September 30, 2010

LADY SAW CHOSEN AS CARIBBEAN SPOKESPERSON IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN


Dancehall’s favourite diva, Marion ‘Lady Saw’ Hall, has signed on as the Caribbean spokesperson for a dynamic new advertising campaign for a major international brand.
“I can’t talk much about it now .. but it’s something really positive. I really wish I could say more,” she said with an impish smile and sounding very excited.
She did reveal, however, that the ad is being shot in the Big Apple.
Meanwhile, Lady Saw is getting ready to release the second single from her recently released album, My Way, which is on her very own Divas Records imprint along with Toasting Music/Universal.
“I did a few collaborations on the album, and we have chosen the song with me and US rapper Eve as the next single. The song is called He’s At My House and it’s a ladies’ anthem. I think fans will love it,” she said.
The synergy between Lady Saw and Eve on this track is evident the in-your-face posture on the single is reminiscent of Saw’s “I’ve got your man and you can’t do anything about it” declaration on her previous album.
He’s At My House is produced by Lady Saw and Lloyd ‘John John’ James.
The first single off the album was her self-produced single, Party Till December, a club banger which has been receiving increasing airplay on radio and in the dancehall.
According to Lady Saw’s management team, the sales for My Way have remained steady since its release during the first week of September. The album is available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

September 29, 2010

DIGICEL PENS PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUNG-CONSCIOUS REGGAE ARTISTE I-OCTANE



• Company Cements Commitment to the Development of Jamaica’s Reggae Music Industry

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – 28 September 2010:– Digicel Jamaica’s Bigger, Better Network yesterday further cemented its commitment to supporting the development of Jamaica’s reggae music industry with the signing of a strategic partnership with the young, energetic and successful reggae artiste – I-Octane. Speaking on the partnership during the signing which took place at the telecommunications company’s headquarters in New Kingston, Head of Marketing, Donovan White expressed, “Over the past 9 years, Digicel has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving and developing all that’s rich and beautiful about Jamaica and our reggae music is a big part of this. Yesterday’s signing is therefore further testament to the value that our Digicel brand places on brand Jamaica. I-Octane’s music embodies positivity, his track record of releasing successful hits after hits is indeed synonymous with Digicel and we look forward to working with I-Octane and his manager”.


Born Byiome Muir in Sandy Bay Clarendon, I-Octane has swiftly risen to the top as one of the most successful and conscious artiste in the reggae industry. With a passion for positive lyrics and a burning desire for success Muir has become a brand for delivering stinging performances that grasp entertainment-drenched crowds into a mist of entertainment bliss.

Widely hailed as the best performing artiste on Dancehall night at the 2010 Reggae Sumfest, I-Octane has been a part of the Digicel family for over the past four months as its brand ambassador for the company’s ‘Next Generation’ marketing campaign. Continued White, “I-Octane is a natural fit to represent the Digicel brand and a true role model for young men who aspire to be the best at whatever their endeavors are.”


I-Octane is also delighted with the partnership that he has formed with Digicel and said in an exclusive interview:”I feel great about this accomplishment with Digicel because it will undoubtedly take the brand I-Octane to a different level. This endorsement will allow me to continue to deliver clean and fun reggae lyrics to people that motivates them to believe in themselves and reach out for their goals.”


In closing, Digicel head of marketing comments: “There is no doubt that I-Octane has just scratched the surface of his musical success and we look forward to this partnership as we continue to lead by example and deliver on our promise to Jamaica that if it matters to them, then it matters to us at Digicel."

DEFENCE LAWYER MAKES BAIL CASE FOR BUJU


• BY PAUL HENRY

TAMPA, USA — Buju Banton’s lawyer David Markus filed a motion in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court yesterday asking that his client be granted bail.
Markus said in court documents that his client was not a flight risk, that he was not a threat to the community, and pointed out that the government’s case against the artiste was weak and will not get any better.
He also argued that the only reason Banton was not previously granted bail was that his entertainment visa was revoked by immigration authorities on his arrest in December last year.
He said that if Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is granted bail, he would also seek bond in the immigration court to prevent the artiste’s deportation to Jamaica.
“Accordingly, Mr Myrie respectfully requests that a bond be issued forthwith,” said the court document.
Should Banton be offered bail, he faces detention by immigration officials who would seek to have him deported to Jamaica as his entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested at his Florida home on December 10, 2009 and charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilograms of cocaine and possession of a firearm during the furtherance of a crime.
His bail hearing has tentatively been set for October 6 in the Tampa Federal Court.
The prosecution has 20 days in which to respond to the defence’s motion.
On Monday, the artiste breathed a sigh of relief after a 12-member jury emerged from two and a half days of deliberation deadlocked on whether or not the Jamaican Reggae star was guilty or innocent of the cocaine-trafficking charges which carry a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of US$4 million.
Banton is scheduled to return to court for a new trial in December on a date to be decided. If a panel of jurors cannot arrive at a verdict in the upcoming retrial, then his case will be thrown out.
His attorney has expressed confidence that he will be able to get a not guilty verdict for the four-time Grammy nominee.
Source: Jamaica observer

September 27, 2010

JAMAICAN SUPERSTAR BUJU'S RETRIAL SET FOR DECEMBER


Jamaican reggae artiste Buju Banton born Mark Myrie, is to face a retrial on drug charges in Florida in December.

Judge Tim Moody made the ruling this afternoon, hours after the 12-memeber jury which was hearing the case ended their third day of deliberation saying they could not reach a verdict.

