Bolt's track is complete!

On Friday the official handing over ceremony of Usain Bolt’s Reugopol track by BSW Regupol Sports Floors took place at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus . The track is almost an exact replica of the one on which he broke the 100 meter record in Berlin last year and similar also to the 2008 Olympic track in Bejing where he catapulted to super stardom.

Usain making his entrace to the ceremony.

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UWI Principal Prof. Gordon Shirley holding a piece of the track donated by Ulf Poeppe of BSW.
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The blue and white eight-lane track is located to the north of the university's other main sporting facilities, namely, its four football fields, the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground, three tennis courts, a swimming pool and an indoor court. The university intends to create a Sporting Centre of Excellence, similar to that of the Australian Sports Academy.
The next phase of planned developments include a 6,000-seat mini-stadium with lighting, a football academy - in partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation - and a Caribbean Institute of Sports Medicine.

Ulf Poeppe, Prof. Gordon Shirley, Minister Babsy Grange and Usain take front row on stage.

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Usain Bolt and yours truly:-)

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Minister of Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who along with Bolt, UWI principal, Professor Gordon Shirley. Shirley, DSW’s Ulf Poeppe, IAAF regional representative, Neville 'Teddy' McCook, UWI director of sports, Grace Jackson, and Bolt's coach, Glen Mills were all on hand for the official ribbon cutting. Many notables in the sports world were present including FIFA reps, Adidas Reps, Puma, Courtney Walsh, Racers Track team members were present as well.

Minister Grange, Prof. Shirley and Usain Bolt along with Racers Track Members in the inaugural run!
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I must mention Captain Horace Burrell (Head of Jamaica's Football Federation) who arrived via helicopter in the middle of Professor Shirley's speech. That was entertaining to say the least. Usain's Coach gave a very entertaining speech. It was full of gratitude and sincerity but most of all light-hearted and filled with humour. One thing that was missing from the festivities, was recognition was not paid to the UWI Students who have been living next door to this construction zone. As a resident on Rex Nettleford Hall, it has not been easy dealing with all the dust, so a show of appreciation would have gone a long way. We do see the big picture though, and I am sure most if not all UWI students are happy for this addition.

Event: Daddy Chess, Bunji, Faye-Ann, Tallpre and more for Atlanta Carnival!!!

Atlanta Carnival is around the corner. Allu ready?????

Lisa Raye talks to VIBE: I'm digging for platinum

This week actress/reality tv star LisaRaye stopped by the Vibe and Uptown offices during her "Day in the Life" in New York City. Holding no punches, the former first Lady of Turks & Caicos went in on why her marriage failed, why she decided to do a reality TV show and being a gold digger.




On her marriage to Premier Misick:

Maybe I didn’t give my relationship the time to get close. I let a lot pf people into the relationship. I didn’t make time to be a wife.

On why she decided to do reality tv:

When I first decided to do a reality tv I needed money. It was a business decision.

On being precevied as a "gold digger":

People think that I’m a gold digger. I’m digging for platinum. I can’t do nothing with a Burger King man unless he own about 20 or 30 of them."
Read the rest of the interveiw HERE.

You can see Part 1 and Part 2 of her VIBE interview by clicking on them....


She was also on Wendy Williams talking about why she wears white and her new project with Queen Latifah's production company.

Cara membuka Password BIOS

Sebenarnya ini merupakan cara kuno, karena harus membongkar casing terlebih dahulu.
Dalam hal ini ada 2 cara untuk membuka password BIOS :

1. Adalah dengan Memindahkan Slot Jumper pada BIOS / Clear CMOS, Biasanya Slot ini terletak tidak jauh dari Batterai CMOS pada mainboard. Dan biasanya Slot ini ditandai dengan huruf CLR_CMOS. Namun sebelum di pindahkan,harap perhatikan posisi awal Slot Jumper tersebut. Jika sudah dipindahkan, nyalakan PC anda (jangan khawatir, jika PC anda tidak nyala. Itu memang dikarenakan anda telah mengubah settingan Jumper Clear CMOS

). Jika sudah, Cabut kembali Power PC dan kembalikan Slot Jumper Ke posisi semula. Kemudian nyalakan kembali..

2. Cara yg kedua adalah dengan mencabut Batterai CMOS yang terletak pada Mainboard. Dan memasangnya kembali seperti semula.

Cara membuka Password BIOS

Sebenarnya ini merupakan cara kuno, karena harus membongkar casing terlebih dahulu.
Dalam hal ini ada 2 cara untuk membuka password BIOS :

1. Adalah dengan Memindahkan Slot Jumper pada BIOS / Clear CMOS, Biasanya Slot ini terletak tidak jauh dari Batterai CMOS pada mainboard. Dan biasanya Slot ini ditandai dengan huruf CLR_CMOS. Namun sebelum di pindahkan,harap perhatikan posisi awal Slot Jumper tersebut. Jika sudah dipindahkan, nyalakan PC anda (jangan khawatir, jika PC anda tidak nyala. Itu memang dikarenakan anda telah mengubah settingan Jumper Clear CMOS

). Jika sudah, Cabut kembali Power PC dan kembalikan Slot Jumper Ke posisi semula. Kemudian nyalakan kembali..

