June 29, 2012

I-OCTANE GEARS UP EXCITING TOUR FINALE



  • Looking forward to Sumfest

Kingston Jamaica - Singjay and Digicel Brand Ambassador I-Octane is eagerly anticipating the climax of his tour which saw him making stops in places such as Canada, parts of Europe and in the United States. 
It has been a busy season for the artiste with some impressive achievements under his belt. Not the least of which being four number one songs since the start of the year – Burn Dem Bridge, LOVE YOU, Jiggle Fi Me and Love Di Vibe.
Topping the charts has not been the only accomplishment for the artiste he has also signed a two year contract with Guinness for the Caribbean; he has represented the Digicel brand so well that he also resigned on for the second year straight.
With slow sales of reggae albums generally I-Octane managed to penetrate the lazy market with his debut album Crying To The Nation earning rave reviews in the process from music industry magazines Vibe, MTV Iggy and The New York Times. It also premiered in the number 7 position on Billboard Reggae Chart.
When it comes on to finding hits the singjay seem to have the midas touch – his latest single Who A Fool Dem on the Hell and Powder House riddim is proof of that. It has not been released a month yet and already it is receiving massive airplay on the airwaves and in the dancehalls.
Come Friday, June 29 the busy artiste will bring the curtain down on his tour at the St Kitts Jazz and Blues Festival.
“I have something special planned for my fans. I’m always at my best … but it’s jazz and blues – so you know it’s gotta be something extra,” he teased.
His next major assignment will be Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night on July 19 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.
His performance last year dominated the headlines – the ‘My Life’ artiste is promising another ‘wow’ moment for fans. 



June 26, 2012

BUSY SIGNAL PLEADS NOT GUILTY


POPULAR Jamaican deejay Busy Signal, pleaded not guilty to one count of failure to appear in court yesterday.
Busy Signal, whose real name is Glendale Gordon, is accused of fleeing the US to avoid a drug trial a decade ago
Gordon could face up to five years in prison if convicted on that count. He was ordered detained pending his trial.
He was charged in February 2002 with two counts related to cocaine trafficking. He fled before his trial was to begin in Minnesota and has been a fugitive for the past decade, Assistant US Attorney Andrew Dunn, said in court.
Busy Signal was detained by authorities in London last month who suspected he was traveling with false documents, including a passport that listed a different name. He was allowed to fly to Kingston, Jamaica, and was arrested at the airport there.
Gordon waived his right to an extradition hearing.
The cocaine charges still exist, but because of extradition treaties, any future prosecution on those counts would have to be worked out between the Jamaican and US governments.
Gordon's attorney, Bill Mauzy, said in court that the US doesn't have jurisdiction to prosecute Gordon on the drug charges.









June 19, 2012

BREAKING NEWS: Busy Signal Extradited


Jamaican dancehall entertainer Busy Signal was extradited to the United States this morning to face criminal charges in the state of Minnesota. 

Kingston Jamaica - He was flown out of the island shortly after 10 am. The entertainer was under heavy police custody this morning and shielded from media persons. 

A team of United States marshals arrived in Jamaica yesterday for the entertainer. 

The artiste, whose real name is Glendale Gordon, recently waived his right to challenge extradition proceedings. 

The dancehall star had been implicated in a narcotics offence and is being extradited for failing to appear before the court to answer charges in relation to the offence, allegedly committed in 2002. 

'Busy', as he is affectionately called by his fans worldwide, was greeted at the Norman Manley International Airport on May 21 by law-enforcement agents from the US, the United Kingdom, and Jamaica. As he stepped off the plane, the extradition warrant was executed on him. 

The Gleaner understands that the entertainer was returning from a tour in Amsterdam. His arrest came months after The Gleaner broke news that a prominent entertainer was on the radar of the US and was to be extradited
Source: The Gleaner 

