 Guaranteed
Musical 
Fun for All Occasions 
The Bronx #1 Mobile DJs and Sound System Call 917-224-9093to Hire. 
 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.  Bob
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 Marley. On 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 More.  Spragga
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.
 Dancehall
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. ...
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.
 Rapper
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
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,
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".  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.
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! |
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.
