. Heck, with her stunning good looks, and her great voice, who wouldn't want to be Tami Chynn?

Tami Chynn has become a popular name on the dancehall scene over the past two years and is now honing her skills and consolidating a sizeable fan base, both locally and here in the United States. She was born to an 'artistic family' so it's no surprise that Tami got involved in music, her sister, Tessane, is also a singer. Tami has done songs on a number of tracks on various dancehall tracks, and this year, earned an honourable mention on one of dancehall's biggest hits, Left Side and Esco's 'Tuck in Yu Belly'. Despite her stunning good looks, and upper crust background, she refuses to be 'pigeonholed' and considered an 'uptown' artiste.

"People would consider me an uptowner, but everyone's opinion varies. I am not what I consider uptown to be, can't I just be no-town?" she said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Tami, you are so fine, girl, you can be anything you want to be.

In case you are curious, Tami is part-Chinese, part-Cherokee, part-white, part-black.

"Mi mix up bad," she said, laughing.

She describes her most inspirational moment in the biz so far as "definitely the RE TV high school tour".

"That was one of the best experiences as an artiste and person, just humbling, knowing that people are out there and enjoying my music, as opposed to feeling cocky and big-headed about it...to have all these people rooting for me, have to keep up my standards."

Growing up in St. Andrew, she attended Sts. Peter and Paul, before moving on to Campion, but after only a few years, she moved to England.

"I finished schooling at Trinity public school. It wasn't no private school, it was big change to my whole way of life, a big culture shock, no uniforms, you were on a first name basis with teachers. In fact, I was the only person uptight about handing in assignments, everybody else was just like whatever. The teachers here in Jamaica instil a fear but over there, more relaxed, if you do it, whatever," she said.

Who would you want to work with most? And why?

"I have been very fortunate to work with most of the artistes, I did a song with Sean Paul, for his album, 'All On Me'. I worked with Assassin on, 'All Night' he is such an amazing artiste, he is so brilliant. I’ve had the chance to work with Lady Saw, and Beenie Man, I've worked with Sanje, and I see him coming up, Busy Signal, mi love Busy, he is doing real well, and of course, Wayne Marshall."

She will be shooting a video for the single, 'Tell Mi Seh' in New York soon. The video is directed by Nadia (who is of Jamaican heritage) and Naylor, the directors who shot the Cezar video and who have being a part of the new Smirnoff Ice media campaign.

"It's a ladies anthem showing another side of my creativity," she said.

Earlier this year, she inked a four-album deal with Universal Records.

"The first album is due out in 2006. Luckily, I had been working on it before...it's been a blessing getting signed to a major label... it's just wicked, but I have a lot of work to do, and it's just the first step in my career."

This gorgeous Gemini says she wants to dabble in acting in the future once she establishes herself in the music biz.

"I want to consider myself a businesswoman. I have to learn the business of the music, we have to know, or else, the wool gets pulled over your eyes."

If you want to know more about Tami Chynn you can check out her website at www.tamitunes.com where you can read her diary, sign her guestbook, watch videos, interviews, listen to music, and see her events page.

Since the track Peace In Spanish Town, Jamaica has not stopped hearing the conscious cries of Lutan Fyah.This son of Spanish Town grabbed the spotlight in 2003, and has somewhat gone on a recording rampage to make sure he cements his place in the hallowed halls of Roots Reggae.

Lutan Fyah has been working the Jamaican airwaves - and as he admits - deliberately. Tracks like Rasta Still Deh Bout, Reputation For Love, Badness Nuh Pay and Back To Africa are all in rotation at once. The music videos for Rasta Still Deh Bout and Reputation For Love both enjoyed regular reviews on local cable channels at the same time.

Lutan Fyah says there is a method to his madness. "Right now is just work. Because I don't have no crew or camp I just do the work," he states.

Earlier this year he released the fifteen-track album A Time And Place on the luster Kings Label, and he is working to follow up with another by December. Releasing two albums in a year from the same artist is known in Hip Hop circles as the sign of accomplishment. While rappers Tupac Shakur and DMX can attest to this, in Reggae circles it is not common.

Lutan Fyah however feels he must leave his mark. "I want more people to get to know the real Lutan Fyah. Mi want to be more consistent," he explains. "Mi want people hear me and accept me more because it is energy for me. When I feel this energy from the people a the greatest thing, so mi can't stop work."

Little Hero's luck has finally kicked in with the success of his runaway hit Inna De Ghetto. The song, which is featured on DJ Sunshine's Real Life rhythm, has given Little Hero's career the attention that he craved for.

"The vibe is really good right now. I am hoping that this time around things will be better," he said recently.

Inna de Ghetto that reached number one on the B Mobile Mega Jamz Top 20 Reggae chart rose to number five on the New York Reggae chart a few weeks ago. The song is currently number seven on Richie B's Top 30 Hit List chart.

Little Hero, who was born Paul Gayle in Farm Town, Discovery Bay in St Ann, is no stranger to scoring a chart climber. As a matter of fact, around 10 years ago he was featured on the collaboration God Alone with Merciless and Action Fire.

The single was first recorded as a solo with Little Hero and was produced by Courtney Cole for the Roof International label. It garnered some airplay, but it was the remix featuring Merciless and Action Fire, released on Harvel 'Gadaffi' Heart's Annex label, that took the dancehall scene and the charts by storm.

"The song was a big hit back then," said Little Hero. "I got some shows and it put my name out there. Just the other day, I re-recorded a version for the Inspire rhythm, and so far it's getting a lot of airplay."

Little Hero made his recording debut in 1992 on Courtney Cole's Roof International label with the track Pretty Looks, which featured Delly Melody. Among his latest singles are the 'Prayer Time' and 'No More War' on the Inspire label.

Jovi Rockwell carries herself much like a blues musician of the early 20th century; she is brooding and spiritual with her music. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the child of an art and music connoisseur Jovi has been steeped in "the business" since an early age.

She is a mysterious bon vivant who always has a story to tell and a song to serve as the soundtrack.

The latest talent to emerge from the multi-textured, dancehall soul label Mystic Urchin Music (Farenheit, Transdub Massiv) Jovi offers up an intimate blend of dancehall, pop and soul that she describes as "Rebel, Love, Goddess music." She imbues the already innovative blend of musical genres that is Mystic Urchin with an impressive throaty vocal style that is accented with both depth and emotion.

Merely in her early 20s, Ms. Rockwell is still honing her craft as a singer, songwriter and bass player. Her debut singles prove that she is seeking out various styles and sounds before settling on a few to call her own. Meanwhile, Jovi masterfully ensures that her work doesn't sound like a patchwork quilt, but rather a perfect blend.

By Jigga
YARDFLEX REPORTER

Bratt and Kuko, two Spanish musicians/producers, are big time lovers of reggae music, and have come to Jamaica to hone their reggae skills to return to spread the art form in their native country, Spain.

Bratt and Kuko are devoted to reggae music. When Kuko was 16 years-old, he went to an African bar in Madrid, Spain to see an afro-reggae band play, and after that night, he felt helplessly, hopelessly in love with reggae music. And that affair has lasted 16 years.

But what about Flamengo music?
"Mi no like that! Fire pon dat! That is prehistoric music, bomboclaat!"

Talk about your die-hard reggae lover!
He and his friend Bratt have been to Jamaica seven times in the last decade, in search of that authentic Jamaican reggae feel.

"I am here to feel the vibes, and learn from everyone about reggae music, and feel the energy. If you want authentic Flamengo, you go to Spain, if you want authentic reggae, you have to come to Jamaica," Bratt said.

"Right now, reggae is growing in Spain, it may be bigger in Germany, and other European countries, but my mission right now is to spread reggae to every corner of Spain."
Four years ago, they got their band together called Canaman, and did an album called ‘Fronteras (Borders)’ that sold moderately well in Spain.

"We came to Jamaica to Anchor Recording studio and recorded all the musicians for the song, it was a big project, we had Nando producing plus combinations with Capleton, Marcia Griffiths, and Louis Culture, we really learned a lot," Kuko said.
Now, this time, they have flipped the script a little, and now have played their own instruments on their latest project, the 'Mad Sensi'.

"We have just brought it here now to have it mixed, we are doing combinations with Jr. Kelly, Frisco Kid, Lutan Fyah, Luciano, Mikey General and Bongo Herman The big producer, Fattaman is mixing the riddim to give us that real reggae feel," Kuko said.
Kuko is an accomplished reggae musician, and once shared a stage with Anthony B, Coco Tea and Freddie McGregor in a show in Jamaica a few years ago.

"Our backing band, Canaman is wicked wicked, and we perform all over Spain, and we use the money we earn and put it back into the music, trying to improve our sound, we record a lot of music in Spain," Kuko said.

The first volume of the 'Mad Sensi' project will be released in January 2006.

Booking:
00 34 91 4474581
00 34 67 9816193
Email: raszic@yahoo.com

Most people know Patrick 'Roach' Samuels as being a close, personal friend of deejay Vybz Kartel, and they often see him lurking in the shadows in music videos, backstage at shows, or at the studios.

