I-OCTANE CONFIRMED FOR REGGAE SUMFEST

...Nuh Ramp Wid We #1 on charts

International recording star I Octane continues to blaze a brilliant trail as the hottest artiste to emerge on the dancehall scene in the last 18 months.

He has now been confirmed to perform on Dancehall Night at this year's Reggae Sumfest concert. On Wednesday night, he delivered an incredible performance after the climax of the boxing match to decide the winner of the first Wray and Nephew-sponsored Contender reality TV series.

Last week, I Octane journeyed to Canada to perform at the Rozz Restaurant Complex in Brampton, Ontario. He did extensive radio and TV promotions for two days before the event and the promotion paid immediate dividends as the show was sold out. Long queues stretched from the venue and around the block as Canadians clamoured to see the Nuh Ramp Wid Mi singer.

I Octane hit the stage a few minutes after 2 a.m with Nuh Love Inna Dem , followed by My life. He got huge forwards for hits Puff It, and Lose a Friend, and his new songs, Mi Nuh Dream Bout Bwoy and Badmind Fi Di Year were well received by the jam-packed club.

He returned to Jamaica on Easter Sunday and headed straight to Montego Bay where he performed at the 'Live on the Water Front' concert at Pier one in Montego bay. The artiste entered the stage at about 3 a.m. after the performances of Bounty Killer and Aidonia, and energised the venue with a marquis performance.

Backed by the Ruff Kutt band, Octane was in a fiery mood, spitting out a steady stream of hits to a delirious audience. On Easter Monday, he performed at Portmore Seafood Festival where he grace the stage at 11 p.m, closing the show with his many hits. Then he dashed off to perform at the Jamaica International Kite Festival where he performed after Kip Rich, rocking the audience with his hits, especially Nuh Love No Inna Dem.

In the meantime, Octane's 'Nuh Ramp Wid We' has hit the # 1 spot on the Captain Bakery Fi Wi Choice top 20 music chart, and it is roaring up the Hype Tv Top 20 music chart, jumping to #12 this week . The video for the song is also on all the major music charts.

Kartel says...'NO MORE GUN, WAR BADMAN LYRICS'

• Controversial deejay Vybz Kartel says he will no longer be recording counteractions, war, gun, and bad man lyrics in his songs.

Speaking with The STAR yesterday, the deejay said that he made this decision because he has moved past persons trying to get a 'hype' off his name and he is trying to distance himself from negative associations.

"Me stop do gun song and bad man lyrics," he said. "I did a song called

Bad Up Yuh Mada and everyone and their mada counteracted it. Well, I got news for them. Dem a war wid demselves, cause I ain't giving them the time of day, hush yaw insects and parasites. I must be Twitter cause everybody a follow me."

He added, "With that being said

, the record must show that firstly Big Bad And Brave, secondly Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten and thirdly Clap It Up were all released this month just in case people hear them and think I'm going against my word."

Kartel has been known throughout his career for recording gun and bad man lyrics in songs such as War Nah Talk Over,12 Gauge, Broad Daylight, When We A War, Weh Dem A Go, Kill Dem All And Done and more.

He has also done a number of counteractions aimed at former rival Mavado, former mentor Bounty Killer, and the Alliance. Kartel however says, "I just think it's played out now and I don't have time for the negative associated with it or the other artistes who seek to counteract them as a means to reignite their mediocre career. It takes away from creativity."

'usual Kartel topics'

In the future, Kartel says he will not be responding to any lyrics aimed at him directly or indirectly. He said, "Why should I? It's all about Gaza, Gully and I-Octane, so anyone who wants to bridge the current, so to speak, will have to do so with creativity and originality. Not mediocrity and frivolous banter."

He added, "I wonder if these artistes don't feel shame or they don't have any shame. I did a song saying 'call up me name jus fi get a forward' and it seems like that song just fell on deaf ears, because they're doing it now more than ever. But you know what? More than anything, I feel sorry for them."

As to whether he will do these songs during stage-show performances, the deejay said he had not done a gun song for close to a year. He added, "Only since this year I did Real Bad Man, Clap It Up - both of which I regret doing and Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten. With the exception of Duppy Know, I don't think I will be performing those songs."

The artiste says that even with his stance, his songs will still be lyrically interesting and fans can expect the 'usual Kartel topics.' He disclosed, "remember I'm a person who sings about my life. And in my life there is never a dull moment."