The judge then declared a mistrial.

The judge is to decide tomorrow whether Buju is to be granted bail.

This morning, the foreman of the twelve-member jury indicated that jurors were split on whether to convict or free Buju on drug charges.

The foreman had sent a note to US District Judge James Moody.

Under US law all the members of the jury must be in agreement for a verdict to be reached in a drug trial.

However, this morning the jury foreman reported that six jurors had found the Jamaican reggae star guilty with the other six saying he was not guilty.

Judge Moody then instructed the jurors to continue their deliberations telling them to take as much time as they wanted.

The judge also said none of the jurors should surrender their conscience decision.

However, the jurors later returned to the judge still without a consensus.

The judge then declared a mistrial and ordered that the matter be set for re-trail sometime in December.

Come tomorrow, the judge is to hear a bail application filed by Buju’s lawyer David Markus.

Buju has been held in jail since December last year when he was arrested on drug and firearm charges.

SOURCE: go-jamaica.com

HYPE TV TOP 20 SINGLES CHART


SEPTEMBER 24th

TW LW WOC ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL - Peak Position
01 01 12 Bounty Killer/Elephant Man – How We Do IT – Notnice/CR203Records-3wks@1

02 02 09 Vybz Kartel – Clarks pt. 2 – Head Concussion – NM

03 04 08 Ce’Cile – Coffee – Matao Music – U1

04 07 11 Busy Signal – Night Shift – Tuff Muzik/Star Player Music – U3

05 03 17 I-Octane – My Life – Dj Frass -4wks@1– D2

06 09 07 Future Fambo Ft. Beenie Man– Rum & Red Bull – Seanizzle – U3

07 05 14 Dj Sunshine/Unicorn/Chi Ching – A Doh Care Anymore – Dj Frass-pp@#5 – D2

08 11 06 Vybz Kartel Ft. Russian – Jean & Fitted – Head Concussion– U3

09 06 22 Richie Loops – My Cup – Big Yard -3wks@1– D3

10 08 11 Sophia Squire – Nah Fight Ova Man – Breddroc Music-pp@#8 – D2

11 13 05 Wayne Marshall ft. Mavado – My Heart – Yard Vybz/Off Limits– U2

12 14 05 Khago – Nah Sell Out – Seanizzle – U2

13 10 18 Gyptian – Hold me – VP Records -pp@ #2 – D3

14 16 02 I-Octane – Puff It – Cash Flow – U2

15 17 04 Chuckle Berry – So Bad –Taxi – U2

16 12 15 Andy Livingston – My Promise – Black Dutch Records -pp@ #4 – D4

17 19 02 Ikaya – Hard Way – Outaroad Records – U2

18 15 20 Jah Cure/Phyllisia – Unconditional Love – SoBe/Danga Zone -pp@ #4 – D3

19 18 24 Vybz Kartel/Popcaan/Slim - Clarks – Notnice/CR203Records –3wks@1- D1

20 20 24 Mavado - House Top - Rose Gold Ent – 2wks@1– NM


• TW -This Week, LW – Last Week, WOC – Weeks On Chart
• PP – Peak position, NE – New Entry & WKS@#1 – Weeks @#1
• Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover



TOP 5 BUBBLERS

TW ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL
01 Mavado – Messiah – Chimney Records

02 Andrew & Wada Blood – Irie –Deewaan

03 Beenie Man – I’m Ok – Seanizzle

04 Tarrus Riley – Protect The People – Don Corleon

05 Vybz Kartel & Gaza Slim – One Man - Adidjaheim/Notnice
______________________________________
TO GET HYPE TV CALL YOUR LOCAL CABLE PROVIDER OR LOG ON TO www.hypetvjam.com WATCH HYPE TV GLOBAL ON www.hypetvjam.com OR www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com

• Chart Compilation was done based on information received from the Sound Systems, Record Shops and Clubs Island wide.

September 26, 2010

FIRST LOOK AT RIHANNA’S ‘ONLY GIRL’ VIDEO



Rihanna has a ball on set of the music video for her new hit single “Only Girl (In the World).” After filming her theatrical debut Battleship in Hawaii, the Bajan songstress tweeted a pic from the set, spinning a shawl around herself while giant balloons fall from the sky onto the surrounding field.
“What up #RihannaNavy I’ve been busy being the ‘Only Girl In the World’ wanna see more?!?!” tweeted the red-haired singer.
“Only Girl,” which currently sits at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, is the lead single off her fifth album Loud, dropping November 16.

UPDATE: Click below to watch some fan-filmed footage of RiRi dancing in the streets of New York City while shooting another video, reportedly for the song “What’s My Name.”


Source: www.rap-up.com

September 24, 2010

STILL NO VERDICT IN BUJU'S DRUG TRIAL


• Jurors to return on Monday

TAMPA, Florida — Jamaican Reggae artiste Buju Banton will have to wait until Monday to know his fate as the 13 member panel of jurors have yet to come to a decision.

The jurors are expected to resume their deliberations at 8:45 Monday morning.

Banton has been in jail for over nine months after being hauled out of his Tamarac home in South Florida on December 10 last year, two days after his co-defendants Ian Thomas and James Mack were held during a drug bust at a police controlled warehouse in Saratoga, Tampa.

