When THE STAR spoke with the deejay he said that the funeral will be held at ‘Our Lady of the Angels’ on Molynes Road at 10 a.m., and the burial will follow at Dovecot Memorial Park. The funeral, which was originally expected to be held in October, got pushed forward when the autopsy date was changed from the scheduled October 2 appoint-ment.

‘Not into di mourning thing’
According to Spragga Benz, the autopsy will now take place this Thursday. The funeral will be open to the general public as long as persons who are attending wear white for the service. Spragga Benz explained, “we requesting persons to wear white, cause we not into di mourning thing.”

Carlisle Grant was killed on Saturday August 23 by police in what is believed to be questionable circumstances.

The incident occurred on Church Street in Kingston when the police were on an alleged patrol. It was reported that Grant and a friend was riding a bicycle when ordered by the police to stop, which they did and one of them pulled a gun and fired at the police. The fire was returned and the men ran, the area was searched and Grant’s body was found suffering from several gunshot wounds.

Spragga is taking legal action, gathering information on the incident and thus far there are no further updates on the case.

Spragga Benz (right) and his son’s mother Sharon Gapoor (centre) at a nine night held for their son recently. - Nathaniel Stewart

Video Witness Statement - Carlton Grant (Spragga Son) Murder

Usain Bolt gets a hero’s welcome home

“To the world,” was the first thing Usain “Lightening” Bolt said as he returned to Jamaica yesterday to a welcome fit for the hero he has become. Bringing home his world record gold medals earned at this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing, Bolt triggered an eruption of love, pride and immense joy amongst Jamaicans at home and abroad.
Throngs of people waited for him to arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston yesterday afternoon.
As the man who made history in Beijing by winning the 100 and 200 meters in world record time descended from the aircraft, he struck the famous ‘lightening pose’. From the slight lean of the body, finger in the air to one side and the other arm outstretched Bolt paused for a moment before going into a few moves of the ‘Usain Bolt’ dance; completely thrilling the enormous crowd.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller and Sports Minister Olivia Grange met Bolt as he stepped off the Virgin Atlantic flight yesterday afternoon. A celebration ceremony was held that evening at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, where Bolt got a chance to meet with international press.
Returning ahead of his team mates, the 22 year-old’s welcome acted also as the launching of many activities being arranged by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports. Prime Minister Golding announced a celebration is slated for October 3rd when all the other Jamaica Olympic team members will return home. It is expected to an elaborate affair with floats, a rally and so on.

Sep 10, 2008 New York, NY (Ms. Raine Inc.): Desmond Ballentine, known to Dancehall aficionados as the ‘front teet, gold teet, gun pon teet’ lyrical terror the Don Gorgon Ninja Man, has officiallly declared war–lyrical war that is. Renowned for stealth, witty verbal tactics, and over the top stage antics, Jamaica’s prized vocal assassin has his sights set on one thing and one thing only for the New Jersey Reggaefest–to verbal destroy the ‘Warlord.’

“I am coming for Bounty,” Ninja Man declares. “Mi nah go hit the stage until they call on Bounty Killer. You make sure you tell them that me, Ninja Man, say so.”

Not missing a chance to show America what he is made of, Ninja Man has guaranteed to show the New Jersey Reggaefest, dubbed the ‘Year of the Great,’ that this will be the year of the great lyrical slaying of his on-again off-again stage rival Rodney “Bounty Killer” Price who has garnered his own reputation for his razor-sharp lyrical delivery, and ‘cross, angry, and miserable’ disposition on the microphone.

” ‘Merica never really get a good stage competition yet,” states Ninja. “It is about time the Dancehall people in ‘Merica really get to see somebody lyrically dead pon stage. I am coming for the one Rodney Price, who a gwaan like people ‘fraid a him, then him always a run and a hide. Well, this time he can’t run and hide and me a go kill him with lyrics pon stage. New Jersey better get ready, ’cause I am coming for the one Bounty Killer.”

While the usual verbal chiding between the two has been uncomfortably tense over the past few months with each making very personal attacks and allegations against the other, Ninja makes it clear that the war is “strictly lyrical.”

“Bounty feels like he is one of the greats in the ‘year of the great,’ oh really,” Ninja teases. “It will be the year of great mourning, all of him New Jersey and New York fan dem a go mourn fi him–in the lyrical, not literal, sense. Don’t get it confused.”

“People know that they can expect anything at the New Jersey Reggaefest,” chuckles concert organizer Casey “G City” Rankine of Road Block Radio, adding that “it’s all in the name of fun and entertainment. Ninja, Bounty, and Beenie [Man] have been in the industry for well over a decade, they are three of the greatest, and this will no doubt be a great display of talent.”

Currently Bounty Killer is on tour in Japan, but the Alliance camp has confirmed that the throngs of Tri-State Dancehall fans can expect a lively performance to which the ‘Five Star General’ will not falter. With the recent addition of Alliance members Bugle and Serani, and a rare U. S. performance from Roots Reggae empress Queen I-frica, patrons can rest assure that the 2008 NJ Reggaefest will be the greatest of an eight-year history of stellar stage shows.

G City Entertainment, Road Block Radio, MG Promotions, and Team A Promotions present the ‘Year of the Great’ New Jersey Reggaefest featuring Ninja Man, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Queen I-frica, Barrington Levy, Demarco, Etana, Bugle, and Serani, to be held on Sunday, September 21st at the Halsey Sports Complex (213 Halsey Street in Newark, NJ). Limited advance tickets are on sale for $49.99 with advance VIP tickets for $80.00. For ticket outlets and other information, call 973-368-4424 or 347-492-3977 or email events@msraineinc.com.

Mr. Vegas a Hit in Japan

A titlewave of excitement overcame a colossal crowd of 40,000 fans recently when dancehall star Mr. Vegas took center stage at Japan’s largest Reggae festival, Yokohama Reggae SAI.

There, the popular artist and his High Energy dancers unleashed a fiery stage performance, which lasted 30 minutes. Mr. Vegas boldly laced the venue with a medley of hits that spanned over a decade. From past chart toppers like “Heads High” and “Go Up” to current smashes “Tek Wey Yuhself” and “Hot Wuk,” Mr. Vegas thoroughly entertained the enthusiastic crowd. The dancehall star felt so good mid-way into his performance, that he cataputled himself into the crowd. The fans, who eagerly transported him, didn’t seem to mind a bit.

Additionally, given Mr. Vegas’ extensive catalogue of music, it was only fair that he amuse his fans with current hits in Japan, “Do You Know” and “Up and Live.” In fact, he aptly closed his adrenaline-fueled set with “Up and Live.” Mr. Vegas was greeted with loads of praises from his fans in Japan, where he last toured in 2007 with Mighty Crown.

“To me — performing before such a large crowd is an achievement,” says Mr. Vegas. “It’s a joy to see legions of fans on the other side of the world……mi tell you, Reggae music is a universal language that transcends race, color, class and creed.”

Morgan Heritage Rocks 25,000 in Guyana

A record-breaking 25,000 patrons packed the National Cricket Stadium to see welcome the group and receive their musical message. Morgan Heritage played classics and new hits alike � from Don’t Haffi Dread to Nothing To Smile About

MERICLESS IS BACK

| Vybz Kartel Detained by Cops

OutAroad.com gets to understand that entertainer Vybz Kartel and several other men have been detained by King Fish (cops) earlier today.

An eyewitness told OutAroad.com that the deejay and friends were hanging out at the studio as usual when a fleet of police stormed onto Kirk Avenue, searched the area and everyone insight before ordering them into one of the several police jeeps.

According to reports, the deejay was held for questioning on a recent incident. Even up to late this evening, the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) did not confirm as to what incident the deejay was detained for.
It was just weeks ago, Vybz Kartel’s Honda Accord (motor car) was allegedly bombed outside of his plush upper St Andrew home in the late hours of Sunday on August 24th.

One876entertainment.com understands that Vybz Kartel and eight other men have been detained by the police. At this time, it is unclear what was the reason for the deejay’s detention. Reports are officers from a joint police task force swooped down on the Kirk Avenue studio where the deejay normally hangs out, and detained the men at minutes after 5 p.m. today.

