Drenz Fashion makes changes for the future!

Richie Drenz has made changes to one of Jamaica's trendiest urban fashion line, Drenz Fashion.

Most clothing stamp their established year on their apparels, the year is usually a date in the past which represents their founding year, however, Richie Drenz, being a designer who always strives to be different, is now stamping the year 2079 on his apparels.

He explains that this new date is a date in the future when he himself will no longer exist and that is when the true life of the brand will begin. The life of the brand will no longer exist through him but has a life of its own on this date, this special year that he chose is 100 years after his birthdate.

barcode logo

Drenz Fashion barcode logo is known and embraced across various fashion niches. The company itself is now embracing its barcode representation even more than ever.

Since the brand is already a brand fabricated on the future, hence the barcode logo, they have decided to make the barcode a more dominant part of most of their designs.

blackberry edition

This month their major focus product will be a BlackBerry barcode design that is dubbed the BlackBerry edition of their barcode logo. There is also another twist to the line. This time more focus will be on female teens and even expanding to dresses in the very near future.

Now, they are out with their original slogan - 'Feel the Rush' and in with a new one - 'Only the Brave will live their Dreams'.

They selected this slogan because they believe that all their moves to be different are just merely a dream and even a bit scary to pursue, but if you are a brave dreamer, and only if you are brave enough to pursue your dream will you live your dream.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Wiz Khalifa has struck gold!

Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa has struck gold with his latest single "Black & Yellow." The track, which hit #1 on iTunes' Hip-Hop chart, has sold over 500,000 copies since its release in September. Last night, Wiz debuted the official remix to "Black & Yellow" featuring Snoop Dogg, Juicy J and T-Pain. The news caps off a productive yeahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifr for Wiz Khalifa, who recently finished his nationwide "Waken Baken Tour." Wiz is currently in the studio putting the final touches on his upcoming debut for Atlantic Records, which is slated to drop in Spring of 2011.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Chino success in Japan, phenomenal!

Reggae and Dancehall artiste Chino McGregor's phenomenal success in the Japan market cannot be underscored.

In what has been deemed a fledgling music industry, Chino's From Mawning (Never Change) was and continues to be the number one purchased and downloaded track/ringtone on Japan's most established ringtone site, Reggae Zion.

From Mawning, which was released on Chino's sophomore Japan album, Never Change, in the summer of this year, outranked all Japanese artistes' tracks and went on to become the site's best-seller of the year - a rarity in the region. The site is now in discussions with Chino to make their theme song for the upcoming year. In previous years, only Japanese artistes have had this courtesy extended to them.

Chino, known for tracks like, Protected, Ruff It Up, Pon Yuh Head, Must Come Back and others said, "I can't say anything more than bless up to the Almighty, the fans, friends and even the naysayers. Myself and those at Big Ship are always in the studio exploring and trying to put out quality music for the fans, not only in Jamaica but for the other markets. So I'm very happy that they've been not only accepting but also supportive of quality reggae music. Thanks again to the fans, industry persons, media and everyone."

The hit, From Mawning and a number of outstanding tracks featured on the album were produced by ace-producer, Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor. Upon its debut, Never Change was introduced at the number seven spot and later that day was in the second spot on the iTunes reggae chart.

In addition, Chino has re-released the reggae single, Handwritings featuring Dennis Brown, originally featured on his debut album, Unstoppable. The track and other previously unreleased singles will be featured on Chino's upcoming US album scheduled for release in March 2011. The album will be distributed by VP Records.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Jay-Z's Hotel!

Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z has scrapped plans for a Manhattan hotel. The rapper had plans to open the J Hotel, after the group bought a space at Tenth Avenue and West 21st street in December of 2007 for $66 million. According to reports, Jay-Z turnehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifd the mortgage back to the lenders for $52 million. The project also ran into troubles when Jay-Z filed a $3.7 million lawsuit against Highland Capital Management. Jay-Z claimed that he attempted to return the mortgage to Highland when the value of the property began to fall, and that the company's unresponsiveness cost him millions of dollars.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Lady Saw opens studio - Artiste eager to produce Vybz Kartel!

Dancehall artiste Lady Saw says her studio will be up and running soon and she is eager to work with Vybz Kartel.

Speaking with THE WEEKEND STAR recently, Lady Saw, whose real name is Marion Hall, said her studio is finally complete and she will start working in it by Monday.

"The studio is finished but I had one problem. By moving Pro Tools back and forth I think something went wrong with the power part. Right now, I'm ready to go back in and deal with the thing like a real producer," she said, noting that she will be working with female artistes like Kris Kelli, Sashell and Temptress.

She said the studio, which is built by Paul Broomfield, is big enough to record at least two people at once and can also accommodate live recordings.

This is not the first time that she will be working in a studio as a producer, as she worked with several artistes on the 'Summer Bounce' rhythm that was made by Jam 2 and Stephen McGregor. She produced artistes like Elephant Man, Vegas, Ce'Cile, Papa Pimp, Assassin, Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man.

However, she is very eager to work with Vybz Kartel again.

"I'm looking forward to working with him cause him a di sickest thing, him hot. I was watching him work and he was like a genius. I really admire him as an artiste," said Lady Saw, who has her own label, Diva Records.

THE JAMAICA STAR

50 Cent Invests In 3D Sunglasses Company!

Rap star 50 Cent is expanding his business portfolio with an investment in a new company that creates "digital performance eyewear."

According to FastCompany.com, 50's latest business deal involves an optical company named Gunnar Optiks.

The company specializes creating that are optimized for a sharper digital experience, in addition to reducing headaches, tired and/or dried eyes from viewing LCD screen for extended amounts of time.

Additionally, the company develops fashionable, stylish 3D eyewear, which will retail between $70-$200, like the rest of the entire collection.

50 Cent became involved with Gunnar after turning down an endorsement deal, in favor of a stake in the company.

FastCompany revealed that 50 Cent also has a say in the business direction of Gunnar Optiks as well.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The rapper's investment in Gunnar Optiks comes as manufacturers attempt to boost sales of 3D television, which currently has a slow adoption rate.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

As tour winds down Martin misses home!

On tour in Europe for almost two months now Chris Martin is missing home. Most of all he misses the sun. "It's something you take for granted but sometimes you go weeks without seeing the sun," he said from Munster, Germany, Wednesday night just hours after his latest performance before a sold-out venue. "Here in Munster right now it's minus eight degrees."

Martin has about seven shows left before he returns home in just over a week's time in time for Christmas. And while Europe has been cold, the performances, he says, have been hot.

resounding success

The former Digicel Rising Star, who has built a solid career over the past five years, reveals that his tour with German reggae star Gentleman has been a resounding success. "It's been wonderful. We have been getting much love. To the Top (the song on which he collaborates with Gentleman) is a big song here," he tells THE WEEKEND STAR.

Just months after having a successful run at Reggae Sumfest, Martin travelled to Europe in late October for a nine-city, 22-show tour with Gentleman with no expectations.

"I was just looking forward to singing." What he found were audiences who willingly embraced him and his music. "Songs that you thought you could sing straight through, you have to 'pull up'," he explained. The audiences responded differently. Some were vibrant while others were more passive, but at the end of each show people from the audience would approach him telling him they loved the show, and that they enjoyed the experience.

While on tour, his eyes were also opened to how much of a star Gentleman is. According to Martin, he has always known that the German reggae singer was a force but he had no idea how much of a force he is.

"I always held him at a very high standard but seeing (the way audiences responded to Gentleman) you have to give him even more respect," he said. "My respect is now double. His performances were always on point, he is very professional and he has shown me nothing but love. We have a nice synergy when we are performing on stage."

However, after two months away the diminutive but well-muscled entertainer says he is eager to get home to be with his family and friends. "I miss home," he said.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Beenie feels Kartel dissed him!

Controversial deejay Beenie Man raised eyebrows when he aired his grievances against fellow deejay Vybz Kartel on Nationwide 90 FM's 'Ragashanti Live!' yesterday.

On the programme, the deejay discussed in length his correction of Kartel's Dancehall Hero with his song Father God HelpThem, both on the 'Dancehall EFX' rhythm.

