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A disclaimer. The information you read is gathered from various newspapers, the internet and other sources. To keep the news short and sweet I have summarized and kept it to reflect the thoughts of the person(s) interviewed. I will be listing some upcoming events that will keep the tri-state area informed. I will continue to improve and give you more news as time goes by. Send me an  if you've got something to contribute.


Peter Tosh's Life Story on VH-1.  VH-1 reportedly is doing a documentary on the life of former Wailer Peter Tosh. "Cool Runnings" Leon is the lead actor to portray Peter Tosh in this film. This project will get underway as soon as everything is cleared with Peter Tosh's estate. 

Bob's & Dennis Brown's Birthday. This week (2/7/00) we have two of Jamaica's great musicians, Bob Marley 2/6 and Dennis Emanuel Brown 2/1, celebrating their birthday in the month of February. Both singers continue to blaze a legacy of music. In upcoming months, I will dedicate a  page giving tribute to these outstanding artistes and their works. A special tribute to other artistes that have passed away and living will also be structured. As you know, when doing a project like this, a lot of research and time goes into it so be patient.

CLICK TO CHECK OUT A SITE DEDICATED TO BOB MARLEYBob Marley Remix.  I was shopping Old Navy a couple of days ago when I heard a remix of Bob Marley's single ''Sun is Shining'' (often called ''To The Rescue") in the form of "House" music. I liked the beat but you will probably enjoy it better under a spliff and a bottle of Alize to get the full effect. The remix is called Funkstar Deluxe re-mix, on the Edel label. The song debuted at the #3 spot on the British charts. It is currently a big hit across Europe and will be released in the United States about 2/1/2000 . There is just no stopping Bob Marley. Even in death his music lives on. 

Lauryn Hill Duets With Bob MarleyOn his classic track,'Turn your Lights Down Low' the late Bob Marley was teamed with Grammy winner Lauryn Hill in a duet. The song was produced by Stephen Marley, Lauryn Hill's. I have heard it and it is very good. The radio stations have been giving it good rotation. Other singles on the album "What you Want" performed by The Roots, "Let's Not Play the Game" by Maxwell are also very good tracks. These sound tracks are a part of the movie "The Best Man" that is a romantic comedy that takes a look at the more intimate side of life for a group of successful friends who are reunited when one of their college buddies gets married.

Beenie Man & Tony Matterhorn Half Brothers?  I heard recently that Tony Matterhorn and Beenie Man are half brothers by the father's side. Since I no follow rumors and you can't trust people, I will try to get the lowdown on this for myself. Note to self: I wonder if Beenie Man mother knows?  More Beenie Man


Reggae/R&B Combines Forces Once MoreSpragga Benz and rapper Foxy Brown will be doing a combination on the song called "You Too Stush". It is said Spragga brought Foxy Brown to the PRG (Platinum Recording Group) studios. Foxy Brown and Spragga are not strangers as they have performed at the Such and Such Show in Trinidad together before. Foxy is quoted saying "This is something I've always wanted to do. She explains her parents are from Trinidad and she have always loved reggae and soca. Foxy states it was in high school that she got involved in hip hop. Spragga Benz is looking to go places as his albums should be available in January 2000. PRG will be doing a concert in Jamaica at James Bond Beach on June 17, 2000. Two other Reggae/R&B news worthy of mention is rapper Lil Kim has teamed with Tanya Stephens for Lil Kim's upcoming album. Red Rat has also recorded a duet with R&B group Next. No news as to when it will available. 
Wondering Where is Frisco Kid?  It's been a while since Frisco Kid's been in the public's eyes. He recently did a tune on the "Clone" rhythm. Doesn't sound bad. Hope bigger things happen for the Kid in the 2000.  Originally from the Denham Town area, Frisco Kid got his start on the sound system circuit in his adopted town Portmore. After giving up early ambitions of being a jockey, he took up the microphone full time and broke through with several hit songs for the hit-strong Shocking Vibes with whom he parted due to differences. He moved on to Dave Kelly's Madhouse where he had his biggest hit with "Rubbers". The Portmore-based deejay Frisco Kid who ruled the dancehall with songs like "Big Speech (Pepper Seed)", "Yuh an’ Yuh Man (Arabian Jam)", "Juvenile Run DownTown (Warlord rhythm)", "Rubbers (Joyride)", "Jook De Best (Showtime)", is looking to revive his career with the release of several new songs. According Frisco, the songs are for producer Dave Kelly's Madhouse label, a camp which the 'Kid' has had a lot of success with in the past. When asked why the public haven’t heard from him lately, he replied "I was doing a lot of shows in the United States which kept me away from the Jamaican scene for a long time." With the release of his album "Finally," Frisco states "At the moment I am doing a lot of promotional shows just for the album". With a strong list of hits to his credit, the deejay seemed poised for a career take-off with the release of his debut album, "Finally". With hits such as "Little And Cute", "Living In Style", "Wackie News" and "Rubbers", the album is certain to go places.