Nationwide News Network and CVM TV both reported that the deejay had been arrested, however the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) was tightlipped regarding the detention of the men, and one representative even told a reporter that he “could neither confirm or deny the incident”.

Bounty Captures New Game at the Hilton ?

Why the paparazzi nuh get fi snap a picture of the new browning inna Bounty life weh mek him book her in fi stay two months at the Hilton? Is like ah the man new home, breakfast, lunch and dinner and lovey-dovey stuff and all these things. Cross!

I’m Sure Beenie Man Must Be Jealous and on the look out for his newest thrill - updates to follow, promise.

CeCile and Beenie Man’s ‘I’m So Fly’ is number one - New York

The so fly single from dancehall diva CéCile and dancehall doctor Beenie Man has hit the top of the New York charts, which was only a matter of time. ‘I’m So Fly’ is also poised at number two on the South Florida chart, threatening to take over the top slot soon.

Released on the Danger Zone/SoBe Records label, ‘I’m So Fly’, produced by the famous Scott Storch, is featured on CéCile’s latest album ‘Waiting’, which was released last month.

Cherine Bigs up Spears on MTV Awards for ‘Piece of Me’

Seven months ago Britney Spears was in the spotlight for all the drama in her life, but on Sunday night she commanded the spotlight for all the right reasons - her music. Spears walked away with three coveted MTV Video Music Awards (Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Video Of The Year) for the song “Piece of Me”.
“Piece of Me” which is the second single from Spears’ “Blackout” album was officially remixed by Jamaican reggae legends Sly & Robbie and features the talented Dancehall-Soul songstress Cherine Anderson.
In an article published in the Jamaican Gleaner in March of 2008, singer Cherine Anderson said that her contribution to the reggae remix of “Piece Of Me” was “about giving support to another sister in music.” Today Anderson feels the same and shared that ” It’s good to see her [Britney] triumph. I’ve always thought the song was a great song it gets me in the mood for my workouts.”
According to one of the song’s producers, Sly Dunbar ” I am really glad to see that Britney win for “Piece Of Me,” I loved working on that song and the video was really wicked.”
Britney’s Piece Of Me ( Sly & Robbie Reggae remix) featuring Cherine Anderson is AVAILABLE ON iTUNES!!!

Oh Baby! Laila Ali Gives Birth

Congratulations to Laila Ali, who announced today on her website that she gave birth to her and hubby Curtis Conway’s son, Curtis Muhammad Conway, Jr., on Aug. 26.
“Although mom and baby are both healthy and happy, there were some surprises during labor that altered Laila’s birth plan,” said a statement on People.

Naomi Campbell is on the prowl for motherhood after a successful operation earlier this year made her fertile. I pray she has more patience with a baby than her assistants and airline personnel.
The 38-year-old supermodel, who has serious anger management issues, reveals that she was unable to have children until surgery at a hospital in Brazil earlier this year. She originally said she was admitted to have a small cyst removed.
“They thought it was a cyst,” she explained, according to Britain’s Press Association. “When they opened it up they realized it was more.”
Thanks to the operation, Campbell said she’s now in perfect health.
“I was not able to have children up until March,” she said. “Now it’s in God’s hands. I would love to have a family.”

Maybe God was the one keeping her from throwing a cell phone at her baby’s head by not allowing her to get pregnant before. Now that a doctor has stepped in, let’s see how long it takes Naomi to get knocked up by her wealthy Russian luvha, Vladislav Doronin. She’s not getting any younger – but still looks ah-mazing!

September 11th, 2008

Just when I started believing I would be Idris Elba’s first wife I find out the chocolate bar is divorced. The fact that he had a daughter was no secret but the assumption was that there only a baby mama existed. As it turns out, he was married.
Idris has done a pretty good job keeping his private live under wraps. But now the word is out that his ex-wife, Kim Elba, is a Georgia-based makeup artist, who according to her MySpace page, offers makeup services to the film, stage, TV, fashion, print and music industry. Naturally, she lists Idris in her list of credits.
Idris gave a sliver of a glimpse into his off-screen life when he sat down to chat with a reporter from London’s Daily Telegraph earlier this year.
“I’ve had wedding proposals, and one girl even had a baby and named her son after me.”
Asked if he enjoying the female attention, he replied:
“Next question.”
Asked about his daughter, he said:
“She lives out here, with her mother in Atlanta.”
“Honestly, I really can’t talk about my personal life because I’ve got a really messy one, so out of respect for the people involved…”
Well, I’d settle for being the second Mrs. Idris Elba. Even with the mess.

The benefit to having an open marriage like Will Smith and Jada Pinkett say they have is that they can always tell one another when they’re going to step out on the other. That doesn’t work for all couples. So will Jada, pictured here outside David Letterman’s studio yesterday, rat out the cheating husband of a girlfriend?
“That’s a tricky very, very tricky situation,” the actress admitted during her appearance this morning on Today. “Unless I knew for an absolute fact; like if I saw it with my own eyes, but other than that, no. If I don’t see it with these two (points to her eyes) then no.”
But if she does, watch out! The tiny actress is making the rounds in New York promoting “The Women,” a film about a wealthy New Yorker who leaves her cheating husband and bonds with other society women. Jada plays a sexy lesbian in the flick, opening Friday. Don’t even start.

Kiss And Tell All Mariah’s Bidness

September 11th, 2008 We know pre-nups can be made meaningless with the right attorney but can confidentiality agreements be made worthless too? A former record producer for Mariah Carey may find out.
Today’s Page Six reports:
Mariah Carey wants to quash parts of an explosive tell-all being penned by her former record producer Damion “Damizza” Young, who says he’ll bare details of the “intense four-year personal relationship” they shared and “worked diligently to disguise from the world’s press.” Young tell us the songbird’s lawyer Sonya Guardo, who works with powerhouse celebrity attorney Allen Grubman, fired off a letter reminding him of a confidentiality agreement to steer clear of blabbing any sensitive information about Carey in his upcoming book, “Guilty by Association.” Guardo didn’t get back to us.

Maybe producer Mark Sudack, who worked on Mariah’s “E=MC2″, will want to write the foreword for the book. He was heartbroken after Mariah, four years into their secret love affair, unmercifully dumped him and secretly wed Nick Cannon.

Spike Lee ‘does the right thing’ in France for Forgotten Black WW2 Troops

34th Deauville Film Festival: Miracle At St. Anna

US director Charles Burnett arrives for the premiere for ‘Miracle At St. Anna’ during the 34th Deauville American Film Festival on September 10, 2008 in Deauville, France.
Miracle At St. Anna will hit theaters nationwide on September 26.
Miracle at St. Anna chronicles the story of four black American soldiers who are members of the US Army as part of the all-black 92nd Buffalo Soldier Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy during World War II.
They experience the tragedy and triumph of the war as they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy.
(Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images)

URL: Spike Lee does the right thing in France for forgotten black troops - AFP

DEAUVILLE, France (AFP) — Spike Lee visited a World War II cemetery near France’s D-Day landing beaches before presenting the European premiere of his film about the forgotten contribution of African-American soldiers to the war that freed Europe from Nazi tyranny.

“I was surprised to find African-Americans buried there too,” he told reporters after his trip to one of the many cemeteries on the Normandy coast where lie thousands of Allied soldiers killed as they stormed ashore in 1944.
The D-Day landings and other epic battles in World War II have been portrayed in countless films but, said the US director, nearly all show only white soldiers engaged in the struggle.

Both violent and schmaltzy, it portrays the camaraderie of the four men and the ten
sions that emerge between them as they hole up with an Italian family in a Tuscany vilage.

Asked about the 2006 French film “Indigenes (Days of Glory),” which like “Miracle at St. Anna” aimed to highlight the important but overlooked role of North African soldiers in the French army, Lee said he had seen and enjoyed that movie.

“That’s one of the few examples where a film had an impact on real life. The (North African) veterans finally got the pension that the whites got” because of the extra pressure the movie put on the French government, he said.

