So for the past 3 months, if you heard anything about Mr. Vegas - it probably had something to do with his Sassa Step competition.
Big up to Fatta Diamond and Dabba Diamond from Stinga Movements - I see you guys making big moves!
The winner was announced, Shy N from Japan which landed him a roundtrip flight to Jamaica to be featured in Mr. Vegas' 'Sassa Step' video. My question is, are the best dancehall dancers, Japanese? I think not.
Shy N, I'm not hating on you - congrats on your achievement, but how about we highlight the Sassa Step originator, Mundo Ravers from Ravers Clavers.
Click below to see how Munda Ravers do the Sassa Step.
Lately, everyone's been noticing that Spice is officially the HARDEST WORKING WOMAN in the industry. With the recent launch of her clothing store, her hit single with Vybz Kartel, 'Ramping Shop' on the Billboards, billed to perform at damn near every major reggae stage show and still juggling the family life.
I must say, she might be invincible!
I can imagine she feels good knowing that all of her hard work is paying off because the pockets MUST be fatter this time around and now with the recent news that she is the newest member of the VP Records family is just the icing on the cake.
Grace "Spice" Hamilton was signed last week to VP Records for a major album deal after realizing that this was the best choice for her.
The official video is here!
'Tiny Tot' is one of Spragga's most recent hit single thats been getting CRAZY rotation, lots of airplay and not to mention he literally KILLED this riddim!
Whens it gonna be my time to SHINE, right now I'm in my PRIME!
Story of my life! hahaha
Click below to watch the official video...
A boat carrying Haitian migrants tipped over and sank off the Turks and Caicos Islands where up to 85 people are missing, the U.S. Coast Guard said this morning.
One survivor said the boat struck a reef as it tried to elude police.
Rescuers found 113 survivors and 2 bodies stranded at nearby reefs.
The shipwreck happened around 2pm Monday afternoon where the migrants were attempting an escape of the poverty stricken country - with hopes to find a better life elsewhere.
The boat carrying up to 200 Haitians had been at sea for three days when passengers saw a police vessel and accidentally steered the boat onto a reef as they tried to hide.
Unfortunately, this is something that happens regularly where people attempt to escape their country in overcrowded and in boats that lack construction. There was a case in 2007 where another boat tipped over and some of the unidentifiable victims were eaten by sharks.
Coast guards have been working throughout the night searching for survivors.
What do you say in a situation like this...good luck?
Source: AssociatedPress
Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae is a documentary that allows us to take a peek into what they call 'Jamaica's Golden Age of music,' Rocksteady. The film features the music and the stories of some of reggae's greatest legends during the Rocksteady era.
Rocksteady was the music of Jamaica from 1966-1969 which eventually transformed into Reggae by the 1970s.
In 1962, when Jamaica gained its independence from the Great Britain, Jamaica was filled with celebration, optimism, economic growth and opportunity - which was reflected through music.
Recording studios became more prominent throughout the island during this time period where hits like "You Don't Love Me Anymore, No No No," "Tide Is High" and "Rivers of Babylon," were created.
By 1968, however, Jamaica’s economic bubble had burst and unemployed youths fought with police for control of the streets. As violence, poverty and political upheaval spread, Rocksteady artists stopped singing about love and romance and instead gave voice to the social problems around them.
Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae serves as a history lesson. We all appreciate the music but many of us are unaware of the history of it, how it was derived and its purpose.
The documentary was released in Canada earlier this week but unfortunately leaving the rest of us unsure of when to expect it to reach everywhere else, but watch the movie trailer and keep a look out for when it is released in your area.
Every time I hear Kartel answer an interview question about the gully/gaza rivalry, he always stresses that he is an entertainer. He is a man who is paid to ENTERTAIN.
It made me realize that fans are the ones who really promote the Gully/Gaza war, the members just chill with the reputation because it keeps them popular and that is the current trend to making money.
The goal is to keep the fan base, but I wonder how they feel now that Bounty let the secret out?
Click below to hear Bounty Killers interview during the SUMFEST.
BIG CHUNE!