Lady SawDancehall diva Lady Saw appeared on the Jay Leno and Rosie O' Donnell shows this past Nov. '99 along with Vitamin C to promote their top selling gold song "Smile".  Lady Saw who co-wrote the song is said to be very displeased because she did not receive the recognition she deserved. Most of the focus was put on Vitamin C. Lady Saw said she was not compensated properly even though she did get some financial compensation. She said she could live with not being paid properly since there are always sacrifices to be made but she said she was also left out of the video which showed the dancers when it was her time to perform but Vitamin C was featured prominently in the video. During the Rosie O'Donnell show she was hardly mentioned or even spoken to as one of the performers of the song. But as faith would have it, they were asked to perform the song and Rosie saw that Saw played a major role in the song. Upon realizing this, Rosie called her over and had a brief interview asking where she was from and if she had any more recordings. Saw, even though she was dissed by Vitamin C's people, said she will continue to work with everyone and 'bettering' her career.

WHO IS BABY CHAM.  At age 21, Dameon Beckett aka Baby Cham has shown the world that he is not a sham when he came onto the music scene. As a matter of fact, although everyone was singing his songs, no one really knew who sang them until he performed at Amazura where he ripped up the place. Take for instance "The Mass (Firebun)" (Go Go Wine rhythm) done in tandem with Wayne Wonder. Everybody sang the song but little was known about the DJ. Then came "Girls Anthem" on the same rhythm but was on the flip side of the record aka, the version. His chance meeting at Penthouse with Wayne Wonder and hit producer, Dave Kelly have produced hit after hits, `Many Many', `Joyride', `Funny Man', `Que Sera', and`Gallang Yah Gyal', and most recently "Ghetto Pledge" on the "BUG" rhythm. Cham, although having a steady string of hits since 1995, purposely didn't start touring until last year as he was building his catalog and getting his stage performance together so that when he made his debut, it would be an act the people wouldn't forget. Just ask the massives at his recent show at the Act III in the Bronx. Cham believes he has made the right move. Winning over the ladies was easy. He easily got approval from the colder-than-steel shottas with "Funny Man" lyrics. As part of the  PROJECT. ALIAS PROJECT which consists of Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid, Stranger, and Mr. Easy. Baby Cham proves he is no-doubt headed for big things in his future. Baby Cham to say the least is no sham and he is not taking us on a "Joyride". The lastest is that Babycham, 22, a graduate of Calabar, donated $30,000 to the George Headley and Duhaney Park Primary Schools where Cham lives. Babycham has made it his duty to donate cash or other kinds of assistance to as many schools as possible. He said that when he gives to these schools he feels so good inside and that he wished his father was there to see it. Cham has also donated to Dunrobin Primary School, his former school. He also donated sports gear and money to Calabar which is dire help. He said he started to donate money to schools on a smaller scale. He then decided to later to start giving to other schools which he said was derive from memories of what life was like for him. He said he cannot be selfish as God has made him wealthy by blessing him with a talent he can use to help others.


PUFF DADDY & JENNIFER LOPEZ ARRESTED.Sean "Puffy" Combs, 30, and girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, 29, were arrested Monday and charged with criminal possession of a weapon after a gun was found in their car as they left Club NY, a nightclub where three people were shot and wounded. Eyewitness accounts allege Combs fired a gun in the club following a dispute near the bar area early Monday, said a police source, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The gun reportedly was stolen from Georgia, says a second police source who also insisted on anonymity. Combs and Lopez were charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Jamal Barrow, 19, was arrested at the club, at 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue, and was charged with criminal possession of a 9 mm gun. Police did not say if he had anything to do with the shooting. Puffy, Jennifer and two bodyguards were stopped at about 2:30 a.m. -- 10 minutes after the shooting. The police said the two who have been dating, were in the back seat of the Jeep. None of the four had a license for the gun found in the Jeep, said Officer Giammarino.  The motive for the shooting was unknown. Three people were shot. Two men, one 27 was hit in the shoulder and was in stable condition and one 39, was shot in the shoulder, where he was listed in stable condition and a 29 year old woman was shot in the face and was in stable condition at St. Clare’s Hospital. Police investigation is still going on. Update:  12/28/99... Jennifer Lopez was released Monday afternoon after being held for more than 14 hours in jail with boyfriend Puff Daddy. The prosecutor said after evaluating the evidence, they could not find anything to hold her on. Puffy is still being held.

