Barbee Fashionably Graces the Grammy Awards
Fashionista and Rare Diamond recording artist Barbee is in L.A. during the Grammy Awards 2011 for the first time. Her last appearance at an awards show she stunned Wolf Blitzer of CNN so much, that she ended up on CNN for the Soul Train Music Awards!
Barbee’s “Black Widow” like cat suit left a great impression with the audience at the BET Hip Hop Awards last year. Her elegant sequence dress she wore at the Soul Train Music Awards 2010 garnered wave reviews. Barbee is making her way to the through the Awards show circuit, and enjoying every moment of it. Barbee is not a stranger to awards shows however, since 2008 she has amassed many awards including, winning Best New Artist 2008 for the song “Missing You” ft. Junior Kelly and Best New Collaboration for the song “Give It Up” with Beenie Man at the 2009 EME’s. In 2010 she won Most Promising Entertainer at the International Reggae World Music Awards.
Not only does Barbee take the red carpet by storm, but the half Nigerian, half Jamaican Princess has decided to take her music career to the next level. She has begun recording on her next project developing a new sound with Guerilla Drums and Concept Music Productions that will take world by storm in 2011.
Former G-Unit Artiste Olivia to Host Reality TV Show On VH1
We caught up with Hip hop and R&B artiste Olivia at Moodies Record in the Bronx while she was being interviewed for Back Yard TV with TV host Black Barbie. I had the opportunity to sit with her after her interview to find out what she will be working on for the New Year.
The Jamaican born Olivia is known for her hit singles “Bizounce”, “Candy shop” and “Wild to Nite” collaborating with Hip Hop artiste 50 Cents and Reggae artiste Shaggy to name a few as well as being the first lady signed to G-UNIT. Now signed to Universal Motown, Olivia is busy as ever with her new reality show on VH1 called “Love & Hip Hop”. Sneak peek will be aired on March 6, 2011 after Basketball Wives on VH1. The regular time slot after her sneak peek will be Mondays at 10pm starting March 14, 2011.
Olivia is set to release her new Free EP titled “Love and Hip Hop”, which will include the club anthem “Lick Salt Shot Lime” and her new single “In Your Shoes” which is a Home School collaboration featuring John Legend’s younger brother Vaughn Anthony. Olivia has a new Web site called www.Oliviaworldwide.com that her fans can visit to know about her upcoming tours and what she is working on. Olivia plans to continue to give her fans great music and take them on a journey with her New Reality Show “Love & Hip Hop”. For booking email [email protected]
Jah Cure’s World Cry CD features Keri Hilson, Jazmine Sullivan, Rick Ross, Shyne and Tupac Shakur
Reggae singer Jah Cure ended 2010 with his song ‘Unconditional Love’ being voted Song of the Year. World Cry, his first 2011 CD–to be distributed worldwide by mid-February is a tribute to the victims of the devastating earthquake that destroyed sections of Haiti last January. The World Cry album features collaborations with R&B/hip hop singer Keri Hilson, R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan rappers Rick Ross, Shyne and Tupac Shakur who has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide.
The Collaborations include: the song ‘All By Myself’ with Tupac Shakur, address the struggles in captivity. Both Cure and Shakur were charged with a similar crime.” ‘Choose Up’ w/ Jazmine Sullivan which describes as “awesome”. Choose Up’ was first offered to Shaggy who said it was too slow. He then sent Sullivan the song and she said she loved it. The title track ‘World Cry’ w/Keri Hilson is as a result of the two friend’s desire to work together finally paying off.
Rick Ross’s ‘Like I See It’, is Cure’s latest single with him telling the story of life as he sees it Jah Cure says the song is the realization of a desire Rick Ross had to work with him. Before the song was released Ross, who refers to Jah Cure as the next greatest thing, in a tweet and in an interview with worldhiphop.com talked about the song. There is also a remix with Mavado reportedly doing well in clubs and dancehalls in the reggae diaspora.
Barrington Levy, Vybz Kartel & Khago Are Now “Gangsters”
Barrington Levy’s latest released single “Gangsters on Platinum Camp/ Black Roses Records is from It’s About Time. “Gangsters is from the soundtrack from the movie of the same name starring Barrington Levy and dancehall maestro Vybz Kartel and upcoming Reggae star, Khago.