September 23, 2010

I-OCTANE SCORES WITH MY LIFE; READY TO PUFF IT TO THE TOP


Regardless of what has been said about music charts, when an artiste scores number one on three different charts and the accompanying video also climbs to the top of the video chart, that is indeed a praiseworthy accomplishment.
It actually came as no surprise that singer I-Octane massive hit, My Life earned such accolades. A favourite on radio, the single has commanded massive attention in the dancehall -- locally and internationally -- and has become one of the “must-do” songs during I-Octane’s live performances. My Life has undoubtedly taken on a life of its own. It peaked at number one on the Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart, Stampede Street Chart and NTV Top 10 Singles Chart, while the video sat pretty at the number one slot for three weeks on CVM’s Hit List and for two weeks on the RETV MVP Countdown.
“Bwoy, a just life,” I-Octane said, clearly pleased with the dent the song has made. “While recording the song, I, within myself felt that it was a big song and I am very happy that fans of all ages give it their love and support,” he continued.
On a more serious note, he noted that whenever an artitse scores a big hit tune, the challenge is there to put out a song that is just as good, or even better than the previous one.
“That’s why we have to eat, sleep and dream music. When fans come to expect a certain quality of music from you, then you have to keep on stepping up your game. I acknowledge that and I don’t think I would want it any other way,” he said.
Some would say that the artiste has nothing to be concerned in terms of a big follow-up song, as his single, Puff It, is blowing up quite a bit of smoke.
Produced by Cash Flow Productions on their Orange Hill riddim, Puff It has been receiving power play and is already sneaking onto local music charts.
Cash Flow also produced another I-Octane single, Missing You, which did well for both the producer and the artiste. A video project for Puff It is in the making.

OLINT'S BOSS DAVID SMITH GETS 6 1/2 YEARS


• Pleaded guilty 'to protect wife' – lawyer

DAVID Smith was today sentenced to six-and-a-half-years in prison after he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to money laundering and two counts of conspiracy to the fraud in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Oliver Smith (no relation), lawyer for the head of the failed Olint investment scheme, told the Observer a few minutes ago that his client’s decision to plead guilty was driven by his wife’s exposure.

According to the lawyer, David Smith’s guilty plea means that the three charges against his wife Tracy have been dropped and her right to travel has been reinstated.

SOURCE:jamaica observer

September 22, 2010

BUJU SAYS HE’S NERVOUS, SCARED


• Stephen Marley says artiste is no drug dealer

By PAUL HENRY

TAMPA, Florida — Reggae star Buju Banton denied being a drug dealer when he took the stand during his drug trial in the Gibbons US Court here this afternoon.
Banton said he was “talking crap” during the conversation with Alexander Johnson, the prosecution's main witness, on a flight they shared from Madrid to Miami. He said the incident has caused him and his family indescribable pain.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was called to the stand about 2:45 pm Florida time by his attorney David Oscar Markus.
“I was just talking crap. I’m not a drug dealer,” Banton admitted.
He said that he did not want to be outtalked by Johnson, and said Johnson seemed to be a nice person who he liked hanging out with.
Banton admitted also that he had made a false move by sampling cocaine in a warehouse in Tampa. He said he was unaware that he was going to see cocaine as Johnson told him that he was going to inspect a boat.
He said he was fascinated with boats and was very surprised when he saw cocaine.
Banton apologised profusely and when asked by his attorney how he felt, the artiste said, “I am nervous and scared and I have been waiting for 10 months…” before he was interrupted by lead prosecutor Jim Preston who objected to the line of questioning.
Presiding judge Jim Moody sustained the objection.
Under cross examination, Preston, who asked Banton if he had thanked Johnson for making him [Buju] himself again, Banton said, “I would not risk my career which I have been working to build for 20 years for five kilos of cocaine.”
Banton said he was thanking Johnson who he thought could hook him up with a record deal and not a cocaine deal, as his record deal with his former company Tommy Boy Records had expired in 2009.
Meanwhile, Stephen Marley, son of Reggae king Bob Marley, also testified on Banton’s behalf, saying he has known him for over 10 years and never knew him to be a drug dealer.
Banton was arrested at his home at Tamarac, South Florida hours after his former co-accused Ian Thomas and James Mack, were arrested during an alleged drug bust in an undercover operation at a warehouse in Sarasota, Florida in December last year.
All three were charged with conspiracy to possess more than five kilogrammes of cocaine with intent to distribute, while Mack was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence.
The drug charge carries a minimum sentence of 20 years to life in addition to a fine of up to US$4 million, while the firearm charge carries a sentence of five years to life and a fine of up to US$250,000.
Both Mack and Thomas, in their plea deals, have agreed to give evidence to assist the US Government in building a case against Banton, in exchange for lesser sentences.
The trial continues tomorrow.
Source:jamaicaobserver.com

