WHAT IS A MASCOT?? starring TONY MATTERHORN

Do you wonder how your favorite celeb spend their off time? Check out Tony Matterhorn, Bling Dawg, Assassin, Timberlee, Demarco and more hanging outside of Coppershot studios.

Did I see Chi Ching CHING?

WEDDING SCAM FOR IMMIGRATION LEADS TO JAIL TIME

I joke a lot when Jamaican men are too sweet to me. I'm quick to ask them if they're looking for citizenship because from the looks of it, a lot of them are.

But it's not always the men...

A Jamaican woman was sentenced to 12 months this morning for being a part of a immigration scam in West Midlands, England.

“This was a serious and organised attempt to facilitate illegal entry into the UK. All of the people who have been convicted were in it for either personal profit or to secure a UK passport” stated Gail Adams from the UK Border Agency.

The immigration scam organizer, Venrick Clarke, has organized 38 sham marriages within the past 6 years and was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment.

Clarke used sophisticated forgery and threats of violence to organize weddings so that immigrants could claim citizenship. He would pay the would-be British wives and husbands in drugs or cash and even organized fake guests, a reception, photographers, clothes and wedding rings to maintain an air of authenticity. But some of the couples are believed to have had no contact with each other before or after the wedding.

Source: Images Newsletter

FLIPPA MAFIA DOES CHARITY EVENT FOR TRENCH TOWN HIGH SCHOOL

On December 12th Flippa Mafia will be doing his part in the name of charity by having a fete at Trench Town High School.

"As entertainers it is our duty to give back ... and if you really check it a lot of us donate to worthy causes. The public may not hear about it, but that's because we don't like to pose up for picture and send it to newspaper every time we do what we are supposed to do by helping the less fortunate," Flippa said.

All proceeds from the fete will be going back into the betterment of the school and the performance will be portraying a postive image as well as a positive message.

"We have to get the youths to understand the importance of an education and staying in school. We need the school-girls to erase the idea of teenage pregnancy and replace it with total focus on their school work. Education must always come first," he stated.

Source: OutARoad

PLAYLIST: MERCILESS - DI LETTER

So it looks like Merciless is coming back for his place!! If he keep coming out with songs like this.. there might be a spot for him.

HOWDY!

PLAYLIST: JOHN LEGEND AND BUJU BANTON - CAN'T BE MY LOVER

This song is the intro from the latest 'Strictly the Best' album and it immediately put me in a happy place when I heard it! John Legend and Buju Banton did a great job with this one but lets not forget Supa Dups from Black Chiney who produced this track..

You can't get enough of Buju?? Me neither.. I promise, you'll love this one! Click here!

PLAYLIST: TARRUS RILEY - SOUL MATE

The sweet sound of Tarrus Riley never fails to put a smile on my face.. I love his latest album, 'Contagious' but you can't even begin to judge Tarrus Riley until you see him perform live. To see a clip from one of his live performances, click here!

PLAYLIST: LOUIE CULTURE - CONCRETE JUNGLE ROCK

Louie Culture! Mr. Gangalee himself is back with a new hit, 'Concrete Jungle Rock'. If you're wondering what ever happened to roots and culture, no worries, its right here! You need another taste of Louie Culture? Click here!

PLAYLIST: JOHN HOLT - STEALING STEALING

Be careful, be careful..

Love get a hold on you like a thief in the night!

THE WICKEDEST TIME WISHES YOU A HAPPY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Oh man, I love Thanksgiving!

I appreciate the holidays more now than ever before since I'm away from my family most of the year. Going out of state for school definitely has its down sides, but thanksgiving will always promise food, family and the free flow of liquor.

One of the things I always look forward to is when my uncle buss out the old Jamaican dvd's, whether its stand up comedy, stage shows (remember Sunsplash?!) and of course my FAVORITE, Oliver Samuels!!

So here I am, sharing some of my thanksgiving traditions with you! Enjoy!













To check out another one of my favorite Oliver At Large episodes, click here!

