Entertainment News Views
Written & compiled by Stan Evan Smith, Music Editor
Silver Spring/New York City:
Rihanna, Chris Brown recording duet?
The couple, who have reconciled after Chris allegedly assaulted Rihanna in his rented Lamborghini car last month, are said to be working on a song for Chris’ new album, which is due out later this year. A source said: “They’ve been working on it together.”
No comment
The pair is believed to be recording with producer Polow Da Don – who wrote the Pussycat Dolls‘ hit Buttons, in a Santa Monica studio. Neither Chris nor Rihanna’s representatives have commented on the claims.
Last week, Chris was charged with two felonies – assault and making criminal threats, in relation to the alleged attack on Rihanna.
He is yet to enter a plea, but if convicted, he faces a maximum of four years, eight months in prison. It has been claimed the 19-year-old singer might want to organise a plea deal in an effort to get the charges scaled down to a misdemeanor, which would mean he would not face jail.
Chris’ lawyers are reportedly claiming Rihanna was also aggressive during the alleged altercation, which could mean Chris’ crime wasn’t a felony. Rihanna reportedly started the fight after reading a three-page text message Chris had received from another woman, and allegedly fought back when he was reportedly punching and biting her.
No injuries
However, it has been claimed Chris may find the argument hard to substantiate, as he had no injuries after the altercation. It has also been suggested that Chris sent a text message to Rihanna’s assistant shortly after the incident, apologising for his behaviour and stating he would be seeking help. If true, the message would be admissible in court as evidence. (Source The Star online) The rumors are true: Troubled couple Chris Brown and Rihanna have recorded a duet together just days after the “Run It” singer was charged with two felonies in the alleged assault of his pop star girlfriend.
A source close to the record’s producer Polow Da Don confirmed to CNN Thursday that they pair had hit the studio together.
“My heart goes out to both Chris and Rihanna for what has happened in the past,” Da Don said in a statement. “They are both great artists to work with, and I wish them well.”
Another source described the song to People magazine as “sweet and sentimental” and said it “expresses the challenges of a love relationship.”
An affadavit released last week stated Rihanna had been punched, choked and bitten in the alleged attack and after Brown’s charges, many high-profile names in the entertainment industry have rushed to cut off association with him or to rally for Rihanna, 21, to end their relationship.
With the bad, spotlight surrounding Chris Brown since he battered Rihanna’s face causing him to lost several major deals and endorsements. However so far kids’ station Nickelodeon has decided not to dropped Chris Brown or Rihanna from their Kids’ Choice Awards nominees listing.
OutAroad.com gets to understand that over 5,284 parents have so far signed a petition requesting for Chris Brown and Rihanna to be removed. Chris Brown who was nominated for two awards Favorite Male Singer and Favorite Song for “Kiss Kiss,” will not be attending the awards – confirmed by a spokesperson for the show.
Nickelodeon statement:
Network stands by its decision not to remove Brown, who has been charged with felony assault and making criminal threats, as a nominee for the show set to air on March 28. “Like all our KCA nominees, Chris Brown was nominated by kids several months ago based on his body of work as a performer,” a Nickelodeon rep said. “And the kids who vote will ultimately decide who wins in the category.” (Source Read Full Story: nydailynews &OutAroad.com)
TOK collaborates with R&B singer Kelly Price
While on their recently concluded US Tour dancehall heavyweights TOK wasted no time in getting work done. The platinum selling group was busy in the studio recording with multi-platinum R&B singer Kelly Price. They recorded not one, but two tracks with the talented songstress.
The recordings which took place in LA include the brand new track tearing up local airwaves, titled “Bonafide”. This single was produced by Beatzgalore out of New York and will be featured on TOK’s new album “Our World”. The other single is titled “Good for You”, and will be released on Kelly’s own upcoming album. .” (Source OutAroad.com)
Buju Banton – Rasta Got Soul
Drop In North America April 21st –
Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce the North American release date for Jamaican music icon Buju Banton’s highly anticipated roots reggae album, Rasta Got Soul. Recorded over a seven year period at Buju’s own Gargamel Music studio, the long-awaited project is finally set for physical and digital release in the United States and Canada on April 21, 2009. Coincidentally, the date marks the 43rd anniversary of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie’s historic visit to Jamaica in 1966.
