Eminem’s seventh studio album, Recovery, has sold over 700,000 copies in its first week in stores. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the exact figure comes to around 741,000. The LP is officially the best debut of the year thus far, and Em may not run into much competition for the remainder of 2010, with the exception of Kanye West. The only other recent album to sell more in its first week is AC/DC’s Black Ice, which shipped 784,000 copies in 2008.
Recovery was initially slated to be a continuation of Em’s sixth studio album Relapse, and as such was going to be titled Relapse 2. But after starting the recording process the Detroit-bred lyricist released a statement that read, “The idea of a sequel to Relapse started to make less and less sense to me, and I wanted to make a completely new album. The music on Recovery came out very different from Relapse, and I think it deserves its own title.”
Not Afraid, the first single from the project, was released in April and debuted at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming only the 16th song in Billboard’s history to do so, and only the second rap single to accomplish that.
The LP features production from Just Blaze, Boi-1da, Mr. Porter, Jim Jonsin, DJ Khalil, and Dr. Dre, amongst others. The only features come courtesy of singers Pink and Rihanna, and rapper Lil Wayne.
The legendary couple Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z individually landed on the Forbes list for the World’s Most Powerful Top 100 Celebrities. Both were among the top twenty which also included Oprah Winfrey coming in at number one, Beyonce winning the number two slot, Kobe Bryant landing at number fourteen, and Jay-Z at number fifteen. Television, Press, Web and Social Rank are all taken into consideration when determining where these celebrities are placed on the list.
In January, Jay and Bey were also deemed the highest earning couple in Hollywood. Among the two of them, they earned $122 million during their first year of marriage, placing them on Entertainment Weekly’s Annual Top Earning Hollywood Couples for two consecutive years. Hov owns the clothing line Roc-A-Wear, and even considers himself “the young black Ralph Lauren” while Beyonce owns the fashion line House Of Dereon, which is named after her late grandmother. Not to mention, the two have countless product endorsements from Budweiser to L’Oreal, American Express to Direct TV.
In 2009, Beyonce earned more than twice the amount Jay-Z did, bringing in a total of $87 million to his $35 million. This positioned the couple at the top of the list for BBC News as well with a combined income of £99.8 million which is equivalent to approximately $162 million.
While most of the Hip-Hop community was thrilled to learn of Jay-Z and Beyonce’s marriage, they also experience some ridicule which is expected. From being accused to being devil worshipers, to being judged by 50 Cent, they were the talk of everything Hip-Hop -- whether good or bad.
“There is no other artist in New York that generates more interest than 50 Cent -- if we go international, Jay-Z is Beyonce’s husband. He became more popular and relevant based on the work that Matthew Knowles made Beyonce do,” Fif said in an interview with BET.
With proven results of realization, Young Money’s success flooded the BET Awards 2010 this weekend. While rocking her rare orange hair, Nicki Minaj graced the stage while accepting her Best Female Hip Hop Artist award. Minaj gave Wayne credit for predicting her success, and thanked him for the tough love and believing in her.
“This is for Dwayne Carter,” Nicki said while holding up her trophy. As Drake humbly accepted his award with the entire Young Money camp behind him, he thanked God, his mother, Lil Wayne considering him his hero, and most important the fans.
The incarcerated rapper applauds his Young Money camp for their outstanding achievements at the 2010 BET Awards. Weezy also reaches out to his fans by updating them on his well being and thanking them for continued support on his official blog.
“I hope everyone’s summer has been going well doing whatever it is you like to do. On my end, I’m alive, breathing and blessed. You already know how I’m passing the time -- reading and working out. I know I say it every letter, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for the pictures, rocking free Weezy tees, and continues letters. They mean the world. I promise to continue to update as much as I can and answer as many questions as I can from you guys. Shout out to my YM family for making me proud last night. Love and appreciate life. God bless,” he wrote.
In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Drake spoke on Young Money and their ability to thrive without Weezy. Since his gun conviction and one-year sentence, Young Money has managed to stay afloat.
“His approach with his artists is very trusting, very fearless, and because of that, we have been put out into the world like trying to make people love us for who we are on our own, without Wayne,” Drake explained.
“So with Wayne gone, it’s possible for me and her [Nicki Minaj] to still thrive. I think that’s the best approach and I respect Wayne so much, because he urged us to be ourselves maybe in anticipation for the day that he’s not here. So we can still be ourselves without him. I don’t need Wayne to be Drake. I’m a better Drake when Wayne is here, but I don’t need Wayne to be Drake. Nicki doesn’t need Wayne to be Nicki. She created Nicki [Minaj]. We’re all a better team when he’s here, but it’s not a necessity. For us, it’s a great thing so we can still carry this movement,” Drake confidently stated.
Rhythm and Flow in cooperation with Germaica Digital proudly presents: "The Realest European Tour 2010" which features Jamaican shooting star Konshens and DJ Flo of Upliftment Int'l.! It took almost a year to bring back Konshens to Europe but the wait is finally over now: this official European tour brings "The Realest" flavour to 18 cities in the following countries: Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, France, Poland, Norway and Sweden.
Konshens first appeared on the musical scene in the duo Sojah Brothers alongside his blood brother Delus. They got their big break in Japan after recording the hit single titled Pon Di Corner on the Guilty Riddim produced by Cas h Flow Records. Pon Di Corner rode in the top five positions on various Japanese Reggae charts for most of 2005 – and also saw the duo travelling to Japan for the first time. It was in 2006 they debuted their first album in Japan titled 'Sons of Jah' that earned them a successful four weeks tour in various cities of Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido to name a few.
In November, 2007 Konshens was taken to one of Jamaica's diverse record labels Natural Bridge Studios by long time friend Carlington Wilmot founder of www.OutAroad.com and recorded a track on their latest production, the Cranberry riddim, so impressed was CEO Mark Pinnock and Operations Manager Tamra Recas, they immediately signed the hopeful talent to the prominent Jamaican based label, Natural Bridge Records.
He has worked with some top producers in the game, Cas h Flow, Ward 21, Natural Bridge, Skatta, Vertex and In the Streetz, which have produced Dancehall hits such as, Monster, Winner, Bad Mind, Ova Here, Jah Protect I, Caan Draw We Out and Real Love. At present, Konshens is hard at work in the studio, producing hits which will inevitably make him a household name. He lives and breathes music and hits the stage whenever given the opportunity. He uses the streets as his tool to promote his name, as it is the streets' recognition which will remain prevalent throughout, safe-guarding his career for years to come; yet merging into commercial accomplishment. His music has successfully taken him on tour to the USA Europe and Japan, renowned hubs of the Dancehall scene and he is prepared to further propel his popularity and fan base by taking his music to the world.
His smooth, unpredictable yet aggressive delivery meshed with feverishly potent riddims will undeniably make him one of the most sort-after artists for 2008; he is refreshingly crucial for this new era of Dancehall currently hitting the scene. When asked what his plaque will read in the Dancehall hall of fame he modestly replies, "Awarded to Konshens for the creation of uncountable musical works of all genres and also for the refusal to record music without soul". ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM
Rapper T.I. was officially named Global Creative Consultant of the Rémy Martin Cognac brand today (June 29th).
