Mistrial declared in case against Buju Banton

A mistrial was declared Monday afternoon in the drug trial of reggae star Buju Banton. Jurors informed the judge today that after three days of deliberations they are split.

"We are still split on a decision and after reviewing evidence, nobody has changed their minds from our original vote on Thursday," said a note delivered to the judge from the jurors.

U.S. District Judge James Moody implored jurors to continue working on a verdict.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been held in jail since December on drug conspiracy charges.

Wyclef Hospitalized, Blames "Stress and Fatigue"

Wyclef Jean was hospitalized over the weekend at an undisclosed location due to "symptoms of stress and fatigue,” Jean’s rep told CNN. The musician has since been released, and his rep added that Jean “will be fine – just needs the space to recover.”

The 37-year-old has had “an extremely grueling three months–truly an exhausting eight months, since the earthquake when he recommitted himself to our homeland and his passion for our people,” his rep explained further in a statement.

The former Fugee “is currently suffering the effects of lack of sleep and stress, global travel, even the endless public eye, and has asked that his fans and supporters bear with him for the next several days as he regains his physical health and stamina.”

Jean is planning to head back to work a week from today, and “will be back out in front of the crusade to rebuild Haiti and his pledge to make it even better for business,” according to the statement.

The artist announced his intent to run for president of Haiti in August, but was deemed ineligible. Jean officially ended his bid for presidency last week. In a statement, he said fans can expect a new album, "If I Were President, the Haitian Experience," in February.

Jamaican Wins $54 Million Lottery Jackpot

She's been homeless, bankrupt, a robbery victim and assaulted on the job -- but radiant Rikers Island guard Garina Fearon now has 54 million glorious reasons to start living la dolce vita.

The 34-year-old single mom from East New York, Brooklyn, who has endured a lifetime of hardship and poverty, told The Post she's the mystery winner of last Friday's Mega Millions drawing.

"I wanted a better life. I was struggling as a single parent," a beaming Fearon said yesterday. "I've really come back from nothing."

She never imagined such joy was possible when she was down to her last $25 six years ago and forced to file for bankruptcy.

Hard times struck again two years later, when burglars robbed her apart ment while she was at work guarding danger ous inmates.

Fearon, who spent part of her youth in a homeless shelter with no stable family, went on to endure sickening abuse from the monsters in her care.

"She's had feces thrown in her face and on her uniform in the years that she's been there," said a fellow jail guard. "She's a tough young lady."

How she won is as re markable as her change of fortune.

Fearon said she bought the wrong ticket at a Sutter Ave nue bodega, where she went to play Powerball, not Mega Millions.

"I only play every six months or so," said Fearon, who has a 16-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter.

She held on to the ticket all weekend, and didn't think about it until Monday, when she asked a co-worker for a newspaper. She scribbled the winning numbers on the back of an inmate pass as her shift ended.

As she waited for the bus, she made the amazing discovery.

"I was about to fold up the lottery ticket," Fearon said. "Then I saw the numbers, and I started running from one part of the parking lot to the other screaming."

She still hasn't come down from her high.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," she said. "It's something unexpected."

The first thing on her "to-do" list was to talk to supervisors at the Correction Department. She said she feels too loyal to the job to let it go, even with all that money coming her way.

"I'm going to go to my job to get some days off," Fearon said. "I don't want to resign."

Fearon said it was her correction career that rescued her from her financial ruin.

Her top priority is taking care of her ailing mom.

"I'm from Jamaica," Fearon said. "I have a sick mother. She has diabetes, and I'm going to buy my mom a house in Jamaica."

Fearon said she will take the lump-sum option, which will pay her about $30 million before taxes. Beyond that, she's not sure what she'll do next.

"I don't know anything about all this kind of money," she said.

Buju awaits verdict - African-American juror falls ill

(via The Jamaica Observer)

A 13-member panel of jurors are now deliberating whether to find Reggae artiste Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, guilty or innocent of conspiracy with intent to distribute five kilogrammes of cocaine.

A female African-American juror fell ill and will not take part in this afternoon's deliberation.

The jury retired at 12:40 pm.

Myrie's attorney David Oscar Markus in his final argument, told the jurors that his client was innocent and asked them to return a not guilty verdict.

"Ladies and gentlemen, he is not guilty. Mr Myrie is not a drug dealer. Please, Please find him not guilty. Not because he was at the warehouse when the drugs were being inspected means he is guilty of the conspiracy charge against him," Markus said.

Markus argued that the government could not prove its case against Myrie and pointed to the Drug Enforcement Agency's Daniel McCeaffrey's testimony that despite investigating the artiste for a year he could find no evidence against him. Markus also painted US government informant Alexander Johnson as a 'master manipulator and con man'.

"To him this was a pay day. This guy was looking for his jackpot. This is how he makes a living," Markus said.

Lead prosecutor Jim Preston countered Markus' claims by telling the jurors that Myrie was 'neck deep' in the conspiracy to distribute cocaine and said it was his fault why his co-defendants James Mack and Ian Thomas were arrested. Preston said Thomas was brought into the deal by Myrie.

During his address to the jury, Preston walked over to Myrie and pointed at him for emphasis.

