Etana to act in movie!

Reggae songbird Shauna McKenzie, better known as Etana, has broadened her list of attri-butes in entertainment.

The Reggae ambassador has secured an acting role in the soon-to-be-released film, Ghett'a Life. The movie's official premiere is scheduled for summer 2011. This will debut Etana as an actress and marks her arrival to the film industry. Fans can expect a different side to the performer in her fresh role, acquired through a successful audition.

Etana plays the role of 'Arnette', the mother of a troubled youth, frantically trying to get over on the other side. The film is directed by Chris Browne best known from the movie, Third World Cop.

enthused about venture

Etana is enthused about this new venture and hopes her fans and the general public will share in her joy and excitement when the film hits theatres.

The cast boasts notable Jamaican actors like Winston 'Bello' Bell, Chris McFarlane, Carl Davis and Teddy Price. Ghett'a Life has completed its principal photography and is currently in post production. In early 2011 screening will commence at international film festivals.

favourite star

Etana enjoys watching Academy Award winning actress, Angelina Jolie
, who is among her favourite Hollywood movie star.

As one would imagine, the songstress has a very busy music schedule with local and overseas shows, coupled with the release of her sophomore album titled, Free Expressions. It's amazing how she maintains focus to continue dominating at the top of the charts with her current number one single, Free.

The singer now turned actress says she prioritises and sticks to her schedule to strike a balance for smooth operation. She considers herself ready and welcomes more acting roles in the future.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Nicki Minaj Talks "Marriage" To Drake!

In an interview last weekend with Atlanta’s own DJ Drama on Hot 107.9 radio station, Nicki Minaj discussed her “marriage” to Young Money label-mate Drake, BET’s My Mic Sounds Nice special, and the upcoming release of her debut album, Pink Friday.

Barbz and Drakettes around the world wept when Nicki and Drake announced their “marriage” via Twitter, which was “annulled” nearly one day later, two weeks ago.

Minaj told DJ Drama that Drake is like her little brother, “We were just being mischievous...I wanted to give the blogs a little payback.” She went on to say, “I think boys are yucky”; a statement that will surely have gossip sites buzzing about her sexuality.

Being the focus of many online best female in Hip-Hop debates, Minaj was also very verbal about the premiere of BET’s special My Mic Sounds Nice in which female rappers of the past and present discussed the importance of females in the male dominant rap world. Although Minaj was not one of the females interviewed her presence in Hip-Hop was discussed. Lady of Rage described her as Missy, Kim, and Eve combined while underground rapper Tiye Pheonix condemned the rapper stating, “Females, like myself, we in the underground paying dues. We committed.” To that Minaj told Drama, “People almost forget that you were an underground struggling artist at one time...Boo, I grinded for the last 7 years of my life and I’m not gonna feel guilty for anything I’m getting right now”.

Overall, Minaj is excited about her debut album, Pink Friday, releasing November 23 and the praise she’s received on her verse of Kanye West’s song Monster, “I just been blessed with being on a song with 2 living legends...I’m happy that people think I murdered the record”.

YORAPS.COM

WHO IS 'LP'?

Scoring his first #1 hit on iTunes in the UK and enjoying favourable air play on local radio 'name & number' featured on the MAJOR/MINOR riddim produced by internationally acclaimed producer Don Corleon is the first hit single-as LP is set to make his name in the music Industry.

Lewis "LP" Planter is a multi-talented songwriter, producer & artiste originally from London, United Kingdom but grew up mainly in the hills of St.Elizabeth, Jamaica, where he attended Munro College at secondary level. LP started making music from the young age of 15 years old using the Fruity Loops software where he exercised his musical talent. Drawing Influences from producers such as The Neptunes, Timbaland, The Underdogs and most recently Stephen Mcgregor, Craig Parks & Daseca he began to develop his own versatile sound as he explored the area of music production. With regards to LP as the artiste, he draws resemblances to the flows and lyrics of his dancehall & reggae influences Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Garnet Silk & Beres Hammond.