He grew up in the area of Kingston known as 'South', a rough-and-tumble neighbourhood known for its bloody gun-violence in the southern part of Kingston. He attended Calabar High school before going on to Vauxhall Comprehensive High. After graduating, he got a job at the Jamaica Cement Company in the engineering department, working there for 10 years and earning the nickname, 'Mama Boy'.

"I loved working at the Cement Company, I worked as an assistant to the engineers, I got crazy love there, dem check fi me, and while I was there, mi meet Bounty Killer; Killer was the first man mek me hold $100,000 one time when him give me 4 dub plate fi a sound name Black Culture from Miami inna 1996," he said, smiling.

It was while hanging around Bounty Killer that he first met the young, ultra-talented Kartel.
You know dat is Bounty responsible for Kartel, and dem time de, Kartel used to give him crazy song, and people seh dat me and him resemble, and from dem time de, mi admire him style of deejaying, the way him string him words together. Mi recognize him talent, and mi invest $20,000 in him far in advance fi 4 tune long before him name get out big a Jamaica," he said.

Knowing all the deejays in the business and hanging around them, it was only a matter of time before he made the natural progression to being a producer.
"Mi know all the big name dem, and mi know the business but mi neva mek the step until one day, last year October, mi de de rounda Kartel and mi seh 'blow wow, deejay, you know mi need two dub plate', and him seh 'go Blacks (the producer), tell him dat yu need a riddim, at the speed of 120 and come back wid it'," he said.

However, when 'Roach' returned with a rhythm to Kartel, he said "Kartel fling it outta the CD player outta him car, him said mi need a badda one, ah eediat riddim dat". At this point, he pauses and laughs, and takes a pull from his burning cigarette.
"Bwoy, him no easy y'know," he said.

After that, as fate would have it, he stumbled upon the source of inspiration for his virgin project.
"I was over Kartel another day, and he was writing a song from a producer called Ellis on The Symphony riddim, but the CD contain two riddim, and mi hear a phrase, the siren, inna the riddim that mi like. So mi call Lauren Hill engineer, and tell him, amd mi get the file, go rounda Blacks, him do a magic job, him give me what mi want, and the riddim ready fi the road," he said.

The first songs he produced were 'Call Di Ambulance' by Kartel, and songs by Bling Dawg, Ward 21 and then a bouncy single by Sean Paul.
"I saw Jason (Sean Paul's brother) one day, and mi tell him dat mi have a riddim, mi give it to him, and the next day Sean call me and said that him do the first verse already, and the next day, him do the next verse and that was it. I took the next couple of months and finish the production and it ah run the road fi the last few months," he said.

The 'Siren' rhythm, which samples Quincy Jones' 'Ironside', contains the monster radio hit, 'Emergency', which recently hit #5 on the UK Dancehall charts, and is getting regular rotation on HOT 97 in New York. The distribution of the rhythm is handled by 'In the Streetz' and appears on the Time Travel label.
"Mi have a new riddim ah come out soon, it ah run the place, look out fi it," he said

Errol Stewart, aka DJ Smurf, was born on September 21, 1972. He grew up in Kingston, and was raised by both his mother and grandmother. He would stay between Vineyard Town and Woodford Park occasionally, and sometimes in Cashew Park with his mother. While growing up with his grandmother, he was placed under a lot of restrictions.

His interest for the turntable budded from a tender age. While sitting at his gate, he would carefully observe as Metro Media played on weekends on the corner of every weekend on the same road.
While attending Calabar High School, he would conduct cassette clashes with his classmates. There and then he recognized his true potential and got a few mixing lessons from Ian, a friend of his, who was also a D.J. from Road Star Disco.

Later he decided to make it his career. In 1988, he started deejaying on various sound systems in the corporate area and played for various occasions, such as office parties, wedding receptions, school fetes, soca sessions, 70s and 80s sessions, dancehall sessions, and also provided background music for dinner parties.
His career choice led him to work alongside prominent DJs. He also played at various nightclubs throughout Jamaica, such as Asylum, Club 2000, Margarita Ville in Montego Bay, The Brewery in Montego Bay, and The Jungle in Negril, just to name a few.

Currently employed at HOT 102 FM, he has a few radio experiences. He appeared as a guest DJ during the Karl Marshall show, while at Fame FM. He was also a member of the 80s club at Mega Jamz.
His main interest musically is 90s to current Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Disco and Soca. Nevertheless, he has a fair appreciation for music of the 70s from various genres.

His interests also include reading, net surfing, and cooking. In fact, he has obtained a Senior G.C.E. pass in Home Economics, as well as a Teacher's Diploma in Computer Science at the Secondary Level at Mico Teachers' College

Errol's love and dedication for the music will allow him to achieve all his dreams, and to not only be a prominent DJ, but to also be a "Musical Connoisseur".

Many consider her the sexiest female disc jock in the business, for others she spreads joy, laughter and her vivacious personality and talent ensures that she is constantly in demand. Just as her name suggests DJ Sunshine is lighting up the radio scene these days. Only two and a half years on the air and already she has achieved what many disc jocks dream about. Sunshine has carved a niche for herself in the very competitive world of radio.

Just listen to her slots on Irie FM on Wednesdays from 2:00pm to 6:00 pm, Thursdays 2 pm to 6:00 pm and Fridays 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm that is why her career has catapulted in such a short time.
On Wednesdays be prepared for a little bit of everything while on her Thursday and Friday afternoon slots it's a party vibes with Sunshine knowing just what to serve to her entertainment hungry fans.

And to think Sunshine never saw herself as being a radio disc jock, while she was working at Harry's Bar on Constant Spring Road. It was one of those gigs that DJ face from IRIE FM heard her playing and decided she really was good. He told her he wanted to introduce her to Brian Schmidt. Brian was very impressed with Sunshine and that led him to introduce her to Carl Young owner of the station. The rest as they say is history as she is now comfortable ensconced at the top station.

Born in St. Andrew DJ Sunshine attended St. Andrew High School for Girls. She was all set on being an architect and was firmly encouraged by her mom to pursue that dream. With that in mind she went to study at Miami Dade Community College "to get that piece of paper". Having completed her studies, Sunshine realized that she really didn't want to be an architect. According to her, music was in her bones.

She bought a Gemini CD system and had it entertaining herself while she practice her spins at home. It happened that her friends used to throw a lot of house parties and she ended up being the 'unofficial' selector. It was while selecting for her friends Sunshine realized she had found her true calling - selecting. From then on she started to freelance her talent. Now she is very in demand playing at football matches, sessions and serving as emcee.

What is so special about this disc jock? Well Sunshine will be the first to tell you that it is all about humility and being yourself. She stressed that you must always know that there is room for improvement and stays focused. Relaxation for this busy disc jock is lying down in her hammock with her dog at her side cooling out.

Bookings: Khool International - 4
Thant Crescent, Bridgeport P.O. St Catherine, Jamaica
Telephone #: 876- 998-5083,
Cell. #s: 876-877-5956 & 839-6533
Fax: 876-704-0866
E-mail Address: khool@anngel.com.jm
Other queries email: sunflowerrock@hotmail.com

Even though his stage name is the chaos-inducing 'Turbulence', this 24 year-old artiste is one of the most grounded, humble and focused young artistes you will find in the music business today.

Born Sheldon Campbell January 11, 1980, he attended Swallowfield All Age, and St. Andrew Technical High school before graduating from the latter in 1998.

Turbulence grew up in the poverty-stricken area of St. Andrew which had been charmlessly dubbed 'Hungry Town' by its residents. 'Hungry Town' is actually 6 Mary Crane Lane, Kingston 8, a network of concrete squatter settlements located close to Constant Spring in St. Andrew. However, it was a rough-and-tumble experience for the young man, and he got into mischief at times, but his passionate love for music kept him grounded and led him to the path he needed to follow to fulfil his true potential.

"I grew up with two brothers, one sister and my mother, and it was really hard. Often, we didn’t have enough to eat but there was always a lot of love to go around from my mom because I never knew my father. The place is called 'Hungry Town' and with good reason because a lot of real poor but trying people lived there... sufferation, violence, and real uptown ghetto. But I got through it," he said.

A year after completing his secondary school education, Turbulence hooked up with the Exterminator Record label which already boasted such heavyweight acts such as Luciano and Sizzla. Turbulence's life was about to change forever.

Realising the incredible talent harnessed within the slender frame of this young man, Phillip 'Fattist' Burrell, the head of Exterminator adopted him into the family, and that's where he has remained for the past four years.

During his first year with the camp, Turbulence made an immediate impact with an inspirational gem of a song, 'Think of Peace', and his first ever song, 'On My Way to Zion' which he recorded in 1999, and a critically acclaimed debut album.

On the strength of this album, he became the opening act of dancehall firebrand Sizzla, and after wowing an audience in his first ever performance in Trinidad in front of thousands who had come to see a show headlined by Lauryn Hill, Turbulence never looked back.

"I am really grateful to Exterminator, they are the ones who believed in me and put me on the map. The people there look out for my welfare, it's not just a producer and some artistes, it is a family," he said.