2. Cara yg kedua adalah dengan mencabut Batterai CMOS yang terletak pada Mainboard. Dan memasangnya kembali seperti semula.

20 Questions: Nicky B Interview (Stars on the Rise Feature)

It's the music of the moment. Some call it Island Pop, some say it's Island R&B. Nicky B dubs it R&D- Rhythm & Dancehall. It's a sound he has been perfecting for the last eight years. Let's get his take on his journey to the top and the success of his sound R&D.

1. What does success mean to you?
Finally being able to pay the bills (lol) No, umm, success just means all the hard work paying off you know? I’ve been at this since 2002- in the studio, working hard on my craft just trying to be the best artist and the best individual I could possibly be. So success shows that all the hard work is worth it.


2. What do you want to achieve in your field?
I think I’ve achieved it. I spent 6-7 years working on a sound and developing a craft that I see different individuals using right now. When I went in the studio and was developing the sound called R&D (Rhythm & Dancehall) never in my wildest imagination would I know that two years later there was going to be a guy from Jamaica that moved to Miami named Sean Kingston that was going to do the same exact thing. (Which they call Dancehall Pop) Yea, it’s called Dancehall pop but it’s the same thing which is highlighting our culture while at the same time using Pop influences. You have people from the VI (Rock City, Iyaz), Christopher Martin, Natel, (Duane Howard), Ricky Blaze…. I feel good knowing that I’ve been doing this for a minute even though its coming out now, but that’s the nature of the game.


3. What is the greatest sacrifice you have made so far in your career?
Stopping school. My house burnt down in 2002 and I was at a crossroad whether or not I was gonna go back to school (at Quality Academics to take courses for entrance to culinary arts school) or spend a year and just do music. After taking a year off from school I was stuck with another choice of going back to school or continuing with the music. When you’re a year in the business it’s like nothing, I’ve been doing this for so long and it is finally getting to a point where people understand that I am a true talent and writer and singer. So my big sacrifice was not earning any money, not gaining recognition and still deciding to leave school alone and keep at it.

4. Though you already have a loyal following, do you ever fear that you won’t make it big?
They say fear is of the devil, you know. I wouldn’t go as far as saying fear. You know, there’s that concern that what if this don’t work out-because you make a sacrifice and this is what’s paying the bills. So if one day it stops, do I start allover? Do I go back to school? But I believe in putting out a certain type of energy in the Universe to have it come back to me, so at the end of the day I just know I’m going to make it and I leave no room for failure.


5. What makes you stand out in your field?
Skibby-di-boom-bam-beng…(laugh) Yeah. You hear that and you know who coming around the corner man. You not looking for any tall dark guy, or a short rastaman…You know is the coolie boy with the curly hair and the glasses.

6. What is the best piece of advice you have been given and who was it from?
The best piece of advice I was given when I first started in the business was from my father Mikey Bennett.I was doing straight R&B music. His advice was very short, but hurtful at the same time ( Your parents are the ones that usually give it to you straight) Yeah, but you don’t want to hear that. He was like “Yow, all dem songs you a do; dead fi hungry music dat. Dat nah go noweh. You need to highlight Jamaica.” He went on to say “ so many artists out of the country are so proud of Jamaica that when dem come here dem always go back home and do something Jamaican” So basically his advice was not to be afraid to highlight that I am from this country. It was great advice.


7. What advice do you have for anyone trying to make it in your field?
Go look another wuk (laught) Ah joke…. Be very very patient. You doh waan hear that but you have to be patient in this business and leave your feelings somewhere else because when feelings get involved you don’t handle constructive criticisms or the negative stuff.You may make enemies or become bitter. You don’t want that. And, just work, work on your craft. Constantly try to develop it. Never, ever feel like you are bigger than the business either cause you’ll be very surprised to learn that you aren’t.

Click HERE to get to know Nicky even better!!! and tune in to his music...Skibidi-boom-bang-beng!! Luv it !!!

Michelle Obama says she listens to Rihanna

Mrs. Obama spent about an hour taking queries from children of executive office employees who visited the White House for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

U.S First Lady Michelle Obama taking questions from children at the White House's Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event.
Photo source

The children asked Mrs. Obama about life in the White House, her campaign against childhood obesity, the White House garden - and whether she could make school recesses longer. She dodged that last one.

One detail she shared: The playlist on her iPod includes songs by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Beyonce, Usher and Sting.

Source

Two New Singles and Three Continent Tour for Sean Paul

With two new tracks and a three-continent tour for April, Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul is keeping quite busy these days. Sean Paul, who returned from performances in Africa recently, is also toasting the success of his single with British-born pop sensation Jay Sean, Do You Remember, which is featured on the iconic pop music compilation Now That’s What I Call Music.

Excited fans checking out Sean Paul at a Bogota Mall...he was in Australia last week!

