Dancehall Relaunch !!! Stay Tuned!!!
Feb 1, 2007
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Dancehall Usa will be relaunching in two months with exclusive interviews!!!!

The Game Extends Peace Treaty To 50 Cent
Oct 2, 2006
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The G-Unot campaign may very well be over. That is, if 50 Cent accepts the Game's request that the two once-affiliated rappers end their ongoing beef.

During an interview in New York yesterday (Sept. 29) with Hot 97 radio personality Angie Martinez, the Game extended an olive branch to his bitter rival, repeatedly urging 50 Cent to call into the station.

The Compton-bred rapper also insisted he was sincere and said he hoped to find a resolution with 50 Cent, who played an active role on his debut album The Documentary.

"[I want] just to talk and just to see where our heads are and see if maybe we can come to an even playing field -- respectfully to each other," said the Game. "[I want to] see if we can figure it out [as] grown-ups."

In February 2005, a man affiliated with the Game was shot in front of Hot 97's Manhattan office building minutes after 50 Cent publicly kicked his West Coast counterpart out of G-Unit during an on-air interview.

The pair would later reconcile at a highly-publicized press conference, but the Game claimed the two weren't mentally prepared for it.

"We weren't ready to do that. You can't force us to do anything," he told Martinez. "I don't think that either of us was ready to get on that stage."

Game further likened the failed resolution to removing a steak out of an oven before it is done cooking.

"You bit into [the steak] and it wasn't ready because it wasn't done," he philosophized. "We were just coerced into that situation. At the end of the day, we are all getting money and it should be good. Its Hip-Hop, it's a competition."

While Game sought to end his most salacious beef, he noted that his other rap rivals won't be so fortunate.

"Y'all ain't off the hook. I don't want everybody to think that it's all good," he said, alluding to his recent altercation with rapper Ras Kass. "Tomorrow, nothing is promised and that statement is bigger than Hip-Hop."

Additionally, Game re-confirmed that neither Dr. Dre, nor his beats, will appear on his sophomore opus, The Doctor's Advocate, due in stores on Nov. 14.

Game stated, however, that he still has a good relationship with his mentor.

"Dre is not on the album. No Dre involvement on this album," he said. "If you looking to buy my album just because Dre did a beat or two, leave it on the shelf. This album is executive-produced by the Game. Dre took me from the 'hood and gave me an opportunity so I'm always going to pay him that respect."

DMX Performance Spawns Mini Riot At Concert
Oct 2, 2006
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A show that was meant to welcome kids back to school spawned a "mini-riot" on Sept. 30 after a performance by rapper DMX.

During the Back To School Jam at The Nassau Coliseum Yonkers rapper experienced audio problems with his microphone as he performed his best known hits.

However, when the rapper's show was completely cut short, the evening spiraled out of control.

"F**k outta here with that, turn my s**t on," the rapper ordered before launching into "Get At Me Dog" and other well-known hits.

Halfway through his verse on "Touch It," a song by Busta Rhymes, DMX's microphone was cut, prompting him to jump into a pit, presumably after the concert's soundman.

The rapper reemerged on stage with his entourage and posed before the crowd until he exited.

DMX's performance ended a controversial evening that left many fans disappointed.

An angry concert patrons began throwing water bottles and food at the remaining members of DMX's entourage and they, in turn, threw items back into the crowd.

"A mini-riot broke out, as you can imagine, when members of DMX's crew began firing items back into the crowd," one concert-goer told AllHipHop.com. "One member [of DMX's entourage] jumped off stage into the crowd."

"He jumped in his booth and proceeded to swing at him several times," another eyewitness told AllHipHop.com. "I could hear the those punches connecting."

Police secured the aisles of coliseum aisles after the melee, bringing the concert to a halt, canceling a headlining performance by Dipset's Jim Jones.

The concert started off with a showcase of five independent acts, followed by comedian A.G. White, who warmed up the crowd for rapper Yung Joc.

The platinum artist ran through his hit singles "It's Going Down" and "I Know You See It."

Lloyd Banks took the stage with about 50 people and offered a controversial performance of his own, which seemed to respond to a recent peace offering by rival The Game.

Banks threatened to "put a butterfly blade to (Game's) butterfly tat (tattoo)," and rapped "Game was a G-Unit groupie/ if they made a film about b***h n****s he'd be in the movie," among other insults.

50 Cent appeared on the stage to support Banks' show, bringing out G-Unit members Mobb Deep and Tony Yayo.

Prior to DMX later in the night, 50's performance was truncated, prompting the rapper to exclaim: "Man I'm never coming back here, every time I come to Nassau,they ask me to leave!"

At press time, representatives for DMX could not be reached for a comment.

The concert, which was heavily promoted during the month of September on Hot 97, advertised appearances by Yung Joc, Foxy Brown, Lloyd Banks, DMX, Jim Jones and Foxy Brown, who was a no-show.

Justin takes number one spot
Oct 2, 2006
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Weekly charts for the best-selling recorded music in the United States as they appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine.

Reprinted with permission. (Platinum signifies more than 1 million copies sold; gold signifies more than 500,000 copies sold.):

Billboard Hot 100: Top 10

(Compiled from a national sample of sales reports collected, compiled and provided by SoundScan; radio playlists; and monitored radio by Broadcast Data Systems)

1. SexyBack, Justin Timberlake. Jive.

2. Money Maker, Ludacris (feat. Pharrell). DTP.

3. How to Save a Live, The Fray. Epic. (Gold _ certified sales of more than 500,000)

4. London Bridge, Fergie. A&M/Interscope.

5. Lips of an Angel, Hinder. Universal Republic.

6. Chasing Cars, Snow Patrol. Polydor.

7. Too Little Too Late, JoJo. Da Family.

8. Chain Hang Low, Jibbs. Geffen.

9. Pullin' Me Back, Chingy (feat. Tyrese). Slot-a-Lot/Capitol.

10. Buttons, The Pussycat Dolls (feat. Snoop Dogg).

HUGE DRUG BUST
Oct 2, 2006
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Police have netted the decade's largest ganja find, in a joint operation between narcotics police and Operation Kingfish, yesterday.

Police say at about 6:00 p.m., an intelligence-led operation was conducted at 18 Bay Farm Road. Two houses on the premises were searched, where about 3,380 kilograms (7,436 pounds) of compressed and packaged marijuana was seized.

This makes the second massive marijuana seizure in a week, coming after Tuesday's colossal find of 2677 kilograms (5,890 pounds) of ganja, that police had then described as "the largest single find over the past decade."

A man, said to be related to the main suspect behind the find, was taken into custody. Up to press time however, he had not been arrested, or slapped with any formal charges.

"A man has been taken into custody, and we expect to make some arrests in connection to this find," said head of the narcotic division, Senior Superintendent Carlton Wilson.

The street value of this latest find would have been worth over million locally, or about US million (0 million). Combined, the two drug busts would amount to 13,326 pounds of ganja. This police say, these finds are indications of an ongoing 'crackdown' on the marijuana trade.

"We were in Portland Cottage two nights ago (Wednesday), in Old Harbour last night (Thursday), and we are monitoring all the ganja growing parishes, because one parish could not have grown all this (latest bust) ganja," said Inspector Steve Brown, of Kingfish.

PILLS

Other than the 169 boxes of ganja, and items used to package the substance (boxes, masking tape, rope, etc.), several other unidentified pills were also seized in the find.

"Pharmaceuticals were also found in one room...these will be carried to the lab (narcotics division), where they will be tested to see what they are," said SSP Wilson.

The Senior Superintendent explains that the division has "intensified" their operations following a significant increase in the export of marijuana, this year.

"Since we have severely crippled the cocaine trade, there has been an increase in ganja production locally, so we have intensified our efforts and our relentless policing is now putting a dent in the trade. Clearly, these boxes were packaged for export, and we have stopped a major shipment," said SSP Wilson.

The Jamaica Defence Force was also on the scene, to assist police in removing the massive find, and to secure the area.

"We were called in on this snap operation to help secure the grounds so police could do their work...nuff box dis man, I have never seen a bigger bust," said a JDF officer from the 2JR Bravo team.

The nation's largest find was back in 1996, when police seized over 9,000 kilograms (20,000 pounds) of ganja in Clarendon.

Threat Of Violence Cancels Beenie Man/Foxy Brown AIDS Concert In New York
Jul 19, 2006
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LIFEbeat and The Music Industry Fights AIDS has canceled their charity fundraiser Reggae Gold Live concert, due to alleged threats of violence.

The concert, dubbed "Reggae Gold Live 2006 Summer Jumpoff," was to be presented by with E.A.R.S. Entertainment Group and New York's Power 105.1 FM.

The concert was scheduled for Tuesday, July 18 at New York's Webster Hall and was to feature reggae artists Beenie Man and rapper Foxy Brown.

Beenie Man's show are frequently targeted by Gay and Lesbian rights groups, because of the reggae star's lyrics, which activists say advocate the killing of homosexuals.

In the past, Beenie Man has issued apologies and renounced violence towards other human beings.

His apologies have been labeled by various groups as "hollow" and not sincere.

Wayne Wonder, TOK, Sasha and Kulcha Don were also on the bill for the July 18 event, which aimed to bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS crisis throughout the Caribbean community.

In 2003, British activists attempted to ban the singer from the country and called for the arrest Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Bounty Killer, claiming that British law allows officials to prosecute singers who encourage violence against homosexuals.

"While the organization's staff and board believe very strongly in the positive purpose and intention of this event, the possibility of violence at the concert from the firestorm incited by a select group of activists makes canceling the event the only responsible action," LIFEbeat said in a statement. "Dialogue is important and LIFEbeat's staff and board respect the opinions of those who came forward to make their feelings known. We have always and will continue to support the GLBT community."

The event was meant to raise funds to promote AIDS awareness in the Caribbean.

According to statistics, Jamaica has the third largest population living with HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, following Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

"We hope in the wake of this decision that those who came forward and spoke out will now come forward again to do something positive for the Caribbean American community and help bring attention to the devastation this disease has wreaked in that community so awareness, prevention and healing can follow," organizers of the LIFEbeat concert said.

Fancy Cat robbed - Comedian held at gunpoint, car stolen
Jul 19, 2006
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WHAT HAPPENED TO Fancy Cat on Monday was no joke.

The popular comedian whose real name is Alton Hardware, was robbed at gunpoint in Cross Roads, St. Andrew. His 1997 Mitsubishi Gallant motor car, licence number 5227DK, along with his laptop, his wallet and two cellphones were stolen in the incident.

"It happen bout after 8 p.m. right in front a Tastee, Cross Roads, right weh dem keep di talent contest. Mi stop an a dust off di car mat cause dem did get dirty up an two man walk up to mi wid gun an jook mi inna mi head an tek di car," Fancy Cat said.

Fancy Cat says there were persons around, but everyone was going about his or her business as the men were not masked and approached him quite normally.

NORMAL HEIST

"Dem jus walk up normal, even if mi did have a license gun mi wouldn't even can do nothing," Fancy Cat said.

"Is like at first dem neva know a who dem a rob, cause tru mi lean ova inside a di car a put in di mat, dem couldn't really si a who, but when dem a drive off dem a seh, 'Nuh worry yuh self, yuh soon get back yuh ride,'" Fancy Cat said.

"Di only ting weh neva inna mi car a di title, but everything else in deh. Mi did all have a cheque fi carry guh gi mi sista but mi neva get around to do it. Mi only hope seh dem nuh scrap it (the car) an sell it or mi haffi guh back to mi walk foot," Fancy Cat said.

Fancy Cat, who is part of the comedic duo 'Ity and Fancy Cat', has performed at a number of events locally and overseas. He also acts as host at The Asylum nightclub on Tuesdays during Lady's Night. The two comedians were THE STAR'S Artiste of the Month last May and the half time 'analysts' for TVJ's World Cup 2006 show.

TRAUMATISED

Fancy Cat's 'partner in crime,' Ity said, "When mi hear, mi traumatised, cause wi did deh a di office an a plan wi act fi the International Comedy Fest a Hilton, cause a we host di show, suh when Blakka (Ellis) call mi, a race mi race from Half-Way Tree guh a Cross Roads Police Station, but is jus a bad feeling cause is a yout weh mi grow wid an wi a come from far, but mi love how him a deal wid it," he said.

"When di thief dem si seh a him dem a seh, 'Oh a you. yuh soon get dis back man,' an Cat a shout, When? When? when?'" Ity said laughingly.

Ity confessed though, "If mi neva guh down a di police station an si Cat fi real, mi woulda seh, Cat stop di foolishness man, cut out di joke. A life still an when yuh come out a di situation safe, den wi can laugh bout it,'" Ity said.

Fancy Cat says he reported the incident to the Cross Roads police on the same night.

When THE STAR contacted the Cross Roads police, they confirmed that a report had in fact been made, but were unable to give details as to the progress of their investigations as the investigating officer was not there.

Missy Elliott Joins 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo On 2006 Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest Bill
Jul 11, 2006
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Missy Elliott has joined the all-star lineup of one of Jamaica's biggest summer reggae festivals, the 2006 Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest.

According to organizers, Elliott joins fellow hip-hop stars 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and songstress Rihanna on the bill, which also features dozens of worldwide reggae stars.

Elliott and Rihanna will perform at "The Summit," on July 22, the last day of the 7-day festival.

“We are continuing what has become a trademark of this great event, that is, to present international stars along with their Jamaican counter parts,” commented executive producer Johnny Gourzong, of Summerfest Productions. “Missy is a great artist, a positive role model for young women, and we know she will help to bring out the crowds. It’s going to be a great night.”

The Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest kicks off on Sunday July 16 with the free "Vibe Island Beach Party" and the "Reggae on the Runway" fashion show.

The event will climax on July 22 with performances by Elliott, Rihanna, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Gentleman, Tarrus Riley, Alaine and Cherine Anderson.

The 2006 line-up is listed below:

Sunday July 16th – Vibes Island – Tropical Beach - featuring Kurt Riley, Coppershot, DJ Liquid, Pure Playazz and Pieces.

Monday July 17th – Mad Monday Mobay – Old Hospital Ground – featuring Firelinks of Hot Monday, Swatch from Passa Passa, Pieces and Pure Playazz.

Wednesday July 19th – Top Ranking – Pier 1 - with John Holt, Gregory Isaacs, Yellowman, Admiral Bailey, General Trees, Pinchers, Frankie Paul, Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales, Peter Metro, Courtney Melody, Flourgon and Pam Hall with Lloyd Parkes & The We The People Band.

Thursday July 20th – Stormfront – The Explosive Dancehall Night – Main Venue - featuring: Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Elephant Man, Cham, Chuck Fenda, Macka Diamond, Wayne Marshall, Busy Signal, Leftside & Esco, Voice Mail, Spice, Gyptian, Fantan Mojah, Natural Black, Little Hero, Black-er, Conrad, Crystal & Suga Roy, Danielle, Aidonia, Hit List, X Factor, Merrtial Family and Fire Lion with Backing Band: Hard Drive

Friday July 21st – Ignition – Main Venue - With 50 Cent & G-Unit, featuring Lloyd Banks & Tony Yayo, Sizzla, Lady SawMase, Mr. Vegas, Richie Spice, Noddy Virtue, Andy Vernon, Aisha and Jovi Rockwell

Saturday July 22nd – The Summit – Main Venue - featuring Missy Elliott, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Beres Hammond, Rihanna, Buju Banton, Gentleman, Tarrus Riley, Alaine and Cherine Anderson

BET Cancels 'Uncut' Television Program
Jul 11, 2006
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"BET Uncut," a music video program from Black Entertainment Television, has been canceled after a six year run on the entertainment television network.

The show was discontinued by BET executives, according to sources, and the last episode aired last Friday (July 8) in a finale hosted by rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri.

Infamous for scantily-clad women and sexual themes, "BET Uncut" featured videos from well-known Hip-Hop and R&B artists that were intended for mature
audiences only.

Because of its titillating content, the show was rated TV-MA and had been deemed unsuitable for children under the age of 17.

The show made headlines in 2004 after various African-American women's groups protested because of the portrayal of women when Nelly's "Tip Drill" became a standout video. In the video, Nelly, The St. Lunatics and David Banner indulge in sexual folly with strippers and at the climatic point, Nelly swipes a credit card between a woman's buttocks.

The backlash eventually forced the Nelly to cancel a bone marrow drive on Spelman College, a historically Black women's college in Atlanta.

Fans of "BET Uncut" have already started an online petition to have the show put back on the air.

Rapper Romeo Balls Out - On Basketball Court
Jul 11, 2006
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No Limit Records MC Romeo has found a nonmusical direction to take in addition to acting.

The rapper, son of No Limit head Master P, is developing his basketball skills against 200 of the top high school players at ABCD, the country's number one basketball camp.

"There was no pressure on me," said Romeo, who impressed college coaches with his focus on life, education and basketball. "I use this week as a concert. Instead of thousands of fans there were thousands of college coaches and NBA scouts and I used the basketball court as my stage. And I took the opportunity to show the world that I can hoop for real."

Sponsored by Reebok, the Teaneck, New Jersey-based ABCD camp is an invitation-only basketball showcase that has produced a host of high-profile players, including Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Carmello Anthony and LeBron James.

Sonny Vaccaro, the camp's founders, believes Romeo has the potential to become a successful player.

"Romeo has the heart of a lion, he's a team leader, will compete against anybody, and he is one of the fastest players I've seen in a long time," Vaccaro said.

Romeo's hard work paid off this week as the high school sophomore made the all-star team and ranked among the top 20 players in the country. The rapper, who hones his ball skills and shooting daily in addition to lifting weights, averages 20 points a game and 10 assists.

Despite the temptation to head to the pros, Romeo is set on going to college. According to Master P, Romeo, who boasts a 3.5 grade point average, turned down a million movie deal this summer to go to summer school and play AAU basketball.

No matter which path Romeo takes, two things should be a priority, P said.

"I don't care what he wants to be or how much money he makes, I just want him to get an education and do something in life that he loves to do," he said.

Fans of Romeo's music shouldn't expect the lyricist to step away from his musical roots any time soon. Romeo's new single, "Shine" is out now. The song is from the new movie Repos.

Romeo's new album, God's Gift is scheduled to hit stores release in November.

Lil' Kim Leaves Prison In Style
Jul 9, 2006
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Rapper Lil' Kim is now home from prison after being released early Monday (July 3) from a federal detention center.

The MC, (born Kimberly Jones) carried a balloon and a bouquet of white roses as she walked out of the center at 6 a.m. wearing sunglasses and an all-white outfit.

Jones got into a silver Rolls Royce and pulled into a nearby parking lot where she said "I love you" and blew kisses as she greeted a host of supporters, many of whom expressing their love with signs saying "Welcome Home Queen Bee."

"Today is a joyous day for me and my family. I am extremely grateful and happy to be home," Lil' Kim told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "I'd like to thank the city of Philadelphia for the overwhelming support that I received, in addition to the staff at the FDC and all of my supporters. Many special thanks go out to my fans who were critical in helping me get through these past 10 months. I am looking forward to adjusting back to my normal life and getting back to work."

Some fans stayed up all night to get a glimpse of the newly-released rapper.

Jones' freedom concludes a long saga that begin in 2001 with a shootout at New York's Hot 97 FM that left one man hurt.

The Grammy-winning lyricist began her 366-day sentence last year after being convicted of lying to a federal grand jury about her knowledge of the incident.

She was released early on good behavior

"She has accepted responsibility and handled herself in an exemplary manner,'' said Jones' attorney, L. Londell McMillan via a statement released by the rapper's publicist.

Jones will remain under house arrest for 30 days and be under supervised release for three years.

Portia sets sights on South Africa 2010
Jul 9, 2006
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HE BRITISH JOURNALIST who reported yesterday that the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is scouting several high-calibre coaches is standing by his story despite denials by local football officials.

Jason Burt, who works for The Independent newspaper in England, wrote that the JFF has plans to approach former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, Brazil's Carlos Alberto Parreira, Portugal's Luiz Felipe Scolari, Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann and former England manager Glenn Hoddle to run the national senior team.

Burt also wrote that the JFF would be willing to pay up to �3 million (JA3m) annually to the successful coach with the help of the Government.

Speaking to STAR Sports yesterday via telephone from England, Burt insisted that the content of his story was accurate.

"I trust my source 100 per cent and would not write the story if I wasn't confident in my source," Burt said.

"The person who told me is involved in the whole process at a very important level and I wouldn't run the story if I wasn't sure."

JFF president Crenston Boxhill yesterday said there is interest in one of the five names mentioned but would not say which one.

"We haven't had any discus-sions with any of the coaches mentioned (but) there is some interest in one of the coaches." he said.

Burt said the most intriguing aspect of this story was the proposed salary of �3 million a year.

"When I first heard it I didn't believe it because that's a lot of money, and I found the figure very interesting." he said.

According to Burt, the Govern-ment, with the backing of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, would help fund the coach's salary.

ACQUIRING COACH

The Prime Minister, who is in St. Kitts attending the CARICOM Heads of Government Con-ference, yesterday confirmed that she has spoken with Boxhill about acquiring a reputable coach to ensure the Reggae Boyz qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"The Government wishes to assist in getting a good football coach so that in two years we can begin to see a difference, and we can qualify for South Africa in 2010." she said.

Mrs. Simpson Miller is also planning to travel to Brazil next week to meet with that country's president, Luiz Inicio Lula da Silva.

She said one of the topics for discussion would be Brazil's coaches and she mentioned the name Luiz Felipe Scolari, who this year took Portugal to the World Cup semi-final for the first time in 40 years.

"I am interested in Scolari, but am not sure if he is available. Many countries would love to have him and he may even be staying with Portugal. But it would be great if we could get him," the Prime Minister noted.

Meanwhile, Burt remains confident that his story is accurate despite Boxhill saying, "I don't know anything about what is in The Independent. I am hearing that for the first time."

"(If he says that) he is not telling the truth or doesn't know what's happening," Burt quipped.

"This may very well be a wish list, and I'd be surprised if any of the coaches end up in the job, but that is the proposal," he added.

THEY WERE LESBIANS
Jul 9, 2006
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A steamy DVD found with the bodies of Candice and Phoebe last week and statements about a love triangle that went all wrong...

WAS IT FORBIDDEN love between lesbians that cost two young women their lives?

Statements to the police and evidence at the murder scene of two women in their 20s strongly suggests this.

The bodies of 20-year-old Candice Williams and Phoebe Myrie, 22, were found dumped in a pit at a home they shared in Taylor Land, Bull Bay, last week Wednesday, and police investigations are now confirming rumours of a 'murder of passion!'

As a result, police are now on the hunt for the father of the one-year-old child of Candice Williams, Dwayne Lewis, who is wanted for questioning in the matter.

Police who were on the scene when the bodies were found, say the evidence found at the scene, suggested that the killer might have been angered by their suspected lesbian relationship.

"From yuh see di lesbian DVD whe di man throw in di pit, yuh know seh di lesbian ting have something to do with the murders ... The assailant bun up mattress an fling weh sheet, so it obvious," said an officer, who was at the scene when the bodies were taken from the pit.

Police confirm that an adult DVD case, sheets, and a pillow were found in the pit along with the bodies of the young women. A burnt mattress was also found in the yard of the house.

MIXED FEELINGS

Although residents of Taylor Land expressed "mixed feelings" toward the alleged lesbian couple, they all concur that they were much more than friends. "Everybody know a two lesbian dem dat. U fi see how one a dem timid like gal, an di oda one guan like man ... The only time dem apart a when di Samantha (Candice) gu check har mother ina di morning," said a resident.

"Mi hear seh a lef one a dem lef her baby fada fi di nex uman, an tek di baby carry guh live," said another resident.

CHAT ROOM

Statements given to the police by a relative of one of the deceased confirmed a lesbian affair between the two women, and explained the history of the affair, including the conflict over the child.

According to the relative's report, the two young women met in a cellular 'chat room,' earlier in the year (when Candice was still living with the father of her child), adding that the common-law husband not only knew about the budding relationship, but actually encouraged it.

The police document highlighted the temporary presence of a third woman at the house, but due to her alleged "nasty ways," she was soon asked to leave. It is also said that Myrie would go and stay with another female friend with whom she was also intimately involved.

The statement indicated that Candice slowly progressed from a bi-sexual, to an outright lesbian, which led her to end the relationship with her common-law husband, who soon after, left the premises. The relative wrote that a conflict began when Candice decided to keep their child.

"Due to the cooperation of citizens, this case will soon be cleared up. We have leads on the only person wanted for questioning in the matter, and should apprehend him before next week," said Ins. Williams.

"We are now appealing to Mr. Lewis that he come to the station as we need to ask him some questions ... Right now we know every move he makes and it is in his best interest to come in," said Ins. Williams.

"We heard that they were very, very good friends, and they were killed because they were very good friends ... True or not, the nature of their relationship has nothing to do with investigations, as hearsay doesn't go to law," said sub-officer in charge of the Bull Bay Police Station, Inspector Hornet Williams.

supanick
Jun 23, 2006
Author:

new issue launches july 1st

Hampton girl wins richest ever undergraduate scholarship
May 9, 2006
Author:

Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth - Verna Smalling clearly remembers the first day her daughter Rana went to basic school. "She was three years old and all the other children were crying for their mummy but she said to the teacher that she wanted work to do. she was ready for school," recalled Verna Smalling with a chuckle.

Since then, Rana Vanessa Smalling has never let up - always at the top or very near the top of her class.
No wonder then that those who know her well are not at all surprised that the 18-year-old Hampton High School sixth former and resident of Leeds in St Elizabeth is now the biggest Jamaican non-military undergraduate scholarship winner ever.
Rana Smalling (left) with sixth-form mates at Hampton.

When Rana starts college at the University of Chicago in Illinois, USA in September she will be the beneficiary of a scholarship and grants from the university worth just over US,000 per year or more than US6,000 over four years.

The financial package, which recognises Rana's outstanding academic achievements, as well as her extracurricular activities and community service, is broken down into just over US,000 annually for the scholarship and US,769 in grants. The grants will continue annually, subject to application by Rana and consideration by the university.

According to Dr Dennis Minott, educator, researcher and head of the A-QuEST project, continuation of the grants should be a mere formality.
"It has very rarely ever happened that the grants are discontinued and in the case of Rana I can assure you it won't happen," said Minott.

Rana travelled to the United States in April - all expenses paid by the University of Chicago and the Wesleyan University of Connecticut - to make a choice between the two. To her, the scholarship and grants are rewards for consistent work and prayer.
McFarlane. says Rana is meticulous in little things

"I remember in the mornings at devotion hearing my principal talk about other girls who had won scholarships to go abroad and I said to myself 'Well, I want to be like that .' I looked into it and I thought I would do better if I went abroad because schools in America would be inclined to give financial aid .," she told the Observer.

Rana said her desire to study abroad was also influenced by her interest in forensic science and a desire to make a special contribution to Jamaican society.

"The field that I want to study isn't offered out here," she explained. "I want to become a forensic scientist and I would have a better base abroad . I like investigating, I think Jamaica needs forensic scientists and if I do become one I will come back here and work here if the opportunity opens up. I love Jamaica, Jamaica is always going to be my home."
Rana Smalling

Minott, using his A-QuEST project, prepares some of the "brightest and best" in Jamaican high schools for American colleges. Through A-QuEST, Rana and other top-performing students at Hampton and other high schools were guided through the intricate process of targeting and applying for scholarship programmes at top overseas universities, and preparing students for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) used by US colleges to assess applicants.