Popcaan speaks out regarding 'Gaza' status and relationship with Vybz Kartel


Kingston, Jamaica - After weeks of silence and a plethora of rumors that have infiltrated Dancehall circles, internationally acclaimed Dancehall superstar, Popcaan has finally spoken out; addressing every topic of speculation that his name has been involved in in recent times.
With the Portmore Empire officially disbanding last month and fellow ex-member of the group, Tommy Lee stating during an interview on Friday that Popcaan was not a member of Kartel's newly formed PG13 stable, the Party Shot deejay has come forward to set the record straight amidst rumors of a falling out between himself and the self-professed Worl' Boss.
In a statement sent out to the media on Monday, Popcaan talked in detail about various topics, including his thoughts of the Portmore Empire's dissolution.
"The world already knows that my career was launched from the greatest dancehall school and business entity, The Portmore Empire/Adidjaheim Records led by Vybz Kartel. Since Vybz Kartel's incarceration in September 2011 I remained a loyal and contributing member of this unit until May 2012 when the Portmore Empire was dissolved," he said.
"Rumors started as early as September 2011 that I had left the Portmore Empire, this was not so. My actions in October 2011 were to seek booking representation as this very important function was no longer viable for me with the incarceration of the head of my management and booking company. To date I have no formal management or booking agreement and only since June 2012, with the dissolution of the Portmore Empire have I engaged the services of a lawyer to put these agreements in place."
"From September 2011 to present I have worked hard and stayed focused on my career with my main intention to make sure that the music from the Portmore Empire was being released and the brand remained in the forefront of the dancehall music industry. I feel that I did that to the best of my ability with the release of songs like Party Shot, Fry Yiy, Coolie Gal, Bad Mind, She A Gwaan Good, Nuh Sell Out and Step Like Dead and with performances all over the world."
Popcaan also talked about the reasoning behind him not being a part ofPG13 and even addressed So Unique Records head, Elvis 'Sounique' Redwood who he claims has been making several defamatory statements to the press since he declined to voice on one of Redwood's recent Aurora Skies Riddims.
On PG13, "Vybz Kartel has explained that with no negative intentions and with his blessing and the possibilities of working together in the future, he thinks I have shown where I can work with my own career and that he will form a unit named PG13 for upcoming artists and include two former Portmore Empire members."
Regarding Redwood, Popcaan intimated that, "Elvis Redwood has made it public that he is one of the producers working with PG 13 and he also keeps making defamatory statements about me. I know these are related to his disappointment because I did not voice on his 'Aurora Skies' Riddim and it did not pass Half Way Tree. Because of his reaction to this and the way he constantly refers negatively to me throughout the music industry and the media. My statement here is that I will never voice on any Riddim he produces."
"My main producers remain TJ Records, UIM Records, Young Vibez, ZJ Chrome, Not Nice Records and MixPak Records. I also record any riddims that I like by other producers."
Perhaps the most pressing issue that Popcaan addressed was his relationship with long time mentor, Vybz Kartel. For months, several Dancehall fans have queried why the Ravin' deejay has not visited Kartel since his incarceration last September.
Popcaan explained that he made several inquiries to law enforcement officials about visitation but to no avail while also stating that Vybz Kartel himself advised against such communication.
"Since his incarceration I have not visited Vybz Kartel, nor have any members of the Portmore Empire visited him to date. In September 2011 it was explained to us that only family members were allowed to visit at set times once a week. On several occasions when I enquired about visitations I was told that this was not advised. Later Vybz Kartel communicated through letters that I should focus on my career and stay away from the police. All our communication has been focused on updates on my career, my song releases and stage shows and general discussions as one would express in the present situation. Up until May 2012 when the Portmore Empire was dissolved we maintained a business relationship."
Nevertheless, Popcaan remains grateful to Kartel for creating vast opportuinities that he's managed to capitalize since joining the Portmore Empire.
"I am grateful and am loyal to Vybz Kartel for the opportunity of working with the Portmore Empire, for everything I learned from him about the music business, life, friendship and family. He is a brother, a father figure, "mi real chargie". He has influenced and will continue to influence my career as one of my favourite artists and from the day we met at the Chromatic party 'My Scheme' in Portmore in 2009 to collaborating on hits like Clarks, Hot Grabba, Never Fear Dem and other songs."
"I look forward to working again with Vybz Kartel and will be checking with producers to see what previously recorded material they may have that I can include on my album which I will start working on soon."
Popcaan also addressed rumors that Informer, a track done by Kartel and Tommy Lee was in no way aimed towards him.
"The song Informer was recorded by Vybz Kartel in August 2011 an added to by Tommy Lee in May 2012."
"These lyrics in no way pertain to me. To create friction and controversy, some persons have tried to dissect the song line by line but the fact remains that this song was not recorded about or toward me. Every word sang by Tommy Lee in this song could have been sung by me but this is the time for Tommy Lee to get the exposure and recognition from a collaboration with Vybz Kartel."
As for his status within the Gaza, Popcaan proclaimed, "I have never said and will never say I am not a part of Gaza. Gaza is my original home and foundation and I will always remain loyal to the Gaza."
"As I move forward and progress in the music industry I will use my success to bring forward other artistes like Vybz Kartel did for me and like Bounty Killer did for him."
"Unscrupulous persons have called me and my family members with threats on my life, my family’s lives and threats to bottle my performances. I will not focus on this as I remain committed to my music, my career and my fans. Thanks to everyone for all the messages of support and encouragement that keep coming to me from fans in the streets, the media, the music industry and all the social networks."
"I can only be myself and bring my own energy and vibes to the music industry, I remain the same fry yiy, hotskull, peppa skull, boil brain, popskull from 3 West Portmore dat Vybz Kartel buss to di world. Wi born unruly wid baay badness pack up all ova dat so…do remember…a di whole place a say fry yiy and the undisputed best mixtape of 2012, 'Yiy Change,' is still available for download at www.popcaanmusic.com. Listen for new music and look out for di fry yiy Ravin King coming to a city near you…big up di fans worldwide."
Source: outaroad