Known for his high-energy, 'riot-inducing' performances, Turbulence has toured the United States extensively, and has been on a number of European and Caribbean tours.

In 2003, he followed up his debut album with sophomore effort, 'Rising', and more success followed. Recently, he released his latest album, 'Join Us', and has a small armada of singles which have been enjoying airplay locally such as 'Run Cow', 'Babylon You Doomed', 'Not Like Them and Those', 'Universal Struggle', 'Gideon Start Again' with Ancient Monarchy a.k.a Frisco Kid, and the popular 'Want a Natty' alongside Billboard chart-rider Sasha. The combination single, 'Want a Natty', has been doing very well, and the video for the song is in heavy rotation on local television and cable stations. A new medley video for the soon-to-released single, 'Name and Number' and the single, 'Baby Let's Go' will be introduced to the public soon as well.

Now, years later, Turbulence has built a house for his mother far from 'Hungry Town' but she refuses to move. He says he understands that she 'feels comfortable being there'.

"I still live close by to the town, but I had to move out to seek my fortunes. The people look to I and I to make it better. Many times, I am the one who sends their children to school, and help in several other ways; they are good people but I need to rise so that in the future, I can help those who need help," he said.

Last year, he wowed a jampacked Sumfest audience with a marquis performance right after the enigmatic Beres Hammond as he was still the opening act for Sizzla.

"After the first five minutes, mi just get mad and do my ting, and everybody was surprised that I could go so hard, I made my impression and this year, I have my own 25 minutes slot...things are looking up," he said.

"Ultimately, I see myself opening up a chain of community centres across Jamaica, each with its own studio so we can more adequately harness the talents of the inner-city youths in Jamaica. We have to get the youths positively engaged in something so that they will choose something other than crime and the gun. We have to give them hope," he said.

Turbulence is offering the same brand of 'hope' in his hometown, 'Hungry Town' where he has formed a group called 'Higher Trod' which consists of artistes like Jumbo Rass, Natty Paul, Black Warrior, Sonny Terrible, Mangaroo, Prince Jared, Mastablade, and I Star, all sons of the same community.

"You have to know yourself, and know your purpose so you can elevate yourself and make a positive impact on the world," he said.

Mr Easy is a man over-flowing with music and melodies that deal with the more harmonious aspects of life and living. He was born in the verdant, undulating hills of the Cockpit Country. The transition at the age of ten, for this country boy, to the cold, gray streets of New York City was not an easy rite of passage.

Mr. Easy, who was named for his laid back and easy demeanor faced an awkward transition to New York being Jamaican born, yet of African heritage, something which always seems to create a dilemma of the soul. However, it wasn't long before he settled into this new lifestyle and by 1982, was helping "Sir Noel" set up his sound system. Easy joined the crew of DJ's and experimented with some of the lyrics that he had been writing since he first went to high school. He soon began performing at places like the Starlight Ballroom and singing songs made popular by Dennis Brown. After an introduction to a record producer, Barry, he hit the studios to record a cover version of the Isley Brother's hit "Caravan Of Love". By the end of the 1980's, Mr. Easy was not only writing original material but he was also composing his own melodies.

Mr. Easy played and studied hard in the Big Apple, thereby gaining a wealth of experiences in a relatively short space of time. He cites Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight as well as Erik B and Rakim among his major musical influences. As a youth his dream was to conquer the crowd at New York City's famous Apollo Theatre as nearly every solo singer that ventured onto that stage was booed off. Mr. Easy was more than successful. Easy recounts how Sidney Mills, the keyboard player from Steel Pulse, helped him to write "Just Be A Lady" and how he sang out for all he was worth. The crowd went wild, they didn't boo they clapped and cheered. Easy received congratulations and encouragement from people like Patti LaBelle and Quincy Jones. The result of this early success was a record deal with Motown Records and the release of Mr. Easy's first album.

Extensive touring of the United States, Japan and the Caribbean followed with fellow Jamaican artists such as; Beres Hammond, Shinehead, Red Fox and Shaggy. It was while he was working on his never to be released second album for Warner Brothers with Mickey Bennett that he met Dave Kelly and a long-term alliance was formed. At that time there seemed to be a need to win over a homeland audience that is like none other in the world. For a Jamaican, you could have conquered the globe, but if you've never had a major hit in the homeland-you just haven't truly made it.

Easy feels that the experiences of performing and recording in New York combined with maintaining a working base in Jamaica has enabled a crystallization of ideas to take place where he can let his creativity shine. Since dedicating himself to years of recording with top producers like Dave Kelly, the melodic quality of Mr. Easy's voice has been in much demand. Songs like; "Mi Haffi Stop" on the Showtime riddim, "Man Ah Say A Who" on the Rae Rae riddim, "Funny Man" on the Joyride riddim, "Freaky Lady" on the Juice Riddim, "Herbs Haffi Bun" on the Intercourse riddim, "After All" on the Thunder riddim, "Haters" on the Orgasm riddim, "Oil Up" on the Triology riddim featuring General Degree all helped to solidify Mr. Easy as one of the top 15 artists to voice.

Mr. Easy's smooth flow allowed him to take a new musical direction with songs like; "Up And Down" featuring Sean Paul on the Two Hard label and "Freaky Kind Of Lady" produced by Richard Browne on the 'Call Me Shams' label. As well as "I'll Always Be There", a lovers rock tune on the Rockaway riddim and "Heavenly" produced by Beres Hammond for the Harmony House Label. For a brief period of time Easy focused on Lovers Rock releases that allowed him to expand as an artist and vocally.

In order to maintain a positive focus from time to time, Mr. Easy gets out of Kingston City by taking a drive out to "Peter Tosh" country in Westmoreland where he cools out by the river. He says that many of his songs are written in settings that are calm and natural, as he likes to get away from the noise and brashness that is often associated with city living. He feels that living in Jamaica has enabled him to tap into a revitalizing energy source that will enable him to make that quantum leap into a positive future. Easy states that, "the songs I write will endure forever, even when I am not here." Every generation needs its classics as they form a legacy for future generations. In addition, often times he sits down with long time musical brethren Red Fox (a phenomenal Dancehall deejay) to add an edge to much of his material as the two have co-written a number of songs including the exciting tune "Sweet Love" on the upbeat Juicy rhythm produced by Mr. Doo, responsible for Jr. Reid's huge hit "Riker's Island".

In 2001 Easy recorded the song "Drive Me Crazy" with one of Jamaica's super producers; Tony "CD" Kelly on the timeless Buy Out rhythm. The song has since been a favorite from this fast pace pulsating rhythm and still receives airplay in clubs, on Caribbean based radio shows and in many mixshows segments on US radio. It was featured on VP Records' Strictly The Best Volume 30 and it was the number #32 most requested song on WESU in 2003. That's not it, this song garnished over 4,000 spins at US mixshow radio without any sort of radio support by a record label. As exceptional as he is, Tony Kelly isn't the only polished producer Easy has favored recording with; Troyton Rami of Black Shadow Records has delivered solid hits such as "Silent Killers" on the Surprise rhythm and "Grudge You" on the Ching Chong rhythm.

Richie D, another talented Dancehall producer has continued to work with Easy resulting in songs like "Party" from the TIAJUANA. He's also done some recordings with the South Rakkas Crew with "Pull Up" from the Red Alert and "It's Your Body" from the garage influenced Bionic rhythm. Always recording with Tony Kelly keeps Easy on the curve of top-notch releases such as "It's Alright" from the Grindin and "It's Crazy" off the new Katana rhythm.

In 2004, Easy was sought to re-record a new version of DRIVE ME CRAZY with Atlantic Record's Soca recording artist; Kevin Lyttle. This new version secured a place within the movie After The Sunset and is also featured in the soundtrack. The resurgence of this song and three other recordings receiving mainstream radio airplay in the US, resulted in Easy's dual nominations at the 24th Annual Reggae & World Music Awards in the categories of: Most Promising Entertainer and Most Improved Entertainer

Mr. Easy's still recording consistently to deliver catchy songs, often relationship or reality oriented that allow people to quickly grasp hold of and sing along. With a wide assortment of new material just dropping the street such as "BREAK HIS HEART" from producer Christopher Birch Military riddim, "Burn" from producer Skatta's Fungus riddim, "Bounce That" from accomplished producer Vada Nobles (responsible for contributions to Lauryn Hill's last album), "Falling" from the new one-drop Seansons Riddim by Don Corleon among other new releases, is prepping he market for a hit album! Mr. Easy, now approaching a stage of maturity, is a gifted musician and performer whose right on target to penetration the crossover market.

MANAGEMENT/BOOKING:
RudeGal Ent.
rudegal@rudegal.com
909-227-7833
876-413-7624

Its amazing that after more than ten years in the music industry, Delly RanX has managed to find himself listed among the top 20 dancehall toasters in Jamaica. His throaty delivery has made him stand out, and his clever lyrics and style continue to move dancehall fans worldwide.