The Wickedest Time wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

ZIGGY MARLEY WILL PERFORM AT THE MACYS THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

For those of you who live in New York, or will be in New York for the holiday, check out the Macy's Parade in Manhatten!

Ziggy Marley along with his daughter Judah will be featured on the lineup for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tomorrow.

PLAYLIST: ELEPHANT MAN - DO IT NUH

Elephant man been in the business for a LONG TIME and he still manage to make pretty good music.. but did you see his episode of Jamaican Cribs or better yet, 'What I'm Doing To The Place'?? Elephant Man never cease to entertain! To hear more from Ele, click here!

PLAYLIST: PEETAH MORGAN ft. BUSY SIGNAL - UNFAIR

I'm really happy that Morgan Heritage decided to make music individually, it really allowed me to listen to each of the members and see how each of their voices are unique.

I think I can appreciate Morgan Heritage more now than I did before.

But as far as this particular song goes, I love the Ghetto Riddim so a big shout out goes to producer Kemar Flava McGregor for this one! We already know that I'm a big fan of Busy Signal and honestly, can you ever go wrong with a song that remind you of the struggle?

It's like watching Amateur Night at the Apollo.. they NEVER booed the gospel singers!

Listen to another song by Peetah Morgan by clicking here!

PLAYLIST: KEN BOOTHE - MOVING AWAY

So wait?!

This was what Ken Boothe looked like in his day!! Oh my, he was smooooooooothe! Just like his lyrics..

OUR CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF SQUINGY FROM BASS ODYSSEY

Early this morning at Tampa General Hospital, Dancehall lost a great selector, Squingy from Bass Odyssey.

The Wickedest Time would like to offer his family and friends condolences on their lost. He made quite an impact to the dancehall community, he is gone but will never be forgotten.

Squingy, thank you for your contribution to reggae and we pray that you rest in peace.

"THE EXPERIENCE WAS ONE IN A MILLION" - ANTHONY B

This past weekend Anthony B was out on the west coast representing reggae music at the American Music Awards. He spent the week leading up to the awards networking, going to industry parties and once at the AMA's he basically did his part by doing interviews for countless media sources to promote his upcoming release, 'Rise Up.'

"The experience was one in a million, words cannot describe it, a great experience. It makes you realize the possibilities that lie ahead for reggae music if we can take it seriously and structure our music like a real industry," Anthony B states.

"I was able to get good exposure for my Rise Up album, I hung out a little backstage with Rihanna, that was great fun, and I am looking forward to returning to Jamaica on Wednesday."

Even Anthony B agrees, if we can just take the industry seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Source: One876Entertainment

PLAYLIST: MAVADO AND DI GENIUS - CANT TEK WE LIFE

So Vybz Kartel just tried to diss Di Genius in his latest track 'Rifle Shot' (click here to hear it) but that's what people do when everything is on the verge of falling apart. Dem cyaa tek we life!

But it does make me wonder what REALLY happened why they're no longer working together.

PLAYLIST: BERES HAMMOND & QUEEN IFRICA - WHAT A NIGHT remix

This is what we call feel good music! We hear so much gun tunes, so much gyal tunes, and you know something - I don't always want to shoot to kill or bend over back ways. Sometimes I just want to feel good, snap my fingers and rock to the beat.

You wanna hear some more feel good music from Beres?? Click here!

PLAYLIST: SLIM SMITH - ROUGHER YET

I had to do it! I don't know about you but I can STILL rock to the classics..

PLAYLIST: ALAINE AND CHINO - SECRET LOVERS

So I hear Chino and Alaine are secret lovers fi true!

Well, they would make a very attractive couple and clearly they make hit songs together too. This one has been on repeat ever since I heard it!

To hear more from songstress Alaine, click here!

LINK LOVE: NOV. 23RD, 2009

I don't know how often I'll do this - once a week, once every two weeks, once a month.. who knows!

But whenever I do, I suggest you click through because I can assure you that this will include a well constructed list of websites that you'll love. Why you'll love it? Hmmm, I don't know - because I do!

