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Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Gregory Isaacs Dead At 59
The "Cool Ruler" has died. Reggae great Gregory Isaacs, who earned that chilled-out honorific thanks to his natty dress and emphasis on romantic, yearning tunes, died at the age of 59 at his home in London following a yearlong battle with lung cancer, according to BBC News.
Isaacs, best known for his bubbling 1982 hit "Night Nurse," gained his nickname as a result of his 1978 album, Cool Ruler, on which he perfected the reggae style known as "lover's rock," a swaying, bouncy sound that mixed the insistent thrum and downbeat of the Jamaican islands with a 1950s R&B crooner-style vocal.
"Gregory was well-loved by everyone, his fans and his family, and he worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed," his wife Linda said in a statement.
Though his recorded persona was that of a sensitive, often heartbroken man, a Los Angeles Times obituary noted that Isaacs was blocked from taking up the mantle of the late Bob Marley as the next international reggae star as a result of his outlaw "rude boy" persona, which resulted in dozens of arrests over the years on drug and gun charges, as well as a serious cocaine addiction.
Isaacs, born in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 15, 1951, loved listening to American R&B singers such as Sam Cooke and Smokey Robinson on the radio as a child and began making a name for himself as a teenager in the 1960s, performing at talent contests and with other vocalists before going solo in 1970.
After a string of self-released albums and singles on his own African Museum label, he finally hit pay dirt with 1973's "My Only Lover," widely considered the first lover's rock tune. Like so many of his hits, it showcased his sensual, smooth tenor and kicked off a decade-plus run of chart-toppers that peaked in 1982 with the seductive "Night Nurse," recorded at Marley's Tuff Gong studios. In addition to his entrancing high and longing vocals, Isaacs used urgent moans and groans as the signature punctuation on some of his most beloved songs.
In keeping with his outlaw image, Isaacs was unable to celebrate the hit because he was serving a six-month prison sentence in Jamaica for unlicensed handgun possession. "I'd say he's one of the three geniuses I've known in the reggae music business, and I've known everyone," said Gary Himelfarb, who released several Isaacs albums on his label, RAS Records, in the 1990s.
"Gregory was the kind of person who could walk through a room of 20 people and come out the other side and tell you what everybody was wearing," added Himelfarb, known professionally as Dr. Dread. "He could sit at a piano and compose incredible tunes. He was really brilliant. He was on a whole other level than your typical Jamaican artist."
While the combination of his legal troubles and the ravages of drugs on his subtle voice contributed to his unreliability, Isaacs nonetheless became an inspiration to a new generation of reggae stars through his combination of lover's rock and more politically charged tunes, such as "Black Liberation Struggle."
Son and fellow reggae singer Kevin Isaacs, who appeared on the joint 2000 album Father and Son, tweeted a tribute to his dad Sunday night, writing, "R.I.P Dad, you're a great father to me and my Idol. That's all I can say for now, I'm hurt. My dad just died. Give thanks to all his supporters."
Though he was said to have recorded 500 albums in his career, the Times said Isaacs put the number at closer to 200. His final album was 2008's Brand New Me for the African Museum label.
Share your well-wishes for Isaacs' family in the comments.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Top 5 Reasons Not to Trust Water in the Street
Not to be ungrateful for the rain but if you are a pedestrian, Kingston is one really nasty place to be when it rains. What’s worst is if you happen to get caught Downtown Kingston in slippers or the unthinkable, getting splashed by some inconsiderate driver. Here are my top five reasons why you should never get caught downtown in the rain.
5. Usually when it rains the earth looks refreshed and new. There is crispness about the air and the earth shows you that yes I am happy for the rain. This is not the case in Kingston. Instead of green and happy there is a putrid gray that looms over the entire area and everywhere you walk you think oh god this is so nasty.
4. Every pool of water is a guaranteed cocktail of the nastiest germs ever. If it happens to touch your skin no matter if you bath in bleach, peroxide and hospital strength alcohol you are going to get some sort of skin infection.
3. At some point in our history some people got together and decided that to use trash receptacles; were no longer where trash goes. As a result you find everything depending on the street from baby diapers to juice bottles all over the street. What is funny is the trash bin will be completely empty while around it is full of garbage. When it rains guess what gets mixed with that lovely rain water?