Source: jamaica-star.com

POLICE LIST SPRAGGA BENZ AS MAJOR PERSON OF INTEREST

• Deejay implicated in Dunkirk triple murder

POPULAR dancehall Deejay Spragga Benz, was this afternoon listed as a person of interest by the Kingston East police. Investigators want to interview Spragga Benz, whose real name is Carlton Grant, in connection with the triple murder last night in the McIntyre Villa area of the Division.

Police have identified two of the dead men as 49-year-old Peter Escoffery, otherwise called 'Stumpy' of MacIntyre Villa, and Kenique Richards, otherwise called 'Runkus' of Lincoln Terrace.

About 11:40 pm, Escoffery and Richards were among several men at a shop watching TV when a group of men armed with high powered guns alighted from a motorcar and opened fire at them. Richards died on the spot. Escoffery and another man were taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead and the other man admitted in serious condition.

The third man has since died, police report.

Grant must report to the Police personnel at the Elletson Road Police Station by 2:00 pm tomorrow, police stated.

Persons with information on the whereabouts of Grant are asked to contact Operation Kingfish at 811, Crime Stop at 311 or Police Control Centre at 119.

Source: jamaicaobserver.com

Nicki Minaj Plans To Make Announcement About Second Album In September

by Rashad Phillips

While finishing her "Super Bass" video, Nicki Minaj says she'll have an announcement about her sophomore album this fall.

Since releasing her debut album, Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj has been certified platinum and set a record by becoming the first female rapper with seven different songs on Billboard magazine’s Top 200 singles chart. In between performance dates on Lil Wayne’s “I Am Still Music” tour, Nicki dropped a few hints about a potential follow up effort.

“You’ll get another album within 12 months,” Nicki told JoJo of LA’s KIIS FM. “I always write stuff down as they come. You’ll get the announcement for the next album in September. That’s all.

In addition to the tour and collecting concepts for her sophomore effort, Nicki is still promoting Pink Friday. She says fans can expect something within the next week or so.

“I put my Barbs on detention yesterday because they were yelling at me and threatening to beat me up and kill me over the ‘Super Bass’ video,” Nicki added. “Last night I approved the final ‘Super Bass’ edit. So now it’s out of my control and I’m hoping you’ll get it before the week is out. But if not, you’ll get it at the top of next week.”

Source: hiphopdx.com

Rihanna's 'S&M' Tops Billboard Hot 100, Breaks Two Chart Records; Lady Gaga's 'Judas' Debuts

By Gary Trust, New York

Rihanna's "S&M" rises 2-1 on the Billboard Hot 100 to be released tomorrow (April 21) on Billboard.biz, granting the singer her 10th No. 1 on the survey and ownership of a pair of historic chart records.

Having first reigned atop the Hot 100 the week of May 13, 2006, with "SOS," Rihanna logs the shortest span between a solo artist's first and 10th No. 1s in the chart's 52-year history, a stretch of four years, 11 months and two weeks. (This week's charts are dated April 30, 2011).

Rihanna bests the five-year, four-month span between current Island Def Jam labelmate Mariah Carey's first ("Vision of Love," Aug. 4, 1990) and 10th ("One Sweet Day," Dec. 2, 1995) toppers to complete the quickest sprint to 10 Hot 100 No. 1s among solo artists. (Carey collected the first 15 of her 18 career No. 1s while signed to Columbia Records).

Among all acts, Rihanna trails only the Beatles (one year, eight months and one week) and the Supremes (two years, eight months and three weeks) for the fastest accumulation of 10 Hot 100 No. 1s.

Rihanna is additionally the youngest artist to notch 10 No. 1s in the Hot 100's archives. At 23 years, two months and one week, Rihanna (born Feb. 20, 1988) eclipses the mark established by Carey, who was 25 years, eight months and one week old when she tallied her 10th Hot 100 leader.

Rihanna is just the ninth artist to total at least 10 Hot 100 No. 1s and the fifth solo female, following Carey (18), Madonna (12), Whitney Houston (11) and Janet Jackson (10). (The Beatles lead all acts with 20 career No. 1s; Michael Jackson has the most (13) among solo males. In addition to the Supremes (12), Stevie Wonder (10) is the other act with at least 10 Hot 100 leaders).

"S&M" ascends to the Hot 100's summit fueled by the first full week of digital sales for the song's "Rih-mix" featuring Britney Spears. All versions of the song, which claims the Hot 100's Greatest Gainer/Digital award and becomes Rihanna's record-extending 10th No. 1 on Hot Digital Songs, sold a combined 293,000 downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan, a 108% increase over last week. The Spears-assisted version of the track accounted for 66% of the song's overall weekly digital sum.