Crucially, Minott, who visited Hampton in remote Malvern for three hours each week for his A-QuEST sessions - paid for by parents - helped students brush up on such aspects as time management, the methodology of study, and how best to integrate at schools in other countries and cultures.

For Minott, Rana was simply the best he has had contact with this year. "This is a child who excels because she puts her mind to excelling in everything," he explained.
Parents and teachers all agree.

"She is very determined, meticulous in little things. she always wants to make sure whatever she gets done is correct. She wants to make sure that the quality of her work is of a very high standard," said Maxine McFarlane, the biology A Level teacher at Munro College where Rana does sixth form work in the sciences as part of the long-standing partnership between the historic all-boy school and all-girl Hampton.

Heather Murray, principal of Hampton, describes Rana as "modest, well behaved" and socially in-tune. She epitomises what Murray calls the Hampton Standard.

"I like to say that at Hampton we don't blow horns, we are like a lighthouse, we just shine. Rana epitomises that," said Murray.
Born to devout Christians, Cecil and Verna Smalling - both teachers - in St Catherine, Rana learnt to read by looking over the shoulder of her older brother Adrian, even before she got to the McGrath Road Basic School in Ewarton. The reading habit never left her. "Sometimes it was very difficult to get her to do anything around the house because her head would be in a book," recalled her mother.

Once at school, Rana consistently earned the admiration of her teachers and peers for excellence in every academic area. At nine years old, while at Ewarton Primary, she came home one day to announce to her parents that she wanted to be part of the Spelling Bee competition.

She duly became the parish champ for St Catherine and among the top 10 spellers in the island - the same year Jody-Ann Maxwell famously covered herself in glory at the Scripps Howard Spelling Bee in the USA.

Having moved to St Elizabeth with her parents, Rana, then at Santa Cruz Primary, excelled in the GSAT examinations to win the Scotiabank Scholarship, which funded her first five years at Hampton.

She rapidly established herself as a Gold Student at Hampton, making the honour roll every year with an average in excess of 85 per cent to win the Gold Certificate. Indeed, according to Murray, "Rana's average for the year was sometimes over 90".

That scholastic performance flowed naturally into her CXC results in 2004. She captured all nine CXC subjects, registering a One in each - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English, Spanish, Social Studies, Accounts, and Information Technology - making her the second best CXC achiever in the island that year.

Inevitably there are suggestions that Rana's achievements reflect genius qualities. Her father, who now works as an insurance sales rep having left teaching, rejects that notion.

"I don't believe she is a genius. I just believe she works very hard and focuses very well on what she does and has the gift of self-motivation," he said. "Once she has established a goal she goes after it."

Smalling also believes a stable home life based on the teachings of the Christian church, good schools and good teachers have made a big difference. "Her very first teacher, Mrs Odith Barker at McGrath Road Basic School, took a very special interest in her and she has been very fortunate in her teachers ever since," he said.

For Verna Smalling, her daughter's achievements "should give hope" to those of limited resources that "if children work hard" and get "the proper guidance and support" they will get to very top. "It shows that you don't have to send your children to expensive prep schools," she added.

Rana, described by those close to her as a "wholesome" person with a keen sensitivity to the feelings of others, heaped praise on all her schools, not least Hampton and Munro College, her parents, her "church family" at the Church of God of Prophesy in Santa Cruz for their help over the years. Even St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz, the school where her mother teaches and where Rana often gained access to the Internet and advice from teachers, earned Rana's gratitude.

But she says she is most grateful to God who she says has consistently answered her prayers.

"I've been walking with God for a very long time," she said. "I can't remember a time when I didn't know who God was and didn't talk to God. I was brought up in the church and was baptised at the age of 10, even at primary school I used to pray to God and ask God to help me in my school work. and He has answered my prayers."

editorial@jamaicaobserver.com

Some of Rana Smalling's achievements

. Spelling Bee champion for St Catherine at age nine;
. Champion in the all-island reading competition for the age group 9-11;
. National reading competition champion for the 12-14 age group;
. M&M Mathematics competition first-place winner among secondary schools in St Elizabeth for grades 10 and 11; and
. At the age of 16, received the Hampton High School 145th anniversary award.

Lil' Kim, Other Inmates Locked-Down After Cell Phone Smuggling Incident
May 1, 2006
Author:

The Philadelphia unit where Lil' Kim and other women prisoners are being housed is on lock-down, after a visitor attempted to smuggle in a cell phone.

Over half of the female population in the Federal Detention Center has been on lock-down since April 21.

FDC Authorities refused to comment on the case, but sources said they were investigating a rumor that a phone had been snuck in for Lil' Kim, or that the phone was intended for her use.

Lil' Kim's lawyer James J. Leonard Jr. denied claims that the Brooklyn rapper was involved in the incident.

"The rumors that Kim was using a cell phone or had someone sneak a cell phone into the prison for her are completely untrue," Leonard told AllHipHop.com. "While her unit is on lock-down and has been since April 21, the reason for the lockdown has nothing to do with Kim."

Leonard also said that Kim received the standard 300 phone minutes per month like every other prisoner and that she has been a model inmate.

In addition to being locked down, Lil' Kim and other inmates also had their visitor privileges revoked for an undetermined amount of time.

Gravy Talks About Hot 97 Shooting
May 1, 2006
Author:

Less than a week after he was shot in front of Hot 97 FM's SoHo studios in New York, rapper Gravy is addressing the incident that briefly sent him to the hospital.

According to reports, Gravy was shot in the buttocks last Wednesday (April 26) by a man who was upset when the rapper refused to let him sit in on a radio interview.

"We went up [to Hot 97] forty-six deep, promoting, like you're supposed to do," said the rapper (born Jamal Woolward), who arrived early for an interview with on-air personality Funkmaster Flex. "He wasn't ready yet, but when he got there, he said to come back at ten or eleven [p.m.] I went downstairs to grab a bite to eat."

It was not until Gravy returned that shots rang out, the rapper said. "I started running like anyone else would do because I didn't know where they was coming. Once I got hit, I fell, got back up and went inside the building," he said. "I didn't think I was hit. I thought I tripped over something and bruised myself."

Gravy described the shot as feeling "like heat and warm sensation. "It was a clean shot. It went straight through and just missed my pelvis bone and my stomach area to make me have a s--- bag," said Gravy.

"It's all about luck, it was eleven rounds and I only took one hit."

Despite being wounded, Gravy conducted the interview and was later treated and released from St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan.

"I'm up there not telling them [Hot 97, Funkmaster Flex] what's going on. I sat there for about two hours and they didn't know what was going on. I hid it [being shot] very well," he said. "I didn't risk my life. I just didn't know how serious the hit was."

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. NYPD Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said that Gravy has yet to aid them in apprehending the shooter.

"I wasn't trying to involve Hot [97] or the streets to make it look like he's trying to come up," the rapper told AllHipHop.com.

"Something went down, it got ugly and that's my business, nobody else's.

"I am not being uncooperative, I don't know who did it," Gravy continued. "I just know one thing.—I got a lotta haters. I ain't gotta speak too much because n***as promote me on other n***a's DVD. Someone is always doing a DVD dissin' me...I just know one thing. The only way to stop me from shining is to kill me."

The shooting, in addition to recent violence at Hot 97, have resulted in plans by the New York Police Department to install a surveillance camera outside the building that houses the radio station.

The camera, which will carry the NYPD logo and go up this week, is part of a million plan to place 500 video recorders throughout the city.

The Hot 97 camera will be on 24 hours a day and pointed directly at the station's location at 395 Hudson St. It will specifically focus on preventing rap-related gunplay, unlike most cameras that will target high-crime areas and potential terror targets.

"We'll keep it in place until Hot 97 is evicted or cleans up its act,"

a source told New York's Daily News.

Although the shooting was not captured by nearby surveillance cameras, cameras did record people running from the gunfire, according to sources. Police have since stepped up security with the addition of extra officers stationed outside the studio and a marked patrol car at night.

NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced the department's intent to put up the cameras last month. There are currently two wireless video recorders installed at high-crime areas in Brooklyn, the Daily News reports. Sources tell the paper that the Hot 97 camera will be the first to go up in Manhattan.

The recent violence has also prompted the New York City District Council of Carpenters, which owns the building that houses Hot 97 studios, to vow to evict the station. The move has received support from several of the building's tenants.

A spokesman for the union's attorney Brian O'Dwyer told the Daily News Sunday (April 30) that "lawyers will be meeting with their clients [today] and examining all their options."

"They shouldn't be blamed for an action they had nothing to do with," Gravy said. "This is Hip-Hop. This comes with the game. It happens everday in the hood."

A spokesman for Hot 97 was not available for comment.

T.I. and HOOPZ have a threesome
May 1, 2006
Author:

an Atlanta woman claims to have engaged in three way sex with rapper Tip "T.I." Harris and Nikki "Hoopz" Alexander (from VH1's hit series Flavor Of Love). The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, is a dancer in a number of popular hip-hop music videos. She claims to have met up with the rapper and Hoopz last week at an Atlanta nightclub. According to the woman, Hoopz, who has been reportedly dating T.I., immediately struck up a conversation with her. She explained, "I felt like Hoopz was trying to pick me up, but I wanted T.I. - so I was cool with it."

When it was time to leave the club, T.I. suggested that the two women join him at his suburban mansion for an "after party." On the way there, things began to heat up when all three began kissing and groping each other. And according to the woman, "as soon as we walked in the door, I took off T.I.'s clothes and [performed oral sex on him]." "Hoopz wasn't expecting all of that & she was shy at first" explained the woman, "but after a few minutes she got into it too." The three went on to have a marathon sex session which lasted for more than two hours. Describing the encounter the woman recalled, "T.I. was great, I really enjoyed being with him ... but it seemed like Hoopz was more into me than him."

Rapper - Turk Sentenced
May 1, 2006
Author:

A judge in Memphis has sentenced former Hot Boy rapper Tab "Turk" Virgil to 12 years in prison for the shooting of a sheriff's deputy. The 25-year-old Turk pleaded guilty Wednesday (April 26) to attempted second-degree murder, reduced from attempted first-degree murder. The sentencing stems from a January 2004 raid on an apartment in Memphis. SWAT Team members entered the apartment seeking drugs and weapons and were allegedly greeted with gunfire. Turk was accused of firing shots from a bedroom closet during the raid that struck a SWAT team deputy four times. Last year, Turk was convicted in federal court for being a felon, drug addict and fugitive in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to ten years. The rapper will serve his state and federal sentences consecutively.

Black Rob Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison
Apr 20, 2006
Author:

Rapper Black Rob was sentenced to seven years in prison Thursday (March 30) after being convicted of grand larceny for robbing a hotel room in 2004.

The rapper pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in November 2005, after hotel security cameras caught him leaving a New York hotel with a woman's pocketbook in November 2004.

He was charged with stealing over ,000 in jewelry and 0 cash from the woman's room.

Black Rob, born Robert Ross, was charged with burglary and criminal possession of stolen property and was subsequently sentenced to serve two to six years in jail.

He was free on bail, but a fugitive warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to show up to serve his time as arranged.

A fugitive warrant was issued and the rapper was arrested in February 2006 in New Jersey.

Prosecutors gave Black Rob the maximum sentence because he failed to turn himself in.

The rapper released his sophomore LP, The Black Rob Report in 2005.

Bouncer Shot During Altercation With Rapper Proof Dies
Apr 20, 2006
Author:

The man allegedly shot by D12 rapper Proof died yesterday morning (April 17) at a Detroit hospital.

Keith Bender Jr., 35, died at St. John Hospital and Medical Center from a gunshot wound received during an altercation with the rapper inside the C.C.C. club on April 11.

According to police, eye witnesses said Proof, born Deshaun Holton, shot Bender in the head, after knocking him to the ground during an argument.

Bender's cousin Mario Etheridge, 28, returned fire and killed the rapper instantly with multiple shots to the head and body.

Lawyers for Proof have vigorously denied eye witness accounts that he fired first.

Etheridge pleaded not guilty Saturday (April 15) to two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and the discharge of a firearm in a building.

Etheridge claims he was acting in self-defense. He faces a maximum of five years in prison.

A preliminary hearing takes place April 26.

A viewing and funeral for Proof takes place today (April 18) and tomorrow (April 19) at the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit.

Master P Comments On Lil' Romeo's Beef With Bow Wow
Apr 20, 2006
Author:

Master P. has come forward to discuss the brewing rivalry between his son Lil' Romeo and Bow Wow.

The two rappers have traded veiled disses in rhymes, but the feud reached it's peak when the two rappers crossed paths backstage at Nickelodeon�s Kids� Choice Award show, on April 1st.

According to Master P., accounts of their run in have been exaggerated.

Cops shut down teens orgy
Apr 10, 2006
Author:

A WEEKLY SEX ORGY among students at a prominent High School in Christiana, Manchester, has been shut down by police. Though it hasn't been confirmed if video tapes were found, video taping equipment was found at the home, suggesting that the 'school-girl orgies' were recorded

Kevin Graham, a 28-year-old labourer of Never Mind district, was subsequently charged with Harbouring Juveniles, after police caught 11 females and two males (all from the same high school), half naked in a house he occupied.

They say some managed to run off and escape police custody, but have been identified.

Reports are about 3:30 p.m. on Friday, police acting on information received, went to a premises in Never Mind district (near the school), where a large group of school children were found, some scantily clad in pieces of their uniform.

A drove of students from the school were infuriated upon hearing of the incident, converging at the Christiana police station, demanding that the officers let them "flog" the students who have been giving their school a 'bad name.'

THE STAR spoke to a student from the school, who laments that the sexual rendezvous, have been occurring for quite some time.

YOUNG GIRL

"Is a crew a girl dat hang out together an every Friday di whole a dem go dere...dem bun weed an have sex wit dem fren an dem one another an come talk bout it at school," said a young girl who attends the school.

Other students of the school, strangely defended Graham, saying that he only let the students 'hang out' at the house, but didn't engage in the 'orgies.'

Police could not confirm of allegations of drug use, or provide sufficient evidence to charge Graham with carnal abuse, but said they suspect those occurrences.

Graham is the grandson of the house's owner, and although not charged with any sexual offence, will have to answer to 'Harbouring Juveniles.'

In response to this shocking incident, Vice Principal of the High School, Claude Rattray, has sworn swift and severe action (possibly expulsion) on these students.

"It is not yet decided what action will be taken, but under the circumstances, it deserves strong action to send a message to those who might consider doing anything of that nature," said Mr. Rattray.

Sources say the students, all from the second (time) shift, told parents that they were sitting exams. Some went to school that day and left, while others opted to skip school entirely.

T.I Debut
Apr 10, 2006
Author:

T.I., the self-proclaimed King of the South, can't get any further north. The rapper's King landed the year's biggest opening week, selling nearly 522,000 copies last week, according to the latest Nielsen SoundScan numbers. Ghostface Killah landed at four as Fishscale weighed in for 110,000 copies. The new disc, which features a full Wu-Tang Clan reunion (the late ODB, included) on the track "9 Milli Bros," nearly doubled the first-week sales of the acclaimed rapper's previous release, 2004's The Pretty Tony Album.

Bow Bow and Ciara Breakup
Apr 10, 2006
Author:

After dating for nearly a year, it's the end of the road for Ciara and Bow Wow, two of the most successful artists in R&B and hip hop. "Ciara and I have parted ways," Bow Wow tells TEEN PEOPLE. "I wish her all the best." Reports said that Ciara, 20, and Bow Wow, 19, broke up after he was spotted with another girl in Los Angeles last weekend. But a rep for Ciara tells TEEN PEOPLE, "Ciara and Bow Wow have been broken up for a while, but their parting was amicable."

Beenie Man & D'Angel Engaged
Mar 14, 2006
Author:

That's the question on everyone's lips as rumours have spread like a wild bush fire on the Serengeti National Park of Africa that Beenie Man and D'Angel are officially engaged, and ready to go public about their relationship.

Since November last year, the two have been working together on music projects, and eventually started dating. There's no wedding ring yet, but D'Angel is sure waiting for it! Come on Beenie, be quick with the bling! Word is that she has an expensive engagement ring on her ring finger that has had her girlfriends wagging their tongues in excitement.

When will the wedding bells be tolling for Beenie and D'Angel? Who knows?

Congratulations guys!
What makes things vague is that neither of the two have said anything to the press that indicates a concrete relationship other than friendship.

Three 6 Mafia Win First Oscar; Make Hip-Hop History
Mar 6, 2006
Author:

An uncharacteristically exuberant Three 6 Mafia won an Oscar Award at The 78th Academy Awards last night (Mar. 5) in Los Angeles, California.

The awards took place at the Kodak Theatre and were televised with a 5-second delay on the ABC network.

Three 6 Mafia, made history as the first rap group to ever perform at the Academy Awards.

The group also won an Oscar for Best Song, for "Its Hard Out Here For A Pimp," a tune they wrote and produced for the movie Hustle & Flow. Hustle & Flow star Terrence Howard originally recorded the song under the rap name D-Jay, but declined to perform it at the Academy Awards.

Three 6 Mafia performed in their normal Hip-Hop garb, but the stage scene was set in the Memphis streets with actors and dancers sashaying as pimps and prostitutes across the stage. The performance also featured a cameo by actress Taraji P. Henson, who sang the hook on the original song and during the live performance.

The group bested stiff competition in their field, beating out "In The Deep" from the movie Crash, which won Best film of the Year.

Group members Jordan "Juicy J" Houston thanked Jesus, while Paul "DJ Paul" Bauregard "thanked everybody," including their mothers, distributor Select-O-Hits, the Academy, Ludacris, actor George Clooney and others. Darnell "Crunchy Black" Carlton and others were on stage as well.

The crowd gave the Hip-Hop group a rousing round of applause and a few quips came from in the aftermath of the show.

"You know what? I think it just got a little easier out here for a pimp," Stewart joked after the group accepted their award. "How come they are the most excited people here? They are thrilled. That's how you accept an Oscar.�

"Martin Scorsese [the legendary filmmaker] zero Oscars - Three 6 Mafia, one!" Stewart joked.

Later in the evening, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel cracked his own jokes on a special edition of his ABC late show. �I guess those guys are gonna melt the [Oscar] statues down and make [gold] teeth," he said.

Hustle & Flow revolves around the life of a small-time Memphis, Tennessee pimp, who aspires to be a rapper amidst a mid-life crisis.

Artistes 'big up' Portia
Mar 4, 2006
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

AS NEWS SPREAD last Saturday evening of Portia Simpson Miller's victory in the race for presidency for the People's National Party (PNP) among the persons offering her 'big ups' on and off stage were some of our local artistes.

Macka Diamond, before getting into her set on stage at the Follow Di Arrow show at the James Bond Beach in Oracabessa, St. Mary, a few hours after Portia's victory, took the stage singing; "bad gyal forward, bad gyal pull up," in honour of the new president.

"Thumbs up, yuh done know mi a gi one hundred per cent to woman power, she is a very strong woman and she get a whole heap a fight, but she maintain it an do ar ting," Macka Diamond told THE STAR yesterday hinting that she just might do a song about it.

On Saturday's show also 'The Doctor', Beenie Man, while opening his set at the same show, said, "me a neither Labourite nor PNP, but wi haffi big up di woman dem, a woman time yah now," before he broke into a number of his girl songs that had been major hits over the years.

Even L.A. Lewis at the recent launch of his new clothing line, offered his 'big ups' to the lady who is expected to become the first female Prime Minister of Jamaica.

"All who love Portia, gi Portia a clap, yuh si di woman dem now, a dem fi run di House, wa yuh seh, it a guh run right yah now," Lewis said during his address to members of the media and music fraternity who had turned out for his launch held on Monday at the Bob Marley Museum, Hope Road.

The issue apparently will remain topical for a while with our artiste and according to gospel artistes, Stitchie, "a di best ting dat could a ever happen to Jamaica."

He describes Portia as "one that the entire Jamaica is for, and that spans right across all political arenas. Portia is a people person an wi jus a gwaan pray for her, because God was preparing her for such a time, this is his will."

Simpson Miller emerged as the president when she garnered 1,775 delegate votes, edging out Dr. Peter Phillips' 1,538 votes in Saturday's contest.

Cassidy Home From Jail
Mar 4, 2006
Author:

Rapper Cassidy was released from a Philadelphia prison yesterday (Mar. 2) after serving eight months.

The rapper, born Barry Reese, had been incarcerated since June 2005, when he was preparing to release his sophomore album, I'm A Hustla.

He was eventually put on trial for his role in the murder of Desmond Hawkins, 22, and was subsequently convicted of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault, as well as possession of an instrument of crime.

Cassidy was found guilty of negligence, for providing the guns and ammunition that eventually killed Hawkins.

The rapper was released yesterday from the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.

He released a statement shortly after being cleared of the more serious, attempted murder charge in January 2006.

"While I am pleased that I was cleared of the murder charges, my satisfaction is not long-lasting, because of the death of someone who I considered to be my friend, Des Hawkins," he stated. "And while I am eager to resume my career as a recording artist, writer and performer, I am also eager to be reunited with my family, friends, and fans."

Representatives for Cassidy said the rapper will start recording his untitled third album shortly.

Lil Jon, Fat Joe Tapped To Host 'Pimp My Ride International'
Mar 2, 2006
Author:

Lil Jon and Fat Joe have been tapped to host MTV's new series Pimp My Ride International this fall, the network announced.

MTV International secured the rappers, who will follow the show's formula of transforming junk cars into luxurious vehicles.

The company has also replaced the original mechanics from West Coast Customs with staff from All Stoff Garage, which was founded in Alkmaar, Holland in 1988.

In December 2005, West Coast Customs owner Ryan Friedlinghause announced he had amicably ended his association with MTV and Pimp My Ride.

Friedlinghause is launching a new show on the Discovery Channel that will customize high-end vehicles.

MTV Networks International's channels include Music Television, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), VIVA, Paramount Comedy, Game One and FLUX.

The network reaches a total of 429.1 million households in 169 countries and 22 languages.

Busta Rhymes Sued By Fan Over Alleged Assault
Mar 2, 2006
Author:

Busta Rhymes has been sued for assault in Manhattan Supreme Court by a man who claims the rapper and his bodyguard assaulted him for no reason.

Melvin Smith, 37, claims Busta Rhymes and co-defendant Troy Green assaulted him without reason.

Smith's lawyer Bruce Regenstreich said his client sought an autograph from rhymes in a sandwich shop near City Hall in Manhattan.

"Melvin went in to get an autograph and got a knuckle sandwich instead," Regenstreich said.

Smith, who is a handyman, said he required four stitches to close a cut over his eye.

He also said he has not been able to work because of back and neck injuries he sustained as a result of the alleged assault.

Smith is seeking an unspecified amount in damages from Busta Rhymes.

In May of 2003, Busta Rhymes was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery charges, after an altercation with a fan in Dec. 2002 at Jake's Twin Saloons in Fall River, Massachusetts.

In that incident, a woman claimed Rhymes shoved her against the table, grabbed her by her hair and threatened to kill her, after she touched his face.

The woman was also charged with misdemeanor assault and battery charges after she admitted to touching Rhymes during the incident as well.

Busta Rhymes denied the allegations and stated he simply grabbed the woman by the hand and told her "please make sure you don't touch me again."

Rhymes was eventually cleared of the assault and battery charges.

The lawsuit comes as New York Police Department detectives seek to questions Rhymes about the Feb. 5 murder of his bodyguard, Israel Ramirez.

Police believe an argument between G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo and Ruff Ryders producer Swizz Beatz sparked the deadly shooting.

Police have threatened to subpoena Rhymes in order to question him about his knowledge of the shooting, which took place on a celebrity filled video set in Brooklyn.

Transitions, and Portia's victory
Mar 2, 2006
Author:

WHEN PARLIAMENT opens in April for the new parliamentary year, the country's three top leaders will be new.

Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, the first non-ex-politician at King's House, will be presenting his first Throne Speech on Government policy.

Portia Simpson Miller will have been the principal architect of that Throne Speech, as the country's first female Prime Minister. We will get our best glimpse yet of what 3,808 People's National Party (PNP) delegates and 34 PNP MPs have delivered to us.

And more in the tabling of the estimates of expenditure that same afternoon in Parliament. It will be interesting to see who tables those. new Prime Minister, old Minister of Finance and Planning, old economic and social policy?

CHOMPING AT THE BITS

Bruce Golding will be only in his second year as Leader of the Opposition and chomping at the bits to change roles.

At Independence in 1962 only Professor Hall in the above caste of actors on the political stage may have been old enough to have the vote, at age 21 then - and just barely. This, then, is the last time, in all likelihood, that someone will come to the office of Governor-General, party leader, Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition who came to adulthood in colonial Jamaica.

The biggest transition upon us, is not the ascension to the office of Prime Minister of a woman. Portia Simpson Miller is a genetic creature of the PNP, bound by the cords of party loyalty and the thin parliamentary majority her party has and from which she must negotiate executive leadership and policy after a campaign with its bitter edges.

The biggest historical transition we are facing is the quiet fading away of those who knew colonial Jamaica and built the post-colonial Jamaica, crooked as it has turned out to be in too many places.

MIXED BAG

There is enough data around on female leadership of countries from the 1950s and even earlier to debunk the sentimental bunkum that women will find better solutions to the problems of governance which men have allegedly not done a good job with. Female leadership has been a very mixed bag. Margaret Thatcher, the greatest of them all, was a military hawk and 'savagely' dismantled Britain's obese social welfare and state ownership systems. The country was revitalised and prospered to the extent that New Labour was forced to adopt Thatcherite policy dressed up in work overalls to escape the political wilderness.

Thatcher listened, as Portia says she will. Thatcher was not only supported in Government by hard-nosed technocrats but by think tanks like the Adam Smith Institute who pragmatically figured out how the real world worked and converted knowledge into policy. Portia herself, without PhD, would have learned a great deal about what does not work from the '70s with Michael Manley and the '90s with P.J. Patterson.

Jamaica dos not need a Momma Prime Minister, nor a nurse. Frankly, I am frightened by the thought which was so popular on the party presidential campaign trail.

What Jamaica urgently needs is a pragmatic leader with just enough charisma to make us take the necessary bitter medicines for national reconstruction with an understanding smile. And in this gender is not a factor. Portia, who happens to be a woman, has many of these qualities.

Portia has 2007 on her mind. Like Patterson in 1992, she will want her own mandate, perhaps well before elections are due. The two party leaders are seated in Parliament from two of the country's tightest garrison constituencies. Portia and Bruce are among the most experienced field marshals of the old politics still in active service, but have spoken many commitments to the new politics, which is really yet to be born. Their constituencies abut among the decay and violence of the inner-city.

STAKES ARE HIGH

The stakes, retaining power with margins dangerously thinning vs wresting power after too long in the wilderness, are high. The political acrimony of Seaga/JLP and Manley/PNP has been the single most destructive factor in Jamaica's independent history and the biggest inhibitor of national progress. Even when those leaders finally all leave the stage, and Portia is one of them, the legacy will linger.

