DEA Agent Testifies in Buju's Favour

Says he has no evidence reggae singer is a drug dealer
BY PAUL HENRY Observer reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

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.

Bounty Killer Accused of Hitting Woman With Hammer

Sometimes I feel so alone, I just don't know, feels like I been down this road before, So lonely and cold, It's like something takes over me, Soon as I go home and close the door, Kinda feels like deja vu, I wanna get away from this place I do, But I can't and I won't say I tried but I know that's a lie cause I don't And why I just don't know...
Eminem Déjà vu

Dancehall artiste Bounty Killer is again behind bars for assaulting a female companion at his Oakland Apartment on Saturday September 18, 2010. According to a statement from Deputy Superintendent Altermonth Campbell from the Constant Spring Police Station, “Mr. Rodney Price was arrested after a female covered with bruises reported that he (Bounty Killer) had used a hammer to beat her.”

DSP Campbell says from his experience and based on a trend, he believes some entertainers are having problems handling success. "I truly believe success is their problem,"

DSP Campbell said. In speaking specifically to the allegations about the 'Warlord', Campbell said; "Bounty is not a fool, for years he has been doing good songs so he is not a fool."

Killer will remain behind bars until his court date this Wednesday the 22 of September.
The incident comes approximately six months after Bounty Killer spent two weeks behind bars, after he was arrested by the same Constant Spring police for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The complainant, Kadeem Baker, eventually dropped her claims against him.

I had a dog name Hitman Wally and it learned not to shit in the house, and he is the DUMBEST dog in the world. Now if a dumbass like Hitman Wally can learn not to shit where he sleeps, why is it so hard for Rodney Price to learn that slapping around females is just not Kosher? Also does Bounty Killer have to kill one of these women before they learn not to pursue a ‘relationship’ with this serial abuser? Or maybe 19 stitches is now a groupie Medal of Honour?

Study You Friends- I-OCTANE

STUDY YOU FRIENDS BY I-OCTANE by khoolray

Second Buju co-defendant to testify against him

Signs plea agreement with US prosecutors
From:http://www.jamaicaobserver.com

James Mack, the second co-defendant in the case against Reggae singer Buju Banton, today agreed to assist the United States Government in seeking a conviction against him.

Mack affixed his signature to a 17-page plea agreement between himself, his attorney, Mary Mills and United States District Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Brian Albritton.

"Defendant agrees to fully cooperate with the United States in the investigation and prosecution of other persons, and to testify, subject to a prosecution for perjury or making a false statement, fully and truthfully before any federal court proceeding or federal grand jury in connection with the charges in this case," the plea agreement states.

Mack pled guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

The drug charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million, while the firearm charge five years to life and a fine of up to US$250,000.

The agreement stated that Mack, Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie and Ian Thomas negotiated the sale of cocaine with an informant.

In December last year, Mack and Thomas drove to an undercover warehouse in Saratoga, Florida and attempted to purchase seven kilograms of cocaine with US$135,810 before they were arrested by undercover agents.

A search of a Honda motorcar Mack was travelling in turned up an illegal handgun.

Last week Thomas signed a similar plea deal.

Mary J. Blige f/ Busta Rhymes & Gyptian – ‘Anything You Want’

From: http://www.rap-up.com

Mary J. Blige enlists Busta Rhymes and Gyptian for the Caribbean-flavored “Anything You Want,” a Jerry Wonder-produced joint expected to appear on MJB’s next album.

“Everyday, all I think about is you/ In so many ways, I need to show my love to you,” sings the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul before throwing it to Busa Buss, who blesses the Jamaican tune with a patois-delivered verse.

And with Gyptian warming up the track with his dulcet reggae vocals? You know it’s a wrap.

Debt and crime in Jamaica: The end of the beginning

From: http://www.economist.com

The state has taken on creditors and gangsters, but the economy is still weak

Sep 9th 2010

JAMAICA has long been one of the world’s most indebted and violent countries. This year the prime minister, Bruce Golding, made two belated attempts at shock therapy. In January the government opened a big debt swap. Four months later, security forces began a search for Christopher Coke, the country’s most feared gang leader. Over 70 people died in fighting in his supporters’ neighbourhood—which is also Mr Golding’s constituency.