2. Some men are so NASTY they relieve themselves in every corner they find now if this corner has the pungent aroma of ammonia and sometimes fecal matter on DRY DAYS what do you think is in this run off from this same corner.
1. One rule of thumb when dealing with bodies of water in Kingston is to take it for granted that this is sewage water. I know it might look clean and you might think it’s just a broken main or run off from this rain we are having but TRUST ME, if it didn’t start out as sewage water it got mixed with sewage water therefore you guessed it, its sewage water.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Caribbean Artistes UNiTE to End Violence Against Women
St Michael, Barbados:
Popular dancehall entertainer Bounty Killer, who has recently been before the courts after multiple altercations with female companions, is among a number of Caribbean artistes who have pledged their support for the eradication of violence against women in the region.
"He's definitely going to be getting involved in it. He acknowledges that he has been in situations like that before, so he wants to try and become a positive example by contributing to a cause like this and being able to talk to others who find themselves in these situations. So he will be putting a lot of energy into this project," said Bounty's manager, Julian Jones-Griffith.
However, he said they are yet to formulate exactly what form his contribution will take.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, made the announcement during the Caribbean launch of the UNiTE campaign to end violence against women, held at the Hilton Barbados, this week.
Grange said Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, had sent a message to her while she was at the conference, stating that he wanted to turn a new page in his life and was willing to be part of any programme that addresses the issue of violence against women.
The United Nations Secretary-General's campaign has been using Caribbean artistes to convey messages for a change from the form of abuse which continues to increase in the region.
Grange, who was chairing a panel on Caribbean artistes at the conference, said using artistes to convey the message for a transformed society was a positive move which would reap success.
"There is no doubt that if you want to increase public awareness and social mobilisation you have to use music," she said.
Dominican artiste Nelly Stharre expressed her delight for the opportunity to contribute to the change in society. She said artistes can make a difference through music by conveying the right messages in music. "A lot of time artistes don't understand the opportunity and responsibility we have to make a difference in society, more effective than our parents and teachers, even politicians," she said.
Stharre noted that it would take hard work and determination to tackle the problem which has been plaguing society for so long.
Adisa Jelani Andwele, an artiste, who is the UNDP spokesperson for peace and poverty eradication, and reggae artiste Masud Sadiki from St Kitts, are also working with the group.
The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) said artistes, due to their power of voice and personality, can make a tremendous contribution to the campaign by educating and sensitising everyone, who needs to join in the fight to end gender-based violence.
Popular dancehall entertainer Bounty Killer, who has recently been before the courts after multiple altercations with female companions, is among a number of Caribbean artistes who have pledged their support for the eradication of violence against women in the region.
"He's definitely going to be getting involved in it. He acknowledges that he has been in situations like that before, so he wants to try and become a positive example by contributing to a cause like this and being able to talk to others who find themselves in these situations. So he will be putting a lot of energy into this project," said Bounty's manager, Julian Jones-Griffith.
However, he said they are yet to formulate exactly what form his contribution will take.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, made the announcement during the Caribbean launch of the UNiTE campaign to end violence against women, held at the Hilton Barbados, this week.
Grange said Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, had sent a message to her while she was at the conference, stating that he wanted to turn a new page in his life and was willing to be part of any programme that addresses the issue of violence against women.
The United Nations Secretary-General's campaign has been using Caribbean artistes to convey messages for a change from the form of abuse which continues to increase in the region.
Grange, who was chairing a panel on Caribbean artistes at the conference, said using artistes to convey the message for a transformed society was a positive move which would reap success.
"There is no doubt that if you want to increase public awareness and social mobilisation you have to use music," she said.
Dominican artiste Nelly Stharre expressed her delight for the opportunity to contribute to the change in society. She said artistes can make a difference through music by conveying the right messages in music. "A lot of time artistes don't understand the opportunity and responsibility we have to make a difference in society, more effective than our parents and teachers, even politicians," she said.
Stharre noted that it would take hard work and determination to tackle the problem which has been plaguing society for so long.
Adisa Jelani Andwele, an artiste, who is the UNDP spokesperson for peace and poverty eradication, and reggae artiste Masud Sadiki from St Kitts, are also working with the group.
The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) said artistes, due to their power of voice and personality, can make a tremendous contribution to the campaign by educating and sensitising everyone, who needs to join in the fight to end gender-based violence.