DJ Assassin Wed, Drop Next Album Summer
Dance hall DJ Assassin and his girlfriend Nicole McLaren recently got married. The couple is expecting their first child around April. Assassin has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Lenn Hammond: One Album, Two, #1 Songs
Lenn Hammond is currently holding two #1 songs simultaneously in Canada, Hammond’s ‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’ debuted on Italian Reggae Charts in 2010, then began charting in Toronto on CHRY 105.5FM on Radio Dubplate’s Hit List, peaking at #3.
‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart made its at the #1 spot on CKLN Radio Inc. 88.1FM on Movement’s Top 11 @ 11 and the Canada Wide Reggae Charts, #2, on the Reggaemania’s Top 10 of 2010, #6 on the South Florida Top 25 Reggae Chart, #8 on the New York Top 30 Reggae Chart. The second single ‘Close Again’ w/Louie Culture peaked at #1 on Rebel Vibez’ Top 10 on CHRY 105.5FM.
The Third single Mr. DJ peaked at #23 on Vibes of the Times’ Top 30 of 2010 in Alaska. In Jamaica ‘Take Me Girl’ charted at #1‘s on Bess FM and Riddim Jamaica’s Top Ten Tracks. ‘Not Far From Sunshine’ debuted on Choice FM at #8 Daddy Ernie’s Top 10 SuperJams in the UK.
Chino Set To Release ‘From Mawning’ Digital EP
Dancehall DJ Daniel “Chino” McGregor debuts his Digital EP ‘From Mawning,’ released by VP Records on January 18, 2011. The four-track digital EP contains hits from his upcoming debut album, also from VP Records including the singles “From Mawning” (“Never Change”) to “Protected,”/w his brother, acclaimed producer Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor.
He performed at the Power 105.1 WWPR on February 20 at B. B. King’s in New York City. From Mawning is now available from digital retailers including iTunes and VP Record
Buju Banton Tops 100 Chart
The annual New York Top 100 Hits of 2010, compiled by broadcaster Clinton Lindsay, has been released, Reggae artiste Buju Banton, sits at the # 1 position with ‘A Time And A Place’ and the No. 10 spot with ‘Innocent’ from his Grammy-nominated album Before The Dawn. Innocent is also the # 1 single on both the New York and South Florida singles charts.
A Time and a Place stayed six weeks at #1 during the tracking period January 6 – December 29, 2010 and on the weekly chart for 28 weeks. Gyptian’s crossover hit ‘Hold You’ came in the # 2 spot. The song spent four weeks at #1. Lovindeer’s ‘IMF’ landed in the # 3 spot, while Brooklyn-based Ed Robinson’s hit ‘Our Heroes’ placed him in the # 4 slot, and actor/singer Peter Lloyd’s biggest hit to date, ‘Searching’ came in at # 5 on the year-end compilation.
Rounding out the final top ten at # 6 is ‘Feel Good All Over’ by Sanchez. Shaggy’s ‘Long Time’ comes in at # 7 while Leroy ‘Heptones’ Sibbles’ ‘Harry Hippie’ takes the # 8 position. The combination of Shaggy and Alaine with For Your Eyes Only came in at # 9. The New York Reggae chart is the longest running ethnic chart in North America.
Cen’C Love drops ‘Love Letter’ February 9
Lyvstone Music recording artiste Cen’C Love, (daughter of reggae artiste Bunny Wailer) released her debut album titled ‘Love Letter’ on the 9th of February. The first single off the album ‘Casanova’ and a music video are in rotation on local radio and television. Love also shot a music video for a track called ‘Cystem’, which will be the next single to be released from the album.
I-Octane Wraps Media Promotions In New York & Gears Up For “My Life” Tour
I Octane completed a promotional media blitz in New York City for “My Life” Tour. promotional tour with a press conference at Negril Village Restaurant moderated by Pat McKay of Sirius Satellite Radio. The sing-jay did an impromptu performance of hit singles “My Life,” “Lose A Friend,” “No Love Inna Them” and “Everytime You Touch Me.”
I-Octane interview on Sirius Satellite Radio, Caribbean Billboard Radio with host Chip Smith, Road Block Radio with Banky Hype, Irie Jam Radio with DJ Roy, Reggae Spin with Keveon, Hot 97 Boston with VOG and DJ Kool, E2onair with Judith Kitson and Linkup Radio with DJ Kevin Crown.