Boomshots
The folks over at Boomshots have the most eclectic taste in reggae music. They highlight the old school, the new school while paying special tributes to the legends and pioneers of the industry. You don't know where you going if you don't know where you came from. And lets not forget that the site is FILLED with exclusive features. Some things, you just can't get anywhere else!

The Fly Girl Guide
Exactly what it sounds like. A guide for fly girls.. and fly girls in the making! Over there you will be updated on fresh and fly music. You'll find tips on fly fashion, from nail polish to shoes to shades. They find the best sales and points you to cool giveaways. My absolute favorite are the fly events that keep you in-the-know for wine tasting, makeovers, and meet & greets of your favorite celebs. If you truly consider yourself a fashionista.. or at least want to - take a looksy!

Groupon
I'm what you'd call thrify, frugal, or just plain CHEAP! But please believe that I do like nice things. Groupon is the best thing since sliced bread - all you do is pick your city and once a day you will get one great deal. The deals are random, some days you can get $50 worth of food and drinks from a fine dining restaurant for only $25, some days you can show people that you have culture by getting discounts on plays, other days its half off of a massage. The point is, whatever activity or option - you're getting something GREAT for at least half of the original price, which is a good enough reason to venture out in your city to try new things.

Ragga Suss
We all love it! We just never want to get caught spreading it.. but if you want to know where to find it, check out all of the Caribbean gossip where Mumma Suss is never late at keeping you up to date! Right on time, airing out dirty laundry with no sugar coating - get a front row center seat and listen clear while she talk di tings dem!!

Free Media TV
I was so shocked when I realized how many people WASN'T up on this! All you need is some good speakers, popcorn from the microwave and you're SET - free movies in the comfort of your home! It's not morally ethical, but when the recession is kicking ass it easily becomes a cut throat world. Ask me if I feel bad.. I was at home watching 2012 while the rest of you all were at the movies! For a matter of fact, I'm about to watch New Moon..

Peace Out!

What are some of your favorite links?

PLAYLIST: RDX - SKIP [OFFICIAL VID]

This one is exclusively for the dancers!! It looked like they had a lot of fun on the set of this video shoot. A lot of fun, bright colors, crazy hair styles, wacky clothes AND a dancing lesson! Click here for lyrics.

DETROIT FATHER KILLS SON FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONTACT WITH SISTER

My oh my, earth a run red fi true..

This story comes from Detroit, Michigan where a 15 year old boy, Jamar Pinkney Jr. confesses to his mother, Lazette Cherry, that he had 'inappropriate contact' with his 3 year old sister.

His mother was of course shocked and needed help dealing with the situation so she called his father expressing to him that this isn't something that they should 'sweep under the rug'.

Once Jamar Pinkney Sr. heard the news he immediately started beating his son. "He started beating him right here," Cherry said from her living room. "I said, 'No, please stop!'"


He then made the teen strip at gunpoint, marched him to a vacant lot and shot him to death despite pleas from the boy and his mother while the 15 year old was on his knees begging, 'No, daddy! No!' - he pulled the trigger.

Jamar was shot once in the head, execution style.

Pinkney was charged Wednesday in 30th District Court in Highland Park with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of felonious assault and one count of felony firearm.

Source: The Root

PLAYLIST: G WHIZZ - JAH PUT A SHIELD OVER ME

No way!

Jah put a shield over, so the pagans dem can NEVER get a hold of meeeeee.

There are a LOT of new artists entering the industry, all young, fresh and ready to conquer! I hope they're in it to win it because I'm not interested in the 'one hit wonders'..

Ah longevity we ah seek!

Wanna hear more from G Whizz? Click here!

"HE HAS NOTHING TO LOSE SINCE HE IS ALREADY A LOST CAUSE" - VYBZ KARTEL

Mavado was telling the truth when he said, "War is in the air!"

With Sting 2009 right around the corner, the weeks leading up to the event promises to be very exciting..

"Bounty Killa is in no position to clash [me] Vybz Kartel because unlike me, he has nothing to lose since he is already a lost cause. Although I am sympathetic of his current state of mind because he is obviously going through mid life crisis, I will not allow him to "piggy back" my career to balance his downward spiraling one," stated Kartel.