Under teams of the deal, T.I. will work to help with promotions, merchandising and digital media campaigns for a variety of the Rémy Martin cognac marques.
The rapper has already started offering creative input towards Rémy Martin’s “Things are Getting Interesting” campaign.
Rémy Martin will help T.I expand his K.I.N.G. Foundation by providing funds to the non-profit, which helps low income families through a variety of community-oriented programs.
"T.I. is a powerful voice in the entertainment world as a recording artist, actor and producer. And Rémy Martin recognizes the similarities between the art of producing fine cognacs and blending music and words to create hit songs,” said Lamar Johnson, Director of Marketing and Branded Entertainment, Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc. "We are very pleased to partner with T.I. to build upon our successful ‘Things are Getting Interesting’ marketing campaign."
Rémy Martin and T.I. will work jointly to market and promote a new signature blend of the premium brand Rémy Martin V.S.O.P., which the rapper developed on a trip to the company’s headquarters.
“I’ve been a fan of Rémy Martin for many years so I’m honored to be working with them as creative consultant. And now after my trip to Cognac, I admire the brand’s genius even more. I’m excited about all the possibilities of this partnership,” said T.I.
T.I. seventh studio album King Uncaged is due in stores August 17th.
The assault case involving deejay Bounty Killer was dropped when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court this morning.
The deejay had been arrested and charged for beating up his girlfriend, Kadeem Baker, who had indicated to the court that she was no longer interested in pursuing the case. Police had charged Baker for creating public mischief but she stuck to her guns and the deejay has been freed..
From a gangster to a social commentator, singjay Mavado has been on a peaceful streak in recent months with a slew of conscious songs.
Hitting the public in 2006 as the self-proclaimed 'gangsta for life' with lyrics that involved 'marrow flying' and other tales of death, Mavado has slowly changed from a warrior to a proponent of peace. This week Mavado released Can't Believe from Romeich Records, which throws harsh words at politicians as he sings, "unnu think ghetto people nuh have no brains? dem sey change/tings remain di same/now mi see sey sum a cheat to lead di game/mi beg yuh nuh kill di yutes."
Prior to Can't Believe, was the Stephen McGregor produced Change Right Now in which he sings, "to see a yute die and mi know him for years/When mi look round nobody care and di people dem a live inna fear/ Di system need to change right now/too much yute a go down inna grave right now." In 9 Life and Starlight Mavado also pushes positivity, something he told THE WEEKEND STAR he believes is needed in Jamaica at this time.
di country a mash up
He said, "well yuh done know wha really inspire da songs are di whole ting wha gwaan right now inna di country and in di people. And yuh done know more time is like di goverment dem just a do some ting, and dem more haffi a tink bout di people dem, yuh undastand ... a just di cry of di people dem and we a hear it, we deh out deh wid di people dem, so we just put it inna di music and put it out dere fa da people dem caw we haffi talk to di people dem."
He added, "di country a mash up and at di end of di day we as the citizen and as even di star dem fi di country, we cyaan really depend pon only di government to save di country, we haffi try see waan we can do to, which is music. Yuh know how it go when dem ready dem bun Mavado and sey boy we sing bout di most gun and di most dis and dat. So we a show dem sey bwoy we can tek it pon a different course to fi a time and gwaan uplift di yute and gwaan try uplift di country, sing some nice song and try set back music."
According to Mavado there is a time "fi di good and di bad", so fans can still expect his gangsta persona to show up in his music, but it is not his intention to incite violence. Speaking on the government in Can't Believe, Mavado is hopeful that politicians will help the music to give the stars from the ghetto a time to shine. He says thus far that fans are loving his new attitude.
The artiste has done his part in recent times to assist his Cassava Piece community. Since year he spoke to Rev Al Miller to bring peace between the warring 'Big Yard' community off Mannings Hill Road and Cassava Piece. Since then he says things have been going good with plans in the making to do more for Cassava Piece.
In the meantime, he has a number of songs including girls songs such as the upcoming I Was Meant For You from Stephen McGregor, When You Feel Lonely for DASECA which will be out on iTunes on June 29, Hold Me and Messiah for Chimney Records.
With a new-found energy and distinct sense of strategy shown on his most recent projects, dancehall's most noted singjay, Wayne Marshall, has undoubtedly made the best comeback since the start of the year with a steady number of hits in rotation on local and international radio airwaves.
Marshall, who is a member of the Solid Agency roster, has once again found favour in the industry spotlight with songs like So Superfly which features Mr Raver Clavers himself Ding Dong and more recently My Heart a track dedicated to the topic of infidelity that also features Mavado on the 'Official Remix'.
According to a release sent to THE WEEKEND STAR, outside of recording music, Marshall has been marketing his new image with a number of cameo appearances including a feature in the Sean Kingston and Nicki Minaj video for their collab Letting Go/ Dutty Love shot on location in Ocho Rios last weekend. Other promotional gigs for Marshall included a photo shoot with DI Trendz Clothing Boutique, which is regarded by many as the hottest clothing store in Kingston.
Set to perform in Bermuda during the month of July, Wayne Marshall is back and showing real class and creativity in his music. According to sources close to the artiste, fans can expect a pair of videos from the Alliance veteran before the end of the summer.
Vybz Kartel shot scenes for his latest video, Straight Jeans and Fitted, alongside Russian over the weekend, and the single is already becoming the hottest single this summer, a straight up jeep rocker blasting out of the splayed out windows of hot rides all over the Kingston Metropolitan area.
Vybz Kartel and the Empire are booked to appear on a show in Trinidad in July, and in the Bahamas in August. The Clarks collaboration is now #1 on the HYPE TV charts.
The Lionart Brand was unveiled in Carby's Discount Centre, Wednesday March 10,2010 "The first chapter" Lionart Wear clothes for Kings and Queens, bringing to the market creative, unique designs in an international style.
The brand is available in Jamaica at CARBYS DISCOUNT CENTRE-Twins Gates Plaza & FASHION EXPRESS-Liguanea, Halfway Tree, Boulevard.
Send your orders to lionartwear@gmail.com to be place on their VIP customers mailing list be the first to receive info on exclusive products... and more...
You can CLICK HERE and join there group on facebook.
In the midst of the lavish white-themed launch of the Smirnoff Dream Weekend last night at the RedBones Blues Café in New Kingston, it was the announcement of the early bird ticket price for the dream band that got the crowd's attention.
At only $8,000, the early bird special, which was unveiled by singer Richie Loop through the de-robing of the Dream weekend promotional girls, grabbed the crowd's attention.
early bird special
Outside of the early bird special, regular armbands (which gives access to the seven parties), will be priced at $10,000, only a $500 increase from the previous year.
Taking over from Red Stripe as the title sponsor, Smirnoff this year, according to the promoters, are planning an even bigger dream than that of last year - the inauguration of the Dream Weekend in Negril.
Taking place from July 30 - August 2, the schedule includes Smirnoff Flavours and Twisted Spiritz, on Friday July 30, Daydreams and Yush, on Saturday July 31, Xtreme Wet 'N' Wild and Beer Vibes, on Sunday August 1 and Smirnoff Xclusive closes the weekend, on Monday August 2.