Actress Lopez Pissed At Combs. Bronx-born sexy actress/singer Jennifer Lopez is reportedly pissed off at Puffy for not leaving the NY Club when she tried to get him to leave and making her go through 14 hours of interrogation. Jennifer blew up at Combs at the midtown station squad room, saying, "Look at the trouble you got me into". Lopez was said to be crying for most of her stay at the station house. It is reported that when Jennifer tried to get Combs to leave he stood his ground insisting he was no punk. Jennifer headed for the exit and that's when she heard gunfire. Upcoming rapper Shyne - Jamal Barrow - is reportedly the shooter along with Combs who fired shots which left 3 persons injured including a bouncer. A 9MM was taken from Shyne. Ballistics shows that the bullets fired were from the gun. Puffy insisted at a news conference on 12/27/99 that he is totally innocent and that the trial will prove it. Friends say Jennifer will testify that she was hugging Combs most of the night and up until the time of the shooting and that she did not feel a gun on Puffy's person. Meanwhile, Jennifer spent the day at her mother's home in Parkchester section of the Bronx. Sources said that Jennifer may skip New Years's night celebrations in NY and fly to Los Angeles.
Source: NYDailyNews

And the "Pussy" I meant "Puffy" Saga Continues. Puffy was indicted Thursday on felony gun charges that could send him to prison for up to 15 years. A Manhattan grand jury indicted Combs and his bodyguard, Anthony "Wolf" Jones on two counts of criminal weapons possession stemming from the 12/27/99 night club shootout. To throw my 2 cents in for what it's worth, can't these guys give up the "thug life" once they make it? For one they are always being "player hated" by Babylon. I am sure he sees how they brought Mike Tyson down. But they still go out and make the same mistakes. Babylon don't like when a Black man a move up de line. Dem always try to humble him. Worse Puffy got a hottie hottie girl like Jennifer Lopez! Oh Lawd help him. All the extravagant fanfare Puffy tries to amass on himself. Let's evaluate what Puffy look like? He looks ridiculous in those pimp like fur coats he wears, the brother so black, the first thing you see are those horse looking teeth he sports, fix your teeth! Not only that, but he goes and get a 'white looking' Jennifer Lopez thinking he is in with the white folk's grace. Wake up nigra! So now he is hot shit he runs and gets Johnnie Cochran and what's that guy's name ....... Benjamin Brafman, this is the guy who defended mob hit man Sammy "The Bull" Gravano. This makes you look like a real criminal. There goes some of your millions. Hey, throw some my way since you are that stupid. Anyway, one of his bodyguard that was inside the jeep is said to be cooperating with Prosecutors. One 9 mm handgun was found in the truck in the front passenger side at Jones’ feet, while a second was recovered from Eighth Avenue after it was allegedly flung from the vehicle. It is also alleged that both guns "Smith and Wesson semiautomatic pistols" showed signs of having been fired recently, Morgenthau said. Each gun has a 16-bullet capacity. The one found at Jones’ feet contained 12 bullets, while the gun thrown from the window contained eight. The ammunition was a mix of hollow point and regular round-nosed shells. "Both guns we believe were stolen," Morgenthau said. The first gun was reported stolen in Powder Springs, Ga., from the pickup truck of a building contractor. The second gun traces back to West Virginia but has apparently not been reported stolen, the prosecutor said. No trial date has yet been set and he faces up to 15-years if convicted. More to come! 


Will Jennifer Lopez Become Mrs. Combs? An undisclosed source reported that Sean "Puffy" Combs proposed to actress Jennifer Lopez after her Manhattan birthday bash several weeks ago. There's no word on whether the sexy Latina accepted but rumors have been circulating that Puffy has broken up with model Kim Porter, the mother of his second child, Christian. Puffy and Lopez have consistently dismissed rumors of their romance by saying they are just good friends. Yeah, right. The two were seen being extremely touchy feely at Lopez's birthday party. 

Ex-Police Officer Suspected In Notorious B.I.G.'s Death.  Authorities at the LAPD suspects that former officer David A. Mack might have met with Death Row Records' CEO Marion "Suge" Knight to arrange a contract killing of Christopher Wallace according to an article in the Thursday edition of "The Los Angeles Times".  The LAPD have not formally charged anyone for the fatal shooting of Notorious B.I.G.  It is suspected that Mack hired former classmate, Amir Muhammad, to perform the hit on Biggie Smalls.  Authorities have been unable to locate Muhammad since he visited Mack in prison the day after Christmas in 1997. Police indicate there was an eyewitness that placed Mack at the scene of the shooting. You will be updated as the story unfolds.