Saturday's euphoria will soon wear off. The hard tasks of governing and fighting for political power are about to set in. The risks of regression to elements of old politics are real. The mettle of leadership, woman or man, will matter much.

The same enthusiasm and exuberance with which media over-covered the PNP presidential campaign, the private sector pursued debate and citizens voiced their voteless choices must now be applied to ensure no return to the old but the maintaining of the promised pathway to peace and prosperity.

Diesel dilemma - Poor quality of fuel damages engines in some vehicles in Jamaica
Mar 2, 2006
Author:

LOCAL AUTOMOBILE dealers are to meet with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) to discuss the poor quality of domestic diesel which is damaging some engines and prohibiting the import of some models of vehicles.

Kent Lacroix, chairman of the Jamaica Automobile Dealers Association, said the PCJ confirmed the meeting following year-long discussions with the state-owned company. The poor quality of diesel fuel is due to the high sulphur content, which is currently 2,000 parts per million as against 50 parts per million in the European Union (EU).

EU SULPHUR LEVELS

According to Dr. Raymond Wright, a consultant and former PCJ group managing director, Jamaica will not reach EU sulphur levels until early 2009 when the Petrojam Oil Refinery, a subsidiary of the PCJ, is upgraded.

Juergen Deforth, general manager of Audi Latin America and the Caribbean, told The Gleaner earlier this month that poor diesel quality in Jamaica means some automobile models, manufactured by Audi, are withheld from Jamaica.

"The fuel is a problem because modern diesel engines which use the common rail injection system are damaged by high sulphur, low quality fuel," said Mr. Lacroix. Specifically affected are more efficient digital fuel pumps which are part of this system.

"It depends on the engine, some of the engines prefer or require to use a low sulphur to run more efficiently. There are some models such as the Land Rover which have been designed for the global market (and higher sulphur levels) which due to the specification of their engines means they can operate with higher sulphur diesel than here," said Dr. Wright.

Richard Stewart, Chairman of Stewarts Auto Sales, said his company would be importing a diesel model Suzuki this weekend to test with local fuel. He said that few Suzuki diesels have been sold in Jamaica so far.

"For the average man unless you are driving a very long commute and have a high mileage the added expense of buying a diesel vehicle may not be justified because you might just spend a long time in heavy traffic," said Mr. Stewart.

He said that a diesel Suzuki costs US,650 more than a gasoline model.

The PCJ has promoted the adoption of diesel vehicles, since it claims they are 40-45 per cent more fuel efficient than gasoline vehicles. Dr. Wright said diesel vehicles currently make up 17 per cent of imports, which the PCJ wants to double in the next four years.

Maintaining your diesel engine:

Diesel engines should be regularly maintained to ensure safe, clean and efficient operation.

Air cleaners, injectors, fuel pumps and pump seals should be checked and repaired or replaced by your diesel mechanic at the correct time intervals.

Your owner's handbook will indicate how often each of these checks should be made.

Look out for:

Any diesel pooling under your vehicle, moisture or wetness at the bottom of the engine, changes in engine exhaust (e.g., a smoky exhaust), or decreasing fuel efficiency.

jamaican Cop Raps
Jan 2, 2006
Author:

A police officer who was acquitted on murder charges in Kingston, Jamaica, has released a rap song called �To Protect and Serve,� claiming he will restore law and order to Jamaican streets. Human rights groups claim Senior Superintendent Renato Adams - who was acquitted by a jury last week of murdering two men and two women and then planting guns on them � is adding to the rising tension on Jamaican streets over the acquittal. Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates in the world because of gangs fighting over the lucrative drug trade. Human rights groups immediately condemned the song, because Adams is suspected of leading raids that led to over 40 deaths. Jamaica also has one of the world�s highest rates of killings by police.

Rapper Obie Trice Shot In The Head On Detroit Freeway
Jan 2, 2006
Author:

Obie Trice was shot this morning (Dec. 31) while driving on a freeway in Detroit, Michigan.

The rapper was traveling on The Lodge Freeway just after 1:00 am, when someone in another vehicle open-fired on the car Trice was driving, with his girlfriend as a passenger.

"He got shot in the head," Obie Trice's manager Terry Wilson told AllHipHop.com. "He was driving his Range Rover on the Lodge Freeway, after leaving a Mike Epps after party."

According to police, a wounded Obie Trice continued driving and exited in the suburb of Southfield, where his girlfriend flagged down police officers.

Trice was rushed to the hospital, treated and released.

Cops 'zero' in on Montego Bay robberies - Crime prevention strategies a success
Jan 2, 2006
Author:

HEAD OF the Area One Police Division, Superintendent Warren Clarke, is reporting an overwhelming success of the crime prevention strategies implemented for the festive season.

According to him, there have been no reports of robberies in the city's main commercial centres for the past six weeks.

"We sealed the town and made it safe and the result was that criminal activities such as robberies and violence saw a significant reduction or a total shutdown," Superintendent Clarke told The Gleaner yesterday.

He continued that as part of the strategies, police personnel from Kingston augmented those of St. James, but he is warning of difficulties from here on.

"The security detail from Kingston was as a result of great sacrifice because other areas were put on hold in their absence. (But) in terms of sustainability, our resources will really be challenged."

Meanwhile, Superintendent Clarke says there has been increasing support for the police by members of the public.

Montego Bay businessman and chief executive officer of Margaritaville Caribbean, Brian Jardim, told The Gleaner that he was grateful to the police for their work during the holiday season, especially given the increased visitor arrivals to the island.

"We had a lot of ship calls and we usually have problems with harassers who congregate on sections of the strip. The presence seemed to have solved the harassment and we are thankful," he said.

MAYHEM IN AUGUST TOWN
Jan 2, 2006
Author: jamaica-star.com

THE ONLY SURVIVOR of the Hermitage Road shooting on Friday morning said scaling a nine foot high zinc fence may have saved his life. Gunmen invaded the community and murdered four men in two separate incidents.

"Is three man kick in di door di four a wi a play cards...two wit handgun, and one wit a tall up (AK 47) an as dem bus di door mi run out an jump di fence," recalled the resident as he limped toward a section of the 9 foot zinc fencing, where his foot was cut as he made his escape.

Although having two deep wounds left behind by the zinc fence he was still grateful for life. During his interview with THE STAR he was hugged by a woman as he in turn told her "mi still deh ya" even as they burnt the blood soaked mattress from the bedroom. The death even shocked an aunt who returned from overseas on Monday and was in the room minutes before the gunmen struck.

The survivor is the relative of 15-year-old Rushon Robinson, who was killed along with Miguel Wright, 38, and 34-year-old Paul Johnson all of Payton Place in Kingston 7.

Reports say that at 12:10 a.m., police responded to calls that gunshots were being fired in Hermitage. Upon arrival, investigators found the bodies of the three men, lying in blood. The assailants reportedly escaped in a white Toyota Corolla.

According to residents, the triple murder was the second shooting the men had committed in the area within a 20 minute period. A few kilometres away, at 14 Abbot Road, the body of Ronald Richards, 37, lay dead, from gunshot wounds to the head.

Another survivor of the first murder said he along with Richards and three other men were enjoying a game of dominoes when the gunmen struck with deadly effect.

"Five of us were on the front porch when we saw some men peeping over the wall brandishing guns...we thought they were our friends and shouted - stop ramp before yuh get gunshot!" he said.

He said he soon realised they were not friends as they came into the yard. He said two of the men ran to the backyard but Roberts and two elderly men were not so lucky. It is alleged that the men were robbed and ordered to lie down.

"Dem plan fi kill all three a dem, but after dem kill Shaggy (Roberts), di gun stick as dem have it pon a elder's head," recalled the survivor.

Eyewitnesses say the men then ran along the gully bank to Payton Place, where they committed the triple murder shortly after.

Though residents say that the three killed may have been involved in "gun business," they believe Roberts was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Why would they kill a kind, caring, man like whe nuh live by di gun. Ronald is a hard working accountant for Tibby's and other places in Clarendon...dem don't know di pain dem cause...vampires...bloodsuckers...dem can hide from man but dem caa hide from God," cried Natalie, Richards' common-law wife, as she choked on her own saliva and tears.

Roberts' sister lamented that her brother was the breadwinner for his wife and 5-year-old son, and worries how they will cope in the years to come.

"Di man dem a war all around wi, and we a try hold it off from wi enz. Hermitage a nuh one a dem zinc up community, is good upstanding people live here, whe dem gunman can't control like garrison and dem want dat to change, suh a jus dat," explained a resident of the community.

Foxy Brown Speaks On Hearing Loss
Dec 20, 2005
Author:

Rapper Foxy Brown took the stage to confront the rumors and speculation about her hearing loss and current medical condition. The rap star proclaimed that she hasn't been able to hear for six months.

The Def Jam rapper was joined by a gaggle of supporters in front of a crowd of press, photographers and staff on the set of BET�s �106 & Park� show, which is housed inside of the CBS Building in Manhattan.

Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Doug E. Fresh, Tyson Beckford, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, her doctor Laura Arias, her new attorney Jospeh Fleming, Reverend Young Blood, Cathy Jordan Sharpton, Burt Bedel, her mother and her two brothers all stood along the sidelines to support the 26-year-old artist. While he was slated to appear, Jay-Z, Def Jam's President, did not come to the press conference.

"In May 2005, my life was altered drastically," Foxy, born Inga Marchand, said in a prepared statement. "During my recording of Black Roses, I experienced a sudden hearing loss.

Breaking down into tears, Brown stated that even on stage, she was unable to hear anything going on around her and communicated solely through reading lips, facial expressions, and notes.

"We take for granted the simple words such as 'I love you', but I appreciate them all."

Brown's doctor, Dr. Laura Arias the CEO of Medicine by Design, a medical consulting firm, stated that Foxy�s condition had no source or confirmed cause.

According to Arias, Foxy has lost hearing in both ears, a condition that remains permanent without treatment. The cause of the ailment is unknown.

Foxy is expected to begin treatment in January of 2006 and also will undergo surgery. Recovery time will be brief, but Arias said the time frame varies from patient to patient.

Dr. Arias stated that Foxy Brown was an excellent candidate for the procedure and patients with the same condition have regained their hearing.

Russell Simmons also took the stage to state the reasons for this press conference. Simmons felt the media has portrayed the situation in a wrongful manner and would like to use the time to correct the situation and also seek prayer from the public.

Her close friend, Doug E. Fresh also explained how surprised he had been when he heard of Foxy�s deafness.

�When I heard it, I didn�t know how true it was, I thought maybe it was a publicity stunt, I was amazed to see that she really couldn�t hear. I was out watching a movie with my son and she was there, he ran up to her, but he came back and said she didn�t talk to him and I thought to myself that isn�t Foxy, she talks to anyone who comes up to her.�

Doug E. Fresh mentioned how he was impressed to see Foxy Brown actually rapping on Biggie�s new album even with her loss of hearing.

�[People had to] tap on her shoulder to keep the beat and record for Biggie�s album and I heard�her flow was bananas,� Doug E. Fresh said.

Foxy Brown closed off by stating that she will finish recording her album, Black Roses, immediately upon getting her hearing back. Foxy said she would be releasing Black Roses in 2006.

The press conference was closed with a prayer from Reverend Young Blood.

Death row inmate gets life
Dec 14, 2005
Author:

A DEATH row inmate who last year successfully challenged the mandatory death sentence on the grounds that it was unconstitutional was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment for double murder.

Lambert Watson, a 44-year-old farmer, was convicted in the Hanover Circuit Court five years ago for the 1997 murder of his common-law wife Eugenie Samuels and their nine-month-old daughter Georgina Watson.

Mr. Watson was sentenced to hang. He chopped them to death because Samuels was insisting that Mr. Watson should maintain the child.

After he lost this appeal in the Court of Appeal, his lawyers took the case to the United Kingdom Privy Council which ruled that judges should have the discretion to determine sentences in murder cases.

Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe, after hearing legal arguments from defence lawyer Nancy Anderson and Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn, sentenced Watson to life imprisonment on each count and recommended that he should serve 20 years on each count before he was eligible for parole. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Ms. Anderson said her client had embraced Christianity while in prison, but the Chief Justice said pre-conditions of Christianity include repenting and seeking forgiveness. He said the social enquiry report indicated that Watson had not admitted to the crimes, despite the fact all the evidence suggested he was responsible for committing them.

The Chief Justice told Watson that had it not been for the landmark Privy Council ruling in the Pratt and Morgan case, (which ruled that persons on death row for more than five years should have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment), he would have imposed the death sentence on him.

Comedian Richard Pryor Passes At 65
Dec 14, 2005
Author:

Iconic comedian/actor Richard Pryor passed away this morning (Dec. 10) of a heart attack, after being ill for years with multiple sclerosis.

Pryor, 65, who has been sampled by such artists as Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, A Tribe Called Quest and others, passed away at a hospital near his home in the San Fernando Valley.

Pryor�s business manager Karen Finch stated that a private memorial service will be held by private invitation.

The family is also requesting donations to Pryor�s recently established animal charity, Pryor�s Planet.

The multi-talented Pryor was born Dec. 1, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois. Pryor was a more mainstream comedian in the mid-1960�s, until he started working profanity and the word n***er into his act.

Pryor�s second album, 1970�s Craps (After Hours) on Laff Records helped the comedian gain a larger following.

Seeking a larger deal, the comedian released the classic comedy album That Nigger�s Crazy on the Reprise/Warner imprint.

The hit albums continued for Pryor, who released hit albums like Is It Something I Said?, Bicentennial N***r, Richard Pryor: Wanted � Live In Concert and Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip.

In 1977, the comedian launched his own television show The Richard Pryor Show on NBC in 1977.

He also wrote for the hit series Sanford & Son, hosted a controversial episode of "Saturday Night Live" and later hosted his own children�s show, "Pryor's Place."

In 1979, Pryor took a trip to Africa and vowed never to use the N-word in his standup comedy routine again.

In 1980, Pryor was freebasing and accidentally set himself on fire. Despite being severely burned, Pryor worked the incident into his stand up show, "Richard Pryor Live on Sunset Strip."

According to Pryor�s wife Jennifer, the comedian had actually tried to commit suicide by pouring high proof rum over his body in a drug induced frenzy and lit himself on fire.

Also, in 1980, Pryor used his considerable clout in Hollywood to form his own movie production company, Indigo. The comedian appeared in almost 50 movies, including "Lady Sings the Blues," "The Wiz," "Silver Streak," "Car Wash," "Greased Lightining," "Stir Crazy," "Superman III," "Harlem Nights," "Brewster's Millions," "The Toy," "Bustin' Loose," "The Muppet Movie" and others.

In 1983, the comedian earned million dollars for his role in "Superman III," earning a million more than the film�s star, Christopher Reeve.

Pryor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986 and was later confined to a wheel chair. His 1995 autobiography �Pryor Convictions: And Other Life Sentences� were released to critical acclaim.

In 2004, Pryor was voted the �Greatest Standup Comedian of All Time� by Comedy Central.

The comedian was married six times in his life and is survived by his wife Jennifer Lee Pryor and six children, Richard Pryor, Jr., Elizabeth Stordeur, Rain Kindlin, Kelsey Pryor, Steven Pryor, Franklin Mason and three grandchildren.

Primary schools at war - Students war over turf, girl
Dec 14, 2005
Author:jamaica star

A DEADLY ENCOUNTER between two warring factions of Primary school students was averted by quick action from police and principals yesterday.

Police intercepted an armed group of students along Lyndhurst Road, heading toward John Mills Primary and Junior High school.

"Di John Mills bway dem seh dem come pon fi wi enz fi mash wi up, an seh if we bad wi fi come pon fi dem enz fi di war, suh wi go," explained a bold 11-year-old youth.

The twelve boys that were taken into custody near John Mills Primary, were all from Melrose Primary and Junior High. Four cutlasses, five knives, and a pair of scissors were recovered from the juveniles, aged 11 to 15 years.

Apparently, the feud has been going on for over four years, usually surfacing during sporting events between the schools. However, this time a girl was the root of this latest feud.

OFFENCE

According to sources, a student from Melrose Primary saw the girlfriend of a student from John Mills Primary on a bus last week, and said to her, "Yu can do better than da ugly bway deh."

The boy from John Mills Primary took offence to this, and on Monday a group of students alleged to be from that school came on the Melrose school grounds to exact revenge for the insult.

"My students identified the boys that came on the compound yesterday (Monday) as John Mills students. They were not hurt because they out-ran their aggressors," said Jennifer Lee, the principal of Melrose Primary.

In a bid to retaliate, the boys from Melrose Primary plotted a deadly attack on the students from John Mills Primary, arming themselves with a host of cutlasses and knives.

"Information was received of the plot, and officers from the Anti-Crime Task Force and myself intercepted the boys along Lindhurst road acting rowdy. Some escaped, but the 12 that were caught were searched and 9 weapons were found," explained Detective Sergeant Quincy Sterling, the sub-officer in charge of crime at the Crossroads Police Station.

The deadly plot was discovered when one of the boys was held at school, for disciplinary measures. A search of his bag revealed a kitchen knife. The boy eventually revealed the plot, in which he should have been involved.

"We averted a possible disaster by contacting the other school and police. The two principals worked together to avoid this disaster, and will continue to work together to ensure peace between the schools," said Lee.

The boys were held for about three hours at the Crossroads Police Station, and subsequently released into the custody of their parents and teachers.

Though some parents became irate after waiting for their children, most were glad that the police were able to stop them.

"Is somess lick da buay deh a guh get cause mi nah raise nuh bad man fi guh mek man come kill wi off sake a him," mentioned an irate father of one of the boys.

Police and teachers agreed that the problem lies within the social structure of home and community.

"This is caused by the negative social structure that prevails in society. Many of our students come from garrison communities and their behaviour is a reflection of the sub-culture within their areas," reasoned Rohan Trevelen, the guidance counsellor for Melrose Primary and Junior High school.

Efforts to contact the principal for John Mills High proved futile up to press time.

Juveniles new Album
Dec 14, 2005
Author:

After years of label woes with Cash Money Records, Juvenile is finally readying his Atlantic debut, Reality Check. Tragedies usually bring people together, but Katrina hasn't done much for reuniting The Hot Boys. With Turk in prison, and B.G. and Juvenile both taking shots at their former label, a reunion isn't likely. "A tragedy won't bring us together 'cause feelings won't change," "I don't wanna be around Cash Money, affiliated with Cash Money or nothing. I wanna punch Baby in the mouth as of right now. "I'm not about to lie to the public no more," he continued. "The reason my last album came out [on Cash Money] is only because I wanted to put UTP on the map. I wanted UTP to be together cause that's a good opportunity to be able to come to another company if you're worth something. 'Nolia Clap' and 'Slow Motion' did that. Cash Money didn't have anything to do with neither of those songs." Juvenile's Reality Check, featuring Ludacris, Fat Joe, R. Kelly, Brian McKnight, Mannie Fresh, Scott Storch, Lil Jon and Jazze Pha is scheduled to hit stores in February 2006.

"Tookie Williams death"
Dec 14, 2005
Author:

The body of Stanley Tookie Williams will be cremated and his ashes spread in South Africa, following a large memorial service in Los Angeles, according to a close friend. Williams was executed this morning despite international attention over a nationwide campaign to save his life. The reformed gang member was put to death for the murder of four people 25 years ago. Barbara Becnel, Williams' close friend who led the campaign to save his life, said she was making the arrangements today. Becnel, who believes Williams did not commit the four murders for which he was executed, said the NAACP Legal Defense Fund has promised her its resources in proving Williams' innocence. Becnel witnessed the execution. "He suffered," she said. "He was writhing, lifting his head up and fussing" at the guards for taking so long. "It was horrible. To me, it was torture. It took 35 minutes to kill him."

Various Rappers Rally To Save Tookie Williams
Dec 6, 2005
Author:

A host of rappers have convene to craft Redemption - Hip Hop United 2 Save Stan "Tookie" Williams.

The album highlights talents like stic.man (of dead prez), P.O.W., Paris, Kam, Shorty (of Da Lenchmob), WC, Tank, RBX, Kid Frost, Gangsta Ridd of the Boo Ya Tribe), Frontline and others.

The rapper efforts recently became more arduous.

The California Supreme Court declined to stop the scheduled execution of Stanley "Tookie" Williams, a convicted murderer who has turned his life around in prison.

Defense attorneys petitioned the court last month charging that Williams was convicted in 1981 on substandard forensic evidence and a shoddy investigation.

Williams was condemned to death for the slaying four people in Los Angeles.

Williams is scheduled die by injection Dec. 13 and his supporters are feverishly fighting to save his life.

Ballistics evidence determined that a shotgun registered to Williams was used in multiple murders in 1979.

Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, Judge Greg Mathis, and State Sen. Gloria Romero protested the death sentence in a unique manner.

They read selections Williams' famed children's book series to at-risk children on November 30.

"Tookie Williams is a special guy," said Snoop Dogg. "He's a guy that's been locked up for a long time, and he's been doing a lot of great things with kids in the community with peace, with just trying to educate the kids in what it is about gang banging that ain't cool.
You kill that voice and you're killing a lot of hope for these kids."

Williams' books have received four nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature with a focus on positive, peaceful lifestyles.

"The only birthday present I want from the governor is clemency for Stan 'Tookie' Williams," said Foxx, whose birthday is December 13 � the same day of Williams' scheduled execution.

Underground rapper Scipio has penned a rap song called "Dear Governor" in support from celebrities of the imprisoned author.

Williams' final hope for clemency lies with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger will host a closed-door meeting on December 8 at his Sacramento office.

BG In Talks With G-Unit
Dec 6, 2005
Author:

G-Unit Records may be signing Southern staple B.G. to its burgeoning roster of artists.

While the deal is not completed, Sha-Money XL, a G-Unit executive who helps manage 50 Cent, confirmed that B.G. is in talks with company brass.

"We are in talks with B.G. to sign him to Buck's G-Unit South label," Sha-Money XL told AllHipHop.com.

B.G. released his first album True Story in 1993 at the age of 11, helping successfully launch the Cash Money label into Hip-Hop history.

B.G.'s major label debut Chopper City in the Ghetto debuted at #9 on the Billboard charts, fueled by the hit single "Bling, Bling."

In 2001, B.G. announced he had severed his ties with Cash Money Records to launch his own label, Chopper City Records.

Since, the rapper has released several independent albums, the most recent being Heart Of Tha Streetz Vol. 1.

Sha-Money XL also dispelled the rumor that a Fat Joe foe was joining the label.

Despite the gossip, former Terror Squad member Cuban Link is not signing with 50's growing company. "It's not true, we are not signing Cuban Link," Sha-Money XL said.

A number of published reports on the internet claimed 50 Cent signed Cuban Link to the G-Unit Records imprint.

Both 50 Cent and Cuban Link have verbally sparred with Terror Squad front man, Fat Joe.

In recent months, G-Unit has arranged business deals with Lil' Jon, Lil' Scrappy, Ma$e Spider Loc, Mobb Deep and M.O.P.

IRV and CHRIS GOTTI found NOT GUILTY
Dec 6, 2005
Author:

On Friday, Irv "Gotti" . . whose real name is Irving Lorenzo. . . and his brother, Christopher Lorenzo, were both found NOT GUILTY of laundering over MILLION for Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. McGriff was an old friend of theirs. . . and a CRACK KINGPIN. The prosecution tried to prove that Irv's label, MURDER, INC. wrote checks to bogus companies to hide Supreme's drug money. . . but their case was WEAK. Irv and Chris' lawyers only called one witness; they basically just stood by and let the prosecutors hang themselves. The jurors weren't impressed with the federal attorney's case, but it sounds like they WERE impressed with Irv's fame and fortune. After the verdict was read, several of them asked to meet Irv to HUG him. . . and one juror called Irv and Chris "her boys." Jay-Z, Ja Rule, Russell Simmons and Ashanti were among those present in the courtroom to hear the verdict. Now that it's all over, Irv says the experience has totally changed him. Quote, "I'm never going to get into any other trouble, no jaywalking, nothing."

Eminem' impersonator jailed for life
Dec 6, 2005
Author:

A BRITISH MAN, who was so obsessed with the U.S. rapper Eminem that he dressed like him, had the same tattoos and used to perform the same dance routines, was jailed for life on Monday for battering a woman to death.

Christopher Duncan, 21, forced his victim to undergo a torrid sexual ordeal before he beat her round the head with a metal baseball bat and, although she was still alive, crammed her into a suitcase where she died up to 90 minutes later.

On the night of the murder, Duncan had met his victim in a London karaoke bar where the manager said he had been "aggressively" performing songs by Eminem, notorious for his violent and misogynistic lyrics.

"You treat women as sexual objects and have a sadistic sexual fantasy life," Judge David Paget said as he ordered that Duncan should serve a minimum term of 25 years.

"It may well be you pose such a danger to women it will never be safe to release you."

TRAGIC FEATURES

Prosecuting lawyer Jonathan Laidlaw said Duncan's victim, 26-year-old law student Jagdip Najran, a promising singer herself, had fallen for Duncan.

"One of the tragic features of this case is the terrible misjudgement she made of him," Laidlaw told the Old Bailey criminal court.

Duncan took her back to his flat in Hackney, east London, where after some sexual activity he beat her with the bat while high on drugs and drink.

He went to his mother's flat nearby and confessed what he had done. A search of his flat found an array of knives and a second baseball bat.

Duncan later handed himself in and admitted the murder.

The court was told there was no sensible explanation for why Duncan had committed the violent attack.

"One doctor who examined you says you are a grandiose self centred individual with a high opinion of your looks, musical abilities and sexual prowess," the judge said.

Media reports said police now wanted to question Duncan over the murder of American artist Margaret Muller, who was stabbed to death while jogging in a park in February 2003.

Left Side and Esco rock Ardenne
Dec 6, 2005
Author:

LEFT SIDE AND Esco went back to school, in more ways than one, as Fame School Rules took them to Ardenne High School last Thursday.

Being past students of Ardenne, Left Side and Esco advised the students about abstinence and safe sex. "You guys are not ready for sex, concentrate on your school work and make the best of it," said Esco.

At a time when HIV/AIDS is prevalent, Left Side also commented on the condom phenomena. The two performed No STD's and Dr. Evil.

PRIVILEGE

When the two 'old boys' performed Tuk Een Yuh Belly, the school auditorium, packed with Ardennites, sang most of the song. The sound of joyful children resounded off the walls, and it was clear that this song was a favourite amongst both boys and girls.

"It's a privilege being here. It feels good, being past students of Ardenne. The school tours affect the kids so we try to make our music as positive as possible," said Left Side.

At the end of their performance, Left Side and Esco called on Idonia, who also advised the students to abstain from sexual activity. He performed Jolly Wid Di Lolly, Inna Di Ghetto, Chicken Head and Cardinal Points. During Chicken Head, the students filled in with the clucks of the chicken.

"Mi feel good bout this thing. You know fans make yuh and fans break yuh, so you haffi find time, especially fi di younger ones. I do different lyrics for different levels of fans. The negative lyrics is for grown adults," said Idonia.

CAP'N'S 'BAD' JUGGLING

'The Captain' Colin Hines manned the turntables and did some free style juggling during the programme. The songs that were most popular with the students were Sean Paul's Burnin, Capleton's Or Wah, Assassin's Idiat Ting, and Kanye West and Jamie Foxx's Gold Digger.