This was a response to the interview that Bounty Killer recently did with the Star last week.

"Why would I, as arguably the most influential artiste of people between [the ages of] 10-25, clash a dinosaur? I'm not into the business of raising mummies, also where his career is concerned, I don't believe in re-incarnation so I cannot be a part of this "raising of the dead". If Mavado is not endowed enough to carry on [his] Dancehall musical rivalry descending from morgan/buster to more recently Ninja/Shabba, San/Stichie, Bounty/Beenie..etc I will carry the torch alone till a suitable contender is found. Bounty Killa is not in my equation right now so if he is waiting on a Bounty/Kartel clash to rekindle his ashes...him (hennesy) bubble buss!!," he concluded.

But according to Mavado, someone died at Sting '08 and today, he has faith in 'The General' Bounty Killer stating that NO ARTIST can step in front of The General!

Check out Mavado's interview on Entertainment Report..





Source: One876Entertainment

VYBZ KARTEL WILL NOT BE AT MAVADO'S BIRTHDAY EVENT

Mr. Gully God himself sent out a public invite to Vybz Kartel asking him to join him during his birthday celebrations on December 5th hoping that it would be the beginning of a domino affect to end the Gaza/Gully war that's been dividing the country.

Kartel acknowledged the invite but stated,

"I will be attending Usain Bolt's party on December 5th."

With the recent release of Lisa Hype's scandalous photo, gully fans don't seem too upset about the invitation being denied stating that they won't miss Kartel because the Alliance don't roll with freaks!

PLAYLIST :SHAGGY - BAD MAN DON'T CRY [OFFICIAL VID]

This song will always be a favorite, but once Jay Mills made it into a mini movie that's when it really did it for me.

Bad Man Dont Cry was shot entirely in Jamaica, which features a variety of Jamaican celebrities in the cast. The video tells a story of a Don and his right hand man (Shaggy) who is messing around with his girl.

It so happens that Shaggy the Mr. Lover Lover deejay falls in love with the Dons sweetheart and could not control his emotions so he had to seek counseling. By this time, the Don has already had a hunch that someone in his organization is messing around with his girl so he goes on a rampage trying to figure out who exactly it was.

To check out more music from Shaggy, click here!

PLAYLIST: CAPLETON - MAMA [LIVE PERFORMANCE]

The ultimate dedication to someone that we all know and love, MAMA!

To hear more from Capleton, click here!

A RESPONSE TO THE WAR BETWEEN THE JAMAICAN COMMUNITY AND THE LGBT COMMUNITY

It’s safe to say that the war between the Jamaican community and the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, and Transgender) population has gotten out of hand.

The dialogue of tolerance is a two way conversation and it’s time for the Jamaican community to speak.

The topic of homosexuality has always been a touchy subject, something that many countries are still struggling to bring to closure and I feel that you may not realize that you are not fighting against a man, but against a culture. It is a matter of accepting the differences of our cultures, the way we were born, the way that we were raised, and the different way each of our cultures define virtue.

You may not realize the amount of pressure that is put on artists like Buju Banton or Beenie Man who are constantly traveling overseas, meeting different types of people from different walks of life who judge them by their upbringings, but what needs to be understood is, regardless if we agree or disagree – we are different and will always be different. When they go back home to their families and their communities they face a country who idolize them, love them, and respect them as public figures – and like any other public figure, it is difficult to possess personal beliefs, act as a role model and bite the tongue at the same time.

When on tour it is similar to ‘another day at the office’ where they interact with people of different races, religions, sexuality and creed, whether they find similarity or differences amongst each other is not the issue but to know and realize that it is necessary to be respectful and cordial towards each other during these interactions is what really matters.

On your daily routine during a day of hard work, I am absolutely sure that you come across an individual that you disagree with, whether it is a coworker, supervisor, associate or manager – you know that in order to continue a positive day, you must be civilized and cordial towards that individual.