From his debut hit Gal No More Than You in 1993, Ranks has unleashed hit after hit. His first number one single Hotty Hotty Gal spent three weeks at number one in Jamaica in 1993. His subsequent hits have included Wagga Wagga Fat, What a Gal Can Wine (featuring Rik Rok), Headache (featuring Elephant and on which he shares co-production credits), Them Vex Now and Warning (both done with singer Christopher with the former hitting the Top 10 in Italy), Social Girlfriend, Real Black Woman, Give it To Me (with Aisha), Granny Teaching, Three Steps Forward (with Daville) and Pelpa.

His latest hit singles include the number one hit Weddy Time featuring Voise Mail, She Wants it Harder (with Voise Mail), Pon Di Corner with Mega Banton, and the Tony 'CD' Kelly produced Head of the House,in April 2005 he recorded a song called Siren with one of Jamaicas best male vocalist Beres Hammond.

Born Delroy Foster, Delly was educated at the Excelsior High School. He gave up dreams of becoming an airplane pilot to follow his musical aspirations. He has shared the performance stage with many of the top dancehall acts of the day. Major performances include Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica (2001 and 2004), Caribbean Seabreeze Music Festival in California USA; Splash Festival in Germany; Ragga circus in Belgium 2005,Teen Splash 2001; Reggae Soca Music Awards 2001; and gigs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as in the Bahamas and several states across the USA.

Songs from 'Delly RanX' catalogue have figured on numerous compilation albums, and they include 'Regular Girl' (VP Records Riddim Driven to the Sunlight Rhythm)"What a Gal Can Wine" (VP Records' Reggae Gold 2000 disc); "Granny Teaching/Tek Bootsing" (VP/Penthouse Riddim Driven CD "Mr. Brown meets Number One"); and "Three Steps Forward{" (featuring Da'ville, which was featured on the VP/2 Hard compilation album "Riddim Driven: Liquid".

His "Oh Yeah" is also featured on Greensleeves Records' Rhythm Album compilation "Hard Drive". He song "Give it to Me" on the Party Time rhythm was included on the VP Records compilation disc "Riddim Driven: Party Time". His chart topping "Pon Di Corner" with Mega Banton (2002) was included on VP's "Riddim Driven: G String" compilation.

There is no stopping this talented dancehall artiste. As he hits the stage, you know it is time to get the party going!!!!!

For Booking:
1876-908-1526
email: hardrock2103@yahoo.com
Website: www.hardrockent.com

"Silent rivers run deep" is probably a phrase that best describes Shevon Toriano Stewart. At first glance it wouldn't be easy for anyone to even imagine that seemingly quiet, humble and reserved individual could talk flamboyantly, talk "gangasta" and give you a solid reality check!

Well, that's what Hollow point brings to the voice booth, the ability to be versatile and connect with the masses. This talent however, wasn't an over night affair, his journey to the world of entertainment took time and lots of patience.

While in school, he would deejay the lyrics of dancehall legends Super Cat, Tennor Saw and Nicodemus to his classmates. Although he wouldn't deejay original tunes, his schoolmate and friend, singer Bascom X, noticed his distinct, unique sound and encouraged him to write his own lyrics. Taking his friends advices he quickly put pen to paper and penned mostly 'gun tunes', the bullet hollow point was a permanent feature, so it's no longer a mystery the origin of his stage name.

Hollow point eventually graduated from the classroom to the studios of many producers, but during that time he didn't feel a sense of accomplishment. That however changed when his cousin, dancehall artiste Chico introduced him to his friend Alozade, who presented the then 'undeveloped talent' to producer Cordell "Scatta" Burrell.

Impressed by his style and solid, well put together lyrics, Scatta was convinced that he had that 'star quality' and was challenged himself, to see just how far he could carry this rising star, after all, his first recorded single "Unda Mi Sensi" which also featured early mentor Alozade and Mr. Vegas flew straight to the top of the German charts! Well by all indications his path to ultimate success is clear cut, his more recent singles 'Round and Round' and 'Sen On' have received major heavy rotation on major local radio stations and it doesn't hurt to be blessed with good looks because his videos have received the same treatment from local national and cable stations.

It's guaranteed that Hollow Point's lyrics will always be outstanding by virtue of the fact that he listens to just about every genre of music. He tries to be different in terms of his lyrics, there's always substance to his lyrics and writes in a way which you won't have to think about twice about what he has to say.

A complete package, good lyrics, good looks, his signature "speed flow" style topped off with a humble persona, a legend is in the making.

For Booking:
(1876)-846-1325 Or 4425-216

Sheldon Itano Ricardo Lawrence may not ring a bell, but whenever you hear his favorite line of intro on the radio waves or in the dancehall "You know it's Idonia, none a dem nuh badda donia", is sure to have an effect.

In mid spring 2005, Idonia found himself on the verge of breaking into the big leagues, with the help of his hit single "Lolly", that eventually becomes an anthem in the dancehall circuit, used by most selectors as a counteraction to 50th cent song 'Candy Shop'. He also has another joint titled "In A De Ghetto" that rapidly becomes a lover by both children and elderly folks. Both singles have received heavy rotations on top Jamaican radio stations. The same can be said for his videos, which are shown on local cable stations, enabling the public to place a face to the sound.

Idonia's entry into the dancehall industry didn't happen overnight. His journey into the business is quite the tale! His First influence was his father, a staunch supporter of dancehall music. It wasn't unusual to hear tunes from Dennis Brown, Ninja Man and Shabba Ranks blasting through the speakers in the Lawrence's home. While in school, Idonia's friends joined him in deejaying songs from popular artistes of his time such as Bounty Killer, Buju Banton and Beenie Man, much to the delight of his classmates who constantly encouraged him to pursue a career as a deejay. Being the crowd favorite back then at school concerts and community stage shows that he would often sneak away from his home in the nights to attend never in his wildest dreams imagine of sharing the same stage with those who he used to emulates while going to school.

Idonia kept deejaying only as a hobby until 1997, when he left the shores of Jamaica to join his father in New York. The Delivery Helper by day at Federal Express juggled his daily activities with stage performances at night, which were done in exchange for a 'likkle' money or even clothes. An encounter with Glamour Wayne at a New York studio helped Idonia put his career into perspective, and was encouraged to return to Jamaica and make his mark in the reggae/dancehall industry. In 2000, the storyteller returned to Jamaica and began to work with a host of producers, but it was with internationally acclaimed producer Cordell 'Scatta' Burrell, that his career began to take flight.

So, what's so great about Idonia? Well for starters, you won't find this deejay cuddle up in a corner writing his lyrics down on paper. Ink and fibre he believes stifles the free flow of his creativity. A little 'herb' and meditation allows his lyrics to flow freely from the heart and mind (his unique style). His flow pattern has been compared to that of ace deejay Vybz Kartel, but, is differentiated by the inclusion of a little of New York's hip hop flavour.

In the near future, Idonia has set his sights on becoming one of Jamaica's top acts before he conquers the international market to become superstar, surpassing Sean Paul and Shaggy's success. Whether he talks about the ladies or lining the good life, Idonia's music is guaranteed to be original, thought provoking and of course, entertaining!

For Booking:
1876-846-1325 or 1876-442-5216

Iwan's musical journey begins in the 1920s following an audition at Channel One records with the exciting trio 'Midnight Rider'. But in his perspective, he believes that he has just reach chapter one of his musical expedition.

Iwan then got hooked up with Kenneth Hookim who was the first person to come across the unique and impressive sound of Iwan voice. "The very first time he heard me sing, he immediately pulled me in the studio and place me behind the mike, along with his group (Midnight Rider) to record our first collaboration titled 'Ruckumbie'," said Iwan who automatically became the lead singer.

After he joins force with the trio, they manage to combine twenty-five songs together, four of the songs were released in between Jamaica and England: 'Ruckumbine', on the General rhythm, did well in United Kingdom (UK). 'Haul and Pull up' produced by Sly and Robbie on the Taxi rhythm,' Hypocrites' a cover version of Bob Marley's song and 'Crash A Riddim' on the Original Worries in the dance rhythm.

They during that same time span they also did a variety of songs for several independent producers most of which were contracted over to Lloydie Evans of Blue Mountain Records. 'Under Me Reggae', 'Illegal Gun' was played on the Barry G/Rodigan clash that was well received, sold a couple units well but did not make the top ten.

Iwan has embarked on a solo career and is presently working out with CashFlow Records on his up coming Album. So for, they have completed three tracks such as 'Tear Drops', 'Give Thanks' and 'Dancing Girl'. He has also shot several music videos that he hopes will helped to stamp his image in the eyes of the public.

It is funny to know that Iwan is ranked amongst the heavy weight of reggae music in Japan and he's merely known by anyone in his home country. The pulsating hit single 'Who Ah Try Fe Stop Reggae' is a massive hit in Japan, which climbs several different Japanese charts that got stuck in the number one position for more than a few weeks. This song was also produced by Paul Mitchell and the CashFlow Family with Neil, X and Mexican as featured musicians. All Tracks were laid by British-born Paul "Wrong Move" Cross dale with lead vocals and harmony done by Iwan.