According to Beenie, while Kartel did not call his name in his song, he feels that lyrics in the song is directed at him. The deejay also commented on the ways in which he feels disrespected by various actions of Kartel.

According to Beenie, while he has supported Kartel since 2002 as his deejay, Kartel has not been supportive of him. He told the host of the programme, Ragashanti, 'The King of Mix-up', that; "I have never heard Kartel endorse nutten bout Beenie Man, any Kartel fans can tell yuh dis."

He added, "all di support mi support Vybz Kartel, he has never supported me. Di stage show mi have up a stadium mi pay Kartel $900,000. Dat him charge me and him nah come fi less than dat. And di night we short him $20,000 and him wouldn't leave the venue till him get the $20,000. Seriously no joke ting and a me sey Gaza Mi Sey, and dat is di biggest song all ova di world and me support Kartel all ova di world."

Beenie outlined other ways in which he feels disrespected by Kartel explaining an incident that took place between Kartel and disc-jock ZJ Liquid in which a BlackBerry broadcast message was sent out throwing words at the disc-jock and Beenie over their use of the words 'oh' and 'awoh' - phrases that were made popular by Kartel.

He added that he had contacted Kartel to voice with him on the song Gaza Mi Sey and was told by Kartel to voice with young deejay Popcaan instead. The deejay also said that Kartel's reference to himself in a radio advertisement as the 'new King of the Dancehall', a title he claims is reserved for him, is an obvious attempt to disrespect him.

Beenie said, "I just feel sey him (Kartel) nuh have no honour to nobody. Him honour himself and dats it. Him nuh respect nobody as far as I see it."

He also admitted to being very offended by the content of Dancehall Hero, "me respect him as a deejay, I don't know him as a person. I know him as a artiste. Dis song I found to be disrespectful to the whole entire dancehall world."

Another issue which Beenie has with Kartel is his recent comment in THE STAR that Sting would be a flop this year attracting no more than 50 people without the presence of the Gully and the Gaza heads performing on the show.

"Dats disrespect to di whole entire dancehall industry. You are not God, you are not the man that make music. Music was here before you and when you gone a go still deh yah. The worse Sting was last year and Kartel close it and Mavado did de pon it too. Good, blessing. I wasn't on it," Beenie said.

When contacted Kartel was aware of the interview. He said: "As I said in the song, "call up me name jus fi get a forward and dem think 'bout Addi more than them woman", should sum up my sentiments. And in closing I would like to quote another line from Dancehall Hero - "Me nuh member nuh DJ bwoy"."

Beenie emphasised, however, that his song, Father God Help Them, is not a counteraction nor is there a feud between himself and Kartel and encouraged fans not to take it personally. He said, "there's no feud or no drama
, it cyaan happen. I do not deal wid badness and I do not push badness to people."

THE JAMAICA STAR

T.I. 'Might Feel Disappointed' In Album Debut, DJ Drama Says!

T.I. is sitting behind bars, but if the rapper can take any solace from his situation, it's that his latest effort No Mercy had a strong debut, landing at #4 on next week's Billboard 200.

But T.I. associate DJ Drama, thinks the rapper probably has mixed feelings about the news that his album pushed nearly 160,000 units last week.

"Tip is the type of guy that, I'm sure, no matter how high it debuted, he might feel disappointed, because he's not here, [and he might] feel like he could have done better," Drama told MTV News. "If it does whatever numbers it does, with him being here, it might have done double that. I think this [release] is the toughest one for him. I been a part of his career for the last 10 years, and I seen him in and out of legal problems. But I think this one is a little bit different. Hopefully, this one is the most life-changing one for him. I listened to the album, and I watched it being made, and it's some quality work. You know, at the end of the day, it's about the music. And he still comes with that music.

"But I don't think he's sitting there celebrating and thinking, 'Oh, we did a good number,' or, 'We debuted high,' " Drama added. "He's probably thinking to himself, 'Damn, I could have done a lot better if I was in a better position by being home to work.' "

Currently, Tip is serving an 11-month sentence for violation his probation, stemming from his arrest in Los Angeles in September.

The rapper and his wife, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, were pulled over for a traffic violation and police discovered drugs in the vehicle. T.I. was let go without being charged in the incident and traveled back to Atlanta, where he later faced the same judge that sentenced him to one year and one day in prison on weapons charges.

MTV.COM

Kartel set to deliver!

Vybz Kartel is promising to deliver an outstanding performance for this Sunday's Red Stripe Bold Concert (RSB) set for Knutsford Boulevard.

Kartel, easily one of Jamaica's standout modern-era entertainers, is among several acts including Cham, Lady Saw, Tarrus Riley and I-Octane who are down to perform at the concert that signals the start of Red Stripe Bold's Stand Out campaign.

The Stand Out Campaign, that begins with this Sunday's concert, is RSB's latest drive to become a standout brand. Red Stripe Bold is forging alliances with some of the top acts in the dancehall to create an experience for their consumers that will be enjoyable and exciting in many ways.

That is exactly what Kartel plans to do this Sunday. "I plan to give the fans a solid 45-minute set," he tells THE STAR. "No 'pull up dat, after a few seconds in each song, but rather a complete two-to-three-minute journey into each lyric which is seldom seen in dancehall performances. Just clean, tolerant lyrics, so fans can come out and bring the students to the see the teacher. Oh!"

corporate giants

Kartel, who has several achievements notched on his musical résumé, including leaving the Alliance to start his own 'Empire' and Adidjahiem Records. He is also part-owner of Unlimited Daggerin', a company that produced Street Vybz Rum and Daggerin' Condoms. The recording artiste says he embraces working with corporate giants Red Stripe Bold. "Kartel has no problem working with corporate," he says. "I consider myself a good, corporate citizen."

Some other outstanding local entertainment entities will also be on hand to help provide great entertainment. So fans can also look forward to music, courtesy of Liquid, Renaissance and Coppershot.

Sunday's concert is to be followed by the Absinthe and Renaissance Christmas parties and a New Year's Eve Party in Montego Bay.

THE JAMAICA STAR

T.I. Says 'No Mercy' Is His Most 'Intimate" Album!

T.I. penned a letter to his fans from behind bars at the Forrest City, Arkansas, on the day his seventh album No Mercy hit stores.

In an upbeat letter, the Atlanta rapper said that No Mercy is the most "intimate" installment of his life story.

"I must admit it takes a lot to go through as much as I have and still keep the love in your heart and in your art," the imprisoned rapper said. "But at the end of the day, if that's what it takes to produce the music that keeps the world of hip-hop evolving on it's axis....Then even the lowest of the lows of my life was all worth it."

No Mercy features an all-star cast of Hip-Hop artists and includes cameos by Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Young Dro, Drake, Pharrell, Eminem and others.

"Thanks again for your prayers, your time and attention," T.I. said. "And remember....It does'nt [sic] matter how long it'll be before the next time you see me. What matters is that I'll be a better man before that time comes. The longer I sit, the smarter I get."

According to T.I., he is hard at work on a new untitled project, which said he planned on unveiling in the coming months.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

No Mavado for Sting!

After not being on the poster
or mentioned at the launch, it was confirmed yesterday that dancehall artiste Mavado will not be making an appearance at this year's Sting.

Speaking with THE STAR, Mavado's manager
Julian Jones-Griffith said, "He's definitely not doing it."

Sting's promoter Isaiah Laing also confirmed this.

"He won't be on the show. I spoke to his manager and he said he would get back to me and he didn't, so we went ahead with the show," he said.

WON'T BE CLASHING

Laing explained that any void left by Mavado will be filled by other artistes on the line-up.

"We have the likes of Sizzla right in the slot there. We don't think it will make a big difference. They (Mavado and Vybz Kartel) won't be clashing and them by themselves won't pull a thousand people," Laing told THE STAR.

The promoter said there would be other crowd pullers like the Beenie Man and Bounty Killer collaboration, Sizzla, I-Octane and Khago.