Thomas was expected to testify this morning but was not called to the witness stand by Markus.

"We felt we had it without him," Markus told the Observer.

Presiding Judge Jim Moody in his summation to the jury, instructed them that not because Banton was on the spot when the contraband was being inspected meant he was guilty of conspiracy. He instructed them to carefully weigh the evidence of a convicted person or a government informant because they may have a motive to give false statements.

He also informed the jury that their decision had to be unanimous to stand and instructed them that in cases of entrapment they had to find Myrie not guilty if he was not previously willing or if it was because a Government agent enticed him, they should return a not guilty verdict.

Buju speaks

(via The Jamaica Gleaner)

The chatty man drinking red wine with reggae star Buju Banton on a flight from Madrid, Spain, to Miami in the United States seemed to have important music industry connections so, the singer told a court in Tampa, Florida, yesterday, he tried to impress with made-up ambitions of drug trafficking when the talk turned to cocaine.

Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was giving testimony in a Tampa federal court where he is facing charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and aiding and abetting two others in possessing a firearm during the course of cocaine distribution. He faces up to life in prison.

The man, Alexander Johnson, was an undercover United States government informant. Buju said he liked Johnson, but he was only looking to secure a new distribution contract - not a cocaine deal.

"I'm just a humble musician. I was talking over my head," the four-time Grammy-nominated musician declared. "I was trying to impress this guy and that's what got me in this hot seat right now."

Johnson has testified that Buju admitted involvement in drug trafficking, and he wanted to give Johnson money so he could buy and sell cocaine. Their recorded conversations were played Tuesday for the jury.

The 37-year-old Rastafarian took the stand yesterday in a grey suit jacket, his long dreadlocks tied up in a braid. He said Johnson initiated their conversation about drugs on the plane in July 2009.

Buju said he made up ambitions to deal cocaine to one-up Johnson, who was talking about cocaine and marijuana deals of his own, alongside a legitimate seafood business and music industry contacts in Los Angeles.

When they met for lunch at a Fort Lauderdale restaurant the next day and at a hotel a few days later, it was Johnson who brought up cocaine, Buju said.

Buju said he never wanted nor expected Johnson to set up a cocaine deal, despite what he said in the recordings. The singer had told Johnson that he financed drug deals, wanted to sell drugs in Europe, buy drugs from the Caribbean and South America and use Johnson's boat to transport drugs.

"I talk too much, but I am not a drug dealer," Buju told the court.

Buju said he was surprised when the informant presented him with cocaine at an undercover police warehouse in Sarasota on December 8. Surveillance video shows Buju peering over co-defendant Ian Thomas' shoulder at the cocaine, and the singer tasting the drugs with a finger.

The singer said he thought Johnson was going to show him his boat and offices.

"When I realised this was real drugs, I thought, 'This is a real drug dealer, and I want no part of it'," Buju said. "I was in over my head."

Under cross-examination yesterday by Markus, Johnson said the cocaine was a "surprise showing".

Johnson said he continued to pursue a cocaine deal with Banton, even though the singer repeatedly cancelled meetings and rushed him off the phone, if he answered Johnson's calls at all.

"I needed him to come to me," Johnson said. "I was doing the job I was doing from day one."

Buju said he avoided Johnson's calls afterward, and he did not know Thomas would try to set up a drug deal with Johnson on December 10.

That day, Thomas and another co-defendant, James Mack, were arrested at the warehouse. Buju was arrested at his Miami-area home.

Thomas and Mack have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Each faces up to life in prison.

Assistant US Attorney James Preston asked Buju what he thought he would gain by lying about his involvement in drug trafficking.

"I know you want to paint me bad," Buju replied. "If I was a drug dealer, I would have taken the plea deal you offered me."

Another reggae singer testified yesterday for Banton.

Stephen Marley, one of music legend Bob Marley's sons, told jurors that in the 19 years he has been friends and played music with Buju, he has never known him to traffic in cocaine.

'A nuh Killa mi a talk!' - Lisa Hyper says new song was not about Bounty

Although Bounty Killer is currently in jail on wounding charges, female artiste Lisa Hyper says her new song 'No Beat Up' is not in reference to him.

"A nuh Killa mi a talk, a real ting mi a talk. It is just coincidental that Bounty commit such an act by the time the song supposed to come out," she said, noting that the demo for the song was done about three days ago.

"Certain things Lisa Hyper is finished with. That song definitely not going out to Bounty."

In the song, Lisa Hyper said, "No beat up mi nah tek no beat up/ Any day him lick mi a deh so mi erupt/ After mi a nuh punching bag fi him beat mi/ Is like yuh waan mi lef yuh and go find another man/ Then send yuh go Bellevue go mad/ Di Hennessy drinking yuh need fi quit it/ If mi deh wid yuh mi life ago sticky/ So mi stay single and party wid Nicky."

Bounty Killer was arrested and charged with wounding after a woman turned up at the Constant Spring Police Station and reported that the deejay used a hammer to abuse her over the weekend. It is reported that the woman had to be given 19 stitches and her body had marks associated with being beaten.

Only last April, he spent several weeks in police lock-ups after he was charged with beating his girlfriend and threatening her while he was at the police station. However, the matter was removed from the courts after the girlfriend said she did not wish to continue.