September 21, 2010

BUJU NEVER INVESTED IN DRUGS SAYS INFORMANT



• Prosecution plays video tape showing artiste tasting cocaine

BY PAUL HENRY


TAMPA, Florida — Alexander Johnson, the United States informant assisting prosecutors to seal a conviction against Reggae artiste, this afternoon testified that Buju Banton never entered into any drug deal with him.
Johnson, a Colombian national who had served three years for a drug offense, made the revelation under cross-examination from Banton's attorney David Markus.
He said Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, never sold or bought drugs and had never wired any money to him to invest in the illicit trade.
Johnson also admitted that Banton had never purchased any cocaine in Panama or Colombia and that their dealings never went beyond talk.
The informant did not readily answer when Markus asked if Myrie had stopped taking his calls in December last year.
"Didn't Ian Thomas tell you that he (Myrie) does not want to do anything man? Talk to me. He said that's not him, he is about music, he eats and sleeps the music?" Markus asked to which Johnson replied yes.
Johnson also told the court that he had no knowledge that Myrie had financed the deal that went sour in the police controlled warehouse in Saratoga, Florida when Myrie's co-defendants, Ian Thomas and James Mack were arrested attempting to purchase cocaine from Drug Enforcement agents.
Earlier the prosecution played a video recording of Myrie tasting the contraband in December last year. The footage showed the artiste, Thomas and an undercover cop at a location in Sarasota. A kilogramme of the drug was produced by the cop and Thomas used a knife to cut it open and Myrie used his finger to wipe the knife and sampled the cocaine.
Thomas described the drug as 'fish scale' a term Johnson explained to mean high quality. While the footage was being showed some of Banton's fans appeared disappointed while others watched with keen interest.
Johnson also testified that during a meeting Thomas informed him that he had a contact in Georgia with drug connections and that he (Thomas) would be the person who would be doing business.
Markus is expected to continue cross-examining Johnson when the trial resumes tomorrow morning.
Source: Jamaica observer

September 20, 2010

DEA AGENT TESTIFIES IN BUJU'S FAVOUR


• Says he has no evidence reggae singer is a drug dealer

BY PAUL HENRY

TAMPA, Florida — Drug Enforcement Agent Daniel McCeaffrey, today testified that he had no evidence that Reggae singer Buju Banton, was involved in illicit drug dealing.
McCeaffrey, who gave evidence on the first day of the trial at the Gibbons US Federal Court in downtown Tampa, said there was no evidence that Buju Banton — whose real name is Mark Myrie — received any money from any drug deal.
He also said even though he was investigating Banton for a year, he could find no evidence that the artiste had collected any money from drug dealing.
He made the revelation during cross-examination from Banton's attorney David Markus.
Markus, in his opening salvo, told the 14-member panel of jurors that he would prove that Myrie was not a drug trafficker and had never invested in illicit drug dealing. He said that artiste would waive his right not to testify.
"He's got nothing to hide because the truth is on his side in this case," Markus said.
He said his client's big mistake was that he loved to talk. Markus said Myrie met DEA informant Alexander Johnson, a Colombian national, on a flight from Madrid Spain to Florida last year and during conversation Johnson introduced the subject of drug dealing to him.
He said Myrie had in fact tasted cocaine but that did not qualify him as a drug dealer.
Markus also argued that Myrie did not know about the US$130,000 that his co-defendant James Mack had been held with. The money he said was given to Mack by two men identified as 'Ike' and 'Tike' from Atlanta, Georgia.
The attorney said Mack and Ian Thomas were the ones who were dealing drugs and said his client made a decision not to partake in any deal and went to his Tamarac home in Florida, where he was arrested in December last year.
Mack and Thomas have taken plea deals and have agreed to testify against the artiste. All three are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine. The charge carries a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million.
Prosecutor Jim Preston argued that he would prove that Myrie is a known drug dealer who invested in multi-million dollar drug enterprises and he was arrested because he was starting a new venture.
Forensic chemist Alexandra Gongra also gave evidence that the substance that Thomas and Mack were arrested with was cocaine.
Telephone records analyst Donnie Godshoal also gave evidence today.
Dozens of Banton's supporters turned up outside the court to show their solidarity with the four time Grammy nominee.
His former manager Donovan Germaine, VP Records President Chris Chin and Deejay Delly Ranks were also present for the trial.
SOURCE: www.jamaicaobserver.com

NTV TOP 10 SINGLES CHART



September 17th 2010

TW LW WOC ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL - Peak Position

01 02 06 Future Fambo Ft. Beenie Man– Rum & Red Bull – Seanizzle - 1wk@1

02 01 10 I-Octane – My Life – Dj Frass - 3wks@1–D1

03 03 08 Ce’Cile – Coffee – Matao Music – NM

04 06 05 Bounty Killer/Elephant Man – How We Do It – Notnice/CR293 Records– U2

05 08 03 Vybz Kartel ft. Russian – Jean & Fitted – Seanizzle – U3

06 04 10 Gyptian – Hold me – VP Records - 3wks@1–D2

07 05 10 Vybz Kartel/Popcaan/Slim - Clarks – Notnice/CR203Records -pp@ #2 – D2

08 07 10 Dj Sunshine/Unicorn/Chi Ching – A Doh Care Anymore – Dj Frass -pp@ #5 – D1

09 NW 01 Khago – Nah Sell out – Seanizzle –New Entry

10 09 10 Ikaya – Money Ova Man – Outaroad Records -pp@ #4 – D1


• TW -This Week, LW – Last Week, , WOC – Weeks On Chart, PP – Peak position, NE – New Entry
• WKS@#1 – Weeks @ #1
• Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover



TOP 5 BUBBLERS

TW ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL

01 I-Octane – Puff It –Cash Flow

02 IKaya – Hard Way –Outaroad Records

03 Vybz Katel - Clarks pt. 2 – Head Concussion

04 Wayne Marshall ft. Mavado – MY heart – Yard Vybz/Off Limits

05 Mavado – Messiah – Chimney Records

______________________________________

• Chart Compilation was done based on information received from the Sound Systems, Record Shops and Clubs Island wide.