Up and coming dancehall DJ - Eric Sommers - also known as Iyara speaks on the Uptown Mondays incident where Richie Feelings was assaulted with glass bottles while selecting.
To brush up on the topic, click here!
Some say that members of the Alliance are to blame because Richie Feelings was requested to play a track from Iyara, but he refused, saying that he never heard of the artist.
Iyara states that he was present at the venue, however, he was on the outside when the stampede occurred. “I reach Uptown Mondays from early out in the night and at that time Richie Feelings neva start play yet but roun' 1AM when me step out fi go get a cup a soup me just see people a rush outta the venue and ah jump inna car so mi just leave to“.
“Me a deal wid music and ah me say hustle mi ah hustle everyday inna di street and we nah look nuh trouble, so mi just want the people to know dat” he added.
Source: AllianceFiLife
In Photo: D MajorBrap! Brap! Big Chune!!
How many of you all can say that you have a collection of REAL friends?
Thankfully, I can!
And for those of you who wonder how to attract REAL friends, it's simple, BE a REAL friend!
LAWWWD!
I realize that I probably have a SICK sense of humor but I'm sure I'm not the only one.
The funniest part is that this pig has his eyes bleeped out - to protect its privacy. LOL
Ok, ok, ok story time...
The Star started this story off saying...
The lives of a pig and an 18-year-old youth from a Westmoreland address will never be the same after Sunday, July 12.
But really, the lives of a pig and the 14 year old child who CAUGHT the 18 year old raping the pig are the ones we need to really worry about.
A nearby resident said that the son of the owner of the pig was the one that made the discovery along the river.
The 14 year old allegedly saw the 18 year old teen and the pig in the middle of intercourse and immediately screamed but the pig raper continued to violate the pig while the 14 year old summoned his family through text messages.
When the rest of the family arrived to the scene, the pig raper ran off leaving his pants and underwear behind while crowds of onlookers watched and taunted him.
He is said to have received several machete slaps before a female resident in an attempt to save his life laid on top of him until the police came.
He was arrested and charged for bestiality in court yesterday, but I don't know what kind of sentence he would receive for such a crime.
In the aftermath of the incident, there is a claim that the pig is pregnant and residents are anxiously waiting to see the offspring.
Now for those of you who are REALLY expecting to see pigs with human faces - it's not going to happen! So please pass this note on to the residents of Westmoreland.
Thank You...
Source: TheStar
Knowing that you have the freedom to dictate your own musical direction is PRICELESS and is exactly what motivated the King Of Dancehall to sign over to New York based independent label Brookland Entertainment/Universal Republic.
Sometime a man fi get KOOF fi get KOOF fi get KOOF!
Remember that song?
Earlier this week selector, Richie Feelings was assaulted at Uptown Mondays and believes that members of the Alliance are to blame.
Last week at Bembe someone asked Richie Feelings to play a song by Iyara who is an upcoming artist from the Alliance, but Richie said that he never heard of Iyara and ignored their request.
People say that his refusal to play the Iyara record is what led to the Uptown Mondays dispute. While Richie was selecting he was hit with bottles and now he has cuts and bruises on his face, under and above his eye.
Is this what happens when you ignore song requests?
Click below to hear the official Diva Nikki Z and Richie Feelings interview after the Uptown Mondays dispute.
When was the last time you saw something HILARIOUSLY disturbing??
There is water in my eyes, I am actually tearing at the moment...
When my CT buddy Balla posted this video I thought it was so funny but I just KNEW it wasn't serious. I really thought it was one of those comedic videos that you would probably see on MAD tv.
But now that I know that this IS serious - it makes it even funnier.
For the ones who don't know, this is Lee "Scratch" Perry. The grammy winning, 73 year old dub and reggae artist who've been making music since the 1950s, and lets not forget that he use to produce for Bob Marley.
Fast forward to 2008 - he is still making music and obviously he has no intention on retiring.
And now for your entertainment pleasure, I would like to present: Lee "Scratch" Perry in Pum Pum
According to a recent interview with Burning Spear, he states that Reggae is losing its roots and if we ever expect the music to return to its glory days the producers need to know that the music needs direction!