“Miracle at St. Anna” is based on a novel by James McBride, who wrote the script for the movie.
The film is the first war film for New York-based Lee as well as the first movie he has made outside the US.
But the 51-year-old has worked in a number of genres and made his name by taking on issues that affect African-Americans in films such as “Jungle Fever,” “Malcolm X, or “Do the Right Thing.”

He said here Wednesday that his latest work was in “direct lineage from Italian post-war neo-realist works such as ‘The Bicycle Thief,’ ‘Germany Year Zero,’ and ‘Rome, Open City’ in each of which, as in Lee’s film, a child features in a prominent role to highlight the futile cruelty of war.

Long seen as an icon of independent US cinema, Lee in 2006 made the big-budget — and hugely successful — “Inside Man” bank heist drama, starring Clive Owen and Denzel Washington.
The prospects for “Miracle at St. Anna” might not be so rosy if some of the first reviews are to be heeded.
The Hollywood Reporter trade magazine slammed it as “an unsavoury blend of the sentimental and melodramatic.

The Irish Times, also basing its review on the world premiere at the Toronto film festival last weekend, called it “a plodding film unwisely over-stretched to close on three hours.
“Lee’s film pales in comparison with the award-winning 2006 movie, Indigenes,” the paper’s film critic said

Will ‘Soul Men’ Be The Real Deal ? - Peep The Trailer Here

Now that the trailer for the upcoming Bernie Mac/Samuel L. Jackson film Soul Men has been officially released, and we get a chance to see the stars in action, all of the sadness surrounding the deaths of both Mac and soul legend Isaac Hayes can somewhat be replaced with a celebration of one of their final pieces of work (Mac did complete another film, the Robin Williams comedy Old Dogs, which is due next year). And better yet, the discussion can begin as to whether the film will actually be any good. In case you aren’t aware, Soul Men is the story of two estranged soul singers (Jackson and Mac) who reunite to honor their deceased band leader. The band’s name? The Real Deal. Last month, in an interview with USA Today, director Malcolm Lee said he felt the pressure of “creating a fitting farewell” to the actors. After peeping the trailer, I’m actually looking forward to paying the money to see the film when it hits theaters November 14th. Check it below and let us know if you think the film will be the real deal. Download video!

NEWS

REGGAE FOR JUSTICE New York, NY Roots Reggae’s Legendary trio The Mediations, 80’s Dancehall crooning sensations Michael Palmer and Johnny Osbourne and smooth vocalist and musician Ed Robinson are joining popular New York media personality Michelle ‘Micheboo’ Thompson in taking a stand against police brutality. On Tuesday, September 16th at New York’s City’s famous SOBs night club, Micheboo will be hosting the artists in a fundraising event dubbed ‘REGGAE FOR JUSTICE,’ in benefit for her 24-year-old son who is currently at Ward’s Island Psychiatric Center, suffering severe damage to the head, neck, back, and legs after being savagely beaten by police officers from New York City’s 112th Precinct in the Forest Hills section of Queens. On the evening of June 6th, Isus Thompson was sitting in a playground on Austin Street in Forest Hills, alone. According to Micheboo, he was leaving the park, when he was approached by an officer who ordered him to go back into the park. He went back into the park with the officer, as the officer looked around to secure the park. As they were exiting the park, the officer escorted him to the squad car where he was frisked and search. The officer called for back up, which is when Isus demanded that he hadn’t done anything wrong and, in a panic, ran. After being cornered, according to Isus, approximately 10 police officers hurled racial slurs at him and proceeded to ferociously beat him with fists and nightsticks. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital in a semi-catatonic state, and over three months later, remains hospitalized with severe physical and psychological injuries. “Today is a good day, tomorrow is a bad day,” states Micheboo of her son’s present condition, suggesting that the trauma to his head has lead to some mental instability. “It’s destroying me to see my son like this.” “It’s hard to know that the people who are supposed to protect us, turn around and brutalize your child,” a very emotional Micheboo continues, maintaining that Isus was a very good child who never gave her any trouble. “So, he was in the park after curfew–give him a ticket, write him a summons! They didn’t have to do this to my son.” When approached about the fundraising concert, The Meditations, known for hits like “Woman is Like A Shadow,” and “Woman Piabba,” Johnny Osbourne (”Buddy Bye,” “Ice Cream Love,” “Water Pumping”), Michael Palmer (”Lick Shot”), and Ed Robinson, known for his Reggae cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” all willingly lent their support, as did SOBs founder Larry Gold, who didn’t hesitate to donate the venue. Dub poet Ras Atiba, singers Kayla Bliss, Charmaine Dacosta of Worl A Girl fame, Empress Trejah, Shango Trex, and Marcia Davis are also donating their services to the benefit event along with NY’s famed Ruff Stuff and Cannabis Cup Reggae bands. “The fundraiser is to assist with healthcare issues, and for the upcoming legal battle with the NYPD that lies ahead,” states Micheboo. The REGGAE FOR JUSTICE Benefit Concert will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, September 16th at SOBs (204 Varick Street in NYC). The event will also feature a Reggae Market Place with merchandise, and food, provided by Katashes and Barry’s Jerk Delight, for sale. Donations start at $20. All proceeds will aid Isus Thompson’s defense and medical care. Event sponsors include SOBs, Keeling Records, WVIP 93.5FM, Yardmanstyle Clothing, The Eye Collection Clothing, Riddim Driven/VP Records, Katashes, Barry’s Jerk Delight, and Ms. Raine Inc.

MC Breed Needs A Kidney - Please Get Tested to Save a Legend

Flint Rapper will likely need kidney transplant after health scare
Flint MI Rapper MC Breed is recovering after he’d been placed on life support due to kidney failure this past weekend.
The performer, who did jail time this year for failing to pay child support, reportedly collapsed while playing basketball in Atlanta. Breed was said to have been close to death and is still relying on just 30 percent usage of his kidneys. The rapper’s handlers are reportedly organizing efforts to support a benefit and possible transplant operation. He’s expected to remain in the hospital for a week or longer, while under observation.

PERFECT Picture
published: Thursday | September 11, 2008

Kanye Hates Flashing Lights……

September 11th, 2008
Whatever you do, don’t take pictures or video of Kanye West at L.A.X.! I knew one of these days homey was going to go ape sh*t over all those flashing lights. According to the Thirty Mile Zone, Mr. West went ballistic while being photographed at an American Airlines terminal at L.A.X. airport. West spotted the photographer who was flicking his flashing lights and grabbed for the apparatus. The photographer then started screaming for the cops in which a struggle ensued. After gaining possession of the camera, Ye smashed it to the ground.
Erik, a cameraman for TMZ.Com who was catching the whole wrestling match, approached Mr. West, but, Kanye’s assistant intervened and grabbed the video camera from Erik when he realized it was still recording. Ye’s assistant yelled, “Give me the camera”, but Erik explained he had press credentials to shoot at the airport (huh???). The assistant, however, didn’t give a damn, grabbed the camera and smashed it to the ground, breaking it to pieces.
After everything went down, Ye and company tried to make a smooth getaway, but of course, LAPD caught up with the Louis Vuitton don before he could board the plane. Authorities interviewed the photographer, Erik, Ye and his assistant. When Police asked Erik if he had footage of the incident, Ye then lunged at Erik yelling, “Give me the fuc*ing tape”. The cops, of course, restrained Kanye from beating Erik to a pulp!
Ye and his assistant were booked on charges of battery and vandalism.
Sincerely

Ciara posed naked to dispelled rumors of her being a man

By Krazy Katty
OutAroad.com Writer

R&B singer Ciara posed nude on Vibe Magazine cover to dismissed rumors of her being a man.
The 22-year-old singer told Vibe Magazine that, “I was meticulous about the things I would share, but people are gonna say what they wanna say… they said I was a man! It doesn’t get any worse than that.”
But it seems as if Ciara is on naked spree as she recently posed butt naked on her latest CD cover. Industry insiders are saying that the singer is over doing it, while others are saying it might help boost sales.