At the launch, Smirnoff's Marsha Lumluy was quick to announce that based on consumer studies from last year, Dream Weekend had the best line up of events for the Negril weekend. In a fun 'awards show' Lumluy gave out awards to the top-three events for the weekend which were Daydreams, Xtreme Wet 'N' Wild and Smirnoff Xclusive.
Lumluy added, "in five weeks Smirnoff Dream Weekend will unveil an experience of endless possibilities."
Leading up to Dream Weekend, the road to Negril will be lined with parties including the weekly Smirnoff Dream Nights every Saturday at Margaritaville, and every Friday night at Club Privilege. Other lead-up events include Smirnoff Osmosis on July 3 and Heineken Igloo on July 18.
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Michael Nicholson also announced that the Dream Weekend will be a JCDC endorsed event as part of the 'festival of celebrations.' He said, "the weekend is a celebration for the young and the young at heart."
After a quick question segment it was back to partying for the rest of the night for the first Dream Weekend pre-party.
Beenie Man has apparently been dropped from a concert line-up in the Netherlands.
Reports seen on the Internet yesterday, suggested that the deejay was removed due to homophobic lyrics he has done in the past.
According to www.pinknews.co.uk, organisers of the concert, titled Parkpop, said although Beenie Man promised not to sing any homophobic songs, they had to cancel his slot to avoid risking the future of the free event.
Beenie Man, who is on a European tour, was scheduled to perform on Sunday. The artiste was to replace American rapper Snoop Dogg who, according to the website, was banned from the concert to maintain an 'open and friendly atmosphere.'
According to www.dutchnews.nl reports, Beenie Man's addition to the concert immediately caused controversy, as the artiste was banned from The Hague in the Netherlands two years ago for his anti-gay lyrics.
On their website, the Parkpop organisers originally defended the decision to put Beenie Man on the show by explaining that in 2007 he signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, a petition organised by the Stop Murder Music campaign, agreeing to renounce homophobia and stop performing lyrics promoting violence against gay people.
This is not the first show from which Beenie has been dropped due to protests from gay rights activists. Last November, Beenie Man had a string of Australian and New Zealand tour dates cancelled after gay groups protests.
In 2004 MTV wanted to premiere the artiste on its awards show and then cancelled following threats of protest from many gay rights groups from around the country.
Although the shooting death of Voicemail member Oneil Edwards is still fresh in the minds of many, one cannot help but wonder what's next for the dancehall group Voicemail.
Before Edwards' tragic passing, Craig Jackson was already collaborating and releasing singles for himself as well as with other artistes, including Busy Signal and more recently Demarco.
However, when THE STAR spoke to the surviving members (Craig and Kevin), they were adamant that the group still consisted of three members.
Jackson has been gaining increased solo success which is apparent with his Show It collaboration with Demarco debuting on the BET 106 and Park Countdown a few weeks ago as the new joint of the week.
The duo confessed that the times have been both good and bad since the tragic incident took place.
"It's a rocky road, we have our good moments. It hit us this morning when we went to the German Embassy to sort out our visas for our European tour and it hit us that Oneil won't be joining us but its all just a part of life journey," said Jackson.
our own angel
When asked if the group would remain as is or if they would be adding a new member, they laughed ecstatically and exclaimed, "Oneil is still here, we still a group we are just blessed now to have our own angel looking down on us. Him a guh deh deh, nobody else nah tek him place. You just won't see a physical body in one of the spaces."
So what's next for Voicemail?
Voicemail is set to leave the island on July 23rd, a day after Sumfest for a month long European tour.
They also informed that the group's album entitled The Next Level will no longer be released next month but has been pushed back.
"It (the album) is in tribute to Oneil and me ah tell unu dis from now, if you never hear Voicemail before unnu going to hear we now," boasted Jackson.
The two also said they had no plans of going their separate ways.
Both remaining members also agreed that the money that was initially meant for Edwards would be going to his pride and joy - daughter Neahlis - to ensure that she lives a safe and comfortable life.
"Jus put it dis way, ah two ah we and a we control tings so we say Neahlis set and she going to get what har fada suppose to get. Ah she ah go spen har poopa money," the two joked.
Like any group, the three singers have their distinct dynamics.
Craig is the mushy, cuddly, loveable and laid-back one who at the same time is most miserable and meticulous when it comes to recording. Kevin, without a doubt is surprisingly the quietest and most unassuming member of the trio. Oneil, the baritone voice of the group, is the unspoken boss. The entrepreneur who took care of all the business.
According to Kevin, "he's (Oneil) the man that while we sleep, he's there pon the phone calling this person and that person, setting us up to record and all those things. He's the man in charge."
The surviving Voicemail members say they are asking fans and well-wishers to continue praying for them because at the end of the day they are still weeping inside despite their outward exuberance.
In spite of Drake’s Thank Me Later debut album leaking two weeks before its scheduled release date, the album has done surprisingly well on the charts.
When the album leaked earlier this month, Drake took to his Twitter page to say that he wasn’t worried because he had been “giving away music for free for years” and was confident his fans would still go out and purchase the album. Although the album hasn’t done the numbers anticipated prior to the leak and eventual release, the album is still doing well for its first week on the charts. It is currently the number one album on iTunes’ Hip-Hop charts.
The first official project from the Young Money rapper is certified platinum in Canada after moving over 100,000 copies. While the album also did well here in the U.S., it failed to reach the 500,000 copies mark needed to reach the RIAA’s Gold status -- the album has sold 462,989 copies in the States. That still is considerably well considering the album was leaked prior to release. The Canadian rapper recently celebrated his platinum status in Canada and posed with his plaque commemorating his stellar first week sales.
Thank Me Later features appearances by Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, T.I. and Young Jeezy. Most of the album's production is handled by Drake's longtime producer Boi-1da.
Jay-Z and David Ortiz have reportedly agreed to settle the multimillion dollar trademark infringement lawsuit that the music mogul levied against the baseball player earlier this year. With the agreement, Ortiz has agreed to re-name his Dominican Republican-based Forty-Forty club and cease promotion of the nightspot.
The judge presiding over the case threatened the Red Sox player and ordered him to either respond to the lawsuit or face a default judgment. Ortiz then sent an attorney in his behalf and told the judge that he wished to settle the suit.
According to the New York Post, Philip Touitou, told the judge that Ortiz is offering to stop calling the club owned by him and his sister “Forty Forty” and to pull down fortyforty.net, the website promoting the venue.
In the legal documents that were filed in Manhattan Federal Court, Jay-Z and his business partners claimed that Ortiz opened a club in his native country and named it Forty-Forty in an attempt to bank off of their trademark name’s “fame, value, and goodwill.” They also allege that the similarity in the clubs names has caused “marketplace confusion and damage.”
Jay-Z’s 40/40 clubs, which get their name from the baseball milestone of hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases in one season, are currently located throughout the States, and according to rumors, the brand is looking to expand overseas.
After their physical altercation following the funeral of dancehall artiste Oneil Edwards recently, LA Lewis has released a song hurling insults at Beenie Man.
The song, Rush Mi, surfaced on the Internet late last week. In it LA Lewis sings on the same rhythm as Drake's Find Your Love. It also copies the melody of the R&B song, with Drake's voice being heard at intervals.