He realizes that young producers turned the once organic sound of reggae to an artificial beat by using equipments that mimic the sounds of an authentic band.
I'm loving the vibe of Lutan Fyah and this is his latest video release to 'Nuh Talk'. Bills haffi pay so put your money where yuh mouth deh!
During the Gaza Awards in Portmore last week Assassin publicly stated that the 'beef' between himself and Kartel has officially ended. Right before Assassin's performance, he took the mic from MC Nuffy and surprised his audience by starting off his session with...
The National Associated For The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is working to fight police brutality!
NAACP recently launched The Rapid Report System, an online reporting system that allows users to upload cell phone images of alleged police abuses.
This is basically a system to deter officers from violating our rights, of course they say that our police officers nationwide are excellent public servants, but we already know that their are a lot of corrupt officers using their badges to shield their morality.
The Rapid Report System also lets users send text messages and e-mails about alleged misconduct.
So if you are ever involved in or witnessing police brutality, remember that you will need proof to ensure that justice will be served, so use your resources!
Use your cell phone to take pictures, record audio, record video - do SOMETHING!
You can use the Rapid Report System to upload your evidence from your cell phone or computer using the internet.
This is a simple way to decrease police brutality, especially with officers knowing that there will be consequences for their actions. The police is NOT above the law!
Cell phone footage has repeatedly helped spotlight alleged police misconduct in recent years. The fatal shooting of an unarmed man in Oakland, California, on New Year's Day made headlines and spread across the Internet partly because of cell phone video.
The killing sparked large protests in Oakland and led to a murder charge against the transit officer.
Sitting here humming this song and realizing that I really do appreciate it.
So, please, allow me to digress....
I always think about why reggae haven't made it to MAINSTREAM...the way I feel it should and the way I feel it deserves.
Is it because no one can put a face to the name of most of our REMARKABLE artists!
How many of you all ever seen this man?? Me personally, NEVER...but I've loved his music for so long -thats a problem!
So here at www.TheWickedestTime.com, you will always, always, ALWAYS be able to put a face to the name - not much but definitely a step in the right direction!!
Left to Right: Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Randy
Rumors spread like WILDFIRE!!
Word on the concrete is Jeffery Hype was kicked out of the Portmore Empire for having Vybz Kartel face tatted on his forearm.
LAWD! It's too much!
I guess Kartel thought he was too big of a fan, and honestly that's a bit scary. Jeffery Hype is STAR STRUCK! The last time I heard, 12 people committed suicide after the death of Michael Jackson and this is right along those lines. What kind of man really tattoos another mans FACE on their body?? Unless its your child or your father...I just can't wrap my mind around it.
The rumor became more believable when Twin of Twins mentioned in one of their latest songs saying,
"Dem seh Kartel sick me nah talk bout flu,
mi hear summi wha day mi a wonder if a true,
Jeffery Hype get kick out a Kartel crew
yuh know me a wonder , I don’t know bout you
a whe di f**k him ago do with di tattoo".
There is also a rumor stating that Jeffery Hype was kicked out of the Portmore Empire because the gully god, Mavado, bax him down - which is an embarrassment to the Gaza. But the tattoo just seems better for interesting conversation...and honestly, makes more sense. So lets just roll with that one!
According to a close source of the Portmore Empire, "Jeffery Hype got demoted so he’s no longer apart of the inner circle - but that still nuh mean seh wi kick him out a di Portmore Empire."
What a sweet song and even sweeter video!
Wayne and Tami seem so happily in love, these two didn't even look like they were acting for the video shoot - it just flowed naturally...
This is the type of chemistry I want in my marriage!!
States are desperate for cash. Marijuana consumers are begging to pay taxes. So, what’s the problem?
A pro-marijuana group launched a television advertisement Wednesday in California advocating legalization and taxation of the drug to help solve the state’s budget woes.
The 30-second spot, airing Wednesday and paid for by the Marijuana Policy Project, features a retired 58-year-old state worker who says state leaders “are ignoring millions of Californians who want to pay taxes.”
“We’re marijuana consumers,” says Nadene Herndon of Fair Oaks, who says she began using marijuana after suffering multiple strokes three years ago. “Instead of being treated like criminals for using a substance safer than alcohol, we want to pay our fair share.”