Other artistes whose songs were popular included Sizzla, Voice Mail, Vybz Kartel, Lil' Kim, Ciara, Usher, Gyptian, Jah Cure and Baby Sham. Paula-Ann Porter added to the hype as she did popular dances on stage for the kids, who took this as a sign to do some dancing of their own. Claudette Powell was also a part of the team.

During the fun and excitement, Freshh was on hand to quench the thirst of the energetic students. They also gave away school books and pencils. Digicel was another sponsor.

Fame School Rules is a monthly event where Fame FM visits schools and introduces a career in radio to the students. At Ardenne High, the Fame team showed the students how to do an outside broadcast.

Acting Principal, Jaqueline Pinto, was in favour of the move. "I think it's a good idea to expose the students at this level to a career in radio. This would assist them in deciding on a career on which they could focus after completing their secondary education," said Ms. Pinto.

Head girl of Ardenne High School, Kamille Adair, also liked the visit. "I think it's really excellent. It builds the vibes and the students learn something in the process. It's a good way to reach the student's and I'm definitely enjoying it," said Kamille.

Davia Madden, a student who was interrupted in the middle of her Willy Bounce, breathlessly gave her input. "I'm enjoying myself, the music is off the chain. It's very good that Fame is here because I don't really know anything about a radio career and I learned a lot today," she said.

Foxy Brown almost deaf, lawyer says
Dec 6, 2005
Author:

FOXY BROWN IS almost totally deaf, her lawyer said Monday during a court appearance of the rapper who faces charges in an assault case.

Attorney Joseph Tacopina disclosed Brown's hearing problem after a question about why they exchanged written notes while waiting in Manhattan Criminal Court for her case to be called on an unresolved assault charge from August 2004. The case was adjourned until December 23.

"She's pretty much totally deaf now," Tacopina said. "She can't hear me. We have to write things back and forth. Anything I have to communicate with her now has to be written. It's dialogue, communication."

Brown, 25, revealed during a court appearance in September that she would soon undergo surgery to try to correct her hearing. Obviously straining to hear questions, she refused to discuss the possible cause of the problem.

Tacopina said Monday the prognosis for his client after at least one surgical procedure is still undetermined, but "hopefully it (the condition) is reversible. She has to undergo another surgery."

Meanwhile, Judge Melissa Jackson adjourned Brown's caseuntil December 23 when, Tacopina said, he expects the case will be resolved. Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, is charged with misdemeanour assault, attempted assault and harassment.

Brown has rejected at least two misdemeanour plea deals that would have let her avoid any jail time for allegedly assaulting two nail salon workers on August 29, 2004, in a fight over payment for a manicure at Bloomie Nails in Manhattan.

Prosecutors alleged that Brown, with a cell phone clutched in her closed fist, attacked and kicked one worker, and hit a second worker in the face.

Under the proposed plea deal, Brown would have pleaded guilty to misdemeanour assault and served 10 days of community service.

"I'm innocent," Brown said at the time. "I feel like I'm being railroaded."

Tacopina said they rejected the offer because he wanted Brown to plead guilty to a disorderly conduct violation, an offence less serious than a misdemeanour.

Tacopina said in September that the complainants in the case, the nail salon workers, "don't want to proceed. This is a waste of their time, her (Brown's) time, and the public's time."

However, he said Monday that he also did not want to expose Brown to an easy civil lawsuit by allowing her to plead to assault. "We're concerned about the motives of others," he said. "She's been seen as a bull's-eye for a quick payday."

Brown's latest CD, Black Rose, is expected to be released soon.

Gay counsellor murdered
Dec 6, 2005
Author:

JAMAICAN POLICE SAID Monday they were investigating the slaying of a gay man who counselled people with AIDS but had not determined whether his sexual orientation made him a target.

The abduction and killing of Lenford Harvey, 30, comes amid allegations by human rights groups that homosexuals are frequent targets of attacks and harassment in Jamaica, a conservative society where gay sex is against the law.

Gunmen forced their way into Harvey's home in Kingston on Nov. 29 and took him away in a car. He was found shot to death the next day near his home.

Police have made no arrests but are investigating the killing, police spokesman Troy Anderson said. He declined to say whether there was evidence suggesting Harvey was killed because he was gay.

Harvey worked for Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, the island's largest HIV-AIDS outreach centre. His job included counselling gay and transgender people with HIV and AIDS, said the agency's adminis-trator, Leonard Officer.

In a November 2004 report, New York-based Human Rights Watch denounced what it said was frequent abuse of gays, including harassment and physical assaults, in the Caribbean island of 2.6 million.

The report came four months after Jamaica's best-known gay rights activist, Brian Williamson, was stabbed to death with an ice pick at his St. Andrew home. Human rights groups said he was the victim of a hate crime, but police said it was a robbery and charged a newspaper vendor with the killing.

Human Rights Watch said gays in Jamaica rarely seek help from police because of the anti-gay stigma and the colonial-era sodomy law banning sex between men.

Jamaica's government rejected the findings of the report, saying it exaggerated the extent of harassment and attacks against gays on the island.

Harvey's killing came as Jamaica struggles to tame a spiralling homicide rate. More than 1,480 people have been slain this year, more than any previous year.

Cop: Adams planted firearm, spent shells
Nov 15, 2005
Author:

A FORMER member of the disbanded Crime Management Unit testified yesterday that he saw Senior Superintendent of Police Reneto Adams planting a firearm and spent shells at the crime scene at Kraal, Clarendon.

Constable Tyrone Brown said the firearm came from an office at Homestead Road, east Kingston, on the evening of May 7, 2003. The firearm was taken to Kraal and handed over to SSP Adams who put it in one of the rooms at Kraal.

The witness was testifying at the third week of the murder trial of SSP Adams and the other five policemen charged with the murder of four civilians at Kraal on May 7, 2003.

Constable Brown told the court that he and other members of the CMU were at Spanish Town and were about to go off duty when a Corporal Ramsay spoke with him.

He said he and other policemen travelled in two unmarked vehicles to a building in eastern Kingston.

The witness said he knew that Danhai Williams (east Kingston businessman) and a man called 'Softie' worked at the office where they went on Homestead Road. He said when they went to the building he remained outside, but Corporal Tingling and Sergeant Ballen went inside. Constable Brown testified that it was close to 6:00 p.m. when he saw a short dark man with metal on his teeth come out and hand Tingling something which appeared to be a firearm.

He said Tingling put it in a yellow paper bag after which they all went to Kraal. He said on the way to Kraal, Tingling got out of the car on two occasions and fired shots from the firearm and collected the spent shells.

When they reached Kraal, he saw SSP Adams and they went into a room where he saw the body of a woman and a rifle lying on the floor. Corporal Tingling gave SSP Adams the yellow paper bag. SSP Adams, in referring to the rifle on the floor, said "See the gun deh weh de dutty boy dem a fire."

SSP Adams went to a room where there was the body of a man. SSP Adams bent down, took the firearm from the bag and placed it on the floor. He (Adams) then picked out the spent shells and threw them on the floor.

Cross-examined by K. Churchill Neita, Q.C., who represents SSP Adams, the witness said he did not give his statements to the police until this year. The witness denied the suggestion that he was lying when he said he saw SSP Adams planting the firearm.

20 years for Joel Andem
Nov 10, 2005
Author:

THE NOTORIOUS LEADER of the Gideon Warriors gang, 42-year-old Joel Andem was yesterday sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

Andem stood calm and had a serious expression on his face as Mr. Justice Patrick Brooks told him that the sentence had to reflect the seriousness of the offences for which he was convicted.

The day before when the judge convicted Andem of charges of shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm, Andem had behaved in a boisterous manner in court and accused the judge of being unfair.

He was sentenced to 20 years for shooting with intent and ten years for illegal possession of a firearm. The sentences are to run concurrently so he will serve 20 years.

The judge commented on the daily 'mayhem and violence' taking place in the country. He told Andem that he would not consider any alleged reputation or information about him other than the facts gleaned in court at his trial.

The Crown represented by Anthony Armstrong, acting deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, led evidence at the trial which began last Monday that on January 27, 2002, Andem fired shots at a police party at a house at Skyline, Drive, Jacks Hill, St. Andrew.

Andem had denied committing the offence.

The judge told Andem that he would not make an example of him to satisfy public opinion. He said the members of the public depended on the police to ensure their safety and frowned on violent attacks on the police. The judge told Andem that he would not impose the maximum sentence, but the sentence had to reflect the seriousness of the crime.

Andem is facing other charges in the Gun Court and is also facing a murder charge in the Home Circuit Court. He was on the police most wanted list for four years until he was captured in Clarksonville, St. Ann, in May last year.

'Zekes' appears in court under tight security
Nov 10, 2005
Author: jamaica-star.com

MATTHEWS LANE AREA leader Donald 'Zekes' Phipps yesterday appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court under tight security.

Armed soldiers and police stood guard outside the courthouse as Phipps was brought to the lock-up.

Phipps, jointly charged with common-law wife Yvonne Salesman, appeared before RM Georgianna Frazer to answer to the charge of unlawful possession of property. A December 14 trial date was set.

Attorney-at-law Delano Harrison Q.C. who represents Salesman again filed for bail for Phipps on the request of his attorney K. Churchill Neita Q.C. This was denied.

Phipps and Salesman were charged in connection with over million of assorted currency found at Phipps' home in Havendale, St. Andrew.

Allegations are that on May 18, police went to Phipps' residence where they seized an iron chest containing J,359,650, US2,185, �9,020 and Can,950 amounting to almost J million. Both were charged. Phipps is also charged with abstracting electricity and possession of ganja.

Spirits Nightclub to open at Seminole Paradise The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Nov 2, 2005
Author:

SPIRITS NIGHTCLUB, located at the Seminole Paradise in the new Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood Florida will finally make its grand opening on Friday and Saturday, Oct 21st and 22nd.

Spirits is a massive multi-room / multi-level mega nightclub that will take the South Florida's party scene by storm. Designed and operated by Club Impresario Louis Puig, owner of world-famous Club Space, SPIRITS will bring new excitement to South Florida and The Seminole Paradise which already plays host to many other clubs, bars, shops and restaurants.

The largest of all clubs at The Paradise, SPIRITS is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. It's the new home of an incredible Dynacord Alpha sound system and an incredible video and light show also designed by Puig and installed by Infinite Audio, recognized in the night club industry as "the best sound company in the US." Not to be outdone by the extraordinary sound and lighting gear, SPIRITS' remarkable, plush interior was designed by South Florida based designer Pam Manhas.

Spirits will host a number of world class DJs and celebrity hosted parties. There are 3 different rooms each with a different party to please South Florida's night clubber's expanded culture and tastes. A 24 hour liquor license assures that the party will continue until the we hours of the morning.

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and The Seminole Paradise welcome you to make Spirits Night Club your destination to spend the day, night or weekend and enjoy all that South Florida has to offer. Expect nothing but the highest quality service of a world-class nightclub. You can also count on Sprits to host your next private or corporate event.

SPIRITS NIGHTCLUB is located at the Seminole Paradise just off US 441 between Stirling and Griffin Roads in Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale. For more information about Spirits Nightclub go to www.clubspirits.com or call Spirits at Tel: 954-327-9777

Civil Rights Pioneer Rosa Parks, 92, Dies
Nov 2, 2005
Author:

DETROIT - Nearly 50 years ago, Rosa Parks made a simple decision that sparked a revolution. When a white man demanded she give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus, the then 42-year-old seamstress said no.

At the time, she couldn't have known it would secure her a revered place in American history. But her one small act of defiance galvanized a generation of activists, including a young Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and earned her the title "mother of the civil rights movement."

Mrs. Parks died Monday evening at her home of natural causes, with close friends by her side, said Gregory Reed, an attorney who represented her for the past 15 years. She was 92.

Monique Reynolds, 37, a native of Montgomery, Ala., called Mrs. Parks an inspiration who had lived to see the changes brought about by the civil rights movement.

"Martin Luther King never saw this, Malcolm X never saw this," said Reynolds, who now lives in Detroit. "She was able to see this and enjoy it."

In 1955, Jim Crow laws in place since the post-Civil War Reconstruction required separation of the races in buses, restaurants and public accommodations throughout the South, while legally sanctioned racial discrimination kept blacks out of many jobs and neighborhoods in the North.

Mrs. Parks, an active member of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was riding on a city bus Dec. 1, 1955, when a white man demanded her seat.

She refused, despite rules requiring blacks to yield their seats to whites. Two black Montgomery women had been arrested earlier that year on the same charge, but Mrs. Parks was jailed. She also was fined .

U.S. Rep John Conyers, in whose office Mrs. Parks worked for more than 20 years, remembered the civil rights leader as someone whose impact on the world was immeasurable, but who never sought the limelight.

"Everybody wanted to explain Rosa Parks and wanted to teach Rosa Parks, but Rosa Parks wasn't very interested in that," he said. "She wanted them to understand the government and to understand their rights and the Constitution that people are still trying to perfect today."

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick said he felt a personal tie to the civil rights icon: "She stood up by sitting down. I'm only standing here because of her."

Speaking to an audience of military spouses at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, President Bush said Mrs. Parks' 1955 refusal to give up her seat "was an act of personal courage."

Bush described her as "one of the most inspiring women of the 20th century" and said that she would always have a "special place" in American history.

Speaking in 1992, Mrs. Parks said history too often maintains "that my feet were hurting and I didn't know why I refused to stand up when they told me. But the real reason of my not standing up was I felt that I had a right to be treated as any other passenger. We had endured that kind of treatment for too long."

Her arrest triggered a 381-day boycott of the bus system organized by a then little-known Baptist minister, the Rev. King, who later earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

"At the time I was arrested I had no idea it would turn into this," she said 30 years later. "It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of the people joined in."

The Montgomery bus boycott, which came one year after the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark declaration that separate schools for blacks and whites were "inherently unequal," marked the start of the modern civil rights movement.

The movement culminated in the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act, which banned racial discrimination in public accommodations.

After taking her public stand for civil rights, Mrs. Parks had trouble finding work in Alabama. Amid threats and harassment, she and her husband, Raymond, moved to Detroit in 1957. She worked as an aide in Conyers' Detroit office from 1965 until retiring Sept. 30, 1988. Raymond Parks died in 1977.

Mrs. Parks said upon retiring from her job with Conyers that she wanted to devote more time to the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. The institute, incorporated in 1987, is devoted to developing leadership among Detroit's young people and initiating them into the struggle for civil rights.

"Rosa Parks: My Story," was published in February 1992. In 1994 she brought out "Quiet Strength: The Faith, the Hope and the Heart of a Woman Who Changed a Nation," and in 1996 a collection of letters called "Dear Mrs. Parks: A Dialogue With Today's Youth."

She was among the civil rights leaders who addressed the Million Man March in October 1995.

In 1996, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to civilians making outstanding contributions to American life. In 1999, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Mrs. Parks received dozens of other awards, ranging from induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor to an NAACP Image Award for her 1999 appearance on CBS' "Touched by an Angel."

She was born Rosa Louise McCauley on Feb. 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Ala. Family illness interrupted her high school education, but after she married Raymond Parks in 1932, he encouraged her and she earned a diploma in 1934. He also inspired her to become involved in the NAACP.

Mrs. Parks was a beloved aunt to 13 nieces and nephews.

"She wasn't the mother of the civil rights movement to me," Susan McCauley, one of her nieces, said last year. "She was the woman I wanted to become."

Her later years were not without difficult moments. In 1994, her home was invaded by a 28-year-old man who beat her and took . She was treated at a hospital and released. The man, Joseph Skipper, pleaded guilty, blaming the crime on his drug problem.

Mrs. Parks rarely was seen in public after 2001, when she canceled a meeting with President Bush. In court papers filed in September 2004 in connection with her lawsuit over the rap group OutKast's song "Rosa Parks," her lawyers said she had dementia.

After losing the OutKast lawsuit, Reed, her attorney, said Mrs. Parks "has once again suffered the pains of exploitation." A later suit against OutKast's record company was settled out of court.

In 2002, her landlord threatened to evict her from her high-rise apartment in downtown Detroit after her caregivers missed rental payments. Riverfront Associates decided in October 2004 to let her live there rent-free permanently.

Looking back in 1988, Mrs. Parks said she worried that black young people took legal equality for granted.

Older blacks, she said "have tried to shield young people from what we have suffered. And in so doing, we seem to have a more complacent attitude.

"We must double and redouble our efforts to try to say to our youth, to try to give them an inspiration, an incentive and the will to study our heritage and to know what it means to be black in America today."

At a celebration in her honor that same year, she said: "I am leaving this legacy to all of you ... to bring peace, justice, equality, love and a fulfillment of what our lives should be. Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die � the dream of freedom and peace."

LEAVE OR ELSE! (jamaica)
Nov 2, 2005
Author: www.jamaica-star.com

GUNMEN HAVE GIVEN residents of Penwood Road notices of eviction to leave the area or else face being killed as an ongoing war between men from that community and others from Unity Drive in Waterhouse, St. Andrew, has picked up momentum.

The gunmen placed the notices under the residents' doors on Sunday night, and between Monday night and Tuesday morning two houses were burnt and the occupants barely escaped with their lives.

Residents of both communities say the war, which erupted again last month after being dormant for sometime, has everyone in fear as they do not know when and where the gunmen might struck next. The residents also say men from both communities have 'imported' men to help in the war. Both sides have denied this.

"Mi get eviction notice an mi ignore it so dem mash up mi house...mi na nowhere fi gu, mi jus a sleep wherever mi can," an 'evicted' resident of Penwood Road told a STAR news team which visited the community yesterday. "A change dem a change mi! Me is a man whe work hard fi mi tings...Mi breda de a jail an police now wa talk bout is badness whe me an him keep up mek mi house bun down," added the evidently distressed father of a three-year-old son while he sat on Penwood Road with other residents, wearing his only possession.

While talking to the residents, THE STAR news team saw a group of armed men in the Unity Drive area, but they soon disappeared as lawmen came on the scene. They remained posted on the scene for the remainder of the day.

Counsellor for the Division, Junior Stewart, said that from his observation, the conflict stemmed from differences between two family members, which has somehow got out of control. "As far as I see it, this war is a family feud, which has spilled over toward other communities in and even outside of the Waterhouse areas...I will honour the wishes of residents and ask Mr. (Peter) Phillips for a police outpost in the area," said Stewart.

Interestingly the residents confirmed this, saying due to the close proximity of the warring factions, cousins, uncles, and even two brothers are bearing arms against one another.

When THE STAR spoke to one resident of Penwood Road he openly discussed the conflict with his brother who is associated with men from Unity Drive. "When di war escalate mi see him run gone over da side deh an mi hear seh him wa shot mi, su if a war den a war," he said.

In the meantime several concerned residents have expressed a need for the war to cease, as their children are unable to go to school and the elderly have been trapped indoors.

SEAN PAUL MAKES HISTORY WITH HIGHEST EVER REGGAE DEBUT
Oct 5, 2005
Author:

THE TRINITY TOPS REGGAE CHARTS WITH OVER 107,000 UNITS SOLD;

LANDS AT NUMBER 7 ON BILLBOARD 200, SETTING NEW RECORD



(New York, NY - October 4, 2005) Sean Paul's newest album, THE TRINITY (VP/Atlantic), topped the Reggae charts today, selling over 107,000 in its first week, the highest ever reggae debut and single week sales for a reggae artist in SoundScan history. It's been a good month for music from Jamaica: just a week ago, Damian Marley sold 86,000 in his first week, then the biggest debut for a reggae release since Nielsen SoundScan starting collating data in 1991. However, his reign as champ of Jamaican music was short-lived, with Sean Paul - the man who put Jamaica's dancehall on the map - back on the scene in a big way with this week's #7 on the Billboard 200, #4 on R&B chart, and, of course, #1 on the Reggae chart. The record-breaking sales gives Sean Paul his highest chart position to date.



THE TRINITY is the follow-up to the King of Dancehall's breakthrough debut album, 2002's DUTTY ROCK, which sold 65,000 in its first week and went on to become an international phenomenon, selling over 6 million worldwide. That album spawned four mega hit singles as well as collaborations with artists such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, and even Sting at the 2004 GRAMMYs. On THE TRINITY, Sean returns to his signature blend of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, to great success and acclaim.



First single "WE BE BURNIN'" is this week's Greatest Gainer on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts, entering the Top 20 this week, and steadily rising up the Pop charts as well, with the video currently in rotation on MTV and BET. Fans can catch Sean Paul perform the hit on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday, October 5, 2005, with additional performances coming and a tour jumping off in November.



Named THE TRINITY because it is Sean Paul's third album (second with Atlantic), three years in the making, and made entirely in the Third World, the new album is already on pace to best DUTTY ROCK, which transformed the music scene and brought authentic Jamaican dancehall reggae from an underground phenomenon to the mainstream of popular music around the globe and earned Sean Paul a GRAMMY, MTV Europe's Best New Artist Award, Source, MOBO, Juno, Much Music, and International Reggae and World Music awards.



Stay tuned for more heat from Sean Paul as THE TRINITY burns up the charts!

Bogle murder suspect charged
Sep 30, 2005
Author:

POLICE YESTERDAY charged the main suspect in the killing of popular dancer Gerald 'Bogle' Levy who was shot dead in January.

Ricardo Palmer, 22, a.k.a. 'Ricky', was charged with two counts of murder, three counts of shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm. He is to appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Gun Court at Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, next week.

Palmer, who police say is from Campden Crescent in Marverly, St. Andrew, was taken into custody on September 15, when he went to court on another charge. Less than two weeks after the killing, police had named Palmer as the main suspect. In fact he was taken into custody sometime ago when he went to report to a police station - as a bail requirement - but was surprisingly released without the knowledge of investigators.

Bogle was shot dead at a service station on Constant Spring Road where he went after an altercation at the popular 'Weddy Weddy Wednesday' dance at the nearby Burlington Avenue.

Police say Bogle and four other persons were buying gas when two men rode up on a bike and opened fire on them. The dancer was shot 14 times all over his body and died on the spot while the other four were taken to the hospital where another man died and the other three were admitted.

Cam'ron Hits R. Kelly With Lawsuit
Sep 30, 2005
Author:

The legal problems for R. Kelly continue to mount, as Harlem, New York rapper Cam�ron has hit the Chicago, Illinois crooner with a lawsuit.

Cam�ron, born Cameron Giles alleges R. Kelly has infringed his copyright for the �Snake Remix,� which Giles claims he co-wrote.

Both the original version and the remix to the song feature R. Kelly and former Rap City host Big Tigga and the remix featured the pair plus Cam�ron.

The original version was featured on Kelly�s 2003 hit album Chocolate Factory.

The lawsuit comes on the heels of the soul singer�s wife Andrea�s filing for an order of protection against Kelly, which was granted last Thursday (Sept. 22).

In the latest turn events, Kelly�s wife filed a request to dismiss the order of protection, her lawyer Nathan Swerdlove said yesterday (Sept. 27).

�They had a squabble -- and how many marriages don't have that sort of thing?" told the Chicago Sun Times. "They're trying to work things out, and they'd like to do it privately.�

Labourer killed
Sep 19, 2005
Author:

A 23-YEAR-OLD labourer was shot dead and two other persons injured during an attack by gunmen in Homestead, St. Catherine on Saturday. Reports say about 1 p.m. Dwayne Anthony James and other persons were on Mansfield Avenue in Homestead when a group of heavily armed gunmen invaded firing shots. James and two unidentified men were hit.

They were taken to hospital where James, who was shot in the lower back, died and the other two admitted.The Spanish Town police say the shooting is a turf war where men are fighting to take up donship of the community. The police say the gunmen were heavily armed as they picked up 38 AK47 spent shells and several M16s and 9mm casings. The police also promised to maintain a strong presence in the community.

Jay-Z Declares War
Sep 19, 2005
Author:

Jay-Z has a score to settle and the rapper has announced a pair of concerts to express his grievances with rival rappers.

The Hip-Hop megastar announced �I Declare War� as the theme of an October 27 show at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ. The event is in conjunction with Powerhouse, the annual mega concert by New York�s Power 105.1.

At an appearance at the radio station, the Def Jam president revealed that he would address some of the recent critics of his �Carter Administration,� but he didn�t reveal whom he would disrespect.

�I gotta put 'em in the choke hold, the Boston crab,� the rapper told Power 105�s Ed Lover. �I gotta smash a couple of people. Everybody better make up and be my friend."

A second show has been announced at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center show with Power 99, another Clear Channel radio station.

The last time Jay-Z declared war he was embroiled in a long-running feud with Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep.

Lil' Kim Starts Prison Sentence, Unhappy With Prison Location
Sep 19, 2005
Author:

At 2 p.m. today (Sept. 19), Lil' Kim reported to a Federal Detention Center to begin serving her 366-day prison sentence for perjury and conspiracy.

It was believed that Kim (real name Kimberly Jones) was to serve her sentence at a minimum-security federal camp.

Prison officials were rumored to be considering sending Kim to Alderson, West Virginia or a facility in Danbury, Connecticut.

Those reports turned out to be false and the Brooklyn rapper was ordered to serve her time in the Philadelphia Federal Detention Center.

The detention center houses over 1,100 inmates, most of whom are awaiting criminal trials or sentencing.

The Queen Bee, who was none to pleased about the decision, had this to say:

"I have unfortunately been assigned to a federal detention center instead of a prison camp as discussed, in the City of Philadelphia. I am not certain that this constitutes fair & equal treatment," states Kim. "However, today begins a new saga in my life which I expect to strengthen me and allow me time for reflection. I am blessed to have so many great things in my life - family, friends, and God. All will be in my thoughts daily. I plan to write music while in prison, read and pray regularly and will come out a stronger, more confident woman."

Kim also expressed her sincere thanks to the fans that have supported her.

"I will write many of my fans, and expect the 'Lil Kim' brand to be even bigger when I come out - I am just getting started in my career...Thanks to all for their thoughts and prayers...and I will see you soon."

Earlier this year, the former prot�g� of the Notorious B.I.G. was convicted of lying to a grand jury regarding the 2001 shooting in front of Hot 97?s radio station.

Kim's former manager Damion "D-Roc" Butler and bodyguard Suif "Gutta" Jackson turned State's evidence and pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting.

Their testimony also directly contradicted Kim's account to a grand jury, in which she indicated that she didn't know Jackson and that Butler wasn't present at the time of the shooting.

Kim was eventually convicted of perjury and conspiracy.

Her new album, The Naked Truth drops on September 27.

Thugs beat cabbies
Sep 19, 2005
Author: www.jamaica-star.com

TAXI DRIVERS ARE being beaten and abused by thugs in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, because they have refused to use the old train line terminus, THE STAR understands.

The thugs attack the drivers if they pick up or let off passengers on Young Street instead of using the terminus, especially in the peak hours. It is understood that the cabbies are being forced to use the terminus because that is where the thugs collect extortion money from them. If they do not use it, then it is almost impossible for them to collect.

In full view

During an undercover assignment in the area last week, THE STAR witnessed several taxi drivers being mercilessly beaten by men armed with pick-axe sticks and other implements. Some were dragged from their vehicles and hit while beer and water were thrown on others.