Despite the contents of the song, Lisa Hyper said she wants to take a different path, a change from the negative one she was previously on.

"People already know Lisa Hyper. Now we a move on to bigger and better things. We don't always want to paint a bad picture. You don't always want to give the people dem a bad impression. Even the baby fi can sing my song dem," she told THE STAR, noting that she is an 'artiste of the week' on Stampede Street Charts.

In the meantime, Lisa Hyper said she has been busy doing work with producers like Cashflow, Arrows Recording, Coppershot Disco, Truckback Records and Black Spade. She also has other recent releases like Night Nurse and It's Over.

Minor setback for Buju

(via The Jamaica Observer)

The defence in the Buju Banton trial suffered a minor setback this morning when a possible witness pleaded the Fifth Amendment, deciding not to testify on behalf of the Jamaican singer.

The defence had requested that James Mack, Buju's former co-accused, give evidence for him, but Mack, fearful that he might jeopardise his chances of getting a lighter sentence, opted not to.

Mack was arrested in December 2009 the same day that Buju, whose given name is Mark Myrie, was arrested and slapped with cocaine charges.

He recently copped a plead deal for a lighter sentence. Also arrested along with Mack in a sting operation was Ian Thomas, who also copped a plea deal. Both men will be sentenced in November.

Reacting to the development, Buju's lawyer David Markus expressed some disappointment as he spoke with the Observer.

"He would have helped," Markus said.

Meanwhile, Markus continued his grilling of Alexander Johnson, the prosecution's main witness.

Markus, with his line of questioning painted a picture of a man who was in financial debt and was pushing to entrap Buju because of the money he stood to earn from the case, if the entertainer was arrested.

The court was told that Johnson was behind on his credit card bills, mortgage payment and owed the US government over $100,000 in taxes.

Markus pointed out from transcripts of Johnson's recorded conversations with Buju, that he was the one constantly bringing up talks of drugs and that the entertainer was not interested.

Johnson also said that he did not inform Buju that he was going to look at drugs on December 8 when the entertainer was caught on tape tasting the cocaine. He said the artiste was under the impression that he was going to see a sailboat he (Johnson) owned.

Buju was arrested at his home at Tamarac, South Florida hours after his former co-accused Thomas and Mack, were arrested during an alleged drug bust in an undercover operation at a warehouse in Sarasota, Florida in December last year.

All three were charged with conspiracy to possess more than five kilogrammes of cocaine with intent to distribute, while Mack was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence.

The drug charge carries a minimum sentence of 20 years to life in addition to a fine of up to US$4 million, while the firearm charge carries a sentence of five years to life and a fine of up to US$250,000.

Both Mack and Thomas, in their plea deals, have agreed to give evidence to assist the US Government in building a case against Banton, in exchange for lesser sentences.

'One Day' riddim reaps rewards

(via The Jamaica Star)

Its success was not planned and the production time was certainly short, but producer Seanizzle has been getting several hits off his 'One Day' rhythm which was released earlier this year.

The producer said he made the rhythm on April 22, and by April 25 it was ready for release.

"All of the songs were recorded in one day. My song on it was called One Day and the rhythm was made in one day. When mi look pon everything, mi seh this must be a sign, so mi just call it 'One Day'," he told THE STAR, saying recording started at 10 a.m. and finished 3:30 a.m. the following morning.

The songs on the rhythm - many of which are hits -include Seanizzle's One Day, Beenie Man's I'm Ok, Mr G's Swaggerific, ZJ Liquid's Wifey Walk Out, Khago's Nah Sell Out, Twin of Twins' Don't Tell Nobody and Future Fambo's I'm Drinking Rum, featuring Beenie Man. Afterwards, he produced Gary Snipes' Poor No More.

Although it was not planned, Seanizzle said he believed the rhythm would have reaped some level of success.

"I felt it from I was building the rhythm. I just think it is my time where this is concerned. All of the songs, I felt it from my heart that they were hits," he said.

"It's a tremendous feeling. I've been doing this for a while now. This is just one of the rhythms I've been waiting on to take me to the level I want to be at."

He has followed up the 'One Day' with 'Split Personality' rhythm, which premiered over the weekend. The rhythm is jam-packed with 15 songs from artistes like Beenie Man, Pretty Kitty, Mavado, Serani, Seanizzle, Ryno, Mr G, Charly Black, Future Fambo, Lukie D, Baby Chris, Dreama, G-Whizz, Richie Stephens, ZJ Liquid, O-Octane, Zamunda and Tony Matterhorn.

"It look like the next banger. I think it's gonna be bigger than 'One Day'. The songs are really catchy and they have some unique stuff about it. It have a different kind of vibe and personality, so that's why it get the name," Seanizzle told THE STAR.

Beenie to answer to LA Lewis assault charge

(via The Jamaica Star)

Dancehall artiste Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis faced the court yesterday to answer to the charge, assault occasioning bodily harm.

Davis was charged along with Jeremy Wade, otherwise known as 'Rolex', who was charged with assault at common law, for an incident involving Horace 'LA' Lewis.

It was alleged that on June 5, Davis assaulted fellow entertainer Lewis after they were involved in a minor car accident.