Radio's Top Caribbean Disc Jockeys Compete To Be Crowned King.DJ Carlton, Chris the Dubb Master and DJ Yonnie will compete Sunday, November 14, 1999, at the Q Club to determine the top Caribbean radio disc jockey. What makes this meeting so special is that for the first time the three top Caribbean radio jocks will compete to be crowned King Radio/Club DJ. The winner gets the 1999 Best of the Best Trophy and cash prize. The promoter said, "This event will be worth every penny spent. It has all the ingredients of a great battle of radio professionals, who are going to highlight their diverse talent and knowledge of music. They are prepared to give their all to their respective supporters." This is a contest where everybody will be a winner since music will be the ultimate tool to decide who will be crowned king. More Clash!!  David Rodigan, Saxon of London, England and Stone Love of Jamaica will be competing on Friday, November 26, 1999 at Club Amazura, in Queens. This dance is touted as being "the way dancehall used to be". 
          Devonte                     Tanto Metro

Every One Falls In Love Sometimes. The smash hit single from dancehall duo, Mark "Tanto Metro" Wolfe and Wayne "Devonte" Passely has broken new ground. The music video for the song has landed on the BET Playlist. BET (Black Entertainment Television) is the leading Music Video station for the afro-American community in the United States. The video, which is produced by famed Jamaican music video director, Kevin Lee, features Tanto Metro and Devonte at various locations in Jamaica. The high quality, visual appealing production was shot on film in an effort to make it more attractive in North American markets.  The song continues to do well on the Billboard charts. Both the single and the album of the same name continue to make impressive showings.



DMX Arrested For Cursing On Trinidadian Stage. 28-year-old rapper DMX (Earl Simmons) who was in jail in Trinidadian paid a small fine $24 and apologized for cursing onstage during a concert. After he repeatedly used obscene language during his performance, Cpl. Joseph Walker of the St. Clair station police said. Among the words DMX used while talking to the crowd between songs were "bitch" and "f---," Walker said. It is illegal in Trinidad to use obscene language in public. Walker, who was on duty at the rap-and-reggae show, said DMX, received repeated warnings before he was arrested. Police had to fire their guns into the air to quiet the fans who became unruly. He was charged with resisting arrest and was held in jail. The rapper apologized before the Magistrate and the court dismissed the charge of resisting arrest and ordered him to pay a $150 fine on the obscene-language charge, according to the spokesperson, who declined to be named, citing court policy. DMX, who wore jeans and a blue-and-white plaid shirt, paid the fine on the spot and was released, said the spokesperson, who added that if the rapper had been unable to pay, he could have been sentenced to a month of hard labor. DMX also could have faced a permanent ban on future performances in Trinidad, but such a ban was not imposed, apparently because of his apology, the spokesperson said. Foxy Brown received a warning during her performance based on the same obscene-language ban but was not arrested, according to Walker. DMX still faces felony weapons charges in Teaneck, N.J., where police said they found illegal weapons, including a semi-automatic handgun, during a search of his house two weeks ago.


Born Jamericans Break Up. Of my many gripes about Jamaicans, and this is not say this does not exist among other nationalities, but Jamaicans are always watching what the other have instead of wishing and encouraging the other to really achieve their goal. I read about Born Jamerican's break up and after reading the article, the conclusion I drew was it all came down to greed.  Now that you two have split, what do you each have now? Nothing--but memories of what it used to be. I don't think either of them will survive on their own. Guys, do you remember what brought you to the dance. The article stated that Edleyshine aka Horace Payne, found himself in severe financial problems. This stemmed from him not being able to pay his car note--maybe he can live in his car now--I wonder how much that car cost--BUY A HOUSE next time, OK. It is said that he also had insurance premiums, not putting money away, owing back taxes--this will kill you, and having a new found offspring. Whatever the excuse, I believe since they were somewhat successful, they should have weathered the storm. A lesson to be learnt from this is, God always test the human strength to see if there is faith.  When you feel everything is going good, remember who have blessed you. Without Him nothing is possible--no matter what scientists say. Remember when they said the Titanic was unsinkable? Oops!!