In the meantime, UNIFEM has pledged to work along with the 'Sisters for Sisters' and the 'Brothers for Sisters' programme in Jamaica, as well as several artistes, to extend their cultural Caribbean artistes UNiTE to the island.
Related Articles
Bounty Killer Accused of Hitting Woman with a Hammer
Bounty Killer Goes to Church
Bounty Denied Bail
Bounty Beats Girlfriend
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Bounty Killer Accused of Hitting Woman with a Hammer
Bounty Killer Goes to Church
Bounty Denied Bail
Bounty Beats Girlfriend
Buju Gets Bail
By PAUL HENRY
henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Reggae artiste Buju Banton was this afternoon offered $250,000 bail in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in the United States.
But Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is still not in the clear as his lawyer David Oscar Markus will now have to seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his deportation to Jamaica. Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.
As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence.
He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.
henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Reggae artiste Buju Banton was this afternoon offered $250,000 bail in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in the United States.
But Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is still not in the clear as his lawyer David Oscar Markus will now have to seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his deportation to Jamaica. Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.
As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence.
He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.
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Monday, October 11, 2010
Better Mus Come official trailer
Been hearing good things about this movie. I might go on Wed or Thur so look out for a review or something. If you don't see one and want it just remind me about it.
Protojé Drops New Single
From: Jamaica Observer
With the impending release of his album The Seven Year Itch , Protojé has released a fifth single. The new track entitled Rasta Love features Grammy nominated artiste, Ky-Mani Marley.
The Don Corleon produced Rasta Love comes hot on the heels of Roll, released in August on the Minor Riddim. Both tracks will appear on The Seven Year Itch is slated for an early 2011 release. Protojé is currently anticipating his promotional tour this December in parts of Europe and the USA.
Artical Exposure Quickie
What if Dancehall Artists Used Their Real Names?
With the impending release of his album The Seven Year Itch , Protojé has released a fifth single. The new track entitled Rasta Love features Grammy nominated artiste, Ky-Mani Marley.
Marley delivers the catchy chorus describing the trials of a young woman involved with a rasta man while Protoje fuels the song's savvy verses. The track has reportedly caught on with fans in cyberspace since it was leaked on YouTube last week.
Most recently, the singer performed in Toronto, Canada at the Manifesto Festival of Community and Culture. His next major gig will be on October 17 at ARTical Empowerment Live!, the main event for the upcoming Manifesto Jamaica Festival of ARTical Empowerment. It will take place at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica. Protojé’s entire Indiggnation band is expected to perform.
Related Articles
Protoje Unplugged for Manifesto TorontoArtical Exposure Quickie
What if Dancehall Artists Used Their Real Names?
Did You Miss This?
VYBZ KARTEL SIGNS COMPASSIONATE ACT
According to sources deejay Vybz Kartel has signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, which he would have to cease all anti-homophobic lyrics or statements.
Stop Murder Music (SMM) France campaign received a signed copy of the RCA a few weeks ago. It has been alleged that a copy of the document, has the artiste's name and his signature, reports are that that he signed the document on September 22.
In 2007, gay groups in the US and Europe drafted the Reggae Compassionate Act, which called on dancehall acts to be more tolerant to homosexuals.
A concert, which was to be held at the Elysée-Montmartre on Sept-ember 24, with reggae singer Sizzla Kalonji, was subsequently cancelled due to efforts made by gay affiliates.
According to Auerbach Chiffrin, they will be keeping on eye on Kartel to make sure he "respects his words"….
Vybz Kartel and Russian at Odds?
There is word going around alleging that Vybz Kartel is in no longer in any working relationship or any relationship for that matter with ace producer Russian from Head Cuncussion Records.
It is alleged that the Russian had signed up several new artiste that Kartel had some interest in and has been working with artiste from the Bounty lead Alliance group. This seem to not sit well with Vybz Kartel and thus things seemed to have gone sour between them.
It is still being speculated that Vybz Kartel still beats his artiste and thus the new ones are not up for that and thus would rather roll with Russian from Head Concussion Records. It was also indicated that Kartel is trying to influencing Russian not to work with the alliance members...
Kartel and his team recently established the Gaza/Portmore Empire talent show to recruit new artiste and performers. The event will be ongoing until January 2011 where the winners would be awarded with contracts with the group. My advice to them is to get insurance and a body guard.