This one is a LIVICATION to Carlton Grant Jr.
It's terrible to see that life has no value and the "Land We Love" is plagued with ruthless violence, poverty, and con artists who thrive on taking advantage of others.
The police system is corrupt, the elderly is being abused but Jamaica is the third happiest nation on Earth??
I must sound like a pessimist but its hard to see a child leave this earth before his parents, and even worse to learn that a police officer was the murderer. Someone who is supposed to protect the lives of civilians are taking lives with no consequences.
Take advantage of your life and live it to its fullest because you really don't know when it will be taken from you...if you were to die today, would you be satisfied with the life you lived?
RIP Carlyle
Island bargains is a Florida based company that offers nationals and businesses in the Caribbean islands, discount shopping and shipping online.
IslandBargains.com touts itself as the all-inclusive place to shop for brand name items, at discount prices, while also allowing customers to take advantage of the lowest shipping rates.
The store's owners say the aim is to offer 'discount items' to Caribbean nationals with the opportunity to have their goods shipped directly to them at a reasonable price, "whether it's rain, shine or a hurricane."
Bargains include brand name school supplies, food and drink, household items, children toys, building supplies and even hurricane supplies. Costs range from 33 cents and up.
People living in the Caribbean can simply log on to Islandbargains.com, shop, place their order and have the items shipped to them directly, without any hassles. Customers can shop safely and securely, and track their order and delivery date on the website.
Customers can also make special procurement requests, and IslandBargains.com will secure the items for you, and ship them at low costs.
Island Bargains also offers a unique approach in 'consolidations,' meaning even if the customer shop with other merchants, they can have the goods dropped off at the IslandBargains.com warehouse, and take advantage of the low, discount shipping rates. Most small packages start at $20 'all inclusive' with no hidden fees!
The company has begun offering direct shipping to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, but urged everyone to keep their eyes open, as IslandBargains.com is coming to your island soon!
"IslandBargains.com is dedicated exclusively to the delivery of products and goods to the Caribbean, through various vendors throughout Florida," says the owner. "We consolidate your freight, take care of customs and provide low shipping costs, as a result."
Island Bargains is located at 950 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Why did Beenie Man announce his Beenie Sizzle concert for August 5th when Capleton is already having his popular St. Mary Mi Come From stage show on the same date?
Some say that Beenie Man's touring schedule is leaving August 5th as his only available date, others say that Beenie is bad minded and is known to have a rivalry with Capleton, they insist that Beenie Man is trying to upstage Capleton during Jamaica's Independence Day weekend!
With an attempt to defend himself, Beenie says that August 5th has a special significance to him, it would mark his 32 year anniversary of his very first stage show in 1977. He also states that the show will end around 3pm so it should not conflict with Capleton's annual concert.
With the state of our economy, it is highly unlikely that fans of both artists will be able to patronize both events since they fall on the same day. Which means that fans would have to choose one or the other, this may be a hard decision for most.
Beenie Sizzle will feature artists like Rick Ross, Vybz Kartel, Akon, Sizzla, Jah Cure and Hurricane Chris.
Ms. Claudette Kemp, Capleton's manager is confident that even in a recession-plagued entertainment market, St. Mary Mi Come From would draw its traditionally strong crowd.
"August 5th has never been a date on which Beenie Man keeps his show. He personally told me he was doing it the 9th but then he said his financial advisers told him that the 5th is a better date. But we shall not be defeated, St. Mary Mi Come From is an awesome show that all the children and the community of St. Mary looks forward to every year," states Ms. Kemp.
She said that Capleton's show is historically held on the day before Independence Day, August 6th.
"He came close last year when he held it on August 6th, but we have always invited Beenie Man to our show. Anyway, the music industry is a big pie and everyone can get a slice and Capleton will be taking his slice of the pie in St. Mary on August 5th," she said confidently.
Source: One876Entertainment
This is my SONG!!!!!
Much love to upcoming artist Protoje!
About 4 years ago one of our mutual friends gave me his Lyrical Overdose mixtape so I've been a fan for a WHILE!