Who will be next Rihanna or Beyonce?
Photo courtesy of blog.singersroom.com

Janet and Label Turn a ‘Def’ Ear to One Another

URL: Janet and Label Turn a ‘Def’ Ear to One Another

How fitting is it that Janet Jackson added LL Cool J, another Def Jam artist and one due to depart, to her tour? They should almost be calling it the “Eff Def Jam” tour, since Janet has recently revealed “I don’t know what the future holds between the two of us. I can’t say if we’ll be working with them in the future.” What, exactly, is going on in the great Towers of Def Jam?

And what were Def Jam and Janet expecting from each other? To get by on reputation alone? I’ll be the first to submit that it wasn’t just someone that didn’t do his/her job, it was everyone. Why was Discipline released so quickly after 20YO? Why were Jimmy & Terry not involved? Why was the “Feedback” video so bloody awful and why was “LUV” not released as a single/video? The execution and promotion of Discipline should be used as an example of what not to do when you want an established artist to be profitable.
Love you, Penny, but that whole thing was bad business all around. [SR]

Atention FREAKS - U CAN BUY Michael Jackson’s Dirty Draws For a cool 1 Million on EBAY Today

Michael Jackson’s underwear up for sale

Now you can know Michael Jackson like few fans have ever known him before: On-line shoppers who visit e-Bay may come across his Calvin Klein underwear. Though reportedly unwashed, the briefs come in a freshly sealed bag: They were taken as evidence by the Santa Barbara district attorney in 2003 when the singer faced child molestation charges. New Jersey businessman Henry Vacarro bought the unmentionables in a bankruptcy-related sale. No word on whether Vacarro called Mike to be sure he owns another pair.

A pair of Michael Jackson’s unwashed grinders will go up for sale on eBay tomorrow with a reserve price of $1 million dollars.
The underwear, size-28 Calvin Klein Calvin Klein tighty-whities, were confiscated in 2003 by the Santa Barabara DA who was after a DNA sample of Jackson’s to use as evidence in the child molestation case against the King of Pop.
The underwear will be sent to the winner in an evidence bag sealed with police tape.
The owner of the briefs, New Jersey businessman Henry Vacarro, obtained the underwear and other Jackson items in a bankruptcy case.
Also being auctioned off is a handwritten annulment from ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley and a used tube of skin-bleaching cream.

Store Sues Oprah’s Mom For $150K

September 4th, 2008
A Milwaukee store filed a lawsuit against Vernita Lee, the mother of billionaire Oprah Winfrey, claiming the talk show host’s mom is behind on her bill of more than $150,000.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A high-end Brookfield fashion store is suing over a past-due bill of more than $150,000 run up by a customer whose perks, the store says, included private showings and delivery service. The customer: Oprah Winfrey’s mother.
Vernita Lee of Milwaukee has had an open-ended charge account with Valentina since January 2004, the civil complaint says.

It says Lee racked up a bill of $155,547.31 in purchases and interest as of July 1, and that she was required to make a minimum monthly payment of $2,000 to the store. Valentina attorney Joseph Niebler Sr. said Wednesday that Lee stopped making the monthly payments. He said the store tried to resolve the bill before filing the lawsuit in Waukesha County Circuit Court and continues to pursue a resolution out of court.
“There isn’t any ill will; it’s a matter of contract,” Niebler said.
The lawsuit says that Lee has told store officials she does not believe she owes the money. Reached by telephone, Lee declined to comment about the case. Her Milwaukee attorney, Nathan Fishbach, did not return a phone call. She also has two Chicago-based attorneys, Steve Gistenson and Michelle Schindler.
Her famous daughter was not available for comment, according to a representative from her Harpo Productions company in Chicago.
Lee has until a Sept. 19 hearing to answer the complaint. A non-binding mediation session is scheduled for Sept. 16, court records say.

Star Jones is now 200lbs LIGHTER

Her Divorce is Final; from Al

I-riginal 100%GalBassed RooticalTruth

I would like to know why he’s pissed - at least he didn’t get sued like Terry McMillans Thang.. he came into this unholyweird union without anything. everything was provided for him; even his BEARD. Al Shut Up Please, Before We Start looking into Who YOU ARE.

‘LawdAMercy’

~RE

Starletta Jones-Reynolds Reaches Divorce Settlement with Her Metrosexual Al Reynolds

TV personality Star Jones has settled her divorce from her husband of nearly four years, Al Reynolds.
The former “The View” talk show host, 46, filed for divorce on March 26 at Manhattan’s Supreme Court in New York, and it was subsequently labeled an “uncontested matrimonial” case by officials.
According to the New York Post, the settlement came just moments before the pair was set to appear in court.
A source tells the newspaper Reynolds was allegedly upset with the prenuptial agreement he signed, leaving him “basically nothing,” though he relented to avoid higher court costs.
A spokesperson for Jones said the former couple “have reached an amicable settlement in their divorce proceeding. … Both parties are moving on with their private lives.”
Jones and Reynolds wed on November 13, 2004, in a lavish New York City ceremony, which came under scrutiny after she plugged the nuptials’ corporate sponsors at length on her talk show.

September 10, 2008 –
STAR Jones is finally free of her freeloading hubby. Jones and Al Reynolds reached a last-minute settlement yesterday, moments before they were set to appear in court. Reynolds was said to be upset with the airtight prenup he signed, which left him with “basically nothing,” sources said - but finally relented to avoid court costs. A rep for Jones said the two “have reached an amicable settlement in their divorce proceeding . . . Both parties are moving on with their private lives.” Jones has been happily dating hunky chef Herb Wilson.

I love that Star Jones, pictured here smooching at the U.S Open, has a new man in her life - and one that appears to be a real man. What may not be good for her is that he’s a chef

Beyoncé Shows Off $5M Engagement Ring

By Antoinette Y. Coulton
Source: people.com
Jay-Z sure knows how to pick the bling!

All eyes were on Beyoncé Friday night, when, for the first time, the singer publicly displayed her engagement ring on the red carpet for Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall in N.Y.C.

The singer, 27, who secretly married rapper Jay-Z in April, flashed an 18 carat flawless diamond by Lorraine Schwartz, valued at more than $5 million dollars, according to the jeweler.

Neither Beyoncé nor Jay-Z have publicly confirmed their marriage but in recent weeks, Beyoncé’s younger sister Solange referred to Jay-Z as her brother-in-law during a television interview.

Later in the evening, Beyoncé took off the ring for a performance where she donned a short, blonde wig in tribute to blues singer Etta James whom she portrays in an upcoming movie.

The star-studded event included appearances by Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Tommy Hilfiger, Hayden Panettiere, Paula Abdul, Fergie, Ciara, Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Brown, Terrance Howard, Justin Timberlake and Chace Crawford.

New Book Coming Soon Bob Marley: A Life

Sep 11, 2008

Bob Marley A Life By Garry Steckles “Of all the millions of words written about the Jamaican Rasta reggae hero, this book encapsulates the most concise and complete information about Marley… If you have never heard or read about Bob Marley, this book is the best place to begin…. For someone like myself who knew Marley personally and has read nearly everything ever written about him, the book makes me feel like I’m reading about Bob Marley for the first time… If you want to place a Marley biography in your library, this is the one to buy.” —Barbara Makeda Blake Hannah, Rastafarian scholar and journalist One of the twentieth century’s most iconic cultural figures, Bob Marley was responsible for popularizing reggae music throughout the world. His concerts set attendance records that still stand today, and his 1977 Exodus album was hailed by Time magazine as the greatest album of the 20th century. His unique blend of politically conscious lyrics and unforgettable melodies won him legions of fans far beyond the Caribbean. But Marley was no mere pop star: his strong attachment to Rasta beliefs, and his fierce hostility to the injustice of “Babylon” made him an important spokesperson for the dispossessed all over the globe. In this fresh new biography, Garry Steckles follows Marley’s eventful life through the early days in rural Jamaica; his arrival in Kingston, the first recordings and performances, his spectacular rise to international superstardom, and his untimely death. Throughout, he analyzes Marley’s political and religious beliefs, while also concentrating on his relationships with fellow musicians, family, and influential figures. He documents Marley’s often turbulent relationships with reggae legends like studio pioneer Clement “Coxson” Dodd, fellow Wailers Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, and the wildly eccentric producer Lee “Scratch” Perry; introduces behind-the-scenes legends like Island Records founder Chris Blackwell and the volatile PR genius Charles Comer, and takes you on the Rasta roller coaster that carried Marley to international status and the cover of Rolling Stone. A chapter focusing on Marley’s long-term legacy explores what the musician contributed to world music and what the religious believer gave to Rastafari. Garry Steckles has had a long career as a newspaper editor in the US, England, Canada, and Barbados. He has written about reggae and all aspects of Caribbean culture in major newspapers and magazines in North America, the UK, Canada, and the Caribbean.