• PLEASE SEND YOUR MUSIC VIDEOS TO:
NEGRIL TV
HOPETON WILLIAMS
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WASHINGTON BLVD,
NEGRIL, WESTMORELAND

September 19, 2010

HYPE TV TOP 20 SINGLES CHART



SEPTEMBER 17th

TW LW WOC ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL - Peak Position
01 01 11 Bounty Killer/Elephant Man – How We Do IT – Notnice/CR203Records-2wks@1

02 02 08 Vybz Kartel – Clarks pt. 2 – Head Concussion – NM

03 03 16 I-Octane – My Life – Dj Frass -4wks@1– NM

04 07 07 Ce’Cile – Coffee – Matao Music – U3

05 05 13 Dj Sunshine/Unicorn/Chi Ching – A Doh Care Anymore – Dj Frass – NM

06 04 21 Richie Loops – My Cup – Big Yard -3wks@1– D2

07 10 10 Busy Signal – Night Shift – Tuff Muzik/Star Player Music – U3

08 08 10 Sophia Squire – Nah Fight Ova Man – Breddroc Music – NM

09 11 06 Future Fambo Ft. Beenie Man– Rum & Red Bull – Seanizzle – U2

10 06 17 Gyptian – Hold me – VP Records -pp@ #2 – D4

11 13 05 Vybz Kartel Ft. Russian – Jean & Fitted – Head Concussion– U2

12 09 14 Andy Livingston – My Promise – Black Dutch Records -pp@ #4 – D3

13 15 04 Wayne Marshall ft. Mavado – My Heart – Yard Vybz/Off Limits– U2

14 16 04 Khago – Nah Sell Out – Seanizzle – U2

15 12 19 Jah Cure/Phyllisia – Unconditional Love – SoBe/Danga Zone -pp@ #4 – D3

16 NW 01 I-Octane – Puff It – Cash Flow

17 18 03 Chuckle Berry – So Bad –Taxi – U1

18 14 23 Vybz Kartel/Popcaan/Slim - Clarks – Notnice/CR203Records –3wks@1- D4

19 NW 01 Ikaya – Hard Way – Outaroad Records

20 17 23 Mavado - House Top - Rose Gold Ent – 2wks@1– D3


• TW -This Week, LW – Last Week, WOC – Weeks On Chart
• PP – Peak position, NE – New Entry & WKS@#1 – Weeks @#1
• Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover



TOP 5 BUBBLERS

TW ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL
01 Mavado – Messiah – Chimney Records

02 Andrew & Wada Blood – Irie –Deewaan

03 Beenie Man – I’m Ok – Seanizzle

04 Tarrus Riley – Protect The People – Don Corleon

05 Vybz Kartel & Gaza Slim – One Man - Adidjaheim/Notnice
___________________________________________
TO GET HYPE TV CALL YOUR LOCAL CABLE PROVIDER OR LOG ON TO www.hypetvjam.com WATCH HYPE TV GLOBAL ON www.hypetvjam.com OR www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com

• Chart Compilation was done based on information received from the Sound Systems, Record Shops and Clubs Island wide.

September 18, 2010

MAVADO, I-OCTANE , BOUNTY KILLER FOR DANCEHALL HEROES IN NEGRIL


DANCEHALL HEROES, SUNDAY OCTOBER 17TH 2010 @ JUNGLE NITE CLUB IN NEGRIL FEATURING DANCEHALL HEAVY WEIGHTS I-OCTANE, MAVADO, BOUNTY KILLER, TOK AND BEENIE MAN

September 16, 2010

FUTURE FAMBO ON A MUSICAL HIGH WITH RUM AND RED BULL


If you happen to see a deejay walking like a ‘swaggaholic’ and drinking rum and Red Bull, chances are it’s Future Fambo. That’s because the self-styled ‘Drunken Master of the Dancehall’ has returned, and if what he says is true, he’s here to stay for quite a while.
As the saying goes “three’s a charm” and for Fambo, this is the third time he’s basking in the adoration of dancehall fans. And he is determined to make this relationship more than a one-night stand, because there is just too much at stake.
“In 1994 I come with Hiyahiyahoo; in 2006 I gave the dancehall Break Dance and now in 2010 I say Rum and Red Bull, I say Swaggaholic and I say This Life” the deejay who used to go by the name Future Troubles stated. “And I have the tune dem stock and pile. Just ask producer Seanizzle,” he challenged.
Fambo’s fans have welcomed him back with open arms as, according to him, they were just “waiting for a song that represent the artiste and I gave it to them”. There is no doubt that the single Rum and Red Bull, featuring Beenie Man, has given Fambo a new lease on life. In fact, life is so good that he has a permanent smile plastered on his face.
“I am finally reaping some rewards financially,” he said beaming. “I can buy what I want for my kids…I give my mother a thing and she push it in her bosom and I see her bosom bulge out. She seh to me ‘Yes son, I hear the song with you and Beenie Man. I pray for you everyday,’ When I see her face and listen to her, I feel good,” the deejay said with pride.
And, Fambo isn’t even concerned that people are saying that Beenie Man upstaged him by singing the chorus and almost taking over the song. His friendship with Beenie goes way back, and if the Doctor can sing piece of his song and help take it to number one, then Fambo has absolutely no problem with that. He explained that Beenie had come to the studio to voice his own song – I’m Okay -- on the Seanizzle riddim and the collaboration came about by chance.
“Beenie finished voicing his song and I had my verses and part of the chorus. Moses came over and we gwaan vibes and the two of us finish write the hook. Beenie went into the studio to show me where to pitch it and when we play it back it sound good, so me and him and the producer decide to go with it,” Fambo said.
Whether or not the song would have been as successful without Beenie Man singing the hook is debatable and some would even say it’s even irrelevant. What is important is that Future Fambo has a number one song on the chart locally and also in Toronto, he is in demand for “specials” and the stage-show circuit is opening up to him again.
“When I saw what was happening I reached back for my manager, Jodie Dixon, because she is one of those persons who has always been there for me. I have put all my trust in her and things are looking good. Deejay Spragga Lexus, who I know from Roof International days is also playing an important role in bringing back my career,” the deejay said
According to the artiste, right now he is on a musical high, ready to put dancehall back where it used to be. “I know I have the material and the skill, and although I feel like I am flying high, I still very grounded,” Future Fambo declared.