It excites me to see his new video looking fresh, not to mention this was always one of my favorite tracks from him - keep it up Protoje!!
Right now, 'Arguments' is his first single to reach the number ten position on the RETV Top 20 reggae singles chart.
Protoje is progressing, and I LOVE it!!
According to the Jamaica Star, Zebra is still on the loose!
For a quick update on this, click here!
Zebra, whose real name is Garfield Vassell is still being sought by St. Catherine North Police in connection with a rape case. The police states that they even waited for him at a stage show in Ocho Rios, St. Ann where he was expected to perform at but he was a 'no show'.
The police wants to hold Zebra for questioning about an molestation incident between Zebra and his step daughter.
Zebra states that the allegations are false and that relatives of his previous girlfriend are trying to slander his name and have him sent back to prison. He says that the grandmother and the aunt of the little girl are upset because of his refusal to give them money that was left by the childs father.
He also states that he is getting an attorney to assist in clearing his name, as well as contracting the help of a medical doctor to prove that the young lady was not sexually molested.
Whether he did it or not, Zebra has a bad reputation when it comes to children, so I just don't know how I feel about him being surrounded by children in this clip below. It doesn't sit well with me!
Now, this is just a question...
Is Vybz Kartel a pedophile??
I was listening to Queen Ifrica's new song "No Bwoy" and it raised a few questions. First of all, the title of the clip says Vybz Kartel diss, but I wasn't even paying that too much mind.
I listened to the song once and just assumed that Queen Ifrica was being witty with her lyrics and she was generally speaking. But when I think about it, some things you just can't be witty about. Not to mention, this is a serious topic and serves as a message - so maybe the song really IS directed to Kartel.
When recording a song about pedophilia you don't drop subtle hints about anyone if you don't want to ruffle any feathers - so what does this mean?
I really hope this isn't true, I would be so disappointed.
What do you guys think?
Doesn't it look like he's singing with PASSION!
It took a little while for this song to grow on me and there are still a few parts that I could have definitely done without...
But 'Sweetest Time' made it to the playlist!
I read an article about a wonderful woman named Barbara Gilbert who collected donations to build homes for 84 families in Jamaica.
We all talk about the problems but how many of us take charge? Well, Barbara Gilbert stood up for a cause - which reminds me of another young lady, Kristi Keller who supports whoever she can with her blog Jamaica My Way.
Barbara Gilbert is a single mother of four who lives in a rented home in Atlantic Beach, Florida and works through Food For The Poor. FFP is a Florida-based international charity that assist impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
She used her own money and raised more than US$200,000 in donations to build houses for families who had no where to rest their heads.
"I learnt about Food for the Poor while listening to a radio telethon in Florida in 2005. They were trying to raise money for housing to help the poor in Jamaica," she recalled.
"They said that US $2,000 could pay for a home and that US $500 could furnish that home. I pledged in my heart, there and then, to build a house for one family out of my personal savings."
Gilbert then pledged to send $204.84 a month, for a year, from her limited budget to build a house for a family.
At the time, Gilbert worked as a waitress at the Beach Hut Café in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, was a part-time student and a single mother. She pooled her savings with tips received from diners at the café and got donations from persons she told about her plan to house a Jamaican family.
Then she visited Jamaica and the inevitable happened. Gilbert saw great need in many areas, fell in love with the people and began what she now vows is a lifelong commitment to providing shelter for the poor who cannot afford a place to lay their heads.
"I simply fell in love with the country and the people and so I decided that I wanted to build a whole village. I wanted to help as many families as I could and not just one."
To be a part of the movement, log on to www.FoodForThePoor.org
Source: JamaicaObserver
Chino to the WORLD!!
Chino + Federation + Big Ship = THE FORMULA
Chino is being endorsed by a few of Reggae ALL STARS like his father Freddie McGregor and Beenie Man in his latest video Protected. With his positive lyrics, suave appeal, and such a strong background in music - he just might be THE FORMULA.
I am LOVING his style and he is so handsome! I'm starting to hear his music in regular rotation, and I look forward to more from him...
Check out the official video for PROTECTED.