Sean Paul’s two newest singles, "Fire Brigade" and "Down The Line," are destined as sure-fire club pleasers. "Down The Line", produced by Jeremy Harding, is a reggae-flavoured slow-melody love song which is featured on his popular mixtape The Oddessy. The Don Corleone-produced "Fire Brigade", however, is an unmistakable dancehall tune with all the up-tempo energy party lovers clamour for and that which Sean Paul has become famous for.

Sean Paul is rearing to hit the road and promote these two new tracks. “Working with Don and Jeremy is just amazing. They are creative people and good at what they do. I know anytime I go in the studio with them I leave with a good song. Down The Line is getting good reviews so far and so is Fire Brigade so its time to kick the promotion for these singles into high gear,” Sean Paul said.

He added that the singles will soon be available on iTunes, and that the producers were two of the producers who did tracks for his album Imperial Blaze. The album, his fourth, went on to make history on the charts as it became the first dancehall album to top the Billboard Rap/Hip Hop charts.

His newly released singles aside, the Grammy-winning megastar has been racking up the frequent flyer miles and performance hours. Sean Paul has performed in more than 80 countries in North, Central, and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Paul will return to the dancehall-loving nation of Japan, where Imperial Blaze debuted at #1 selling over 50,000 copies in its first week. He has a string of appearances in Japan, before he heads to engagements in Columbia and Australia. These are hectic times for the artiste, who now sports a trendy Mohawk.

Sean Paul is a multi-platinum selling deejay many times over, and the most successful Jamaican artiste on the international charts. He’s had three #1 singles, five top ten hits, and even more chart entries over four worldwide best-selling albums, which have sold more than tens of millions of copies worldwide. In 2009, he copped the MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act, as well as, Best Reggae Artiste award at the Soul Train Awards. He adds those trophies to an impressive collection of awards that includes a Grammy, MTV Music Video Award, Billboard Music Award, American Music Award, MTV Europe Music Award, MOBO, BET Award and others.

check out Sean Paul freestyleing with EVE and Jay Sean...


Keep up with Sean Paul by visiting AllSeanPaul.com

On The Scene: Alicia, Zoe K, Lala, JLo, Kelis, Lisa Raye

You mean to tell me Alicia Keys not hot in that outfit????? Well then again, she probably was in an AC car and going into an AC building....what's a couple minutes in the sunlight, huh???



check out more celebs On The Scene by clicking HERE

Jah Cure arrested again!!!

Reggae singer, Jah Cure (real name Siccaturie Alcock), was taken into custody by the police yesterday, after he was observed smoking a ganja spliff in his car.



He was arrested and taken to the Constant Spring police station, where he was charged with smoking ganja. He was granted $5,000 station bail, and is scheduled to appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday (April 26).

Rihanna Falls at Lyons concert!

Dang didn't Rihanna just hurt her rib on Monday night??? Well in Lyons last night she fell but my girl Riri played it off man....check it

St. Lucian Taj Weekes featured in Houston Chronicle, Performs at iFest this weekend

Gosh, iFest, for years I've been praying for a Caribbean theme, I went to iFest when it was Ireland (2001), when it was India (2005), when it was Jamaica (2006) when it was China (2007), when it was Africa (2008) and how many other countries between 2001 and 2008 praying each year, that the next would focus on the region I love. 1998 was the last time the Houston International Festival had a "Caribbean" theme. So those of you in Houston please enjoy the last weekend of iFest which has as its the theme this year "Spotlighting the Caribbean."




If you go on Saturday, make sure to check out St. Lucian Reggae artist Taj Weekes on the Bud Light World Stage. He was featured in the Houston Chronicle- Here's an excerpt:

When Sunday morning comes down in St. Lucia, one might hear Johnny Cash on the radio, according to Taj Weekes, a reggae superstar from the Caribbean island.

Weekes said a typical morning might include songs by Jim Reeves, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. The radio isn't formatted, so there's also calypso, some classical pieces and maybe some Elton John.

“I think it's healthier for us, rather than having one genre on a station every day of the year,” he says. “It leaves you feeling refreshed, and you get this rich musical education.”

Such a varied education is at least partially responsible for Weekes' status as the most interesting roots reggae singer to come along in a generation. There are no gimmicks in Weekes' music: no hip-hop, no party anthems, no visual shtick, crutches that have made dancehall a profitable, if shallow, permutation of reggae's history. Weekes sings in a high, brittle and otherworldly voice. But he's a songwriter first. His songs play out vibrantly with a band, but strip them down to just voice and guitar and they remain smart and melodic.

Weekes bristles at the notion that reggae must come from Jamaica. Though he heard a lot of calypso growing up, reggae is what carried his attention.

“But they're similar,” he says, “both followed the same tradition of telling stories. That's where dancehall has let us down; it's like they've forgotten about the message and the music. It's about affluence and things that don't matter. It moved away from telling a story into being about material things along the way.”

Weekes is less interested in the acquired things that make us different, which is why he titled his new album Deidem, which translates “all of us.”