In the song, LA Lewis says, "Dem seh dem a Moses but dem a Antichrist/ Dem too Bruce Goldious/ Dem too lie and wicked/ Di ole dog and him fren dem rush mi/ Dem neva know a Father God a protect mi/ See dem all bring dem gun fi shot mi."
The song goes on to explain what LA Lewis claimed happened on the day of the incident.
When THE STAR contacted the self-proclaimed seven-star general, he said his decision to do a song about the incident was triggered by threats he received.
"Mi just do the song fi mek people know how the whole story guh. Yuh have some likkle people a call an' a try intimidate mi but mi just a show dem seh mi nuh fraid of intimidation. Him (Beenie Man) either haffi ansa back but it is in the streets right ya now," he said.
He said he also did the song to show that he actually does songs. "Mi nuh get no help fi write da song deh. It was so easy to write," he told THE STAR.
This comes after the two artistes were involved in a squabble after Edwards' funeral. Reports are that both deejays were leaving the funeral when the vehicle Lewis was driving hit the back of the Audi SUV, driven by Beenie Man. It is alleged that an argument developed between the two, during which Lewis was punched in the face.
Later, Beenie Man and selector Rolexx, who LA Lewis claimed was also involved in the incident, were both charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, after Lewis made a report to the Duhaney Park Police Station.
Beenie Man was still able to leave the island for a 22-show European tour, after being granted $100,000 station bail. However, he will break the tour to attend court.
Meanwhile, some of the more than 1500 persons who listened to the song on YouTube were far from pleased with its quality and even questioned its relevance.
"Me jus a wonda how me siddung and waste mi 1:38 minutes. Da man yah a fool," one viewer said.
Another said, "Jah know if mi did have one wish and mi affi choose either fi end world war or get back mi 2:41 minutes weh mi just waste a listen to da bredda ya, mi woulda wish back fi mi minutes dem."
Last year it was rumored that Diddy was close to signing a deal that would give him ownership of struggling soccer team, Crystal Palace. But according to recent reports the music mogul turned down an offer on the team.
“There was somebody that had looked at it [for me] but it just wasn’t the right business move at the time,” explained Diddy while talking to UK’s BBC. “I’m always looking for different business ventures and it’s definitely one of my dreams to be part of a sports franchise, especially a football team.”
While he didn’t go into detail about what made him walk away from the deal, Diddy did say that he is still interested and if “the right team” comes forward, he would be willing to come to the table again.
“If the situation comes my way and it’s appealing, we can make the splash and most, importantly, build the right team and win… I’m into winning and if it’s right situation then I’m open to it,” he said.
In other news, Diddy’s forthcoming album, Last Train To Paris, has been pushed back yet again. The project is now expected to hit stores in September and will be loaded with collaborations from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, T.I., and Jay-Z, amongst others.
Lisa Hyper is now England where she is expected to wow the vibrant dancehall community there with her outspokenness, and unique sense of style and fashion.
"I will be doing three shows, in London, Birmingham and Bristol, and I have a crazy schedule set up with radio and newspaper interviews," she said.
One of the major shows will be 'Savana's Massive Birthnight Party: It's My Time to Shine' on Saturday night at Club 19 in London where she will be live on stage the the UK-based Savana, Wayne Marshall, Flawless Snypa and Nuffy. The other shows will be in Bristol on Friday night, June 18th, and on Sunday night, June 20th in Birmingham.
"There could also be a send off party for me on Monday, but that has not yet been confirmed," she said.
She has whirlwind of interviews set up on Thursday with stations such as Urban Love Radio, Flames Radio, Conscious FM, Gloucester FM, Mystic FM, Whoa FM, Ketchdis Radio and Energy Radio. On Friday, she has two night-time interviews with Ujima 98 in Bristol and Gloucester FM. On Saturday, she has an interview on Supreme FM.
Recent Lisa Hype recordings such as Call to Addi, and her collaboration Bad Gal No Tek Style with Stylish, a member of Hyper's 21 Bad Gyal crew, have also been generating excellent radio play on IRIE, HITZ, and ZIP. She appeared on the Bad Gyal show on May 8 in Negril on an all-female show featuring Spice, Toya, Ikaya, Pamputae, Jain Gotti and others. She also did a pair of shows in Toronto, Canada in late May.
Lisa Hyper's latest single, Trust, was released in the height of a controversial firestorm created around x-rated photos of women performing oral sex on Vybz Kartel a few weeks ago. The controversy has dredged up photos of Lisa Hype that were leaked on the Internet last year, and she got a bump in terms of the number of Internet searches performed on her name.
"All I have to say to the young girls out there is that they have to know who to trust in these times. Men can be vindictive, this is the information age where incriminating photos can be published all over the world with just a touch of a button. Just learn from Lisa Hyper example and keep your thing circumspect," Lisa Hype said.
Lisa Hyper's hit single, Bills, featuring Gaza Kim peaked at #3 on the HYPE TV TOP 20 singles charts earlier this year after almost 20 weeks on the chart. Bills also hit the top 10 of the RE TV dancehall charts and Jamaica Music Countdown.
Portmore Empire deejays Popcaan and Jahvinci head to Trinidad this weekend as the Gaza continues to be the hottest ticket in the world of dancehall. Popcaan will be actually be doing two shows so he will be in the island for at least a week while Jahvinci will return to Jamaica on Monday.
Popcaan is enjoying a meteoric rise in the ranks of dancehall deejays. He continues to enjoy a virtual hammerlock on FM radio with the sizzling success of "Clarks," the high octane collaboration with Vybz Kartel and label mate Vanessa Bling (Gaza Slim). The single is also getting major rotation on HOT 97 in New York introducing the young deejay to a new vast audience.
"The Clarks tune shot me to the world, and the career is looking up, thanks to the support of Vybz Kartel and the whole Empire, we ah wire dem right now," he said.
In May, he shot a medley video, Gangsta City alongside Vybz Kartel and Shawn Storm, and the youngblood continues to pound out sizzling singles. He performed in Trinidad at a club called Mystic in the capital city in late May, and in early June, rocked the island of Bahamas with members of the Portmore Empire at a stage show in Freeport. He is truly living the dream.
Interestingly, Popcaan latest single "Dream" appears to be semi-autobiographical because it tells the story of his journey from an average 'ghetto yout' to his current standing as one of Adidjahiem's top talents.
"Every ghetto youth hopes to one day rise out of the slum and become a success, I am on my way to fulfilling my dream and I want my life to be an inspiration for anyone out there trying to overcome the odds in Jamaica," Popcaan said.
In 2009, Popcaan, whose real name is Andre Sutherland, scored his first underground hit with "Nuh Ordinary Girl," before taking off in 2010 with radio bangers "New Year," "Fake Friend," and "Up Inna Di Club." His line "Weh you get da new Clarks deh, Dawdie" has become one of the popular catch phrases from the smash single "Clarks," currently sitting at #1 on Mediaguide's chart for Reggae radio singles in the U.S.
He is feverishly writing songs to keep the momentum that he has built over the last few months going. Still, he is taking time out of his hectic schedule to watch the World Cup 2010 unfold in Africa.
"Argentina ah the baddest side, mi no care who dem waan face inna the finals, ah Argentina mi say," he said.