June 16, 2012

Bounty Killa, Lady Saw And Protoje Added To Reggae Sumfest



Montego Bay, Jamaica - Entertainers Bounty KillerLady Saw and Protoje have been added to theReggae Sumfest lineup.
Organizers of the festival sent an advisory informing the media that Bounty and Saw have been added to dancehall night. The two will now join the likes of Beenie Man, I-Octane, Cham, Konshens, Pop Caan, Ninja Man, Assassin, Aidonia, Kip Rich,Tommy Lee, Spice, Khago, Tifa, Jahvinci and more.
Meanwhile, Protoje is slated to perform on International Night 2. Other acts billed for that night are controversial R&B singer R Kelly, Damian ’Jr. Gong’ Marley, Third World, Christopher Martin and A. J. Brown among others.
International night 1 will feature World renowned dancehall deejay Shabba Ranks, r&b singer Trey Songz and Tarrus Riley. The night will also feature a Jamaica 50 Tribute featuring John Holt, Yellow Man, U-Roy, Leroy Sibbles, Mighty Diamonds, Leroy Smart, Derrick Harriott, Frankie Paul and Pinchers.
Reggae Sumfest, celebrating its 20th year will run from July 15-21 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay.

June 11, 2012

RICK ROSS AND THE MMG FAMILY ALONGSIDE I-OCTANE HEADLINES HEINEKEN BEST OF SUMMER


KUBANZ ENTERTAINMENT AND WORTHY YOUTH ENTERPRISE


Present

Heineken Best of Summer Featuring Rick Ross and the MMG family On Friday, June 22, 2012 at the UDC Car Park in NEW KINGSTON JAMAICA.

Performances by: International Hip hop  superstar Rick Ross & The Untouchable Maybach Empire along- side Reggae superstar I-Octane and other acts like Tifa, Masicka, Potential Kid and Aidonia.
Gate open @ 8pm

June 08, 2012

DAMIAN MARLEY, I-OCTANE LEAD LOCAL LINEUP FOR REGGAE SUMFEST 2012



This year's edition of Reggae Sumfest will feature several local superstar acts as they prepare to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary this summer.
Reggae Sumfest will take place from July 15-21 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, St. James and features several past and present Dancehall/Reggae megastars that are part of what promises to be an extremely impressive bill. Amongst the performance roster for this year's Sumfest staging is Grammy-winning Reggae singer, Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley, who will be showcasing his catalogue of recent smash hits such as Affairs of the Heart and Set Up Shop.
Additionally, legendary Reggae band, Third World will hit the Reggae Sumfest stage to perform many of their classics while highly acclaimed Reggae singers, Chris Martin, Tarrus Riley and I-Octane, who delivered a fiery performance with hits such as “Puff It”, “Lose A Friend” & “Nah Wash” just to name a few at last year's staging of the event was lauded by many fans and observers across the industry.
Some of Dancehall's elite will also grace the Catherine Hall stage as Konshens, who's been heating up the industry with efforts such as Stop Sign, Gyal A Bubble and Bad Gal will take to the stage while top level superstars such as former Portmore Empire deejay, Popcaan and J.O.P leader, Aidonia have also reportedly been confirmed for the show.
Meanwhile, there'll be a new night added to the week-long festivities as a Vintage Night, which will proceed on July 18, three days after a planned beach party to kick off Reggae Sumfest. Furthermore, the event looks to celebrate Jamaica's 50th year of Independence in style as the show will delve into the evolution of local music through each decade of the island's existence as a free nation. Several works of art and cuisine will be amongst some of the things on display during the event.
Reggae Sumfest 2012 will be sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, Pepsi and telecommunications powerhouse, Digicel, amongst several others.

IT'S A SUMMER OF "KRAZY LOVE" FOR DA'VILLE


Kingston, Jamaica - Almost at the completion of his successful tour of Germany, where he continues to woo fans and wave the Jamaican flag high, reggae ambassador Da'Ville is getting ready to unleash his eagerly anticipated album, simply entitled Krazy Love.