"The entire 13 warriors are gonna sell the show. No one person can't do it. This is Sting. This show is going to be huge 'cause we have so much to sell the show. Every angle you look at, it's going to be real excitement," he said, noting that Lady Saw would also be making an appearance after a seven-year absence.

Stressing performances this year, Laing said there would also be a bonus cash award for the artiste who gives the best performance.

"There's going to be a Sting award for the best performer, and it will be in the form of cash for both male and female," Laing said.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Blak Ryno changes name to "RYNO"!

Now fully recovered from a motorbike accident that occurred over the Heroes weekend, Dancehall recording artiste Blak Ryno has decided it’s time to unfold a new chapter in his life with the aim of returning to the apex of dancehall


The artiste whose given name is Romane Anderson after being summoned to bed rest by his doctors a few weeks ago, used the time and did some career restructuring including a new management team accompanied by a name change. The moniker ‘Ryno The Stinger’ which he currently dons has been truncated to simply ‘Ryno’.

According to Ryno “After speaking to my management team the decision was taken to change my name to just Ryno. Right now a music and positivity me a deal with and people ah say the Stinger thing a beat me, originally me use the name because my friend dem use to say me lyrics dem a sting, but is like the streets have a different meaning for the word, so since a music me a pree me just a try shed anything that not positive from around me.”

When asked if people would like the new name he added, “Well them always a call me Ryno from long time so is not even nothing new but if them want to call me Blak Ryno same way that cool, but a just Ryno me a work wid from now”.

Meanwhile, with the New Year fast approaching the ‘Wine N Dip’ singer has been booked for a number of shows in the Bahamas, Dominica and other Caribbean territories ahead of his confirmed appearance on the greatest one night show on earth ‘Sting’ on December 26th at Jam World, Portmore, St. Catherine.

Ryno is also gearing to shoot another video for his latest collaborative effort titled ‘Seh Dem A Friend’ with new protégé Kaliba and is also featured on hitmakers Notice Production ‘Red N Black’ compilation with a track entitled ‘Money Me A Pree’.

ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

Drake Calls Grammy Nods 'A Dream Come True'!

Drake recently revealed his reaction to being nominated for four Grammy awards and according to the Canadian MC, the opportunity to win one of the awards is “a dream come true.” He can still vividly remember thinking about getting a Grammy nod early on in his career when he was an actor on Degrassi and now it is close to being a reality.

“It’s always, to get any type of Grammy accolade or anything, it’s cliche but it’s a dream come true in the literal sense, that you having between sleeping and waking up,” said Drake while talking to GlobalGrind.

“That time spent I used to think about being on the stage and being able to thank the people that have done so much for me in my life. And I remember the first time I went to the Grammy Awards and I looked at the set up of it at The Kodak Theater and it was like man, this is very similar to the dream I’ve been having since the Degrassi days.”

Adding, “I knew it was a night I could let the people know -- the people in my life know -- how much they have done [for] me. To have four opportunities to have that chance is incredible.”

The Young Money rapper is up for Best Rap Album for Thank Me Later, Best New Artist, Best Rap Solo Performance for Over and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for Fancy with T.I. and Swizz Beatz.

In other news, Drake is scheduled to host the 2011 Juno Awards in his hometown of Toronto, Canada next year.

YORAPS.COM

Busy year ahead for Gully Squad!

Members of the Gully Squad are anxiously anticipating the upcoming Christmas season as they have a number of shows lined up. In addition, they say 2011 will be their time to shine.

The show count for the group is so many that member Flexx says he is not sure how he is going to manage the workload.

"A one whole heap a show line up for the Christmas, enuh. Yuh done know a Hapilos Entertainment, alongside Solid Agency, a deal wid the management. Wi have a show in Guyana the 31st, after that, inna the new year, mi have about 12 shows in the United States. Mi new song on Chrome's new Dancehall Effects rhythm a go mad the place too," said Flexxx.

doing the work

He continued, "Yuh know seh Mavado big show cancel and the visa trouble weh him a guh through, so a just we a bring the music to the people, in a sense, then. We just doing the work, getting it out there. Yuh zeeeet!"

Another member, Savage, also gave similar comments saying, "The squad up to crazy things, enuh. Mi have a new song out, Mi Nah. Da song deh tun up loud inna the road, a crazy feedback. A just because man humble more while, mek mi nuh really out deh yet. But this Christmas name 'Gully Christmas', a ours it. Nuff show wi have fi work, mi cyan complain because a music mi do, nuff work inna it."

When contacted, a busy Chase Cross, who was just about to head into the studio to record a song for DJ Frass, told THE STAR, "Right about now, mi a mek plans fi shoot the video for Can't Stop Us, on DJ Frass' Gully Bomb rhythm. An mi a go a England with Mavado in about two weeks time."

Adding, "When we come back, the whole Gully Squad have a show on December 26 weh Mavado a set up. We ago close off the year wid a show inna Guyana, and bring in the new year wid some new song weh wi just voice fi Stephen, Frass and Jordan dem. 2011 a go see the Gully Squad a guh haad," he added.

The Gully Squad consists of Mavado, Kibaki, Chase Cross, Flexxx, Savage, 3 Star, Stacious and Crymist.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Rihanna, Em, Nicki Top Brand New Billboard Social Networking Chart!

Rapper Eminem, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna have all landed at the top of the Social 50, a brand new chart being introduced by Billboard in its print and online editions, ranking the most popular artists on several prominent social networks.

The new Social 50 uses a formula that blends the artists' popularity based on their weekly addition of friends, fans and followers, based on song plays through MySpace.com, YouTube.com, Twitter.com and iLike.com.

According to Billboard, the data is collected by Next Big Sound, a company that tracks music being shared on the social networks.

The chart also uses a "unique metric that measures the ration of page views-to-fans/friend on YouTube.com and MySpace.com.

"The Social 50 provides a weekly snapshot of the artists with whom music fans engage with the most in the social arena, which in today's world is a significant validation of their investment in an act," said Billboard director of charts Silvio Pietroluongo. "The chart is a logical complement to Billboard's other popularity rankings."

Rihanna toped the chart by leading in new friends, fans and followers for the week, while Justin Bieber landed at #2, Eminem is sitting at #3, #4 is Lady Gaga and newcomer Nicki Minaj landed out the list at #5.

"The volume of online activity that top artists now receive is too big to ignore," added Next Big Sound CEO, Alex White. "We are thrilled that social music activity now receives the same emphasis as the music charts for which Billboard is synonymous."

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Vybz Kartel and Tads partnership reaps major sales!

Tads Records is offering music fans the ultimate Dancehall experience — a compilation of the year's biggest street anthems and radio bangers from high-riding deejay Vybz Kartel.

Mixed by popular Jamaican radio disc jock DJ Wayne, Clarks: De Mixtape Raw is slated to hit iTunes and other digital outlets on Friday, December 10th.

Starting off the year with the release of Pon Di Gaza 2.0, Vybz Kartel's successful double album that was released in February, Tads is looking to cap off 2010 with an EP of singles from Kartel's catalogue of radio favourites from 2010, including Clarks — the ode to the British shoe giant that has become a staple in Hip Hop and Dancehall fashion with styles such as Wallabees and Desert Boots. Clarks remained among the top three Reggae singles garnering the most radio airplay overseas for nearly 35 weeks.

ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

Short break for Stulla Wednesday!

Last week marked the last Stulla Wednesday at the New Quad in New Kingston. After only two months in existence, singjay Mavado yesterday announced that he will be putting his popular weekly event on a short break while he finds a new location for the event.

In a release sent to THE STAR, Mavado was quoted as saying, "We would like to thank Quad for partnering with us on the Stulla Wednesdays venture. It's been a great success since its launch, but it's time to move on to new pastures. As soon as we secure a new venue for Stulla we will let all of our many fans and patrons know. Stulla is a brand and we intend to keep giving the fans what they need. And you can look out for Stulla Tonic Wine in 2011."

Stulla Wednesdays saw stars such as Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Beenie, Cham, Sizzla, Elephant Man, Damian and Stephen Marley, Chino, Chase Cross, Flexxx, Chi Ching Ching, Stacious and many more turn out every week for the authentic dancehall vibes at Stulla Wednesdays.