We would like to ask - “What Kind of Fool Is He” ?

$37,000 party entry fee - LA Lewis plans extravagant launch for new song

Dancehall enigma LA Lewis is at it again. The self proclaimed seven-star general is planning an extravagant launch party for his new single Greatest Queen.
But don’t think for a second that this is a free-for-all kind of event. Without an invitation, media or VIP pass, it will cost $37,000 to get in. That’s right, $37,000.

To the average person, this will seem absurd, but Lewis, who describes himself as anything but average, believes it will be well worth it. After all, the deejay claims that the queen of England, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II, is expected to send a representative, legendary opera singer Curtis Watson will perform and the finest wines and Jamaican cuisine will be available.

The calibre of the event, he says, justifies the outrageous price tag. He said: “The kind of people that we’re inviting and the people that are coming, dat is likkle bit a money.”

Lewis, who gained popularity after his name was plastered on several walls islandwide, told THE STAR that the single will be a ‘historic’ one as being so ‘close’ to the queen, he managed to achieve a feat that no one has ever accomplished. “This is the first time ever the queen’s voice will be on a song. We used her voice to do the intro,” he said.
Constant dialogue

But Lewis’ alleged reach does not stop there. He confidently and proudly told THE STAR that he was in constant dialogue with the queen herself and she was well aware of the event and the single being promoted in her honour.

While residents of her own country can only walk by Buckingham Palace and pose for pictures or read about her in the local papers, Lewis says that he can stay in Jamaica, pick up his phone and call the queen’s office directly. He added: “We just call straight a Buckingham Palace. Time magazine, the British High Commission and everybody is aware of the party.”

In spite of the incredibly exorbitant price tag, Lewis told THE STAR that the event has over 200 confirmed guests who have already collected their passes.

All guests will receive a complimentary copy of the single which was recorded by himself, Movie Star Gabrilliant and Lady EQ, as well as a one-of-a-kind token - a miniature British flag.
Those planning to stop by are encouraged to go early unless they don’t mind watching the action on a screen downstairs, while the event takes place in the ballroom of the Olympia Crown Hotel. The event is set for September 12 at 7 p.m.

See More About:

• political geography
• countries

A very frequent geographical question is “How many countries are in the world?” Different numbers pop up when one inquires or reads about the number of countries in the world. Each source you use often yields a different answer. Ultimately, the best answer is that there are 195 countries in the world.United Nations
There are 192 members of the United Nations. Unfortunately, the number 192 is too often used to represent the number of countries in the world. Although this number represents almost all of the countries in the world, there are still two recognized independent countries, the Vatican City and Kosovo, that are independent and are not members of the U.N. so 192 is not the number of countries in the world.
U.S. Department of State
The United States’ State Department recognizes 194 independent countries around the world. Their list of 194 countries reflects the political agenda of the United States of America and its allies. Missing from the State Department’s list is one entity that may or may not be considered a country, depending on who you talk to.
The One Outsider
Taiwan meets the requirements of independent country or state status. However, due to political reasons, it fails to be recognized by the international community as independent. Nonetheless, it should be considered as independent.
Taiwan was actually a member of the United Nations (and even the Security Council) until 1971, when mainland China replaced Taiwan in the organization. Taiwan continues to press for full recognition by other countries, to become “part of the club” and fully recognized worldwide but China claims that Taiwan is simply a province of China.
Thus…
Your Guide considers there to be 195 countries in the world, which is probably the best current answer to the question, “How many countries are in the world?”
However…
Recognize that there are dozens of territories and colonies that are sometimes erroneously called “countries” but don’t count at all - they’re governed by other countries. Places commonly confused as being countries include Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Greenland, Palestine, Western Sahara, and even the components of the United Kingdom (such as Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England - they’re not fully independent countries, states, or nation-states).

Back to School

Get a smooth start to the school year with our healthy snack recipes, study tips, and fashion advice.

Irie Jamboree really rocked New York

Fight bruk out as Mavado wooed Irie Jamboree massive

Irie Jamboree was a blast on August 31 in New York, with headliners like: Elephant Man and Coco Tea blowing up the place in their usual style. Beenie Man rocked, but Mavado tore it up; getting such tumultuous crowd response, that some in the audience got overheated.

Yardflex was surprised at reports of fights breaking out during Mavado’s time on stage, and injuries to some patrons reportedly included a stabbing and broken limb following a stampede of sorts.

Still Mavado did not disappoint and worked at giving fans what they wanted, after questioning them on the same. Did they come to fight or enjoy…did they want to hear him, he wondered aloud.

By yardFlex on Yard News

With a backdrop of over 36,000 fun seeking reggae fans; big screen re-runs of the Beijing Olympics’ top Caribbean runs and a stellar line-up that included, Sizzla, Tarrus Riley, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Coco Tea, Mavado and Admiral Bailey, Irie Jamboree doubled as a celebration of the Caribbean Olympic experience. Roy Wilkins Park was jammed on August 31, with patrons hailing from all corners like: Japan, Dominica and England, just to attend.

A tent allotted for media was officially opened in Honor of Usain ‘Lightening’ Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown; with Aleen Bailey, Chelsea Hammond and Bert Cameron on hand to represent the athletes.

While all headliners had their fans in a state of uproar, it was Coco Tea who acquired the label of top performer of the day. His ‘sweet sweet’ sound reeked havoc as he gave hit after hit from a catalogue brimming with number one tracks. “Rocking Dolly,” “Riker’s Island,” “I lost My Sonia,” “Good Life” and other songs such as the new tune dedicated to Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama captivated the crowd, earning him tumultuous applause from young and old alike.

There was complete frenzy amongst audience members when the Doctor energized the stage; and they became completely immersed in every word he said. Decked out in USA an Jamaican flag colors, Elephant Man demonstrated why he is called the ‘Energy God” as he showed off his agility with an impressive charm. Gliding through, tracks like “Gully Greppa” and “Signal The Plane,” Ele stirred everyone up with the popular “Nuh Linga” that was dedicated to Olympic Superstar Usain ‘Lighting” Bolt.

THE manager of an Edinburgh reggae singer dropped by a top record label after she was found with a fake gun says she can still be a star.
Natalie Hendry, 20, of Gilmerton, was signed by Sony Records earlier this year after impressing in a series of auditions.

But she was dropped after police found her with the imitation handgun and a metal pole last month.

Hendry, who sings in Scottish-Jamaican reggae band Project Bona Fide, admitted possession of an offensive weapon and was kept on remand while social workers looked into her background.

Yesterday, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, she was released on bail so she could be assessed for a drug testing and treatment order before she is sentenced over the replica firearm.

Graham McInnes, the band’s manager and producer, said he was still confident the singer could have a glittering career.

He said: “Natalie is an incredibly gifted artist. However, her lifestyle and drug addictions have repeatedly inhibited her career.

“If she is willing to address her problems and concentrate on her profession then I am more than confident that she can achieve the success her talent deserves.”

Yesterday, the court heard how police found Hendry hiding in a common stairwell of a block of flats. They searched her and found the gun, a metal pole and a dart, but she claimed she had been given the weapons to hold by a man called Paul who had been involved in a disturbance over a drug deal.

It was that incident that police were investigating when they stumbled on Hendry, who is also known as “Lil’ Natt”.

Her solicitor, Steven Donald, said Paul had been a “very dominating” figure in Hendry’s life and had dictated what drugs she took and how she dressed and lived her life. He said: “She was also engaged in activities to support her own and his drug taking.”

Mr Donald said this “destructive” relationship had kept her addicted to drugs and had all but ended her singing aspirations after Sony dropped her.

