Nick Cannon Says His Wife, Mariah Carey, Lives Up To Diva Rep!

During an appearance on comedian’s George Lopez’s show, Lopez Tonight, Nick Cannon revealed that his wife, Mariah Carey, completely lives up to the diva label bestowed upon her by industry insiders and adoring fans. Cannon even went so far as to call her the “diva of all divas” and according to him he’s had to adjust to her ways so that they can get things done.

“Imagine if you’ve got the diva of all divas. If we’ve got to be somewhere at five or six o’clock, I tell her it’s time to go at noon so she gets those five hours to do what she needs to do,” he proclaimed.

But time adjustments aside, Cannon insists that he and the singer have a wonderful relationship. “We are both kids at heart,” he said. “She is the funniest person ever and she has a great sense of humor. We connect at a spiritual level.”

The actor also revealed that this isn’t his first experience with an older woman, adding: “I even lost my virginity to an older lady. She was in high school and I was in junior high.”

The couple has yet to speak on the pregnancy rumors that have been whirling around for some time but the two have been seen leaving a Los Angeles medical clinic recently and a few days ago Carey dropped out of Tyler Perry’s adaption of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.

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Busy Signal completes video shoot for 'Let Peace Reign'!

Dancehall artiste Busy Signal displays another side of his musical artistry with the release of the song, Let Peace Reign. The acoustic recording features Ranoy Gordon on guitar and Nikki Burt on harmonies.

The song is a plea for peace and an end to the crime and violence that has taken over not just Jamaica but other parts of the world.

"The inspiration for the song came as a result of things I see happening around me. The economy, the system, the fight and the struggle," Busy Signal said in an interview on the set of the video shoot.

The video which was directed by Melissa Llewellyn was shot in the rehearsal studio at the Big Yard label on Westminster Road in Kingston.

According to Busy Signal, the song wasn't recorded based on the recent series of events that took place in the island. "The song was recorded about three months ago but it is relevant to what happened in West Kingston', said Busy.

Let Peace Reign was produced by Shane Brown for Juke Boxx Productions. It is the first single from the dancehall artiste's upcoming album, DOB, which is due out on July 13 via VP Records.

Asked whether he has lost a close friend or family member due to gun violence, Busy replied,"I have lost people who were close to me and it's always a tragic moment."

Quizzed if the gun violence that he sang about on the recording mirrored a personal experience, Signal was quite cautious in his response. "Once when I was young in my teens ... but mi get pass that. There are different negatives out there but it doesn't justify for anyone to get involved in crime and violence. But at the same time its not every youth who is able to stay strong and remain focused."

The deejay is confident that the song will hit the right notes and connect with persons who want to see a change. He pointed out that those in authority who are able to make a change should first start making the change within themselves.

"Some people love to point the finger but they need to look within themselves because crime and violence is a worldwide problem. Yes, Jamaica needs some fixing up and I am making a start to that recovery process by contributing this song."

Let Peace Reign is also the first single from an upcoming acoustic album featuring various artistes. The project is being produced by Shane Brown.

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The-Dream Announces His Retirement… Again!

R&B singer/songwriter The-Dream has yet again claimed that his forthcoming third album, Love King, will be his last and according to him it is because fans don’t truly appreciate his contributions to the music world.

“Nope, there’s not another album, this is it,” said Dream during an interview with Ms. Drama. “Nobody appreciates music so I’m out. I’m out. I’m good, so take that. Like Jay said, maybe y’all will remember me when I fade to black. So it’s out.”

Love King is scheduled to be released on June 29th of this year. The title track and first single for the LP was released in February and peaked at the number 37 spot on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The second single Make Up Bag was released earlier this month and features rapper T.I.

Though he has been threatening to leave the business for quite awhile now, Dream admitted that he would continue to work on the backend by writing and producing songs for other artists.

Known as the man behind Rihanna’s hit single Umbrella and J. Holiday’s debut track Bed, Dream has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments in a relatively short amount of time. He is currently working with long-time collaborator and producer Tricky Stewart on Ciara’s forthcoming studio album, Basic Instinct.

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'My Cupp' video debuts!

The much anticipated accompanying video to Richie Loop's hit song My Cupp debuted locally last night. The video made its official debut on Entertainment Report and was followed by its debut on Hype TV.

Tonight, the video should also make its debut on the FIWI Choice Countdown on Television Jamaica while RE TV will start showing the video next week.

The My Cupp video was directed by I AM THE KRITIC and produced by Melissa Llewellyn. Scikron Entertain-ment CEO Robert Livingston is executive producer.

The video will feature members of the Scikron Entertainment/ BigYard family including D-Major, Chris Martin, D-Lynx and Ice Man as well as Dancing Dynamite's winners Card Unit and other members of the entertainment fraternity.

Richie Loop was very excited about the release of the video for his first hit. "I feel good," Loop said. "The quality of the video is even better than I thought. I feel great that the video is finally here. Ever since we shot it, people were constantly asking when the video was going to drop, so here it is finally."

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Sean Paul to visit French fans!

International Reggae star Sean Paul is scheduled to perform in five cities in five days across France. The French market is Sean Paul's second largest fan base and is in for a treat June 2-6.

The tour begins on Wednesday June 2, in Paris, at the Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy. The following day he performs at Le Zenith in Toulouse, and on Friday, June 4, in St Herbalin at the Zenith.

Saturday June 5 will see Sean Paul move to Marseille at Le Dome and the final performance takes place on Sunday June 6 at Mauguio, at Le Seven Club.

Sean Paul has been touring in support of his album Imperial Blaze, which made its debut at number one in Japan and sold over 50,000 copies in its first week of release. Tracks such as Press It Up and Hold My Hand continue to enjoy steady rotation on local and overseas stations and the tunes are still readily available for download at www.allseanpaul.com.

And while Sean digs into his French support this June, producer Bob Sinclair is this summer set to release a track he produced with the deejay back in October titled Made in Jamaica, with input from the reggae giants Sly and Robbie.

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T.I. Says He Had "No Choice" In Dropping Alfamega!

During a recent interview, Southern rap star T.I. spoke out about his decision to cut ties with then-Grand Hustle member Alfamega and according to Tip, he released Alfa from his recording contract out of concern for the affect it may have had on business.

“I can’t afford to really be associated with that. That ain’t in my best interest,” he explained. “Either way it go, it’s kinda like they only thought about themselves. Never mind how it affects you, never mind how it could fall back on you. ‘It’s all about me.’ So if that’s the take on it, I have no choice but to separate myself just due to what’s best for me and mine.”

While T.I. was incarcerated, Alfa blasted the self-proclaimed King Of The South and claimed that Tip did indeed know about his previous involvement with the government. In his most recent interview though, Alfa said that despite all that has happened their relationship can still be mended, provided he gets an apology.

“This situation [can] always be resolved. I’m a grown man. He suppose to be a grown man too...I don’t want anything but [an] apology. Give me an apology [and] I’m through, I’m gone. I’ll let it be...,” insisted Alfa.