September 15, 2010

IT’S BACK-TO-STUDIO TIME FOR WASP


While it’s back-to-school time for students, deejay Wasp acknowledges that, for him, it’s back-to-studio time. The artiste, whose Unfair Officer single is still one of the most requested songs, is working on a number of music-related projects which include voicing for a few producers and establishing his own record label.
“When you say back-to-studio, that’s me,” the deejay stated. “We are cooking up some new things … crazy chef with some gourmet recipes,” Wasp said, his enthusiasm for his work clearly obvious.
The artiste is working with producers such as Daseca and Don Corleon with whom he has a great synergy. In fact, it was Don Corleon who spotted the artiste’s talent in 2007 and produced a number of songs with him that helped to make Wasp known in certain parts of the United States and Canada. According to Wasp, he was pleasantly surprised when, on working visits to Florida, California and Toronto that the audience knew so many of his songs.
“Between 2007 and 2008 I voiced quite a few songs for Don (Corleon) and the overseas market seem to cling to them. Songs like All These Things, Step To Dem, Ano Man, Nuh hold back Nutten and Deh de wid, a collaboration with me and Don, have done well for me outside of Jamaica,” Wasp explained.
Currently, he has some crazy beats from Don Corleon that he is ready to put lyrics over, but he is still managing to focus on a more personal project, the setting up of his record label, Park To Park. Done in partnership with a friend from Delacree Park, the label took its name from the communities, as Wasp himself hails from Cassia Park.
“Park To Park is what we are about right now. As an artiste it’s good to have your own little label as it can help to further your cause. You can’t depend on people to do everything for you; you have to do some things for yourself,” Wasp declared.
Wasp has come a fairly long way since copping the grand prize of the Chicken Supreme (now Island Grill) talent contest back in 1994. However, the artiste, who says he knew that he wanted to pursue music as a career while still in high school, knows that he has a much harder task ahead. And he is confident that he is prepared for the journey ahead.
“Getting a hit song is one thing, maintaining it is even more pressuring. Many artistes get a one song and you never hear of them again. Right now, me and my management team are putting in the work that is necessary to keep things on a level,” Wasp shared.
His latest single, Nutten Nah Gwaan, a combination with Daseca First Lady, Raine Seville, has been receiving favourable play while the video is increasingly in rotation on all major stations.

September 11, 2010

NTV TOP 10 SINGLES CHART


September 10th 2010



TW LW WOC ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL - Peak Position
01 01 09 I-Octane – My Life – Dj Frass - 3wks@1

02 02 05 Future Fambo Ft. Beenie Man– Rum & Red Bull – Seanizzle – NM

03 05 07 Ce’Cile – Coffee – Matao Music – U2

04 03 09 Gyptian – Hold me – VP Records - 3wks@1–D1

05 04 09 Vybz Kartel/Popcaan/Slim - Clarks – Notnice/CR203Records -pp@ #2 – D1

06 07 04 Bounty Killer/Elephant Man – How We Do It – Notnice/CR293 Records– U1

07 06 09 Dj Sunshine/Unicorn/Chi Ching – A Doh Care Anymore – Dj Frass -pp@ #5 – D1

08 10 02 Vybz Kartel ft. Russian – Jean & Fitted – Seanizzle – U2

09 08 09 Ikaya – Money Ova Man – Outaroad Records -pp@ #4 – D1

10 09 09 Richie Loops – My Cup – Big Yard - 3wks@1–D1


• TW -This Week, LW – Last Week, , WOC – Weeks On Chart, PP – Peak position, NE – New Entry & WKS@#1 – Weeks @#1
Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover



TOP 5 BUBBLERS


TW ARTISTE - TITLE - LABEL
01 I-Octane – Puff It –Cash Flow

02 IKaya – Hard Way –Outaroad Records

03 Vybz Katel - Clarks pt. 2 – Head Concussion

04 Khago – Nah Sell Out – Seanizzle

05 Beenie Man – Under Curfew – Rose Gord Ent

______________________________________

• Chart Compilation was done based on information received from the Sound Systems, Record Shops and Clubs Island wide.

• PLEASE SEND YOUR MUSIC VIDEOS TO:
NEGRIL TV
HOPETON WILLIAMS
TRAVELLERS BEACH RESORT
WASHINGTON BLVD,
NEGRIL, WESTMORELAND

September 09, 2010

FASHION’S NIGHT OUT (FNO) HITS JAMAICA, WITH DIGICEL



Jamaica’s Bigger Better Network offers discounts, dealer store surprises and more

For one night only, fashionistas across Jamaica will be able to indulge in amazing shopping deals courtesy of the Observer’s Fashion’s Night Out ( FNO). Set to ignite the retail industry, FNO will be held on Friday September 10, 2010 and Jamaica’s Bigger Better network and official telecommunications sponsors of FNO, Digicel, promises to make this year’s FNO like no other.