He is booked to appear on a show in Trinidad in late July and he is widely regarded as one of the top young acts by promoters in the US and the Caribbean. Look out for his new combination single, Hot Grabba with his mentor, Vybz Kartel on the Adidjaheim/Not Nice label.
"Mi smoke grabba more than weed hotskull," he said, grinning.
Many in the entertainment industry are often accused of not planning for the future and life beyond the stage, but Dancehall artiste Spice isn't about to let that happen to her.
Spice, whose real name is Grace Hamilton is slowly building her "Spicey" empire and is now the proud owner of three businesses: Spicey Couture, her clothing store; Spicey Salon, her newly-opened hair salon; and a bar/lounge which, unlike her other two business, will be located in Portmore. The grand opening for the bar/lounge takes place at the end of this month.
"There are many sides to Grace Hamilton. There's Spice the deejay, there's Grace the mother, and there's Grace the business woman. I don't think people should try to study me," she said laughing. "I don't only look at the here and now, I have to think about the future because at 50 or 60 I certainly won't be on stage doing splits and jumping. I'm a forward-thinker and this is what I've been up to for the past few weeks - getting all my businesses in shape and getting ready for the opening of the bar."
Spice says Spicey Salon which was opened a few weeks ago in the Clock Tower Plaza, Half Way Tree "has been doing well so far. We have great stylists and nail technicians and they are very professional. I'm a 'no-nonsense' kind of person so business etiquette is very important to me. As far as the bar goes which is located in Portmore, right upstairs Genus Pharmacy in Port Henderson it's an exciting prospect and the crowd that I'm going for is more young and hip and people looking to relax or party and have a good time and of course they can expect some great and unique drink mixes and ideas once we open."
Rapper T.I. is jumping in to the liquor business after striking a deal with Remy Martin.
The rapper appeared on Atlanta’s V-103 during Ryan Cameron show and revealed he had just returned from France, where he entered into a deal as the spokesman for Remy Martin.
“I’m now the official endorser and global spokesman for Remy Martin cognac,” T.I. said on the radio and labeled the experience “mind blowing.”
T.I. was on the air promoting his upcoming movie Takers, which also stars Chris Brown, Idris Elba, Michael Ealy and others.
The rapper also revealed he is in talks to star in the follow up to the hit movie ATL.
T.I.’s upcoming album King Uncaged is due in stores August 17th.
Incredible and awesome could be used to describe Nadine Sutherland's recent Promo US Spring Tour 2010, featuring young, vibrant and sensational opening act Denyque Dontre.
"It was an amazing experience. I learnt a lot. The fans were very receptive; they knew the words of my songs. This was quite fulfilling being on stage and had the crowd singing along," Denyque remarked.
Jade Lee of Jade Promotions who exclusively manages Denyque Dontre and Nadine Sutherland added her sentiments.
"Of course my girls nailed it. Nadine's performance was as usual energetic and her catalog never disappoints, because she has real hit songs. Denyque's debut was nothing less than outstanding. As a developing artiste, it was very interesting to see her performing to different markets and learning how to adjust to her audience."
The tour saw the ladies in Ohio, Oregon, California, Miami, Orlando, West Palm Beach and Indiana.
Although just returning from the three week tour, Denyque's calendar is packed with activities for the summer, which includes a performance in Negril on July 25th, the release of her Summer Love video and hot new tracks for the summer from some of Jamaica's finest producers, including Jeremy Harding, Conroy Forte and Cash Flow Productions
Drake has decided to express his feelings to the media about the long term crush he has had on his Young Money team mate Nicki Minaj.
The Canadian emcee claims that upon signing to Young Money in 2009, he has had a crush on Nicki. Although he claims that these feelings are undeniable, Nicki begs to differ.
“When I was on tour... I saw Nicki for the first time and, like, literally fell in love,” he told DJ Envy in an interview.
“She had this snap back hat on that said Minaj. She used to wear that every single day. She was like a theater student and she was so cold at rapping... I remember one of the first nights that we were out in Miami and I went to Jerry’s Famous Deli. I was like [to Nicki], ‘You want food, you hungry?’ and she was like, ‘Yeah, I want some food.’ I was like, ‘I’m in, we gonna eat food together.’ I came to her door and she took the food and shut the door in my face! I was just like, ‘Man, this is gonna be a long road for us.’ I’ve always really, actually, really had a crush on her, always really loved her, and she's always just looked at me as, like, her little brother.”
Drake even openly speaks about how he feels in his song Miss Me with lines like, “I love Nicki Minaj/ I told her I'd admit it/ I hope one day we get married just to say we f*cking did it/ And girl, I'm f*cking serious/ I'm with it if you with it/ 'Cause your verses turn me on and your pants are mighty fitted.”
On the other hand, Minaj refuses to agree that Drake likes her. “Drake does not have a crush on me, Drake knows how to get you guys’ attention,” Nicki assures Envy.
As the interview continued, DJ Envy asked Nicki how she would prefer to be approached, and she made it clear that she shouldn’t be approached at all. “I don’t want to be hollered at right now. I just don’t. I wanna go and hibernate and coop up somewhere and be alone.”
W', held at the Hilton hotel last Saturday night, was a star-studded event as the entertainment community turned out to party alongside fans and patrons.
Tami Chynn and husband Wayne Marshall, Elephant Man, Tifa, Ding Dong, T' Nez, Bramma, Chino, Stephen McGregor and Tony Matterhorn were some of the artistes spotted enjoying themselves throughout the night, with music provided by DJ Karyzma and Chromatic. Taking over the gaming lounge inside the Hilton hotel, patrons were out in their numbers partying and enjoying the fun vibe throughout the night.
There were alcoves set out for VIP areas, seats for weary party goers and a smoking lounge to the side as waitresses went around taking bar orders from patrons, making it easier to get drinks than usual. When THE STAR came after midnight, the majority of persons were coming in as DJ Karyzma played a slew of old dancehall songs such as Willie Bounce, No Long Talking from Lady Saw and teased with recent songs such as In My Cup from Richie Loops.
Chromatic soon took over the wheels of steel with hip-hop songs, a bit of dancehall, soca and back to popular hits such as Rude Boy from Rihanna, I Feel Free from Ricky Blaze and others. The 'Day Raze' rhythm with song such as Mavado's Real Killer got a strong 'forward' as did dancing songs such as Holiday and Skip To Ma Luu which brought a fun vibe to the party which soon turned into a wining vibe as a string of new Kartel songs were played.
When THE STAR left after 4 a.m. the party was still going strong. Even as some patrons moved to the next party venue for the night, others stayed at W until the 5 a.m. lock-off time.
Following in the path already well traveled by several other rappers, New York rhymespitter Fat Joe has found himself in trouble with the IRS.
Joey’s tax problems, which date back to 2008, leaked online earlier this week and seemingly contradict the rapper’s recent claims that he isn’t having any money problems.
According to the Detroit News, in August of 2008 the state of New Jersey filed a $105,000 tax lien against Joe and Terror Squad with the New Jersey State Superior Court. The IRS then filed another lien against him with the Mercer County (N.J.) clerk, totaling $31,987 on February 2nd of this year and in March they filed a $2,200 lien against Joey and Terror Squad Productions Inc. Collectively the three liens come to a total of $139,000 worth of delinquent state and federal taxes.