"S&M" spends a third week at No. 1 on Hot 100 Airplay (124 million audience impressions, according to Nielsen BDS).

Now listed as featured artist on "S&M," Spears earns her fifth Hot 100 No. 1 and second this year, following her own "Hold It Against Me" in January. She had previously reigned with her debut single "...Baby One More Time" in 1999 and returned to the summit with "Womanizer" (2008) and "3" (2009).

"S&M" displaces Katy Perry's "E.T.," featuring Kanye West (No. 2), after three weeks atop the Hot 100. Although the song's airplay continues to build, as it spends a second week at No. 2 on Hot 100 Airplay (122 million in audience, up 13%), securing the Hot 100's Greatest Gainer/Airplay nod, its digital sales decline by 12% to 284,000.

The Hot 100's highest debut belongs to Lady Gaga, whose "Judas," the heavily-anticipated second single from "Born This Way" (due May 23), soars in at No. 10.

After being serviced to radio and released to iTunes Friday (April 15) afternoon, "Judas" charges onto Hot Digital Songs at No. 4 with 162,000 downloads sold.

By comparison, "Born This Way" began with sales of 448,000 on the Hot Digital Songs chart dated Feb. 26. "Born" was similarly posted to iTunes on a Friday (Feb. 11), although it arrived at the retailer in the early morning (ET), whereas "Judas" hit the online store early Friday afternoon. (The SoundScan tracking week ends at the close of business each Sunday night).

On Hot 100 Airplay, "Judas" starts at No. 48 with 26 million in audience. ("Born" launched at No. 6 on Hot 100 Airplay with 78.5 million in audience, both a record debut rank and first-week audience sum since the chart began incorporating all radio formats in December 1998).

Benefitting from the buzz of being an album's lead single, "Born" became just the 19th song to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100. Still, the No. 10 start for "Judas" marks Lady Gaga's third-highest entrance; "Bad Romance" - the lead track from her "The Fame Monster" EP - debuted at No. 9 in November 2009.

Following its first full week at retail and radio, "Judas" could vault to the upper reaches of next week's Hot 100.

Rounding out the rest of this week's top 10 on the Hot 100, the Black Eyed Peas' "Just Can't Get Enough" holds at No. 3, followed by Jeremih's "Down on Me," featuring 50 Cent (6-4), Cee Lo Green's "F**k You (Forget You)" (4-5), Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" (10-6), Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now," featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes (7-7), Jennifer Lopez's "On the Floor," featuring Pitbull (9-8), and Britney Spears' "Till the World Ends" (8-9).

All charts, including the Hot 100, Hot Digital Songs and Hot 100 Airplay, will be refreshed tomorrow on Billboard.biz.

Source: Billboard

KONSHENS LIVES IN THE HEART OF THE STREETS

When asked to name the one thing he’s happy about career wise right now, deejay
Konshens, without any hesitation, said: “Being in Jamaica and performing for my
fans here at home.”
The artiste, who spent part of 2009 and most of 2010 on overseas tours –
promotional and otherwise – took the informed decision to come off the road in
2011 and “focus on yaad”. This, apparently was a wise move as it is working like
a charm. Konshens has been making himself available for local shows and the
response from his fans has been heartwarming, he confesses with an appreciative
smile that lights up his entire face.
Konshens, who has a full repertoire consisting of old and new material, recently
performed at the Irie FM roadshows in the parishes of Portland and St. Mary
and, at the end of the sessions, easily reclaimed his space in the dancehall.
In fact, some would say that it was as if he had never been on a short hiatus
from the local stage.
As Konshens reeled off hits like Winner, Rasta Imposter, This Means Money,
Good Girl Gone Bad, Gal Dem A Talk, Realest Friend, Represent and Forward, the
fans embraced him and sang the songs word-for-word. The deejay took command of
the stage, communicated with the audience and gave them “more pon more”. The
crowd loved it and readily showed their high-spirited appreciation.
“It was a good feeling, plus it made me realize that even though I have work to
do in Jamaica, it’s not as much as I had thought. The people still love the old
tunes and they have taken on to the new songs. Konshens lives in the heart of
the streets," he said. "This year we a ‘tun up di turbo’,” the deejay declared,
quoting from his latest single, Forward.
Meanwhile, Konshens is looking forward to upcoming local dates including Live on
the Waterfront at Mo Bay’s Pier One and Code Red Anniversary at Margaritaville
on Easter Sunday.

On Easter Monday, he leaves Jamaica for a show in Guyana.

I-OCTANE FEATURED IN THE APRIL/MAY INTERNATIONAL ISSUE OF VIBE MAGAZINE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK April 12, 2011: While artist, 50 Cent, maybe the face on the cover of the current Vibe Magazine, Jamaica is definitely represented both on the cover, small photo of the Jamaican flag and Bob Marley and Usain Bolt's name listed, and in between the pages.

Jamaica's latest export, I-Octane has also been featured in the International April/May Issue. The music and entertainment magazine which predominantly features R&B and Hip-Hop artists, has featured top billing entertainers such as Mary J. Blige, the late Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Ciara, Eminem and a long list of others. I-Octane remarks, "It feels good t

o know I am featured in a well known International magazine like Vibe. And I give thanks for Rob Kenner, who gave me the opportunity to introduce I-Octane to a wider editorial market."

The article, titled Gassed Up delves into what the artist thinks about his new found fame, reggae music, Grammy Award and beefs. Read the article in its entirety below.

As told to Rob Kenner:

In seven months, I-Octane broke through the dancehall and merged into the fast lane. Jamaica's most explosive act explains his sudden acceleration.

LOSE YOURSELF

The breakthrough for me was when I left Arrows. You have to weigh your pros and cons. I lose nuff things, but [when] I started to do my career on my own, I hired my own publicist and put all the things in place that was missing. I left in February 2010, and by August I was the number one artist in Jamaica.

SELL OUT. . . IN A GOOD WAY

You have to look beyond the box. Me wan go everywhere with reggae music. Me wan collect a Grammy Award and say, "Selassie I"

IN THE BUILDING

Bob Marley's brand is bigger than the music. Everything comes in one package. Your attitude haffe be right. You haffe have an image that's marketable. Not saying you sell out, but you haffe learn to adjust and adapt. And I don't sign to nobody. Me wan bring my brand to a level. Me nah look for this local thing and sign to a company and them just do me

like how them do the rest of the artists. No.

NO BEEF DIET

We've had a whole heap of distraction in the music over the years. We have Beenie Man and the Bounty Killer feud. And then we have the Mavado and the Vybz Kartel Gaza and Gully thing. Some artists even try to get involved in the feud just to get them name buzzing. But I was the only one that stands out. We have a tunnel vision towards my thing.

TRADE VALUE

You have some artists in Jamaica, and them making money but them nah invest back in themself. Them prefer have 10 girlfriend and pay 10 rent -but them wouldn't even make a good video. Everybody try to hustle the music, and the well run dry. Me never really give up, because me love music. If I wasn't doing music, maybe me woulda been a gunman or something. Music is something that save me. So me haffe try save back the music.

-End-

In addition to the Vibe Magazine feature, I-Octane resumed his "My Life" tour after shooting two music videos in Jamaica and releasing over seven new singles. I-Octane has two songs featured on VP Records compilation CD Ragga Ragga. The CD, which was released on March 29, 2011, features the singjay's hit singles "No Love Inna Dem" and "Nuh Ramp Wid We." Added to the list of performances that the singjay has schedule through the end of June, I-Octane will perform on this year's Best of the Best Festival in Miami on May 29, 2011. He will share the same stage with Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Assassin, Alison Hinds, Trina, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson and more.

Source: Triple 7 Entertainment

MASTER ONE PRODUCTION LAUNCHES OUT

Master One Production Company’s creative output has been speaking for itself in the entertainment arena. Label artiste Denno is quickly making a name for himself through their input and marketing.
Another brand from the company is their compilation CD entitled First Born, which features artistes such as Richie Spice, Elephant Man, Luciano, Sizzla, Bascom X, Chrisinti, Alozade, Hawkeye, Turbulance among others.
Now the company will be ‘officially’ introducing itself to the Jamaican public at their launch on Wednesday, April 20 at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston at 7:30pm.
CEO of Master One Production Jyorken Kennedy is no stranger to the music business.
Starting from an interest that developed from learning to play the piano while a student at Edwin Allen Comprehensive High School, he continued this trend when he migrated to the States continuing his high school education at North Miami Beach High where he took part in various music classes.
Kennedy was a member of several bands including a jazz band, the marching band and the concert band as well two highly ranked choirs at his school.
Being the practical person he is, Kennedy also took a finance course this propelled him into various supervisory and management positions.
With a steady job secured, a wife and two kids, Kennedy was back to his first love – music- it was this love that saw him going into music production.
He appropriately name his first compilation rhythm First Born an up-tempo one drop reggae beat, produced right here in Jamaica.
That project was done in 2005 and saw Kennedy heading back to the States to focus on automobile finance business.
Kennedy was lured back to the music while on the set of Richie Spice’s trouble In The World video shoot where he met Carlington ‘Bouka’ Carter who introduced him to Derrick ‘Denno’ Pinnock.
It wasn’t long before Kennedy undertook the task of charting Denno’s career producing singles such as Make It, Mi Feel It, and Dem Nuh Real. Master One’s latest production with Denno Cah Stop Dah Yute Yah is now getting impressive airplay.
What are his future plans for his now thriving music company…all that and more will be unfolded at the launch with Big A and Ron from Irie FM acting as host for the evening.