Boom Boom, Swatch International, Arif Cooper and the Fresh Team are the event's resident sound systems, and Mavado assures they will also be present at the new location.

"Boom Boom, Arif and Swatch, as well as the special guests we had passing through every week, really created a unique vibe and energy," said Mavado. "They were all very entertaining and the feedback from the patrons was great, the balance of music was perfect and we will be bringing the package with us to Stulla's new home."

Bass Odyssey, Gary Chucks, ZJ Ice and many more top-tier selectors also made successful appearances at Stulla Wednesdays. Special guests will also continue to appear weekly at the new Stulla Wednesdays.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Kanye Lands Fourth Straight #1 Album, Nicki Minaj #2!

Kanye West has landed his fourth straight #1 album, as his latest release My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has landed at the top of Billboard's Top 200 Chart this week.

According to Nielsen SoundScan data, West moved 496,000 copies of his latest release, besting the rap star's previous offering 808s & Heartbreak, which moved about 450,000 copies during its first week on the stores in 2008.

West's 496,000 units also give the eclectic rap star the fourth-biggest first week opener of 2010.

On the digital side, Kanye' album sold 224,000 copies through iTunes and AmazonMp3.

Young Money's latest artist Nicki Minaj landed in second place, moving over 375,000 copies of her album Pink Friday, putting her in the pantheon of rap royalty.

Nicki's 375,000 units is the second-best opening week for a female rapper in Billboard

Only Lauryn Hill has done better, when she sold 423,000 of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998.
history.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Jay-Z's 40/40 Club Announces Airport Partnership!

Jay-Z and Delaware North Companies revealed a new joint venture. The rap mogul and the global leader in hospitality management and food services have entered into an agreement to open the 40/40 Club in select airports across The United States.

The 40/40 Club is an upscale sports bar, lounge and restaurant owned by Jay-Z and business partners, Juan and Desiree Perez. Its doors first opened in 2003 on West 25th Street in New York. A second location opened shortly after in Atlantic City with more plans of expansion.

“The 40/40 Club is all about creating first-class experiences for guests who want to relax and watch their favorite games,” stated Desiree Perez. “We want to see our club grow, and to bring those experiences to travelers. A partnership with Delaware North will do just that.”

Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues exceeding $2 billion annually. They manage hospitality and food services at marquee locations such as the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, Delaware North-owned TD Garden in Boston, Los Angeles International Airport, Kennedy Space Center and Yosemite National Park.

Robert Stanton, Vice President of business development for Delaware North said, “We are thrilled to partner with the 40/40 Club, to bring a stylish sports bar and lounge to airports across the country. From the personalized, one-of-a-kind jerseys on the wall, to every sports game you can think of on the television screens, the club will bring a new experience that we are sure travelers will welcome.”

YORAPS.COM

Chino drops singles ahead of album!

DANCEHALL artiste Chino, has released a cluster of new singles ahead of his March 2011 US album.

The artiste who has been busy in the studio, occupied doing interviews and engaged with local and international performances says, pulling a balancing act has been difficult but necessary. Among his new singles are: Good Ole Days on ZJ Chrome's Dancehall Efx Riddim, Grapevine on Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor's Championship Riddim, No Stylin' on the Smoking Riddim, Number one on the Street Swag Riddim, Tek Whe Gal on the Winnings Riddim and more.

"As an artiste I always try to remember that Jamaica isn't equivalent to the world, so I'm always recording and trying new things. Each market and country attracts a different vibe, so I try to make my catalogue as extensive as possible, but still very well put together," said Chino who was recently labelled as an artiste to watch by the Barbados Advocate's youth paper, HELLO! Magazine.

Chino's upcoming album will be distributed through the VP Records label.

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

WILL KARTEL BE AT STING? - Promoter, deejay give conflicting statements!

There is some uncertainty as to whether deejay Vybz Kartel will be at Sting this Boxing Day on December 26.

Launched at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel last week, Sting promoter Isaiah Laing of Supreme Promotions announced Kartel to be a part of the 'Warriors' category, which includes Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, at the 27th staging of the event at Jam World in Portmore, St Catherine. However, when THE STAR spoke to the deejay yesterday he said he will not be attending the event this year.

He said, "No one has approached me, much less paid a deposit but yet I see myself on a poster at the Sting launch. How presumptuous of Supreme (Promotions). No Gaza artiste will be performing at Sting anyway. We are doing South America again because apparently they can't get enough of the Gaza government."

Laing, however, says differently. According to Laing he spoke to the deejay last week and commented, "he'll be there, don't worry."

no advertised clashes

Kartel has been a controversial performer at Sting since his on-stage fight with veteran deejay Ninja Man years ago. In 2008, he and singjay Mavado made headlines when they lyrically clashed at one of the largest Sting crowds yet. Last year, anticipation was active for a lyrical battle between him and former mentor Bounty Killer which did not take place.

This year, Sting embraced a new main partner, telecommunications company LIME and has no advertised clashes, which it has made its name on, but rather will be focusing on performances. In the 'Warriors' segment Bounty Killer and Beenie Man will be joined by Etana, Khago, I-Octane among others.

Other segments include the 13 'Bad Girls' include the 'Bad Gyal' Ce'Cile, Lisa Hyper, D'Angel, Ikaya, Face, Pamputae and Tifa. Twin of Twins, Food Kartel, Tanto Blacks and Apache and Sarge have been charged with providing a combination of laughter and insight as the 'Sting Commentators'.

Sunshine, Bambino and Liquid are designated 'Sting Disc Jocks', with Nesbeth, Zamunda, Cush Hunta, Charlie Blacks and supposedly Shawn Storm and Popcaan among those in the 'Spotlight' segment.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Kartel's new Benz turns heads!

Deejay Vybz Kartel made the talk of the town this week as he profiled his brand new 2010 S-Class Mercedes-Benz estimated to value over $12 million.

THE WEEKEND STAR visited the deejay recently in Kingston where he showcased his new ride. He was unwilling to disclose the amount he paid for the vehicle; however, several websites checked by THE WEEKEND STAR estimated the vehicle to be worth more than J$12 million. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of large luxury sedans produced by Mercedes-Benz, a German manufacturer of cars, buses, coaches and trucks.

The deejay, who got the Benz on Monday from Carland on Old Hope Road, disclosed to THE WEEKEND STAR that the vehicle is a dream to drive. When asked why he bought this particular car, Kartel said, "yuh know is a X6 (BMW) mi buy and me and Corey (Todd) a reason and sey the X6 too common. No deejay eva own a S-Class Benz. This Benz is the flagship of the Benz's line, meaning dis a di top, top Benz."

He added, "It do everything except fly, the body can raise, it just have the whole driving experience, is like yuh a drive pon air."

new ride

Since getting his new ride, however, Kartel says he has been reading a lot of rumours online that the car doesn't belong to him. Setting the record straight he said, "People a sey a nuh my Benz, so wha me a deejay fa? So dis is to all di haters dem weh sey is not mine. Hate to burst your bubble but it's mine, paid for and no car payments. This is not a made in Jamaica vehicle like wha other deejays have. Me not even haffi deejay fi buy dis, me coulda sell rum and get dis."

Kartel recently returned from a trip to Suriname where he said he performed to a crowd of over 20,000 patrons. "Suriname was crazy, Kartel owns South America, dem love mi like dem love football," he said. He also recently completed the video for the Duss medley and has a number of new singles just released and to be released soon.

















THE JAMAICA STAR

Nicki Minaj Teams With MAC!

Rap star Nicki Minaj has inked a deal with MAC Cosmetics to launch her own line of lipstick called "Pink Friday." The 25-year-old rapper, who just released her debut album Pink Friday, will release her own limited-run on Black Friday (November 26th). Afterwards, the lipstick will only be on sale for three other days: December 3rd, December 10th and December 17th. "MAC's Pink Nouveau was my favorite lipstick for years, but it's all about Pink Friday," Nicki Minaj said in a statement.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Vybz Kartel and the Portmore Empire rock Suriname!