Lewis said he was travelling along Perkins Boulevard, near Red Hills Road, when the incident occurred.

He said Davis had stopped his car in the road so that he could converse with another motorist.

Lewis claimed he was attempting to drive past the cars when a section of his car hit Davis' vehicle, after which, Davis allegedly exited his vehicle and assaulted him.

According to Lewis, Davis had the support of his entourage to aid in the assault, which resulted in him being hit in the face.

Wade was also alleged to be a part of Davis' entourage on the day in question.

Lewis had reported the incident to the Duhaney Park Police Station. An officer there confirmed Lewis had made a report against Davis, accusing him of assault occasioning bodily harm.

Davis will return to court on November 17 when the matter will go to trial.

Wyclef Jean officially ending bid to become president of Haiti

(via New York Daily News)

Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean announced Tuesday he is officially ending his bid to become president of Haiti.

The Grammy-winning artist, who was born in the quake-ravaged country and raised in Brooklyn, will not challenge an electoral commission that deemed him unqualified to run in the Nov. 28 race.

"After weeks of quiet but painstaking reflection with my wife and daughter, I have chosen to end my bid for the presidency of Haiti," Jean said in a statement.

"This was not an easy conclusion to reach; but it is one that as thoughtfully made, taking into account many, many competing factors and weighing the course that will be advance the healing of the country and help it find the quickest path for recovery."

Wyclef was barred from running in the November elections, along with 14 other candidates, after the electoral commission found he did not meet the entry requirements.

The singer said they believed he had not lived in Haiti for five consecutive years before the election.

He filed an appeal but has now decided to focus on his music instead.

His new album, "If I Were President, the Haitian Experience" is due to be released February 2011, followed by a worldwide tour.

"Some battles are best fought off the field, and that is where we take this now," Wyclef added.

"It's not about my candidacy - this appeal was meant to address the shortcomings of the process for every Haitian.

"Though my run for the presidency was cut short, in this way, I feel it was not in vain; it's something we can use to improve conditions for my Haitian brothers and sisters."

DEA agent testifies in Buju's favour

(via The Jamaica Observer)

rug Enforcement Agent Daniel McCeaffrey, today testified that he had no evidence that Reggae singer Buju Banton, was involved in illicit drug dealing.

McCeaffrey, who gave evidence on the first day of the trial at the Gibbons US Federal Court in downtown Tampa, said there was no evidence that Buju Banton — whose real name is Mark Myrie — received any money from any drug deal.

He also said even though he was investigating Banton for a year, he could find no evidence that the artiste had collected any money from drug dealing.

He made the revelation during cross-examination from Banton's attorney David Markus.

Markus, in his opening salvo, told the 14-member panel of jurors that he would prove that Myrie was not a drug trafficker and had never invested in illicit drug dealing. He said that artiste would waive his right not to testify.

"He's got nothing to hide because the truth is on his side in this case," Markus said.

He said his client's big mistake was that he loved to talk. Markus said Myrie met DEA informant Alexander Johnson, a Colombian national, on a flight from Madrid Spain to Florida last year and during conversation Johnson introduced the subject of drug dealing to him.

He said Myrie had in fact tasted cocaine but that did not qualify him as a drug dealer.

Markus also argued that Myrie did not know about the US$130,000 that his co-defendant James Mack had been held with. The money he said was given to Mack by two men identified as 'Ike' and 'Tike' from Atlanta, Georgia.

The attorney said Mack and Ian Thomas were the ones who were dealing drugs and said his client made a decision not to partake in any deal and went to his Tamarac home in Florida, where he was arrested in December last year.

Mack and Thomas have taken plea deals and have agreed to testify against the artiste. All three are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine. The charge carries a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million.

Prosecutor Jim Preston argued that he would prove that Myrie is a known drug dealer who invested in multi-million dollar drug enterprises and he was arrested because he was starting a new venture.

Forensic chemist Alexandra Gongra also gave evidence that the substance that Thomas and Mack were arrested with was cocaine.

Telephone records analyst Donnie Godshoal also gave evidence today.

Dozens of Banton's supporters turned up outside the court to show their solidarity with the four time Grammy nominee.

His former manager Donovan Germaine, VP Records President Chris Chin and Deejay Delly Ranks were also present for the trial.

Bounty remains in jail - Set to appear in court this week

(via The Jamaica Star)

Deejay Rodney 'Bounty Killer' Pryce, should appear in court by Wednesday, following his arrest by police on Saturday night.

Deputy Superintendent Altermoth Campbell of the Constant Spring Police Station, told THE STAR the deejay will remain in custody until his court date.

Pryce was arrested and charged with wounding after a woman turned up at the police station and reported that the deejay used a hammer to abuse her. DSP Campbell said the woman had to be given 19 stitches and her body had marks associated with being beaten.

Deputy Superintendent Altermoth Campbell of the Constant Spring Police Station, told THE STAR the deejay will remain in custody until his court date.

Pryce was arrested and charged with wounding after a woman turned up at the police station and reported that the deejay used a hammer to abuse her. DSP Campbell said the woman had to be given 19 stitches and her body had marks associated with being beaten.