This happened in full view of the public but despite this, the Spanish Town police, though admitting to hearing of the beatings, say they have received no official reports and can do nothing. Interestingly, during the beating incidents witnessed by THE STAR, no police officers were seen. Communters and residents in the area, tell THE STAR that the cabbies refuse to use the terminus as most commuters do not go around there for fear of being robbed and/or killed.

No reports

They explained that there are no police officers, proper lighting and security arrangements in the terminus and they are left to the mercy of gunmen and bandits, especially in the peak hours leading up to night fall. The passengers that are mostly affected are those going to Linstead, Bog Walk, Eltham, Angels and the Ensom City areas outside Spanish Town.

An officer at the police station pointed out that if it was the police who were forcing these persons to go into the terminus there would have already been several demonstrations, but out of fear the taxi men and affected commuters have not reported the matter. Nevertheless the police have promised to have a more visible presence in the affected area.

Laura Bush, Master P. Talk Kanye's 'Comments'
Sep 14, 2005
Author:

Kanye West�s recent on-air comments that George W. Bush �doesn�t care about black people� has spurred numerous reactions, the latest coming from New Orleans rapper Master P and First Lady Laura Bush.

During a nationally televised telethon live on NBC last Friday (Sept. 2), West stated that President Bush had not adequately supported the high number of blacks displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

While artists like Jay-Z, T.I. and Nelly have supported West�s comments, Master P, who lost his home in the hurricane, stated that West�s remarks simply came at the wrong time.

�I think that if Kanye West [felt] like that, he needed to wait cause I got people in my community dying right now,� Master P told AllHipHop.com. �I got kids lost, I got parents lost, I got people got nowhere to go back to right now, so we need the government. We gon� need the president.�

Master P, who has started the Team Rescue relief foundation, also called upon other rappers to support the Hurricane relief effort and contribute what they could.

�We from New Orleans, we feel the pain, we feel the anger. This what we going through,� said P. �This is not a game for us. This is not a joke, this is not about money. This is not about selling records.�

Since the backlash, West has offered up various motives for his passionate outburst. But the Chicago rapper was still booed at the NFL kickoff show Thursday (Sept. 8) in Foxborough, MA.

�I just let my heart speak for itself without thinking about my image or how it�s gonna hurt me financially,� said West during BET�s S.O.S. (Saving Ourselves) telethon Friday (Sept. 9). �I felt the world needed to hear from me�I just do it and I say what I really feel.�

Meanwhile, in defense of her husband, Mrs. Bush described West�s prior comments as �disgusting.�

�Of course President Bush cares about everyone in our country and I know that,� said Laura during a Sept. 8 interview with American Urban Radio Networks. �I know what he's like and I know what he thinks, and I know how he cares about people.�

In the aftermath of the Gulf Coast disaster, President Bush has been criticized for slow response and lack of concern for the poor neighborhoods devastated by the deadly storm.

But Mrs. Bush stated that the poor people were the most defenseless during the hurricane, which is the most important matter to be attended to.

�Their neighborhoods were the ones that were more likely to flood, as we saw in New Orleans,� said Laura. �That's what we want to address in our country.�

Dr. Dre "Vibe Attacker" Pleads Guilty
Sep 14, 2005
Author:

A Los Angeles man pleaded guilty Wednesday to attacking Hip-Hop producer Dr. Dre at the 2004 Vibe Awards in Santa Monica.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner sentenced Jimmy James Johnson, 27, to one year in county jail, a punishment that includes three years of probation for the felonious assault.

According to previous reports, James approached Dre (real name is Andre Young) for an autograph as the rap mogul was set to receive a lifetime achievement award. James then, seemingly without provocation, attacked Dr. Dre, which caused a huge fracas that included members of 50 Cent�s G-Unit.

According to police, G-Unit member Young Buck stabbed James Johnson after Johnson�s assault of Dre. Johnson suffered a collapsed lung in the aftermath of the attack and was immediately hospitalized.

Young Buck awaits trial for the alleged stabbing, but has a pretrial motion on Sept. 26 at Airport Branch Courthouse in Santa Monica.

A judge decree also prevents Johnson from going near Dr. Dre for three years into the future.

Marion "Suge" Knight's assets frozen
Sep 14, 2005
Author:

A judge has frozen rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight's assets in a ruling that favors an imprisoned drug dealer who wants half of a 7 million award to the inmate's wife, who claimed Knight owed her money. Monterey County Superior Court Judge Adrienne M. Grover froze Knight's assets on Aug. 29, the day after the rap mogul was shot in the leg at a Miami Beach party. He has been released from a hospital. In March, a Los Angeles judge ordered Knight and his companies to pay 7 million to Lydia Harris, who claimed she helped start Death Row Records and was owed money from the recording label. The judge made the decision after finding that Knight and his lawyers failed to answer questions and provide information in the case, which never reached trial. Harris' husband, Michael Harris, who's serving a 28-year sentence at San Quentin State Prison, has claimed he put up .5 million from behind bars in 1991 to help start the record label � a contention Knight has repeatedly denied. Michael Harris argues he's entitled to half of his wife's award.

Ken tells wife sorry - Singer wants forgiveness for airport incident
Sep 14, 2005
Author: jamaica-star.com

BELOVED JAMAICAN CROONER Ken Boothe, would give everything and anything he owns to win back the love and respect of his wife, Joan Boothe, who he embarrassed at the airport last weekend.

Boothe is seeking to get his wife's forgiveness through this, a public apology, to see if she will at least start to talk to him again. The two have been together for more than 40 years.

Little mishap

"I want to apologize to my wife, I love her dearly and it was only a little mishap at the airport and it was very embarrassing for her when I look back at it and I would never allow anything like that to happen again," Boothe said.

Called by many names, 'Mr. Rock Steady', 'Mr. Smooth' and 'The Voice of Choice', Boothe said it was an argument that he took too far at the Norman Manley International Airport on Sunday.

Despite not wanting to get too deep into the details of what happened between himself and his wife, Mr. Boothe said; "We were talking and I started to raise my voice at her and I threw down her passport. I don't know what came over me to act that kind of way. I know that's not me and I am very sorry."

The singer said that he knows that his wife is hurting as they have not spoken since the incident. "...She's hurt...she comes home every night but she doesn't talk to me," he said.

While his wife, Joan was unavailable for comment, Boothe said he just wanted to make two things clear, he loves her very much and he is not an abusive man.

"I know that I am wrong, I don't hit women. I'm so sorry and that's why I'm making it public. I know that my wife loves me and I love her...we've been together since childhood and my eldest child is 40," Boothe explained.

Feds Investigate Alleged Murder Inc. Conspiracy To Kill 50 Cent
Sep 7, 2005
Author:

In more upsetting news for Murder Inc., federal investigators reportedly suspected that employees of the record label conspired with drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff to kill 50 Cent, according to legal documents released Tuesday (September 6).

A search warrant affidavit from 2003 published on The Smoking Gun Web site revealed that the murder was allegedly planned as retaliation for a song 50 Cent wrote that addressed McGriff's drug history.

Officials have also investigated whether the still unsolved murder of Run DMC DJ Jam Master Jay, who was shot in 2002 at a Queens recording studio, was a result of him violating the music industry's supposed blacklist of 50 Cent, the documents revealed.

In the affidavit, IRS criminal investigator Francis Mace wrote that law enforcement suspected 50 Cent's shooting in May 2000 to be payback for his song "Ghetto Koran."

Investigators believed that Inc. employees continued to aid McGriff in trying to murder 50 Cent after he endured a 2000 shooting, Mace stated.

Feds reportedly seized about 150,000 text messages from Skytel Communications, according to court documents, including a message from Inc. head Irv Gotti's brother, Christopher Lorenzo, stating "50 is in the hood guy r. brewer!"

Mace wrote that the text messages were sent to McGriff by Inc. employees who were trailing 50 Cent.

Prior to being exposed, the documents were concealed in a motion filed by Irv Gotti's defense attorney last week.

McGriff's previous attorney, Robert Simels said the document was "much ado about nothing" and that the government has presumably dismissed the claims, according to New York Newsday.

Christopher and Irv's current defense attorney Gerald Shargel also questioned the strength of the documents, stating that Christopher would have been charged with a crime if authorities had sufficient evidence concerning the plot.

The Lorenzos are expected to go on trial next month on charges of laundering more than million of drug money through the Inc.

Feds Investigate Alleged Murder Inc. Conspiracy To Kill 50 Cent
Sep 7, 2005
Author:

In more upsetting news for Murder Inc., federal investigators reportedly suspected that employees of the record label conspired with drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff to kill 50 Cent, according to legal documents released Tuesday (September 6).

A search warrant affidavit from 2003 published on The Smoking Gun Web site revealed that the murder was allegedly planned as retaliation for a song 50 Cent wrote that addressed McGriff's drug history.

Officials have also investigated whether the still unsolved murder of Run DMC DJ Jam Master Jay, who was shot in 2002 at a Queens recording studio, was a result of him violating the music industry's supposed blacklist of 50 Cent, the documents revealed.

In the affidavit, IRS criminal investigator Francis Mace wrote that law enforcement suspected 50 Cent's shooting in May 2000 to be payback for his song "Ghetto Koran."

Investigators believed that Inc. employees continued to aid McGriff in trying to murder 50 Cent after he endured a 2000 shooting, Mace stated.

Feds reportedly seized about 150,000 text messages from Skytel Communications, according to court documents, including a message from Inc. head Irv Gotti's brother, Christopher Lorenzo, stating "50 is in the hood guy r. brewer!"

Mace wrote that the text messages were sent to McGriff by Inc. employees who were trailing 50 Cent.

Prior to being exposed, the documents were concealed in a motion filed by Irv Gotti's defense attorney last week.

McGriff's previous attorney, Robert Simels said the document was "much ado about nothing" and that the government has presumably dismissed the claims, according to New York Newsday.

Christopher and Irv's current defense attorney Gerald Shargel also questioned the strength of the documents, stating that Christopher would have been charged with a crime if authorities had sufficient evidence concerning the plot.

The Lorenzos are expected to go on trial next month on charges of laundering more than million of drug money through the Inc.

Brazil look unstoppable
Sep 7, 2005
Author:

WITH NINE MONTHS still to go to kickoff, a sixth World Cup victory for Brazil looks like a foregone conclusion.

The world champions, who have a record five titles in the bag, are streets ahead of the rest of the field, as they proved again on Sunday by demolishing Chile 5-0 to book their place at their 18th successive finals tournament.

Chile are usually a tough, frustrating, niggling outfit to play, yet Brazil steamrolled them with four goals in the first 29 minutes.


Complete dominance

At the moment, Brazil's dominance of international football is complete.

The national team are world champions, Confederations Cup champions and Copa America champions.

A Brazilian club, Sao Paulo won this year's South American Libertadores Cup, beating another Brazilian side, Atletico Paranaense in the final while a Brazilian player, Ronaldinho was last year voted the best in the world by FIFA.

Players such as Olympique Lyon's Juninho Pernambucano, who would be guaranteed a place in virtually any other national team, have to sit on the bench for Brazil where he will soon be joined by one of Ronaldo, Adriano, Kaka, Robinho and Ronaldinho.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira says he has only room for four of the so-called Magic Quintet in his team and, although Ronaldinho's suspension made the choice simple for him on Sunday, Parreira will soon be faced with a dilemma most other international coaches can only dream of.

Brazilians already regard the current side as one of the best since the legendary 1970 team which won their third title in Mexico and on a par with the memorable, but unsuccessful, 1982 outfit.


Big weakness

Until recently, Brazil's big weakness was that they struggled against teams who packed their defences.

Last November, Brazil were held to a goalless draw at home by Colombia in a World Cup qualifier and needed a late goal to overcome a stubborn Peru 1-0 in their next home match.

But this has changed dramatically since Parreira, previously seen as unnecessarily cautious, changed his system to allow at least four of his quintet to play.

Nowadays, Parreira effectively fields four forwards -- two as out-and-out strikers and the other two just behind -- and the difference has been striking with Brazil hammering nine goals in their last two home games.

"Our players have to have the freedom to play," Parreira said before Sunday's match. "We give them the freedom to try things and to create.

"This means they are less robotic, less mechanical and much more creative and this makes the difference between our football and European football."

With so much in their favour, the biggest threat to Brazil could be, as the old cliche goes, Brazil themselves.

The last occasion when Brazil were such hot favourites was in 1982, when the team self-destructed in the second phase match against Italy, lost 3-2 and were knocked out.

Brazil also arrived at the 1990 World Cup as favourites but were knocked out in the second round by Argentina after a month of internal bickering over who should be in the team.

On the other hand, few people gave Brazil much of a chance in 2002 -- and they went on to win the trophy.


Bad boys

This time, the squad is united and the so-called bad boys such as Romario, famous for his outspoken praise of himself and his disdain for training, are a thing of the past.

But Parreira will still have to keep the players' feet on the ground as the nationalistic Brazilian media drums up an atmosphere of triumphalism.

"We have to be very careful, especially the younger players, because we haven't won anything yet," said midfielder Emerson.

Captain Cafu, heading for his fourth successive World Cup, said that being favourites should not be a problem.


Defence still a worry

"It's something that we can't run away from, but we mustn't let this lead to over-enthusiasm," he said.

The centre of the defence is still a worry, especially at set pieces, while Roberto Carlos sometimes gets carried away with his attacking role and leaves a huge space down the left flank.

Brazil's warm-up programme has often been a problem in the past, with teams such as Andorra, Iceland and Malaysia among the opponents, and critics blame the country's football federation for choosing lucrative matches over ones which will test the national team.

Brazil were due to play Sevilla in an exhibition match on Tuesday and have lined up a trip to the United Arab Emirates in November. English champions Chelsea are also said to be in the pipeline.

This programme has run roughshod over the wishes of Parreira, who last year said he wanted more matches against top European national teams.

Parreira also sees his team as depending too heavily on individual talent.

"We've still got a lot of work to do, especially on the collective side," he said. "We've got a lot of individual quality but we lack a sense of working collectively.

"There's no point in having outstanding individuals if the team as a whole is not coherent. This is what we are going to work on up to the World Cup."

CeCile leaves record label
Aug 16, 2005
Author:

(Kingston, Jamaica) Dancehall diva Ce'Cile has been patiently awaiting what looks like a never to be released debut album with Delicious Vinyl Records. The dancehall artist, who signed with Delicious Vinyl back in 2003, underwent an almost immediate management change transferring management to record executive/artist manager Leslie Cooney. Due to the disappointments with the label, Ce�Cile has recently severed ties with the label / manager Leslie Cooney and is once again a free agent.

Ce�Cile is maintaining a positive approach to her music and marketing. She states; �I�m very excited to have a fresh start. My years at Delicious Vinyl didn�t pan out the way I�d hoped, but I still believe in Independent Labels and working forwarding in my career with the same dedication I�ve had over the years. There�s a lot of exciting things happening for me right now from collaborations, touring, videos and movie opportunities�.

Fully aware that you will end up �dead fi hungry� if you don�t keep your memento on, Ce�Cile has been selective with her recordings due to her prior label obligation but has continued with other opportunities. In addition to touring with Lady Saw in the beginning of 2005 capitalizing off their popular recording LOSER, Ce�Cile has had a number of appearances on local stages in Jamaica and is presently on a European tour with TOK.

While Ce�Cile did manage to stir international anticipation due to her collaboration CAN YOU DO THE WUK with Sean Paul, featured on his multi-platinum selling DUTTY ROCK album, the delay in her album release has gotten fans restless. The new Giggy Riddim by production team/musicians Leftside and Esco was too tantalizing to pass up and got Ce�Cile into the voice booth. She laced the track with the sophisticated upbeat and surprisingly clean HOT LIKE DAT.

In efforts to revamping her look and focus on her current fan base, Ce�Cile is anticipating heavy marketing over the next several months. Her website has been updated with fresh photos including an ultra sexy pin-up calendar inspired pictures. Further, a creative photo shoot was done recently providing her with not only sexy �fantasy� Ce�Cile shots, a slew of new shots to be used in print layouts but also some very �Vogue� influenced looks. A select few of these photos are available on her site; http://www.cecileflava.com.

That�s not it; Ce�Cile has just wrapped up shooting in a local movie filmed in Jamaica. While acting has not necessarily been on her agenda, she�s always looking for opportunities to promote herself and her career. The movie �Glory to Glorianna� is a true rags to riches story, based on the beginnings of Hotel Glorianna and the struggles of hotel owner �Glorianna�; how she built up the hotel and eventually found true love. Based on the book; �Glory to Glorianna� and scheduled for release the end of the year directed Lenny Little Whyte.

Take note:

RADIO DJs: Want new Ce'Cile material delivered right to your email for your shows? If you have a separate email address that you�d like MP3�s sent to you of new material, email me at: rudegal@rudegal.com with the address and I�ll add you to separate database for MP3 servicing.
SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW: To schedule an interview with Ce'Cile contact RudeGal via email at: rudegal@rudegal.com or via phone at: 909-227-RUDE(7833).
CE'CILE BOOKINGS: Know of someone doing a show? Need Ce'Cile for your club? Contact RudeGal at: rudegal@rudegal.com or call: 909-227-RUDE(7833).

Sizzla Signs With Dame Dash Music Group
Aug 13, 2005
Author:

Reggae artist Sizzla Kalonji who has been regarded as the king of concious reggae has reportedly signed with Dame Dash Music Group. Sizzla is well known for his recent dancehall hits overseas with songs like 'Rise to the occasion' and 'Just one of those days (Dry Cry)'.

Talks surfaced recently that he would be signing to the giant United States-based recording label after weeks of enjoying several spins of his new track with Foxy Brown, 'Come Fly With Me'. The track is also a hit in the clubs on the East Coast and on the mixtape circuit.

Sources have said that while overseas earlier this year, some influential members of the Def Jam group of companies heard Sizzla's voice on record and sought him to record with Foxy Brown.

This is why news of the signing with Dame Dash has come as a shock to some. While fans remain sceptical of what Dame Dash can do, with memories of Capleton's time with Def Jam in the 90's.

Meanwhile the pair have been making the rounds to promote their newfound alliance with appearences on the Angie Martinez radio show and future appearences including a show at the legendary BB King nightclub in NYC on August 22nd.

Beanie Sigel Out Of Jail, Straight To Work
Aug 11, 2005
Author:

Damon Dash Music Group's star rapper Beanie Sigel was released this morning (August 9) from a Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey.

Sigel was welcomed home by his mother, Michelle Brown-Derry, his fianc�e Melissa and DDMG's Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.

Sigel entered prison on November 8 and was released after serving most of a one year sentence for gun possession charges.

Sigel was already tried for attempted murder last April, stemming from a July 2003 shooting outside of a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania bar.

A mistrial was declared when the jury could not reach a verdict.

Fans supported Sigel during his stint behind bars. His latest release The B. Coming debuted at #3 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart, the highest of Sigel's career.

The album has moved over 300,000 copies since being released in March.

Sigel is immediately planning a tour to support The B. Coming and he will also drop a DVD August 23rd.

The DVD will include personal commentary from Sigel himself, BET's uncut three part special "The Truth", "The Trial" and "House Arrest", the "Feel It In The Air" video and never before seen concert footage from a performance at club Exit in New York City.

Turk Convicted On All Charges, Rapper Faces 10 Years
Aug 11, 2005
Author:

A federal jury convicted rapper Tab �Turk� Virgil of three felony charges yesterday (August 9). Virgil was convicted of being a felon with a handgun, a fugitive with a handgun and a drug addict with a handgun.

The charges stem from a shootout during a January 2004 drug raid of an apartment. SWAT team member Deputy Chris Harris was shot in the jaw, hip arm and calf.

During the trial, Deputy Harris said he opened a double-door closed in the apartment and saw a bright muzzle flash. He said he immediately felt the bullets� impact.

Harris said he traded fire with someone in the closet and that he could see bullets flying through the door and into the ceiling of the apartment.

Afterwards, police recovered a 9mm in the closet with six shells nearby. Ballistics evidence also stated the bullet that struck the officer in the jaw came from the 9mm.

While tests on Virgil�s hands came back inconclusive, prosecutors said the rapper had gunfire residue on his shorts.

Virgil�s attorney Javier Bailey told the jury that the rapper never fired a weapon. He said that officers botched the investigation.

Bailey argued that once police threw a flash-bang grenade into the apartment, no one would have been capable of retrieving a weapon.

Six officers present testified that they never saw Virgil with a gun in his hand and none of them saw him in the closet either.

The leader of the SWAT team, Sgt. Perry McEwen, said that Virgil and his girlfriend were ordered to crawl out of the bedroom after the shooting.

McEwen testified under oath that Virgil stated: "I thought we were being robbed."

Attorneys made their final arguments yesterday morning and the jury took just five hours to convict the chart-topping rapper, who made his mark as a member of Cash Money Records� hit group, The Hot Boys.

The group featured fellow New Orleans rappers Juvenile, B.G. and Lil� Wayne.

Virgil�s attorney expressed disappointment at the time the jury spent deliberating and has vowed to appeal.

Virgil faces between five and 10 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced October 26.

The rapper is still facing an attempted-murder trial stemming from the shooting, but a trial date has not been set.

Adidas Buying Reebok For .8 Billion
Aug 7, 2005
Author:

Sporting-goods manufacturer Adidas has announced its will buy out rival Reebok, in a deal worth a reported .8 billion.

Adidas is ranked at number two behind Nike in the sporting-goods industry, with Reebok in third.

�This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine two of the most respected and well-known companies in the worldwide sporting goods industry,� said Adidas-Salomon Chairman and CEO Herbert Hainer.

With the acquisition, the collective company would corner 20% of the U.S. athletic-shoe market, positioning themselves as leading competitors with Nike.

Both companies have numerous celebrity endorsers and event deals. Reebok counts Jay Z, Nelly and 50 Cent among their famous names, while Adidas has held a long-standing tradition in the hip hop community, starting with pioneers Run-D.M.C. to recently acquired spokesperson Missy �Misdemeanor� Elliot.

According to figures released by Reebok, footwear products endorsed by Jay-Z and 50 Cent helped the company doubled fourth quarter earnings over the previous year.

The proposed merger is still contingent upon approval of shareholders.

�Together, we will expand our geographic reach, particularly in North America, and create a footwear, apparel and hardware offering that addresses a broader spectrum of consumers and demographics,� Hainer said.

Ying Yang Explains Origins Of 'The Whisper Song'
Jul 20, 2005
Author:

For those wondering how the Ying Yang Twins conceived their inventive single "Wait (The Whisper Song)," member D-Roc recently explained the origin of the song and the remix that has been heating up airwaves.

"In the club it is very unattractive to yell in [a woman's] face, but when you whisper in her ear it turns her on," Once he came up with the initial concept, the single was born after a label executive advised the Atlanta rap duo to whisper the entire song, said D-Roc.

But as much as the single has gained popularity, the remix has garnered even more attention, particularly due to the sassy rhymes of BET "106 and Park" host Free, whose inclusion on the remix seemed evident, according to D-Roc.

"I told [the label] how hype she was about the song," the rapper said. "Free did her thing. I wish we could do a video to it just so I could see what Free would wear. I think everybody would want to."

And despite the unconventional antics the Twins typically exhibit in front of the camera, D-Roc insisted that in reality he and his partner Kaine are just as sane as the rest.

"I am a character. Will Smith plays, when he's in a movie, a character. But when you see him, he's Will Smith," explained D-Roc. "Outside of Ying Yang, this [is] my job. When you see me I'm a grown man. Like Cedric the Entertainer said, 'I'm a grown man, dawg.'"

The Ying Yang Twins' latest album U.S.A. (United State of Atlanta ) recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts, and a music video for their second single "Badd" featuring Houston rapper Mike Jones was released just this week

Small Victory For Cassidy, New Hearing Set For August
Jul 20, 2005
Author:

Cassidy�s chance for a release may have been bolstered yesterday at a preliminary hearing yesterday (July 19) when a witness testified on the stand that he initially lied to detectives when he implicated the rapper in a shootout in Philadelphia that left one man dead.

Cassidy, born Barry Reese, is charged with murdering 22-year-old Desmond Hawkins and wounding Daniel Irvin, 22, and Bobby Hoyle, 21 after an earlier dispute at a local drug store.

Hoyle testified that the victim went to Cassidy�s home to �make peace� after an associate of Cassidy and an associate of Hawkins were involved in a confrontation earlier at a Rite Aid store earlier that day.

When Hawkins knocked on Cassidy�s door, Hoyle testified that Cassidy opened the door brandishing a gun.

Cassidy allegedly told the men to go behind his row home and that�s when multiple shots were fired into the vehicle.

"We pulled up and shots rang out," Hoyle said. "I heard stuff hitting the van, and I felt the bullet pierce my leg.�

Hoyle and Irvin suffered minor injuries, while Hawkins was fatally wounded.

Hoyle admitted that he lied about a signed statement he gave to officers testifying that he saw Cassidy actually firing the weapon.

On the stand yesterday, Hoyle admitted that he didn�t actually witness Cassidy firing a weapon.

�I wanted to go home,� Hoyle said about making his earlier statement. �I had a bullet in my leg that they didn't take out, and I didn't have any rest for three days."

Hoyle and the prosecution stated that Cassidy and associates ambushed the men, something Cassidy�s lawyer denied.

The judge in the case set another evidence hearing for August 16, while prosecutors analyze ballistics evidence.

Eve after snake who posted sex tape
Jul 20, 2005
Author:

R&B diva Eve has discovered that fame's garden has some serpents. The singer, 26, is mortified now that Internet voyeurs are feasting their eyes on a homemade sex tape she made when she was 21.
The footage, which we've seen, shows Eve and her then-boyfriend, Bad Boy Entertainment producer Stevie J., making use of a sex toy. The clip, dated Nov. 20, 1999, lasts only 30 seconds, but it's every bit as explicit as Paris Hilton's infamous tape.

A spokeswoman for the star of "Barbershop" and UPN's "Eve" says the "personal tape" was made "years ago with her boyfriend of over two years. The fact that a private moment is being made public is a violation, and we would hope that people would respect her privacy as they would their own.

Legal action has been taken to have it removed immediately."

A friend of the singer confides, "She's devastated by this. She's hired a private investigator. She can't figure out how this got out. [Stevie J.] says he has nothing to do with it and is also horrified because he has kids."

Two years ago, someone was peddling a photo that appeared to show Eve engaging in an intimate act with another woman. At the time, she told us: "I used to strip, so it could be me. Or it could not be me."

Yesterday, a source said that, while Eve did pose for a nude photo, the other woman had been been "Photoshopped" into the picture.

Lil Kim Sentenced To Prison Time
Jul 9, 2005
Author:

Platinum selling rapper Lil� Kim was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, fined ,000 and sentenced to three years probation by a federal judge today (July 6), after being convicted on federal perjury and conspiracy charges.

Lil� Kim was escorted by rappers Freddie Foxxx (Bumpy Knuckles), Maino and a fortress of security that helped fend off a mob of fans as she entered a Manhattan court house to face sentencing.

Kim, born Kimberly Jones, was found guilty in March of 2005 of lying to a federal grand jury about her knowledge of a broad daylight shootout that occurred in 2001 outside Hot 97�s SoHo offices.