“I think we're more alike than we are different,” he says. “We really need to pay attention to this, only way to truly understand each other is to sit and talk. We're too caught up in preconceived ideas about who people are and what they are. At the end of the day, I've never seen anybody with three feet and four eyes.”

For all of Weekes' one-world talk, Deidem actually started with a period of self-involved contemplation. Both of his parents had recently died and Weekes wrote seven songs “about my sorrowful state of mind.”

To read the rest of the article click HERE

My girls and guys from Stamina band will be in their costumes on Saturday. Of course Taj Weekes will perform. George Clinton performs on the same stage as Taj Weekes. On Sunday there will be moko jumbie dancers from Puerto Rico, and Steele Pulse, Baaba Maal from Senegal...OMG The Dominicans are representing with Dance (I hope Dominica and not Dominican Republic- you know I would be licking dem with some serious bele if I was in H-Town), who else??? Oh, steel pan from TnT and Haitian drummers ....it's a long list ya'll click HERE to see remaining artists. And I have to mention Kyra Noons -The Neutral Sister who performed with Blacc Sheep and Yard Band..Nuff respect guys and Big up my girl Karina Nistal!!!!


To go to iFest official site click HERE

To go to iFest official after party, get info on JugglersUnited.com

The Bitters shortage is over, I repeat the bitters shortage is over (thank God, sigh)

When my mom visited me at school earlier this year, the one thing I implored her not to forget was my bitters. I put it in juice and I drink it with warm water for a tummy ache. I've been trying to convince my flatmates of the wonders of bitters but so far no success. Any ways it's good to know there are lots of people who share my love of bitters and who would be crushed at the thought of a bitters shortage. Check out this interesting story about Rachel Maddows bitters scare:




She speaks with Giselle Laronde-West (1986 Miss Eorld Winner)who is Communications Manager at Angostura and Genevieve Jodhan Executive Manager of Export Sales and Business Development. The ladies oth went on the Rachel Maddow show to clear up the International Angostura bitters shortage issue and declare it over!!!! Yay!!!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Source

And by the way if you want to know why the label looks that way, click HERE.

On The Set: Nas and Damian Marley "As We Enter"

Nas and Damian Marley shot the video for "As We Enter" in LA over the weekend.

Photo source


Click HERE to see the pics!

On The Scene: Zoe, Melanie, Kelis, Adrienne, Blacc Sheep, Idris

Look, it's Zoe Saldana and her abuelita :-)


Photo source


Click HERE to see more pics, of your fav. stars out and about!

Naomi I Feel Your Pain!

I know I am in the media, but I am also an entertainer and sometimes it's a fine line that one has to walk with two roles that more often than not cross paths, so when I saw on TMZ the headline "Naomi Campell Strikes over "Diamond" probe, I was curious as to who she "attacked" during an interview with ABC....



Hmmm, attack??? Seriously??? Although the story says that prosecutors in a special UN -backed court believe Campbell may have information that could prove Taylor used "blood diamonds" to fuel a campaign of terror in Sierra Leone between 1997 and 2001.
It's just funny to me the degree to which it implied her rage was out of control. She really was trying to hold it together...lol....I think they can count themselves lucky. Good thing she didn't have a cell phone in her hand.

Happy Earth Day!

Guys, as residents of Planet Earth, we have an obligation to be good to her, to protect her and in return reap the benefits of breathing clean air, swimming in pristine oceans, and eating the froots from healthy and fertile lands...There are many ways we can do this. I am glad to say that my flatmates and I recycle plastic and thanks to intiatives of UWI Mona campus so can other students at the university. Even things like turning off appliances all play a role. Making sacrifices like buying a Suzuki Swift instead of a Toyota Prado are all ways to contribute to a less polluted earth.



Photo source

Visit the official Earth Day site by clicking HERE and find out how else you can contribute!!!

And here is a very fitting song for such a day, "Earth Song" by Michael Jackson. Enjoy and Reflect!

Watch Alica Keys' Idol gives Back Performance

Last night Alicia Keys performed "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) and "Empire State of Mind Part II (Broken Down)" on the show.

Idol gives back is Idol Gives Back, the historic Emmy Award-winning television event and music celebration has raised more than $140 million to benefit charities around the world and across the United States. Beneficiaries for this year's event include Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.





Alicia Keys has her own charity she founded called Keep A Child Alive.
Photo source

On The Scene: Zoe, Dania, Mel B, Mamayashi, Ayeola, Ky-Mani

I had such a fun time interviewing Mamayashi for my Stars on the Rise Feature. Look out for it on the 20 Questions Tab real soon!


Meantime, check out some more pics of celebs out and about by clicking HERE!

Event: Village Fever

Check it out!!!

New Music: Trina feat Lady Saw and Nicki Minaj "Dang-A-Lang"

Here is Trina's latest single, "Dang A Lang" from her new album "Amazin" which drops on May 4th! Is this the new female anthem of 2010??? Ladies can you be that detached????