It is reported that the alleged incident took place at Oakland Apartments where the deejay lives.

DSP Campbell says from his experience and based on a trend, he believes some entertainers are having problems handling success. "I truly believe success is their problem," DSP Campbell said.

In speaking specifically to the allegations about the 'Warlord', Campbell said; "Bounty is not a fool, for years he has been doing good songs so he is not a fool."

Last April, Bounty Killer spent several weeks in police lock-ups after he was charged with beating his girlfriend and threatening her while he was at the police station. However, the matter was removed from the courts after the girlfriend said she did not wish to continue.

Future Fambo on a musical high with Rum and Red Bull

(via The Jamaica Observer)

If you happen to see a deejay walking like a 'swaggaholic' and drinking rum and Red Bull, chances are it's Future Fambo. That's because the self-styled Drunken Master of the Dancehall has returned, and if what he says is true, he's here to stay for quite a while.

As the saying goes "three's a charm" and for Fambo, this is the third time he's basking in the adoration of dancehall fans. And he is determined to make this relationship more than a one-night stand, because there is just too much at stake.

"In 1994 I come with Hiyahiyahoo; in 2006 I gave the dancehall Break Dance and now in 2010 I say Rum and Red Bull, I say Swaggaholic and I say This Life" the deejay who used to go by the name Future Troubles stated. "And I have the tune dem stock and pile. Just ask producer Seanizzle," he challenged.

Fambo's fans have welcomed him back with open arms as, according to him, they were just "waiting for a song that represent the artiste and I gave it to them". There is no doubt that the single Rum and Red Bull, featuring Beenie Man, has given Fambo a new lease on life. In fact, life is so good that he has a permanent smile plastered on his face.

"I am finally reaping some rewards financially," he said beaming. "I can buy what I want for my kids...I give my mother a thing and she push it in her bosom and I see her bosom bulge out. She seh to me 'Yes son, I hear the song with you and Beenie Man. I pray for you everyday,' When I see her face and listen to her, I feel good," the deejay said with pride.

And, Fambo isn't even concerned that people are saying that Beenie Man upstaged him by singing the chorus and almost taking over the song. His friendship with Beenie goes way back, and if the Doctor can sing piece of his song and help take it to number one, then Fambo has absolutely no problem with that. He explained that Beenie had come to the studio to voice his own song - I'm Okay -- on the Seanizzle riddim and the collaboration came about by chance.

"Beenie finished voicing his song and I had my verses and part of the chorus. Moses came over and we gwaan vibes and the two of us finish write the hook. Beenie went into the studio to show me where to pitch it and when we play it back it sound good, so me and him and the producer decide to go with it," Fambo said.

According to the artiste, right now he is on a musical high, ready to put dancehall back where it used to be. "I know I have the material and the skill, and although I feel like I am flying high, I still very grounded," Future Fambo declared.

Jury selected for Buju Banton trial

(via The Jamaica Observer)

A 14 member panel of jurors was selected for the trial of Reggae singer Buju Banton in the Gibbons US Court in downtown Tampa this morning. The jury includes seven woman and only two African Americans.

Several jurors were excused because they expressed the view that marijuana should be made legal for medicinal purposes. However, Banton's lawyer David Oscar Markus, said he was satisfied with the make up of the jury.

Banton walked into court a few minutes before the proceedings started in a sports coat and black pants. His locks were caught up in a ponytail and his beard appeared well-groomed.

Six of his relatives and members of his band were also in court. Before the proceedings got underway, they held hands and sent up a prayer. There are also persons who have travelled from Jamaica and Los Angeles to support the artiste.

Banton is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. His two co-defendants Ian Thomas and James Mack, have signed plea agreements and agreed to testify against him in exchange for lesser sentences.

The prosecution intends to call nine witnesses in a bid to secure a conviction against the artiste, who is registered as Mark Anthony Myrie.

Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home in South Florida in December, the same day Mack and Thomas were held attempting to buy cocaine from federal agents in a police controlled warehouse in Saratoga.

If found guilty Banton could be slapped with a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million.

The court is now in recess and evidence is expected to be presented when the trial resumes at 1:30 this afternoon.

Tanto Blacks wants apology - Manager says television interview was distasteful

(via The Jamaica Star)

Producer Cordel 'Skatta' Burrell, manager of Tanto Blacks, is claiming that his artiste deserves an apology from Simon Crosskill for what he believes was a distasteful interview on TVJ's Smile Jamaica last Friday morning.

"I took offence. It was quite evident that Simon Crosskill was trying to belittle the artiste. Everybody deserves some level of respect but I didn't see the artiste getting any from him. I did not get that level of respect or appreciation that you would show to another person. I was very disgusted," Burrell told THE STAR, noting that he did not have a problem with the other interviewer, Neville Bell.

"He was comparing him to L.A. Lewis and Shebada. There is a certain level that you don't cross. So I would like an apology on behalf of the artiste or for him (Crosskill) to acknowledge that he overstepped his boundaries in terms of how he conducted the interview."

A video with parts of the interview have been making the rounds on the Internet, already receiving thousands of views on YouTube. In it, Crosskill asked Tanto Blacks if he took drugs before coming to the show, mimicked him and even encouraged him not to perform on Sting, as "even plastic bottle lick hot." He also said, "somebody seh I mustn't mek you leave here without giving you the directions to Ward 21."