Duane Stephenson on Tour in Celebration of BLACK GOLD
Duane Stephenson is completing his fourth tour with The Wailers throughout South America and the U.S. have garnered a positive response with sold out performances for this compelling songwriter and versatile singer.
Drake eyes local rhythms – Rapper wants to record on Jamaican ‘hot’ tracks.
Canadian rapper Drake wants to explore doing some reggae or dancehall songs in the near future. He told the Canadian network MuchMusic during an interview with T Rexxx on the Hip-Hop show Rap City.
Drake puts on a convincing Jamaican accent and sports a Mavado T-shirt, with the artiste’s image on it. Drake revealed that he may be voicing on some local rhythms at the end of his European tour. He explained that he recently spoke to Mavado’s manager, Julian Jones-Griffith, about doing some recording locally. He said, “I wanna do something for Jamaica, because we are supposed to go out there and record after the European tour.” He added, “I was like send me some rhythms that are poppin and I’ll see what I can do. He sent me some rhythms that are poppin, so I’ll see what I can do. You never know.” Jamaica-star.com
Reggae Month welcomes Brittania
A concert featuring some of the big names from that era, as well as Jamaican reggae trailblazers in Britain, is scheduled for Friday at the Barbican venue in London. Old-school deejay Dennis Alcapone; Dave Barker of Double Barrel fame; Ali Campbell, formerly of UB40; Brinsley Forde of Aswad; and Ken Boothe are some of those expected to perform.
Reggae Brittania is directed by respected English film-maker Jeremy Marre, who looks at the impact Jamaican popular music had on British youth in the 1960s. Marre has been producing films and documentaries since the 1970s. He has done feature-length projects on Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Phil Spector.
Bounty Killer assault Charges dropped
Dancehall deejay Bounty Killer was freed of assault charges in the Court in Jamaica. Bounty was charged with unlawful wounding and assault following an incident in September when his 19-year-old companion, Raquel Smith, alleged that she was attacked with a hammer. Smith missed two court dates.
Last October, Smith had communicated through her attorney, Terrence Ballentine, that she wanted the matter to go to mediation, however, Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly-Williams had denied the request, insisting that the matter should go to trial. jamaica-star.com
Buju Banton Trial February 14th, What To Expect?
Mark Myrie aka Buju Banton, One of reggae music’s prolific son’s, new trial is set to begin on Valentine day February 14th 2011. Myrie and his legal team will go all out to secure his freedom but a strong determined opposition from the government team headed by prosecutor James Preston.
Myrie’s lead attorney, David Markus said, “February 14 is Valentine’s Day. We hope the jury gives us some love.” Buju is optimistic and hopeful. He is in good spirits. He is a rock. No one realizes how hard it is to fight the federal government in one trial, let alone two,” he added. His new trial was schedule to take place in December, however, Banton’s legal team requested a February trial so that the artist could spend time with his family and regroup.
The new trial could be even tougher, since the prosecutor James Preston is seeking to slap Banton with additional charges going into the February 14 trial. Should the new indictment stand, Banton will be tried for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense.
The first trial reportedly cost Buju US$450,000
David Oscar Markus, the attorney representing Reggae artist Buju Banton, has hailed his client’s resolve and sense of purpose during his times of trouble. “The reason Buju hasn’t crumbled is because he is innocent and is a man of faith. He has told me many times that he’d rather serve 15 years than admitting to something he didn’t do. Of course, we plan on winning, so he won’t have to serve another day,” Markus told the Sunday Observer.
Markus served a motion to dismiss a superseding indictment filed by prosecutor James Preston, which added two charges of attempted possession of cocaine, facilitating a cocaine conspiracy by aiding and abetting others using a telephone, and possessing and carrying a firearm.
Markus argued in his motion that the additional charges were filed out of sheer vindictiveness on the part of the United States Government. “Due process prohibits prosecutors from acting vindictively when exercising their discretion either to bring charges in the first instance, or to supersede existing charges with more onerous ones,” the motion states. Both defense and prosecution are awaiting the court’s ruling on the matter and to also find out which date in February the artiste’s second trial will get underway.
T.O.K’s Comeback Tour Was A Success
Veteran dancehall group T.O.K recently completed their successful comeback tour of North America to Central America and Africa.