Both initiatives were successful. The finance minister, Audley Shaw, says he appealed to creditors’ common sense and patriotism, noting that the choice was exchange or default, and that their holdings’ value would improve with the state’s credit rating. He also threatened to levy punitive taxes on holdouts. “I said if I have to haul us kicking and screaming into single-digit interest rates, I’ll do it,” he recalls.

It worked. Holders of over 99% of domestic debt accepted a cut in coupons from 17% to 11% and an extension in maturities of two and a half years. As a result, the government’s annual interest payments fell by 3.5% of GDP. That made possible new loans from the World Bank and IMF, boosting reserves by 70%. And the currency has gained 5% against the dollar in 2010.

Security gains have been just as impressive. In June Mr Coke surrendered and was extradited to New York. Parliament has set new minimum sentences for gun crimes, toughened bail requirements and extended the police’s powers of arrest. Since the start of June there have been 276 murders, compared with 444 in the same period of 2009. And 24% of this year’s killings have been solved, versus 19% in the first eight months of last year. The diary of Cedric Murray, a gangster shot by police last month, shows that criminals’ morale is slipping. During the May fighting he wrote, “I fired my AK-47 until my fingers were numb.” Two months later, he bemoaned his “wasted life”, and longed for his kids and a “good sleep”.

Yet these successes only underscore the depth of Jamaica’s problems. Private borrowers still pay interest of 17%. A stronger currency has eroded tourism earnings and remittances. Consumer demand is frozen: profits during the year to June at the dominant brewer, Diageo’s Red Stripe, are down by almost half from the year before. And the investment climate remains difficult. “A small man starting a business cannot succeed…unless he is willing to play all sort of games,” says Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the owner of Sandals, a resort chain.

Meanwhile, dissent is growing among police. On September 5th Raymond Wilson, the chairman of the police officers’ federation, griped of low pay and “pigsty facilities”, and said the government was “hell bent on destroying the police force.”

Mr Golding will need more successes to stay in office. His party spent 18 years in opposition before 2007 and a new election must be called by 2012. Lower government-bond yields and deficits win few votes. Nor will Mr Coke’s exit. Most gang leaders are still at large. Voters will need to see more and better jobs, and even fewer violent crimes, to return him to power.

Where's Sizzla?

Just in case you missed it:

Sizzla gets farm, settles in Zim
From: http://www.newzimbabwe.com

REGGAE superstar Sizzla Kalonji has ditched his native Jamaica and relocated to Zimbabwe after being rewarded with a farm for performing at President Robert Mugabe's 86th birthday celebrations in February.

“I am here to stay,” Sizzla told the state-owned Sunday Mail weekly newspaper. “Zimbabwe is home. I have received tremendous welcome.”

His spokesperson Olimatta Taal confirmed that rather than pay the artist in cash for performing at President Mugabe’s birthday bash Zanu-PF handed the Jamaican a farm located close to the town of Chegutu.

"Instead of giving him cash (for his performance) they gave him land. It is very honourable that he would take land instead of cash," Taal is reported as saying.

“He is in Zimbabwe because he loves Africa. He isn’t pro-Mugabe or anti-Mugabe, but he respects Mugabe as a leader.”

State-owned local media was quick to extol the development with the Sunday Mail declaring that the artist "was the latest and most important visitor to be swayed by the infectious Zimbabwean touch".

Olimatta Taal also said Sizzla’s Zimbabwe move had nothing to do with allegations that he was on the run from Jamaican authorities for gun crimes allegedly committed less than a month before President Mugabe's party.

"He (Sizzla) laughed when he heard the allegations," Olimatta Taal said. "He doesn't take it to heart."

A Jamaican online publication said the singer – born Miguel Orlando Collins – was arrested by police in Saint Andrew, Jamaica, on 29 January in connection with a shooting incident. He was released a day later when witnesses did not come forward.

A police spokesman said then that investigations were ongoing and suggested Sizzla "could be detained in the future, if the need arises".

Meanwhile Sizzla, 34, has been quite effusive in his praise for President Mugabe urging the veteran leader to "champion the cause of the return of the African people from the gates of hell they are living in Jamaica and the Caribbean."

"I think he's a good president, kind to his nation, just and true," Sizzla said of Mr Mugabe last month.

The Sunday Mail also stated that Kalonji had since been granted with a work permit and was working to consolidate business enterprises he has established locally to complement his singing profession.