Click HERE to check it out!

Chris Martin signs distribution deal

Dancehall/reggae singer, Christopher (Chris) Martin, has reportedly signed a deal with Japan-based Rockers Island, for the distribution of his upcoming, still-unnamed, 18 track album.



The album is aimed at the Japanese market, and will feature a mix of previously released and unreleased tracks, including collaborations with Busy Signal, Ce’Cile and Shaggy. Look out for it; in stores soon.

Alicia Keys performs Un-thinkable on Ameirican Idol tonight

Alicia Keys will perform her latest release "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" on American Idol's Idols Give Back show tonight. Here is Alicia performing this song on AOL Live Sessions




Below is the official single cover:



She also filmed the video for the song. Here are two pics she tweeted from the set:

Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis on Sex And The City 2 Soundtrack!

The soundtrack for the much-anticipated Sex and the City 2 will be released on May 25 and features Leona Lewis in a duet with Jennifer Hudson called "Love is your colour". Alicia Keys has two songs on the album: her rendition of the Blondie classic "rapture" and "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down".

Liza Minelli is doing her version of Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)...that I would definitely want to hear!

The soundtrack also features the stars of SATC2 Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, performing the Helen Reddy classic “I Am Woman.”




1. Alicia Keys – “Rapture”
2. Dido – “Everything to Lose”
3. Cee-Lo – “Language of Love”
4. Erykah Badu – “Window Seat”
5. Natacha Atlas – “Kidda”
6. Michael McGregor – “Euphrates Dream”
7. Liza Minnelli – “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”
8. Ricki-Lee – “Can’t Touch It”
9. Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down”
10. Jennifer Hudson and Leona Lewis – “Love Is Your Color”
11. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon – “I Am Woman”
12. Sex and the City Men’s Choir – “If Ever I Would Leave You”
13. Sex and the City Men’s Choir – “Sunrise, Sunset”
14. Sex and the City Men’s Choir – “Till There Was You”
15. Shayna Steele, Jordan Ballard, Kamilah Marshall – “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”
16. Liza Minnelli with Billy Stritch – “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”
17. Aaron Zigman – “Divas and Dunes”

B.o.B expected to dethrone Rihanna on Billboards Hot 100

Atlanta rapper B.o.B will bounce Rihanna from the top slot of the Hot 100 to be released on Thursday morning (Apr. 22), as his "Nothin' On You," featuring Bruno Mars, will jump 2-1 while Rihanna's "Rude Boy" drops to the runner-up slot.


"Nothin' On You" also rises to the top of Digital Songs, moving 184,000 downloads according to Nielsen SoundScan. Last week's top-seller, Train's "Hey, Soul Sister," dips to No. 2 with 159,000.


B.o.B also has the Hot 100's top debut as "Airplanes," featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, will land at No. 12 upon the chart's official release. The track sells 138,000 in its initial week of availability and arrives at No. 5 on Digital Songs. His debut album "B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray" hits retail this coming Tuesday (April 27).



To check the charts log on to Billboard.com for all the info!!!!

Ash forces Nas and Damian Marley to cancel London show

The Nas and Damian Marley show in London has been canceled as a result of the shutdown on flights in the U.K.



However, travel restrictions have been lifted and flights began landing again in the U.K. on Tuesday night (April 20). The volcanic ash from Iceland closed U.K. airspace for six days, and across Europe more than 95,000 flights were canceled.

The TCO-promoted Nas and Damian Marley Show at the Electric Ballroom has been canceled, though. They have collaborated on the "Distant Relatives" (Island) album, out May 17. Tickets will be valid for the July 20 London Hammersmith show.

Melissa Auf der Maur had to cancel shows last weekend in Oslo and London, where she had a sold-out date at Cargo. But she has been traveling across sea and land to make a newly-booked date at London Jazz Café today (April 21). There is also an April 21 screening of the film accompanying the new album, "Out Of Our Minds" (Roadrunner), and a Q&A at London's ICA.

LCD Soundsystem had to pull its Dublin dates but the act said on Twitter "we will make it to London." They traveled from L.A. to Spain and will continue to the U.K. for April 23 at Brixton Academy.

Other acts have been unable to make shows in Europe. Swedish act Nina Kinert and U.K. band Delphic both canceled French shows, and Bobby McFerrin pulled his April 18 Paris gig, which is rescheduled for May 3.

U.K. singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner has been stuck in Hong Kong. His April 21 Paris show has been postponed to June 14.

Source

Brooklyn donates knockoffs to Haiti

The Brooklyn district attorney's office is helping in the Haiti earthquake relief effort by donating counterfeit knockoff clothing to the country. According to CNN:

Haiti's children will benefit from the new clothes

Photo source

Seven truckloads of confiscated counterfeit designer duds and shoes -- Ed Hardy, Nike and Diesel among the imitation brands -- are headed to earthquake victims in Haiti.

The 125,000 tons of clothing and shoes, valued at $10 million, were seized by New York police and would normally be destroyed, but in this case, the contraband will go to good use.