SunTrust Bank also filed a lawsuit against Fat Joe in Florida’s Broward County Circuit Court over a four-year-old $250,000 mortgage that he took out on the property he owned in Plantation, Fla . The bank was awarded a default judgment against him on April 27th of this year for $71,611.
“I’m selling my home like everyone else in the world,” said Joe while explaining his decision to sale his Plantation, Florida home.
He also went to say that the sell wasn’t motivated by money woes, but instead he was simply moving because his wife wanted to be closer to the water. “Yea you know my wife she wants to move back towards the beach, we out a little west in the suburbs, so you know. You know, a man just trying to live, just trying to survive man.”
While most Jamaicans support the Brazilian team and are celebrating the 2-1 victory over the Korea DPR, on the Gaza, the reaction is ho-hum, they couldn't care less. From Kartel to Popcaan, they say that the Argentinian side will emerge victorious.
"Argentina ah my side," he declared without reservation. "Look pon Brazil side, how yu fi have a baller name Kaka...ah Maradona world."
He later declared on his bb: "Dutty Brazil. All dem fans a (beep), look pon dem twitter, whoever a Brazil fan a f#$*king coward!".
On his bb yesterday, Kartel teased his friends like Johnny Wonder who is a big supporter of Italy with taunting phrases like 'pepe ah Italy's most INvaluable player' and 'Italy fi go put on Clarks' and the equally hilarious 'Italy just get a yellow card, wonder if the ref have nuh green card can gimme".
Producer 'Russian' has launched his rehearsal studio with plans to open Head Concussion Records soon.
Located on Ardenne Road, Tarik 'Russian' Johnston and Sean 'Ital' Francis open ed Head Concussion/Revelator Rehearsal Studio two weeks ago.
Equipped with an array of instruments, the studio is ready for bands and artistes to book rehearsals. This is one of many business moves to come from the 22-year-old producer known for hits such as Life Sweet for Vybz Kartel and Good Girl Gone Bad for Tarrus Riley and Konshens, among others.
He said: "So far, we've gotten a number of shows, like Western Consciousness, where all the artistes booked on the show would come here to rehearse. I'm also starting my Head Concussion Records office here on the same premises. That will be fully equipped wid a voice room, studio, a video-editing room, I want to build an all-around entertainment source."
The producer has been busy musically in recent weeks, having released his 'Street Groove' rhythm, which features Aidonia, Kartel, Konshens and others.
He told THE STAR: "So far, Street Groove rhythm is doing well. We just have to start doing some street promo on it. Since the dance dem lock off, the street promo is going slow. Right now, I'm working on a one-drop rhythm and a sexy dancehall rhythm for the ladies to slow wine to."
Also in the works are two singles with his artiste, Chan Dizzy, as well as Konshens and Tarrus Riley. The producer made his debut as an artiste this week in a collaboration with Vybz Kartel, Straight Jeans and Fitted. "Kartel made the song off the uptown style and a so dem do it in Portmore. So, in the song I represent the uptown and he represents Portmore," he said.
This could be the start of more songs from him in the future including a collaboration with Konshens.
Shawn Storm has finally done it, smashed dancehall’s glass ceiling with the breakout hit of the Summer, My Life on the Gangsta City riddim.
The song has resonated with not only dancehall-savvy teenagers but with anyone who has had to struggle to achieve anything worthwhile in their life. Shawn Storm is getting mad props for the honest well-written sentiments expressed in the song and you almost cheer for him when he deejays: Dem a pree how Teacha sign me and mi gone now/Everybody know bout Shawn now/So when a bad mind ah try stop mi, everybody mi pray, chant a Psalm now.
In this booming hard-knock anthem, Storm proves that he’s unafraid to challenge himself or his peers, and certain lines are bonafide tear-jerkers such as when he deejays that “all now mi no fix mi mother eye”, a reference to his mother who is legally blind because of the glaucoma which has afflicted both her eyes.
“My mother, Carlene Campbell, inspired me to write this song, and all the experiences in the song are true, it’s really an autobiography and I poured my heart into it, everybody say ah the baddest song mi ever do and it’s real, it ah talk about my life inna real life,” he said.
He is the last of three children for his parents. Both of his siblings are overseas and that means that Shawn Storm is the person taking care of his 66 year-old mother whose glaucoma has robbed her of her eyesight. Things are further compounded by the death of his father, Neville Campbell, earlier this year. The couple had been married almost 30 years.
“Mi de ya fi her straight, she is very close to me, closer than tattoo to skin. On her birthday in June, I took her out for a lobster dinner and got her a brand new AC for her room. It’s rough though, she has glaucoma, and it’s growing under her eyes and affecting the nerves and I am worried about her since my father died, you know what it is like when couples have been together for so long and one dies,” he said.
In the meantime, a video for the single, shot by Ras Tingle, premiered on local television in early June and the song’s growing buzz has made Shawn Storm one of the hottest acts in the Portmore Empire. It could very well be the Summer of Shawn.
“Every station ah play it, the response has been phenomenal,” he said.
He is already working on a follow-up, a song called Nah Give Up for TJ Records. Storm is known for singles such as Affi Fight which hit #1 on CVM TV Hitlist and peaked at #3 on the FiWi Choice top ten charts, Be Wise which charted on the HYPE TV charts and This Is Love which hit the pole position on the CVM Hitlist charts as well..
Born Shawn Campbell, he attended Waterford Primary before moving onto Jose Marti High school where he graduated in 1997.He started deejaying in the year 2001 when dancehall megastar and Empire head Vybz Kartel inspired him to get involved in the music industry.
“Vybz Kartel has played an instrumental role in my career, he has set the ting so that Shawn Storm can make it in this business and I won’ t stop till mi mek it inna this industry,” he said.
He scored big last year with ‘Affi Fight’ on the Birthday rhythm for producer Ainsley ‘Notnice’ Morris. The video, shot by ace director Nordia Rose, shot to #2 on the CVM Hitlist charts, and many still remember his first hit, Be Wise that won him a legion of new fans, but it is My Life which will finally make him on the top lieutenants in Kartel’s Portmore Empire.
Shawn Storm has honed his craft performing in countries such as Switzerland, France, St. Maarten, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Holland, Grenada, Guyana, Barbados and Antigua. He has performed at big ticket shows like Reggae Sumfest 2007 and Sting 2007-9.
“I am eyeing a spot on this year’s Reggae Sumfest, I would love to get 15 minutes on that stage to show what I can do, put everything out there on that stage,” he said.
In everything that Shawn Storm does, he gives his heart. Now all he needs is the world to give him their ears.
Lil Kim has been on everyone’s lips lately due to the beef between her and new female rapper on the scene, Nicki Minaj.
As reported, the two have been throwing insults and disses back and forth for a few weeks now. Lil Kim said that Nicki should 'pay homage' to her as being a veteran in the game, but has not put out a studio album in quite some time, which caused the streets to talk.
Now, it looks like Lil Kim has been listening and is making moves to silence the haters. The Queen Bee is now signed to Jay-Z's label Roc Nation and has said she will be releasing a new album soon.
Kim recently posted a video in which, after talking about Nicki Minaj, she is seen throwing up the Roc sign and says “We Roc’n out… R-O-C-love baby!”