DJ Merciless says "Me Still Deh Yah". Where is Leonard "Merciless" Bartley? That is the question being asked these days. Merciless known for hits such as "Gal Gizzada", "Mama Cooking", "Hoodini" and others, was asked the question and his response was "It's not really missing in action, but dem have me tune and nah play dem, but me still deh yah!" He says he has recorded singles like "Petty Thief" and "Nah Lef Yuh Gal" for Tony Kelly. When asked about the Bounty Killer - Merciless feud he responded by saying that those differences have long been settled and there was no real animosity toward Bounty. Merciless' busy schedule have found him doing recordings in Trinidad on the soca reggae rhythm called "I Like" which is gaining air play. Merciless performed in Act III on 3/28/99. It is still being talked about.
Excerpted from XNews Feb. 10-16, 1999, Pg.9.


Jah Cure Get 15 Years for Rape. What a waste of talent surrounding the sentencing of prominent and talented singer Jah Cure. I will reserve my criticism of this artiste until I can get more information since there is always two sides to a story.  But according to an article published in HardCopy, it is reported that two women were abducted at gunpoint after leaving the Flamingo Night Club and were driven to the Rose Hall area where they were raped. A report was made which led police to Jah Cure. He was arrested and sentenced later to 15 years.
Excerpted from HardCopy Vol: 2 Issue #12 May 4 - May 17, 1999.


Eve showing she is all womanRapper Diva Eve Robbed On Video Set. Philly native, 20-year old Eve went from dancing on tabletops as an exotic dancer in the Bronx to making labels pop. Eve speaks of the un-glamorous passage she endured before she broke. Hearing her tell the tale, makes one wonder how she made it out of that scene. In an incident reported to the police, rapper diva, Eve was robbed in Long Island City, 7.21.99, New York on Monday night as she was preparing for a video shoot at a nearby soundstage. According to police, the two assailants, one of which was armed, took three pieces of jewelry from the rapper -- a diamond necklace, a diamond bracelet, and a white gold bracelet -- that had an estimated value of $137,000. Eve was in LIC to film the video for her single, "Gotta Man." A third suspect might be involved in the robbery as well, as the two men who allegedly took the jewelry fled from the scene in a dark-colored Chevrolet Tahoe truck that may have been driven by another person. A public information representative for NYC police indicated to MTV News on Wednesday morning that no arrests have been made in connection with the robbery, but that the investigation remains ongoing.


Martin Lawrences' official home pageMartin Lawerence is recovering in a hospital after the 34 year old actor collapsed on Aug. 22 near his home while jogging trying to lose weight for a role in Big Momma's House. Martin was reportedly in a coma and had a 107 degree temperature when he arrived at the hospital. Martin is recovering nicely and doctors say they are very encouraged with his progress. On Sept. 9, 1999, Martin was released from Los Robles Regional Medical Center. He is recuperating and resting comfortably.


Coko--formerly of SWVCoko, the Bronx-raised singer from the now-defunct singing trio SWV seem set to establish herself as a solo crooner with her long-awaited debut, Hot Coko. Asked what it was like to work alone she said "It was a lot of fun and hard work. Because it's just me now, and I did all the background and lead vocals plus, I wrote some of the songs." She said she co-wrote five songs on her upcoming CD, including "Sunshine." She recalls events that brought SWV's demise. Coko says the group's success intensified tensions. She explains candidly that the friendship was gone and there was no unity within the group. "No one can continue to work like that." "Finally," she says, "we decided to either get it together or go our separate ways. We could never get it together." With the ups and downs of SWV behind her, Coko is excited about the creative freedom that she has as a solo artist. As for the other members of SWV, Taj is currently modeling for the Ford Agency, while Lelee has started her own music management company. There is also talk about a possible SWV greatest hits package that may be compiled for release by the end of the year.


Steely & Clevie's latest creation "Street Sweeper" features Sean Paul, Zebra, BeenieMan, Buju, Spragga and any and everybody who wants to put their business on "the Street". There are two albums worth of collected singles, Street Sweeper and Street Sweeper 2.  As the selector mixes tune after blistering tune, and the crowd just bawls for more, the Street Sweeper just keeps the massives moving.  Even though it gets monotonous after a while, the "Street Sweeper" is the latest craze in the dancehall. While great hip hop breakbeats are often reused, dancehall fans have come to expect overkill on most every tune. Imagine Nas, Foxy, Method Man, DMX, Mobb Deep, and Jay-Z all dropping records on the same beat-at the same time-on a regular basis. It's cool when it works, but it can get monotonous when the crucial quality/quantity balance tilts the wrong way. Steely & Clevie are working a brand new riddim by the name of the Bitter Blood... But that's another story. What is this I hear . The new "Bug" riddim by Dave Kelly is gonna be on CD singles. Great! But you know what? I am not going to be one of them to buy the CD. I'll just use the Street Sweeper to kill off the "Bug".