He said: “She has been described as having a prodigious singing talent, but due to her chaotic lifestyle has been unable to take advantage of that and she was eventually dropped by Sony.”

Mr Donald said she had now left Paul, adding: “She hopes that she can pick up this career but will only be able to drug free.”

Sheriff Isobel Poole released Hendry on bail and ordered her to be assessed for drug treatment and also placed her on a night-time curfew.

She warned the singer she may yet be jailed, adding: “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a non-custodial sentence.”

Hendry, who said she will be living with her father – and band mate – “Daddy Scotty”, will be sentenced next month.

Bounty Killer and Upliftment Jamaica Present “Saddle to the East 2008″

Shaggy: ‘Barack Obama is like Rocky’

BSI probes killing of Spragga Benz’s 17-y-o son

Placard-wielding residents of downtown Kingston mounted a demonstration in front of the Central Police station on Monday seeking answers to the controversial shooting death of 17-year-old Carlton Grant Jr. over the weekend. Carlton was the son of popular dancehall DJ Spragga Benz. Residents have challenged the police version of events regarding the shooting death of Carlton Grant who had just passed at least six subjects in his CXC examinations. Eyewitnesses claimed that he had both hands in the air while being approached by the police and was killed in cold blood. Disgruntled after the police refused to speak to them on Monday, they are left mulling the question: what exactly happened that night at the corner of Church Street and East Queen Street? The Bureau of Special Investigation has been called in to probe the case and provide a few of those answers. Reports from CCN are that about 11:50 p.m. on Saturday, members of a police party were on patrol along Church Street, Downtown Kingston, when two men were seen on a bicycle. They were signalled to stop and complied. On approach of the lawmen one of the men reportedly pulled a gun and fired at the police. The fire was returned and the men ran. The area was searched and Grant was found suffering from gunshot wounds. The report said a .45 semi automatic pistol serial number N338142 was taken from him. The injured Grant was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Spragga Benz is reportedly overseas and could not be reached for comment up until press time. He is expected to arrive in the island this week. The DJ, whose real name is Carlton Grant, combined with Soca star Kevin Lyttle to rise to the top of the Billboard Single Chart with the dancehall remix of Lyttle’s ‘Turn Me On’. The song climbed the charts for 12 weeks until August 12, 2004 where it reached #1. He is also known for the songs ‘Hand Inna The Air’, ‘Peace’, ‘War’, ‘Backshot’ featuring Lady Saw and ‘A1 Lover’.

Last Revised: 9/3/2008

Beenie Man Ignites Europe with sensational tour

Ultimate Reggae entertainer Moses ‘Beenie Man’ Davies continues to prove to the world why he is dubbed the ‘doctor’ and ‘king of the dancehall’ during his recent tour of Europe.
European fans have described Beenie Man’s performances as “fantastic and energizing.”

Despite a few personal problems on the tour that were straightened out, Beenie Man did not let anything get in the way of him giving the best of himself to his many fans who turned out in numbers at all venues that he was slated to perform.

His first stint of the tour got underway on Friday, August 8 in Lisbon Portugal where the ‘doctor’ gave fans there a very stimulating performance. He took them through a variety of his old and new hit songs backed up with some very entertaining dance moves.
Fans in Sweden, Germany Italy, Holland and France also got their fair share of the ‘doctor’s versatility.

Despite the different languages and culture, it was quite evident that there is definitely a place in the world for dancehall.

When Beenie Man tour pulled up in England, dancehall was well represented. There was nothing wrong he could do for fans of Bradford, Birmingham and London, much of whom were Jamaicans celebrating Jamaica’s successful medal haul at the Beijing Olympics.
And of course, while he was not in Beijing to celebrate with Team Jamaica, Beenie Man used the occasion to give euphoric performances that will be long remembered by ‘Yardies’ and ‘Cockney’ dancehall fans.

Beenie Man is surely one of dancehall’s greatest and most admired entertainer who continues to represent Jamaica on the world stage entertainment.

Macka Diamond hosts party for dad’s birthday

Deejay Macka Diamond showed that she has a heart of gold to go along with all her shiny materialistic, ‘Money-O’ ambitions when she hosted a birthday party on Monday for her 64 year-old dad, Phillip Nathaniel Munroe.

“It was nice of her to keep this party and I am going to enjoy celebrating my birthday with my daughter, it’s a real nice get-together with friends,” the music producer who was born in West Kingston, told one876entertainment.com.

Munroe is the father of 15 children, the youngest of which is 7 years old.

“Mi father bad,” Macka Diamond joked. She will be heading to New York this weekend for a series of meetings with top level music execs from an independent record company after which she will head to Canada to spend time with her son who also celebrates a birthday in September.

“It’s always important to take time out of whatever we do as entertainers to spend time with family; it’s our families that are the bedrock of our lives, the first bond of society and that’s why these moments mean a lot to me,” she said.

Macka Diamond can be contacted through her Diamond District offices at 508-4774.

Zebra to roam free on Saturday, Sept. 6

WAYNE LONESOME PLANS TO ATTACK ZEBRA

A.K.A tell me say deejay Wayne Lonesome, remember him? The one who sound like Tiger) plans to lyrically attack DJ Zebra, and him ah lick out pon the plans to endorse Zebra during the Canal Splash event which will be held this Sunday in Ellerslie Pen (Capture Land).

Him reason say that Zebra’s many victims – he named out quite a few of them – will always feel the pain and when the media decides to treat his release as a major event and when communities host parties to mark said event, then it is a major disservice to the victims. I am inclined to agree with him, but then A.K.A tell me say the man plan fi do a song and how the lyrics dem write from long time fi dun Zebra and mi just say, hmmmmmmm, is a commercial ting. Mi ah gwaan wait and watch da one ya.

CARLYE AUTOPSY FOR OCTOBER

Bwoy, the way dem a kill people ah Jamaica, the autopsy on Spragga’s son Carlye’s body is currently scheduled for October 2. The teen died in controversial circumstances on August 23rd when police shot him in an alleged shootout but the residents and at least one eyewitness account dispute this claim. Mi just have to big up the artistes dem like Twins of Twins and Sean Paul who showed up to give Spragga the support at this terrible time.

ANDREW AND WADDA BLOOD HUSTLE BLOWS UP

Andrew and Wadda Blood sell right off with the song Hustle which peaked at #7 on the charts. Mi hear say dem print up over 2000 CDs fi distribute all across Jamaica and the Caribbean, dem a come fi change the business inna the 2008. The man dem have a new song on Benzly Hype riddim the Amazon that ah go dun the place, and dem plan fi touch the road wid dem father Junior Reid and campaign hard fi best new duo award inna the rest of the season.

PEOPLE WAAN FI KNOW…

How Barbee just drop offa the radar so? Just boops so? Is like she don’t even exist in New York and even though she shoot a video the other day, it come in like Beenie was her hype.

Ah true say Dawn Lexxus catch her man with Platinum Man? The whole ah New York stink wid the argument. That’s why mi ah go back ah mi yard, too much mixup and crasses de inna the NYC.

Who was that browning that walk up and hug and kiss up Coco Tea while he was doing his interview back stage? They left the camera crew speechless and they want to know who she was, me too.

Miss Lou to be celebrated in South Florida

By yardFlex on Yard News

On September 6 the life and legacy of the late Louise Bennett-Coverley will be celebrated in South Florida once more. In commemorating Miss Lou’s 88th birthday, Jamaican’s in South Florida will host an evening of song, dance and drama performances at the Sierra Norwood Calvary Baptist Church in North Miami. It will be the third annual community cultural tribute and scholarship fund-raiser.

As has been the custom, the proceeds will continue to support the Louise Bennett-Coverley Scholarship Fund tenable at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston.

Encouraging parents in the Diaspora to have their children participate in the event, Norma Darby, Director of the Florida based Jamaica Folk Revue sees this as an important step in familiarizing children with Jamaica’s culture. Following the passing of Miss Lou in July 2006, Darby initiated the scholarship programme that got underway in September that same year and it affords one student the opportunity to pursue the three-year diploma course in the performing arts annually. Since its inception the scholarship has been awarded to three students, two at the School of Drama and Dance and one at the School of Music.