Lil Kim, after doing a stint in jail not too long ago, was on Dancing With The Stars, the popular dance competition show on ABC and just recently inked a deal with Three Olives Vodka, the newest flavor in the Vodka 18’s line, to be their new spokesperson.
Dancehall artiste Chino's work has been doing well not only in the local, US and European markets, but also in Japan.
Chino, who is known for hits like From Mawning (Never Change), Pon Yuh Head, Protected, Ruff It Up,We Nuh Like Dem featuring Di Genius, Before Dem Gone and others, was chosen as the first dancehall-reggae artiste to have his work featured on one of Japan's biggest ringtone sites, Recochoku.
The site, which normally features international artistes, including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and other musical giants in their international section, is a website where fans are able to download music to their cellphones or computers. While some songs are offered free of cost, others are for sale.
Chino is no stranger to the Japanese market. In 2007, he released his debut album Unstoppable there, where it peaked as the fourth-best reggae album in Japan.
Now, Chino is ready to rumble again. He has already recorded a Japanese version of the hit From Mawning for the upcoming Japanese album titled Never Change.
"Right now, I'm trying to be as meticulous as I can and work as hard as I can to get to the point where, when I'm older, I can look back and say I definitely made a great impact on reggae and dancehall music. So, hearing that the songs are continuing to do really well in the Japanese market is something I'm definitely happy about. My friends and fans in Japan can look out for me soon, really soon, for the release of the album; and right after that, I will be heading to the US for the release of the US album," he said.
best of the best
In addition, Chino, whose correct name is Daniel McGregor, returned to the island from Canada earlier this week after a great performance in Miami at the Best of The Best concert, followed by his appearance in New York at the Celebrity Football Match the next day.
The show in Toronto was called 'Best Of Both Worlds' and was held at the Koolhaus nightclub. The night's performances featured Chino, Laden, I Wayne and Coco Tea.
Popular deejay Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis left the island for a 22-show European tour yesterday. However, not before he and selector Rolexx were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
The Hunts Bay police charged the men following Saturday's altercation with LA Lewis, who reported to the Duhaney Park police that he was attacked and punched in the mouth. The two were involved in an accident in which Beenie's Audi was damaged.
The incident reportedly occurred along Perkins Boulevard, St Andrew, following the funeral service for slain Voicemail member Oneil Edwards.
station bail
Police said Beenie Man turned himself in about 8 a.m. and was later granted $100,000 station bail after being interviewed and charged. Beenie Man will break from the tour to attend court.
"I made an application for bail for both of them and was successful. Superintendent Hewitt and Deputy Superintendent Malcolm of the Hunts Bay police were extremely cooperative," attorney-at-law Charles Ganga-Singh, who represents Beenie Man and Rolexx told THE STAR.
Beenie Man, the Grammy-winning artiste, was not his usual outspoken self yesterday as he decided to hide from the media.
While THE STAR team awaited him to exit the Hunts Bay Police Station, he somehow managed to get into a waiting Toyota Coaster undetected. People in his entourage waved and laughed as he was whisked away.
"Unnu get weh unnu come fah eeeh," a woman claiming to be a relative of Beenie Man jokingly said.
Young Money rapper Drake will reportedly team up with his mentor Cash Money lyricist Lil Wayne for an entire album. The currently untitled LP was apparently set in motion after Drake’s visit to New York’s Rikers Island to see Wayne and the two will start working on it after the New Orleans emcee is released.
“I went up to Rikers, and me and Wayne agreed that there will be a Lil Wayne/Drake album,” revealed Drake to DJ Envy on MTV.
“There’s some things I’m excited for in my life -- I’m excited to go perform certain places -- but [this project] will probably be one of the most exciting things in my life, because we make music on a different level. It’s just so fun, so comfortable. A whole album? To think about all the things we can do, especially if we’re gonna do 15 songs. Me and him we don’t like to do 12, 13 [songs]. We want to do 15, 16. Yeah, Lil Wayne and Drake album.”
Wayne is also supposedly doing a collaborative album with rapper/singer T-Pain. Their LP has been in the works for a while now, but it was pushed back due to Wayne’s prison time behind a weapons possession charge.
In related news, Drake is scheduled to release his debut album, Thank Me Later, on the 15th. The highly anticipated album leaked onto the internet a few days ago, but is still expected to perform well on the charts.
In his upcoming cover story with Rolling Stone, Jay-Z opened up on wife’s creative influence, competing with younger emcees, and Hip-Hop losing creative ground to indie rock.
Dubbed the “King of America” in the article’s title, the normally guarded Jay-Z was more candid about his married life with fellow superstar Beyonce. He explained they occasionally seek each other’s input on their musical directions, and marveled at her eye for talent.
“Sometimes on creative stuff, one of us will ask, 'Do you think this is cool?'" said Jay, who married Beyonce in 2008. "She's a magnificent A&R, if she ever decides to do that, for things like pitch. So I defer to her on those sort of questions."
21 years since his first recorded song, the 40 year old Jay-Z remains an elite and commercially viable emcee in a culture driven by youthful musical expression. His last album, 2009’s Blueprint 3, has sold 1.7 million copies and produced 5 singles. He hopes to continue breaking ground and redefine the expectations of aging emcees.
"For me to be able to compete at Lil' Wayne's level at my age, that's rarefied air,” he explained. “It's never been done."
Regarding Hip-Hop’s creative health, the Brooklyn mogul believes the culture’s rebellious edge has been lost to indie rock. In past interviews, he’s theorized indie rock’s growth may possibly push Hip-Hop to become more creative and competitive.
"I love the energy coming out indie rock right now,” Jay-Z told Rolling Stone. “It has this rebellion thing that Hip-Hop is missing now, the thing that made Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop."
The full interview will be available in Rolling Stone’s June 24 issue.
LA Lewis said that he is now living in fear for his life after he was threatened by DJ Beenie Man when the two had an altercation a few minutes after the funeral service for Oneil Edwards, the member of Voicemail who was killed by gunmen recently.
"Beenie Man double park inna the road ah talk to this bredda and mi decide fi go round him because everybody else fraid di say nothing but when mi a go round him now, the car rub him back bumper. Mi come out fi assess the damage and him start wild mi up and ah say him ah go kill me. So mi say that no necessary, that coulden charge more than 20,000 and mi have 50,000 grand pon mi and if it costs more, just check me," L.A Lewis said.
LA Lewis drives a Mitsubishi space wagon while Beenie Man drives an Audi jeep.
"But Beenie Man insists say him ah go kill me. Same time, mi see a certain selector wid a gun inna him hand and him shub me from behind and Beenie Man punch mi inna mi face, then him punch after me again and mi block it and the ring fly offa mi hand, and lost. Then him punch me again, but me a pree the selector wid the gun inna him hand, and him just a fling punch, till the crowd come down and the selector put up the gun."
LA Lewis is adamant that Beenie Man did not beat him up.
"Beenie caan fight mi one on one, or beat mi physically, him just have crowd strength. Is not the first time mi and him kick off, the other time it was the day of Willie Haggart funeral and mi and him did have some friction the week before when mi push him offa one stage onna Ochey and mi go up a Shocking Vibes a few day after and him come up to me and ah ask me 'wah mi a do ah him place?', and the man dem round him ah say mi no rate him because him push yu offa stage and come ah yu place, and same time, him gimme a nah look lick," LA said.