Lil Kim "Hanging Out" at the MTV Music Awards
Visit Lil' Kim's website
Lil Kim had tongues wagging, mouths drooling, and lips licking. Hey Kim come party with me! Yeah Baby!!!


Jay Z Accused of Stabbing at the Kit Kat Klub.  In case you've been living under a rock, rapper Jay-Z has been accused of stabbing at the popular New York City Kit Kat nightclub late last week. Jay turned himself in voluntarily and was released on bail. He's due back in court on January 31st to answer to the charges. 


Janet Jackson is eyeing a return to the silver screen.  Six years after her role opposite the late Tupac Shakur in 1993's "Poetic Justice," Janet Jackson is eyeing a return to the silver screen. Jackson is currently in talks to star opposite Eddie Murphy in the sequel to 1996's "The Nutty Professor." Janet was actually acting years prior to her musical career: her first regular acting gig was as "Penny" in the mid-70's comedy, "Good Times." She would later take supporting roles in "Fame," "Diff'rent Strokes" and "A New Kind Of Family." Janet has been featured on recent albums by Busta Rhymes, Blackstreet, and a soon to be released album with Mary J. Blige. Future collaborative efforts may include projects with Missy Elliott and Jackson's former brother-in-law, Chico DeBarge.


Arbitrator gives sprinter, BEN JOHNSON, one more chance.

In 1988 Johnson looks over at Lewis and glared as if to say, Take that!
The speed of Johnson -- muscle-bound as no world's fastest human
had ever been before -- was dazzling!

In a reversal of fortune Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson's lifetime ban from competition has been overturned by a Canadian arbitrator. Johnson, age 37, must still receive clearance from the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) before he can race again. It's expected the IAAF will give the matter serious consideration even though the international body is not bound by the adjudicator's ruling. IAAF officials are scheduled to meet in May and it's possible he could be given clearance to compete in time in the national trials in Winnipeg in June. "It's good to have this ordeal gone through, I've served my time, something like that" Johnson said. The ban was overturned in part because Athletics Canada botched the disciplinary process following a 1993 test that saw Johnson test positive for a banned substance at a meet in Montreal. This is the first time a lifetime ban has been overturned even at the domestic level. Johnson must submit to three drug tests annually for the next three years, separate from any he might undergo during competitions. Johnson's agent Chrobotek boasted by saying "Only rockets go this fast." 

Scott Burnside-National Post -- Tuesday, April 20, 1999

R2K VP 20th Anniversary Concert. Madison Square Garden last Monday, October 18th, was VP's way of thanking their customers, fans and employees for supporting them for the last twenty years. The concert featured Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Morgan Heritage and Anthony B. The event sold out showing that dancehall and reggae music is still making the massives move dem feet. The audience was well-behaved and very tolerable of the flaws and sound problems. Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor and Luciano gave good performances. Sizzla made an impromptu appearance and ripped up the stage with two songs that left the massive wanting more. Buju Banton started out wicked but lost his momentum after a while. The big dissapointment was Beenie Man who was working against time which only allowed him some 30 minutes. However, he messed up his segment by making comments towards Bounty Killa. Beenie we thought you knew when not to "throw words". Beenie is a wicked recording and stage performer, but it seems like he is still bitter about how Bounty Killa dissed him at an earlier concert in Queens this year. Lack lustre performance is what Beenie Man put on. He fell short. The night was nonetheless enjoyable. Big up VP.

All That I Can Say. A lot has changed in the decade since a Bronx-born teenager named Mary J. Blige cut a demo just for fun at a White Plains, New York shopping mall. Her stepfather gave the recording which was a cover of Anita Baker's "Caught up in the Rapture," to someone who knew someone, who knew Uptown Records CEO Andre Harrell, who knew a then little-known aspiring producer by the name of Sean "Puffy" Combs. At the time, Combs was working for Harrell as an upstart A&R man, and after hearing Blige's demo, convinced Harrell to sign her with Uptown. Combs went on to produce her debut album, "What's the 411?," which featured the number one hit single "Real Love," as well as her sophomore album, "My Life," which earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album. Blige grew up in Yonkers's infamous Schlobohm projects (nicknamed "Slowbomb" by their tenants), where her mother raised her after her father, a bassist in a funk band, walked out on the family. She started singing in her church choir at the age of seven, and spent hours of an admittedly tough childhood listening to her mother's favorite records--Otis Redding, Gladys Knight, and Al Green. Coming to terms with her childhood was a major component in the making of her new album "Mary". The album offers moments of despair--on "No Happy Holidays," and includes inspiring pieces such as the Lauryn Hill-produced "All That I Can Say". Blige says that "In addition to drawing from childhood memories and emotions, the tone of "Mary" was heavily influenced by Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life." The Album "Mary" debuted at #2 on Billboard selling 239,000 copies 3,000 less than the Backstreet Boys.