For Booking:
1876-391-4411 or 1876-871-2873
email: whoyou_2@hotmail.com

Born and christened Andrew Brown on the 15th September in Annotto Bay in the Parish of St. Mary. The talented Mr. Brown grew to love and appreciate music. As a youngster, Andrew enjoyed a life of ups and down. Growing up, life wasn't really hard, but it was challenging.

His musically journey began as far back as when he attended primary school. Andrew attended Enfield primary and Baileys Ville Secondary Schools. At an early age he began performing at school concerts.

Otherwise called Droopy by his school friends and family, because of that droopy facial expression, Andrew took on the name Droop Dawg after Beenie Man's 90's dancehall hit single "Old Dog."

Although Old Dog refers to a womanizer, Droop Dawg indicates that "Dawg fi me only signify one thing...his man good with the ladies...ladies love me"

Whether this is true because of his charming personality or because of his deep baritone voice... that have people thinking if he is Shaggy...Droop Dawg is genuinely a hit with the ladies.

In the early years he was influenced by the strides Shabby Ranks had made in the business. Droop Dawg wanted to be a part of this talented and persistent little few. He began writing and rehearsing his music-his family and close friends encouraged him..."Dem show me lots of love when me did a grow up inna the music-educating me bout certain things" patterning what he thought at the time was his own style...however...

As said by great philosophers of the past..."Nothing is new under the face of the sun!"
The emergence of Jamaican talent Shaggy on the international stage..sounding exactly like Droop Dawg made him ponder about becoming a deejay, at the time because of the fear of people saying that "a pirate man pirate Shaggy...or a Shaggy me a force fi talk like."

Droop Dawg recalls that for the next couple of years he began to fade, and his interest in the music was at a stand still, whilst Shaggy gain a lot of success. to him it was like his mind was playing tricks with him...he was in competition with Shaggy...who had become a veteran now and Droop Dawg hadn't even started yet...his subconscious was robbing him of his dream...sending subliminal messages to him...without him knowing.

"It was until a couple of mi good brethren dem encourage me...that I started to refocus on being what I want to be."

In 1998 Droop Dawg again began taking his musical career seriously, and his first single entitled 'Whop I'; produce by Myrie Williams on the Top Secret Label was released in the same year. This single got a fair amount of airplay and the praises and accolades Droop Dawg received after this release made him realized that music was all he wanted to do.

Influenced by what he call his sounded-a-like i.e. Shaggy, and dancehall sensation Shabba Ranks, Droop Dawg will stop at nowhere to get his music to the next level. "My music is reality...hardcore music...still...a no just the voice a Shaggy...is Shaggy with substance" stated Droop Dawg, this any honest listener to his music will tell you. Droop Dawg is talented, and is a very devoted and determined artiste.

When not in his pensive mood Droop Dawg is an energetic gentleman, whose lyrics are penetrative to the inner soul of his audience. Droop Dawg will stop at nothing to showcase to Jamaica and the rest of the world his unique style and pattern.

Droop Dawg has a lot of performing experiences in the past. His biggest performance was in 2000 at Spring Swing in Forte Clarence.

A very pivotal point in Droop Dawg life is when he met the phenomenon Mynimoo, LA Lewis, and Mr. Ice (which was later change by Junior P. Thompson a.k.a. Xtra Large to Mr. iiice) "Yeah wi come together an' formed a group...The Reggae Rebbels...a really LA Lewis get wi together with our then Management Lexus Promotion." With Lexus Promotions and The Reggae Rebbels, Droop Dawg thought that he had a combination that would give him the break he desires. At Lexus Promotions Droop Dawg was introduced to Junior P. Thompson a.k.a. Xtra Large and the group was to have him as a co-manager.

Droop Dawg and The Reggae Rebbels group did a number of top shows together...and they were usually well received everywhere they performed...even walking on the streets they began experiencing the effects of being superstars. Their fan base grew rapidly. This Droop Dawg was quick to point out made him even more eager to succeed as an artiste. His unique style along with his other stable mates talent guaranteed them success.

The relationship between Xtra Large and Lexus Promotion was however short lived because of irreconcilable differences.

2005 and beyond with perseverance and determination - Droop Dawg is hinting at making the real impact he should have made earlier in career. His soon to be releases on the Xtra-tainment Inc. Record Labels "Moving on", "Things could be Better" (A combination with Mynimoo", "Just Stop", "Bad Mind", "None a them", "None a them a nuh God", "War", "Possible", "Lord please lengthen my days", "Give girls" shows a more positive approach.

Having switched management team in the past few years, Droop Dawg believes this is the year for him to give the public something they have not heard or witness for a long time. As part of the Reggae Rebbels he is determined to bring the music to a higher level

For Management & Booking Contact:
Mr. Junior P. Thompson a.k.a. Xtra Large and the Xtra-tainment Inc. crew
Xtra-tainment Inc©, (876) 472-4881, (876) 877-1241, (876) 332-2589 or
Email requests to: xtra_tainment@yahoo.com

For Publicist & Booking Contact:
Ms. Sophia McKay
Tel (876) 302-6590
Email requests to: sophimac@hotmail.com

SOJAH! (Delus and Konscience collectively), are the latest addition to the world of Reggae and Dancehall music. When their musical talent combines they are force to reckon.

Their writing skill varies from dancehall to reggae songs of multiple natures. Apart from singing and deejaying they are also budding directors/-editing videos, editing promotional photos. In the near future the duo plans to launch a clothing line, which will be finance either by their musical success or their regular 9to5's!
The duo puts new meaning to the words "self reliant".

Delus(24) and Konscience(20), are brothers in the "struggle"-as they call it, for over 7years now
The two have been longing to enter the music industry (their first love). The name SOJAH! As explained by Delus, stands for 'sons of jah', which is a true definition of anyone who's fighting the struggle of life, with no intention to give up.

Of the two, Delus seems to be the technical brain and Koncience is just obsessed with writing songs. Even though they are blood brothers, a lot of persons who know the duo had always believe that they are good friends. But listening to them in the studio or watching them performing on stage, is one of the easiest way to recognize that they are brothers.

"Right now our main objective is to continue doing good music and to paint our name in the book of dancehall history.

Listed below are a few big acts that they idolize such as the "Big man BERIS", Sizzla Kalonji, Bounty Killa, Spragga Benz, Beenie Man, Warrior King, TOK and Baby Cham.

SOJAH!,has been embraced by the Japanese market tremendously scoring a #1 song in January 05 titled "MEDZ" produced by Cash Flow, the song is currently #9 on a Japanese sales chart. Remarkable achievements even though they are yet to gain much recognition locally.

SOJAH speaks highly of Cash Flow for who they have done multiple projects with, they also have a couple of new songs to be release on VERTEX label, and brewing linkups with a few major producers. Konscience hinted on a big one with upcoming artist Martina entitled "GIRLFRIEND" on the Cash Flow label.
They closed exclaiming 'SALUTE', and named Bescenta and Gyptian as acts to watch.

For Booking:1876-851-7610 or 1876-895-0151

She is the mother of a beautiful four-year-old Destiny, a child produced from a union with lead singer Peter Morgan of the band Morgan Heritage. Although she is a devoted mother, she has no problem that many teenage boys regard her as 'sex symbol'.

"I love when men come up to me and say that I look good because I know that not all mothers keep up in shape, and take care of their bodies ... and I try to do that. I find that a lot of teenage boys, especially boys from Wolmer's High School, come up to me and try to put argument to me, but I just have to laugh ... it is quite flattering really," she said, laughing.

Known for her stunning good looks, catchy sing along hooks and her witty wordplay, Pashon is cementing her place as a bonafide star in the music biz.

Her latest hit, 'Grudgeful', on the Applause rhythm, has been blowing up all over the local airwaves, and her video for the song gets regular rotation on local television stations. But all the attention has not gone to the head of the gorgeous daughter of reggae legend, Sugar Minott. No, she remains, well, just plain old Fire Pashon.

"The attention is good, but it doesn't go to my head. I am just working hard on my career right now," Pashon told Yardflex.com. "I had been out of the game for a while, but I am just coming back like a real fire woman to take it to them."

She is set to go on a tour which she will open for her father for two shows in Canada before jetting to Japan for a series of shows in August. With all the attention she has been getting, Pashon has been approached by a lot of producers, but admits to being very selective in voicing tracks.

"I am not doing a lot of songs on rhythms out there because when the big deal comes, these companies don't like when you scatter your work, and 'skettel' out your voice, so I am just choosing my projects carefully," she said.

MENTORS

Musically, she is a big fan of Sizzla and her dad. Spiritually, Pashon has long admired DJ Sister Carol, a woman she regards as her mentor. "I see her as an elder Rasta woman whom I respect and, surprisingly, I rate Lady Saw as well for her energy and her delivery on stage," Pashon said.

Her other songs include Flames on the Big Yard label and No Guns on the Black Roots label. Pashon has been making big strides in recent months, and returned a few weeks ago from a two-week tour of the United States where she performed at the Nevada Music Festival alongside Shaggy, Toots, Morgan Heritage, and the Fifth Element Crew.