Released on the Fashozy label, an imprint owned by the singer, Krazy Love is the third full length studio album from the artiste and comes on the heels of a well-received mix tape, Vitamin D, which was released on May 22.  Da'Ville notes that Vitamin D was just one part of the prescription to heal his fans, and "everything comes full circle this summer with Krazy Love."

He emphasised, "Please note that it's crazy with a capital 'K' and there's a good reason for that."

Krazy  Love, which features the chart busters Took A Break, Your Swag, When I'm With You, Thug Like Me and You Got Di Ting, is set for digital release on June 19 and will be distributed by international company, Zojak. DaVille, however, will jump right into the fireworks with this album, as the physical copy will be released on the fourth of July, traditionally celebrated as Independence Day in the United States with a fireworks display that is unmatched.

And the lover's rock singer is hoping that Krazy Love will ignite more than a few sparks and rekindle the fiery passion for reggae music. "Reggae music has always had its markets and we need to take control of these markets and stamp our dominance. The time for playing is over. We have so much talent in the industry but we are still not getting out as many albums as we should and we are not pushing them as we should. No wonder the Billboard Reggae Album Chart is dominated by artistes who are not from Jamaica.  We know that reggae music is our gift to the world, but at the same time we need to cherish and protect what is ours," Da'Ville declared.

Da'Ville's debut album entitled In Heaven, helped to establish the singer's solo career, and by the time he released Always On My Mind, Da'Ville was indeed a force to be reckoned with on the international reggae scene.

Krazy Love will be distributed by Tads Records.

June 02, 2012

STATEMENT FROM ADIDJAHIEM RECORDS: "VYBZ KARTEL HAS NOT BEEN RECORDING MUSIC IN JAIL"


Kingston, Jamaica - June 2, 2012 : Adidjahiem Records would like to make it clear, that Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer has not recorded any material since his arrest in 2011. Any songs containing material from Vybz Kartel that were released after his arrest, were recorded by the artist in previous years.

Various songs containing material from Vybz Kartel have surfaced since his arrest, including a collaboration with Busta Rhymes and a song titled "Back to Life," which have sparked rumors that the artist has been recording at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre. Adidjahiem Records would like to make it explicitly clear that both songs were recorded prior to his arrest. The single "Wine and Go Down" by Busta Rhymes ft. Vybz Kartel was recorded at Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett's studio  in 2010 in a session that was broadcast live on ustream. The lyrics contained in "Back to Life" were also recorded in 2010.

"The lyrics from "Back to Life," that was released by U.I.M. Records, were recorded by Adidjahiem Records during the Dudus extradition - the original title was "Me Waan Go Home," says Elvis Redwood of So Unique Records, who was an in-house engineer for Adidjahiem Records at the time. "Those same lyrics were re-used on a different track to create "Back to Life." 

-end-

June 01, 2012

I-OCTANE CONQUERED THE LOCAL CHARTS


KINGSTON JAMAICA: Singjay I-Octane seems to be having the time of his life where his career is concerned. He is presently sitting pretty atop several charts with the single L.O.V.E Y.O.U.

So far the video has spent three weeks in the number one position on the reggae video chart on CVM’s Hitlist, and that’s not all, it is currently in the top spot for the second straight week on Hype TV VTX Top 10 Video countdown. 

The single’s success is no doubt fuelled by the popularity of the video as it’s now in the number one spot on the Entertainment Report music chart. L.O.V.E Y.O.U is also enjoying the top spot on Hype TV singles chart as well as Stampede Reggae Street Chart. The single also enjoyed eight weeks in a dominant position on FiWi Choice’s top 20 singles chart. But that doesn’t mean the waning of the artiste’s popularity as for the past three weeks his single Jiggle Fi Mi has been enjoying the number one spot on that same chart ... is there any stopping him?

The Digicel Brand ambassador’s mass appeal is not restricted to his music as on Labour Day, May 23 he came, saw and conquered the Bermudan fans.
So explosive was his performance that his fans there refused to let him leave the stage! In the end the decision was taken over by the police who called a halt to the concert!

I-Octane will continue his blistering trail when the tour resume this weekend in California where he is expected to make stops at Oakland, Long Beach and Santa Cruz. After that the artiste will continue the tour on June 15 in Boston, Philadelphia on June 16 and Connecticut, June 17.

Saturday, June 22 he heads home for a major performance in New Kingston which will see him sharing stage with American hip hop sensation Rick Ross, before rounding out his hectic schedule at the St Kitts Music Festival on June 29
.