“In Zimbabwe we have already started recording. I am also looking into areas Judgement Yard (his company) can invest in for the upliftment of Zimbabwean youths,” Sizzla said.

UPDATE

Sizzla leaves 'noble' Zimbabwe
From:http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com

Sizzla left Zimbabwe last Friday, telling reporters he would return to the southern African country with other reggae artistes. According to The Herald newspaper, Sizzla supported the government's controversial land reform programme, calling it 'noble'.

The reggae star first arrived in Zimbabwe for the 21st February Movement (a welfare programme for the country's youth) celebrations in the city of Bulawayo. He also performed at a party marking president Robert Mugabe's 86th birthday that month.

The Herald reported that Sizzla staged a farewell show in the capital, Harare, on September 6, where he mingled with fans.

Mugabe was one of the leaders of the revolution that toppled the racist regime of Ian Smith when the country was known as Rhodesia. He has led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.

But his land reform (seizing properties of mostly white farmers) has drawn strong criticism internationally. Critics claim Mugabe has given the lands to relatives and cronies.

Mugabe's alleged attacks on opponents have angered many world leaders including Nelson Mandela. The Herald said Sizzla had different views on the land reform.

"I'm happy that the leadership here is doing everything to empower the majority with the land reform programme and the black empowerment drive, which is a noble idea," the publication quoted him as saying.

Mavado-When You Feel Lonely

Radio Edit

JOLLY BOYS-Mento Music

Quarter Century of Cloth

What do you get when you cross an agricultural student, a nationalist and a designer? I don’t know either, but at some point in his life those labels stuck to The Cloth’s founder/designer Robert Young. While the name Robert Young and The Cloth may not be as household as that of a Prada or Moschino there is no denying the quality, innovation and strict attention to detail demonstrated by the line, which would rival the more popular global counterparts. The name emerged from a clever play on words of Young’s early fascination with the perks of the priesthood which at the time included a among other things a nice house along the Savannah in Port of Spain. Young states, “I am an artist that works with clothes.” It is very easy to see this in his line, as many pieces (Jackets, jumpers, bags etc.) while very wearable feel suited to be framed and hung at a focal point to be a topic of discussion.



In 1986 Robert Young along with artists Nathalie Phillips, Adel Todd and Camille Selvon out of necessity began pushing the boundaries of the clothing technology available by working and reworking designs. Printing, painting and making meaningful garments that they felt that could not be replicated by anyone else. The women would later move on to other projects and school respectively. With over 24 years in the business it is safe to say that Young is an expert when it comes to his chosen craft of fashion, design and clothing. Admittedly Young says he “fell quite clumsily” into design. Moving from an agricultural at CXC to a Lab Technician, the birth of ‘The Cloth’ came about more from necessity and capitalizing on the Structural Adjustment measures placed on the island. During this period some Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Jamaica had a ban placed on imported goods (clothing etc.) to save foreign exchange. Hence, citizens were only allowed to extract from the central bank approximately $200USD for travel per year. This gave many local industries the space needed to develop.




1997 Young had a show called ‘No Chorus Yet’. This intrinsically meant, “I have no definite way of doing anything yet!” Watching his show one would find that very hard to believe. As over the years the Cloth has become known for its unique shows, like opting for a live band to play in the centre stage during a show. This years Caribbean Fashion Week was no different. While all other designers had their models stomping the runway to the sound of over played and meaningless tunes, models for the Cloth walked pensively to the sound of a river meandering the runway mimicking the flow of water. As Young admits, “I have always had a story but the (design) process came about clumsily.”



At the end of the show instead of doing the customary walk of the designer trailing his designs Mr. Young had something more substantial than a wave and smile. Amid much microphone trouble the message was not lost. He said, “We cannot move forward if you don’t buy your own”. But how do we move forward? How do we move the Caribbean fashion industry from a third world odd ball to a first world fashion mainstay? Young confesses that it is not for his generation but for the ones coming up as much is currently lacking. Issues such as adequate capital to make economies of scale a sensible and profitable option or the ability to mass-produce to rival larger markets inhibit today’s Caribbean designers.