Vybz Kartel and the Portmore Empire rocked the South American nation of Suriname for the first time last weekend with a high-octane performance in front of thousands of screaming fans at Flamboyant Park in Paramaribo. Using a backing band, the Teacha was in awesome form at the show dubbed "Gaza Invasion", earning non-stop cheers for his mega hits, Money on My Mind, Million Dollar by a Morning but the crowd favourite seemed to be the Mavado Sting diss, "Don't Run" which they sang word for word, forcing him to pull it up two times.

ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

T.I. Details Drug Relapse!

T.I. will go into detail about how he began abusing drugs during an interview, which will appear in VIBE magazine’s December issue.

According to the southern rapper, it all started with his dental surgeries. He had some prescriptions for pain medication and continued to use the pills long after the pain had subsided.

“After the pain went away, I kept taking it. I had like five, six prescriptions. So, I had, like 80 pills. Everybody else might drink or smoke a blunt; I took a pain pill,” said Tip.

Since being arrested in September and prior to going back to an Arkansas federal prison though, he has attended one-on-one and group therapy sessions to deal with his addiction to pills and codeine and says that the meetings helped him fully realize his problem.

“If you rationalize putting yourself in harm’s way, risking your well-being, your health, your freedom, your family’s well-being and livelihood in order to be high, that’s the rationale of an addict,” he said.

As far as his wife’s recent arrest for drug possession, T.I. revealed that she had gone to some meetings with him but he stopped short of saying she has a drug problem. According to him, her main involvement with drugs is weed and it isn’t addictive.

“I don’t know. She went with me to some meetings and counseling. She ain’t got no problems,” T.I. said. “Her thing is she smokes. Smoking weed is different than taking pain pills. You can smoke weed today and not smoke another blunt for another three months.”

YORAPS.COM

Kanye West Goes Into Fast Food With 10 Fatburger Restaurants!

Hip-Hop star Kanye West will add to his discography today (November 22), when his fifth album, My Dark Twisted Fantasy lands in stores across the country.

But the Chicago rapper is planning to expand his career beyond music, with a possible new clothing line with high-end clothing line with French Fashion label, Lanvin and a chain of fast-food restaurants.

According to TheDailyBeast.com, Kanye West may turn into the next fast food mogul, as the rapper snatched up the franchise rights for 10 Fatburger restaurants in Chicago through his holding company, KW Foods LLC.

“It’s safe to say that we’ll be doing more strategic partnerships in areas like fashion and design,” Gee Roberson told The Daily Beast. “Music is the foundation for everything Kanye does, but he doesn’t want to be defined only as a musician. He’s really a designer. He designs his sounds, his raps, all aspects of his tour. He wants to do deals where he can have his fingerprints on the product.”

Kanye West, who already operates two of the restaurants in Orland Park and Beverly, joins a growing number of rappers who have invested money into the Fatburger franchise.

Hip-Hop musician Pharrell Williams opened two Fatburgers in China, Queen Latifah reportedly owns several of the restaurants, while E-40 closed his Fatburger in California in 2008.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Shawn Storm hits #1 on Jamaica Music Countdown charts!

Shawn Storm's My Life is one of the candidates for Song of the Year, underscoring a clear rise in the value of the stocks of the longtime Portmore Empire member. His song rocketed to the #1 spot on the Jamaica Music Countdown charts last week and remains a big favourite of teenagers and young adults alike.





JAMAICA MUSIC COUNTDOWN
BY RICHIE B, HOST – “HOT MIX” ON HOT 102FM

NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2010

TOP 25 DANCE HALL SINGLES
TW LW WOC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 3 14 Life – Shawn Storm – Adidjaheim/Notnice (1wk@#1) U-2
02 2 14 For Your Eyez Only – Shaggy feat. Alaine – K-Licious Music NM
03 1 17 Jeans & Fitted – Vybz Kartel feat. Russian – Head Concussion Records (1wk@#1) D-2
04` 5 11 Messiah – Mavado – Chimney Records U-1
05 7 10 Touch a Button – Vybz Kartel – TJ Records U-2
06 8 13 Irie – Andrew & Wada Blood – Deewaan U-2
07 4 14 Nah Sell Out – Khago – Seanizzle (2wks@#1) D-3
08 9 10 Girls Night Out – David M – BGM Entertainment U-1
09 10 8 Stulla – Mavado – CR203 U-1
10 6 17 Drinking Rum & Red Bull – Fambo feat. Beenie Man – Seanizzle Records (1wk@#1) D-4
11 12 9 Wifey Walk Out – DJ Liquid – Seanizzle U-1
12 15 8 Jim Screechie – Spice – Equinoxx Production U-3
13 14 12 Look At All These Girls - Nando – Heart to Art Music (pp#13) U-1
14 16 6 Dumper Truck – Vybz Kartel – CR203 U-2
15 11 20 My Heart – Wayne Marshall feat. Mavado – Yard Vybz/Off Limits (2wks@#1) D-4
16 17 9 Not Scared Enough – Bounti Killer feat Angel Doolas – SANKOFA U-1
17 18 6 Nuh Love Inna Dem – I-Octane – Cashflow U-1
18 13 13 I’m Ok – Beenie Man – Seanizzle (pp#7) D-5
19 20 5 Nah Let Go – Gyptian – VP Records U-1
20 21 6 Mi Tek Yuh Man – Cecile – SANKOFA U-1
21 22 4 Swaggerific – Mr. G – Seanizzle U-1
22 23 3 Puff It – I-Octane – Cashflow U-1
23 24 2 Hot Grabba – Vybz Kartel feat. Popcaan – Adidjaheim/Notnice U-1
24 25 2 Party Like it’s Your Birthday – Richie Loop, Busy Signal & D’Major – Scikron Entertainment U-1
25 19 20 Rightful Place - Edee – Unseen Lab (pp#10) D-6


ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

Gyptian hits the UK Singles chart!

Following his recent win at the Soul Train and MOBO awards, Gyptian has debuted on the UK Singles chart with Hold Yuh.

Hold Yuh which peaked at number 77 stateside on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and at number 69 on the Canada Hot 100 chart hops onto the UK Top 75 Singles chart at number 16.

This is the first time in four years that a Jamaican artiste is featured as lead on any single that has cracked the Top 30 portion of the UK Singles chart.

Sean Paul was the last artiste to have achieved this feat. In 2006, Temperature entered and peaked at number 11.

Hold Yuh has already peaked at number 54 on the European Hot 100.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Beyonce Says Fragrance Ban Upped Sales!

Last week, pop superstar Beyonce caused quite a bit of controversy when racy commercials for her popular fragrance Heat where banned for daytime viewing in the U.K. due to suggestive images of the singer. However, according to the 29 year old Houston native, who stopped by The View with her mother Tina on Monday (November 22), the ban turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“I think it was very good,” Beyonce told the panel. “Because a lot of people went and watched the commercial,” she said. “And it upped my sales.” She also had a laugh at the expense of the ever-present wind machine that seems to follow her everywhere, explaining why she uses it in the first place.

“Where's the wind coming from? It started out only [to stay cool], and then it kind of created this effect with my hair,” she said. “You can only imagine. The show is two and a half hours. It's really, really warm onstage.”

Later in the interview, Beyonce also revealed that husband Jay-Z will appear on her I Am…World Tour, her concert special that premieres Thursday night (November 25) on ABC at 9:30 p.m. EST.

“We talked about it; we knew he was in town,” she said, later explaining how shocked the crowd was to see the Brooklyn-based rapper join her onstage. “Kanye, as well. He was in town that night.”

In addition to her fragrance line and unstoppable singing career, the pop star keeps busy with her clothing line House Of Dereon. Earlier this year, Forbes magazine even named the singer among their top ten most powerful women in the world alongside fellow singer Lady Gaga and First Lady Michelle Obama.

YORAPS.COM

Lisa Hyper is keeping busy!

Dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper is keeping herself busy these days , and according to reports this is set to continue throughout the end of the year.

The artiste has reportedly just wrapped two shows in the twin-island Republic Trinidad & Tobago as she was booked for shows in that country last Friday and Saturday. This will be her third time performing in Trinidad and was set to perform alongside fellow female artiste Macka Diamond.