ICM Fest returns with a vengeance! NOV 17 - Miami Fl

The International Caribbean Music Festival returns with a vengeance, back to its original Pre-Thanksgiving weekend on Sunday, November 16 at the historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Key Biscayne, Miami.
Voting is now in progress to determine which artiste will make it in the final lineup for the show.

“It will definitely be the people’s choice,” commented a spokesperson for the festival.
This popular event has experienced many first and a lot of positive changes since its inception in 1997 as a Pre-Thanksgiving Family Fun Day, Reggae Bash held at AT&T Amphitheatre, with a lineup that is still being talked about today. Among the artistes that graced the stage were Beenie Man, Capleton, Sanchez, Spragga Benz, Richie Stephens, General Degree and a host of other tough acts, including Sean Paul doing his first major show in the US.

Introducing ‘Daggering Condoms’ by Vybz Kartel

By yardFlex on Yard News

As an fundamental element in his campaign to promote Safe Sex, Vybz Kartel has gone into the business of churning out condoms.

The brand name of the dancehall genius’ condoms is “Daggering” and they will surely live up to their name, as the three pack condom sets will be manufactured and tested to US FDA standards.

The release of this new venture comes on the heels of “Vybz Rum” that was also recently launched.

Kartel, who spearheads the Portmore Music Empire will have “Daggering Condoms” packaged in Jamaica and marketed there as well, through a private company.

and while we’re on the subject of “Daggering” - Here’s the hot new video from Mr Vegas.

Chris Blackwell now in the rum producing business

By yardFlex on Yard News

The manufacture and launching of Black Gold, Blackwell’s Fine Jamaican Rum is the latest in a long list of entrepreneurial endeavors embarked on by hotel and music business tycoon, Chris Blackwell.

The 70 year old is breathing new life into an age old family run trade of producing, bottling and distributing alcohol in Jamaica, as his own ancestors once owned and managed Jamaica’s leading rum producing firm, J Wray & Nephew.

Black Gold has been concocted using the Blackwell family recipes from the past and while it will surely be well established in the Jamaican marketplace, Blackwell has his sites set on exporting what is indeed a brand of Jamaica’s finest rum, overseas - particularly to the US and UK. In these regions, Blackwell’s reputation for impeccable business abilities are already highly recognized and respected.

Teaming up with partner Richard Kirshenbaum of New York’s Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners advertising agency, Blackwell has positioned Black Gold to become a much sought after and even coveted brand. With a track record that includes assisting in the reinvigoration of brands like: Target, Jergens and Moet & Chandon, Kirshenbaum is bound to put an extra magical touch to the business of establishing Black Gold on the global market scene.

VP Records refuse to divulge information on ‘shut down’ rumor

By yardFlex on Yard & Foreign

VP Records’ top guns have been remaining tight lipped about word on the street claiming the newly amalgamated major reggae music administrators will be shutting down their offices in Kingston soon.

Marketing Manager, Yolan Zanders, who has for around 4 years been the main mover and shaker of VP’s Jamaican arm reportedly said she has heard the word, as many people have contacted her for more information on a possible closing.

However she has been unable to give any confirmation, saying that no official statement of that sort has been passed down to her from VP’s head offices and she continued to say that she would not be able to comment further.

Soulja Boy Tell Em Signs White Rapper, Hackers Take Over His MySpace & YouTube Pages

Published: Saturday - August 30, 2008 Words by Miles Bennett

Soulja Boy Tell Em (Photo: Interscope)

Teen rap sensation, Soulja Boy Tell Em, recently announced the signing of White Tee to his Stacks On Deck label — the first white rapper on the roster.

Soulja Boy made the official announcement while in Las Vegas for the Magic fashion tradeshow this week, where he was promoting his new line of sneakers with Yums Shoes.

“I want to introduce you to the newest artist of S.O.D. Money Gang Entertainment,” the rapper said from the Yums booth. “He goes by the name of White Tee, if you ain’t heard of him, you’ve been under a rock. His album is coming. 2009. First single droppin’ at the end of 2008 on iTunes. Get the ring tone.”

Soulja Boy founded his S.O.D. label in 2004, under Interscope/Collipark Music labels. His roster currently includes rappers Arab, Jbar, and now White Tee.

In other Soulja Boy news, the rapper’s official pages on MySpace and YouTube — both of which boast hundreds of thousands of views and friends — were hacked. The hacker messaged the rapper in hopes of extorting money, but Soulja Boy didn’t give to the threats.

“My sh** got hacked,” Soulja Boy said in a video blog posted on Monsay (August 24). “N****s send me a message on MySpace saying ‘I got your sh**, send me $2,500 is you want it back.’ I texted him back ‘F*** you bitch, do what you do.’ After that, he deleted all my sh**. I was like, ‘Well damn, the n**** wasn’t bluffing.’”

After losing control of his MySpace page, the rapper’s label contacted the social networking site, who reset the passwords and returned control back to Soulja Boy.

However, as far as his YouTube page, Soulja Boy was able to get his page back, thanks to a fan. Once the rapper told the hackers he wasn’t paying, they send messages to all the rapper’s friends, giving away his passwords for free.

One fan, a 12-year-old, got a hold of the passwords and locked the rapper’s YouTube page, so no one would do any further damage.

“He locked it for me. He was like ‘Soulja Boy, I’m your fan. I didn’t wanna f*** up your YouTube page,’ the rapper said.

Needless to say, Soujla Boy’s social networking pages have been recovered, and he’s back to posting blogs and videos.

Ne-Yo Awarded $700,000 In Lawsuit Over R. Kelly Tour

Published: Wednesday - September 3, 2008 Words by Allen Starbury

Ne-Yo (Photo: Getty Images)

Ne-Yo was awarded a $700,000 judgment by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently, stemming from a lawsuit filed earlier this year after he was dropped from an R. Kelly tour in late 2007.

In the lawsuit, the singer (real name: Shaffer Smith) claimed he was dropped because the reaction he received from both the crowds and the press were “more favorable” than Kelly was receiving, an allegation the singer vehemently denied.

Kelly was not named in the suit, instead Ne-Yo sued the tour’s promoter, Georgia-based Rowe Entertainment Inc.

Following the singer’s departure from the tour, the company issued a statement saying, “It was decided that in the best interest of all involved, since I was unable to receive the fully executed contract, I had no other alternative but to release Ne-Yo from the tour. From a business perspective, it would have been extremely difficult for me to continue under this cloud of uncertainty.”

Rowe Entertainment never answered the lawsuit, according to the Associated Press, and last week Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Malcolm Mackey ordered the company to pay Ne-Yo and his touring company $700,320.

Ne-Yo claimed in the suit that the lack of signatures shouldn’t have been an issue because all the material terms were agreed upon orally.

“The parties understood that the oral agreement was binding and would be binding even if a formal written agreement was never executed,” the lawsuit read.

He claims he hired musicians, dancers, security and other personnel, conducted rehearsals and did promotions, while Lowe used his name, voice and likeness for print, radio and television ads to promote the tour.

In other Ne-Yo news, the singer is gearing up for the release of his upcoming album, Year Of The Gentleman. The album is slated for release September 16.

Tupac Shakur Lands Atop Blender’s Overrated Music List

Published: Thursday - September 4, 2008 Words by Allen Starbury

Tupac Shakur (Photo: Interscope)

Tupac overrated? That’s what Blender is saying in an upcoming issue where the run down their list of the Most Overrated in Music.

The late Tupac Shakur, who is considered legendary by most, tops the mag’s tongue-in-cheek list that also includes “places, trends and other junk in rock,” according to Reuters, which can be read in their upcoming October issue.

Tupac was killed more than 10 years ago in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, and has released more than a dozen albums since his tragic death. Those albums helped him sell more records than he ever did while alive, and has put him into a category among music greats.

While Blender says the rapper had “insane rock-star charisma,” he also “larded records with self-mythologizing, mediocre filler.”

In its June issue, the magazine interviewed Lil Wayne, who listed Pac among his top five rappers, but then admitted: “I can’t front: I was never into Pac.”