His most musically audacious work to date, Rasta Got Soul unites Buju Banton’s characteristic vocals and consistently positive messages, grounded in the tenets of Rastafari, with organic reggae rhythms carefully crafted by a select aggregation of the island’s finest musicians. “Roots is the foundation,” explains Buju, who became a dancehall superstar in the ’90s by riding the latest synthesized beats. “The computer stuff gets monotonous; every third production you can hear some similarity, as opposed to when you listen to something live there is always something different,” he says. (Source OutAroad.com)
Vybz Kartel & Lisa Hype Semi-Nude photos
Once again, the internet is filled with a “overdosed” of sexy photos that shows Portmore Empire’s Boss Vybz Kartel hands transforming into a bra to cupped the breast of his upcoming female artist Lisa Hype. The Techa is using a similar promotional pattern as he did when promoting Rompin Shop ft Spice. But after having successful Rompin Shop the Teacha is now requesting that Lisa Hype to give it all up in the single ‘Wine for Me’ ft Lisa Hype. (Source: OutAroad.com)
Bermuda Reggae Singer on Matthew McConaughey’s Label
Bermuda-born reggae singer, Mishka, has been signed by the new record label of actor Matthew McConaughey.
Mishka was set to play Sullivan Hall in NY as he continues a multi-city touring schedule to promote his third album, ‘Above the Bones, ` now on j. k. livin label.
Mishka has toured extensively throughout Europe, Japan, and North America, including a sold out North American acoustic tour opening for Australian multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd. His new album is produced by McConaughey and Atlanta producer/musician Daryl Thompson (Sly & Robbie, Peter Tosh). Mishka was born to a Bermuda father and Canadian mother on Bermuda and raised on a 40-foot sailing vessel built by his parents, who wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream of raising their young family by the ocean. At the tender age of 10, Mishka acquired a tape player and soon discovered a world of music that moved him. The first record he ever bought was “Avalon” by Roxy Music, and he listened to everything from contemporary Rock to South Africa’s Juluka, Burning Spear, and Bob Marley.
While living in Nevis as a young adult in 1992, Mishka devoted himself to writing and performing, connecting with people through his essence and the intimacy of his music. His lyrics speak to his engaging perspective on life, distrust of authority, distaste of corruption, and faith in love and in our world’s people. Mishka moved to London and his debut, the self-titled ‘Mishka’, became a Top 40 hit in England. ‘Give You All the Love’ cracked the charts in Britain and Japan where it went Top 10. While he was making ‘Mishka’, Swedish producer Martin Terefe (KT Tunstall, James Morrison) was working in the studio next door. Terefe produced Mishka’s second album, 2005’s ‘One Tree’, a blend of electronica, folk and reggae. While on tour, Mishka met Darryl Thompson a long time guitarist for Sly & Robbie. They were working on ‘Above the Bones’ when Matthew McConaughey showed up and signed Mishka to his new label j. k. livin.
Mishka’s varied musical interests are evident on ‘Above the Bones’ but his vocals may be the most captivating element of the album. His striking tenor is mellow and intense with a bluesy quality that gives every word an aching intensity. It’s a timeless voice, the familiar sound of a friend you’ve always known but never met.
‘Higher Heights’ opens the album with a roots reggae vibe. It’s a song of empowerment and encouragement to people who want to see more love and unity in the world, an invitation to let our better nature shine and heal the troubled world we live in. ‘3rd Eye Vision’ is a rock steady groove. It’s a prayer for the planet that urges us to live in harmony with the earth and find peace of mind amidst a system that often forces us to be hypocritical to ourselves.