However, Burrell stressed that his grouse is not connected in any way to the RJR Communications Group.

"I am not condemning the RJR group but I saw something that was distasteful and I am making my voice heard," he told THE STAR, adding that many people share his view.

When contacted, executive producer for the morning show did not say much. "I don't have any comment, just tell him (Burrell) to call me," she said.

Meanwhile, Burrell said Tanto Blacks was glad for the opportunity to be on the show but feels that he received some level of mistreatment.

"Him nuh feel like it damage him 'cause he was very grateful to be on the programme. Him acknowledge seh Simon was trying to get under his skin but him hol' it," Burrell said.

"In my eyes, this youth is a star. But whether you think that or not, it does not give you any right to treat him like that."

Conflicting arguments from Buju's co-defendants

(via The Jamaica Star)

Conflicting statements from two men who are jointly charged with Reggae singer Buju Banton may send mixed signals to the US authorities regarding the singer's alleged involvement in drug smuggling.

Ian Thomas, will plead guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilos or more of cocaine, according to an agreement filed yesterday. The charge carries up to life in federal prison.

Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, Thomas and James Mack were arrested by Florida police in December last year after the allegedly attempted to purchase large amounts of cocaine from federal agents in a police controlled wharehouse in Tampa.

Mack however has signed an affidavit that he never knew Buju Banton before his arrest and that the artist had no knowledge of the money and gun that were in his car.

Banton was arrested at his home in South Florida on December 9 hours after Mack and Thomas were busted in the warehouse by Drug Enforcement Agents.

Banton has been in custody ever since.

He claims to be a victim of entrapment and says an informant was paid US$35,000 to entrap him

Kartel being targeted? - Says police or someone else trying to set him up

(via The Jamaica Star)

Deejay Vybz Kartel feels targeted. He strongly believes that there are some persons who are conspiring to see him behind bars once again.

The deejay, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, said: "I feel like someone, or a group of people are conspiring to try to get me arrested. On Monday, I got a call from a friend who works at Greater Portmore Police Station telling me that there's a rumour over there that I put out a hit on a police over there and that I should try clear my name. I immediately called my lawyer and informed her of the news and she said she was going to call the station to query the matter."

The deejay further said; "Somebody trying to set me up but that don't hold no water because whether it is a routine check on the road, traffic violation or even question and answer, the cops and I have never had a bad encounter."

He continued, "I sing songs, I don't sling guns so I would like to go to the public because this is set up business that someone is obviously trying."

Checks to verify the artiste's claims were unsuccessful as all questions were directed to the top cop for the St Catherine South Division. However, several calls to his office and cellular phone went unanswered up to press time last night.

"I don't know if it's true or not, I'm not in the capacity to comment. It's best you speak to the boss," a corporal at the Greater Portmore Police Station said when contacted there yesterday.

In June, Kartel was among a list of six men who were described as a 'major person of interest' and asked to turn themselves into police custody. On June 29, Kartel turned himself into police custody, during the time of the imposed state of emergency. He was released two weeks later.

In making reference to that arrest Kartel said yesterday, "this is not the first time someone tried to accuse me. While I was detained during the state of emergency, police came to me in the cell and said they received statement that I threatened a policeman's life. When they contacted the policeman who was allegedly threatened, he said he didn't know anything about that and that he and I were good friends from primary school days, we grew up together."

New Music: Mary J. Blige's "Anything You Want"

Mary J. Blige is slowly but surely emerging back on the music scene and after listening to her new jam, "Anything You Want", we're more than happy to have her back.

Thus far, she's released another track to the Internets ("Break Up To Make Up"), hopped on the Swizz Beatz-produced remix to Jazmine Sulliva's "Holdin' You Down (Goin' In Circles)", and announced a new tour (with Sullivan as the opening act), kicking off in Atlanta on Oct. 2. Now it's "Anything You Want" with a Patois-tinged verse from Busta and one of reggae's current it-boys, Gyptian, crooning his way through the Jerry Wonder-produced track. Sounds like the summer, and it's such a shame because it's about to be Fall, but if DJs are smart, they won't let the cold weather affect the spins this record gets.




Anything You Want - Mary J. Blige ft. Busta Rhymes & Gyptian

Bob Marley's Daughter Pleads Guilty To Ganja Charge

Makeda Jahnesta Marley, 29, the youngest child of the late singer-songwriter’s 13 acknowledged children, admitted to having nearly a dozen large marijuana plants insider home west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to the Daily Local News of West Chester.

She was arrested in 2008 after police say they found her removing plants from the basement when officers arrived on a domestic dispute call.

At a February hearing, Marley, who was born just three weeks after her father died, told the court she had exhausted a trust fund she received from her father’s estate when she turned 18. Sentencing is scheduled for October.

Her father, popular for songs such as 'I Shot the Sheriff’ and 'No Woman, No Cry’, brought attention to the Rastafarian movement, whose followers worship the Haile Selassie, the former Ethiopian leader, and use marijuana as an aid to spiritual enlightenment. He died of cancer in 1981 aged 36.