Other finalists of Blender’s overrated list includes the Grammys at no. 7, encores at no. 12, Pink Floyd at no. 14 and “the music you loved as a teenager” at no. 23.

The Grammys, the mag said that sitting of watching the awards ceremony was “like watching paint dry on Celine Dion’s forehead.”

The October issue hits newsstands next week.

Akon To Stand Trial For Fan-Tossing Incident In New York

Published: Thursday - September 4, 2008 Words by Allen Starbury

Akon is set to head to trial on charges stemming from an incident at the 2007 KFEST con

cert in Fishkill, New York, where he allegedly threw a 15-year-old fan off the stage.

After tossing the kid off the stage, another fan is said to have suffered a concussion when the boy landed on her.

Akon was officially charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and harassment in November 2007, and has pleaded not guilty.

His attorneys called the incident “a spontaneous reaction” last year, and said it was one that “Akon deeply regrets.”

Now, as he awaits trial, which is slated to begin in December, his legal team told the Poughkeepsie Journal, he is anxious to put the ordeal behind him.

“We are pleased that Judge Epstein adjourned the case to a date certain for either a trial or a negotiated resolution,” said Andrea Zellan, Akon’s lawyer. “Akon looks forward to putting this incident behind him, and in the meantime he will continue to meet every requirement set forth by the court.”

He attended the hearing Wednesday (September 3), not commenting to reporters. Akon gave a simple thumbs-up sign.

If convicted of both charges, he could face 15 days in jail.

Ciara Takes It All Off, Woman Gets Slapped By A Man On Live TV, Kanye West Spends 50K On Sunglasses?

What Does Robin Thicke Know about Bob Marley - NOTHING OBVIOUSLY.

~RE

Robin Thicke speaks on color in the new Billboard magazine:

When I did a recent interview with Vibe magazine I asked, “Why can’t I get the cover? This is a magazine I love. If there’s one magazine that I’d want to be on the cover of, it’s Vibe.” Their response was they don’t have white artists on the cover; that the only white artist they’ve had on the cover was Eminem. I guess if that’s what it is, it is what it is. And I respect that because I live in a house with a black woman.

I won’t use the word “racism.” I will say it’s a tough — but rewarding — fight. I look at Mary J. Blige, somebody who has had only a few pop hits and yet has changed culture, generated new sounds and inspired leagues of artists. She’s now a worldwide phenomenon. And it’s because of what she stood for; she never gave up. She kept making great music, pouring her heart out to people.

You can’t always expect people to be as color-blind or open-minded as you want. What you can do is keep giving your heart and soul, like Bob Marley did. His music became so overwhelmingly loving; it was a relentless love in a sense. Keep beating them down with love and they can’t stop you.

Floyd Mayweather’s Las Vegas Home Robbed, $7 Million Necklace Stolen

Published: Wednesday - September 3, 2008 Words by Ronnie Gamble

Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Photo: via MySpace)

Retired and undefeated boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. was robbed of nearly $7 million in jewelry in August from his Las Vegas mansion.

According to a spokesman for Las Vegas Metro Police Department, the boxer’s home was empty when intruders broke in, by smashing a window separating the master bedroom from the pool area, sometime between August 17th and August 18th.

There was security camera footage capture, but reports indicate that it was largely unusable aside from a grainy shot of one suspect was transformed into a still image by investigators.

Las Vegas detectives sent out a press release last week, seeking assistance from the public in solving the case, in which “four people forcefully entered a home in a gated community in the northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley, taking unique items.”

The items stolen included a necklace and accompanying ruby-and-diamond encrusted boxing glove pendants, valued at $7 million.

Mayweather’s camp has confirmed the burglary this week, announcing a $100,000 reward for information leading to recovery of the items. Only jewelry was taken, according to the announcement.

No one was hurt during the incident.

Anyone with info on the crime can call Sherbrook, Jelan and Associates at 678-457-5858 or 404-786-1321.

Quincy Jones Lands Two-Book Deal, First Release Coming In October

Published: Wednesday - September 3, 2008 Words by Miles Bennett

Quincy Jones (Photo: Getty Images)

Legendary producer and songwriter, Quincy Jones, recently inked a two-book publishing deal with Insight Editions, where he will release two books about his life and journey through music.

The first book to be release via the new deal will be The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey & Passions, which the publisher says will celebrate his contribution to American art and culture, via photos, letters, memories and more.

The book celebrates his 75th birthday, which took place earlier this year.

“The length, breadth, and diversity of Quincy Jones’ career may only be known for the first time through this comprehensive and visually stimulating volume,” explains Raoul Goff, publisher of Insight Editions. “His creative genius crosses not only all genres of music, but also TV, film, broadcasting, magazine publishing, philanthropy, activism, and style. We are honored to bring light to the diverse talents and achievements of someone in our day and time who is truly a living legend.”

The Complete Quincy Jones will include a foreword by Clint Eastwood, preface from Bono, an introduction by Maya Angelou and an afterword by Sidney Poitier. Comprised of personal interviews and recollections from Quincy, this collection is said to give extraordinary access to his creative inspirations and achievements, through private notebooks, correspondence, and more than 400 photographs — all from his private collection.

In late 2009, the second book, titled Quincy Jones: 60 Years of American Music, will follow. However, no further information on the second book has been released.

The Complete Quincy Jones will hit shelves October 28.

In addition to the book, Jones is set to open a Las Vegas restaurant and club called Q’s Jook Joint in 2009, and is currently working on albums for Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder, Clark Terry and Snoop Dogg, and Joe Pesci, among others.

An Unauthorized Biography Of James Brown, Rolling Stone Celebrates Lauryn Hill’s “Miseducation”

Written By SOHH Soul Rebel

Ever wish you knew more about some of music’s icons? Well Toronto rapper Shaun Boothe (aka SEAZON) has picked up where Nas’ Unauthorized Biography of Rakim left off with an Unauthorized Biography series of his own. Shaun has announced plans to drop 12 bios in all, each focusing on a different icon. I’m posting the first one here on the Godfather of Soul – James Brown. Check it out below.

“Unauthorized Biography of James Brown”

Download video!

Download video!

Wow. I can’t wait for the Bob Marley chapter. Visit www.myspace.com/shaunboothe for more on Shaun Boothe.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill and Rolling Stone Magazine did a banging write up of the making of the album. Check out the full interview here. A previously unreleased Lauryn Track “World Is a Hustle” also hit the net this week. Listen below:

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NEWS: Luke Offers 2 Live Crew His 2 Cents “[They] Can’t Blame Me for Where They Are At In Their Lives”

VH1’s newest reality star, Luke, spoke to Miami’s New Times about his role in 2 Live Crew and why it was his contributions that led to the Crew’s mainstream success.

“I was not just their hype man; I was the hook man,” he told New Times. “I gave them hits. The brain of that operation was me. They would write their verses, but it was all based on my hooks.”

Luke also described the $5 million deal he did with Atlantic Records for his label, of which 2 Live Crew was signed to.

“Hell yeah, I got $5 million from Atlantic Records,” he said. “They did a deal with Luke Records, and I owned Luke Records. They were doing a record deal with me and my company. 2 Live Crew can’t blame me for where they are at in their lives. They can only blame themselves.”

Taking full responsibility for helping all acts in 315 as well, Luke described his relationship with the city’s most popular record labels.

“You look at any record company in this town, somebody there worked for me,” he said. “The main people that work at companies like Slip-N-Slide or Poe Boy have worked for me. I trained them. The biggest promotion companies in Miami, they have either worked or interned for me.”

Staying on the subject of Miami reps, Luke addressed the recent discoveries of rapper Rick Ross’ track record as a corrections officer.

“I really don’t know what the big deal is,” he offered. “I’m speaking from being a 47 year-old man. I was a cook before I was a rapping. People feel the passion of Rick Ross’ music and that’s what makes him a credible artist. People in Carol City know Rick Ross, and they know that police go to jail every day. They know that it don’t make you no clean-squeaky motherf*cker just because you got a uniform on.”

Luke’s Parental Advisory currently airs on VH1 on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. EST.