Elephant Man Drops His First Album With Bad Boy Records

Elephant Man's first album "Lets Get Physical", with Bad Boy
Records, is one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year.
Since being signed to the label last year, Elephant Man has been busy working on and promoting his album as well as shooting his latest video "Five O" which features Wyclef Jean. There is also talk of a remix with Young Joc and Assasin.

The album which is expected to be released on August 14, 2007 also features collaborations with Busta Rhymes, Shaggy, Mario and Rhianna.

Macka Diamond-Don't Move

Da'Ville's Career On The Rise

The remix of Da'Ville's song "Always On My Mind" featuring Sean Paul has managed to reach the number one spot on UK's Choice FM Reggae Chart.

The song which is one of Da'Ville's biggest hits has garnered him much attention and has even gained him international recognition. This past May at the 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards, he won the award for the Most Improved Entertainer and even performed at the event as well as made a guest appearance at Buju Banton's show at Madison Square Garden on May 6, 2007.

With his album receiving such a positive response it is only a matter time before he too will be an international success.

Click below to listen to the song.
Daville ft Sean Paul - Always on my mind (official remix)

Spragga Benz Hosting Urban Music Awards

Spragga Benz and Foxy Brown will be hosting the Urban Music Awards which will be held on July 7 2007, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York.

Some of the performers will include Boyz II Men, Method Man and Ray J and a few of the nominees are Outkast, Diddy, Sean Paul, Danity Kane and India Irie.

Buju Banton's Nephew Making His Mark On the Music Industry

Sean Kingston, a 17 year old native of Jamaica who now resides in Miami and is the nephew of Buju Banton, has been blowing up the airwaves with his newly released single "Stand By Me". The song which sounds more like an "Old Hits", describes a heart broken guy who becomes suicidal after a break up.

He says, "It's hard when you're in love and a girl tells you that it is time to end things. I know everyone can relate to that, so that's why i had to write about it."

Contrary to it's somewhat morbid premise, the song's catchy chorus and unique rhythm has made it become one of the hottest songs this summer.

Kingston is also fortunate enough to have J.R Rotem as his producer, who has created hits for celebrities such as Rhianna, 50-cent, The Game and Snoop Dog.

With such a unique style and a talented producer behind him, it's clear we should expect to see more of Kingston's songs toping the charts in the near future.

Sean Kingston - Beautiful Girls
Uploaded by emil31

Vybz Kartel attacked in Cassava Piece

According to recent reports, Vybz Kartel was attacked both verbally and physically when he was driving through Cassavia Piece this pass week.
It is unclear how the incident began, but it is certain that Kartel got stoned and his vehicle was badly damaged during the altercation. He suffered no injuries but the police are now investigating the incident.

Kat DeLuna Ft. Elephant Man - Whine Up

Kat DeLuna Ft. Elephant Man - Whine Up
Uploaded by K1NG-M

Beenie Man feat. ALAINE - Dreaming of You

Sizzla And Capleton "Sign Off" On Use Of Homophobic Lyrics

First it was Beenie Man and now it's Sizzla and Capleton who have signed the Reggae Compassionate Act. Their signing signifies that they will now practice tolerance towards homosexuals and refrain from using homophobic lyrics.

The coordinator of Stop Murder Music, Peter Tacthell said “The singers’ rejection of homophobia and sexism is an important milestone. We rejoice at their new commitment to music without prejudice,”

There is also a campaign to get other reggae artists such as TOK, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel Buju Banton and even Bounty Killa to sign the agreement. Although they are yet to join the bandwagon, the compliance of two of the most lyrically anti-gay artists, shows that there will soon be a great turn around in the Jamaican music industry where homophobic and sexist lyrics are concerned.

Pictures Confirm Sisqo's Homosexuality?

In an interview back in 2000 with Ebony, Sisqo dismissed accusations about being gay and made this statement.

"They are still confused in the `Hood; the guys in the `Hood all think I'm gay," he says. "But it's all good. I would think I was gay too," he laughs. "The things I wear, you're not supposed to be wearing if you're a guy. I understand the whole gay thing--its fun to me."

However, recent pictures taken of him from mediatakeout.com, shows that he was caught running naked with another man. Could this be a confirmation of his sexual preference?

Beenie Man Claims Domestic Squabble Was Only An Argument

After much media attention following Beenie Man's admittance to the hospital, with injuries that resulted from a reported domestic dispute between himself and D'Angel, he tells the star that the incident was a rumor that got blown out of proportion.

He says "There was no fight. Me an me wife have a argument an people a blow it out a proportion. Me an me woman have a argument an me nuh know who call di newspapa. Me an mi wife had an argument once, an wi a guh have argument again, but wah mi fi do, lef? A mi wife, a nuh like seh is jus a girl weh mi deh wid."

He also added that the rumor may have been started due to the fact that people have been eager to stir up negativity between himself and D'Angel.

But although he is evidently committed, with so much spotlight on their relationship, it will clearly be hard for him to avoid such ill-famed popularity. However, this can only mean that the public should expect much controversy from Jamaica's 'it' couple.

Mr. Vegas & Jovi Rockwell - You're Gonna Need Me

Songs on "No Fear Rhythm" Banned

The Broadcast Commission of Jamaica has recently banned TOK's song, "Don't You Cry" on the "No Fear Rhythm" because of it's alleged implication of violence. As seen below in this excerpt from the song.