As the years progressed, LP started experimenting with new music hardware and purchased himself a MPC 500, a sampler/sequencer, and began to formulate a unique sound with use of samples and adding his own melodies. As a current student at the Birmingham City University studying Bsc Sound Engineering, he continues to release new material and expand on his knowledge of the music industry as well as learning new recording/production techniques. After making his name on the popular website, Facebook.com, he continues to share videos and links to his music that has been produced from the realms of his student bedroom at his current university. With a versatile balance of lyricism, production, & vocal ability, Lewis "LP" Planter is destined for success & one definitely to look out for years to come.

CLICK HERE to join his group on facebook

CLICK HERE to become a fan on facebook

CLICK HERE to purchase 'name & number' on iTunes

'Flossin' neva stops' - Flippa says on new YouTube video!

After being released from prison for about a week, a video has surfaced on the Internet with Flippa Mafia in which he claims 'nutten nuh change'.

The 3:22-minute long video appeared on YouTube, on Saturday, under the title, 'Flippa Mafia Speaks and Is Out On Bail In The United States'.

It starts off with the artiste, whose real name is Andrew Davis, in a recording booth stating that he is back to take what is rightfully his. Then, he goes on to talk to a group of people in the studio.

"It's good to be here. I am proud to be out and about, again. Nutten nuh change, Skilly. How mi look?," he says, while someone responds by shouting ,'clean'.

"Yuh nuh see seh a Louis Vuitton still deh pon mi foot. LV, a nuh no normal LV. Mi pants a LV same way. Nutten nuh change, a still brand. Flossing neva stop, it continue. We neva drop di ting. Flippa neva gone no weh. Mi just tek a small vacation, fi hear weh people haffi seh. But hear weh mi haffi tell dem seh, when yuh a dig hole, dig more than one."

But this is the first time there is any real evidence of Flippa's release from jail since his incarceration in March. From as early as last Tuesday, there were reports from his close friends that he had been released from lock-up.

arrested

Flippa was arrested earlier this year, after he was allegedly caught trying to enter the United States illegally from the Bahamas, via a boat. After being arrested, Flippa was being held as a prosecution witness against Julio Santiesteban and Armando Amat, who were charged with encouraging and inducing an alien to enter or reside in the United States. Afterwards, Flippa was in Federal custody, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and then at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, in the video, Flippa also deejays lyrics from what seems like a new song.

In it he sings, "Flippa deh back pon road again/ So tell di whole a dem seh wi nah beg no fren/ Di Mafia deh back road again/ Dem a gwaan like dem wid mi but a pretend dem a pretend/ Mi get lock up and dem a gwaan like mi dead/ Di amount a remarks dem pass over mi head/ But from mi likkle and a grow, mi grandmother always tell mi seh nuh dash weh nutten if it nuh dead."

He continues, seemingly throws words at other entertainers who have tax and visa woes:

"All nuff a dem a talk mi still richer than dem/ IRS sort out mi nuh have no tax problem/ Nobody caan tek weh my vehicle like fi dem/ Dem a worry bout mi green card when dem have visa problem/ Tell dem mi come fi run things again," he says.

In ending the video, he says, "mi a straighten out everything and mek dem know wi neva ever drop di ting. Anyweh mi go, mi a di flossing king. Mi jewellery dem don't sell, nutten no sell."

THE JAMAICA STAR

SEE THE VIDEO BELOW:

DANCER MYSTIC "CROSSOVER" TO RECORDING ARTISTE!

Popular female dancer Mystic has joined dancehall artiste and producer Leftside on his ′Want Your Body′ single.

The two recently created the remix, which has been getting a good response from fans on popular social-networking sites.

Mystic, known as a creative female dancer rather than a mainstream dancehall artiste, said in a recent interview she always liked the idea of being an artiste. She maintains that although she does songs, she will always still be dancing.

"It′s not necessarily a switch from dancing but it’s a transformation into a whole, full package. I always could write and I could also hold a note, so when I went into the studio I actually sounded good," said Mystic."Leftside was someone who I always held in high regard plus I love dancing to his music. It was really easy working with him,"

Mystic has other songs such as Too Much Bull, a collaboration with Macka Diamond, Mad Michelle, Mumzel, Queen Latisha and ZJ Sparks which went to number one on the Bubblers Chart in Canada and Wine Up for Mafia of Loud Disturbance Records, she has also performed recently in Trinidad.

Mystic is also venturing into the business world as she now has her own dance classes at Baron′s Plaza in Constant Spring. According to Mystic, "It’s really affordable and it′s a great way to lose weight."