KONSHENS LANDED A MOVIE ROLE
Recording Artiste Konshens will take on his first movie role early next year in a film that will be directed by Gareth Cobran. Cobran, who is popular for music videos like Konshens' Realest Song and Protoje's Dread, said he would be doing his first film next year, with the dancehall artiste playing the lead role.
While remaining tight lipped about the name of the film, Cobran said he is in the process of developing a script and is also looking for some funding for the script. Cobran said the film will be an adaptation of a play written by Omall Wright and added that it is not the everyday kind of story that comes out of Jamaica but still very relevant to our culture. Konshens says he is excited about this new venture.
As for being in a movie, he said it would be his first time but he is definitely looking forward to the experience. Konshens also said he thinks Jamaican artistes should jump at opportunities like this to work on local projects, build and expand their selling power and star qualities.
TANTO BLACKS STABBED
Upcoming artiste Tanto Blacks was stabbed at least three times last Friday night, after he had an altercation with another man, said to be his friend of 17 years. Tanto explained that he was stabbed after he had asked the man, to vacate a place he had rented to him.
He said he rented the place to the man for a while now but recently gave him an eviction notice. According to Tanto, the tenant was reluctant to leave and decided to stay, despite being given adequate time to leave and identify somewhere else. Tanto said last Friday, he confronted the man who showed no immediate sign of wanting to leave.
He said he went into the house and began removing the blades from a window when he was stabbed in his back. A report was made to the police and following investigations, the alleged assaulter was arrested and charged. Tanto received treatment at the Spanish Town Hospital before getting additional treatment at a private medical practice.
Mary J. Blige. Gyptian Tour
Reggae artist Gyptian continues to sizzle this year as he now joins forces with the iconic Mary J. Blige. Gyptian will be breaking from his tour schedule to join the R&B queen on the England leg of her UK tour. He takes the stage on November 2 at The O2 Arena in London, the same venue Michael Jackson was slated to headline for his infamous 'This Is It' concert. Gyptian then heads with Blige to the LG Arena in Birmingham on November 3, before resuming his own tour. Gyptian has been touring consistently since releasing his current album Hold You this summer, even joining Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas on several dates of their recent 'Distant Relatives' tour in the US.
Gyptian was enlisted for Blige's new single, "Anything You Want," which is expected to be on her new album. The reggae-infused track also features Busta Rhymes and has been receiving steady airplay since its release in early September.
This exciting concert collaboration was secured by Planet Reggae, the new booking division of VP Records/Greensleeves Records, with AEG, the world's #1 concert production company.
"These are the opportunities that come about by having the #1 record label in reggae enter the live-touring business," states Neil Robertson, head of Planet Reggae. "Our brand lends credibility and comfort for the major international talent buyers. When you combine that with a great artist like Gyptian and a manager like Ivor Ruddock, who both understand the bigger picture, you can expect more high profile opportunities which are good for the whole genre."
Gyptian has been heating up the UK scene recently, with his performance at BBC Radio 1Xtra Live in late September, and will return on October 20 for the MOBO Awards, where he's nominated for 'Reggae Artist of the Year.'
Related Articles
Mary J Blige- Anything you want
Protoje- Dread
What if Dancehall Artists Used Their Real Names
A Silly Monday Post
Friday, October 8, 2010
That’s What a Monster Do
This song is insane Nicki Minaj has one of the best verses esp the part where she big up Mony Matterhorn I couldn't stop laughing, you just got to love Miss. Onika Tanya Maraj, but you can call her Nicki.
Just in case you are not familiar with the reference this is what she is talking about.
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What if Dancehall Artists Used Their Real Names
What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
In dancehall it’s all about the bravado and the image one portrays to the intended audience. Among other things dancehall is all about power, sex appeal and just raw energy. Now can you imagine if some of our most famous Dancehall artists opted to use their real god-given names? Really getting your head knocked in with a hammer from a guy named Basil is not as powerful as getting your ass kicked by Bounty Killer. Basil sounds like that dude who works at the art supplies store or at most a foundry. Good thing Jeffrey Campbell sounds like that surveyor you pay a lot of money to, who in turn does a crap job at road repairs. Good thing he decided to go through not one but two name changes from Assassin to now Agent Sasco. These fake names make them more mysterious, more bad ass and yes they just sound cooler.
By any other name would smell as sweet.