'Don't you cry

If a bad man kick in the door

Waving a 44, don't run everybody on the floor

Don't make a sound

Don't you cry

If a bad man fly di gate wid a dutty 38

If yuh whisper, a gunshot straight

Don't mek a sound.'

This however is not the first song to be banned on the rhythm, Vybez Kartel's "Gun Fi Dem" and Ninja Man's "Art of War" have all been taken from the airwaves. Flexx, one of the members from TOK informed the star that he does not understand the reasoning behind the Commissions actions. He explained that the lyrics were implying that when you are in a situation where you are confronted by a gunman you should be "careful".

According to the Broadcast Commission, the decision to ban all three songs on the same rhythm was not based on any specific targeting of the rhythm but more on the basis of the song's implicated violence.

However, Shane Brown, the producer of the "No Fear" rhythm has expressed that he sees no reason for the banning of TOK's song and says that he thinks the Commission is going over board with their decisions. But he also adds that he accepts the Commission's efforts in censoring the airwaves.

Click below to hear one of the songs.
Vybz Kartel - Gun Fi Dem

Canadian Tour with Vybez Kartel and Red Rat Postponed

A scheduled Canadian Tour with Vybez Kartel and Red Rat has been postponed due to the Canadian Embassy's reluctance to grant Kartel a permit to enter their country.
The Embassy allegedly gave Kartel three separate appointments in addition to his original meeting and seemed the least bit concerned that their delay would affect Kartel's scheduled concert. So far, organizers have informed the public that they will be fully refunding them and that they should return their tickets to outlets until further notice.

Reggae Sumfest Is Back Again!

It's that time of the year again when everyone is gearing up for one of the biggest festivities in Jamaica. This year the Sumfest line up shouldn't disappoint as the organizers have booked many popular artists that the patrons are certainly going to enjoy. Some of the featured artist include Vybez Kartel, Elephant Man, Voicemail, Movado, Lady Saw, Busy Signal, Mary J. Blige, Beres Hammond, Shaggy, Buju Banton and Morgan Heritage.
For the full line up, visit their websit at www.reggaesumfest.com.

New Dance Moves A Replication From the 90's?

The latest and hottest dance moves such as "Tek Weh Yuself" "Rum Ram" and even "Stookie" could possibly be remakes from the late popular dancer Gerald Levy aka Bogle.

Dancer Ice who was a part of the "Black Roses Crew" with Bogle, reported to the Star that there are dancers who are now taking credit for dance moves that have been invented in the early 90's.

"Dem just a name ova a dance and say a fi dem own ... Then them come with 'stookie' and 'rum ram' and a Bogle dance wha did name 'round the world'. Mi nuh know if people nuh notice say 'rum ram' and 'stookie' a di same dance, is just dat wid 'rum ram' you lift up your foot," he told the Star.

But although the veteran dancers seem to be displeased with the new trend of copying dance moves and renaming it, it is evident that they fear many party goers won't seem to be able to tell the difference.

However, Taz, a dancer from the Timeless group, explained that even though the dance moves are the same people will know who should be accredited.

"If I build a dance on the circuit people will know. For instance, if Dr. Bird (a member of Timeless) build a dance called 'New York, New York' and people know about it and we go out and see someone doing it and calling it their own, the people will know is a lie," he reported.

Whatever the case, it is clearly a new trend that will definitely spark some heated disagreements within the dancing community. It should be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Akon Throws Kid Off Concert Stage

On June 4th in Poughkeepsie, NY Akon made an ill tempered mistake by throwing a 15-year-old boy off stage after the boy threw an object at him while he was speaking at a concert.
As you will see in the clip,after the the boy threw the object, Akon took off his shirt and chain while he instructed the security to fetch the boy out of the crowd. He then dragged him onto the stage, picked him up and proceeded to forcefully toss him back into the crowd.
Since the incident, no charges have been made and it is uncertain whether the young man will take any legal action against him.

Sean Kingston - Real gangstas

Sean Kingston - Real Gangstas
Uploaded by kevinb1984

Assasin- No Boring Gyal

Highlights of Miss Universe 2007

source:www.missuniverse.com

Zahra Redwood, notably the first Rastafarian to represent Jamaica in the Miss Universe competition that was held on Monday May 28, in Mexico City, failed to place in a top position. Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, took home the crown with the highlight of the evening being Miss America's unfortunate stumble to the floor. Just in case you missed it, here's a clip of the incident.

Jah Cure's Posters Vandalized

On July 29, 2007, Siccaturie Alcock aka Jah Cure, will be released on parole after being convicted in 1997 for rape. With his growing musical popularity, it seems so many people are anxiously awaiting his release from prison. However, not everyone is looking forward to his parole. After gaining such support and acclaim from his songs, it comes as a surprise that posters advertising Curefest, a three day event that will be held in his honor, are being targeted for vandalism.
It has been reported that they are isolated incidences but it is strangely coincidental that more than one of the same poster has been damaged or destroyed in different regions of the parish. Although many maintain that Jah Cure's popularity in Jamaica is not in question, it will be interesting to see how people continue to react to his expected parole.