The altercation occurred on February 25, 2001 when members of Kim�s Junior M.A.F.I.A. entourage were leaving Hot 97 as men associated with Capone-N-Noreaga were entering the radio station.

The two groups of men were at odds with each other over a song on Capone-N-Noreaga�s album The Reunion, which featured fellow Brooklyn rapper, Foxy Brown.

On the song �Bang, Bang,� Brown hurls insults in Kim�s direction.

Brooklyn don't raise hoes, just slip, and graze hoes/What b**ch? You're soft and your p**sy name hoes/So f**k your ni**as too, them ni**as can get it too/Them f**ots act more b**ch then you/Let the ni**a [Notorious B.I.G.] rest in peace, and hop off his d**k�b**ch do you

The lyrical feud boiled over when the groups collided in a verbal altercation as Kim�s crew was leaving the radio station following an interview.

The drama escalated and a shootout took place on the street, with over 22 shots fired from six different guns, including a machine gun. One man associated with Capone-N-Noreaga was shot in the upper back.

Before the trial commenced, two men linked to Kim - former manger Damion �D-Rock" Butler and bodyguard Suif �Gutta� Jackson - pled guilty to their role in the shootout.

Federal authorities investigating the incident called Kim to testify before a federal grand jury in 2003 about her knowledge of the altercation. Kim repeatedly testified that she didn�t know the person or persons responsible for the shootout.

Jackson pled guilty to gun charges surrounding the incident in September of 2004 and Judge Lynch sentenced him to 12 years in prison due to his involvement in the shooting.

Butler pled in January of 2005 and is awaiting sentencing as of press time.

During the trial, Butler admitted that he fired the handgun outside of the radio station �with the intent of hurting someone.�

Kim entered a not guilty plea in April of 2005 before a federal judge and her attorney Mel Sachs called the allegations �baseless.�

She surrendered in a New York Federal Court and was freed on 0,000 bond.

During the trial, prosecutors produced photographs of Kim standing near Butler shortly before the shooting, as well as a video of several of the suspects entering Lil� Kim�s limousine following the shooting.

Kim labeled Butler and Jackson former associates who were �greedy and violent� men that were exploiting her and testified that she had ended her relationship with the men prior to the shooting.

During her testimony, Kim said that she couldn�t remember details of the shooting, which she said was �very traumatic.�

"I was shaken by it,� Kim testified. �I couldn't believe it was happening at that very moment."

The jury, made up of five women and seven men, deliberated for almost three days before finding Kim guilty of lying a total of 29 times in three appearances in 2003.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cathy Siebel told the jury that Kim�s testimony was �laughable� and that the rapper may have believed she was above the law.

Today an apologetic Lil' Kim issued the following statement:

"I would like to thank all of my supporters who have stood by my side throughout this entire ordeal. The many prayers and hundreds of letters of support, e-mails and kind words that have poured in have been overwhelming and critical in helping my family, loved ones and myself stay strong during this time of need. Today was a very difficult day for me, but I am no stranger to adversity and will do whatever I need to do so that I can continue to work hard and give back to my family, amazing fans and community."

Lil' Kim, who will turn 30 years-old next week, is currently finishing up material for a new album, as well as various television endeavors in anticipation of her stint in federal prison.

As of press time, no word has been given as to whether or not Lil' Kim will appeal the sentence. Kim must surrender to authorities on September 19.

Victory For B.I.G., Family Closes In On Rogue Cop Theory
Jul 9, 2005
Author:

The city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Police Department have been ordered to pay the family of Christopher �Notorious B.I.G.� for withholding evidence about the rap star�s murder.

A mistrial was declared in the case by U.S. District Judge Florence-Marie Cooper on Thursday (July 7), after it was revealed that an LAPD detective withheld documents critical to the Wallace family�s argument that LAPD officers may have played a role in the murder of Notorious B.I.G.

�The day before this trial began we held a press conference and made clear that this trial was intended to hold the LAPD accountable,� the family told AllHipHop.com in written statement today (July 8). �We made clear this family didn�t want any family to ever have to go through what they have been through. Little did we know at the time what dark secrets lurked in the desk drawers of homicide detectives and little did we suspect that so many lies would be told under penalty of perjury.�

The "desk" drawer the family refers to is that of LAPD Detective Steven Katz. The city argued that Katz forgot about critical documents in his desk drawer until a search of his office last month, a notion the judge rejected.

The documents in Katz desk drawer contained information that could link former LAPD officer Rafael Perez and former LAPD officer David Mack to the murder of Notorious B.I.G.

The documents revealed that an informant in prison with Perez told the LAPD in 2000 and 2001 that Perez acknowledged working for Death Row Records on the night of the murder and that he placed a call to Mack shortly before Notorious B.I.G. was gunned down.

The allegation supports the Wallace family�s theory that Perez and Mack hired and helped Mack�s college roommate Amir Muhammad gun down Notorious B.I.G. after a Vibe Awards after party at the Petersen Automotive Museum on March 9, 1997.

�The detective [Katz] acting alone or in concert with others, made a decision to conceal from the plaintiffs in this case information which could have supported their contention that David Mack was responsible for the Wallace murder," judge Cooper said.

Cooper labeled Katz� claim that he �forgot� some of the documents �utterly unbelievable� and �very disturbing.�

The city was ordered to pay lawyer fees and costs incurred as a result of the LAPD�s misconduct.

The Wallace family claims that LAPD officers moonlighted as security for Death Row Records and arranged Notorious B.I.G.�s murder at the behest of Death Row CEO Marion �Suge� Knight.

Despite an uncanny similarity to the composite sketch drawn by witnesses of the shooter and Amir Muhammad, Muhammad has never been charged with a crime and repeatedly denied being involved in the murder.

Yesterday, the LAPD said they would investigate Katz� mis-conduct, while the family will re-file a federal RICO lawsuit against the LAPD and will name former officer Rafael Perez as a defendant.

Perez and Mack � who is from Compton - first started working undercover together in the streets of Los Angeles.

In October of 1993, Perez and Mack were involved in shootout with a Los Angeles crack dealer. An internal investigation cleared Perez and Mack of any wrong doing and awarded the men, despite eyewitness claims that the drug dealer was unarmed.

In August of 1995, Perez became part of the LAPD�s now infamous elite CRASH (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums) unit. Perez ended up serving prison time for stealing over six pounds of cocaine from a prison locker room and is a central figure in the notorious Rampart scandal, one of the biggest police corruption scandals in U.S. history.

In 1999 Perez� testimony led to the arrest of four officers and put almost 100 others under investigation. Perez testified that officers planted evidence, sold drugs, beat and even murdered suspects.

According to reports, Perez and Mack were well known for their lavish lifestyle but were both in financial debt.

Mack was convicted of robbing a Bank of America branch in 1997 for over 0,000 and refused to reveal to authorities what he did with a portion of the money.

Perez, Mack and Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight have repeatedly denied involvement in the murder of Notorious B.I.G.

During the trial, Wallace family attorneys produced previously sealed documents that revealed Knight allegedly told an informant he conspired to kill Wallace.

Also, Fred Miller, the detective who headed up the investigation of Notorious B.I.G.�s murder, testified that Knight was the #1 suspect, not Perez and Mack.

Miller claimed detectives searched through 400 clues after the murder, but still could not close the case.

Perez and Mack were labeled as �scumbags� yesterday (July 7) by LAPD Police Chief William Bratton, but Bratton denied allegations that the LAPD deliberately withheld the information.

During the civil trial, a number of interesting allegations came forth. One suggested that former LAPD Police Chief Bernard Parks may have had a personal interest in covering up the murder and the police corruption.

Wallace attorneys claimed a photograph of Parks� daughter with Perez and Mack was found in the home of Compton gang member.

In September of 1998, Parks� daughter was charged with selling 20 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Parks denied any involvement or any notion of a cover up and Wallace family attorneys did not produce the photo during the trial.

Perez has denied all allegations and has threatened to sue the Wallace family for malicious prosecution if they file a lawsuit against him.

Witness Missing In Turk Case, Trial Delayed
Jul 9, 2005
Author:

Federal Prosecutors in charge of the case against Tab "Turk" Virgil have been given until August 1st to come up with a key witness in their case against the former Cash Money "Hot Boy."

The case was scheduled for trial this past Tuesday, but U.S attorneys asked for a delay because they couldn't locate witness Sean Jackson.

Virgil's attorney was opposed to the delay, noting that each day Turk remains in jail, his rap career slowly dwindles away.

"It's speculative whether they can ever catch up with [Jackson]. He's not coming forward as a willing witness," Virgil�s attorney Jay Bailey told the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

On January 26, 2004, Turk and Sean Jackson were in a Memphis apartment when SWAT members raided the residence.

Allegedly, a shootout ensued in which one SWAT member was injured by gunfire. Turk was later cleared of other charges, when it was found a second officer was wounded from friendly fire.

Turk faces 1st degree attempted murder charges in state court in December. He is also facing charges of being a felon in possession of a handgun, a fugitive in possession of a handgun and other offenses.

The rapper is currently being held on 0,000 bond.

Luther Vandross Passes
Jul 5, 2005
Author:

R&B crooner Luther Vandross passed away today (July 1), due to complications brought on by a stroke the singer suffered in 2003.

The singer suffered a serious stroke in April of 2003, shortly before his fifteenth album, Dance With My Father hit stores.

Vandross, born April 20, 1951, sold over 25 million records and influenced a whole generation of singers.

During the period following his stroke, Vandross, 54, lapsed into a coma for roughly six weeks. He started to show signs of recovery, with his condition improving slightly.

Vandross was checked out of New York's Weill Cornell Medical Center and moved into a private facility in New Jersey.

His final studio album, Dance With My Father, hit stores in June of 2003 while Vandross was hospitalized.

Dance With My Father expanded beyond Vandross� traditional R&B fare, featuring performances with such rappers a Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes and Foxy Brown.

Perhaps his best known collaboration with hip-hop artists came unwittingly, when Kanye West sample Vandross' song "A House Is Not a Home" for Twista's massive hit, "Slow Jamz," which also name checks Vandross.

A tribute album for Vandross had already been in the works as well. The album is being coordinated by Clive Davis, former head of Arista and current head of J Records.

The new album is being produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and features new interpretations of Vandross' classics by Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Wyclef Jean and others.

Pitbull Added To Eminem's 'Anger Management' Tour
Jul 5, 2005
Author:

Miami MC Pitbull has been added to the lineup for Eminem's 39-city Anger Management Tour.

The summer tour starts in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 7, runs through August, and features performances from Eminem, 50 Cent, and G-Unit among others.

"This tour gives me a great opportunity to reach all my fans and hopefully make some new ones," Pitbull said in a statement.

As the opening act for label mate Lil Jon, the Cuban-American rapper will perform songs off his successful debut, M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue).

The tour is Pitbull's first major U.S. tour.

France cancels Capleton shows
Jul 1, 2005
Author:

Concerts by Capleton have been cancelled in France after protests by a gay rights group.

Capleton's allegedly homophobic lyrics, prompted calls by Coordination InterPride France to ban the concerts.

Six music venues axed scheduled performances in response, but others are still going ahead.

Other gay rights groups stopped short of calling for an outright ban, saying that such a step might do more harm than good.

Hate laws

Actions Gay LGBT association, based in the north-west France, said: "It will just increase the level of hate."

But the group added it was seeking written assurances from the singer that he will not use homophobic lyrics, and want performances halted if he does.

France has strict laws banning public hate speech and defamation.

Capleton still has several concert dates scheduled in France during June, including one at Le Zenith, in Paris, on 26 June.

Daniel Colling, Zenith's director, said: "My responsibility is to react if an artist makes illegal comments on stage.

"At the same time, I am bothered by the idea of judging and condemning someone before the act."

Offensive songs

But Colling did say the event would be cancelled if Capleton refused to sign a document pledging not to use defamatory speech during his performance.

Capleton was one of eight reggae singers whose record labels and promoters struck a verbal deal with the UK-based the Stop Murder Music coalition earlier this year.

They pledged not to release or re-release any offensive songs and make stars agree not to perform such tunes on stage.

But the artists themselves were not involved in the negotiations and have not directly signed up.

Eve Hires P.I. To Track Down Sex Tape Culprit
Jul 1, 2005
Author:www.allhiphop.com

Rapper/actress Eve has hired a private investigator to find out who leaked a 30 second clip of her having sex with ex-boyfriend, producer Stevie J.

Representatives for Eve, who was just 21 years-old when the video tape was recorded, said she was devastated and that couldn�t figure out how the tape found its way to a general viewing audience.

Stevie J., who is featured in the tape pleasuring Eve with sex toys, has already denied being the culprit.

A nude photo of a woman that appeared to be Eve surfaced on the net a last year.

Eve, who used to strip, didn�t deny the authenticity of the picture at the time, but stated she was being blackmailed by an unknown perpetrator.

An unidentified man approached several media outlets last year with photos of the actress/rapper for sale.

�This guy, whoever he is, has tried to blackmail us with this photo,� Eve told the New York Daily News last year. �He's called all these radio stations telling them about the photo. I mean, he's the type of guy who wakes up every morning to do this."

Jay-Z's Nephew Killed In Auto Accident
Jul 1, 2005
Author: www.allhiphop.com

Colleek D. Luckie, the nephew of Def Jam President Jay-Z, has died tragically from injuries sustained in an auto accident occurring on Route 220 in Pennsylvania, representatives from Def Jam confirmed.

According to sources, Colleek was traveling with friend Roscoe G. Neely, 20, of Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday (June 28) when Neely-who was driving-drifted across the centerline and struck a tractor-trailer head-on.

After the collision, the vehicle-a 2005 Chrysler 300-purportedly struck a telephone pole and traveled some 300 feet through a field.

Sadly, Colleek, who was wearing a seat belt, was killed. Neely sustained a minor injury and was taken to a local hospital.

Through the years, Jay-Z has made numerous references to his nephew in his songs like "Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)" from The Blueprint.

It's been reported that the vehicle involved in the accident was purchased by Jay for the 18 year-old Colleek as a graduation present.

In the past, Jay-Z said emotionally, his nephews represent something greater than his sister's offspring.

"I carry my nephews like my sons, always have and they have filled that void for me," Jay-Z has stated in published reports.

Sizzla, Capleton, Ele, Saw for Dancehall Night
Jul 1, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

SIZZLA, CAPLETON, ELEPHANT Man and Lady Saw were announced as the headliners for Dancehall Night of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2005 when the line-up for the 13th staging of the music festival was announced on Tuesday night.

The announcements were made at the Kabana on Hope Road in St. Andrew on Tuesday night.

The four will lead the charge on the opening main venue night of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2005 at Catherine Hall. Also on the roster for Dancehall Night are Turbulence, Sasha, Assassin, Macka Diamond, Kip Rich, I Wayne, Voise Mail, Spice, Bascom X, Ann Shakes, Okonko, Fire Lion and Shane O, with Venom being one of the supporting bands of the night.

The entire festival is in Montego Bay, St. James, from Sunday, July 17, with an opening Beach Party at the Rose Hall Beach Club, to the closing International Night II at the Catherine Hall main venue on Saturday, July 23.

Two of the festival's overseas guests, Ciara and Akon, perform on International Night I, with Fabolous, a headliner on International Night II.

Morgan Heritage returns to Sumfest after a five-year absence for International Night I, with singers Luciano, Sanchez, Richie Spice, Mackie Conscious and Nash Lawson on the line-up, with the SANE Band doing some of the backing duties.

Worl' a reggae

Ini Kamoze, whose 'Worl' a Reggae Music' is the musical basis for Damian 'Jnr. Gong' Marley's hit 'Jamrock', will be on International Night II, with Marley also performing, along with brother Stephen. Grammy winners Toots and the Maytals, Tami Chynn, Tarrus Riley and the C Sharp Band complete the line-up, with the SANE Band again on the stand.

The vintage music night, reintroduced at Club Inferno in Ironshore last year to great success, has been moved closer into the heart of the city and will be at Pier 1 on Wednesday, July 20, as 'Rockers Night'. John Holt, Gregory Isaacs, Alton Ellis, Judy Mowatt, the Mighty Diamonds, Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales, General Trees, Pinchers, Brent Dowe and Jimmy Riley will perform to the music of the SANE Band.

The sound system night, called 'Dance Class' for the past two years, has not made the cut this year and the turntable wizards will be in full effect only on the opening Beach Party at the Rose Hall Beach Club on Sunday, July 17.

It will be a mixture of live and recorded music, as the Pace Band will play, while DJ Squeeze, Soul 2 Soul, Arif Cooper, Code Red and Soul Faith will supply the recorded music.

The winner of this year's Red Stripe IRIE FM Big Break Competition will be performing their winning song at the festival.

This year's sponsors are Red Stripe, Cable & Wireless, Air Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Bigga, Wata, Ocean Spray, Holiday Inn, Half Moon, Wyndham, CVM Communi-cations Group, BET Jazz, RJR, FAME, Radio 92, IRIE FM, RealVibes.net, Comtech, Courts, Pay Pak and Continental Airlines.

'crippled' man ran from his wheelchair
Jun 28, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

A MIRACLE TOOK place in Cross Roads, St. Andrew, last Thursday when a 'crippled' man ran from his wheelchair after a car slammed into it as he sat begging.

The man, who the police say is a beggar in Cross Roads, fled from his wheelchair in a bid to avoid being hit by one of two cars that had collided in the area. The police said the incident took place at about 9:30 p.m. last Thursday.

According to the police, one of the cars was turning off Half-way Tree Road on to Caledonia Avenue, while the other was coming down Old Hope Road when they reportedly collided and spun.

It is reported that the vehicle which was turning off Half-way Tree Road spun into the crippled man's direction causing him to abandon his chair in an effort to save his life.

The police said the man was reportedly found crying in nearby bushes a few minutes later and complaining about the damage to his wheelchair. They add that prior to the incident the man could be seen in the Cross Roads area and along Half-way Tree Road begging at times. They said the man seemed to have a deformity in his legs which caused him to sit in the wheelchair. They were however, unsure if he could walk prior to the accident.

No one was injured in the incident but both cars were badly damaged. The police said it is possible that the man could be charged but were unsure if they would be bringing charges against him. He has reportedly not been seen since the incident.

'crippled' man ran from his wheelchair
Jun 28, 2005
Author:

Mr Wacky' tribute closes festival
Jun 28, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

A TRIBUTE TO the late Bogle, also known as Mr. Wacky, was the fitting end to a fabulous day of dance on the final day of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's national dance finals at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue. The tribute was created by the Excelsior Community College as their entry in the competition's popular dance segment.

Buju's voice was allowed to graffiti the dancer's legacy on the dancehall to the thumping bass of the song Bogle while three female dancers clad in yellow body suits did the requisite dance to the DJs chanting. Yellow tape was then strung across the back of the stage and the dancers, (four of them having been joined by a male), now came back with black roses, in tribute to Bogle's membership in the 'Black Roses Crew'.

The dancers were now clad in black trench coats signifying Bogle's growth to a more eccentric character as he moved from Bogle to Mr. Wacky and they moved through the slew of dances attributed to Bogle including the 'row the boat' and 'sesame street'. Midway through the dance a painting of Bogle was lowered and the piece ended with a child's voice saying, "Mr. Wacky we will always love you and I hope up in heaven you will Jiggy with God."

Energetic

The dance was energetic, well choreographed and executed and earned the trophy for Best Popular Dance among seniors in the Studio Groups. Excelsior also copped trophies for Best Solo with Shelly Ann Callum who performed The Runaway and Best Duet with the dance We Can Make it Work.

The popular dance segment continued the tradition of being a highly contested category. It was filled with the sound of gunshots, humour and fabulous moves as the dancers continued to push the limits, combining traditional dance moves with acrobatic skill. The all male groups in particular often included breath-defying stunts where the dancers effected somersaults leaping from each other's shoulders and even going so far as to slide on their heads.

Not surprisingly, there was hardly a moment of silence in the theatre as excitement rang high and members of the audience screamed for all they and their neighbours, were worth. In all cases the moves were not well executed which simply highlighted the timing and skill necessary to get it just right.

The Dance Skit category also presented the possibilities of popular dance with Bridgeport High Cultural Group's Jiggy Friday which combined elements of the zombie movie (pulling on Michael Jackson's classic Thriller) with a night in the dancehall. The hilarious piece, which earned the trophy for the Dance Skit segment seemed to be pointing out that a gunman, or shotta, can make a duppy, but he is no duppy conqueror.

The contestants competed separately as school and community groups or studio groups. In the former segment Kayas of St. Catherine copped the Best Popular Dance trophy with their piece Hastic Orders. However, St. James' Chemical Boys came close enough to be dubbed worthy of a special award for their dance, Out and Bad.

Left Eye's Mother Suing Mitsubishi Over Fatal Crash
Jun 17, 2005
Author:

The mother of Lisa �Left Eye� Lopes has hit Mitsubishi with a multi-million dollar lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Mitsubishi ignored claims that their Montero SUV is prone to rolling over.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Wanda Lopes � Colemon is taking the automaker to court after her daughter, Left Eye of the best-selling group TLC, was killed when her Montero flipped over in the Honduras.

An attorney representing Colemon cited a 2001 Consumer Reports review that rated the Montero Limited �not acceptable� due to its tendency to roll over.

Lopes and members of her entourage were filming for a possible DVD just before impact as they drove down a two-lane highway.

The camera captured something in the road and Lopes swerving to miss it, causing the SUV to flip at least two times.

Lopes was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. The video tape was cut off just before impact.

Mitsubishi has filed a counter-suit denying that they are responsible for the accident.

According to police reports, Lopes was allegedly speeding, but her attorney stated there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation

Sasha robbed, abused after party?
Jun 17, 2005
Author: www.jamaica-star.com

DANCEHALL ARTISTE SASHA, who was among the celebrities that attended the Cooyah XL Denim Launch party held at Boon Hall Oasis on Saturday has released a statement, expressing her disgust at the way in which she was treated on a shuttle bus after the party.

The statement, which was released on Sasha's behalf by her management company, E Logic Music Group (EMG), gave Sasha's version of an incident which led to her being robbed.

According to the statement, the incident happened early Sunday morning: "I was invited to an event held by Cooyah Clothing Brand with the understanding that I would be given the proper transportation to and from the event. At the conclusion of the evening, I had sprained my ankle and I simply could not walk the approximate half-mile distance from the venue to my car on my injured foot," Sasha is quoted as saying in the statement.

She continued: "This was the only reason I sought transportation on the shuttle bus that, unbeknownst to me, was meant for media and models. I was taken aback by the rather harsh and disrespectful treatment that I received from the woman who presented herself as being in charge of the bus. "

According to the report, Sasha attempted to get off the bus but was not allowed to leave and was told that she had to ride to a destination far from her vehicle.

"I was finally able to leave the bus in the vicinity of my vehicle but unfortunately, I had forgotten my purse. I realised this and returned to the vehicle to get my belongings and was told that my purse had been thrown out," she said.

"However, this was not the case. One of the people in the bus had corrected the statement and returned my purse to me. I later found out that there was money missing. As a result of this, an argument developed between myself and the lady in charge of the bus. I am sincerely sorry if this argument offended any of the parties present."

But despite the singer's obvious hurt from the incident she is not planning to take any legal action. "... What we would like is for the situation to die as quickly as possible," Sophia Campbell of EMG told THE STAR.

While admitting to being aware of the incident, Cooyah representative Gary Codner, said that he wished not to be caught in the middle.

"I'm not willing to get in between the cracks of it. The incident unfortunately happened on the press bus, but the shuttle bus was for international journalists and models only, not VIP," he said.

rapper CASSIDY wanted for murder
Jun 17, 2005
Author:

Rapper Cassidy is wanted in Philadelphia for the murder of a 22-year-old man during an April 15. shooting. A warrant for his arrest was issued on June 8. Cassidy's attorney, said he expects his client will surrender himself to authorities on Friday morning. A police spokesperson said when he does, Cassidy will be charged with conspiracy, weapons possession and homicide. According to police, Cassidy (real name Barry Reese) and two other men, armed with .45 and .40 caliber handguns, 9 mm pistols, AK47 assault rifles and 7.62 mm rifles, fired on three other men during an argument that unfolded behind a house in the rapper's northwest Philadelphia neighborhood just before 1 a.m. on April 15. One of the men who was shot died from a gunshot wound to the back. The two other men were treated at area hospitals for gunshot wounds and subsequently released. The three victims were reportedly unarmed at the time.

SHYNE gets no love
Jun 17, 2005
Author:

Yesterday, Jamal "Shyne" Barrow lost his chance for a new trial for the Club NYC shooting in 1999. A five-member panel of a state appeals court ruled unanimously that the jury verdict finding Shyne guilty of firing his gun in Club NYC was supported by evidence provided at the first trial in 2001.

Michael jackson not guilty on all 10 count
Jun 13, 2005
Author:

Destiny's Child Calls It Quits
Jun 13, 2005
Author:

Continuing in the tradition of countless female groups, Destiny's Child has finally decided to call it quits after months of denying disbandment rumors.

The popular, platinum-selling female trio headed by Beyonc� Knowles announced their separation on stage Saturday night (June 11) during the European leg of their Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It Tour.

The proclamation from member Kelly Rowland came as a surprise to the 16,000 fans at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain, as Rowland stated that the European concert would be her, Beyonc� and Michelle Williams' last group performance in the country.

"We have been working together as Destiny's Child since we were 9, and touring together since we were 14," the trio said in a statement released to MTV. "After a lot of discussion and some deep soul searching, we realized that our current tour has given us the opportunity to leave Destiny's Child on a high note, united in our friendship and filled with an overwhelming gratitude for our music, our fans, and each other."

With a successful solo career and a now public romance with rap mogul Jay-Z, Beyonc� has been touted as the breakout member of the group, particularly after her multi-platinum 2003 debut, Dangerously in Love.

Beyonc�'s certified star status, however, led fans to speculate a Destiny's Child breakup, which the group routinely denied.

On the heal of hits like "Crazy in Love" featuring Jay-Z and a starring role in an Austin Powers movie, Beyonc� returned to the group to record their latest album, Destiny Fulfilled, which spawned another hit, "Soldiers," featuring rappers T.I. and Lil Wayne.

Destiny's Child plans to retire their name after an upcoming U.S. tour, which runs from July 9 to September 10. The group, which has sold more than 40 million records worldwide, thanked fans for remaining loyal and supporting them through their success and turmoil.

"After all these wonderful years working together, we realized that now is the time to pursue our personal goals and solo efforts in earnest," the trio stated. "No matter what happens, we will always love each other as friends and sisters and will always support each other as artists."

The Houston-based group originally came together during the 90s with Beyonc�, Kelly, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett as the original members.

Roberson and Luckett were dropped from the group after contemplating dropping Beyonc�'s father Mathew Knowles as their manager. The two ladies later sued Mathew and the group, then came to a settlement.

Farrah Franklin and current member Michelle Williams replaced the departing pair, though Franklin later disbanded citing that Beyonc� was regularly favored over the others.

Williams released her solo LP, Heart to Yours, in 2002, and Kelly released Simply Deep in 2003, neither of which enjoyed the same success as Beyonc�'s solo debut.

The three members said they expect to shape separate careers in other entertainment fields such as film and theater.