He said that it is unfortunate that Beenie Man would threaten him when the industry had just lost Oneil Edwards to gun violence.
"Is like him a carry feelings from dem long time de when mi did force him to apologise, but mi nah tek Beenie Man lightly because the last man him threaten was Bogle and yu know the outcome of that one, mi nah tek this lightly, mi ah go use the JCF and the Queen's law pon him," he said.
Busy Signal is expanding beyond music and into business with the start of his own clothing line, 'Turf Gear'.
When THE STAR spoke with the deejay recently, he explained that the line was started more than two months ago and features T-shirts for men and women.
As well as being a multi-talented artiste, Busy is also known for his fashion sense, going from T-shirts and jeans on a day-to-day basis to decking out in full suits, courtesy of Carlton Brown, for shows and special occasions. He plans to bring his unique flair to his fashion line.
He said, "People always sey, Jah know, Busy you always look good, yuh mus start your own ting, so mi listen to people and waan gwaan try summen in terms of fashion."
beyond t-shirts
His desire was further developed after designer Castelle Barnes from Brandz Apparel stepped in. Barnes was introduced to Busy by a friend. The designer approached the deejay to work on a line and now the two are working hand in hand, exchanging ideas and hoping to soon expand the Turf Gear name beyond t-shirts.
"Its been good so far, he (Barnes) makes designs for me to approve and I come up wid like saying, to put on it, and so far people love it. Even in Africa people a sell it and asking where they can get it. It's going really good and mek mi waan tek this route more seriously," the deejay added.
While the line is designed in Jamaica, the actual shirts are made in the United States and sold online, as well as at Intuition on Constant Spring Road. This is the first of many business moves Busy said persons can expect from him in the future, as he wants to go into real estate, among other things.
As well as the clothing line, Busy is also looking forward to the July 13 release of his next album, D.O.B. (Definition of Busy Signal). This will be the artiste's fourth album since he started professionally in the music industry five years ago.
He said, "this album is very personal to me and I give it a thumbs up. It has a lot of different things, different genres, even opera, and is very rounded."
Producers on the album include Stephen McGregor, Busy Signal himself, Shane Brown, Karl Morrison and DJ Kareem. Some of the songs released from the album already include One More Night, Picante and My Money.
With his hands in producing, recording and now business, Busy thinks he's on the right path but is still looking forward to more professional success and awards for the future.
During a recent interview, R&B singer Usher revealed that fatherhood has made him look more into other businesses aside from entertainment for income because he wants to leave his kids with plenty of money.
“I learned a lot (having children). I now have a greater purpose,” said Usher, while talking to Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald. “Children make you more responsible and clear about where life is...It extended my priorities. It wasn’t just about music any more. It’s about doing good business, making sure your head [is] in the right direction”
Currently, Usher owns a portion of the Cleveland Cavaliers and he recently established his media company, the Raymond Braun Media Group, as a mainstay in the entertainment industry with the signing of teen superstar Justin Bieber.
“I want to grow business in and outside of the music industry. I’m looking to build a company that caters to every aspect in the development of artists. Justin Bieber is only the beginning. I’ve created a business structure built around Usher as an enterprise and Usher as an artist,” Usher explained.
Usher has two children from his marriage to Tameka Foster, Usher Raymond V, who was born in 2007 and Naviyd Ely Raymond, who was born in 2008. He and Foster divorced in 2009, and the singer released his aptly titled sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond, in the same year. The LP debuted at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart and has sold over 700,000 copies so far.
Dancehall artiste Papcaan pleaded not guilty to smoking ganja when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court Friday.
The artiste, who is a member of the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire, was arrested and charged on with the misdemeanor on May 9.
According to police reports, on the day in question at about 8:00 pm, policemen were on patrol on Mannings Hill Road in St Andrew when they spotted a motorcar with four men aboard.
The car was stopped and the entertainer, who was driving the car, was seen with a ganja spliff in his mouth.
He was then taken to the Constant Spring Police Station where he was arrested and charged and was later released on $5,000 bail.
Sutherland, who is represented by attorney Alando Terrelonge, is scheduled to return to court on July 7.
Headache Authentics was established at the beginning of the year 2010 with a mission that states “to provide the Jamaican fashion industry with exclusive, authentic, unique apparel with the highest quality at an affordable price” and Creative Directors Dane Neil, Camille Frith & Damion Neil are working assiduously to make sure this mission is accomplished.
“The brand Headache will entail designs which depicts the daily obstacles that life takes us through. For some Jamaicans, life is hard and it is a ‘Headache’ to attain goals, but we learn never to give up by utilizing our survival skills” Dane Neil said. Ms Frith also added that the products are also fun and inspirational.
You can look out for Headache Authentics products in stores and for order in July.
You can CLICK HERE and ‘like’ their page on facebook
Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) which celebrates 10 years next month, will now be held June 15-21, a week later than the originally scheduled June 8-14 dates.
Pulse Chairman Kingsley Cooper, indicated that the push back, though triggered by the recent upheavals in Kingston, is really due to the need to give the mass of international CFW participants and guests a chance to regain their calm, as well as their willingness to come to Kingston where the event is being held. News reports from Kingston regarding violence have spooked many overseas participants, a release from Pulse said.
With the new date, CFW retains R&B superstar Johnny Gill and a number of other celebrities and entertainers confirmed for the event. These names will be announced shortly.
This year, the Haiti Art & Fashion Project is one of the key initiatives and $1,000 from every ticket sold on Friday June 18 at CFW will go to the foundation responsible for the implementation of the Caricom endorsed project. Over the next five years a united Caribbean effort under this umbrella will help to reconstruct Haiti's creative industries and further integrate same with the wider regional industry development.
Michael Anthony Cuffe Junior surprised Singer, Tessanne Chynn, yesterday afternoon when he asked for her hand in marriage.
Tessanne accepted Cuffe’s proposal in front of their family and friends at a dinner at her sister, Tami and her husband, Wayne Marshall’s house.
Tessanne, the younger sister of singer Tami Chynn, who last year wed deejay Wayne Marshall in a fabulous ceremony, is best known for songs such as, Hideaway, Broken Melody and Messenger.
She has also collaborated with diamond-selling Reggae act, Shaggy, on the track, Never Let Me Go and Loving You, with Trinidadian vocalist Kes.
Michael Anthony Cuffe Junior is the son of veteran broadcaster of the same name.
The singer stepped from “cloud nine” long enough yesterday to tell PAGE 2 (JAMAICA OBSERVER) that her cushion cut diamond ring made by local jeweler Audley Campbell was designed by her would-be groom and big sis Tami Chynn
A date for the wedding has not yet been announced.
Eminem’s seventh studio album, Recovery, has sold over 700,000 copies in its first week in stores. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the exact figure comes to around 741,000. The LP is officially the best debut of the year thus far, and Em may not run into much competition for the remainder of 2010, with the exception of Kanye West. The only other recent album to sell more in its first week is AC/DC’s Black Ice, which shipped 784,000 copies in 2008.