In related news, T.I. will release his seventh studio album, King Uncaged, on August 17th via Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records. The project includes collaborations with DJ Toomp, TrackSlayerz, Lady Gaga, Eminem, The-Dream, and others.

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Gyptian's 'Hold Yuh' moves up - Song continues to climb US charts!

Gyptian continues to ride on a high with his hit song Hold Yuh, which premiered on BET's 106 and Park yesterda May 28 as the 'New Joint of the Day'.

Word from the artiste's camp is that the video, which was shot in Jamaica in March, has also been added to BET in light rotation. The video was also accepted by MTV2 for their 'Sucker Free Sundays Countdown' and has been added in medium rotation to MTV Jamz and Island Soul.

The song, which was released two years ago and produced by Ricky Blaze, has been running the Billboard charts red. On March 27, Hold Yuh debuted on the Billboard's Hot R&B charts at number 78 and has since peaked at number 41. The song entered the Billboard's Heatseeker Songs Chart at number nine and is currently at number six, having been dubbed the 'greatest gainer' on that chart for this week. The song is also number one on the Digital Reggae Songs Chart.

The remixes for Hold Yuh, one with Young Money's Nicki Minaj and the other with American rapper MIMS, continues to do well getting thousands of views on www.youtube.com.

When THE WEEKEND STAR previously spoke with Gyptian, he was happy about the success of the song and was looking forward to the release of his next album, which is titled Hold You, set for release on July 20.

Gyptian is the second local artiste to have their video premiered on BET's 106 in recent times. Demarco and Craig Jackson's Show It was premiered as the 'New Joint of the Day' last Friday.

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Swizz And Alicia Keys Expecting Baby, Engaged To Marry!

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys are engaged to be married and representatives for the singer have confirmed that the couple is expecting their first child.

The announcement was made earlier today and a rep for Keys has confirmed the news to AllHipHop.com.

Gossip writers Jawn Murray and Marc Malkin of E! also made announcements via their social networks.

“Rep confirms Alicia Keys is pregnant! My scoop was 100% correct! Apparently her & Swizz Beatz are engaged too,” Murray said.

Speculation has been high since a series of images appeared to show a “baby bump” on Keys.

Thus far, neither Keys nor Swizz Beatz camps issued any public statement.

This is the first child for Keys, who is 29 years old. Swizz Beatz, 31, has two sons from his ex-wife Mashonda.

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T.I. & Lil Wayne's Relationship Has Gotten Closer Since His Imprisonment!

If anybody understands what rapper Lil Wayne is currently going through, it’s T.I. Just this time last year, the ATL rapper began to serve his eight month prison sentence for weapons possession and was forced to be away from friends, family, and music. Now Young Money’s CEO Lil Wayne will have to serve a year in prison based on a similar charge.

Like many artists, T.I. feels that although Wayne is away his spirit is still present but unlike anyone else Tip and Weezy share a history which goes beyond music. Wayne’s ex-wife and T.I.’s fiancee have their own reality television show together on BET called Tiny & Toya and both their daughters are close friends and are also a part of the all girl group, OMG Girlz.

"Well, his daughter and my daughter, they're real, real close. My daughter spends the night with them, his daughter comes spend the night with us. I told him, 'Whatever I can do. Whatever it is that's within my power'... I know how it is with kids, especially with a period of time like that.

T.I. also explained that since he and Wayne are celebrities, people may feel that they got off easy in the courtroom but believes that the amount of time a person receives is destined for them.

"Even though it may seem like a short time -- to the media, it may seem like 'He got off easy'; to everybody, it may seem like 'It's only a couple of months' -- to a child, that's an eternity," T.I. continued.

"So I'm like, 'Whatever I can do, it's all good.' I just let him know there's people out here who's still reppin' for him, people who will go above and beyond to do whatever it needs to be done."

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Distant Relatives-ALBUM REVIEW!

Artistes: Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley and Nas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Genre: Reggae

After a long wait and much hype over the combination of reggae through Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley and rap through American Nas, 'Distant Relatives' has proved to be more than the combination of two powerful genres: it is the fusion of powerful ideas as well.

Nas and Marley first worked together years ago on Road to Zion, on Marley's third album Welcome to Jamrock, where Nas took his spin on a mainly reggae track. Distant Relatives has been in the works for the last two years with the proceeds said to be going towards building a school in the Congo in Africa. The two combine their styles well, which is seen best in the album's lead track As We Enter, where the two go back and forth in their lyrics as seen when Nas raps, "I got the guns" to which Marley responds, "I got the ganja".

A 13-track album, Distant Relatives is focused not only on blending many different genres from reggae, to rap, including African beats and chants, but discusses serious issues as they plead for Africa to "wake up" touching on issues of materialism, poverty and oppression. In Leaders, Marley chants, "Who do a follow? Who do a copy" as brother Stephen Marley provides his haunting voice for the hook. In Africa Must Wake Up (featuring K'Naan), Nas provides a thank-you, saying, "That's why me and Damian come together cause we're all from one place, Africa - we're all family."

My Generation sees appearances from Joss Stone and rapper Lil Wayne on a gospel-like beat while Count Your Blessings has an upbeat tempo as the artistes give their blessings for 'welfare', 'joy in abundance' and more. The album also shows its roots-reggae influence with Tribal War. Tribal War takes its chorus from Johnny Clarke and U Brown's No Tribal War. Roots reggae's contribution to the project does not end there, as the late Dennis Brown's chorus from Promise Land was borrowed in Nas and Junior Gong's number Land of Promise.

Not sticking to one style, the two change their vocal styles throughout the album: Nas has his typical rap-like flow which he shifts now and again but it is Marley who changes his flow more. In Dispear, Marley moves from singing to whispering and deejaying and back to his signature fast-paced deejaying. Overall, the album is a good listen throughout with powerful beats provided by the live band, a powerful message and a good blend of styles and genres.

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Track Listing:

1. As We Enter

2. Tribal War (feat. K'Naan)

3. Strong Will Continue

4. Leaders

5. Wisdom

6. Count Your Blessings

7. Dispear

8. Land of Promise (feat. Dennis Brown)

9. In His Own Words

10. Nah Mean

11. Friends

12. My Generation (feat. Lil Wayne and Joss Stone)

13. Africa Must Wake Up (feat. K'Naan)

Drake Says He Can’t Hold It Down For Lil Wayne!

He may be dropping one of the most anticipated album of the decade, but according to Drake, he is still incapable of filling the shoes of his incarcerated labelmate, Lil Wayne.

During an interview with MTV News, the Young Money rapper said that while he will try and keep the label in the forefront he wouldn’t want to be responsible for taking the entire crew on his back.

“I can never hold down Young Money because I’m not Lil Wayne,” insisted Drake.

“Lil Wayne is who we look up to. He’s our mentor. I will definitely do everything to keep the brand going, keep Young Money on people’s minds. But, Lil Wayne is the only one -- he’s the epicenter of it all. I definitely don’t wanna take on that responsibility.”

“I just wanna put out this album, give the people this great music and have the people understand it’s coming from Young Money,” he added.

Drake’s debut, Thank Me Later, will be released on June 15th, and features collaborations with Jay-Z, Kanye West, T.I., Swizz Beatz, The-Dream, Lil Wayne, Boi-1da, and others. The project’s lead single, Over, is currently resting comfortably at number 15 on Billboard’s Top 100 chart, while his second single, Find Your Love, is currently at the number 20 spot.

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IS THIS 50 CENT!?

Rapper 50 cent has lost a dramatic 54 pounds on a liquid only diet combined with daily three hour treadmill walks. As fans expressed concern for the usually buff -looking rapper, 50 cent announced that his new look is all part of his character for a new movie role he recently played.

An almost unrecognizable 50, achieved the drastic weight loss in just nine weeks for the movie, Things Fall Apart, where he plays a US football star who is diagnosed with cancer.

Not only did the rap star drop from 214 pounds to an astonishing 160 pounds but he also removed all of his tattoos for the role. However, the 34-year-old won’t stay super skinny for long. Filming has finished and 50 starts a US tour tomorrow, and says his eating habits are back to normal in preparation for the tour.

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Chris Brown for Sumfest 2010!

Reggae heavy weights Shaggy, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica and international R&B star Chris Brown, will bring the Reggae Sumfest stage to life this summer.

The greatest Reggae show on earth kicks off with a beach party on July 18 and continues at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, on July 22-24 despite challenges as a result of the country's economic condition.

Traditionally, Reggae Sumfest has hosted a mixture of local and international acts that has distinguished the event as an eclectic mix of good music
and performances. In light of the fiscal challenges, organisers gave great consideration to omitting international acts for this year's festival.

Stakeholders agreed that international acts should be included on this year's line-up as the mix of genre and cultures is the essence of the event and as such a cutback would adversely affect the marketability of the show.

As a result international R&B and pop star Chris Brown who emerged on the scene in 2005 and quickly rose to stardom with his self-titled debut album has been confirmed.

With the release of Graffiti his third album, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter enters his prime as a widely accomplished multi-platinum artiste. Chris Brown is set to thrill the audiences and make history with his first Reggae Sumfest performance.

Organisers Summerfest Productions welcome Red Stripe who returns as main sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins a growing list of sponsors which include Digicel, Iberostar, Jamaica Tourist Board, and Wisynco, for the 18th staging of the country's premier Reggae Festival.

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Demarco "Show It" OFFICIAL VIDEO!

People dont forget to vote for this video on 106&Park!

Tami Chynn & Tifa - Certified Diva OFFICIAL VIDEO!

Protoje - JA Official Music Video!

Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Criticizes Drake/Mavado Video!

A video featuring Canadian rapper Drake and Jamaican dancehall artist Mavado has drawn criticism from the country’s Minister of Tourism.

The country’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett spoke out against the pair’s video for “Find Your Love.”

In the video, Drake falls in love with a native woman (Maliah Michel), who is in love with a gangster on the island named “Puffy” who is played by Mavado Drake is eventually confronted by Mavado and Puffy’s henchmen and the video ends with Michel presumably kidnap and shoot the rapper.

"We just have to say that care has to be taken by all, including our creative artistes, in portraying images of our destination and people," Bartlett told the Jamaican Gleaner. "Gun culture, while not unique to Jamaica, is not enhancing (the island's image)."

According to Mavado’s manager Julian Jones-Griffith, they Mavado and Drake are simply acting in the video and decided that Jamaica was an ideal location.

"The concept that they came up with, where did they come up with that? If Mavado did not do it, another Jamaican actor would have done it. There are a broad range of issues which need addressing if people from California want to portray a love story like this," he told The Gleaner.

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Shanell Explains Signing To Lil Wayne's Young Money!

Young Money’s Shanell remembers her days before she got signed to a major label. After dancing backup for her sister and former member of Danity Kane, D. Woods, Shanell happened to run into singer/songwriter Ne-Yo who gave her the opportunity to show off her writing skills on their song Say It which appeared on his second album Because Of You.

"It was really a great learning experience. Ne-Yo listens to all different types of music. I know he sat me down one time and was like, 'That's great, but try to say all that in three lines.' I was like 'a challenge.' So my writing has been influenced a lot by him."

Shanell became attracted to Young Money after she felt the comforting atmosphere that Lil Wayne provided viewing her as both a writer and a performer.

"Wayne was kinda like, 'You do this. Keep your music for yourself. You have the talent, I see what you do. You can come over here with Young Money and do what you do over here.' Which was the best situation I can be in. My music is a little bit different. It's not R&B, it's not pop, it's not rock, it’s not alternative. It's a fusion of everything. A lot of labels don't let you do that, but at Young Money, they let you do that."

Shanell doesn’t expect to be releasing her debut album until sometime next year but until then fans can listen to her recently released mixtape titled Shut Up and Listen which displays a playful cover which is meant to symbolize the rumors of her and Lil Wayne being sexually involved.

"I'm trying to take a negative thing and make a positive. That's another reason I put this mixtape out, because a lot of people haven't heard what I do. It's all these rumors flying, that's all they hear. So it's here, this mixtape is my baby, this is what I've been sitting in the studio every night working on. This is my baby. This is what I've been pregnant with for the past nine months. So we're just trying to take a bad rumor and turn it into something positive."

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MACKA DIAMOND FINDS YOUNG LOVE!?

Rumours have been surfacing that entertainer, Macka Diamond is dating twenty year old producer Stephen McGregor.

In responding to the rumours Macka, with a mischievous smile, dismissed the claims that the two were dating, before exploding into outright laughter.

She went on to explain that their relationship is work related and that they have just been working together on a few singles, one of which is “Don’t talk to mi,” which was just released on his Catalog Rhythm, and it has led to some late night and early morning movements.



With those rumours aside Macka Diamond will head to Canada later this week for a performance alongside Lady Saw, and then head to South Florida for the Labour Day Celebrity Football Match, after which she will head to Florida for her much anticipated Book Launch.

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Vybz Kartel has a new girl?

Who is Vybz Kartel new girl? Everybody wants to kno if its just a friend or she took 'Shorty' place....They were spotted at Di Building where these pics were taken and at the PCJ's "W" last week.


































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Street Vybz Medley Video!

New Video from the Empire check it out:

Jay-Z Entering Into The Headphone Business!

Following in the footsteps of Hip-Hop moguls Diddy and Dr. Dre, rap superstar Jay-Z is launching his own line of headphones through his company Roc Nation in partnership with headphone connoisseur, Skullcandy. Together, the two will create the Roc Nation Aviator headphone series, and according to Skullcandy reps, “push new levels” of style and sound.

“This partnership is an incredible opportunity for Skullcandy,” said Rick Alden, Skullcandy CEO. “By teaming up with Roc Nation on both the creative and marketing direction of these products, we are able to set the bar at a new high -- challenging the future quality of what emerges in the industry from here on out.”

The headphones are made with “superior metals,” polycarbonate headphone cups, plush memory foam ear cushions, and other technology to provide you with the best music listening experience, which according to Jay-Z is the main goal of the alliance between the two companies.

“Our passion is creating amazing music,” said the New York rapper in a statement. “We’re dedicated to delivering the best in live performances. Now with the Roc Nation/Skullcandy partnership, we’re offering the best way for people to experience the soundtrack of their lives.”

Roc Nation Aviators, which carry a $149 price tag, will be released in June with three color options -- black, brown, and white.

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Usain Bolt to open sports lounge!

Athletics poster boy Usain Bolt is set to try his hand at entrepreneurship as he launched Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records sports lounge on Tuesday night.

His foray into the entertainment business
is being backed by Kingston Live Entertainment (KLE), the company behind the successful Fiction lounge at Market Place on Constant Spring Road.

At the launch on Tuesday night at Fiction, Bolt said, "This is something big, something new, something different. This is a reason to keep working hard and I look forward to working with KLE in the future."

US$1-million investment

Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records is a US$1-million investment. It will be located next to Fiction at Market Place and is scheduled to be opened in the last quarter of this year. The design will reflect that of a stadium and will boast a mezzanine, multiple bars and lounges, interactive booth seating and a retail shop carrying Bolt products.

"The emphasis will be on the creation of a space that will be modern, sophisticated, high energy, explosive and fun," said Zuar Jarrett, architect of Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records and a director of KLE. The other directors are David and Stephen Shirley, Kevin Bourke, Gary and Tina Matalon and Craig Powell.

Bolt's manager Norman Peart said there are plans to make Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records a global franchise, one of the more immediate branches being in London for the 2012 Olympics.

Peart said Bolt's transition in to the world of business was to ensure that the millions he's earning now keep coming in when he's retired.

"My mandate has always been to ensure that when he's finished with the sport, he's looking real good," said Peart.

The engine behind this partnership is, of course, Bolt's global appeal and marketability. Since delivering a double dose of athletics surreality in 2008 and 2009 at the Olympics and World Championships, respectively, Bolt's fame and wealth have grown exponentially. He is among the top five most popular athletes in the world and is the new face of the Jamaica Tourist Board ad campaign.

High-end lounge

With the opening of a high-end sports lounge which has global aspirations, the directors of KLE see Bolt pioneering a product which represents all the good things he is known for.

"Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records will boast the best of brand Jamaica in sports, music, art, culture, beverage and food," said Tina Matalon. "Using, arguably, the most recognisable figure in sports today as a vehicle to create a global brand, Tracks and Records will bring to the world a product that is contemporary, sophisticated and exciting."

COURTESY OF THE JAMAICA GLEANER

NEW VIDEO FROM BUGLE!

Check out the new summer hit from dancehall artiste Bugle. The song is called 'summer break' and it features SHEVAUGHN &, RAZZ & BIGGY, it was produced by Notice Productions.

Look like this one going tek di summer..Enjoy:

Gucci Mane Released From Jail; Makes Official Statement!

Southern rapper Gucci Mane was released from Fulton County, Georgia jail last night (May 11) at midnight, and without missing a step, he read a statement to the small crowd that had assembled outside the jailhouse. Taking responsibility for his actions, Gucci revealed that his six month term allowed him time to think, and he hopes to move forward as a role model for youth.

“These past six months have been a difficult time but fortunately I have learned a great deal from my experience,” he said. “I was able to do a great deal of soul searching; I am coming back with a new attitude towards life.”

Gucci also admitted that the jail sentence, which came right around the period of his major label debut album, The State vs. Radric Davis, was ill-timed and ultimately effected what should have been the highlight of his career thus far.

“Unfortunately, my incarceration also came at a pivotal point in my career, just as my first major label album was dropping,” he stated. “I was forced to miss what should have been one of the proudest moments of my life. This is something I will make sure never happens again. My time in jail was trying, but I grew from it and I am now a stronger and better person. I want to continue on a positive track and truly focus on being a role model to my fans and community.”

Gucci went to on talk about his new record label, 1017 Brick Squad Records, which is being distributed through Asylum/Warner Bros Records, and confirmed that he is working with a new team of people.

Now that he is free he will turn his attention to his forthcoming album, The State vs. Radric Davis: The Appeal, which will be another mark in his journey to become the top rapper in Hip-Hop.

“The rap game is in need of substance right now…I’m ready to compete, so my the competition begin. I set out five years ago to be the #1 rapper in Hip-Hop. Today that journey continues with an even sharper focus. I challenge all artists to put out the best music they ever made this summer. I will accept nothing less than victory, but I still want worthy opponents,” he proclaimed.

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Di Genius releases 'Catalog' rhythm!

Big Ship's Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor's latest rhythm release, 'Catalog', has more than its share of surprises.

The latest rhythm release since February's 'Bad People' rhythm, 'Catalog' features 20 artistes from across genres and generations.

Premiered last week on the radio, the rhythm will officially be made available this week on all digital platforms. When THE STAR spoke to McGregor he explained that the rhythm has an authentic '90s dancehall vibe but is still relevant to current dancehall music.

He said: "I came up wid my song on the rhythm, Nah Forgive Dem,one day from just vibing melodies in the studio, and I had the idea for the music in my head and when I started to compose the track, I thought to myself 'nah this too bad to be a single'. Also a lot of critics been talking about all current producers inability to produce 'authentic dancehall'. So a part of the decision was to shut dem up and show them that the 'now' crop of producers are capable, and they've been silent since."

comeback

The rhythm is named after the song of the same name by dancehall veteran Terror Fabulous who makes a surprising come back to music after years of being away from the spotlight. Still in prime form in Catalog, Fabulous talks about having "nuff gal inna mi catalog." On working with Terror Fabulous, McGregor said, "the vibe was great, it was amazing to see how easily he recorded and most of the recording was done in one take."

Another surprise is the producer's father Freddie McGregor making an appearance on the dancehall rhythm with They Don't Know. The smooth-sounding singer stands out on the compilation, singing, "Big Ship a sail and we tougher than di average. Tell dem sey Big Ship a we set di trend."

Catalog features all three of the McGregor men with No Gyal from Chino and Stephen McGregor's second single, Nah Forgive Dem. McGregor sings, "dem neva kno sey mi serious, di boy dem tink sey dem smart but I'm di genius, so none of dem can't gimme no talk."

Other veterans on Catalog include Capleton with Stage Show and Beenie Man with Sketel Shadow.

badmind

The topic of 'bad mind' is a popular one with Laden's Red Eye, Bramma's Dem Anuh Fren, Wayne Marshall who warns to stay away from "dutty minds" and Elephant Man with Worry Dem.

For the females, Aidonia represents with We A Tek It Off, deejaying, "some bwoy a buy clothes a gi gal and a we a tek it off... the skirt weh yuh buy, a we a tek it off."

Assassin also goes on the 'gyallis' route with Dem Sick and Mavado's You Know What It's Worth will also have the girls dancing. The rhythm also has songs from Savage, TOK, Voicemail, Tony Matterhorn, Singing Sweet, Flippa Mafia and Macka Diamond.

Next from the Big Ship is the 'Labwork' series which was made available on digital platforms on Tuesday.

'Labwork' is McGregor's own compilations of his singles and rhythms which persons can purchase in volumes.

He commented, "I thought that I'm very prolific with making singles and rhythms, so I figured compiling them into my own series would be a great idea. Instead of waiting on a company to license individual songs from me, and they're all quality songs, so it'll be nice for people to have them on a one compilation, sorta like a collectors item."

Labwork Volume 1 & 2 have singles that were released last year and this year, the upcoming volumes are expected to have exclusive singles.

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Lil Wayne Caught With "Music Contraband" !

Incarcerated rapper Lil Wayne was reportedly busted for being in possession of “music contraband” in the form of a charger and a pair of earphones for a watch that doubled as a digital music player around 8am on Tuesday (May 11). Prison guards, who found the items wrapped in foil and in a bag, searched the lyricist’s cell after being alerted by a fellow Rikers Island inmate.

“He [Lil Wayne] was found with a charger of an MP3 player and unauthorized earphones,” said a source to the New York Daily News.

It’s also being reported that the music player that accompanied the charger and the earphones was found in another inmate’s cell on the same wing. Both, Wayne and that inmate, will be charged with an infraction for the items, according to a person in the Corrections Department. Investigators are also looking into how the contraband came into Weezy’s possession to begin with.

The Cash Money rapper is currently serving a 366 day sentence following a guilty plea to attempted weapon possession in October 2009. The charge stems from a 2007 incident where a semiautomatic pistol was located around his tour bus.

After his release from jail, Wayne is expected to release Tha Carter IV, the follow-up to his multi-platinum 2009 album, Tha Carter III, which is currently responsible for landing the rapper on the wrong side of several lawsuits brought up by nearly all of the album’s collaborators for unpaid royalties.

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'Empire' members charged - Found in possession of ganja!

Two men said to be members of the Portmore Empire have been charged for possession of ganja.

The men, Anju Sutherland also known as 'Popcaan' and André Henry, were arrested and charged with breaches of the Dangerous Drug Act.

Police reports are that about 10 p.m. on Sunday evening, they observed a car parked at a gas station along Mannings Hill Road in St Andrew. When the police investigated, Sutherland and Henry were held with the drug. Both men were subsequently charged with possession of ganja.

They were granted station bail and are to appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on May 28.

It was only in March that Sutherland was among several men who were detained following a police operation at a studio in Havendale, St Andrew. He was later released.

Sutherland is featured along with Vybz Kartel in a song entitled Clarks. He also did a song directed at former Portmore Empire member, Blak Ryno, called Dem Sell Wi Out.

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Vybz Kartel drops Alicia Keyes remix of Unthinkable!

Vybz Kartel has scored yet another international remix, this time with R & B superstar Alicia Keyes. The remix, which was reportedly done by US-based Cipha Sounds, has been generating great buzz in the urban market in the US.

"They sent the track, and me and Notnice basically put it together and sent the finished product to them," Vybz Kartel said. "It's an official remix."

Vybz Kartel has done international collaborations with a slew of top artistes including Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Pharrel, Mims, Machel Montana, Pitbull, and Jay Z.


CHECK OUT THE SONG BELOW:


COURTESY OF ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

Charly Blacks car stolen in St Mary!

A car belonging to deejay and selector Charly Blacks was reportedly stolen early yesterday morning in St Mary.

The entertainer, who made his breakthrough in the dancehall scene with Buddy Buddy, told THE STAR that he learnt his 1999 Toyota Corolla motorcar was missing close to 5 a.m. after he asked a friend to check on it for him.

Charly Blacks said he had gone to an annual Mother's Day dance in Oracabessa in the parish where he was billed to work as a selector for the Bass Odyssey sound system.

"Mi check pon di vehicle after two (after 2 a.m.) eno and minutes to five, mi send di same person fi check again and him come back and seh him nuh know how fi tell mi. Him hold down him head fi 'bout five seconds and nuh seh nutten and when mi ask him if di car missing him seh yes," Charly Blacks said before adding that a formal report was made to the Oracabessa police.

When THE STAR checked with the Oracabessa police last evening, it was confirmed that a report was submitted. The police also said investigations are ongoing but are yet to pick up any leads.

mistaken identity

Meanwhile, the Trelawny-based artiste said he feels the culprits had no idea they were stealing his vehicle.

"Di man dem weh thief it neva know seh a Charly Blacks vehicle, to how me treat people good it would a be like a suicide dem a commit if dem know seh a mine and still tek it," he said.

Asked if this would affect his career, the artiste, born Desmond Mendize, simply replied,"Mi life cyaa get nuh worse".

He continued" "Dem nuh thief mi voice and a mi voice buy di car. A mi first car to eno. My life cyaa get no worse 'cause mi been through it all already."

Charly Blacks is looking to shoot a medley video for two tracks, My Life Cyaa Get No Worse and Traitor in the next two weeks.

He is known for other songs such as Rich This Year and Money Dreamer.

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CHRIS MARTIN 'TO THE TOP' !

With his collaboration with German reggae star Gentleman doing well on the charts in sections of Europe, Chris Martin is now even more eager for June to arrive as that's when he leaves for Germany to shoot the accompanying video for 'To The Top'.

As of late last week, To The Top sat at number seven on the iTunes Reggae Singles Charts in Switzerland. The song is also on Gentleman's latest album, Diversity, which was released in early April.

"I am more than happy. I am very excited about the prospects of my career and not only as it relates to doing more songs with Gentleman only but also breaking new ground in Europe, tearing down walls and opening a whole new base for my music," Martin said in response to the news of the song's success.

For the final-year finance major at the University of Technology, the song's success was the accomplishment of yet another of his goals. "Well, from I was much younger, I always wanted to do a song with Gentleman," he said. Martin got his chance when Gentleman's manager, Stephan Schulmeister, visited Jamaica about three years ago. Martin met Schulmeister and expressed his desire.

perfect duo

On his next trip to the island, Schulmeister revealed to Martin that they liked his music and the tone of his voice and would love to do a song with him. Both entertainers met for the first time in March this year and according to Martin there was an immediate connection. That was when they recorded To The Top.

Now that the song is doing well, Martin believes the video will help him break through into bigger markets.

"Visuals do so much more for a song as the fans are able to put a face to the voice," said the savvy singer. "That's why I am eager and excited to go to Germany to shoot the video."

Martin said he owes all the good feelings he has about the song to Gentleman and his management for the opportunity they afforded him.

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Lisa Hype and Spice kick off at hotel in Negril after show!

Female deejay Lisa Hype almost got into a fistfight with fellow deejay Spice at the Caribbean Resorts hotel in Negril over the weekend. Both artistes are part of the Bad Gyal tour featuring several female artistes such as Tellah, Jane Gotti, Pamputtae, Ikaya and others.


"I was in my room sleeping when I heard this big laugh outside but mi know Spice voice so mi realize say it was her. My friend wanted to go draw weh the curtain fi see who outside but I told her no, let me. So when I went outside, dem start laugh, so mi start laugh too. Then Pamputtae say 'she crawny eh?" and Spice said something but mi coulden hear what. But mi just respond same time: like yu madda, yu father, yu whole generation," Lisa Hype said.

"Then mi move on to Pamputtae and say 'big fat double dosage, send her out!'. Spice get up and start trace now, say mi a porn star and how mi de wid the crawniest man inna the business. Same time her man walk out and mi say 'why yu nuh tell him how yu bow pon Indu, and anything Addi do me, him do you too', why yu nuh talk bout that?" Lisa Hype said, laughing.

"Spice get mad now, and start loud up her mouth say mi fi come downstairs and dem a hold on pon me and ah hold on pon har. Then Pamputtae said something, and mi just go
inna the hotel room fi a glass bottle and say 'look how yu big and stink, yu tink me a go war yu, ah one slap inna yu face wid a bakkle'. Then she get vex and start
repeat wah mi a say inna her coarse voice "how this gyal say she ah slap mi inna my face wid bakkle?'. Mi just start laugh. Skkyy even style her wicked and say Pamputtae look like an apartment,
mi nasty dem up."

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Protoje - Dread (Official Music Video) !

Check out the new music video from Protoje:

Yung Joc Signs New Recording Deal!

Southern rapper Yung Joc has reportedly signed a new recording contract. He had been without a recording home following his departure from Bad Boy last year, but he is now setting up shop with Polo Grounds/RCA Music Group. Joc also scored a production deal that will allow him to discover and develop new talent through Battery/Jive Records.

“It is my pleasure and honor to announce my affiliation and new partnership with Polo Grounds/RCA Music Group and Battery/Jive Records,” said Joc in a statement. “Now I can actually work and not wonder if I’m going to be held back from building my own brand as well as the Swagg Team brand. I’m very excited to work with this team.”

In regards to the label’s newest artist, Bryan Leach, President of Polo Grounds, said: “Joc is a triple threat. As an artist, executive, and personality, he is now entering a higher phase of his career and I’m happy to play a part in it. I feel with Pitbull, Yo Gotti, and now Yung Joc, Polo Grounds has an amazing front line of smart, talented, hungry artists that will continue to show why it’s still all about making hit records and outworking everyone else.”

Joc is currently hard at work on his forthcoming third studio album, which as of now is titled Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood. The LP is scheduled to be released later this year.

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Martin ups the ante on singing career!

With his college life as a finance major winding down, Chris Martin is upping the ante on his singing career with an album for the Japanese market and a tour of Africa on the immediate horizon this summer.

The album is due later this month about the same time Martin will complete his tenure as a student at the University of Technology, as he makes the transition from full-time student to full-time singer/entertainer.

blessing in disguise

"This is a blessing in disguise, it just came out of nowhere," he said of the one-album deal with Japan's Rockers Island label. "They expressed an interest and it comes up in the middle of May."

He revealed that the album will be comprised mainly his pre-existing songs as well as a few new ones.

"They'll be roughly about six new songs, but mostly songs that made me popular," he said. The album will be released exclusively in Japan and the release will be followed by a tour to promote it. He leaves for that tour in August and the trip will include shows, meet-and-greet sessions, "everything to try to strengthen the album and break out into the market fully," he said.

The past four years have been challenging for the young singer, having to balance school and a burgeoning singing career, but he believes it was a worthwhile investment now that he is weeks away from graduating. "I can't wait. I am looking forward to it," he said. "I see school as a very big investment in my life. Barring that I don't fail anything, I am finished. It's something that I would encourage everybody to do because if I can do it anybody can."

Now that he is in the final stages of study, what is the most revealing thing he has learnt about finance? "It hard," he said, laughing. "Everything in finance is related, you can't swat because you have linking terms, so you have to use past knowledge, but the most fascinating thing is how you can make your money work for you."

That phase of his life virtually behind him, Martin is now focussed on making the money that he intends to make work for him.

"With school out of the way, hopefully, we have a lot more time on our hands now to just deal with the music, and I am looking forward to it," he said. "I think I have always been doing good music but what we want to do now is break into various markets, different markets; the Spanish market, the African market, breaking into Europe the real, real way, the Japanese market, which we are doing now."

"We're trying to make music for everyone," he continued. "Just trying to step outside the boundaries of just trying to be comfortable, be uncomfortable, explore."

Nairobi, Africa, comes up later this summer but, before that, Martin flies to Germany in June to shoot the music video for To the Top, the song he did with Gentleman, and which the latter is to release as a single soon. The song also features on Gentleman's album Diversity, which was released on April 9.

COURTESY OF THE JAMAICA STAR

Diddy Denies Managing Rick Ross & Nicki Minaj!

Hip-Hip mogul Diddy has come forward and straightened out recent rumors that say he is managing the careers of rappers Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj. Taking to UStream, Diddy denied the reports, and downplayed his involvement in the both, Ross and Minaj’s careers.

“For the record, as I said before, don’t believe the rumors,” he said. “I cannot, you know, I have not made no announcement yet. Don’t believe no rumors about anything y’all hear. Me and Nick, we just cool. I like her style. Rick Ross, it’s my brother. There’s no management announcements or none of that…It’s alright for people to know each other and have an admiration towards each other and maybe pick each other’s brains for advice.”

Rumors surrounding Diddy and Minaj started almost immediately after the femcee fired her former manager, Debra Antney of Mizay Entertainment, late last month. Ross insinuated during a past interview with MTV News that he had some upcoming announcements to make involving new business moves while talking about his relationship with Diddy, leading some to believe that he too was going to be working with the Bad Boy label head.

Even though he laid these speculations to rest, new ones are sure to arise soon, as in the video footage, Diddy also said: “I will be making some big announcements in a couple of weeks on some things, though.”

check out the UStream session:


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Sizzla sets up base in Africa - Artiste says I'm here to stay ... Zimbabwe is home!

Rastafarian artiste Sizzla Kalonji seems to be setting up a base in Zimbabwe, Africa, having opened a studio in the country.

In a recent article published in Zimbabwe's Sunday Mail newspaper, the singer, born Miguel Collins, told the newspaper that he is here to stay.

According to the article, Kalonji's work permit has been issued by the Zimbabwe's Department of Immigration, making him the biggest name in International music to relocate to Zimbabwe. The singjay is currently in Trinidad and Tobago performing at a number of shows.

He reportedly told The Sunday Mail that he had made up his mind to work from Africa saying, "Zimbabwe is home. I have received tremendous welcome."He added, "In Zimbabwe we have already started recording. I am also looking into areas Judgement Yard can invest in for the upliftment of Zimbabwean youths."

The newspaper reported that among Sizzla's investments are a farm he has been allocated by the Government in Chegutu, on which he plans to set up agro-industries for youths under his Jamaican social responsibility banner, Judgement Yard.

In a previous interview with THE STAR, Sizzla's publicist Olimatta Taal cleared up rumours published in an overseas newspaper which claimed that the artiste had fled from Jamaica to live in Zimbabwe because of gun and murder related charges.

The article in the overseas publication stated, "Mugabe offers Jamaican artiste farm for ZANU-PF public relations", which was published in The Zimdiaspora on Monday, claimed that Sizzla "is on the run from Jamaican authorities for gun related and robbery cases in Kingston and is preparing to set up base in Zimbabwe after he was offered a farm. Indications are that he will not be returning to his native Jamaica where he is under investigation for several violent crimes which include armed robbery and murder."

irresponsible journalism

It continued, "Zanu PF is allocating a farm to Sizzla so that the Jamaican star would do international public relations for the former ruling party whose fortunes are fast waning following its drubbing at the March 2008 harmonised elections by the Movement for Democratic Change."

However, Taal has dismissed the claims and labelled the article as irresponsible journalism. She said that Sizzla was given land for his two performances in Zimbabwe for the country's 30th independence celebration. But the land, she said, was in no way related to politics.

"The allocation of the farmland does not have any relation to any political party. Instead of giving him cash (for the performances) they gave him land. Although they want to discredit and criminalise him, it is very honourable that he would take land instead of cash," she said, noting that the land received is for the Rastafarian community.

The Sunday Mail article also claims that Kalonji is understood to have made inquiries into the local textile industry, expressing strong interest in a clothing factory that will manufacture Rastafarian and African regalia and directly create hundreds of jobs for unemployed youths. Sizzla's commercial concerns will be run along similar lines as his Jamaican enterprise, Judgement Yard in August Town, Jamaica.

According to the story, Sizzla is now in the process of importing high-tech sound equipment for a studio whose doors he has already opened in Borrowdale, in the northern outskirts of Harare. He is currently working with Zimbabwe's reggae artistes, such as Ras I and Transit Crew to put together his debut album from Zimbabwe.

COURTESY OF THE JAMAICA STAR

Ludacris Reveals Secret To His Musical Success!

Disturbing Tha Peace CEO/rapper Ludacris recently revealed his secret for being able to maintain his longevity in the game. Unlike other artist, Ludacris’s versatile tracks have all shown his personality, adding humor to the mixture while creating songs which is very important says the rapper.

“Humor in hip-hop is important to me because I feel like I like to laugh and I love watching comedies so of course it comes through in my music.”

Ludacris’s witty and cleaver lyrics along with his ability to let all the different sides of his personality prevail through his music has given him much recognition by his peers. Over the years, he has released albums that contained feel good songs, motivational songs, and seductive songs. Most recently he dropped an album titled Battle Of The Sexes which was just that as he opened up the door for female artists to contribute verses throughout the album.

“The one thing that I feel separates me from a lot of people is balancing so much and showing you so many different sides of myself whether you always have the serious side and you have the funny side and you have the story telling side so I just try to reinvent and be as creative as possible and talk about things that I haven't necessarily talked about and continue surprising people and not being so redundant.”

In other news, Ludacris will appear on R&B singer Ciara’s first single titled Ride from her upcoming album Basic Instinct.

COURTESY OF YORAPS.COM

Cashflow has big dreams for the future!

What started out as a hobby in 2001 has grown into a full-fledged production house for Cashflow Records.

Located in Cooreville Gardens, Cashflow Records has produced memorable songs throughout their years in the music business.

Consisting of Paul 'DJ Neil' Mitchell Jr, his brother Ernesto 'DJ X' Mitchell and Damion 'Mexican' Roy, as well as new members Kevin Slaughter and Mark Hize, Cashflow has big dreams for the future.

musical background

DJ Neil and DJ X are from a strong musical background, having been taught to play a number of instruments by their father Paul 'Father P' Mitchell. Their inborn love for music and 'Father P's tutelage set the stage for things to come.

DJ Neil told THE STAR recently, "Cashflow started out back in 2001 as a hobby. We were just doing mixed tapes at first like 'Unleash', until in 2005 we started production professionally."

Cashflow started off with rhythms such as 'Womba' with RDX, D' Angel, Delly Ranx, Mr Peppa and others, moving on to a one-drop rhythm called 'Guilty'. 'Guilty' earned the crew their first major credit, getting two hit songs in Japan including Souljah's (Konshens and his brother Delus) Pon Di Corner and Iwan's Can't Stop Reggae Music.

Other rhythms followed like 'Teardrops' and a major single with Winner from Konshens. However, it was last year's 'Better Life' rhythm that DJ Neil credited as the production crew's biggest break thus far. 'Better Life' spawned the hits like Life We Living from Vybz Kartel and The Realest Song from Konshens. Other songs soon followed including Weh Yuh Know Bout Mi from Kartel, featuring Indu.

In addition to producing, Cashflow also plays across the island. DJ Neil is the resident deejay for CVM's Hitlist, and also plays on Hot 102 while DJ X plays on jamvibes.com.

Cashflow followed up the 'Better Life' rhythm with the 'Glory' rhythm and has two dancehall rhythms ready to be released for the summer. DJ Neil said. "We have a crossover ting bout our work and we try to keep it mixed wid a little dancehall, stick to our roots of dancehall and reggae."

For the summer Cashflow will be releasing the 'Pleasure' rhythm which features Konshens, Delus, Darrio, Christopher Martin, Gyptian and Ce'Cile. There is 'The Employer' rhythm, featuring Ryno di Stinger, Lisa Hyper, the Gully Squad, ZJ Liquid and Milk.

For the future, the crew hopes to cross over on an international level, bringing its sound to the world.

COURTESY OF THE JAMAICA STAR

Diddy Lands Exclusive Distribution Deal With Macy's!

Sean “Diddy” Combs has announced that his Sean John line will be exclusively distributed by Macy’s, the nation’s biggest department store chain.

According to Combs, Sean John will be sold at over 400 Macy’s, with the line being rolled out to all stores over the next year.

During a press conference, Combs said that Sean John has done over $1 billion dollars in business with Macy’s “and we plan to do a couple billion more,” Combs said.

"I got my start at Macy's when I was 16, selling shirts and ties," Combs told The New York Post. "To come full circle like this is a dream come true."

Macy’s will build exclusive Sean John shops at key Macy’s locations across the country, with Sean John retaining creative control over all display designs.

In addition to Sean John, Macy’s also distributes Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel, Martha Stewart, Ellen Tracy and others.

COURTESY OF ALLHIPHOP.COM

RICHIE LOOPS SHOOTS MY CUPP VIDEO!

New singing sensation, Richie Loops recently shot the music video for his hot new summer sound track My Cupp.

The video, which takes the format of a major house party hosted by Richie loops, was shot in the upscale community of Cherry Gardens with major support from the Big Yard family and fans on set.

The video, the video also features recording artiste Ishawna, Chris Martin, D-Major, Ice-Man and other industry players as well as top dance groups such as Card Unit, contestants in this year’s Dancing Dynamites.

The video is set to be released soon.

Loops on set














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Damon Dash Resurrecting Roc-A-Fella!

Earlier this week, Damon Dash announced his plans to resurrect the label that he, Jay-Z, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke built. He will use Roc-A-Fella Records to release rapper Curren$y’s LP, Pilot Talk, on June 15 and from there he aims to push “a more positive movement.”

“I think we just having fun, really,” said Dash to MTV News. “[Curren$y] inspired me to dust off the chains. We brought ‘em out for kicks, just because we could. Then we was like, ‘F*ck it, let’s put it through Roc-A-Fella.’ It was really more something he wanted to do. Basically because we having such a good time, and the opportunity’s there, so we was like, ‘Why not?’”

Curren$y also chimed in on the reformation of the record label and said that he feels honored to be releasing his forthcoming album under the name.

“What that means, what that shows me, is that dude thinks as highly of me as I do him,” he said. “I know what’s behind that. We all know and the fans know what that represented at the height of it. The aesthetic of it.”

Jay-Z gained sole rights to the Roc-A-Fella name after the record label dissolved, but according to Dame, that ended when Jay left Def Jam.

“Def Jam or Universal brought the brand…Now that [Jay] doesn’t work for Def Jam anymore, he doesn’t have the right to use the name. So there’s no reason for us not to use it. It’s there and it’s a brand that’s not being used.”

The label has secured distribution through Def Jam, and according to reports, the release of Curren$y’s album, will be followed by Ski Beat’s 24 Hour Karate School mixtape. Dash also hinted at a possibility of signing the Diplomats back to the Roc now that the group has reunited.

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Another remix to 'Hold Yuh' - MIMS lends voice to Gyptian's song!

Yet another American rapper has unofficially lent his vocals to Gyptian's popular Hold Yuh song. Rapper MIMS released his remix of the song on YouTube.com last week.

Last month, female rapper Nicki Minaj, who is from rapper Lil Wayne's Young Money Camp, added her vocals to the song, rapping in a Jamaicanesque accent. The remix was premiered by Funkmaster Flex on New York's Hot 97, getting thousands of views on YouTube.com. Now MIMS, who is known for songs such as Like This, has also added his own touch to the song, which has been steadily gaining in popularity locally and internationally.

On the remix, MIMS raps: "Look my God/ mi never know you grip so/tight up, mi love how yuh tick so/whether slow wine or calypso/mi sey she rock so and she dip so/she sey mi wrist glow just like a disco/a mi who dem guy waan squeeze like a pistol ... Big tune dis, tell di DJ fi pull it."

He continues: "Nuff pretty gal dem a ring off mi celly/so if you wanna roll/just ping off me BlackBerry/and I already told yuh/if yuh need a soldier/yuh know who to roll wid/I just wanna hold yuh."

This isn't the first time that MIMS has worked with local artistes, having released a remix for his hit single This Is Why I'm Hot,featuring Junior Reid and Cham. Since its release last week, MIMS has been promoting the single on his Twitter page, and on YouTube.com the remix, has got almost 8,000 views. The remix, which features Nicki Minaj, continues to do well on YouTube as well, getting over 300,000 views since its release in mid-April.

Hold Yuh was released two years ago and is produced by Ricky Blaze. The single has just started getting heavy rotation in the United States. On March 27, Hold Yuh debuted on the Billboard's Hot R&B charts at number 78 and has since peaked, at number 42. The song is also at number 9 on Billboard's Heatseeker Songs Chart, and number 1 on the Digital Reggae Songs Chart.

When THE STAR previously spoke to Gyptian, he was happy about the success of the song and was looking forward to the release of his next album, which is also titled Hold Yuh.

COURTESY OF THE JAMAICA STAR

CHECK OUT THE SONG:

Gucci Mane Fires Managers; Launches New Label From Jail!

Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane has officially parted ways with his former management company Mizay Entertainment and booking agency Hitt Afta Hitt Enterprises.

Mizay Entertainment is helmed by Debra Antney, while promoter Johnnie Cabbell is the owner of Hitt After Hitt Enterprises.

Both companies and their respective owners are named in several federal lawsuits, claiming they booked Gucci Mane in several cities throughout the country, without disclosing that the rapper was heading to jail.

Gucci missed a string of dates over the past year, resulting in lawsuits against Mizay and Hitt After Hitt for failing to return hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in advanced payments.

Gucci has closed down his So Icey Entertainment imprint and is now the President and CEO of 1017 Brick Squad Records Inc.

The artists on the new label are Wacka Flocka Flame, OJ Da Juiceman, Bricksquad (Wacka, OJ and Gucci) and Gucci Mane himself.

"The rest of 2010 is going to be real major," Gucci Mane told AllHipHop.com in a statement today (May 4th). “I'm taking control of all of my business properties and keeping the focus on my career, my music and my artists. All the pieces to the puzzle are finally in place and once I get home it's Gucci time."

Gucci Mane also has a new management team to handle his career now that he has parted ways with Mizay Entertainment.

The rapper has entered into an exclusive management deal with First Avenue Management, while CAA will now handle the booking of his shows.

He also named David Bolno, Managing Director at Nigro, Karlin, Segal & Feldstein as his new his new business manager.

In April, Nicki Minaj abruptly fired Debbie Antney and Mizay Entertainment from managing her career.

Last week, Antney and Cabbell were named in another lawsuit in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania over a failed show in Pittsburgh last August.

COURTESY OF ALLHIPHOP.COM

Deejay L.A. Lewis says... 'I WON'T HAVE SEX FOR A YEAR'!

Deejay L.A. Lewis is planning not to have sex for a year.

The artiste, widely known for his graffiti in the Corporate Area, says that he will be taking time away from the bedroom to pursue his career on a more serious level.

Lewis claims that he started his no-sex campaign three weeks ago with the support of his girlfriend/ babymother who lives abroad. When THE STAR spoke to Lewis, he claimed to have had sexual intercourse for the last time before his abstinence stint in early April. For Lewis, he said his friends are also behind him to help him through the "rough times" and to stick to his "spiritual mission".

"I will be doing a whole heap of projects and mi just waan ease off the sex thing so I can focus on work. Mi need some time to miself. Yuh know, being an entertainer you always have females deh round, yah understand, but is time for me to penetrate a work and tek tings seriously," he said.

According to Lewis, he is viewed by the public as a comedic act and he wants to show that he can accomplish things on a more serious level. Also, Lewis said he hopes to be an example to teenage girls who are dropping out of school because they got pregnant.

He said, "Mi waan draw out the young kids mek dem see a entertainer sey he's gonna abstain for a year."

Lewis said that he made contact with the National Family Planning Board yesterday and wants to do some work with the organisation in high schools around the island.

Lewis said he chose a year to be abstinent because he wanted to set a good example and also because he wanted to challenge himself. As to how persons will know he hasn't had sex for the year he added, "This is L.A. Lewis. My life is always under the microscope. Every move mi mek people a know ... if mi bruck it, is me and God haffi talk 'bout it."

Some of the projects Lewis will be doing during his 'sex-free time' are his own dictionary with his created words such as 'sobolious', as well as an upcoming album. He is also focusing on his clash with deejay Mr G at The Settlement on June 12 at the Caymanas Polo Club.

COURTESY OF THE JAMAICA STAR