Vanessa Williams Gets Hitched
Singer/actress Vanessa Williams, 36, married Los Angeles Laker small forward Rick Fox September 25. The couple's romance has been public for a few months now, but the two decided to tie the knot in a private ceremony with family and friends. Despite reports that Williams is pregnant, her representative denies the actress is expecting. Both Williams and Fox were previously married.  Williams has three children and Fox has a son.


 
 
 

Beenie Man Arrested in Virginia. According to the Associated Press, Beenie Man was arrested in Virginia Beach last Wednesday. It was stated that Reggae artist Beenie Man and three fellow musicians face marijuana possession charges after investigators found a small amount of the drug in their motel rooms. It is said the police acted on a tip about a marijuana smell around the band's tour bus. The police seized a small quantity of marijuana and $22,000 but later returned the money, which the band said was earnings from a show at a night club. Barry Taylor, an attorney for the men, said the search was illegal because the police did not get a warrant. The police said the men consented to the search. Beenie Man was on a nationwide tour. Management for the artiste said it's racism. I will keep you up to date on what's happening.

Story was read in the Associated Press.


DENNIS BROWN'S LEGACY LIVES ON. What more is there to say about the Crowned Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown? The man have made Jamaica proud by continuing the reggae legacy Bob Marley started and he made good by keeping the trend going. Dennis Brown was born February 1, 1957 and left a hard act to follow on July 1, 1999. Dennis started music at an early age. His first hit song was "No Man Is An Island" which was a cover song. Derrick Harriot had brought it back from the U.S. for Dennis to do over, but Dennis got a little anxious and went ahead and did it for Coxsone Dodd. The rest you can say is history. Some of my personal favorites were "Let Me Love You", "Have You Ever Been In Love", "Sitting and Watching" the dancehall anthems "Here I Come", "Revolution" "Foundation" plus some others such as "How Could I Leave", "If I Follow My Heart" and a number of other favorities. In closing, I have to say thanks to God for giving us a true artist, whom they say were a true professional and was really a person who "Came with love and not hatred."

ODB Makin' More News Than CNN. ODB have found himself over the last year in some comical, tragic, and some bizarre but intriguing situations. When you look at how the incidents rolled out, it seem as if ODB was on CNN more than some of the news anchors. Let's look at his quest to be newsmaker of the year. Beginning in the month of July, ODB nursed a gunshot wound, stood accused of shoplifting, had his car stolen, kicked off a club tour, and skipped out on a court date prompting an arrest warrant. In 1998 we saw ODB storming the Grammy podium, saved a girl who was pinned under a car, faced deadbeat dad charges, was thrown out of a Berlin hotel for hanging from his balcony naked, and found himself charged with making terrorist threats not once but twice and then to cap it off, he renamed himself Big Baby Jesus. In the process, he moved himself from the role of curious Wu-Tang Clan character to the notorious pop culture celebrity. Even with all the strange crap, ODB managed to turn up on the summer anthem "Ghetto Supastar," teamed up with Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, and Coolio, and begin work on his own solo album. Damn I'm tired just trying to keep up with this S.O.B. Anyway, whatever you choose to call ODB, he is currently enjoying success with his new single "Got Your Money" which he wrote while he was in jail.

Foxy Brown Revealed In "Paper".  Fans of Brooklyn born Foxy Brown can check out more (much much more) of the rapper in the September issue of "Paper" magazine, where Brown talks about her outrageous outfits where she flashes more than leg. In a profile Foxy admits "the-more-skin-the-better". I'm a very bare person. I don't like to be covered up a lot. I feel like I'm suffocating." Foxy talks about the accidents her CK billboard in New York has caused. She states she may give up on music for a full-time modeling career. "When I'm 23, I wanna be like, 'O.K., I've done it all. Served my purpose,' and then go on to something else... Maybe I'll get into this modeling thing." The pictorial features Foxy slinking around in a tube dress that makes it a really sexy photo shoot with lots of cheek "hanging out". Also recently at Act III in the Bronx, Foxy Brown was seen with reggae's latest sensation, Baby Cham during a show. This is their 3rd time seen together. She was also recently down in Jamaica "visiting". I would like the low down on this and will get it for you my readers. Stay tuned!
 