Clearly, there are LGBT people across the globe, in and out of Jamaica who artists encounter on a day to day basis. From producers, to directors, to makeup artists, record execs, and the list goes on and on from personal assistants to the clerk at the grocery store. But they do not allow the difference in their views to interfere with their daily living.

The lyrics that you tend to quote do not necessarily translate verbatim to what you may understand, but once these artists realized that these lyrics were deemed offensive they refrained from using it. Please note that the songs that you often refer to were created years ago and will never go away, the only thing that can be done is to move past it, move forward.

Every individual is only responsible for his or her actions. In this case, Beenie Man produced music that was considered offensive, and he was penalized. From then on he refrained from producing music of similar context but is still being penalized for words that were spoken in the past. You’ve asked him to stop, and he complied.

My question is, when will the reprimands stop?

I’m beginning to believe that satisfaction will only come when we become an advocate for your cause, which will never happen. You cannot force us to be passionate about the things that you hold dear to your heart and we will never expect you to change your views to support our own.

The only thing that we can offer is to be cordial during correspondence, open-minded to your views, and be respectful of your stance.

What we ask of you is to allow our artists to comply…with dignity, rather than force them to succumb to their beliefs to satisfy your own.

We are both parts of communities who constantly battle discrimination so, why is it so difficult to ask of you what you ask of others?

ALBANY PASSES THE TOUGHEST DRUNK DRIVING LAW

On November 18th, 2009 the state Senate passed the Leandras Law. This bill was voted and passed 58-0. Albany is the first state in the country to pass and enforce such a tough drunk driving law.

This law came about due to an 11-year old girl by the name of Leandra Rosado being killed in a car crash on the West Side Highway. Rosado's friends mother was drunk and came to pick her up for a sleep over which ended in tragedy.

"This long overdue legislation sends a strong message that driving drunk with a child in teh car is a crime," said Senator Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. "Unable to protect themselves, no child should be left vulnerable to the impaired judgment of an intoxicated driver."

Under Leandra's Law, driving impaired or with at least a blood alcohol level of .08 with a child passenger age 15 and under, is a Class E felony - for both first time and repeat offenders. The offense carries a sentence of one to four years in state prison, a fine of $1000 to $5000, and the issuance of a mandatory ignition interlock device.

The measure mandates that ignition interlock devices which measure your blood alcohol level before you drive and determines whether the vehicle will start, are to be standard sentencing on all DWI -related offenses, mirroring legislation already passed in the Senate earlier this year.

In the event of serious physical injury or death to a child, Leandra's law increases penalties. In instances of injury to a child, the driver would be charged with a Class D felony and face a state prison sentence of one to seven years. If reckless driving is a contributing factor, the charge would be a Class C felony and carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

If the driver causes the death of a child, the charge would be a Class C felony and carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. If reckless driving is a contributing factor, the driver would be charged with a Class B felony and faces a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Lets be smart and think before we make the decision to drive drunk. We are not only endangering our own lives, we endanger everyones life when we choose to drive drunk.

Jamelle Silas
Writer

WHY WE CHOSE NOT TO PUT UP LISA HYPE'S RACY PHOTO

Recently a photo was taken and leaked to the media of the Gaza's female DJ performing oral sex, allegedly to the Gaza's ruler Vybz Kartel. I feel that this is an individual choice and Lisa Hype should be respected for whatever decision she makes. It is a private act and should not be broadcasted to the public unless of course, both individuals consent to do so.

Situations like this are a poor reflection on our music and culture, instead of working together to bring out the best talent in each other, we choose to shed light on situations like this, and be known for the wrong reasons.

I feel whoever leaked that picture had an ulterior motive to tarnish Ms. Lisa Hype's character. It is not a respectable thing to do and in this case, we at The Wickedest Time choose to speak against this negativity instead of promoting it. It is not a good example set by people who are looked up to that have the opportunity to be an influence to the younger generation coming up. Despite the embarrassing shameful picture, I hope that people will learn a lesson from this.

They say 'a picture is worth 1000 words,' so please be careful of the things you have photographed. There is always a chance that one day it can be leaked.