"Permission was obtained from manufacturers, including Nike, Timberland, Antik Denim Jeans, Black Label and Christian Audigier, to allow the knockoffs to be donated to charity," Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes told CNN affiliate WPIX.

Hynes' office came up the idea. It was decided the goods, warehoused for a while, would come to better use in Haiti.

The

Publish Post

powerful January 12 earthquake rendered more than 1 million people homeless in the Caribbean nation. Many are eking out a meager existence, living in tents and underneath tarps.

The international charity World Vision has agreed to deliver the items donated by the Brooklyn authorities.

But there's one catch: All brand identifiers like labels and logos will be removed in order to avoid trademark issues.

Source

Rihanna's reps says shes ok... hospital scare was over bruised rib

Rihannawas rushed to the hospital after performing in Switzerland on Monday night and of course that had everyone wondering what the heck had happened to her?

Rihanna performing in Zurich

Photo source

It seems after performing at the concert in Zurich, she was rushed to the ER in a black Mercedes accompanied by a camp of bodyguards, drivers and assistants.

In a recent update on People.com the 22 year old singer's rep says she"had an injured rib and went to have it looked at to be sure it was nothing serious, and it wasn't,"

Rihanna continued the European leg of her "Last Girl on Earth" tour Tuesday night with a concert in Lyon, France, and is expected to play in Marseille on Wednesday.

Rising Stars Ocho Rios a definite success!

Digicel Rising Stars auditions in Ocho Rios was a smash with amazing talent and several interesting characters gracing the stage. The fourth auditions for this the 7th season of Digicel Rising Stars was held at he Hibiscus lodge in Ocho Rios on April 18. With almost two hundred contestant turning out despite the constant threat of rain there is the distinct possibility that the 2010 Digicel Rising Star might come from St Ann.

This rastaman brought his guitar but not much talent.jpg This rastaman brought his guitar but not much talent.

Series producer for the hit series, Sharon Schroeter, says St Ann was a confidence booster for the show’s organisers: “The talent here was plenty, we saw many contestants who have what it takes to be on the Digicel Rising Stars main stage. What is also true is that there were some talent that just needed a little bit more time to hone their craft and this augers well for the future of Digicel Rising Stars as we have told them to come back when they are ready”

Rising Stars host hopeful Julie Malcolm is serenaded by a contestant in Ocho Rios

Julie Malcolm who is vying for the position of host of Digicel Rising Stars 2010 was at the audition interacting with the contestants: “It was an exciting experience for me as I met some very interesting characters and saw some good talent. The Digicel Rising Stars' family were also extremely professional and very supportive of me. I had some real fun, I learnt a lot and I hope to land the position so that I can be a part of this great competition”.


Talented 19 year old Chrystal Rhoden was asked to hone her skills a bit more and try again next year


Judges Anthony Miller, Nadine Sutherland and Clyde McKenzie were treated to a good combination of what the garden parish had to offer. Throughout the day contestants came with Dancehall, R&B, Gospel and Reggae, with a large majority of contestants choosing to do renditions of old but loved R&B songs from the likes of Witney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jagged Edge and other acts from the 90’s and 80’s.

Digicel Rising Stars' auditions continue this Saturday (April 24) at the Girl Guides Headquarters in Kingston. Auditions begin at 8am and end at 3pm!

Miss Earth Jamaica t 2009 to make guest appearance at Fashion Affairs Fashion Show

Miss Earth Jamaica 2009,Miss Jamaica Caribbean World 2008 and Miss Teen Florida Caribbean 2005, Jenaae Jackson will be a guest model at the Annual “A Fashion Affair” Fashion Show in Atlanta on “Mother’s Day” Sunday May 9 , 2010.




This annual Caribbean event is organised by event by Norma Jean Martin (event director), Christine Newton (event coordinator) and Peaches Pennycooke (marketing & sales) who dubbed it "Exotica"

DATE: Sunday May 9th

TIME: 3:00 PM

VENUE:Trinity Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Select located at 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta GA 30341

COST:general admission from $40.00 to $50.00 and the VIP seating from $50.00 to $65.00.


PARTICIPATING DESIGNERS
*Uzuri International, designers to Miss World pageant
*Pablo Palair menswear designer (Mo-Bay Jamaica)
* Mushroom Swimwear
*Mutamba collection (Kingston Jamaica)
* T.K. Design featuring Palini Couture (Sandy Springs Atlanta)
*K & G Super Store menswear Stone Mountain
Private boutiques and specialty collections.


ENTERTAINMENT
*dance performance by an Atlanta dance ensamble, choreographed by Chelsea Dixon & T’ka Martin.
*Comedy by Sophie Nichols out South Florida now stationed in Louisiana


SPECIAL GUESTS
* WestonHaughton (production director to Miss Jamaica World pageant)Miss Jamaica World 2005 andGeneral Manager of Spartan Health Club
*Dr. Terri Karelle Reid Miss Jamaica world 2006
*Miss World Caribbean 2006, Sara Lawrence
top Caribbean male model and Mr. Manhunt,Tafawah Thompson
Models Latrece, Javon, Karla, and Donicca, Leonard, Michael,Roxene, Roz and Natalie.

For more information, please call 404 316 0397

Free download of Pitbull's latest mix-tape

Guys, log on to PlanetPit.com and you can get a free download of his latest mix-tape Mr. Worldwide!

Grace Jones thinks Lady Gaga is unoriginal

I love this article on Grace Jones written by Simon Hattenstone for Gardian UK. It's fun quirky, honest and gives (me any way) a fascinating look at the beast and woman that is Grace Jones. She gave some very direct responses to his questions from her sex life, to musical collaborations.

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Asked if Lady Gaga and other acts asked to collaborate with her:

"I just don't play with other acts as a rule," she says, with rare discretion.

What does she think of her? "I really don't think of her at all. I go about my business."

Has she copied her? "Well, you know, I've seen some things she's worn that I've worn, and that does kind of piss me off."

Is she talented? "I wouldn't go to see her."

So, did she ask to play with her? "Yes, she did, but I said no. I'd just prefer to work with someone who is more original and someone who is not copying me, actually."

Of what is she most proud? "My son," she says instantly. Paolo is a member of her band, and the product of her relationship with Goude.-

Has she had relationships only with men? "I love women, but I've never had a relationship with a woman. Having a threesome is fun, but never a relationship. I like to experiment, and as an actress I always thought it's good to be open about a lot of things."

Did her mother and father ever tell her they were proud? "Yes. It took a while. The thing is, as leaders in the church, they were pressured by everyone else to shun me........My dad had become a bishop, and I found out he was carrying pictures of me in his wallet, showing off quietly.

It's a really good piece...please read by clicking HERE!

Idris Elba featured in New York Times

Idris Elba talks to the New York Time's Dan Kois about his new movie The Losers, as well as his BBC Series Luther set to air next spring. He also talks about past works such as Obsessed and The Wire.

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Click HERE to read the interview.

On The Scene: Common, Tatyana, Lymie, Toi, Lauryn

Here's Toi Gichie at a recent interview in FL

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Click HERE to see more stars out and about!

Drake finds love in Jamaica

Drake talks to Birdman about his recent trip to Jamaica where he shot the video for his latest single "Find Your Love".


Photo source

"We went to Kingston," Drake said. "We went to this 'hood. They call it the 'gully' side. It's bad out there, real bad. They had 'Young Money' sprayed on the gates, 'Drake and Wayne,' 'cause I came to shoot the video out there. I'm talking about you drive by people's homes, they had 'Drake,' 'Young Money,' 'Drake, Welcome Here,' 'Drake We Love You' — crazy sh--, man. It was so crazy. This dude was like, 'Original Weezy tha God! You tha boss! Weezy tha God!' It's crazy. They love us, 'cause we show love out there."



The Kanye West-produced "Find Your Love," will be on his EP Thank Me Later set for a June 19 release.

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Gang Starr's GURU loses his battle with cancer

Rapper Guru (gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) has died at the age of 43 after a long battle with cancer, according to a statement released by his friend and producer Solar. The New York MC - whose real name was Keith Elam - suffered cardiac arrest on March 2 and had been in a coma.



The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time --my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," reads the statement. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius."

Accompanying the statement was a letter, apparently written by Guru before his death and passed on to Solar, that would appear to maintain a beef Guru had with DJ Premier. Premier and Guru made up the hip-hop duo Gang Starr, which released six albums between 1989 and 2003.

"I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease," the letter reads.

"I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events, tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this," continues the letter. "I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ."

In addition to his work with Gang Starr, Guru released an acclaimed series of "Jazzmatazz" albums that fused hip-hop with jazz and featured collaborations with Cortney Pine, Roy Ayers and Kool Keith.
Source

What I like about Gang Starr's songs is the story telling... you know, you just listen to the lyrics, coupled with the beats and you just progress with the story man, plus the diction is clear and the lyrics are thought provoking....Here are a couple of my fav. Gang Starr songs. R.I.P Guru.


This one is called "Ex-Girl to the Next Girl"



"DWYCK" Gang Starr feat Nice and Smooth.



The song Jazz Thing the theme from the motion picture Mo' Better Blues, features Brandford Marsalis & Terence Blanchard.



Click HERE to see what MTV lists as their top 10 Gang Starr tracks!

BEST OF THE BEST GETS BIGGER

With just over a month left to showtime, the Best of the Best International Music Festival (BOTB) gets even bigger and promoters are promising there will be more artists to come! Hip-hop heavyweights Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj join Caribbean icons Capleton, Barrington Levy and Cocoa Tea, plus dancehall thriller group T.O.K., as some of the latest artists added to the show's lineup, which boasts the hottest names in urban music today. Music mogul Diddy is set to host the annual blockbuster concert event, taking place during Memorial Day weekend, on May 30 at Bicentennial Park in Miami, Florida.