MARQUES HOUSTON taking it off
Jun 13, 2005
Author:

Marques Houston is causing a stir with his overexposure in his new video for "Naked." So much so that Playgirl magazine apparently is willing to pay the R&B stud million to pose nude for its pages. Marques' publicist says that the singer is considering the offer. And despite earlier reports, the video was never banned from BET.

DAVE CHAPELLE and comedy central talk it out
Jun 13, 2005
Author:

A spokesman for Comedy Central has confirmed that comedian Dave Chapelle met with network president Doug Herzog Friday for the first time since his disappearance to South Africa, which forced the suspension of �Chappelle�s Show�s� third season. Network spokesman Tony Fox gave no details on the meeting nor did he announce when � or if � Chappelle would return to the set. Chappelle said he fled to South Africa on May 31 because he wasn�t feeling the direction of the third season.

Comedian Dave Chappelle Back In Hollywood For Performances
Jun 8, 2005
Author:

Comedian Dave Chappelle unexpectedly surfaced in Hollywood, appearing at two comedy theaters performing unrehearsed.

According to industry trade magazine Variety, Chappelle appeared at the Hollywood Improv and the Comedy Store on Wednesday night, performing for small crowds.

The comedian had just arrived from Los Angeles International Airport and told the crowds he was in the mood to perform.

Many speculated about the comedian�s mental well being, after he went missing during production of the third season of �Chappelle�s Show.�

Chappelle came forward shortly afterwards to rebuff published reports that he had checked into a South African mental institution, although he was in South Africa.

�I'm not crazy, I'm not smoking crack," Chappelle told Time magazine in an interview a little over a week after Comedy Central indefinitely suspended the show. "I'm not in a mental facility," said Chappelle. "I'm definitely stressed out."

Chappelle later appeared in his hometown of Yellow Springs, Ohio. Shortly after Chappelle�s disappearance, Comedy Central aired ads for �Chappelle�s Show No-Show Marathon.�

Published reports have stated that the third season of the show will not air this year.

While the third season didn�t premiere on time, Chappelle continues to experience phenomenal success. The second season of the comedian�s �Chappelle Show� series set a record for first day sales, moving over 500,000 copies.

The DVD also broke the first week sales record, moving over 1.2 million copies.

Mario injects R&B into 'Unite The People'
Jun 8, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

THE WOMEN'S RESPONSE to US R&B singer Mario at 'Unite The People', the Kings of Kings International 10th anniversary show at Cinema 2 in New Kingston on Saturday night, was overwhelming.

So much so, that more than once he asked for just a little space.

"I don't want nobody pushing. I love you. I just want you to back up a little bit," he said, before bringing 'How Could You' to an a capella end, to screams. This was after he had got off to a hot start with 'Someone Called Your Name' and stoked the musical fire even higher with 'Just A Friend', working with recorded tracks.

The screams got louder as he invited a young lady on stage and went down on one knee to sing "give me a chance to show you girl" to her, rising to splash two swathes of fluid from a bottle in his hand over persons at the front.

And again he asked for some room, repeatedly. "Could you back up from the stage just a little bit?" he asked. "I love you too, but could you back up just a little bit?

Apparently his request was not granted and again Mario asked that they "back up a little bit". "I can't start the show till you back off the stage," he said.

MC DJ Sunshine asked "do you want more Mario?" and a chorus of screams signalled yes.

Performance

And Mario, who by then had removed his outer shirt and was down to white merino, to the delight of the ladies, said "I think we have the perfect song to unite the people on". A pair of male dancers, with whom Mario had been in lockstep for part of his earlier songs, came back out and he performed 'Let Me Love You'. He did a part of the chorus a capella, to a chorale of screams from the women, before ending with a shouted "Kingston I love you so much!

Thank you!"

Long show

With an extensive line-up announced at the launch of 'Unite The People' at the Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston, it was always set to be a long show. And save for a tiff between Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, the show would have gone on past its eventual 4:30 a.m. end.

Anthony B ignited the audience with 'Raid De Barn' and 'Lighter', also making reference to Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas' statement that there are criminals in the police force as he did 'Good Cop, Bad Cop' to good effect. Chuck Fender's 'Murderer' and 'Oh My Lord' did not stir the audience and though there was some attention paid as he queried and answered "who is worthy to be trus? No Jah", when the MC asked if another song was required from Fender there were no takers.

Performing after Mario, Richie Spice started an extended set with Blood Again' and 'Earth A Run Red', closing with 'Marijuana' before returning to do 'It No Pretty At All' and 'Time So Rough'.

Teflon delivered a pair of songs without music during the band change, then Ruff Kut took over for Lady Saw to declare "man a de leas' a we problem".

After the combination with Beenie Man, she left the stage and he proceeded to do a set � until Bounty Killer made his way on stage.

"We a deal wid principle," Bounty Killer said.

"Yu see de run on ting whe yu a gwaan wid from Sumfest, yu a go stop it,"

Bounty Killer eventually left the stage and Beenie Man continued performing, but when he was finished there was no music, no MC and no more performers.

NIGHT OF HORROR (jamaica)
Jun 8, 2005
Author:

A 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL underwent a night of horror in April when she was forced to perform oral sex on two men who also had anal sex with her.

The complainant who was abducted on April 25 was rescued by the police the following day.

Since then, Delgado Davy and Gadiel Sinclair, both of Kingston 20 addresses, have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Both were remanded in custody when they appeared before Resident Magistrate Martin Gayle, yesterday.

The men who are charged with abduction, buggery and rape also appeared in court on Thursday.

Reports are that Davy and Sinclair were charged after it is alleged that they were found in a house with the complainant.

Court files indicate that on April 26, the complainant was reported missing to the Duhaney Park Police station. At 11:50 p.m. on the same day, the police was called to an address in the Kingston 20 area where the girl was reportedly found in the house with both accused.

Sinclair was allegedly found on top of the girl at the time of the visit.

Court documents further reported that the complainant had been held-up at gunpoint and abducted by a man whom she had seen before.

He reportedly brought her to the address where she was found and sexually assaulted her. He was later joined by Davy and Sinclair. Allegations are that they repeatedly had anal as well as vaginal sex with her. She was also forced to perform oral sex on the men.

After reading the allegations on Thursday, Resident Magistrate Martin Gayle, set yesterday's date for the matter to be mentioned. They were again remanded, yesterday, for today's mentioning date.

NOTORIOUS B.I.G. case gets psycho
Jun 8, 2005
Author:

A paid informant who alleged to police and the FBI that the murder of rapper Notorious B.I.G. was a conspiracy hatched by Death Row boss Marion "Suge" Knight and a rogue Los Angeles Police Department officer has changed his tune. The man, who now identifies himself as a lifelong paranoid schizophrenic and known as Psycho Mike, has admitted under oath that his elaborate story was "all hearsay," according to the Los Angeles Times. Psycho Mike's deposition was in connection to a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Biggie's estate, his mother, Volleta Wallace, and other relatives, against the city of Los Angeles. The suit claims that LAPD officials covered up the police's role in the rapper's death and is demanding unspecified monetary damages. The suit is set to go to trial in U.S. District Court on June 14.

CHRIS TUCKER says no to Rush Hour 3
Jun 8, 2005
Author:

Chris Tucker has turned down starring in the movie, Rush Hour 3. He was set to join Jackie Chan in the movie, and get a million payday. There�s no word on why he turned down the part, or if someone else will take over his role.

JERMAINE DUPRI gets his eat on
Jun 8, 2005
Author:

Jermaine Dupri's 22-hour-a-day caf� will open today (6/6) in Atlanta, GA. The caf� offers a variety of healthy foods & desserts & is one of Dupri�s latest ventures. According to Dupri, "It's not your typical southern food," "I believe young people need to eat better." Next, Dupri plans to open a small hotel called "Hotel D."

YOUNG BUCK in court
Jun 8, 2005
Author:

After having his court date pushed back three times, Young Buck has finally been ordered to stand trial in connection with last year's Vibe Awards stabbing. Buck aka David Darnell Brown, allegedly stabbed aspiring rapper Jimmy James Johnson after he punched Dr. Dre during the show's taping. Superior Court Judge James Dabney found enough evidence to try Buck, 24, who was scheduled to be arraigned yesterday June 7th.

Deportee held at airport
Jun 2, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

A DEPORTEE WHO tried to get back to the United States with forged documents was last week Tuesday fined after pleading guilty in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court for uttering forged documents.

Rondale Smythe of Mamee Bay, St. Ann, and who spoke with a strong US accent, was arrested at the Sangster International Airport on May 18, after uttering a forged United States Virgin Island birth certificate and a North Carolina state identification card for a flight to the Bahamas.

Smythe, the court heard, had gone to the Air Jamaica counter at around 10:30 a.m. to be processed for the flight when the irregularities were found out and the immigration police called.

The accused man told the court he was deported from the United States in October last year for violating probation for drug charges after living there since 1980.

The 34-year-old recording engineer told the court that most of his family and five children still lived in the United States.

He was fined 0,000 or three months in jail.

'WAR' FOR 'ZEKES' TURF
Jun 2, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

THERE WAS HIGH drama in the Matthews Lane community of West Kingston yesterday as several men who were allegedly chased out of the area by strongman, Donald 'Zekes' Phipps, returned to assume leadership of the turf.

It is alleged that some of the men were armed and were seen in the vicinity of Matthews Lane/Beeston and West streets. They dispersed before the police arrived in the area.

Deputy Superintendent Delroy Hewitt of the Denham Town Police Station said the police would put measures in place last night to prevent any possible confrontation.

Residents who spoke with THE STAR yesterday said the men were seen speaking with factions from the area, sending a message that in the absence of the community leader, Mr. Phipps, they will be returning to "run things".

Mr. Phipps, who is scheduled to appear in the Corporate Area Criminal Court today on charges of two counts of murder and illegal possession of firearm, has been in police custody for over two weeks. He was arrested and charged by Operation Kingfish.

According to residents, over the past five years a number of influential men, some of whom were once trusted lieutenants of Mr. Phipps, were chased from the community because they fell out of grace with the area leader.

Last September, one of the men who was chased out, was at the centre of a bloody feud between warring factions from the People's National Party-controlled Matthews Lane and the Jamaica Labour Party enclave of Tivoli Gardens.

More than six persons were killed and several others injured. At one stage the head of one of the victims was cut off by men who had invaded a funeral home in the area and was paraded on a pole.

'I don't have AIDS'
May 20, 2005
Author:

DEEJAY ELEPHANT MAN does not let off with the excitement.

Though dealing with a widespread rumour that he has the AIDS disease, the deejay is smiling even wider now, with a platinum mouthpiece recently bought while on his two-month US tour.

In an interview this week, Ele attempted to squash the rumour and elaborated on his mission to return dancehall to its happier days for this summer.

The removable mouthpiece adds to an already blinging Elephant Man, who sports chains, bracelets and rings worth thousands of dollars. Ele did not state how much the platinum mouthpiece cost him, only explaining that it was an image thing.

Grill it out

"Yu know when the yellow hair dye go dung yu brighten up with the yellow and it brighter, so me seh what can I do with this image now, so mi seh alright mi a go grill it out, platinum mout straight. Plats in the mouth, so mi seh mi a platinum out mi mout," he explained.

"So when the girls dem see mi smile or the fans, normally I had a bright smile, now it's even brighter, yea, diamonds forever!"

"So mi just seh the grill is fi bring up the image ... more time tu haffi flavour up the ting. Yu caa just have it pon one pace, more time yu haffi mek THE STAR hear bout yu grill and mek dem come tek picture wid the grill, more time yu mek dem hear seh the artiste have something pon him hand, dem go look fi him, yu haffi carry something, yea, yu haffi new up the game and bring things to the game. Yu caa have one image fi 10 year, one way yu look. Yu haffi change it up. If Usher come out wid a album da year ya him image change, da year ya him inna double breast, next year him inna jersey yu see mi, yu haffi just change it up."

With regards to the widespread talks that he has the deadly AIDS disease, Ele had much to say. He noted that it was started by people who were close to him and who he thought were his friends. He did not give names, but said jealousy was the root of it.

"Well right now, me deh a Jamaica and mi hear people seh Elephant Man have AIDS. Mi a seh more time dat fi just show yu how bad mind tek over people wicked. Dat a when people see yu and no like yu. People just get up and wicked enough to come seh tings like those when dem know nutten like dat ever exist."

"Because first of all when yu know, jut knowing seh something like dat dat exist yu dead pon spot. Yu no even waa live fi see another day from yu find out seh dem tings deh happen, yu a go dead pon spot."

"And yu have some man seh dem a yu friend, but memba, yu best friend can be your worst enemy, and mi get fi find dat out, yu see me. And a people close round me start spread dem rumour deh, and the fan dem shoulda even know better dan dat and seh hear me, Elephant Man a we artiste. Ele no dat stupid and dem ting deh a foolinish, cause how Elephant fi have AIDS and Elephant happy and a run up and down and Elephant nice and a party and a drink liquor every day and a drink champagne and deh a 'Weddy Weddy' and all bout, so dat just show yu how people bad mind and how bad mind a tek over people, yu see me."

In Ele's opinion, he would not be stupid to be having unprotected sex. Also, even if he had the disease and he were receiveing treatment, he could not be on any kind of medication and still be drinking alcohol. That, plus his healthy physique he added, proved that it was only a malicious rumour intended to break him down. According to him, the focus of the entertainment fraternity should be on building the artistes, not on tearing them down.

"It nuh mek sense we build up we artiste dem and when we a work toward the thing, dem a follow people and a like we waa bring dung one another. It naa put yu no where so mi just a seh, right now when mi hear the argument mi just laugh and seh God over devil, yu see mi. Mi just laugh and read mi bible cause who God bless, no man curse, yu see mi, and when yu a dig yu hole, don't dig one dig two, yu see mi, cause what goes around comes around."

The deejay added that it has not affected him, as he is only focusing on recording as many tracks as possible. The aim he said, was to take dancehall back to its dancing days. Though some feel the time has passed for more dancing tunes, Ele says that actually the times are more appropriate for them.

"Mi just a seh love to the fans dem and God over devil, cause right now we need fi bring back Jamaica cause Jamaica a run too vile. We need fi get back inna the party vibe and the party spirit, the happy mood, put the past behind. We need fi just stop these foolishness and mek everybody can enjoy back Jamaica, cause if Jamaica continue like this until December mi no feel like nobody a go deh ya, everybody a go just disappear, so we need fi memba seh one man run the world and a God, not mankind."

'Zekes' still in custody
May 20, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

MATTHEWS LANE AREA leader Donald 'Zekes' Phipps, was still in police custody, up to late yesterday when THE STAR checked.

Phipps is being questioned in relation to two murders committed in West Kingston last month.

Churchill Neita, Phipps' lawyer, told THE STAR that his client was being housed at the Gun Court. "This morning I tried contacting the police to ascertain whether my client will be charged, how long he will be held for, or anything, but efforts to contact them have not met with any success," Neita said.

However, to add to Phipps' troubles, he was slapped with possession of ganja, and abstracting electricity yesterday, when the police carried out raids at his house in West Kingston.

Phipps was held in connection with two counts of murder at the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's court on Wednesday. He appeared there to answer to drug related charges, but was held in connection to two murders committed in West Kingston a month ago.

The men were shot, then burnt in an open lot on Rose Lane. The police reported that the bodies were found burning at Rose Lane at 5:00 a.m., on Friday, April 16.

They were identified as Leroy Farquharson of Bayshore, Harbour View and a man known only as 'Scotch Brite.'

Acting Commissioner George Williams told THE STAR that the seven Matthews Lane residents, detained after 22 rounds of ammunition, an enforcer rifle, one magazine, a black plastic bag containing ganja and chillum pipes were seized on Wednesday, were released later that day.

Williams said the police will be maintaining a strong presence in the area. On Wednesday, the residents had staged a demonstration calling for Zekes' release.

MICHAEL JACKSON's cousin testifies
May 20, 2005
Author:

A 12-year-old cousin of Michael Jackson testified Wednesday that he saw the pop star's young accuser steal wine and money and secretly watch pornography on television while masturbating. Testifying in the singer's child molestation trial, Rijo Jackson said the accuser's brother - another key prosecution witness - also took part in the misbehaviour during visits to Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch. The soft-spoken Rijo said that in 2003 he was with the boys in a guest unit when the brothers turned the TV to a channel showing naked women, began masturbating and suggested he do the same. The witness said he declined and instead went to Michael Jackson's room and told him what the boys were watching on TV. Under cross-examination by prosecutor Ron Zonen, the youth said he was scared to tell Michael Jackson about the masturbation. He also said he spent the night in bed with Jackson. Did you do that often?" asked Zonen. "Yes," said

Tivoli split
May 13, 2005
Author:

The rift is reportedly between Dudus, the community's top man and one of his brothers called 'Livity', an area leader,
the rift developed after Dudus expressed dissent at the killing of the three cops. They say the top man has stated that the killing of the cops was "eediat ting" and was never to have happened.

Disassociate self

"Yeah man, the dads vex and seh him disassociate himself from wah gwaan," a resident said. "Is like di whole ting treten fi split a whole family."

The residents fear the rift between both men could split the community in two, as both men are well respected in the area, and this is something they say West Kingston cannot afford.

Both men are sons of the late Lester Lloyd 'Jim Brown' Coke, but have different mothers. However, Livity and Christopher 'Chris Royal' Coke, one of the two men killed by police last week for the killing of one of the policemen, share the same mother.

Upset over cops' murders

In the meantime, the residents say they too, like the rest of Jamaica, are upset about the killing of the policemen. "Mi sorry seh dem kill di police because dem nuh do wi nutten," one resident said. Another resident of Tivoli Gardens said the community does not have anything against the police and would not hurt them. "Wi and di police nuh have nutten," he said.


Since the killings, West Kingston has been the target of several police operations as police say intelligence has indicated that the cop killers may have come from that constituency.

Police linked the cops' death to the killing of Chris Royal and Devon 'Zion train' Griffiths, another leader from the area, who was also shot dead following a shoot out with members of the security forces. Since Griffiths' killing, information was leaked that 15 soldiers and 10 cops would be killed in retaliation.

Police say Royal and the man with whom he was killed, were reportedly making good on this threat when they killed Corporal Hewitt Chandler. When word of Royal's killing reached West Kingston, the Cross Roads Police Station was shot up during a drive-by and District Constable Canute Brown was shot dead.

Not long after, Inspector Lascelles Walsh was shot dead on his way to work. A policeman was also shot and injured by gunmen while doing beat duties in Greenwich Town, St. Andrew. Police have since held one man in connection with Walsh's killing.

FIDEL CASTRO says LEAVE ASSATTA SHAKUR ALONE
May 13, 2005
Author:

Cuban President Fidel Castro made clear this week he will not hand over political exile Assata Shakur who has been living in Cuba since escaping from prison in 1979. U.S. officials put Shakur on a government terrorist watch list this month. On the same day, New Jersey officials announced a million reward for her capture. She was con victed in 1973 of killing a New Jersey State Trooper. In a major televised address, Castro called Shakur a victim of "the fierce repression against the Black movement in the United States" and said she had been "a true political prisoner." He called the charges against her "an infamous lie." Castro's remarks were his first comment on the new U.S. actions.

DAVE CHAPELLE checks himself in
May 13, 2005
Author:

According to published reports Comedy Central star Dave Chappelle has checked himself into a mental-health facility in South Africa. The comedian's whereabouts and condition have been unknown since Comedy Central abruptly announced last week the planned May 31 launch of the third season of Chappelle's Show had been postponed and production halted. Chappelle flew from Newark, N.J., to South Africa on April 28 for treatment, and sources are saying that Chappelle is still in the facility, which was not named. Chappelle's representatives have denied the comedian was abusing drugs.

Never forgotten - Slain cop mourned by colleagues
May 9, 2005
Author:

COPS AT THE Police Traffic Division headquarters on Elleston Road, Kingston, have been finding it difficult to come to terms with the passing of their colleague Inspector Lascelles Walsh.

Walsh, 44, worked at the headquarters for about 20 years before he was transferred to Greater Portmore about two years ago. Despite this, he still went to the headquarters every day.

"He comes here every morning and change and pick up his bike and then head to Portmore and in the evening he comes here and work out with the guys, pick-up his car and head home," Sergeant Deloris Mitchell
Walsh was shot dead by gunmen as he made his way to work along Port Royal Street in downtown Kingston on Wednesday morning. He was one of three policemen shot dead between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.


Shocking demise


Sergeant Mitchell said they would have accepted the death easier if he was killed in an accident. "An accident, we could understand because as a traffic cop you are more likely to die in accident. But to be gunned down like this is shocking, because it is always said that gunmen don't target traffic police because they are not a threat to them," she said.

Mitchell described Inspector Walsh as a very friendly, outspoken, informed and intelligent officer who always sought to be accurate in his work. "If he doesn't know something, he always call and ask us, or check the information. Him not giving out information he is not sure of," she said.

Inspector Walsh joined the Traffic Department in 1983 as a corporal and throughout his tenure at the station, which ended in 2003, he was promoted through the ranks. In 2002 he was promoted to inspector and the following year he was transferred to the Greater Portmore Traffic department.

Sergeant Alvin Jones, who met Walsh when he first came to the department, said he was saddened by the death because it felt as if it was the passing of a family member.

In the meantime, the officers say they continue to struggle with the loss, but they have been getting counselling from the department's chaplain and continue to remain focused on doing their jobs.

GANGS WAR IN SCHOOL - Mini One Order, Clans draw battle lines.
May 9, 2005
Author:

THE ONGOING IMPASSE between the One Order and Clans Men gangs in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, seems to have spilled over into the schools in the community, the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court heard.

This as five male students of the Spanish Town High School were caught with knives after the police were called in to quell a disturbance on the school compound.

The court was told that the students, who were remanded in custody when they appeared in the court on charges of disorderly conduct and possession of offensive weapons, got into a furore after some claimed they were members of the infamous gangs.

It is alleged that at about noon on April 22, the police were called to the institution as there was a disturbance involving several students. The court heard that the students claimed to be members of the Mini One Order and the Mini Clans Men gangs. The court further heard that the students who formed the mini-gangs were residents of the respective areas where the bigger gangs had strongholds.

The five students were held by the police after investigations are said to have revealed that they were the alleged masterminds behind the young gangs. Having heard this from the investigator, a concerned Resident Magistrate Lorna Errar Gayle ordered all five young men remanded to a place of safety. They will appear in the Children's Court (formerly Juvenile's Court) today.

Master P. Launches New Rim Line
May 9, 2005
Author:

Mogul Percy "Master P." Miller has signed a multi-million dollar deal to launch a new line of automotive rims, called P. Miller Rims by Ashanti.

Miller, who also has his own P. Miller Clothing line as well as Respect Denim which is only available in Europe, said that launching his own brand of rims was a natural progression of business.

"Every kind of car out here has some kind of rim," Miller observed. "Even in the hood, you see the ghettoest cars with rims. So I figured why not add that Master P. flavor to them?"

Miller said the deal came about after a trip to China, where he met the owner of Ashanti Rims.

"I been in China for the past 3 years, trying to make and then bring rims back here," Miller explained. "But with customs and all that extra government bullsh*t it was just a long up hill battle for me."

Obstacles aside, Miller's new rim line will feature colored rims, polished chrome rims, hydro chrome polished rims, diamond cut rims (with real diamonds) and other unique designs.

"I made a rim to fit every lifestyle with the quality that I think everyone deserves but may not normally get," Miller said.

P. Miller Rims will launch nationwide on June 21st, the same day as the mogul releases his latest album New No Limit album, Ghetto Bill Gates.

Comedian Tom Green Dropping Rap Album
May 9, 2005
Author: www.allhiphop.com

The world knows Tom Green for his comedic abilities and now Green is setting out to prove that he also has skills with a microphone with a new untitled rap album.

Green was a founding member of Canadian rap group Organized Rhyme and dropped an album with the group titled Stiffenin Against The Wall in 1992.

The album produced �Check The O.R.," which earned the group a Juno nomination.

"It is time for me as an artist, and a human being, to dig deep down into my soul and be completely honest," Green reflected. "For the past several years I have grappled with a hidden truth. Now, it is finally my time to be honest. It is time for me to be honest with the public, with my friends, with my family, and most importantly, with myself. I am a rapper."

In previous interviews, Green stated that he started rhyming in high school. That soon progressed into production.

"I actually got into, like, making beats and stuff," Green explained to Canadian magazine Chart Attack in a 1999 interview. "Summer jobs I�d, like, save up and buy a keyboard and a sampler. It became this great outlet for doing wacky, wacked-out sh*t on stage. I was doing stand-up at the time too, but this was another outlet, where I could go up and rap, and I�d do it on a fairly regular basis, opening for punk bands around Ottawa. We�d go down, and go on before them, chucking bread into the audience, and throwing weird sh*t around. It was all sort of for fun, and then we kinda got alright at doing it. So we came down here to New York City for a couple of months when I was 17, and worked with a producer down here. Then it sort of became kind of serious, and we got a record deal. It started as a fun thing, but it actually wasn�t that fun anymore by the time it got to the record deal stage."

Green's new album will drop on Sony BMG Music Canada and will be produced entirely by Mike Simpson of the Dust Brothers. Simpson has also produced tracks for The Beastie Boys, Biz Markie and others.

�The world knows the comedy skills of Tom Green, but his rap skills are known almost exclusively in Canada," commented Sony BMG Music Canada President Lisa Zbitnew. "This record is about to change all that."

To support the new album, Green will embark on a five-city tour with Simpson and Birdhouse Skateboarder Jeremy Klein.

Green�s untitled solo rap debut is slated for a Fall 2005 release date.

Below is a list of Canadian tour dates:

Wednesday, June 8 - Hamilton, ON The Underground
Thursday, June 9- Barrie ON Foundation Night club
Friday, June 10- Kingston, ON Elixer
Saturday, June 11 - Ottawa, ON Barrymore's

Lil' Kim Hit With 100K Lawsuit
May 7, 2005
Author:

Rapper Lil� Kim has been hit with a 0,000 lawsuit by two men who claim they wrote portions of her La Bella Mafia album but were never compensated.

Songwriters Anthony Jefferies and Vincent Hart allege they helped write the songs �Can You Hear Me Now?� �Hold It Now� and Kim�s hits single �The Jump Off.�

The two song writers claim that they were promised ,000 each, but that money never materialized. The two claim they received jewels valued at ,000, but later, they were forced to return the jewels �under a threat of physical violence.�

The pair is suing for breach of contract, unjust enrichment and various civil-rights violations.

Lil� Kim is facing up to 20 years in prison, after she was convicted in March of perjury and conspiracy charges for lying to a federal grand jury about her knowledge of a broad day light shootout in front of New York�s Hot 97.

Kim recently released a statement on her website asking fans to email the judge requesting leniency when she is sentenced on June 24.

"I would like to thank my amazing and loving fans for the overwhelming number of letters, e-mails, phone calls and expressions of support,� Kim stated. �It is very much appreciated, welcoming and gratifying during my time in need."

CAMRON leaves ROC A FELLA
May 7, 2005
Author:

After months of speculation, it's official: Harlem's Cam'ron has parted ways with Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam for Asylum/Warner Music Group. The deal makes Cam�ron the first non-southern act signed to Asylum. The move to Asylum could help Warner Music, a privately held entity, reach their goal of raising 0 million in an upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO) of company stock.
In addition to Mike Jones moving over 180,000 copies of his debut Who Is Mike Jones, Warner also recently acquired of piece of Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Entertainment for million.