Lisa is expected to return to the Jamaica on Monday to pick up on her promotions for her highly anticipated Rum Bar Rum and HYPE TV sponsored Day & Night Mi Waa Be Good Birthday Bash and Pool Splash on Thursday in her home town Community of Stony Hill. This event will feature special guest appearances from Beenie Man, I-Octane, Khago and Chi Ching Ching among others.

Lisa Hyper is then scheduled to leavethe island for Dominica on Friday, for a show there on Saturday at the Fisherman's Cove. The event is being advertised as a major event for the pre Christmas season in Dominica and the artiste is elated to be a part of that set up.

Lisa Hyper is also currently enjoying favourable rotation on the air waves and television for the Nuh Stress Mi Out"single and video on the Rail Up riddim with the king of the dancehall Beenie Man. Also generating a buzz is her latest release, the single No Beat Up on the Madigras riddim for Coppershot Productions.

When asked how she feels about the moment in time, a smiling Lisa Hyper disclosed " It's just the works of the almighty suh mi nah question the sudden resurgence mi just a work with it and keep up the standard for the fans dem. Just wait til mi return to Jamaica it ago sticky pan dem."

Lisa Hyper is also among the headliners for yearthe end-of-year favourites GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza in Black River, St Elizabeth and Sting in Jamworld, Portmore on Christmas day and Boxing Day respectively.

Lisa Hyper is best known for singles Bills and Trust and assures that her local fans to look out for bigger and brighter projects from her rolling out in early 2011.

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

T.I. 'Tired' Of Going To Prison!

T.I. opened up about his recent prison stint recently via a post featured on his website on Thursday (November 18). Aside from voicing the disappointment and pain he experienced from heading to jail again, the Atlanta-based rapper also spoke of an uncertain future that he was determined to differentiate from his past.

“This experience is truly a pain I have never felt before and that’s saying a lot of a n*gga who’s been down locked up as many times as I have,” wrote T.I. “I see this as a real ass whoopin’. The kind you don’t just go back outside to play afterwards. You take ya ass to bed and don’t come out of your room until it’s time to go to school.”

“I don’t know what effect this will have on my life moving forward but I’m certainly sick and motherf*cking tired of going to jail, juve, prison, the pen, correctional facilities or whatever else you want to call it,” Tip continued. “I’d have been better off doing a 5-10 year bid one time than going in time and time again for days, weeks and months for the last 15 years of my life.”

Legal hurdles aside though, the King Of The South says that he is “still standing, barely, but nevertheless still standing.” In the past, he looked to those around him for the inspiration to move forward but now he says he going to look within for the motivation. He also promises that none of his children will follow in his footsteps.

“[None] of mine will ever have to feel the cold tight grip of a handcuff or grace the presence of a jail cell if I can help it,” he added. “Over my dead body! So if you can’t respect that you ain’t rocking with my movement, then f*ck you dog!”

Tip’s forthcoming LP, No Mercy, will be released on December 7.

YORAPS.COM

Holidays kick off with WTF!

36Five Concepts in association with VybeSquad Entertainment are on a mission to create a wild kick-off to the December holidays with WTF. The event, which is sponsored by Cocomania, will be held at Mango Ranch on December 3.

Many have been left wondering who this new party promotion team, 36Five Concepts is and why the promoters chose to host an event before the Christmas holidays actually begin for most persons. The mystery team includes Rogen Walker (Ruption of RDStudios), Creep of Chromatic World-Wyde-Ntertainment and popular event and club disc jockey, Karyzma. The promoters are wholly involved in event preparations as the wild energy will be catalysed by musical stylings of both Chromatic and Karyzma as well as guest selectors DJ Shine and ZIP FM disc jockeys, Chrome and Wahwa.

list of parties

WTF, however, is not a new name to the list of parties, it was held previously by Ruption, who confidently states, "For the past two years, WTF has been the party that kick-starts the Christmas party season and so far it has not disappointed!! With our new sponsor Cocomani on board, you can expect us to pick up on the high we left off on last year."

Ladies are encouraged to come out early, as they are offered free entry before 11 p.m. Specials on Cocomania mixes will be offered throughout the duration of the party and Fuel energy drink has recently come on board for all patrons who prefer to stay away from alcohol and keep their energies at a responsible high.


THE JAMAICA STAR

Nas & Damian Marley Hit UK!

Nas and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley will return to the United Kingdom this Spring. According to reports, Nas and Damian Marley will perform dates in London, Glasgow and Manchester in the Spring of 2011. The pair will perform songs from their lengthy back catalog, as well as selections from their hit collaborative album, Distant Relatives. The dates mark Nas and Damian Marley's first joint concert in the UK since July, when they performed three sold-out dates in the United Kingdom. Tickets can be purchased via ticketshere.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Eva Longoria Files For Divorce!

After denying a report from TMZ, that her husband, Tony Parker, had filed for divorce, Eva Longoria turned around and filed documents in Los Angeles County on Wednesday (November 17) to put an end to their three year marriage.

The Desperate Housewives star spoke with TV host and close friend Mario Lopez to explain why she was separating from Parker and revealed that the NBA player was unfaithful numerous times during their relationship. Longoria says that in the most recent incident she found hundreds of text messages between Parker and Erin Barry, the wife of his former NBA teammate Brent Barry.

The actress also found out that he had been keeping in touch with the woman he supposedly had an affair with earlier on in their marriage via Facebook.

Longoria announced their split via her Twitter and Facebook pages and he later posted a similar message on his social network pages.

“It is with great sadness that after 7 years together, Tony and I have decided to divorce. We love each other deeply and pray for each other’s happiness,” read the message.

Longoria cited “irreconcilable differences” in the court documents and is requesting spousal support from Parker. The couple signed a pre-nup in 2007 but amended it last year.

Brent and Erin Barry are also in the middle of a divorce. The former basketball player hasn’t responded to the news, but his father, NBA Hall Of Famer Rick Barry, said his son will be “devastated.”

“I feel horrible for my son,” he said. “I’m in shock. I knew [Erin] was moving out of the house soon and she was the one that filed for divorce. This is the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Adding, “I can’t even imagine him going through this…the divorce was hard enough news.”

When asked for a comment, Erin Barry reportedly started to cry and simply said “no comment.”


YORAPS.COM

Beenie Man and Friends!

Dancehall artiste Beenie Man has completed his latest project which he has dubbed Beenie Man and Friends.

On the project, the Doctor does eight combination songs with different artistes such as Khago, D'Angel, Ding Dong, Fambo, Deva Bratt, Kantana, Versatile, Cee Gee and Laden.

In a press release sent to THE STAR, Beenie said, "No other artiste in the business has ever tried anything like this before. I am writing, arranging and co-producing every song on the rhythm, and I am also performing on every song on the rhythm."

He continued, "The only thing I haven't done is build the rhythm, that was done by Danny Browne."

"I plan to shoot a video for the single called Time of My Life with D'Angel, and a medley video with all the others. I already have the concept in my head, it is going to be sick," he said.

the project

The project has always been in the his mind as he said, "It is something I had always wanted to do, but I just didn't have the courage to do it at the time. So I just sat down and did it and it all came together."

Getting Bounty Killer on board, he said, is also in the making, "Ah mi friend still but is too much drama to get him to actually voice. Serani voice already, Mavado said he will voice, but I cannot wait on them. In fact, it is up to Bounty, Elephant and Kartel if they want to be on it, mi reach out to them already," he said.

The recently released project has been getting good airplay on local radio stations. Beenie Man will be leaving the island today for a two-week tour of the African continent, which will see him performing in Freetown, Sierra Leone, as well as Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Wiz Khalifa Speaks On Drug Arrest!

Wiz Khalifa recently opened up about his drug arrest in North Carolina last week and according to the Pittsburgh rapper, he now understands that the more famous he becomes the more of a target he will be.

“They want to try to scare you or make an example out of you before you get too far into what you’re doing,” said Wiz to MTV News. “When I started doing what I was doing [in the music industry], I was ready for it. Just being from where I’m from, I was already a target on a small scale. But as I build up and become more nationally known, that scale just gets larger.”