NO HOPE FOR HOPE BOTANICAL GARDEN?!!!-- December 30, 1999 --- Dear Editor: Well, what a controversy. If I were Ms. Lou I would be inclined to write a poem. I'm sitting here with an american apple and I remember the days in Jamaica when I would toss aside an otaheti apple for a slice of the american. Bwoy, I would love an otaheti apple right now. I also remember running up and down in Hope Gardens and going to the fairs there and mingling with the wide range of Jamaican middle class. I've been back to Jamaica nuff nuff times since 1986 - all now I cyan reach Hope Gardens. I've been to Hyde Park, Central Park, gardens in France, Australia, Argentina and other parts of the world, but not once did I think about Hope Gardens on these visits. Isn't it ironic that it isn't until nature is threatened that reality blossoms? Hope Gardens has been in a state of neglect for years and yet, it takes the development of a country club housing "scheme" albeit on bad soil and faulty foundation for us to remember the beauty of Hope Gardens and for some Jamaicans to join in solidarity to save Hope Gardens. How little we appreciate nature until it's threatened to disappear before us. The Hope Gardens scenario is just a microview of Jamaica in general. Look at lands on the north coast bulldozered so villas and hotels can be erected. Many would say they are not zoned "Public Open Space" so no problem there. If it is really an environmental issue then broaden the view from Hope Gardens and take a look at our island. Reefs and sea polluted by cruise ships then barge in and rest in our harbours. Look at Lime Cay and Hellshire- you can fish and find any kind of rubbish in those waters.  Look at Bath in St. Thomas. Residents who once had free access to the mineral baths are rarely allowed to enter even if they can pay and have amassed tertiary education. Indeed, Hope Gardens is the pressing issue here but the garden, Jamaica, is sorely and hopelessly neglected. I remember Long Acres - the site of a wedding reception a couple years ago. What a beyoootiful area. What is it used for - teaching classes sporadically and the occupants and care(less)takers cannot even clean the bathrooms or mow the grass except when a big event sporting the "right" surnames is in session. Let us not ignore the class issue here - squatters, Jamaican children and parents who can't afford to go to British, Canadian or American parks are the residents and frequent travelers to Hope Gardens. What does Mr. Douglas, our Minister of ... Housing intend to do with the squatters - he has yet to list his method of accommodating them. Are they the buyers of the million dollars homes - devalued though the price may be? When he addresses a solution to this dilemma, then renters in Jamaica I heed you to take notes. There are those who shriek who are these squatters? They don't need all this green open space. When was the last time you saw a member of the Jamaica "21" club at Hope Gardens? Maybe last week when they squirmed past the neighbouring zoo and botanical gardens to stake out their new investment and ponder the sale of the house before it sinks. There is no doubt that if Hope Gardens was Kensington Gardens where the Jamaican equivalent of a royalty frequented, there would be no discussion of a country club development. Instead what we see is a gravalicious display of greed enacted by developers who would venture to build on a shaky foundation, fuelled by the nepotism and buddyism rampant in the very areas of government designed to protect the environment and all classes of Jamaicans. However, were the Jamaica Wildlife Foundation, National Environmental Societies Trust, Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Action Now and the Jamaica Environmental Network, grand supporters of the survival of Hope Gardens hiding from duppies all this time?  What about those visitors to and workers at Hope Gardens and staunch environmentalists? Is it only now that we see we could have pulled up the weeds and made the gardens presentable?  The Ministry of Agriculture: no manure was left to fertilize the grounds where empty colorful box juice and bottles serve as yearlong flowers? We don't appreciate things until they are in danger of being extinct. It's sad that Hope Gardens has come to this but I see here an opportunity to start treating our island better. Maybe a consistent respect for our environment and the start of children planting little flowers or saplings here and there with their family will divert the need for youths to fire guns or skin out at a club to feel useful or admired. This uproar has caused me to examine my own behavior toward the hope gardens of Jamaica. I will pray that our Prime Minister Patterson will heed to his previous ruling and that there will be no building on this land. Moreover, I hope that after the law is correctly applied and the developers and Ministers with conflicting roles lose this battle, that Hope Gardens will indeed become and remain a environmental haven that Espeut, Maxwell, McCauley and other Hope Garden supporters envision.  Mr. Douglas, your role as Minister of Housing AND Environment is no easy task given the conflicts of interest which must arise. However, I ask that you, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and pertinent Ministries please re-think this matter. In the event you view this e-mail as "tittering vacuity" and "specious notions", understand that my family at one time owned parts of this land, a portion of which the government now zones "public open space", before they gambled it away. It appears that more than half a century later, I've followed in their footsteps as this letter comes way after the deadline to submit comments because I was too caught up in my foreign world to pay attention to the environmental decay of a beautiful island garden - Jamaica. Leave us some place to enjoy nature and honor your title - Minister of ... Environment.Contributed by Sheri

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