Instead we should first ask, “How can we get access (in our current state)?” Also, and possibly most important is, we must recognize that what we do has value. The smart options he presented were the development of high-end niche markets; develop interesting stories around our products, and ensure the quality is high. The key however is the reinvestment of profits and stemming the tide so common in industries in the Caribbean - that of flight of capital. What is needed is a revolution of the mind; in that we not only actively support local industries but in turn local employers pay staff better and where applicable explore the option of employees being part owners in the bran. Invest in real economies, instead of more abstract industries such as speculations and futures, thus minimizing the effects of a collapse of such unstable markets for example the Cash Plus/ Olint fiasco that still plagues Jamaica. The key for Caribbean islands is to build and or rebuild tangible industries thus creating real employment opportunities, instead of seasonal ones. Thus making a strong foundation for future generations and making it more attractive for present ones to invest, also there is a great need to harness the strength of the Diaspora through networking.




Young had a very pragmatic view of Caribbean leaders however, as he puts it “they are us.” Essentially our government deals with problems as we would in our limited experiences they try to make the best of what they have. They act only when there are accidents; it is through these accidents that set the wheels of change in motion. However, across the board respective Caribbean governments can assist in the stimulation of local industries by charging fewer taxes or even negative taxation on goods made and owned locally.





His advice to upcoming designers is priceless. That is, they need not be intimidated by the colonizing nature of fashion instead he encourages them to use life experiences to find new ways of doing things. Inspiration proliferates our rich history and culture for example Johnkanoo, Marcus Garvey and even more contemporary figures such as Bob Marley may be used to develop original points of views. In essence use them as practice until you find your footing.

Finally, Yong cautions that while “fashion is a dream space” it can quickly become a nightmare when designers misread the context or do very little in analysis of the message that their garments convey. Therefore a well-made dress in good fabric can send the message that the wearer is a whore when it was not the intention of the designer. This is the result when we perpetuate ideas, which we do not understand, or have any practical use for (for example a winter line).




One of the more entertaining statements made by Young during the interview was;
“If I could do what I want with these girls from Jamaica I would pull out all their weaves.” While very hilarious to imagine, (and a dangerous road for him to venture-women here are very serious about their weaves) it strikes at the core of us as a people missing the bigger picture, in what is fashionable and the disconnect of who we are. We constantly miss the value and beauty that we already posses, opting to replace the tangible and beauty concentrated with flash.



With all that’s said what other designers do Robert Young like? He mentioned Biggy because of his keen understanding of his niche. Japanese designers such as Issey Myake, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons, his contemporaries who always seem to shine a new creative light on concepts we think we know. This year The Cloth celebrates 25 year of hard work and timeless designs (for example the T.V. Tee-shirt) Tsh5. Stop by their facebook page to see upcoming events and also to order must have pieces. For those in Jamaica the only place to get designs by the Cloth is Kerry ManWomanHome (1876-929-2096).


the cloth cfw 10 from Robert Young on Vimeo.

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I know it's been a while now and I haven't done one of these WTF posts, I enjoy them hope you do too. This one I found on Facebook it's so ubiquitous in my feed I couldn't ignore it anymore seeing as, I kid you not... ALL my Jamaican friends have been either tagged in or shared this video at some point.

Patience - Nas & Damian Marley

UPDATE
Want to say a big thank you to Gio who sent me the original song which Patience was sampled from. Thanks again babe I love them both.

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You know something is wrong when the fake video is better than the original, and why Bambino have so much free time him nuh have no music fi go play?

ART'ical Exposure -Quickie

Soo sooooo sleepy but I really wanted to post this for all who missed ART'ical Exposure tonight. I got there late mainly because I one take forever to get ready and two really went to see Protoje's performance. There are alot of people out there who constantly complain about the state of Jamaican Music- its too this, its not enough that,no one plays instruments anymore, blah blah blah. To them I say SHUT THE HELL up get off your ass and look at what is REALLY out there instead of just what you hear on the radio and in some clubs.
Mad respect to the Manifesto Jamaica people for focusing light on the positives in Jamaican Art and when you go to the shows (post some dates later) please make a donation/contribution whatever you want to call it...zzzzzz-snot bubbles- Sorry What! NO I'M not sleeping. Well maybe i am just a little, i will post something sweet for you later when i am high on coffee for now enjoy your nights. Oh yeah Shaq (the rap about anything on the spot MC) was a real treat.

Jamaican Home Remedies II

Hey remember last year November when I promised you all very faithfully that I would post more on Jamaican Home Remedies and things my mom and gran gran use to alleviate whatever ailed me. Yeahhhh. Here are a few more.