‘Peace and Love’ is a simple three chord celebration of eternal values. Mishka’s vocal is full of sweet soulful fire. The title track for the album is essentially a folk song about honoring our ancestors, their memories, their tribulations and their joys and translating that into a prayer for the living. Other stand out tracks include ‘Coastline Journey’ with laid back conga lines and surfer style guitar licks and is essentially a love song for the ocean; ‘Mountains Meet the Sea’ a tender rock ballad and ‘Train Again’ a tune that brings to mind the early Wailers with its funky Clavinet and rock guitar leads that also features vocals by dancehall artist Lyrical Don. (Source: CaribWorldNews,
Rihanna Eyes Role in “The Bodyguard” Remake
Following the infamous altercation with boyfriend Chris Brown that left her battered and bruised, Rihanna is looking to put the focus back on her career. She’s reportedly been in the studios, and is now rumored to be seeking a role in a remake of the 1992 hit film “The Bodyguard.”
Following in the footsteps of Whitney Houston, who starred in the original film, Rihanna is set to take on her role as a music star that lives in fear of a stalker.
A source told the New York Daily News, “Before the situation with Chris, Ri was getting a lot of scripts. She’s wanted to do movies for a while now.”Source: Cleveland leader
Ninja says he knows nothing about man’s murder
Popular deejay and founder of the One Umbrella Movement, Desmond Ballentine, aka Ninja man, who is wanted by the police for questioning in regard to the murder of a man known as Ricky Trooper, told Yardflex that he knows nothing about the killing.
Ninja man is currently listed as a person of interest in the murder which reportedly took place in the Marl Road area of Kingston 11 on Tuesday.
According to the Constabulary Communication Network, about 11:15 am, Johnson, otherwise called ‘Ricky Trooper’ — not the selector — was sweeping his yard in the company of a friend when a grey motor car with three men aboard drove up. An argument reportedly developed between one of the men and Johnson’s friend and the car drove off. The vehicle later returned and the occupants opened fire, hitting Johnson. He died at the Kingston Public Hospital.
Ninja man told Yardflex that he has contacted his lawyer, Norma Linton and they will be going in to the police sometime today (Wednesday).
“Right now a no time fi walk and shoot people. Me don’t know nothing about it. Me don’t even know who dem say dead,” he declared Posted by yardflex.com
Demarco & Busta Rhymes in combination
Singjay, producer and song-writer, Demarco has teamed up with veteran rapper Busta Rhymes to voice the single, Hustle. This brand new collaboration, voiced on a one drop reggae riddim, was recently released on online music forums and based on the early feedback the song has true breakout potential. It was also recently announced that Demarco has joined the Solid Agency Camp, and will see them taking on exclusive show/event bookings for the artiste.
A release from the agency stated, “Demarco is definitely the type of artiste we look forward to working, he brings a lot to the table as an artiste and producer.” Source: Yardflex
Mavado.
Mavado stays doing it big for Dancehall in 09 with a massive 6 page feature in the latest edition of Vibe magazine. Vibe usually only devotes limited column inches to Dancehall acts in its “Boomshot” section, but gave Mavado 7 pages plus a tag on the front cover, further cementing his place in urban US culture. Writer Rob Kenner flew to Jamaica with a Vibe photographer in January and spent several days with the Gully God. Di magazine in stores now…fi real check it out.
Shocking Vibes CEO Patrick Roberts wanted
Head of Shocking Vibes Entertainment, Patrick Roberts is a wanted man. A warrant was on Monday issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court to answer to tax evasion charges.
A businessman, music producer, and unsuccessful People’s National Party candidate, Roberts was scheduled to appear before the Tax Court to answer to charges that he owes the government millions of dollars in unpaid taxes.
However, when his name was called in court he did not appear and, as a result, the judge ordered a warrant for his arrest.
In his capacity as CEO of Shocking Vibes Roberts was responsible for the career of top flight deejay, Moses ‘Beenie Man’ Davis, who was himself involved in a tax evasion drama last year. The court charged that Beenie Man owed the government some $48-million in taxes.
The charges against the former Shocking Vibes deejay were subsequently dismissed, on the grounds that the notice of assessment was flawed.
Roberts last year stood the surety for politician Kern Spencer, who is charged in the Cuban light-bulb scandal.
Source: Yardflex.com