On behalf of The Wickedest Time, I would like to extend an apology to Lisa Hype for the embarrassment she is going through.

Jamelle Silas
Writer

PLAYLIST: DYLAN DILINJAH - EGO remix [OFFICIAL VID]

Guess who's baaaccccckkk...

Dylan!!

Remember him from Diddy's, Making the Band - or better yet, Dave Chappelle's remake of Making the Band?

Yes! He's back and working on his new 'Mr. Spit Hot Fire' mixtape and spreading the message to make music, not enemies. I can dig it.

PLAYLIST: ROMAIN VIRGO - THE RAIN IS FALLING (I WANNA GO HOME) [OFFICIAL VID]

Another one from the talented Romain Virgo! I heard this sweet song on a mix CD and I never knew who it was..

I'm happy to see that he made a video for it! To hear more from him, click here!

PLAYLIST: CRY FI DEM [OFFICAL VID]

When you can't see it coming out your eyes, you gotta let the song cry...

This is a cry for the people - the unfortunate ones, the poverty striken, the ones who are still, somehow, filled with hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

We all have a struggle, some way, shape or form and we all believe that our burden is heavier than the next mans, but sometimes we need to really sit and learn from the people who are less fortunate. Some how, some way they still have a positive outlook on life.

An outlook that we all should embrace.

To hear more from Wasp, click here!

PLAYLIST: HYAH SLYCE - HIGHEST TO THE SKYEST

"It's strengthens my concentration.."

Hyah Slyce is one of the most overlooked artist in the industry and I'm happy that he partnered up with Coppershot Productions - to date, my favorite mixtape was from Coppershot Sound - finally, a sound that KNOWS music!

To check out more from Hyah Slyce.. click here!

PLAYLIST: BRAMMA - DA BODY DEH

Bramma a gwaan good wid dis one..

PLAYLIST: SHAGGY AND FRIENDS - SAVE A LIFE [OFFICIAL VID]

Wow!!!

I am so proud to see something so positive coming from our reggae artists! This reminds me of Michael Jackson's 'We Are The World'.. click to see why!!

Watch how Shaggy, Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Gramps Morgan, Chris Martin, Tessanne Chin, Etana, Daville, Luciano, Marcia Griffiths, D Major, Freddy Mcgregor & DLYNX unite for a cause - the children at Bustamante Hospital!

BEENIE MAN'S MANAGEMENT TEAM SAYS BEENIE DID NOT APOLOGIZE TO GAYS

There are reports circling the internet stating that Beenie Man wrote an elaborate apology directed to the gays in reference to his'hate music' and him being cut from the Big Day Out show in Auckland, New Zealand.

Although when reading these reports I felt that writing a statement was a good idea in order to save him from future let downs due to gay rights protesters. Not to mention, it wasn't really an apology, but more along the lines of clearing up a misunderstanding.. but either way according to Beenie Man's management team - these claims are false!

Beenie Man's management team has refuted internet reports stating that Beenie Man apologized for his lyrics and that he was 'heartbroken' over the controversy that it caused, which subsequently had him removed from performing at the Big Day Out show in New Zealand.

Blue, which is Beenie Man's manager stated,

"The deejay had granted no interviews about the controversy nor had they disseminated any emails. Reporters from New Zealand and Australia have been calling but we have not granted any interviews so I don't know where that statement is coming from... Beenie Man doesn't even talk or write like that so I know that its a fabrication."

Check out the OTHER reports circulating the internet..

Source: One876Entertainment

HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ANANDA ALERT PROGRAM?

So I was taking a look at Miss Medidijah's blog and her post convinced me to pass on the word. Now do you know about the Ananda Alert Program?

Well, its similar to conducting a search party for missing children in Jamaica, the program was named after Ananda Dean, an 11 year old girl who was abducted on her way home from school in September of 2008, she went missing for two weeks until her body was later found...decomposed and headless.

The Ananda Alert Program is a FREE text message system where you can register your phone so whenever a child goes missing in Jamaica, you are alerted IMMEDIATELY.