Aloe (Aloe vera)
Family: Liliaceae
In folk medicine, the peeled leaf of the aloe plant is used in various ways. Some of the uses are for external problems: alleviating burns, the removal of scars, skin moisturizer, skin cleanser, hair conditioner, for teething and head fungus. It is sliced and applied to the area, or rubbed on the area. For healing cuts and swellings a piece is placed in warm water then applied to the affected area; for burns the fluid is drained and applied directly to the site.
In the case of improving internal problems such as gas, hypertension, colds, nerve conditions and gastrointestinal disorders, the peeled leaf is placed in water and soaked for four to five hours then drunk as required. For treating diabetes, it is boiled and drunk, as an anti inflammatory agent or blood purifier, one cupful of the blended aloe is taken over a daily over a one-week period. Aloe is also use to alleviate biliousness, insomnia and constipation. It may be taken as a tonic, laxative, purgative and appetite stimulant and to enhance the immune system.








Guava (Psidium guajava)
Family: Myrataceae
Locally, guava is one of the most effective plants use to stop diarrhea. The fruit is very high in vitamin C. Other local uses include treatment for bellyaches, insect bites, colds, hemorrhage, heart problems, worms, high cholesterol, vomiting, toothache, depression, hypertension and diabetes, and as a tonic. For all these ailments, the leaves are boiled until you smell the guava aroma. It is then strained and drunk as a tea.


One more thing did you know that a nasty nasty cockroach has medicanal value? If you ever had inflamation that just will not go away and gets worst before it gets better then the big nasty ugly ones (i forget the correct name now) is caught put on the fire and then tied to the area. EEEEEwwwwwww but it works. Now tell me was this helpful and do you want more of these kinds of posts?


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Vybz Kartel Fertility God?

Fertility God or just Fuck Demon Vybz Kartle is like Marvin Gaye to the contemporary Jamaican bed room. I don't know if it’s what is said or how he says it but across the board women seem to respond in very moist ways when it comes to the "rawness" of lyrics in general. Why is it that women get so hot and bothered to a "Tek Fuk" as opposed to the myriad of other uplifting 'Women are queens and should be loved and respected' songs?


Raw


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I did this mini fact finding mission at work and I found it very funny the number of Kartel babies out there. Also it was so funny not only the information got but how passionate people were when they spoke about doing the nasty to a Kartel cd. I especially loved it when a co-worker related to me a story of how her boyfriend sent her flowers at work, made a lovely dinner, later took a nice hot bath but made the mistake of playing some recent Kartel as background on their way to bed. She said everything romantic instantly went out the window and she almost "NYHM HIM ALIVE"!



So now I would like you to answer two questions for me. Why is it that women, especially the good girl types get so primal for a nasty nasty Kartel song? second What is YOUR favorite dirty dirty Kartel song to get down on?

 

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Beat it Like Ike

With the exception of the venue being muddy, Reggae Sumfest 2010 came and went without much incident. The ironic thing is the time leading up to the event there was much ado about nothing regarding Chris Brown performing on the Sumfest 2010 bill. Online there were even groups formed to voice their outrage and yes even a facebook page; “Drop Chris Brown for Sumfest”. The impression you got was Chris Brown was going to come to Jamaica and slap every girl publicly in the face with his penis. On second thought that might not have been such a bad thing for most of his fans.

Many of us should be happy that our lives are not constantly under public scrutiny because we would more than crumble under the weight of our own mistakes. I am not a fan of Rhianna and even less of Chris Brown, just to put that out in the universe. I can see how the average moron without a life who lives vicariously through the tabloids would take it very personally the ‘assing’ that Chris Brown gave to poor Re Re in the car that night. While I don’t condone any person abusing another in any way you get the feeling that more and more people get caught up in the business of watching and minding other people’s business while their own sits and rot.



Maybe I missed something because while Jamaica is known for its very strong and beautiful women. It is also still a very male dominated society. And as male dominated societies go women do get exploited at varying degrees. One has to wonder how genuine the so-called boycotts were and whether the motive really was the protection of women’s rights and not riding the coat tails of a scandal for the publicity. Its simple, if you call for the boycott of Chris Brown because he is/was abusive to women, why not call for a boycott of Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man and all the other acts that were on Reggae sumfest 2010 who has a very long history of being both physically and verbally abusive to women?