Asked about how his mother reacted to his arrest, he said, “She was worried, but she knows the risk that I run, and I been her son forever. So this might be new to some people, but in any situation, my mom is right there sticking with me throughout…She knows there would be all types of other people coming down on me, so she wanted me to be good personally by keeping my spirits up and laughing and joking.”

The MC is facing two felony charges for trafficking and marijuana storage and one misdemeanor for drug paraphernalia but during an interview with Shade 45’s Angela Yee didn’t seem too worried about facing any jail time. He even debunked rumors that suggested that he was looking into a plea deal.

“I should be okay. Trees aren’t that bad,” he asserted.

Wiz will release his debut album with Atlantic Records next year. The lead single off of the effort, Black and Yellow, is already at the number 29 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

YORAPS.COM

Mavado to celebrate birthday bash in unity!

Singjay Mavado will be ringing in his 30th birthday this year with a unity themed party titled 'Lime Real McKoy Birthday Bash.'

The birthday celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, December 4, at the Caruba Beach Club in Portmore. Speaking with THE STAR recently, Mavado said although the show is a celebration of his birthday, it will also be about unity. He said, "my birthday bash is coming up. Dah show deh, all Beenie on the show. Unity we a deal wid, unification within the music a di simplest ting. On di show there's Beenie, Aidonia, Sizzla, I-Octane, Chase Cross, Einstein, whole heap of artistes and yuh done know special guests from across the waters."

Cassava Piece

The artiste has been hosting his birthday bash for the last six years having held it at various venues such as his community Cassava Piece; Portmore, the Temple Hall Estate, The Building in New Kingston as well as the Caribbean Show Place in Montego Bay, last year. Mavado's manager Julian Jones-Griffith said: "Last year it was crazy at The Building and in MoBay where he has a large following as well. This time around LIME is on board, who he recently signed to."

The event will be held at the Caruba Beach Club for the first time which Mavado says has a "nice vibe" and is not too small for his party. Jones-Griffith also added, "the setting is good, it'll be a party on the beach this time with lots of performances, surprises - so come out early. There is also ample parking and tight security and Appleton and Jagra are on board this time which is good to see corporate Jamaica showing support for Mavado."

The birthday bash will see performances from: the 'Real McKoy' himself, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Cham, Jah Cure, Future Fambo, Gully Squad, Aidonia and Big Ship. Also on the line-up are: Bugle, Serani and more. Prior to the birthday bash, according to Jones-Griffith, Mavado will be having a pre-birthday celebration at his weekly 'Stulla Wednesdays' at the New Quad that week.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Jay-Z Defends Kanye's Comment That 'Bush Doesn't Care About Black People'!

Following an appearance at the New York Public Library on Monday (November 15) to promote his new memoir Decoded, which was released in stores yesterday (November 16), Jay-Z appeared on NPR’s Fresh Air to address many topics including Kanye West’s feud with former U.S. President George W. Bush.

Earlier this month, in an exclusive interview with NBC’s Matt Lauer, Bush revealed that Kanye West’s comment at a 2005 Hurricane Katrina benefit that he "does not care about black people" was one of the lowest points in his presidency, which was "strange" according to the Brooklyn-bred rapper, who came to West’s defense.

"First, I find it strange, like everyone else should, that one of his lowest points was somebody talking about him," Jay-Z said. "He's the President. People should insult him a lot. That's part of the job description."

The rapper also echoed an excerpt in Decoded, which explains how the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in Louisiana were mishandled. "It didn't feel like a natural disaster; it felt like it was happening directly to blacks," Jay-Z continued.

"And immediately those images of people in suits getting beaten, sprayed with hoses, beaten on the bridge at Selma, all these emotions were going on inside of us. Kanye really spoke what everyone else felt," he said.

The rap mogul also addressed the obstacles current U.S. President Barack Obama has to face following Bush’s legacy, which he referred to as "the worst eight years of our life." "I think he's had so many challenges. I applaud his efforts and where he's going," he said.

"Of course, it's not 100 percent, but you have to take into context what he inherited and what he's working with. He's in the negative, and if you think he can fix eight years of damage in two years, I don't know if that's realistic."

Jay-Z’s Decoded, which tells the stories behind many of the rapper’s most famous song lyrics, is available in stores now and, in an effort to promote the book, fans of the rapper can participate in a worldwide scavenger hunt on Bing.com for a chance to see Jay-Z live in concert this New Year’s Eve.

The contest ends on November 20, however, fans who answer every clue correctly will also win lifetime passes to see the rapper at any concert of his, anywhere in world. Visit bing.com/decodejayz for details.

YORAPS.COM

RDX TOURS EUROPE!

The inimitable Dancehall/Reggae duo RDX is spreading its wings even further across the world with a distinctive brand of celebratory, party-hopping Dancehall music that is steadily redefining dancehall for other peoples and cultures all across the world.

RDX accompanied by their dancer Bermuda Kid is close to completing their tour of Europe after making stops in France, Finland and Holland. The two time group of the year has been quietly carving out a name for themselves in the European market after the success of their Bend Over, Dancers Anthem, Skip and Deliver Me songs.

The duo is now riding high internationally as they continue to churn out the hits with their latest dance single Movements creating frenzy in the clubs from the US to Panama to Japan. The unofficial video for Movements has racked up over 70,000 hits on Youtube.com.

Deejay Renigade says “Our dancehall culture is rich, and is being copied all over the world. We would like to consider ourselves the embodiment of that culture with the colour, flair and energy, while recognizing that music is a business, so we must operate as such.”

Delomar added: “We the Jamaican dancehall people party 7 days a week. So it’s only natural for RDX to make happy, party music. We try to highlight the more positive aspects of our culture, because we know it’s not only Jamaica that is listening.”

RDX is featured in the recently released Jim Screechie Medley video with their For The Girls song, and in the Thousand US$ Medley with Ping Me. The duo and their own Apt.19 Music label is working closely with producers Equiknoxx, Ballaz Production and Loud Disturbance among others, in completing their second album, due for a 2011 release.

ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

Gyptian takes Soul Train Award - heads into studio to record with Ne Yo!

REGGAE artiste Gyptian copped another major award on Wednesday night. He beat out five other nominees in the Best Reggae Artiste category of the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards.

The Soul Train accolade comes closely on the heels of the UK's MOBO award that the singer won a few weeks ago.

Gyptian was in high spirits shortly after he won the Soul Train statuette. "This is an awesome feeling. Two awards in one year, I am really fortunate to have won," Gyptian said in a telephone interview on Thursday morning.

His manager Ivor Ruddock was equally excited about the win. "We have been working hard and it is now paying off. This award is another encouragement for us," he noted.

Gyptian performed a medley of his current hits Hold Yuh and Nah Let Go during the Soul Train awards telecast. "It was a great performance. I even had backup dancers," the dreadlocked artiste told Splash.

The singer has been on a roll this year since the success of his smash single Hold Yuh dented various Billboard charts stateside and internationally.

He recently completed a guest performance slot on rhythm and blues singer Mary J Blige's UK tour. 'That was a great platform for me and it exposed me to a wider audience', Gyptian commented.

Gyptian will head into the studios over the next couple of weeks to record a collaboration with R&B singer Ne Yo.

Damian Marley, Mr Vegas, Jah Cure, Vybz Kartel and Gramps Morgan were the other reggae acts nominated alongside Gyptian.

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

Baby Weighs In On 'Roman's Revenge'!

Baby recently gave this thoughts on Nicki Minaj’s Roman’s Revenge and suggested that Lil Kim “asked” for the diss track by constantly being negative towards Minaj.

According to him, Cash Money and Young Money don’t usually like to resort to tracks attacking others specifically, and Minaj was simply taking shots at her detractors in general.

“Real talk, but maybe Kim asked for it,” suggested Baby during an interview with VIBE. “Usually we don’t try to make music like that…that’s not our theory. We make great music. We have never been the type to make songs about motherf*ckas. I think Nicki is speaking in general, not just Kim personally. A lot of motherf*ckers have been hating on her success. To me, they are all asking for it. I don't think any of them has as a talented clique as Nicki. We a movement!”