You never know, you may be blessed to save the life of an innocent child in Jamaica.

For more info, log on to www.AnandaAlertJM.com or text 'HELP' to 876.444.2432 to register your phone number.

Remember, its free to register your number and the incoming text is free!

PLAYLIST: MAVADO - GIVE HER EVERYTHING

Sounds like Mavado and Kanye can relate, "I ain't saying she a gold digger, but she ain't messing wit no broke nigga!"

LOL These girls are on a mission! But really, why is it always about a gold digger? Sometimes a lady just wanna be around someone who has his shit together!

PLAYLIST: ROMAIN VIRGO - MURDERER

His look, style and sound is similar to Chris Martin, and can you believe that they both won the Digicel Rising Stars competition in consecutive years?

This song is blunt which is exactly how you need to be when talking about the REAL issues! Get familiar with Romain Virgo, a sweet voice that sheds positivity to reggae music.

ANTHONY B CUT OUT THE ONE LOVE TOUR TO PREPARE FOR THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

Do not let these promoters fool you!

If you've been wondering why Anthony B is missing throughout the One Love tour, its because he's out on the west coast promoting his album, going to industry parties and attending events to raise visibility to his album, 'Rise Up'.

Anthony B is preparing to walk on the red carpet at the American Music Awards on November 22.

“I am looking forward to walking the red carpet and doing interviews about the Rise Up album. We ah go campaign it hard and meet and greet as many people as possible because the buzz on Rise Up is great so far, and when the nomination time comes for the album, I want them to be acquainted with what Anthony B represents,” he said.

The album 'Rise Up' is being considered as a nomination for the Grammys, “If this happens, it will be my very first Grammy nomination, and I feel the album deserves consideration because it has an authentic reggae feel, and the reggae world will respond to it,” he said.

“The world is opening up for reggae music, we just have to campaign and promote and believe in what we’re doing,” he said.

THE STATE OF REGGAE MUSIC IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE BY THE DAY

It's depressing.

Beenie man was officially dropped from the lineup for the Big Day Out, a show held in Auckland, New Zealand in Jan. 2010, because of his gay bashing lyrics. There was a point where the promoters said that he would be able to perform, as long as he didn't do any hate music during his set - but that went out the window once the gay protesters turned the volume up a notch.

But lets not forget, Beenie Man was the only reggae artist billed to perform on that show.

According to the promoters of the Big Day Out, "the depth of feeling and hurt amongst these groups has convinced us that for us to proceed with his Big Day Out appearances was, and would continue to be, divisive amongst our audience members and would mar the enjoyment of the event for many."

The gully and gaza feud is getting out of control and is starting to divide the country, who knows, it will probably become a civil war. We already know that united we stand, divided we fall but I think we past that point already. Once the minds of the children are corrupted, its safe to say you lost the battle.

Entertainers are barely making record sales, which is not much of a surprise because making a substantial amount of money from CD sales died out a long time ago. Don't be fooled by Lil' Wayne's impression at the record stores - every artist in every genre of music is feeling the pinch of piracy.

I kinda figured reggae artist wouldn't make too much from CD sales, so instead they should focus more on performing on shows and tours - but when artists like Beenie Man get kicked off of shows where he can actually make a good impression is annoying.

How is reggae music going to move in the opposite direction when the man that we've crowned as the 'King Of Dancehall' is losing opportunities to feed our music to potential buyers, investors, and sponsors - the people who will actually go out and purchase a CD.

I'm reading so many stories about so many people fighting against his performance, but who is fighting for it? Or for reggae? If Beenie Man is banned from performing, can we make a compromise? Can Tarrus Riley perform instead?

PLAYLIST: SERANI - I CAN'T REFUSE

"If your girl wah give me har something.. I can't refuse, how could I tell her no?"

That must be the official question of the day.. it's not Serani's fault.

PLAYLIST: GUIDANCE - LIFE IS A JOURNEY

This is something that EVERYONE can relate to..

"The greatest love is to LOVE YOURSELF!" <-- words to live by..