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
In dancehall it’s all about the bravado and the image one portrays to the intended audience. Among other things dancehall is all about power, sex appeal and just raw energy. Now can you imagine if some of our most famous Dancehall artists opted to use their real god-given names? Really getting your head knocked in with a hammer from a guy named Basil is not as powerful as getting your ass kicked by Bounty Killer. Basil sounds like that dude who works at the art supplies store or at most a foundry. Good thing Jeffrey Campbell sounds like that surveyor you pay a lot of money to, who in turn does a crap job at road repairs. Good thing he decided to go through not one but two name changes from Assassin to now Agent Sasco. These fake names make them more mysterious, more bad ass and yes they just sound cooler.
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| Oje Ollivierre Sounds like your 3rd Form Spanish Teacher - Protoje |
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| Windel Beneto Edwards- Gyptian |
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| Miguel Orlando Collins- Sizzla Kalonji |
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| Front Teet Gun Pon Teet Desmond John Ballentine not the same ring as Ninjaman |
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| O'Neil Bryan that has got to be the most boring name -Elephant Man |
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| I think whoever named this demon Adija Palmer knew what they were doing -Vybz Kartel |
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| Gully God David Constantin Brooks not the same power as Mavado |
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| Anthony Moses Davis |
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| If a selector called Dufton Taylor Jr. told you to "dash out yu hole!" Would you? Tony Matterhorn was the better choice |
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| Shabba Ranks should sue whoever named him Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon |
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| James Chambers- Jimmy Cliff, OM |
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| Toots Hibbert- Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert |
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| Mr. Lover Lover- Orville Richard Burrell not the same ring asShaggy Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names. ~Japanese Proverb Related Articles |
Friday, October 1, 2010
Prosecutor asks court to keep Buju locked up
BY PAUL HENRY Observer staff reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
If the US Government has its way, Jamaican Reggae superstar Buju Banton will remain behind bars pending the outcome of his retrial in December on cocaine and gun charges.
If the US Government has its way, Jamaican Reggae superstar Buju Banton will remain behind bars pending the outcome of his retrial in December on cocaine and gun charges.
In documents filed in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court, James Preston, the Assistant US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, said that Banton, whose registered name is Mark Myrie, was a flight risk, while urging that a bond motion filed on behalf of the entertainer should be rejected, "without any further hearing".
Defence attorney David Oscar Markus had on Tuesday filed the motion for bond, a day after Banton's cocaine and gun-possession trial was declared a mistrial because a 12-member panel of jurors was unable to reach a verdict at the end of three days of deliberation.
Among other things, Markus stated in the document that Banton was not a flight risk because of his fame, and that he was only denied bail before his trial that started on Monday, September 20 due to the revocation of his entertainment visa upon his arrest.
Markus stated in his filing that if the federal court were mindful to grant Banton bail, he would also seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his client's deportation so he could face his retrial.
The bail hearing is tentatively set for October 6, at which time a date for the retrial will be agreed.
But in his written objection, Preston charged that Markus failed to give legal support as to why his client should be released pre-trial, and noted that with this second motion for bond, Banton "wholly ignores the previous court order for his detention".
"The motion should therefore be denied," the prosecutor stated in the document.
Preston also rebutted the assumption by Markus that the Jamaican entertainer is not a flight risk because of his notoriety.
He added that Markus, in his motion, had failed to point out that the court had previously found that there were aggravating factors, based on the evidence, for Banton's detention outside of his immigration woes.
"The defendant has presented nothing new, other than a hung jury, for the court's consideration," Preston wrote, while adding, "The defendant again fails to rebut the presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure that the defendant is not a risk of flight."
Banton has been in jail since his arrest last December 10 when he was charged, along with friend Ian Thomas and James Mack, for conspiracy to possess and distribute 5 kilogrammes of cocaine and possession of a firearm during the furtherance of a crime.
Both Thomas and Mack, who were arrested hours before Banton at a warehouse buying the drugs from an undercover agent, have since pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in November.
Related Articles
Still No Gay Love for Banton
Buju Held for Cocaine Possession
Jurors Evenly Split on Buju's Fate
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Still No Gay Love for Banton
Buju Held for Cocaine Possession
Jurors Evenly Split on Buju's Fate
Lots of Rain Lots of Damage
Can anyone guess what happens when you don't take care of your environment and refuse to maintain infrastructure?
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