The video for the remix is already been released and fans can expect more good songs from Mystic and Leftside on his latest Gal Pharm rhythm.

ZIPFM.NET

No bad blood - Liquid, Kartel say there is no rift!

Addressing rumours of a rift between himself and deejay Vybz Kartel, DJ Liquid says, 'Everything is cool.'

Rumours of a rift have been circulating since Friday, after a broadcast message was sent via Blackberry messenger that was allegedly sent by Kartel and directed at the Zip Jock. In the message Kartel seemingly takes offence to Liquid's use of his slang 'Oh'. The broadcast read, "pawdie how ya tell people say a you gimme 'oh'. Liquid, mi a tek it to the stage shows and tell people dem fi warn you and Beenie. Member mi a one of the baddest deejay ever and you a wanna-be DJ. You tek mi style and never say thanks. If you haffi gimme a line in a tune mi stop DJ."

Describing the incident as "foolishness" Liquid described Kartel as a friend and brethren and could not understand how the broadcast and its content came about. Liquid, however, says "mi alrite, mi good. Mi just 'low it and start pree tings differently."

When contacted Kartel also confirmed that the two were good.

THE JAMAICA STAR

Rapper T.I., Wife Tiny Face A Year Over Ecstasy; Metha-Amphetamines!

Atlanta Hip-Hop star T.I. could be heading back to prison, after police allegedly found meth-amphetamines and ecstasy in his Maybach last night (September 1st) in West Hollywood, California.

According to the LA County Sheriff's department, the charges T.I. faces include a minimum sentence of a year in state prison, in addition to fines that will be determined by a judge.

According to TMZ.com, T.I. and his wife Tiny Cottle were stopped in their expensive Maybach coup for a traffic violation around 10:30PM last night.

Police searched the vehicle after smelling marijuana and found the drugs, reported to be meth-amphetamines and ecstasy.

Both were booked on felony possession of a controlled substance and have since been released on $10,000 bail, a piece.

Tiny was arrested for possessing marijuana and ecstasy in the past.

In October of 2007, Tiny was arrested for possession of marijuana and ecstasy, during a sting operation that resulted in T.I.'s arrest.

The rapper is currently serving a three-year probation after he pleaded guilty in May of 2009, for attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers before the BET Awards in 2007.

T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., was released from prison in March of 2010.

He currently stars in the movie Takers, which was the #1 box office draw pulling in over $20 million.

ALLHIPHOP.COM

Ragashanti will be back - Returns on air in October to a new radio station!

Radio
talk-show host Ragashanti may be gone from NewsTalk 93FM but he will soon be back on air, as he is set to return in October to a new radio station.

Dr Kingsley 'Ragashanti' Stewart officially resigned from NewsTalk 93FM from his morning show 'Ragashanti Live' yesterday and while on air was cut off by the station's management.

While speaking to THE STAR yesterday Ragashanti explained he had handed in his letter of resignation effective immediately yesterday and was in the process of telling his listeners goodbye when he was cut off air.

He said: "I'm not surprised by actions consistent with my relationship wid dem (NewsTalk), and their relationship with staff." According to Ragashanti, he is well aware he is not the station's favourite person and he resigned because he did not want to 'battle' with the station over what he believes is a "culture clash" between himself and them. He described the clash as "equally frustrating and annoying".

The University of the West Indies, Mona, operators of NewsTalk 93FM, released a statement yesterday stating: "the board of management of the station after careful review of the matter determined that in the best interest of the University of the West Indies, Mona, and the station, that the programme should be discontinued with immediate effect and appropriate music played until further notice."

Not disclosing which station he would be on, Ragashanti said he will be back on air in October. "It's time to move on and I have the options to do so," he said.

He added: "I want to send out a huge thanks to my supporters for their understanding and appreciation of the show, it was a wonderful experience with the listeners."

According to the radio host and personality, his new show will have a few changes with new features and says it will have, "mix up without apology, it's all about making people laugh." Ragashanti believes he is representing a faction of society not usually represented in the media.

You can still catch Ragashanti every Tuesday and Thursday in the THE STAR for his column 'Mix Up and Blenda'.

THE JAMAICA STAR