Playlist: Ding Dong - Holiday [Official Vid]

Today feels like a HOLIDAY!!

Happy Friday Folks, I know it's Friday the 13th but don't get into too much trouble!!

Playlist: Beres, Buju, Assassin & I-Octane - Love In The Streets

What a perfect combination!

We already know that whenever Beres Hammond and Buju Banton come together, it's an automatic hit... but can you imagine when you add Assassin and I-Octane to the argument??

Laaawwwwxxx! I love it!

WHAT?! 1,206 Missing Children In 9 Months

I've noticed that a lot of news articles from Jamaica had a headline about a missing child, but I really didn't notice how big of a problem it was.

In a 9 month span, from January 2009 to September 2009 a total of 1,206 children have been reported missing in Jamaica. That means 4-5 children are being reported missing PER DAY!

WHAT!?

This is ridiculous! Of the 1,206 children, 676 have returned home and three were found dead - while 527 children are still missing, the numbers continue to increase.

Up to yesterday I was reading about a young boy who was reported missing and within a few days his body was found in a gully with his hands tied behind his back and his mouth gagged.

Parents are already struggling to feed, clothe and educate their children so I'm curious to know, what are the perks to abducting someones child? Is human trafficking an issue in Jamaica? Are they turning kids into sex slaves? What's going on?

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Munga Arrested and Slapped With Six Charges

Just the other day Munga was talking about how he is on the verge of marching right back up to the top!

It will be much harder from a jail cell!

Damion Rhoden, better known as Munga Honourable was hit with six charges when he was pulled over on Half Way Tree, St. Andrew. When Munga was stopped and searched, he quickly became upset, refused to cooperate, and was also accused of using indecent language.

When he was searched, the officers found a weapon as well as marijuana. The motorcycle he was riding was unlicensed and uninsured so he was immediately arrested and charged with carrying a weapon, using indecent language, riding and unlicensed motorcycle, operating and uninsured motorcycle, riding without a helmet and possession of marijuana.

The last time he was charged with possession of marijuana he was sentenced favorably with a simple $200 fee and to serve 10 days in jail.

I wonder what the sentence will be like this time around..

Source: The Star

VP Records Presents 'Strictly The Best' Volume 40 and 41 on Nov. 24th

Whether it’s currently on the top the Jamaican charts, a huge underground seller on the streets or the massive club jam sweeping the dancehalls, Strictly The Best (STB) series provides the hottest catalog of dancehall/reggae music for the Fall season. The award winning compilation has become a highly anticipated release whose popularity has increased each year. Following up after the Reggae Gold release, STB offers a more comprehensive collection of dancehall and roots sounds that have crossover potential and cater to the hard-core reggae fans alike.

Established in 1990, STB is the longest running reggae compilation series in the business. The annual series provides cutting-edge dancehall hits and the latest tunes in Roots and Lovers Rock. Each year, VP experts carefully strategize and compile a library of most exclusive dancehall/reggae tunes to keep the pace with the biggest Jamaican hits. Showcasing the most buzz-worthy and talented artists, STB series has been the proving ground for many of reggae’s biggest stars, including Sean Paul, Richie Spice, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton and many others. If you want to know what the next big reggae hit is in the streets or on the airwaves listen to Strictly The Best!

Strictly the Best 40 focuses on the smoother side of reggae from John Legend featuring Buju Banton’s “Can’t Be My Lover (Curtis Lynch Remix)” to “Baby Girl I'm Alone” by Jah Vinci. Rounding out the compilation are warrior princess Etana lamenting “Heart Broken” and singjay Courtney John rejoicing “Lucky Man”. All 17 tracks display the many complexions of love and lost. Click Here For Pre Order!!

Strictly the Best 41 bursts with current and future hits including Mr. Vegas #1 hit “I Am Blessed”, and Elephant Man’s “Swing”. STB 41 keeps the fearless spirit alive with Mavado’s scorcher “Mocking Bird” and the infectious Beenie Man cut, “Gimme Gimme”. Click Here For Pre Order!!