FOR BOOKING CONTACT:
1876-882-7460

In the quiet suburban neighborhood of Cooreville Gardens one would hardly expect to find a growing music empire and three of the most talented and promising young musicians. Cashflow Recording Studio is where you find Paul Mitchel (Jnr.) DJ Neil, his younger brother Ernesto DJ X and a close neighbor Damion Roye Mexican, three of the music industry's youngest and freshest.

At 21, 20 and 17 years respectively it's hard to imagine them leading the charge of dancehall music, but if you've been to the Hilton's Jonkanoo Lounge, Cuddy'z recently, or turned on your radio for that matter - then you would know what it's like to be rocking the night away under the influence of this terrific musical trio.

For those who are close to these guys, their musical endeavors and achievements come as no surprise because both Neil and Ernesto are from a strong musical heritage who had learned how to play several different instrument by the help of the father, Paul 'Father P' Mitchell who was also a well known musician back then. But even though they had an inborn love for music, they never forget the encouraging words that their father would constantly riveted in the heads, "continuous training will always make you become a master of what you do best"

What started out as a hobby, experimenting and creating beats, soon became more. With the backing of their father, the trio opened their own in-home digital computerized recording studio; the studio has been churning out hits since its inception over two years ago. Their first commercial product being Spotlight's "gal dem want" on the Reload rhythm, "Cashflow" went on to take the music industry by storm, editing, mixing and mastering songs for individual artists as well as producing as a record label – Cashflow Records – Their first album project was the Killer Bee'z Rhythm, which featured the likes of Danny English, Galaxy P, Fury, L.A. Lewis among others.

With their name growing as fast as their talents, it wasn't long before the established players in the industry sought to have the DJ-Neil / DJ X/Mexican flavour on their projects. Big name producers (including: Gadaffi – Annex Records, Murray – In Di Streets, Roy Francis – Mixing Lab, Mr. Vegas and Charley-Charley, among others.) have used the players mixing and remixing skills to enhance their projects.

With recent success coming from a number of new dancehall rhythms – "Dutty Guitar" rhythm for Media House Production that big acts such as Vybz Kartel, Macka Diamond, KipRich, KC Jockey, Zumjay Mr. Peppa, Gang Bang etc. and most recently they have completed two new projects titled Tear Drops and Guilty that have been creating a havoc in Japan. The trio are presenlty hard at work inside and out of the studio on a new rhythm called Womba that is bound to change vibes of the dancehall circuit.

Taking the talent and passion to the masses via the speakers of popular clubs and party venues, Neil, X & Mexican have launched a sure-shot Disk Jockeying career – currently playing every Wednesday and Friday afternoon on a local cable TV live to a packed audience as appearances at other popular clubs and parties.

Riding high on the success of their debut mix CD album – Unleashed Vol. 1, the number one CD on the streets of summer 2002, it was just a matter of time before their fans get anxious for a early release date of the follow-up volume two and Remix Killaz. Unleashed volume 2 & Remix Killaz, innovative remixes, the freshest rhythms and seamless mixing is what makes this musical cocktail the ultimate thirst quencher for music fans. The newest addition to this young and dynamic trio is their annual remix CD party "Unleashed"

Contact Info:
Email: whoyou_2@hotmail.com
Tele: 1876-391-4411 or 1876-765-8887

Omar Morrison aka. Raww Deal was born in Jones Town, Kingston and grew up in the humble community of Gordon Town with his grandmother. At the age of nine the DJ found interest in dancehall music which led him to sneaking out at times to listen sound systems playing in his neighborhood.

At Papine High School Raww Deal would take advantage of any opportunity to showcase his talent and while still in school he recorded his first gig "Herbalist" for Gore Productions in 1999.

This was a disappointment for him as the producer did not release his first effort. He constantly did talent shows and performed well, this boosted his self-esteem as he was well received by the audiences.
Having gotten back the desire to record again, Raww Deal in late 2002 recorded "Canon" which was featured on Code Red's 'Smoked Out Vol.3'.

In this same year after performing on a show in Standpipe Kingston 6, he met Akiliboy of BYG Family Musik Kingston 6 Rekords who saw his talent and immediately recorded "Let Me In" on the Blue Chip Riddim. Released in 2003 this single got some amount of air play and was featured on a number of mixed tapes across the globe.

Recently Raww Deal has written and recorded "Swing Over" and "Real Armageddon" on the Easy Rock Riddim for Kingston 6 Rekords. He promises to bring positive vibes to reggae music as he sends out his message in each song.

By: DEPORTEE
Like season to mutton, a sizzling atmosphere,
musically sweet, high in the plateau of Jacks Hills,
Vybz Kartel in a relaxed mood, was penning some lyrics
to an eerie rhythm called siren with a happy Twilight Zone
feel to it. See weh me a seh?
Reclining in a cheap, white plastic chair, the slim
figure of this tough-talking, controversial deejay
leaned forward and coolly said, yes, king.
Introductions made, he continued to listen to the
siren beat, as if in sync with it. Cigarette smoke
wafted through the air and rose, spreading like genie
uncorked from a bottle in a little studio off
Shortridge Avenue, owned by LeftSide and Esco

Stepping outside, Kartel slumped in a chair and
enquired "Right yah all right boss?" and the beat
began.
"Me man Kartel, Adija Palmer. this is me, a good
person, just chilling with Roach, my road manager,
Lenny Matic ( who was busy twisting his hair) and Madd
Dogg" he said in his cocky Portmore drawl to the
question 'Who is Kartel?' I have a little bit of
seriousness and humour" he added.
"I listen to all kind of music. I try to have no
limitations, like saying stuff in a way that it has
never been said before. It all comes down to effective
delivery. Yeah."

On tour
Touring the world is a wonderful experience for this
fantastic musical poet. "Japan is where I get the best
treatment. As a people who don't speak English as
their first language, they embrace me with a love.
They make me feel big and plus dem spend big time.
"Heh, heh, heh!" he clucks like a contented hen.
His sophomore album is in the works, and though
untitled, makes his piercing eyes behind his shades
glow with passion. "Nuff crazy, explosive tracks.
There will be 18 tracks on the CD. It is straight
dancehall and it is all about sex."
Responding to the concerns of the wider society that
he is too lewd, he confidently explains without any
histrionics:
"Deejay talk about what he sees king, zeen? It is a
reflection of society. If Kartel slack, the society
slack. It affects the social sphere. If you're too
blunt and it hurts people, me just tell them to go
take a Pepto Bismol."
"Life is harsh reality. I'm in your face," he adds.

Sex
"I talk about sex the way I talk about it, for
example, with a girl. Nuff people ah complain bout it
and a listen man songs a night-time. CNN uses crime
and violence to sell its news and when I man sing
about a natural ting, ah problem," he says. "Art
imitates life and it never changes. Man build guns to
kill people and me kill people in mi lyrics. Music
does not have any bearing on the civil wars, genocide
and all the upheavals around the world. It is more
religion. So art cannot imitate life and anyone who
think or say else, talking bulls..it."
His usage of similes, innuendoes, mixed metaphors are
impressive and like a professor of English he lectures
: "Using specific words in a specific sentence is the
key. Me nah go use words what everybody use. If you're
a doctor or engineer and when yuh hear a certain word
in a Kartel song, you're gonna stop and say 'bwoy deh
youth deh know what him a do'."
"People have to listen, that's the reason. if you
listen, you can learn a thing or two. Reading
complements one's writing ability."

For example, Kartel's lyrical level is boosted by his
highly- known introduction, which he explained: 'See
me a say' wasn't a slang, I used it as a back up,
basically as a catch phrase. One time, I was at the
studio with Don Corleone and me run out a tings fi
say, so me say wait, me nuh can do that and from that,
it has become a part of my recordings. The girls dem
love it." he grinned matter-of-factly.

uncompromising:
An uncompromising deejay who rose to infamy with his
clash with the Don Gorgon Ninja Man at Sting 2003, he
explained the events which led to the most notorious
of clashes at the greatest one-night show on earth.
"The ting with Ninja Man happen because people wanted
to know who is Vbyz Kartel. Good or bad, it got us
fame, got us shows overseas." "Bloodc..at, a dem tings
deh," he devilishly chuckled. "Seriously though, we
never needed that to reach where we are now."
"Me nuh chat to Ninja Man, ok?", he says when asked if
the relationship was cool between the two deejays. "Me
nuh keep relationship wid man still."