It is an over used statement but people need to look at the bright side of all of this. If Chris Brown wasn’t an idiot and gave an epic ass-whopping to America’s black sweetheart in a more female friendly society then his schedule would be so full that he wouldn’t even have time to ignore an invitation from the promoters of Reggae Sumfest. If Chris Brown was still 'Bubble Gum Boy Wonder" then Jamaicans could only wish to see a great performer like Chris grace the stage of Reggae Sumfest as we would not be able to afford him. And no one who actually attended Reggae Sumfest 2010 can say he didn’t perform his ass off. Be glad he is a little dirty now and not just from the Mo Bay mud, be less quick to judge for everyone at some point has made mistakes and acted foolishly. However, what is important is what you do AFTER you have fallen from grace its whether you get up and how you move forward, it is what you do to earn the forgiveness and respect of those you have wronged. And for those who only have negative energies to offer the only thing Chris Brown and you needs to say to them is
Dueces!

A Taste of Ink

In two weeks I will get my first tattoo. Tattooing is an art form I loved for a really long time:- before it was cool; before it became a right of passage for the preppy boys to show that they were “down” or for the wanna be Gangster Rappers to use as a means of easy street cred. I fell in love with tattoos in my primary school library, hidden in a stack of old dusty donated National Geographic Magazines which were many years past due. Thus, the seed was planted. I would go to Japan and get my first tattoo done by a master Horishi. Looking back I am almost certain the article would have been about crime in general or maybe the Yakuza in specific. However, the only thing I understood was the beauty of turning bare flesh into a live canvas. I remembered also from the article, one man who loved his body armor so much he stated in his last will and testament that on his death his skin should be removed bequeathed to someone I don’t remember who, I thought,
“You can do that!”
At the time I thought that was the coolest thing in the world.

Over the years the idea never left me, and it became my secret promise to myself. I would go to Japan I would have my first tattoo, it would be massive and it would cover my entire back. I would voraciously consume everything on Horimono and developed this romanticiszed life of living there until my back was finished. I would teach English to babies or something like that. Live in a small apartment with a high-tech toilet and a lowtech bed. I would get homesick once in a while and every year atleast once I would send home a big barrel for the people I care about. Most days I would be happy others I would be sad or confused and about three years I would move to some other country of interest and do it all over again. In the twilight of my time on earth I would be like an old drunken sailor. My tattoos would tell stories of what I did, believed, seen and maybe even who I loved.

Reality check - Many birthdays came and went, and dreams/aspirations lose their shine. They became dusty ghosts that haunt the periphery of a card punching at ten past the hour to get a half an hour of overtime pay existence. The air you breath tastes different because it is the air of conformity that suffocates dreams and poisons the spirit of adventure. Many plans are tired and fail and fail and fail miserably. To do and do and do things differently only to feel the distinct sting of disappointment takes a toll on the psyche and you have to fight yourself in order not to be completely overcome by your insecurities.

I have never been to Brazil for Carnival, never bought shoes in italy. I never seen snow much less been snow boarding. I never drank mojitos at Hemingways’ bar nor visited Goya’s house. But the biggest and most painfully disappointing thing of all is I never gotten tattooed in Japan.

I know I’m not old or dead nor planning to die anytime in the near future. But life has a way of slapping you in the face with one disappointing event that makes another crystal clear. And there is nothing like the feeling when you realize the life in your hand and the life you live have significantly diverged and you have come to the point where you are out of ideas and fighting for energy to perform this seemingly Herculean task of putting your jolly mess of a Humpty Dumpty life together again.

Bounty Killer - Path To Greatness Reggae Sumfest 2010

This year’s Reggae Sumfest paid tribute to Bounty Killer his contribution to Jamaican Contemporary Music and his influence on other artists in the industry. It wasn’t as over the top as Beenie Man's crowing last year. Frankly at times one had to wonder if as much planning and attention went into this year piece. Compared to the big ass girls on bikes and Lady Saw putting on what looked like a preteen girl meets Bedazzler meets Burger King crown on Beenie Man's head. This video reminded patrons that they are different artists with different styles, tastes, points of view and it did a really good job of painting Bounty in a better light. Regardless of your allegiance if any, there is no denying the impact that Killer made over the years on the landscape of Jamaican and in places International music, slang and mannerisms. Although it is all about Bounty, Nitty Kutchie is boss in this.