Rick Ross returns to BOTB from his smash performance last year, and will once again showcase his Maybach Music dancehall artist, Magazeen. Fans can expect classic Rick Ross hits as well as an unveiling of his new tunes, as "the boss" will be promoting the release of his new album, Teflon Don, due in stores on June 29.
New rap sensation Nicki Minaj will see this as her first major performance in South Florida for the year. The Young Money artist has been making waves since she hit the scene as Lil Wayne's proteje, and recently scored major points with the Caribbean audience by jumping on the remix for "Hold Yuh" by reggae crooner Gyptian, who is also appearing on BOTB. The remix is currently receiving massive airplay on urban radio across the nation and keeps Gyptian on Billboard's Hip-Hop/R&B chart.

BOTB's official host, Diddy, is also hitting the stage to promote his upcoming album, Last Train to Paris, and will be bringing his friends in tow to hit the holiday audience that will be packed into Bicentennial Park come May 30. As fans know, no one is more dynamic when it comes to promotion than the 'Bad Boy' of hip-hop so patrons will be in store for a very special treat. DJ Khaled will also bring his 'special' friends to help promote his current album, Victory, which is now in stores and features everyone from Usher and Ludacris to Mavado and Buju Banton.
The newest additions also include dancehall's most successful male-group, T.O.K, who will see this BOTB performance as one of their biggest since releasing their latest album, Our World, last year. They will be joined by newcomers Richie Loops, who is enjoying sweet success in the dancehalls with his current hit, "My Cup," singer Romain Virgo, and dancehall's newest princess, Tiana, who will debut her hit single, "Skippin' Feelin,'" to the BOTB crowd.

Hip-hop rockstar Gucci Mane rounds out the BOTB cast, which also features Serani, Mr. Vegas, Baby Cham, Machel Montano, Lady Saw, Anthony B, Ding Dong, Demarco, Tony Matterhorn, Pinchers, G. Whizz, Chino, R.D.X., Sammi Starr and the New Kingston Band. The concert is just part of the four-day festival, which runs from Friday, May 28 to Monday, May 31. See details at http://www.bestofthebestconcert.com/.Best of the Best takes place at Bicentennial Park, located at 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami. Park gates open at 1:00 pm and show time is set for 1:30pm sharp. For further information on each event and to purchase tickets, log on to http://www.bestofthebestconcert.com/ or call 1-305-438-9488, or also visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/.

St. Lucia Bans Kartel

St. Lucia has become the latest Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to place a ban on Jamaican dancehall singer, Vybz Kartel, who had been scheduled to perform here at the end of the month.



A statement from the St Lucian government today noted that in deciding whether or not to grant a work permit to the singer, the government had deliberately refrained from rushing to a judgement by establishing an adhoc committee to discuss the request from the promoters.

It said that the committee was required to look at a number of factors, including a comprehensive research of the history of the artiste, solicit views and opinions of key institutions and organisations in the country and determine the general impact of the artiste’s performance on the population, particularly the youth.


“Having looked carefully at the significant amount of information presented, and considering the views and opinions of the many individuals and institutions as well as available options, the Government of St Lucia through the Ministry of Labour, Information and Broadcasting has decided not to grant a work permits to Mr Adidja Azim Palmer otherwise known as Vybz Kartel for performances at the Hot FM promoted Supreme Weekend show scheduled for April 30 and May 1, 2010.
“In light of the foregoing, and in order to ensure consistency and to avoid discrimination, Government has decided that in going forward, it is essential to establish a permanent committee to review applications for artistes seeking permits to perform in St Lucia,” the statement added.

Read more about it HERE.

Source

I am all for protecting the youth, but I think all this banning is going a little too far. If you blame Vybz Kartel for youth violence then what's to stop beer companies for being blamed for teenage pregnancies? There are surveys done which link underage drinking with increase in sexual behaviour among teens. Who is taking responsibility for that??? Which Caribbean governments are stepping up to the plate and holding people accountable??? What about prominent leaders who are involved in the drug trade??? I am in no way making excuses for Kartel, but artists have a right to creative freedom and expression and I just wonder how much of this is really about protecting our young???

Think about it? How many school age children will go to the event ??? I'm sure some will, but by and large I expect the majority would be working adults. Moreover, these teenagers that the government wants to protect know Kartel's music from Internet downloads, or listening to them on the radio. In Dominica Mavado performed a while back and there was so much hoopla about whether he should be banned or not. He came did his thing, made his money and that was that. There was no major incident, that I am aware of.Young people listen to him, and they listen to other acts including Vegas and Bounty Killer. But they listen to Miley Cyrus too and Rihanna (who sings about suicide and making her "Rude Boy" get it up) and MFR and Triple Kay.

I am saying all this to say basically I feel that who wants to go to Kartel show go and who don't want to go stay home. It's not everything he sings I like, it's not everything he sings I don't like. I mostly listen to clean versions of his songs. I know every one is not me, ray-ray ray-rah-rah-rah, but as an artist too I just have to wonder, how do we weigh who's rights matter more?