contemptous
Showing contempt for deejays who are below his
pedigree and his recent musical skirmishes with
Spragga Benz and Assassin, he 'timelessly' uttered;
"the ting with lyrical clash is that me not clashing
with no man who doesn't write his own lyrics. We write
our own lyrics, no ghostwriter, no co-writer. How me
fi lock up inna room with six man writing lyrics?" "If
me an six man inna room, a must plan we a plan fi
rob."
"I have recorded almost 800 songs so far. Cassette
Ninja and man like dem have all a dem songs deh. At
Sumfest, I wrote the song titles and pasted them on
the stage floor because there are so many songs to do
and yet still not everybody is pleased as they don't
hear the song they wanted to hear."
Being a deejay with street credibility, Kartel must
act and look the part. The shades he sports
constantly is a part of his persona. "One time, a pure
kerchief and shades but now me lose the kerchief and a
pure shades a dweet now," he says. "A Bounty Killer
lead the way. all inna New York blackout the Killer
have on shades," he laughs.
In his immitable thug-like style, he recalled the
moment when he was arrested on ammunition charges.
"The jail thing was a vacation", he laughs as he
reminisces about being locked up for four days. "From
me go inna jail, ah two Kartel picture and a Ninja Man
picture me see. Me and Roach did deh deh, and it was a
simple ting dat. We know 'bout south and dem tings deh
and the man dem a Southside and Tel Aviv did cool, so
it cool"
Humming a 'chune' again, he asks Roach; "How it play
again?" And sotto voce, deejayed a line or two to his
sidekick who was listening intently.
Do you have a problem with the police since your
run-ins with the law? "If dem stop me, me nuh have no
interest inna Babylon. Me a work, dem a work; dem a
look fi bad man. The only way dem stop me is for a
traffic violation or when me smoking a spliff," he
said with a loud guffaw.

insightful
Offering some insight into the soaring crime and
violence as one who is blamed for deejaying about
guns, he pops off a round . "The government is to be
blamed and when I say that I mean both parties. The
system, although the word 'system' is played out, the
powers that be, need to do a whole lot of things. We
deejay to make a life. jobs are needed or else this
crime thing will never go away."
But Vybz Kartel is more than a deejay standing behind
a microphone. He adds his bit on the local music
industry. "Dancehall moving to higher levels. Variety
is the spice of life. Music is too informal in
Jamaica. we need contracts with specific clauses that
are legally binding. Any breach should be worked out
in a professional and business-like manner. Nuff
people a talk bout dem a your fan, but dem a build
pure bootleg CD. Bootleg CDs are killing the music. we
need to clean that up."

Back to the future
"Punch line bad," he chortles, jumping up from the
chair. Furiously searching his pockets, he seems to
have misplaced the paper on which he had scratched
some lyrics. "Me caan find it. whe me put it?" he asks
Roach- who shrugs his shoulders and dumbly looks on -
in a terrified voice.
Like a child in a candy store, he screams "me have it!
me have it! me find it" and with a sigh of relief and
a rueful grin, he slumps back down.
Kartel is not a prophet or Miss Cleo, but a realist,
who plans his path to where he wants to be - movies,
music, the works.
"I see myself in acting in the years ahead. I starred
in a no budget movie, a no budget, not a low-budget
movie, named Thug Life in 2000," he emphasised. "It
was about life in the scheme, drugs taking over and I
am trying to do away with it. The good over evil
stuff, you know. It is selling hot in the United
States and England."
"I have my own artistes and I am into artiste
development, promoting my label and enjoying every
aspect of the music industry." "I would like to do a
collaboration with 50 cent and also with R. Kelly.
'Raw Kelly' is my singer, we nuh bun weed together, so
me nuh care if him did eat the meat. I would like to
do one with Eminem. He is one crazy, tough, dude."
Stamping his white sneakers loudly against the
concrete, exterminating some ants in the process he
adds that the remix of Mr. Lonely with Akron will be
released soon.
"Music to me is life. I save lyrics to my mind. it's
like a musical spare parts and at a later date when I
hear a wicked riddim, the lyrics just start flow."
Pow! squish! The white sneakers crush a annoying bug
that was flying around. "Not a roach, no feel no way,"
he jokingly addresses Roach who sits Fonz-like,
smiling coolly.
With that, studio time ending, and more pressing
'moves' to make, the man of 'tittylating' fame said
adieu and sped off into the cool bosom of the Saturday
night with his crew in his cream Lexus jeep. See me a
seh?

Mr. PEPPA POISED FOR STARDOM
Dats betta!

"DAT IS BETTA you all should know it's Mr. Peppa" a slang he frequently used to identify his self in the intro of his lyrics. Presently he's one of the most talk about entertainers flowing from

the lips of the public. He's a favorite among teenagers, especially the young ladies, not just because he's cute and sexy, but also because he's got some tough lyrics. When asked how they would describe him, "Him hard, him tuff!" was the resonating response from the young men as they bounced to the lyrics and beat of his latest tunes.

With Peppa's newest recording 'Talk' now getting heavy rotation on air, in the dancehalls and the video creating a havoc on all the local cable stations like Hype TV, RE TV and Music Plus, the talented 25-year-old star is heading places...and fast. He's got the good looks and a charming smile to match. He's shy, with a body to die for and a voice that thrills the inner being. He's got it all. Indeed, there's nothing stopping this young DJ from achieving ultimate stardom.

Mr. Peppa, born Arael Jahzeal Walters on February 29, 1980 in Kingston, Jamaica, is as unique and rare as his birthdate. The ninth of eleven children, he grew up in Papine at a place called Bedward Pastures with his parents, a brother and a sister.

Under the guidance of father Dennis Walters and mother Alice Johnson, Peppa grew into a fine young man. As a child they were strict and did not allow him to go out and play like other boys; he was more of a homely child. Life wasn't the best for them, but his parents ensured that they stayed on track.

His honing at Hope Valley Experimental Primary and Excelsior High School only served to cement his foundation.

With education foremost on his mind, the young man also had a strong love for music, particularly deejaying. However, although he started to deejay at the age of eleven as a fun pastime, he focused on school with the aim of joining the army to study civil aviation or to enter the real estate business.

Peppa was also very active in school, forming part of the drama group and cadet corps, as well as participating in track and field.

It was while in high school that he discovered how good he was at deejaying and started to focus more on it. He was then inspired by his mother, who is a singer, and his biggest brother Steelie from Steelie & Cleevie fame who motivated him to go further with it. Not to mention encouragement from friends who drummed up beats on blackboard and desks in the classroom, as little Peppa rode the riddim.

Peppa started to record professionally in 1995 while still in school. The aspiring DJ used to walk from stage show to stage show, as well as sleep at various studios trying to get a recording.

A year later he did his first single titled 'Mi Sharp' on the Trevor Gordon label, produced by Trevor Gordon himself. Although not earning much airplay, he was still determined to play his part in the music business.

In 2000 the youngster recorded 'Don Cinderella' for Steelie & Cleevie on the Bitter Blood riddim, which earned him some popularity.

It wasn't long after that Mark Pinnock of Natural Bridge Records discovered the talented youngster and decided to sign him to his label. Peppa then recorded on the Bad Weather riddim for Steelie & Cleevie, and later 'Peppa Dis Peppa Dat' on Natural Bridge's Resilience rhythm.

The year 2001 was a bright one for the DJ. He came out with a favourite for the ladies at the time 'Good, Good Gone', which led him to perform on numerous events such as Fully Loaded, G.T. Christmas Extravaganza and Bling Dawg Summer Jam. He also performed at top nightspots like Asylum and Amnesia.

In 2002, the DJ further cemented his presence in the business with recordings such as 'Baby Dem' on the Beach rhythm, 'You So Proud' for producer Preston on his Intime label and 'All You Need To Know', which featured Christopher for BYG Family Musik.

Peppa later did 'Gal Journey' and 'Guy Thing' on the Natural Bridge label.

With his trademark 'Dat's Betta' slang, Mr. Peppa has been working with producers such as Akiliboy of BYG Family, Shams, Red Rat, Dia, Birch, Hawkeye and DJ Karim, Ward 21, to name a few, putting out some wicked singles.

The music video for the 'Talk' single on Ward 21's I-Rob rhythm recently made it to number one on the Hitlist on CVM TV's E-Strip.

In March of this year, Mr. Peppa and long time friend DJ Smurf of Hot 102 teamed to produce and release the 80-track mix CD, 'DJ Smurf Introducing Mr. Peppa'. The mix CD, which features 12 hot tracks from Mr. Peppa on 10 hot rhythms recorded as dubplates for 10-year mix-master veteran DJ Smurf, was a hot item, as they didn't have hands to distribute, giving away over 5,000 copies across the island. The mix CD, which also featured some of Jamaica's top entertainers, has been travelling the globe, kicking up a storm in places like Japan, England, UK and the USA.

The versatile Mr. Peppa creates lyrics for all types of street lyrics, girls tunes, social commentary, you name it, he's got it.

Under the management of Mark Pinnock and Natural Bridge Records, and the support of BYG Family Musik and Kingston 6 Rekords, Mr. Peppa is now a driving force and should be for sometime to come.. Dat's Betta!

For Booking Contact: Sophia McKay
New Image Entertainment
Tel. (876) 302-6590
Email: sophimac@hotmail.com

Appearing out of a pack of fame hungry deejays eagerly anticipating their few minutes of fame came an overweight, un-stereotypical image of a deejay. He knew one chance was all he needed and he waited three years for just that moment.