Lady Saw drops single from new album

Great party vibes, walk-out and never get tired, girls' anthem and independent woman are all saucily packaged in Party Til December, the lead-off single from Lady Saw's soon-to-be-released album, My Way, on her new label, Divas Records/Toasting Music/Universal.

Armed with a rollicking, uptempo riddim, Lady Saw, steps to it as only she can and with one press of a button fires off lyrics which are she says are sure to have all the single ladies — and some of those 'in a relationship' — making that quantum leap from the boredom of a bedroom to the dazzle of a dance floor. And, as infectious as the riddim is, Party Til December is one of those songs that make the listener also want to hear the lyrics.

According to Saw, who wears her producer hat on this track from the album, due in stores September 7, Party Till December was one of the first songs she did for the album and while working on the project it was her favourite, until it was replaced by others.

"I thought the record company would have chosen one of the combination singles, perhaps the one with Eve or Ding Dong, because those are really nice tracks. So I was surprised when they selected Party Till December as the lead-off single," she explained, adding that she was pleased nonetheless.

Saw surmised that the single's crossover potential could have played a role in the decision-making process. Party Till December is quite a club banger and is also a true girls' anthem, the type which has been gaining popularity with fans internationally.

On the track, she dishes out with loads of attitude, this body's too hot to be at home just kicking back, after which she informs that, she's got her own money, her own ride and her bills are paid. So what does an independent single girl with a man who wants her back supposed to do? Well Saw gives an option — with a new attitude and a killa hairstyle, let's party till December

The album, My Way, also has productions from Tony 'CD' Kelly, Lloyd 'John John' James, Danny Browne and Stephen McGregor. Among the other tracks are Every Way Mi Go, Your Chick, He Is At My House (Featuring Eve), My Way, Me Hold Yuh, Muscle Control (with Camar) and I Can't Wait (Featuring Ding Dong).

T'Nez's music career doing well

(via The Jamaica Star)

Stepping into the business with a clear and strong voice, T'Nez continues to do well with a slew of new songs.

Born Tristan Barnes, T'Nez made his debut into the music business last year with two ready-made hits in hand Turn Mi Life Aroundand What's Up Money for Chimney Records.From there it was on to new heights with songs on popular rhythms such as 'Genesis' from DASECA. Currently out the singer has Mi She Love on the 'Compassion' Rhythm from Troyton and Cyaan Mad Mi on the 'Street Swag' rhythm from Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor.

He told THE STAR recently, "Mi She Love and Cyaan Mad Mi are doing very well Internationally and on local airwaves. Fadar Magazine also just did a write up on me as well, so things are going well. I have a song on the 'Gullybomb' rhythm for DJ Frass out as well called No More Pain."

Soon to be released are projects with DASECA, Cashflow Music, among others. He is also looking to shoot a video for Mi She Love and the yet-to-be-released My Love, which he says has a very R&B flair, for Heart of Love Music. T'Nez says he is inspired by his friends and experiences of what happens around him. According to T'Nez, he is hoping to be in Canada and Europe next month for a number of shows.

Having recently split with Chimney Records, the label he started his career with, TNez disclosed that he is doing his own thing with 'Young Tycoons.' He said, "Young Tycoons is a music group spearheaded by me and my current manager Shayne G. Its a network with selectors, PR officers and more, a work in progress."

Wyclef Disses Sean Penn & Pras @ Hot 97 On The Reggae Tip Concert

During his performance at Hot 97′s On The Reggae Tip concert, Wyclef dissed his publicly vocal critic Sean Penn, and former bandmate Pras.

“If I was president…I got a message for Sean Penn, maybe he ain’t see me in Haiti because he was too busy sniffing cocaine. I got a message for Praswell; even though you don’t want to support me, I got love for you, even though you only kicked 8 bars in the Fugees…”

While Pras did not place his support behind Wyclef when the musician was trying to secure his place as a Haitian presidential candidate, Sean Penn publicly accused Clef for being absent during efforts to rebuild the country after it’s devastating earthquake.

Sean Paul Causes Mayhem at Zimbabwe Airport

There was mayhem at the Harare International Airport Friday afternoon after Jamaican dancehall king, Sean Paul touched down aboard a British Airways plane as hordes of fans breached the security cordons and scrambled to touch the mega star.

“Akuuya! Akuuya! (He’s coming! He’s coming!),” a fan cried out as Sean Paul approached the terminal exit.

As soon as he stepped out, the screaming fans pounced on the unsuspecting star who was surrounded by four bodyguards.

The international superstar had to be practically thrown into a Quantum (Kombi) which was closest before being whisked away to a local hotel where he was booked together with Akon who arrived on Thursday.

Sean Paul arrived at the Harare International Airport at 2pm but could only be let out of the VIP lounge at 3:20pm when his entourage of about 15 people (including his dancers) and luggage were safely allocated vehicles parked at the entrance of the departure bay.

Meanwhile, police in Harare said yesterday they had put in place watertight security measures ahead of the Akon and Sean Paul concert at the giant Harare National Sports Stadium tonight.

Police spokesperson James Sabau yesterday assured Akon – real name Alliuane Badara Thiam – and Sean Paul’s fans that logistics were in place and the police were prepared for the big show.