Digicel will be offering the white version of the über sleek Blackberry Bold 2 with a 50 percent discount as a part of FNO in addition to several other activities that will definitely add more value to the staging of the event. Shelly Ann Curran, Senior Sponsorship manager at Digicel explained that this year her company would be adding to the excitement and energy of Fashion’s Night Out by also having several celebrity autographs signing at various Digicel stores across Jamaica.


“We are definitely upping the ante of this year’s Fashion’s Night Out and we will giving our customers added value as they participate with us”. “Digicel will be having several of Jamaica’s most talented artistes and media personalities to sign autographs for our customers at specific Dealer locations, and is also partnering with the Fiction Lounge for the official FNO after party!” she excitedly exclaimed.

“Fashion’s Night Out is definitely an excellent way to spend a Friday night with your best friends if you love and enjoy fashion and shopping, get ready to do it bigger and better, Curran ended..


Locations and Celebrity for Autograph Signing :

Personality Activity Location Times
D'Angel Travelling on VIP bus, autograph signing Anbell New Kingston 9:00PM

Tifa Autograph Signing Anbell New Kingston 5:00PM-7:00PM

I-Octane Autograph Signing Anbell New Kingston 6:00PM - 9:00PM

Bugle Autograph Signing Source Cellular, Ocho Rios 5:00PM - 7:00PM

Voice Mail Autograph Signing Anbell, Montego Bay 7:00PM-10:00PM

Ding Dong Autograph Signing FIMI Wireless, Portmore Mall 5:00PM - 7:00PM

Miss Kitty Autograph Signing CelliShac Manor Park 6:00PM - 8:00PM

LADY SAW APPEARS AS GUEST JUDGE ON 106 & PARK’S FREESTYLE FRIDAY


Having declared in her current single, Party Till December, that her “body’s too hot to be at home just sitting back”, Lady Saw, not surprisingly has been living it up in fine style. The dancehall diva, whose album My Way, had its official release on Tuesday, secured an invitation from BET’s 106 & Park to appear as a guest judge on the popular Freestyle Fridays and Lady Saw graciously accepted the invite.
“It was an honour and the spin offs from that I am sure will be tremendous,” Lady Saw said with enthusiasm. “This is good for me, as the publicity will surely help my album and it’s a positive move for dancehall as a whole,” she added.

Freestyle Friday is a segment on BET's popular show 106 & Park where two aspiring rappers compete in a freestyle battle before the studio audience and the cypher (from 2006) and three celebrity judges (the DJ sometimes acts as the 3rd judge). Each competitor alternates freestyling for 30 seconds in each of the two rounds. The rappers are not allowed to use profanities or sexually suggestive lyrics, punishable by disqualification. After the battle, the judges decide the winner, per majority vote.
The rapper who wins each week wins a prize and returns the following Friday to defend their Champion title. After seven consecutive wins, however, the rapper is retired and inducted into the Freestyle Friday Hall of Fame.

The episode, which will air on Friday September 10, 2010 at 5:00 pm local time has Lady Saw as guest judge alongside rapper Waka Flocka Flame, the American rapper signed to 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros.

Lady Saw, the acknowledged ‘Muma’ of the dancehall, is highly respected internationally for her deejaying skills and her ability to ride a riddim. Her recently released album, My Way, has productions from Tony 'CD' Kelly, Lloyd 'John John' James, Danny Browne and Stephen McGregor. Among the tracks are Every Way Mi Go, Your Chick, He Is At My House (Feat. Eve), My Way, Me Hold Yuh, Muscle Control (Feat. Camar) and I Can’t Wait (Feat. Ding Dong).

IKAYA GETS HER ISLAND GROOVE ON


Ikaya’s single Hard Way is about choices, which is actually an appropriate theme for the direction of the singjay’s career just now. Ikaya recently made the choice to temper her hardcore act with conscious, reality-laced lyrics and this decision has been paying off.
That choice resulted in her voicing singles such as Amber Alert, These Tears and her current fascination, Hard Way.
“Other singjays started out singing and then when they couldn’t get the break in the dancehall they went into hardcore deejaying, but my management team did it the other way around,” Ikaya explained. “I came into the business as a good-up good-up deejay talking up the things and once people stopped to listen, I hit them with the reality lyrics, as a singer and they are still listening,” she noted.
Considered among the best of the crop of new female artistes to emerge in recent times, Ikaya is steadily cementing her fan base across the island. She recently performed in Highgate, St Mary alongside Bugle and in Brown’s Town, St Ann, with Portmore Empire deejay, Popcorn, as part of her island trek while on the popular Digicel Road show.
On September 11, the series continues and Ikaya will be in Portmore entertaining fans, while on the 25th, the show moves to May Pen in Clarendon. The series closes on October 2 in Junction, St Elizabeth.
Ikaya is looking forward to the embrace from her out-of-town fans, because, as she said with a bright smile, “when country people love you, them love you bad”.

September 08, 2010

FLIPPA SAYS HE'S NO SNITCH - SPEAKS ABOUT ISSUES SURROUNDING HIS ARREST


Having made what he admitted was a stupid decision, deejay Flippa Mafia is out of jail and back to getting his life on track.