The bright lights of discotheque revealed what probably was the most captivating thing about his entrance. Two of the most rage filled, fiery eyes told of his hardships, disappointments and endurance. Then he blared what would later stick to the press and the minds of all the patrons present in the Cactus Night Club that night in 1999: "A Rickie Rudie A! K! A! Bling Dawg!"

However forceful, it was his signature self titled song 'Bling Dawg' and entrance that lifted the roof of the club and pretty much spoke for itself in introducing him. "If you nuh like Bling Dawg chuck off pon a peg". He hasn’t looked back since, leaving a trail of "drop jaw" great performances that began at Cactus and continued with 'Bounty Killer's, it's a Party', 'Teen Splash', 'Sting' and 'Fully Loaded' as he became a regular on top rated stage shows.

This was how Marlon Ricardo Williams a.k.a. Bling Dawg, after leaving his home in Portland, Jamaica at age eleven in 1985 to live in Miami, returned in 1994 to kick open a tightly shut, heavily guarded door to the dancehall recording world. Hitting hard, in the dime a dozen "Jamaican dancehall deejay factory", rewriting the script, Bling Dawg targeted three main niche audiences with his singles; the girls, the rude boys and the radio. Girls went wild for 'It's Major, Its Minor' and 'Circumstances' with Beenie Man. In a coy way he used 'Say My Name' and 'Bling Dawg', resonating with his name to make sure the press remembered who he was. Later he escaped in a carefully planned strategy to shed one of the two deejay names he had to establish just on; "Bling Dawg".

He has risen from a solely and local event status, to being a staple on numerous recording production projects in Jamaica, to being highly demanded overseas. Bling Dawg took the world by storm by creating a discography consisting of radio friendly songs that upheld his mandate to the girls, hardknocks and the press. 'Kiss My Baby Good Morning', 'Any Girl Me Want', 'If A Shotta Ting', 'Like We Do' and 'Regrets' are just a few of his hits before he embarked on a Y2K remodeling.

An extensive marketing campaign on the part of his management team proved advert enough for Atlanta based Rock Group Rehab wanting to record a single with Bling Dawg in 2001. The song was entitled 'Do You You'. Later on Bling Dawg appeared on all major stage shows for that year including Red Stripe Sumfest, Sashi and the "Loaded Series".

Bling Dawg once more flipped the script and re-appeared on the scene in 2002 when he staged his first 'Bling Dawg Summer Jam' in July 2002, which was even bigger the following year. This event has served to provide assistance to several charitable projects in his home town of Portland.

He dropped exciting hits on the everyday norms with his new signature sound he calls the "tweeter voice", witty lyrics and equally exciting and creative music videos. 'Ends Off', 'Stress Free', 'Roll Out', 'Tweeter Voice- Nicky Ann', 'Phone Call' featuring Vibes Kartel, have had dancehalls, clubs and stage shows jumping.

The video for 'Tweeter Voice - Nicky Ann' was produced to add to his already completed 'Bling Dawg' and 'Zip It Up' videos. 'Phone Call' featuring Vibes Kartel will also soon join his list of music videos and proving that his ability to do hit collaborations is not an accident. The Lukie D, Bling Dawg 'She Is The Girl For Me' and 'Girls Surround Me' with Born Jamerican/Notch, lists as hit combinations.

2003 witnessed Bling Dawg losing an amazing 30 pounds, to confirm an appearance change that he likes to call his "Summer Body" look. With this new look also came professionalism. Bling got voice training, the result of which makes his songs come out "tweeter". He began reading more to broaden his vocabulary and traded in jersey and sneakers for designer suits and felt hats (depending on the occasion). Armed with "boom" singles, 2003 to present has not witnessed a dull moment with Bling Dawg.

In 2004 Bling Dawg's global fame where Reggae and dancehall music is played can be described as a major achievement. He has worked with great musicians and engineers such as Sly and Robbie, Salaam Remi, Steven 'Lenky' Marshall, Don Corleon and Q45, producers whose names will be among the production credits for the songs expected on the November release of Bling Dawg's long awaited debut. Promised to be a double CD it will include his more recent hits 'Sad Tomorrow' featuring Lavaska and Spragga Benz and 'Nicky Ann' along with a top secret combination with Bounty Killer, to name a few.

Management:Sophia McKay
Contact:(876) 307-6590
Email:sophimac@hotmail.com or smckay78@cwjamaica.com

MARTINA JAMAICA'S NEW SINGING SENSATION

Subtle, but saucy. That's the best summary that newcomer Martina says snuggly describes her as an individual. The talented singer, who gained some attention in dancehall circles when she teamed up with Mad Anju on Best Baby Father, says if she had done things differently, a career in cosmetology would've been her calling card.

I was more into music while attending high school. I wanted to become a cosmetologist, and I chose to do nails. I did it for a while, but music was really into my genes', Martina revealed. With more than forty recordings under her belt to date, Martina who recently teamed up with the 357 Records imprint is set to soar with a serving of tasty delicacies which are waiting to be unleashed onto the unsuspecting music fan.

Born Debbie Doyles, Martina lived between Kingston and St. Catherine. She attended the Edith Dalton James Comprehensive High school before deciding in 1997 that singing was what she wanted to pursue as a career. She began doing background harmonies for one time top flight dancehall toaster now turned gospel deejay, Papa San. Sometime after, she met up with Mad Anju (known for his chart topping single Wah Dis Fada) who later would introduce her to Nuborn Thugs who were working on a session. From then on, there was no looking back.
Martina teamed up with Mad Anju on the radio hit Best Baby Father. "We were like a team and we did a lot of shows together to promote the song. However we grew apart and I wanted to do my own thing", said Martina. Some of her recordings include Private Dancer on Rohan 'Snow Cone' Fuller's Applause rhythm; On the Beach with Idonia on the Bomb a Drop rhythm (357 Records); Inna Di Centre (Scoobay rhythm for 357 Records); and Gangster Don't Play with Beenie Man (Deseca Productions).

A former Tastee Talent contest entrant, Martina also participated in the Irie FM Big Break competition (where she placed in the Top 5), and the Miss Extremes Talent Contest (which was promoted by Corporate Image Limited).

Martina has recorded songs with a few of the heavyweights in the music industry. Among them are Arif Cooper for Fresh Ear Productions, Rohan 'Snow Cone' Fuller, Kings of Kings, Fras Productions and Beres Hammond's Harmony House label. Her latest recordings include songs for Buju Banton's Gargamel Music, Cash Flow Productions and 357 Records (forthcoming releases on the Tyrant and Disturbance rhythms).
Her major performances include Valton 'VC' Craigie's album launch, the International Reggae Day stage show, JFM Awards 2004, Champions in Action and Stars in Action.

Mary J Blige, India Arie, Alicia Keys, Beenie Man, Chevelle Franklin, Beres Hammond and Diana King are listed among Martina's musical influences.

MANAGEMENT
Mario Campbell (Mario C)
357 Records
Kingston, Jamaica
TEL: 876-849-9701

IT'S YOUR BOY - RAZOR

It's been about eight years since Razor decided that a professional career in the music business what was he really wanted to pursue. But the road hasn't been an easy one for him. He is quick to point out that the journey hasn’t been smooth sailing, but the experiences that he has been through, have paved the way for the attention that he is enjoying of late.

With his razor sharp lyrics and humorous rhymes, Razor has hit the dancehall charts in Jamaica with two of the most humorous joints in recent memory. 'Workings' on producer Mario C's Scoobay rhythm, and 'Mr. Dixon on the Bomb a Drop rhythm.

"My style is quite unusual and basically I write songs that have some relevance to everyday happenings. It's just that I put the lyrics in a different form and make them as humorous as I can", the talented Westmoreland native commented.

Razor was born Collin Wedderburn in a district called Mount Airy. After completing studies at the Black River High School, Razor realized that music was his calling. "I used to play football in school but then I started to deejay at school functions and that helped to build my confidence a bit. If I had a choice it would've been football, but I took up the music thing seriously after leaving school", explained Razor.

Razor made his recording debut in 1997 when he recorded 'Whenever You Want My Number' produced by Kirk Davis from Shocking Vibes. Since then he has recorded more than fifteen songs. Peter Tosh (who incidentally was from Westmoreland), Beenie Man, Capleton and Ninja Man are listed among Razor's musical influences.

The 357 Records label which has been changing the face of dancehall music within the past two years, is the main force behind Razor's career. He hooked up with that entity's Mario Campbell (Mario C) after an introduction by top flight dancehall kingpin Beenie Man.

Razor isn't sitting by waiting for the next hit single to pop up. He has been busy recording songs for producers including Dane 'Fire Links' Johnson, Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett, the Shocking Vibes label, Rohan 'Snow Cone' Fuller and Chad 'Mr. G' Simpson's Young Blood imprint.

'Grow Bigger' and Steam Fish and Okra are among Razor's current releases. Upcoming singles on the 357 Records' Disturbance and Tyrant rhythms are sure to raise a few eyebrows and further establish Razor as one to watch out for.

May 2005

MANAGEMENT
Mario Campbell (Mario C)
357 Records
Kingston, Jamaica
Tel: 876-357-4371