VIDEO: Nicki Minaj Talks Beyoncé, Britney, & Barbie

Nicki Minaj caused a media frenzy when she hit the carpet in a colorful getup at Casio’s TRYX OUT: NYC 2011 launch party at New York City’s Best Buy Theater in Times Square. Making her way down the press line, the big-haired raptress tackled questions thrown her way.

When Rap-Up.com asked her if she had collaborated on Beyoncé’s upcoming album, she replied, “Unfortunately no,” crushing the dreams of their collective fan bases. She also addressed reports that she is in talks to open for Britney Spears’ summer tour. “We’re talking to Britney. I can’t confirm or deny the Britney rumors at this time, but you never know,” she said with a smirk.

And if you expect to see a Nicki Minaj Barbie doll in the near future, think again. That will not be happening right now, according to the head Barb.

Source: rap-up

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POPULAR NYC DJ MR. CEE ARRESTED FOR SEX ACT WITH MALE

Update (Monday 11 a.m.): The story that set the internet on fire last night has now been confirmed as DJ Mr. Cee’s arrest record is available online. Cee, real name Calvin Lebrun, was released later that day on his own recognizance after being arrested for lewd conduct.

Rumors of Mr. Cee engaging in homosexual activity have run rampant for years with Wendy Williams indirectly referring to him on her radio show.

Lebrun’s fellow HOT97 DJ, Funkmaster Flex, took to his blog last night to deny the story, however Lebrun’s arrest record is available online. Cee has yet to confirm the charges. Click here for more case detals

New York (Sunday 7 p.m.) — Hip-Hop website Hollywoodstreetking has posted a mugshot of HOT 97 DJ Mister Cee and an unidentified 20-year-old man claiming that Cee was reportedly arrested for lewd conduct.

Cee, real name Calvin Lebrun, was reportedly arrested this past Wednesday night after he was allegedly spotted receiving oral sex from a young man in a parked car.

The 44-year-old Hot 97 DJ was reportedly booked at Manhattan’s 1st Precinct, located at West Street and Watts Street.

Source: globalgrind.com

The Roots’ ?uestlove Calls Lil’ Kim-Nicki Minaj Feud a ‘Love Fest’

Following the leak of Nicki Minaj’s Lil’ Kim diss, ?uestlove has provided an interesting take on the rap divas’ battle. The Roots drummer believes their war of words is actually a way of showing love and if Nicki really hated Kim, she would have acted like she never existed instead of firing back. He encourages the “love fest” to continue as long as it remains on wax.

Read his commentary below and see if you agree.

its my personal belief that dissing/verbal (well & actual) pugilism is the most intense form of LOVE.

where your intent is to affect/infect em to the highest degree. i know that sounds contradictory (displaying harsh actions as a sign of affection) but if you see this in somewhat of a shakespearean (or maybe the hero/sidekick narrative of The Incredibles) one can only conclude that if Nik REALLY hated Kim…… she would do the most painful act of hate….which i pretty much know from experience (as loved and hated) the surefire slow burning-last-scene-in-kill-bill-way-to get under ones skin….is to act like they never existed.

(indifference is the opposite of love. not hate. which clearly this verse is not indifference)

long as this don’t end up the way kim’s last beef ended with Fox (member the hot97 shootout which pretty much landed kim where she is now) i say let em battle and continue this lovefest.

Source: www.rap-up.com

BEYONCÉ TURNS BACK TIME FOR NEW PHOTO SHOOT

The Beyoncé machine is ramping up again. After some down time, the pop powerhouse is staging her return to music. She was spotted on set of a photo shoot at a grungy motel in New Jersey on Thursday (March 31) with photographer Ellen von Unwerth, who shot Rihanna’s Rated R packaging.

It is unconfirmed exactly what the shoot was for, but the singer was dressed in ’70s-inspired garb, with a burgundy feathered coat, blue bell bottoms, and dramatic makeup.

What do you think of Bey’s retro look? Let us know!

Source: www.rap-up.com