Richie Loop receives 11 Youth View Award nominations
Richie Loop has received Eleven award nomination for the 4th Annual Youth View Awards. He is nominated in the following categories: Favorite New Artiste of the Year, Best New Artist of the Year (Male) via Hitz 92 FM Music Awards for 2010 with song My Cupp, CariVibez 2nd Annual Video Web Awards , each awardee will receive the Global Tower of Recognition. He’s been nominated for two categories inclusive of – Breakout Video of the Year: Richie Loop – ‘My Cupp’ and International Video of the Year Richie Loop-‘Cupp Cupp’ Remix. Reggae singer Alaine ‘You Are Me’ is #1 on MTV Based Africa Dancehall chart and BBC 1Xtra Dancehall Chart in the UK’
NINJAMAN’S DAUGHTER DISAPPOINTED HE SPENT HIS BIRTHDAY BEHIND BARS
Samantha ‘Ninja Princess’ Ballentyne
Kingston, JAMAICA: DJ Desmond Ballentyne aka ‘Ninja Man’ has been in prison without bail two years and his daughter, Samantha, aka Ninja Princess’ dream that he would have been able to spend his 45th birthday at home with family and friends did not come true. The Don Gorgon, Ninja’s street moniker spent his birthday with inmates at the Horizon Remand Centre in Kingston.
18-year-old, Samantha, who is a student in Switzerland where she lives, asked her mother, Joy Ballentyne Ninja’s ex-wife to visit her dad on his special day. Joy Ballentyne did. “It’s very hard for me being so far away, but I made sure to look for him before I left Jamaica at the start of January.” When she returned to Switzerland she received a called and was told he had been beaten up in the jail. “I want to get him out of there … it was painful to see my dad like that,” Samantha said.
Mother Joy noted of Samantha. She loves her dad a lot and she is worried about him… “Ninja is a kind guy and he has given away a lot to people, but when he needs help where are these people?” Joy asked.
Samantha wants her father to get bail soon because she intends to do a combination song with him. As Ninja Princess she’s released two singles ‘Can’t Touch Me’ and ‘Don’t Cry’ and also recently completed a music video. Ninjaman is charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm.
The courts repeatedly refused him bail on numerous occasions. He returns to court on February 11.
Jamaican Entertainment Media figure Basil ‘Bagga’ Brown is dead
Jamaican entertainment and television personality Bagga Brown is dead. Brown, who hosted the program ‘Weh Yuh Sey’ on Jamaican television station TVJ passed at the University Hospital of the West Indies where he was being treated for cancer on January 28th 2011. Bagga Brown was 60 years old. Brown is remembered for his spectacular introduction of Bunny Wailer at Bunny’s only Madison Square Gardens concert in the 1980’s.
Tune in to Stan Evan Smith Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report on radio & the internet online:
WNSB Hot 91.1FM @ 2:15pm EST Sunday ‘Caribbean Connection’ w/Lady Cham 1:00pm-4:00pm streaming Live www.westindiantimes.netVibes24/7 Norfolk Virginia
WGUN 1010AM @ 3:00 pm EST Friday-Saturday ‘SupremeCaribRadio’ w/BarryD 2:30 pm-4:30 pm streaming Live www.biggunradio.com/ Narcross, Atlanta. GA
CHRY 105.5 FM@ 10: 40 am Monday ‘Rebel Vibes’ w/Carrie Mullings 10 am-12 pm streaming Live www.chry.fm & Roger’s Digital Cable Channel 94 Toronto, Canada
WPFW 89.3 FM @ 12:30pm ETS Sunday ‘This is Reggae Music’ w/Tony Carr 12am-2:00 pm streaming Live www.wpfw.org Washington. DC
One Caribbean Radio 97.9 FM HD2@ 9:45 pm EST Thursday ‘The Eclectic Mix’ w Chip Smith 9:00pm to 12 Midnight streaming Live www. OneCaribbeanRadio.com Brooklyn, New York
Read Stan Evan Smith’s Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report Online:
Entertainment Writer, Westindiantimes.net (Norfolk Beach VA)
Senior Music Writer, Jamaicans.com. (Fl.)https://blogs.jamaicans.com/seebreeze/2010/04/
Contributing Editor, Everybodys Magazine (NYC)
Music Writer, Jahworks.org (Oakland CA)
Email: [email protected], Email/IM: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/stan.e.smith1, facebook.com/stan.e.smith