Speaking with THE STAR yesterday from Philadelphia, Flippa Mafia, who's real name is Andrew Davis, discussed the reasons behind his arrest, months spent in prison, his release and future. Arrested in March, after he was allegedly caught trying to enter the United States illegally from The Bahamas via a boat, Mafia was released last week Tuesday from the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia.
Since his release, rumours have been circulating that he 'informed' to be free. Flippa said, "mi nuh have nutten a hide cause all dese people that are speculating dem don't know nutten. Is not like mi owe people nutten or haffi explain nutten but mi tyaad of di speculations and rumours and mi waan mek di fans know wha happen."
Flippa says he is involved in a criminal case in the United States that took place in 2006, in which he has to make appearances in court. In late 2009 at the peak of his career, Flippa was in Jamaica pursuing music and performing at various events. While in Jamaica, however, he was waiting for the renewal of his travel documents that was supposed to have been shipped here but up until March had not arrived.
He said: "Mi travel documents expire, mi come to Jamaica cause of music. Di case suppose to start April, January come, mi nuh get through wid di papers, February come, mi nuh get through. Then inna February, people start talk up how Flippa deh a Jamaica so long, and all dese things and mi mek wah people a sey get to me and mi mek a stupid decision based on wha people a sey."
In an effort to save himself any embarrassment and to make sure he got back in the United States for the case, the artiste admitted having gone to The Bahamas in an effort to re-enter the United States.
He added: "Mi do wha mi do and mi regret it, not like mi proud of wha mi do, is the same embarrassment weh mi a guh true right now mi did a try avoid from den. All a dat done and gone. Now a lot of people a ask and sey how me come out, me a mus informa, mi cyaan stop people from thinking wah dem waan and wah dem sey but mi have a case and is not like dem a go send me home just so."
After his release last week, Flippa says he went straight home to his family and children. His travel documents, he says, are currently on hold until the 2006 case is closed. His next court date is set for November.
For Flippa, he says, even if he is sent home he will not be a 'regular deportee' but a 'returning resident.' "Mi have mi place here mi nah beg nobody nutten, mi have mi ride, mi alright if mi come home. Deportee a people weh nuh have nutten, mi a returning resident as mi sey is foundation over hype and nobody can't stop mi from floss, is a lifestyle for me," he said.
Since the incident, the deejay says he has learnt a lot, got more mature and will resume his recording career. Flippa says he is not going to let what happened affect his career, "people can expect di typical Flippa, nutten nuh change. Mi just go through a likkle phase and is a eye-opener and mi hope mi nuh haffi go through none of dem ting deh again. Mi just waan tell mi fans mi sorry but its the same me and I'll focus on the nice song dem like Dem Yah."
SOURCE: www.jamaica-star.com

September 06, 2010

VENUS WILLIAMS' DRESS GIVES HER PROBLEMS DURING U.S. OPEN WIN



By Chris Chase

Opinions on Venus Williams' pink, sequined dress with matching Bedazzled tennis underwear will vary, but on one thing we can all agree: It was quite a distraction.
Though Venus defeated No. 18 seed Shahar Peer in straight sets during their third-round match at the U.S. Open on Sunday, the tightness of Venus' self-designed dress clearly gave her issues throughout the match. During most points the tight garment would ride up Venus' hips, revealing her undergarments for everyone to see. Before the next point began, Venus would have to pull down the sides of the dress. The routine captivated the announcers in the CBS broadcast booth, who talked about the form-fitting dress for much of the match.
Source: sports.yahoo.com

September 03, 2010

Nicki Minaj Races to the VMAs


The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards are getting a double dose of Nicki Minaj. Earlier today, the network announced that the Young Money raptress would be performing during the pre-show broadcast, and now, the Best New Artist nominee is getting her swerve on in a new promo clip for the ceremony.
Set to the tune of her hit “Your Love,” a young Nicki poses in the mirror, dreaming of one day ruling rap. But as the clip progresses, Minaj is shown dolled up like a classic ’50s debutante and zooms into the present as she hops on a motorcycle and speeds through the California streets.
“Ever since she was little, she dreamed of dominating the world of rap,” says the announcer. “Now the world—and every man in it—is beneath her stilettos.”
Debuting tonight on MTV’s 10 spot, the promo clip is an early taste of what Minaj will bring during her performance at the pre-show event, airing on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. The award show, hosted by Chelsea Handler , will follow at 9 p.m.

IT’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL AS IKAYA PREPARES FOR RE TV TOUR


Recently returned to Jamaica from Toronto, Canada where she treated fans to her special flavour of reggae/dancehall, singjay Ikaya is ready to rumble on the popular RE TV School Tour.
A versatile act, Ikaya ‘s single Money ova Man and songs which form her “good girl medley”, have put her on the dnacehall map, but she equally well known for the conscious single, Amber Alert and the reality songs These Tears as well as Hard Way. Interestingly, the single Hard Way could have been written specifically for schoolers as it pierces the heart of a serious issue -- teenage pregnancy.
“These school tours is really about getting kids to focus on their books and to help them to understand that they must put education first and I am happy to be part of this,” Ikaya said.
The tour kicks off on October 26 and will run through the parishes every Tuesday in November.
Meanwhile, Ikaya was still feeling the effects of her Canada outing. According to her, there are few things which can bring out one’s patriotism more than an overseas show celebrating Jamaica’s independence. And in that regard, the Jamaica Day Parade in Toronto scored full marks as she, along with other artistes including Marcia Griffiths, Richie Stephens and Tinga Stewart captured the attention of the enthusiastic audience with music Jamaica style.
“The vibes were fantastic. Just seeing all those Jamaica flags waving in a foreign land and the smiles on peoples’ faces was heartwarming. It’s was such a special feeling to be part of this celebration,” the artiste who is managed by Outtaroad Records commented.
On her calendar of events for September is the Digicel tour on September 3 in Brown’s Town St Ann; September 11 in Portmore, St Catherine; September 25 in May Pen, Clarendon and October 2 in Junction, St Elizabeth.