“Right from the beginning, even before their arrival, we had activated our security system and everything was well in place before their arrival. During their stay, and even on their departure, everything will be in order,” Sabau said.

“We will never be found wanting because our security system is water-tight,” he said. A book makers’ dream, tonight’s show, has been described as one of the greatest ever musical concerts to be staged on Zimbabwean soil.

In anticipation of record-breaking attendance, the organisers, Zimswag, settled for the giant stadium to accommodate the two musical stars’ fans, some of whom are expected to travel from as far as South Africa and Botswana.

Local reggae artiste places emphasis on living in harmony

(via The Trinidad Gaurdian)

When Quincy Joseph walks through the streets of Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago, it is obvious that he is a well-known and well-respected member of the community. Both young and old regard him with a sense of camaraderie, which would give credence to the words of a classic Dancehall oldie instructing people to “live good, inna yuh neighbourhood.” Joseph, 33, better known in the local reggae circles as Ten Commandmentz, places a lot of emphasis on living in harmony with people, because in today’s society, the importance of life is greatly underestimated, sometimes with fatal consequences. Beneath the polite disposition and elusive smile, Joseph knows and has experienced life in a way which can cause a young man to be rushed to the hospital, or lowered six feet into a grave.

This however, is a way of life from which he has long walked away, and he now has different goals and a different outlook on how he should spend his days. In his opinion, the youths of the nation hold the keys to the future, and he insists that the next generation needs to get its act together. Joseph, who is a songwriter, has penned his latest composition entitled Through D Worst, which is his way of trying to soften even the hardest heart, and broadcast the fact that God can solve all problems. The name Ten Commandmentz was given to him by his Jamaican friend, who, after listening to his music, believed that he was trying to bring back order to the music industry. His lyrics address the issues of slander, street life, guns, drugs, police brutality, obeah, and other types of injustice, all of which he said had been aspects of his life.

While he acknowledged that his popularity has made him a role model for his peers, Joseph, who is indifferent to that fact, stressed that the youths should be careful about what they choose to emulate. “As long as I have known myself, I have been a role model both positive and negative. “I am not trying to be one (a role model) but I understand that I am, and as such I try to be mindful of the things I say and do. “Once I’m doing what I believe in my heart to be right, I don’t worry about offending anyone.”

Is Hurricane Gaston Heading for the Caribbean?

Is Gyptian's Hold You the most unlikely hit of the year?

(via the Gaurdian)

Chances are you've already heard Gyptian's disarming and infectious dancehall anthem Hold You blasting out of every other car at every other traffic jam; or, even more likely, courtesy of every other kid playing music from the tinny speakers of their mobile phone on public transport.

Opening with a melancholy piano line so simplistic it could be hopped out on one of those massive toyshop floor pianos that Tom Hanks noodles around on in Big, a shuffling snare drum that sounds like a drunk child learning to use a Rock Band drum kit, and sundry "vroom vroom" noises, it looks set to be inescapable at Notting Hill Carnival this weekend. As crossover reggae jams go, it's already as essential to 2010 as Damian Marley's Welcome To Jamrock was to 2005 or Wayne Wonder's No Letting Go was to 2003. Not bad for a song that was very nearly left to languish in the outtakes bin.

Hold You's unlikely rise to world domination begins two years ago, in the studio of producer Ricky Blaze (AKA 21-year-old New Yorker Ricardo Johnson). In town to promote the more typical Mr Lover-Lover shtick that made up the majority of his first two albums, Gyptian popped in to see Blaze, who had the Hold Yuh (as it was titled in the US) rhythm but couldn't quite figure out what to do with it. According to NYC's Village Voice, the song instantly grabbed Gyptian's attention: "Go back to that, what a ping-ping ting!" he's rumoured to have said of the song's distinctive plinky-plonky piano melody. Gyptian then laid down a vocal that was deemed so unremarkable and weird he didn't even bother finishing it; no one told his label it existed, and Gyptian didn't even ask for a copy when he left the studio.

Blaze felt it had something but wasn't sure exactly what, so he asked a club-promo friend to email it out to his dancehall DJs contact list as a favour. The track's momentum has been unstoppable ever since. Starting out in the reggae clubs of the Caribbean and NYC, it became a word-of-month phenomenon that graduated on to the daytime playlist of New York's Hot 97 in February this year, after becoming one of the station's most requested tracks.

By spring, even the hipsters had cottoned on. Fader magazine posted the track online, urban music maven Diplo retooled it for the dancefloor and used it on his Major Lazer & La Roux Present Lazerproof mixtape. Before long, even rap's next big breakout star Nicki Minaj had jumped on a remix ("Ayo Gyptian tell dem fi gwan eviction," she raps in her best patois).

Even Hold You's is it?/isn't it? filthy chorus – "the tightest hold I've had in my life" (clue: might be singing about someone's "hole" not their "hold") – has done little to dent the song's ascent from Jamaica's reggae dancehall underground. Hold You is already firmly holding on to the A-list on BBC Radio 1Xtra; now it's only a few jamrocked west London soundsystems away from bringing dancehall mumbling firmly into the mainstream.