The Queens-based femcee also denied directing the song at Kim alone, saying during a recent interview, “No one is worth having their name mentioned out of my mouth and they never will get that…I think that as a rapper, you can’t be a rapper and not speak on things being said about you. o, I use my music to say what I have to say.”

Kim has since responded to Roman’s Revenge by threatening to erase Minaj’s social security number. But she hasn’t put anything on wax just yet.

YORAPS.COM

Future Fambo rocks Canada!

Definitely the 'Comeback Kid' for 2010, Future Fambo's career is moving from strength to strength. With his fan base growing since the release earlier this year of his Seanizzle-produced hit 'Rum And Red Bull', (featuring Beenie Man), Fambo's demand has spiked.

The deejay, known for his energetic on stage presence, recently returned to Jamaica from a two-show trip to Canada, where he had fans in a frenzy as he worked the stage like a pro.

Dubbed Reggaelution, the shows were staged by PFB Entertainment on October 29 inside the Government Entertainment
Complex in Toronto, and the following night in Montreal. Both shows were well supported and kudos to the promoters for proper stage management and good time control.

Of course, Fambo's international hit Rum And Red Bull proved to be a favourite mix, despite the fact that the Doctor Beenie Man wasn't there in person to sing the hook. However, Future Fambo's delivery was on point and, as the self-proclaimed Drunken Master of the Dancehall, he delighted patrons with his infectious Swaggaholic style and song of the same name.

work the crowd

Also a hit with the Canadian massive was the single Pop Bottle, and Fambo made sure to work it with the crowd. Before he exited centrestage, the deejay called on Supa Hype, much to the delight of patrons who enjoyed the extra treat.

Although Fambo didn't get to perform This Life in Toronto, he gave it to the Montreal fans without holding back any emotion and this proved a sobering moment during the Drunken Master's act.

It was obvious that the deejay himself was having fun onstage and he was able to convey that element to the patrons, many of whom danced and sang with hands in the air as Future Fambo took time to thank them for the opportunity to perform for them.

Future Fambo was one of six acts including Supa Hype and the Big Ship Crew of Laden, Chino, Stephen Di Genius and captain of the Big Ship, Freddie McGregor contracted to perform at both shows. Fambo opened for Freddie who was the headliner.

satisfy fans

During an interview after his performance, an excited Fambo expressed his joy at being able to totally satisfy his Canadian fans and his pleasant surprise at the response to his singles.

"Right now, it's Fambo's Canada," he said with a laugh. "My job was to get the crowd excited and give them their money's worth, and for me, it was mission accomplished," Fambo said.

"I am on a natural high. It is so overwhelming. About eight months ago Freddie (McGregor) said to me "Fambo, you going to be blessed this year" and I am proving that now," the deejay said.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Coppershot turns 16!

Coppershot sound celebrates their 16th anniversary this week, reminiscing on their years of struggling to make it to the top.

When THE STAR spoke to Matthew Gray from Coppershot recently, he explained that the sound, which consists of Gray, Shaun Anderson, Jason Henriques, Marc Chin, DJ Cutty, DJ Small voice, DJ Donny, Sanjay Smith and Andrew Hemley, was planning on celebrating their sweet 16 in fine style this year. He said: "We had plans to keep our anniversary, but with the state of emergency, the heavy rains and the economic situation, we decided to put it off till a more favourable time when our fans can come out and enjoy it without any setbacks."

According to Gray, the sound will make another attempt at a celebratory party early next year.

For Gray, the sound has come a long way since its early days when he and Henriques started out with the Sage Sound before joining with Anderson to form Coppershot. He said: "When we started out, they said that we would never get any corporate events, no school events, no weddings, no uptown parties cause of the name and we did go through a period when we didn't, but eventually we built up our reputation as an all round sound capable of carrying the right vibe at any party or event, and now have risen to the top of the game in all areas."

Since then, Coppershot has done events with the likes of Lime and Red Stripe to name a few, weddings, private parties, stage shows including the recently held Arthur Guinness Celebration and more. They have also toured the world alongside Sean Paul and in their own right as well, and are looking forward to new avenues in 2011.

Gray said: "When I look back at the past 16 years and see where we are coming from to today, having Coppershot playing at weddings, business functions, all the hot parties and events, being requested all over the world on a regular basis, it makes me smile, knowing we coming from a school boy hobby playing at events in our friends back yards to being on top of the game and knowing that 16 is just the start of it and we got nuff more years in us."

While the sound won't be having an anniversary party, they say fans can check out their Facebook page to see videos of artistes sharing their favourite Coppershot memories.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Aidonia & JOP storm through St Vincent and T&T!

DESPITE wreaking havoc on some of our Caribbean neighbours while threatening others, tropical storm Tomas reportedly did very little to slow down entertainers Aidonia, Suhverto and the J.O.P camp last weekend when they invaded St Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago.

Amidst heavy showers and power outages, St Vincent which was first on the roster, was treated to a musical feast as the team — Aidonia, Suhverto, Deablo and Navino — served up some sizzling performances that had patrons clamouring for autographs and photo ops.

Opting not to return to Jamaica, the team departed for the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago the following day; kicking off their second performance at Club Oss in Tobago on Thursday might. The mid-week concert saw a packed house as Aidonia and his team stamped their class on the island.

From there it was back to the soca mainland for the final concert on Saturday night at the UWI St Augustine Senior Common Room, where they were joined by upcoming artiste Chan Dizzy and in true dancehall fashion they kept the Jamaican flag flying high throughout the night.

Now back in the island, preparations are being made to shoot another video for Aidonia; Suhverto to release his upcoming mixtape while Deablo and Navino will focus on their individual projects; new protégé Chedda is featured in the latest edition of the US-based Fader Magazine.

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

T.I. Banned From Leaving Georgia/U.S. Under New Probation Terms!

T.I.'s options for travel will be extremely limited after the chart-topping rapper finishes an 11 month sentence for violating the terms of his probation when he was arrested with drugs in September.

T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., is serving time in an Forrest City, Arkansas prison, after he and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were caught with ecstasy on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.

According the terms of his probation, T.I. is barred from leaving the United States and must remain within the limits of the Northern District of Georgia, which includes Atlanta, Rome, Newnan and Gainesville.

According to TMZ, the rapper is also banned from leaving the state for more than seven consecutive days and he also cannot leave the state for more than seven days in any given month, unless its work related.

The rapper is also banned from driving, cannot test positive for drugs, cannot own or possess any firearms, and he must also take a mandatory drug/alcohol treatment program.

T.I.'s latest offering No Mercy will drop as the rapper sits behind bars. No Mercy is due in stores on December 7th.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Denyque opens Brooklyn Fashion Week!

JAMAICAN artiste Denyque has returned to Jamaica from New York having opened this year's Brooklyn Fashion Week. The Summer Love and Hooked On Me singer also completed a string of radio interviews, as her songs get more and more popular in the USA.

"It was really cool to be in New York and not only hear my songs playing on the radio, but also hearing persons singing along with it," Denyque said. She's right, as persons turned out in the chilly New York weather to see her walk out on the runway in a creation by Simon Duncan.

Performing the songs Not What I'm Used To and Hooked On Me, the singer had the audience and models hanging on each note, evidence that Denyque is truly a talent way beyond her years. The Brooklyn Fashion Week was conceptualised with the vision to accommodate and expose Brooklyn's local independent fashion and apparel, home, art and craft sector.

Brooklyn, one of New York City's largest boroughs, also has a large Caribbean population.

"I did Hooked On Me, I didn't expect persons to be singing along. That was just a great energy to feed off, and I really just had some fun up there," commented the songbird.

Denyque is enjoying this year. Her song Summer Love rang through radios and speaker boxes throughout the summer. Since then, she has put out more singles which are also racking up 0hours in airplay and tipping the scales of popularity in her direction.

"The last few months have been crazy. I've been really putting in the hours inside the studio to make great music, and the work is paying off and more and more people are listening to my music and enjoying it, which is all I can really ask for," the singer gushed.

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER