Chino drops singles ahead of album!

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

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

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

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

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

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

no advertised clashes

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA STAR

Kartel's new Benz turns heads!

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

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

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

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

new ride

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

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

















THE JAMAICA STAR

Nicki Minaj Teams With MAC!

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

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Vybz Kartel and the Portmore Empire rock Suriname!

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

ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

T.I. Details Drug Relapse!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YORAPS.COM

Kanye West Goes Into Fast Food With 10 Fatburger Restaurants!

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Shawn Storm hits #1 on Jamaica Music Countdown charts!

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





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

NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2010

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

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


ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

Gyptian hits the UK Singles chart!

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

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA STAR

Beyonce Says Fragrance Ban Upped Sales!

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

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

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

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

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

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

YORAPS.COM

Lisa Hyper is keeping busy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YORAPS.COM

Holidays kick off with WTF!

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

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

list of parties

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

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


THE JAMAICA STAR

Nas & Damian Marley Hit UK!

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

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Eva Longoria Files For Divorce!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


YORAPS.COM

Beenie Man and Friends!

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

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

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

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

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

the project

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA STAR

Wiz Khalifa Speaks On Drug Arrest!

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

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

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

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

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

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

YORAPS.COM

Mavado to celebrate birthday bash in unity!

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

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

Cassava Piece

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA STAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YORAPS.COM

RDX TOURS EUROPE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

Baby Weighs In On 'Roman's Revenge'!

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

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

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

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

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

YORAPS.COM

Future Fambo rocks Canada!

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

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

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

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

work the crowd

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

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

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

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

satisfy fans

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA STAR

Coppershot turns 16!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA STAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Denyque opens Brooklyn Fashion Week!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE JAMAICA OBSERVER

Wiz Khalifa Arrest On Camera; Rapper Charged With 2 Felonies!

Details slowly continue to emerge in the arrest of Wiz Khalifa on purported drug charges.

The rapper, whose real name is Cameron Thomaz, was released from the Pitt County Detention center earlier this morning, after he was apprehended in the middle of a concert at East Carolina University .

Greenville, North Carolina police have officially charged Wiz Khalifa with three different counts, including two felony drug charges.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based rapper was arrested shortly after a performance as part of the national "Waken Baken 2010 Tour" at (ECU) last night (November 8th).

According to reports, a large stash of marijuana was found on the bus, although the amount confiscated is not known at press time.

Wiz Khalifa has officially been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor), maintaining a dwelling/place for the sale of a controlled substance (felony) and drug trafficking (felony).

The rapper, who has since been released from jail on a reported $300,000 bond, took to his Twitter page with his first public statement.

"waken…baken…wrist still achin. thnx for tha love and support," Wiz Khalifa tweeted.

A Facebook group of 1,200 people have already started a “Free Wiz” campaign.

Wiz Khalifa was brought to East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina after students lobbied for him.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Mr Vegas for Soul Train Awards!

Soul Train Awards 'Best Reggae Artist' nominee Mr Vegas has been added to the first annual Soulfusion, the official Soul Train Awards pre-show concert, slated for today at the Atlanta Civic Center in Georgia.

The Reggae superstar will share the stage with soulstress Erykah Badu, Hip Hop giant Rick Ross, R&B siren Chrisette Michelle, and Hip Hop icons Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, and Arrested Development for a funky blend of rhythm and culture that will kick off this year's Soul Train Awards.

The awards ceremony will be held at Atlanta's Cobb Energy Center on Wednesday, November 10, and broadcast on both CENTRIC and BET on November 28.

Vegas joins megastars Alicia Keys, Usher, Drake, and Sade, as a prestigious 2010 Soul Train Award nominee. Earlier this year, Vegas was also nominated for Singjay of the Year, and his uplifting Dancehall anthem I Am Blessed was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2010 Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards in Jamaica.

In a release sent to THE STAR Vegas said, "It is an honour to be chosen to represent Reggae and Dancehall at Soulfusion, and to be nominated for a Soul Train Award. I strive to create authentic Caribbean music that people around the world can relate to and enjoy. I am humbled and honoured at the Soul Train nomination, and at the opportunity to perform with such great artistes at Soulfusion."

Mr Vegas is expected to drop his fifth studio album in early 2011.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Akon Plans To Build University, Hospitals For Under Privileged!

R&B singer/musicA mogul Akon has announced the launch of a new foundation to help serve under privileged children in Africa.

According to Akon, the Konfidence Foundation was established to create a better future for the children of Africa.

"It all strung from concept of creating a better future for the kids in Africa," Akon told AllHipHop.com. "I started realizing as I was growing up and as I was coming up in this business, I allowed myself to be educated, period. And I think that was the moment where I became more of an entrepreneur; I understood what the essence of business was."

Akon has experienced major success over the course of 2010 with the runaway success of Lady Gaga, who is signed to his record label Konlive.

Other acts on Akon's label include T-Pain, Kardinal Offishall, Ya Boy, Red Cafe, Rock City, French Montana and others.

Akon, who was born in Senegal, applied the knowledge and education he received from mentors and successful executives like Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Jimmy Iovine and Steve Rifkind, to his own label.

And the new foundation is his way of reinvesting his money into the African continent. The mogul recently opened an elementary school in his Senegal, using the proceeds he earned from touring.

"You start to realize education really is the key," Akon told AllHipHop.com. "You just got to allow yourself to absorb the information and properly use it. With that thought in mind, when we created the Konfidence Foundation, it was more so to find a platform to educate all these children so that they can have a better future with what’s left to develop in Africa. We built my first elementary school in Senegal, which is an incredible accomplishment because I did it with my own money, my tour money and did it myself."

According to Akon, his next project will be to create and establish a new University in Senegal for students, in addition to future plans to build hospitals in the country.

"We feel like education doesn’t mean anything if you aren’t healthy," Akon told AllHipHop.com. "Between health and education those are the two key things to rebuild any country. We want to start with the kids because they have a lot more growing up to do and a lot more to give in order to create a future for ourselves."

ALLHIPHOP.COM

D'Angel, Beenie proud parents - Marco-Dean turns four today!

Dancehall artistes Beenie Man and D'Angel are once again smiling from ear to ear, as today they will be celebrating the fourth birthday of their son Marco-Dean.

The two have planned family activities for the special day, starting with a celebration at school with his friends and an exciting evening of hanging out with mom and dad.

"Marco-Dean's now growing into a little man, he's the true definition of an angel and we're very thankful for him to live to see another year," said D'Angel.

She continued, "Friday is the big day! It's the actual day of the party. We'll be starting very early having fun with family and friends. Fans will actually get to see Marco because it's not like they see him every day."

Motherhood has certainly taken its toll on D'Angel as she said, "Sometimes I don't even know how I manage so many things, it's hectic. I wear so many caps. I'm a mother, I'm an entrepreneur, and an artiste. It's very challenging to be doing those things every day and taking him to school and to extra curricula activities in between. It's very hectic, but I love it."

She also spoke of Beenie Man's role as Marco-Dean's father, praising him for doing a good job.

"Moses is doing a very good job. He's very supportive of Marco. If he's to take him to school it's not a problem. He's a mentor to Marco and he's definitely stepping up to the plate. He's doing his fatherly duties, attending school functions and all," she said.

It seems Marco-Dean is already following in the footsteps of his father as D'Angel said, "He dances to everything, he loves to dance, but what I say is that a proper education is first and then he can do what he wants from there. Look out for the Beenie Man and Marco Dean collaboration!" she joked.

D'Angel's Christmas season is already beginning to look busy as well. She is booked for Teen Splash, GT Taylor Christmas Reggae Extravaganza and is also set to leave the island for Barbados next weekend.

She is currently promoting her recently recorded collaboration with Beenie Man, Time Of My Life, which has been receiving good airplay since its release.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Bruce Willis In Talks To Star Opposite 50 Cent In 'Set Up'!

Bruce Willis is in talks to star opposite 50 Cent in the action movie Set Up, which will be released via the rapper's Cheetah Vision film company.

Willis, who starred in the summer hit movie The Expendables, recently joined talks to star in the flick, which centers around a group of friends who become involved in a deadly diamond heist.

According to Variety, Set Up is the first movie to be released under a new $200 million film deal between Randall Emmett and 50's Cheetah Vision.

The announcement of Bruce Willis' possible involvement comes on the heels of a separate deal between the veteran actor and 50 Cent, who is also producing Willis' click Catch .44.

Set Up is due in theaters in late 2011.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

A 'Stronger' Christmas for Cham!

Grammy Award nominated recording artiste Damian Beckett, aka Cham, is anticipating a jolly Jamaican Christmas as the mercurial dancehall maestro is set to make a slew of appearances at various shows this Christmas season in Jamaica.

After being out of the spotlight for some time, Cham has re-emerged on the scene ready to please his many adoring fans in Jamaica with his first booked appearance set for the GT Christmas Reggae Extravaganza Show in St Elizabeth on Christmas day.

It will be Cham's first performance at the GT Extravaganza, and the DJ is eagerly anticipating the performance.

"Well, first let me tell you that this Christmas, Cham is Santa Clause and the Grinch in one. I am going to be bringing the dancehall vibe and energy to the people as well as the message with my good friend Bounty Killer, it's gonna be awesome this Christmas," said the DJ.

The DJ, who is currently signed to Atlantic records in the United States (US), says he is grateful for the chance to perform on the show because GT Taylor helped his career in no uncertain terms.

"GT is one of the first disc jockeys to play a Cham track and I will always be mindful of that. We need to show back the love in the music business and that is what I am here to do," said Cham.

Cham who is riding high with his latest single Stronger featuring Bounty Killer and Mikal Rose, says he will be everywhere this Christmas as he has been away from his fans far too long.

"Well as you know I have been living overseas now but the work continues. I know my fans have not heard much of me in recent times, but I am here to let them know that I will be spending the Christmas in Jamaica, and I will be everywhere, Weddy Weddy, Passa Passa, even Sting if the money is right," Cham explained.

Just recently, Cham and Bounty Killer ignited the Arthur Guinness concert with dazzling performances, albeit Cham made a guest appearance.

The man who gave the country the mega hit Ghetto Story back in 2006 and Babylon Boy is currently in the US where he is promoting his latest projects.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Sean John To Close 5th Avenue Store!

Sean "P. Diddy Combs' Sean John flagship New York store will be shutting its doors at the end of December, according to reports.

Employees at the Sean John Store were notified of the decision late last week the 3500-square-foot store is being closed, due to slow sales.

The 5th Avenue store, which is the main New York location for Sean John will close it's doors on December 30th, after six-years at the location.

According to a rep for Sean John, the brand is looking for other spaces to open stores in New York and Los Angeles.

The 5th Avenue Sean John retail store was the first one to open in New York City, in August of 2004.

In May of 2010, Diddy inked a deal with Macy's to carry the Sean John clothing brand exclusively, also eliminating the need for the 5th Avenue flagship store.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Blak Ryno Apologises to European fans!

FOLLOWING his recent brush with death on Waltham Park Road in Kingston over the Heroes Weekend, when he and a friend was knocked off their motorbike, dancehall artiste Blak Ryno said he would like to apologise to his European fans for the postponement of his upcoming European tour slated to begin on November 23 in the United Kingdom.

However, following a series of medical examinations to determine the extent of his head injury the See You Again singer is expected to make a full recovery and fans across the European continent will get their chance to see the artiste up close in February 2011 when the tour officially commences making stops in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherland, France, Germany and Italy over a three-week timeline.

Despite having two music videos in rotation, Wine and Dip and Come A Mi Yard, Ryno believes that the time is right for another as he prepares to shoot the video for his current hit Shadez featuring Seanizzle, who is also the producer for the track, which is on the Split Personality Rhythm compilation.

"Me and Seanizzle been talking about this project for some time now and it a get lots of radio play, so we just ago shoot the video fi give it that additional strength for the Christmas," Ryno added.

On the local scene Blak Ryno is booked to appear on a number of high profile events over the upcoming holiday season ahead of his overseas assignments in Barbados and Grand Cayman.

ONE876ENTERTAINMENT.COM

Jay-Z Speaks About 'Watch The Throne' Album!

Recently, in an interview with radio personality Tim Westwood, rap mogul Jay-Z revealed details on Watch The Throne, the forthcoming album he is releasing with Chi-Town rapper Kanye West, which is scheduled to drop sometime in 2011.

“Yeah, before I came in to London, we [were] in Bath [England]. We [were] at the studio, Peter Gabriel’s studio,” the rapper told Westwood when asked if Watch The Throne will happen as the emcees promised fans earlier in the year. “And we recorded some songs there, so it’s exciting. It’s coming out.”

Jay-Z also revealed that the album, which has yet to receive an official release date, is very close to being finished. “It was a great, great, great vibe. Great things. We had fireworks coming out. We had a whole fireworks show. It was great,” he told Westwood.

In regards to working with Kanye on the album in Bath, the rapper continued by saying, “And then it’s this big room so everyone can sit in the room and add to the process. You had the producers in the room sitting all lined up. We were recording in the room, not the booth. We were recording in the control room so everyone got to see us while we were recording. Vocals and everyone had to be quiet.”

News of the collaborative effort between Jay-Z and Kanye hit media outlets back in August and the album, which was then rumored to be an EP, was only to consist of five tracks. However, Jay-Z confirmed with Westwood that the album will be double the size, consisting of ten tracks total instead.

YORAPS.COM