Patra on fraud charge
May 1, 2005
Author:

FEMALE DEEJAY LADY Patra was arrested in Montego Bay recently and slapped with fraud-related charges
According to the reports, Patra, whose real name is Dorothy Smith, was arrested by police in Montego Bay following complaints by persons who accuse her of taking money for certain services, which she did not deliver in time.
Sources told THE STAR that the accusations are that over a period of time Patra allegedly collected a portion of money from different entertainers who reportedly wanted to work overseas. Patra reportedly promised them work permits and clearances, but was unable to deliver in time, hence they reported the matter to the police. She was then arrested and charged, but she later received bail.

Police in Montego Bay have confirmed the arrest. A Deputy Superintendent confirmed that she was arrested roughly three weeks ago and that she is currently on bail. He could not, however, immediately state when she will appear in court to answer the charges.

Patra was born in Westmoreland but eventually migrated to Kingston. She got her stage name from the shortened version of the word Cleopatra, and made her name as a talented deejay/singer/actress. Riding on high waves of popularity, Patra signed a record deal with Epic Records back in the early 1990s, and was one of the first hardcore dancehall acts to hit the foreign cable network BET in a time when few Jamaican acts did so. Along with Shabba Ranks, she and Mad Cobra graced foreign television with undiluted dancehall, and became recognisable dancehall faces in the foreign markets.

Patra made her debut album Queen Of The Pack in 1993, and was known for tracks like Bumper, Halla Fi Di Wuk, My Property among others.

Beenie Man and Bounty Killer banned!!
May 1, 2005
Author: www.jamaica-star.com

A GROUP OF local companies which has dubbed itself a Coalition of Corporate Sponsors has decided that they will not be sponsoring any entertainment events at which dancehall artistes Beenie Man and Bounty Killer are slated to perform until further notice.

According to a statement issued by the coalition, the members � Courts, Supreme Ventures, Digicel, Red Stripe, Jamaica Tourist Board, Cable and Wireless and J. Wray and Nephew � have taken this decision in the wake of artistes' recent performances at the Jamaica Carnival's Last Hurrah where profane language was used by Bounty Killer while Beenie Man incited the audience to use the same.

"What it means is until further notice we will not be sponsoring any shows with these artistes. So promoters can hold their shows with these artistes if they would like to, however, they (corporate sponsors) will not be providing sponsorship support to these shows,"
This latest development may also impact the artistes' involvement in a multimedia advertising campaign being done under Cable and Wireless' bmobile brand.


No comment


Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, Everald Edwards of the corporate communications department at Cable and Wireless said the company has not yet decided if any action will be taken against the artistes with regard to the advertising campaign. He also could not state when the company would make a decision about the issue.

Management for both artistes said they would have to further examine the statements before they make any comment about the issue.


More research needed


"They (Corporate sponsors) did not specify any names, and I need to do a little more research to fully understand, before I comment, because they (the artistes) have apologised profusely and the sponsors know where they are coming from," said Solid Agency's Sharon Burke, the booking agent for Bounty Killer.

"I would not want to make a comment until I have studied it comprehensively. There might be conditions and so any statement at this time would be premature on my part," was the response from Clyde McKenzie, the director of Shocking Vibes Limited, Beenie Man's local label.

He also questioned the Corporate Sponsors' decision for taking this latest stance. "I would also want to know why this stance was taken, because it would seem extreme to say the least," he said.

According to the statement, the sponsors' decision was in keeping with their responsibility to stakeholders to ensure that their marketing reflects their corporate values. The statement also said they had an even larger responsibility to the public to act within socially acceptable standards.

The statement listed three principles to which the companies were committed which include their refusal to sponsor 'acts or events whose live performances endorse or incite violence, demean or discriminate against any person, or include the use of indecent or profane language'.

In light of these principles and standards they found the artistes' behaviour at the Last Hurrah a violation. "The code is based on the principle that a breach against one sponsor is considered a breach against all. In light of this, until further notice the coalition suspends sponsorship of any event or activity, which includes the offending artistes in live performance," the statement said.

The members of the coalition also sponsor several entertainment events which take place throughout the year. They include Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival and East Fest which is sponsored by J. Wary and Nephew.

Jacki O And Foxy Brown Fight In Miami Studio
Apr 26, 2005
Author:

Miami rapper Jacki O confirmed that an altercation took place between her and Foxy Brown yesterday (April 24th) at Circle House studios in Miami, Florida.

According to Jacki O�s account, the altercation ensued after she invited the Brooklyn rapper into the studio, known for its amenities and opulence.

�I was all for the idea of having her join us in the studio," Jacki O said. "That shows how much respect I had for her.�

Jacki O said Brown entered the studio and had some words for Jacki O, which she overheard.

According to Jacki O, Brown returned to the studio, words were exchanged and a physical altercation broke out between the two women.

�This was not the way I wanted it to go down," Jacki O stated. "I was looking forward to working with her on a song. We are two women in hip-hop and should be able to come to the table together. She forced me to show her who is the madam of Miami.�

Representatives for Brown were not available to comment as of press time.

J'can bigamist caught in UK
Apr 26, 2005
Author:

A JAMAICAN MAN who tried to get away with having two wives was jailed for bigamy yesterday by a judge in the United Kingdom, and that was not his only offence.

According to reports in the Scotsman newspaper, along with being in the UK illegally, the Jamaican used false names both times.

According to documents read out in the Bristol Crown Court, the Jamaican national, whose real name is believed to be Peter Delisser, was using the alias Peter Cohen when he married his first wife in 1998 before being deported.


Hitches


He then returned to Britain as Richard Hutchinson in 2001 and married Gillian Pavey two years later. The couple lived together in Bristol, but encountered one of many hitches in their married life - he had not yet divorced his first wife, Sally Weir.

Delisser, who appeared in court using the name Richard Hutchinson, admitted to being a bigamist, though he stated that the relationship between himself and his first wife was over � he just failed to get a divorce. He was subsequently sentenced to four months imprisonment and may face deportation.

Judge Paul Derbyshire found none of his tale amusing: "It is clear from the papers your life has involved a great deal of deception over the years. "You have used at least two aliases and have been deported back to Jamaica. You are now illegally in the UK."

UNCLE LUKE getting sued
Apr 26, 2005
Author:

A GA man is suing Luther Campbell & Luke Records for allegedly featuring him in "Uncle Luke's Freakshow Vol. III." Keith Torrance claims that two females employed by Luke held him against his will & enticed him into stripping in front of a crowd while the cameras were rolling. Torrance is suing for emotional distress.

THE GAME getting sued for 0 MILLION!
Apr 26, 2005
Author:

Prosecutors in Prince Georges County, MD have filed assault & battery charges against The Game, after the rapper allegedly assaulted radio host Kwasi "DJ Zxulu," Jones formerly of 93.9 FM in Washington, D.C. in January. Jones also filed a 0 million dollar lawsuit, alleging assault & battery, emotional distress & negligence. Representatives for Game had no comment

britney update
Apr 26, 2005
Author:

While Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are busy readying their reality show, Federline's ex-girlfriend has lined up a few new gigs of her own, Shar Jackson � who has two kids with Federline, Kori, 2, and Kaleb, 9 months � has just inked a record deal with Los Angeles-based indie label Long Live Crime Records and will be releasing a single this summer called "You Make Me Feel Good."

USHER robbed
Apr 19, 2005
Author:

Usher claims a suitcase of his containing 0,000 worth of belongings was taken Friday from New York's Trump International Hotel by someone posing as a member of his posse, reports the New York Post, which also quotes Donald Trump as promising to make good on the loss. "I told him we'll get it solved," The Apprentice host said. Trump adds, referring to the missing article: "I'm trying to figure out why somebody would leave a bag at the front desk."

DMX needs to put down the car keys
Apr 19, 2005
Author:

DMX�s driving woes continue, as the rapper was arrested last night, after he was involved in a three-car collision involving a police cruiser Friday (April 15th). The multi-platinum rapper was driving on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx, when he hit a car, which rammed a police crusier. DMX, born Earl Simmons, was charged with driving with a suspended license and released. The driver of the car DMX initially struck was treated for minor injuries and released.

BOBBY BROWN in trouble AGAIN with child support
Apr 19, 2005
Author:

R+B pioneer BOBBY BROWN failed to turn up at a Massachusetts court Tuesday (12APR05) to explain non-payment of child-support to the mother of his two kids. Bobby , 36, has two teenage
children - aged 13 and 15 - with ex-love KIM WARD, who he dated before wedding singer WHITNEY HOUSTON in July 1992. Last year (MAR04), Brown spent one day of a 90-day
sentence behind bars for breaking a 10-year agreement with Ward to pay child support, as well as set up trust funds for the two youngsters. Brown claimed he couldn't afford to pay Ward, but was released from jail after eventually finding the money and paying her ,500.
Local newspaper BOSTON HERALD reports Brown was a no-show at Canton Probate Court Tuesday, where Ward was seeking between three to four months in arrears in
payments, amounting to over ,000. The case has been delayed until later this month

Beenie SAD, SORRY
Apr 14, 2005
Author:

IN THE MIDST of mourning the death of one of his brothers, Beenie Man has issued an apology for his performance at the Jamaica Carnival Finale at the National Stadium staged two weeks ago.

Both Beenie Man and Bounty Killer appeared at the event as part of their sponsorship agreement with Cable and Wireless Ltd.

They were performing at the event when they cursed on stage, forcing the live broadcast by CVM Television to be cut short. Bounty Killer issued a written apology late last week, while Beenie Man, who incited the crowd to say the curse words instead of him, issued his apology on Monday.

"I have become aware that some portions of my performance at the 'Last Hurrah' concert of the Supreme Ventures Jamaica Carnival on Sunday April 3, have been the subject of concern among some persons.

"In thinking about the performance and looking back at the footage I can appreciate some of the concerns with this performance. I regret any offensive remarks from the crowd which could have been prompted by my performance. It was not my intention to offend anyone and I sincerely regret any discomfort which resulted from any aspect of my performance," reads his apology.


Quietly coping


In the midst of his releasing this apology, Beenie Man and his family have been quietly coping with the death of his brother Mark on the weekend. Beenie Man's brother, Mark Davis, died due to complications with his injuries following a car crash on Wellington Avenue last week.

According to reports, Davis, known to friends as 'Belly', was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla driven by a friend. The car reportedly collided with another on Wellington Avenue. Davis was taken to the University Hospital of The West Indies where he was admitted. This past weekend however, he succumbed to his injuries.

Beenie Man was unavailable for comment on the matter, but his manager Patrick Roberts stated that Beenie was keeping quiet as he coped.

"Beenie is just coming to grips with it and trying to cope right now," he stated. "He is just taking it easy as it comes, trying to cope as much as possible in some peace and quiet," he added.

50 CENT attacks JADAKISS again
Apr 12, 2005
Author:

In an ongoing battle of words, 50 Cent has declared himself the boss of New York City in a new rap track, in which he also brands Jadakiss little more than a "disgruntled employee". 50 Cent struck back at Jadakiss in a track called �I Run New York� last week. 50 raps, "Been in the game 10 years and he still ain't rich / Even his mama upset that he still ain't shit / But he keep runnin' his yap like I'mma take that / One more word out his mouth and I'll push Styles' sh!t back." Tony Yayo also takes shots at Jadakiss on the track, as well as Fat joe. At the end of the track, 50 Cent asks for somebody to tell Sean 'P Diddy' Combs to get out of the mirror so he can buy Jadakiss' publishing from the rap mogul.

FOXY BROWN gets her day in court
Apr 12, 2005
Author:

Foxy Brown appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday on assault charges for allegedly punching and kicking two manicurists at a Manhattan nail salon, who claimed that the rapper refused to pay for a pedicure last summer. Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, is accused of assaulting the two workers after receiving a pedicure on Aug. 27 at about 10 p.m. at Bloomie Nails in Manhattan. When the workers allegedly denied Brown, 25, a manicure due to the late hour, prosecutors said, the rapper refused to pay and tried to leave. The two women blocked the shop's entrance and then Brown's car door, according to prosecutors. Foxy denied refusing to pay for the pedicure, stating that she was charged for both a manicure and a pedicure and simply would not pay an additional . "They didn't give me the manicure," the rapper said outside the courtroom, "A pedicure? Are you serious? Look at me," referring to her Chanel sunglasses and Dolce & Gabbana bag. While Brown didn't refute the manicurists' claims about getting into a fight, her attorney said the first officer who appeared on the scene did not note injuries on the two women. Brown then turned attention to her new album she is currently working on with Def Jam President Jay-Z, who signed the fellow Brooklynite to the label shortly after his appointment.
Brown was ordered to keep away from the manicurists. She is scheduled to return to court on May 6.

BENZINO resign from THE SOURCE
Apr 12, 2005
Author:

Ray Benzino, the Chief Brand Executive and Co-owner of The Source magazine, has resigned from his position at the company today (April 8). "If me leaving the source is gonna help the magazine then I'll do it," the rapper told AllHipHop.com."The Source is an institution and is part of history; I want my kids and grandkids to enjoy the No. 1 Hip-Hop magazine for all time."�I want to step down from the magazine and sell my stock effective immediately,� the rapper continued in a statement. Well its not true according to my peeps there was a meeting and Benzino denied that he would be leaving The Source. I'll keep yopu posted.

LLOYD BANKS offers a reward
Apr 12, 2005
Author:

Lloyd Banks recently got hit with a plastic cup during a Scotland performance -- and then offered fans 00 to point out the offender. Banks reportedly stopped in the middle of his set and made the offer to the crowd in attendance at Glasgow's Barrowlands. While nobody took Banks' offer, local acts DJ Hesky and Big Al think the rapper meant business when he made his offer. "This was coming from a man who was walking about the stage with about a million dollars worth of jewelry on."

BET dumps THE SOURCE AWARDS
Apr 12, 2005
Author:

Earlier this week it was revealed that BET had dropped The Source Awards and would not air the show this year because the Source failed to pay Miami's James L. Knight Center for hosting last year's ceremony. However, a BET spokesperson said it was too early to determine whether the network will carry The Source Awards this year and wouldn't comment on The Source not paying the venue. In related news, The Game is featured on the cover The Source's latest issue. An anonymous Black Wall Street source told The Source that The Game and 50 Cent will probably never speak again despite their public make-up session. The article goes on to talk about Game's childhood in Compton and discusses what happened when Game went to confront 50 and G-Unit the night of the Hot 97 shooting.

MICHAEL VICK a HERPES giver
Apr 6, 2005
Author:

Claiming that Michael Vick gave her herpes, a Georgia woman is suing the star NFL quarterback Michael Vick for negligence and battery. According to the below lawsuit, Sonya Elliot, a 26-year-old health care worker, was infected with the sexually transmitted disease in April 2003 after an unprotected encounter with Vick at the athlete's Duluth, Georgia home. The 1st encounter she says "There was no oral sexual relations and she asked him to put on a condom and he complied and then they engaged in consensual protected sex. Afterwards the Defendent Vick went to the restroom and they did not have further genital contact that evening." Then during Jan, Feb and March 2003 they continued to have sex but no oral sex and she continued to ask him to
wear a condom which he did. On Sunday, April 16, 2003 Vick invited her over and
his friends were over. They socialized for a while......Vick and the lady went to his room to play
video games and they began to fool around....she requested like usual to put on a condom but this time homey tried to slip it in (which touched her genital area).....At that point she stopped him and asked him to put on a condom. He put it on and that was it.
April 18th she went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with herpes. She immediately contacted Vick and left him a numerous messages which he did not reply to which was unusual. At first when they spoke he denied it but then according to her in June 2003 he called her he said "I've got something to tell you. I've got it. I didn't know how to tell you and I
didn't like to talk about it." He stated how long he's had it (before their encounters). He apologized alot.

JAMIE FOXX working on his album
Apr 6, 2005
Author:

Grammy award winner Jamie Foxx has wasted no time in preparation for his new album. Foxx will release his as yet working title album 'Southern Gentleman' off the J Records label. Reports are saying that Foxx and 50 Cent have collaborated on a song called 'Build You Up'. Other guests that will appear on the album includes Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, Former vocalist Stapp and R&B singer Tank.
According to Foxx's label J Records, a release date has yet to be set.

Stampede ends FAME FM anniversary
Apr 5, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

ON SATURDAY NIGHT, it was fortunate that there was room to run in the parking area and beyond of Port Henderson Plaza in Portmore, St. Catherine.

It was space that many people at the rear of the huge crowd at the FAME FM 21st anniversary free party utilised to escape a stampede shortly before 3:00 a.m., that brought what up until then had been a rocking affair to an end.

Many of the session's faithful who had been dancing to Sizzla's 'Karate' a split second earlier employed the 'sprinting monk' style to get out of the way of the onrush of panicked spectators, who thundered for safety away from the pack.

There were no reports of injuries from the Greater Portmore Police, neither could they say what had caused the disturbance. However, one man close to THE STAR remarked that "a jus' true de bredda back de knife affa de man an him girl".

Ease him off

There seemed to be those who used the mayhem, which seemed to have started near the rear of the audience, as an opportunity for profit, as another man said "same time me a run one man a go inna me pocket. Me haffi ease him off."

After appealing for calm, the DJ on the turntables played Bob Marley's Forever Loving Jah and wished all good night and asked them not to linger too much.

There was, naturally, a traffic snarl as the mass exodus began, one woman in the passenger seat of a mini-van summing up the situation with "mi vex, mi vex, mi vex, mi vex!"

There were many to be vexed that night, as the FAME FM anniversary session attracted a massive crowd to the Sunshine City. Persons lined the corridors of the large, four-level Port Henderson Plaza, crammed the parking lot and slightly beyond and lined the road across from the plaza.

Up to when the party ended prematurely, they certainly had a lot to cheer about, as Karate was part of a series of Sizzla songs, including (ironically enough, considering the panicked run shortly after) Holding Firm and the combination with Jah Cure, Divide and Rule. Bounty Killer's Lodge had brought a segment of 'bad man' tunes, including Terror Fabulous

Gangster and Shabba Ranks' Oil Up All A De Gun Dem brought the anniversary to an emphatic climax, while singer's section with Beres Hammond, Tony Curtis and Sanchez was well appreciated.

And, just after 2:30, FAME FM's trademark versatility was put on display with Elephant Man commanding a 'crazy hype', John Legend advising 'take it slow' and Half-Pint bringing 'greetings', all to enthusiastic response, within five minutes.

Walking away, one man rued an opportunity lost. "Yu know whe hot me? Me jus'go fi draw fi a likkle catty in a jeans an braps, is de bomb rush," he complained.

FRIGHTFULLY DECADENT AT at Bacchanal Ja J'ouvert Fright Night
Apr 5, 2005
Author: www.jamaica-star.com

THE MAS CAMP village came alive last Friday night with the staging of 'Bacchanal Jamaica J'ouvert Fright Night'.

Scores of cars loaded the car park and the outskirts of the venue. Upon entering, a d�cor depicting a graveyard was present on the inside. Give-away booths were situated at the back of the venue, where the organisers handed out coloured hats, masks, feathers, crowns and beads to name a few.

Along with that were bars, and food stalls that lined the bare walls inside. The event was aired live on Fame F.M.

At 12:30 a.m. there was just a handful of patrons inside the venue. Deejay Switch from Trinidad and Tobago kept the vibes at a high energy level, playing sweet pulsating soca music. The in-house host for the night was AB, who was clad in a black, green, and gold Batman costume.

Just as promised, J'ouvert paraphernalia were certainly handed out by the promoters. To sensitise patrons with the authentic feeling of carnival, the Point Fortin � Engine Room Band played live music along with the deejay.

Dressed to thrill

From short shorts, tights, mini skirts, tank tops to other revealing outfits, the ladies were dressed for the occasion.

Some wore their old J'ouvert clothes from previous events. Tunes like Turn Me On, I Want Some Nookie, Stop Hitch, Focus On Me, sent buns shaking, rears gyrating, and waves of waist gripping throughout the crowd. But like Rupee said, "What happens at J'ouvert stays at J'ouvert"

The show finally got on its way at 1:25 a.m. with the Atlantik Band, featuring Destra and Shal Marshal. Destra's high-energy performance left the male audience in awe and females applauding.

She was decked out in a red sequinned short shorts, and a black spaghetti strap top. Destra and Shal performed crowd favourites such as Insane, Hands in the Air, Jumping, Everybody Gotta Love Somebody, Weh Yuh Want, Wine on Me, Ease the Tension and Wata.

Maximus Dan ran on stage at 2 a.m. His performance was a bit short but it was exhilarating. He performed Ah-Ah, Be Wise (Order, Don't Cross the Border), Earthquake and Look at the Gyal Dem Shape before he exited the stage.

By this time the entire venue was packed. At 2:51 a.m., Peter C, formerly of Ecstatik performed his single Taylala and left shortly afterwards.

At 3 a.m. Destra announced that it was almost time to hit the road. Deejay Switch took over the turntables spinning crowd favourites such as Yea You!, Get Mad, Wata, Bachelor, Turn Me On and others.

At 3:30 a.m. the event climaxed with the issuing of the paint. The fun had just begun. Revellers were seen throwing and splashing paint all over. At one time, the announcers threatened to discontinue playing the music, but they ignored him.

The party continued on to the streets in the wee hours of the morning. Bacchanal J'ouvert crowd then met up with the Jokers' Wild group on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston.

Security personnel blocked off the entire road, and emergency vehicles were deployed just in case they were needed. There was even a mobile KFC cart issuing food to marchers.

Patrons danced and enjoyed every minute of it. Revellers that were exhausted retired to nearby seats, stairs, and sidewalks while some just sat in the road.

Warlord 'Def' with poetry
Apr 1, 2005
Author:

THE DUST OF excitement has not yet settled on deejay Bounty Killer's poetic love verses in the track 'It's Ok'. As the track continues to generate discussion about Killer's softer side, his poetic endeavours will go international when he lights up the HBO Cable network this year.

Bounty Killer is set to be a celebrity guest on Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam series. He was in New York last month where he shot scenes for the taped series, which will be aired later this year.

The show is a highly rated one which features the most popular and talented artistes in entertainment. It has featured acts like Kayne West, Alicia Keys, Smokey Robinson and other leading entertainment figures. Def Poetry Jam features themes which range from politics, to love and violence, which are all presented in brutally frank terms, giving viewers a graphic presentation where performers are free to express their thoughts without the words being edited.

Bounty Killer was unavailable for comment about his latest endeavour up to press time yesterday, but Rush Communications Vice President and Special Advisor to Russell Simmons Gary Foster said Bounty was a clear choice.

Rush Communications is the parent company of the businesses owned by Russell Simmons. They are also responsible for the production of the Def Poetry Jam series.

"We have a series and what we try to do is give poets a chance to express themselves. There is no editing so their thoughts come across as real," he stated. "It's hard to think of poetry and not think of Jamaica. The series talks about the social issues of society and Bounty Killer, as you know, is known as the Poor People's Governor. Looking at what he went through and the message he carries for the forgotten people, it fits into what we are doing."

Bounty Killer is associated with hard-edged gritty lyrics which sometimes detail the gritty side of Kingston. More recently, he has been showing his softer side in several of his tracks, but for many fans it is a hard stretch of the imagination to see Bounty Killer standing before a microphone reciting poetry. Foster stated, however, that poetry is simply song verse without music.

"Last year, it was Buju Banton, and this year it was overwhelming that we wanted to have Bounty Killer as our celebrity guest ... Being as we are in music, if you take away the music from some of our songs that is poetry ... we give artistes a chance to show us their world as they see it."

According to Foster, the performance was a bellyful for the list of celebrities present as Bounty performed without music.

"Out of all our celebrity guests like Kayne West, Alicia Keys, Jay Z, Bounty Killer received an overwhelming response from the audience. He did two great pieces. They gave him a standing ovation and this shows the type of person Bounty Killer is to these people," stated Foster.

TI Comments On Altercation With Lil' Flip
Mar 30, 2005
Author:

Atlanta, Georgia rapper TI recently appeared on Atlanta�s 107.9 and confirmed that a physical confrontation took place between him and rival rapper, Lil� Flip.

A feud between the two rappers reached boiling point last Thursday, after TI appeared on Houston, Texas radio station 97.9, commenting on the growing tension between the two rappers.

Later in the evening, reports swirled that the two men crossed paths in the Cloverland section of Houston, where TI was shooting a DVD.

TI appeared on Atlanta, Georgia radio station 107.9 last week on Emperor Searcy�s show and discussed the altercation.

�He was walking behind the car and I�m walking up to him trying to beg him to come out from behind the car, so we can get a square deal going,� TI stated. �He sent somebody from behind and they hit me in the back of the head, that did happen.�

Apparently TI brought along a videotape of the incident, which he allowed the DJ to view, confirming that a videotape of the altercation exists.

�I don�t say things, I do things. If I say things, I do things,� TI stated on the air. �I came to show my face and my tape. I showed them the tape, I showed them what happened and they�ve seen it.�

During the interview, TI stated that the verbal feud boiled over into a fight while he was in Houston, Texas, after Lil� Flip allegedly threatened TI�s son on a mixtape.

TI dismissed reports that he sustained serious injuries during the fight as reports have suggested, noting to on air personalities that he did not have a blemish on his body.

�Ima die by mines,� TI said. �If you�re not willing to die, or kill about the things you say [and] disrespect me, my family and my loved ones, then you might as well leave me alone.�

The rapper stated that on his end, the beef between him and Lil� Flip is over and revealed several upcoming projects.

The rapper�s Grand Hustle label will release a full length from R&B artist Governor this summer, a documentary and other projects, including an upcoming appearance on the hit television show The O.C., which is slated to air in next month.

Famed Attorney Johnny L. Cochran Dead At 67
Mar 30, 2005
Author:

Renowned attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., who made a name successfully defending celebrities like O.J. Simpson, Puff Daddy, and Snoop Dogg in high-profile cases, died today (March 29) at the age of 67.

Cochran died of an inoperable brain tumor at his home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, according to his brother-in-law Bill Baker.

His wife and his two sisters were at his side when he passed away.

"Certainly, Johnnie's career will be noted as one marked by celebrity cases and clientele," his family said in a statement. "But he and his family were most proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community."

Cochran is probably best recognized for defending football star O.J. Simpson in the early 90s during a high-profile murder trial that divided the country and made popular Cochran's lasting phrase, "If the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit."

But before then, the highly sought after attorney defended ordinary citizens against the Los Angeles Police Department's uncivil practices.

He also served as Snoop Dogg's lawyer during the rapper's trial in November of 1995 when Snoop was charged as an accomplice to murder.

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs hired Cochran when faced with charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degree, stemming from a 2001 shootout at a New York nightclub.

Combs, Simpson and Snoop Dogg were all acquitted.

More recently, Cochran defended Rosa Parks during her appeal to reopen a lawsuit against Outkast over their hit song that uses her name in the title.

In the still pending trial, Parks claimed that the group was using her name for profit without compensating her.

Outkast was later dropped as a defendant.

Cochran once mentioned that his biggest disappointment came when his client Elmer "Geronimo Ji Jaga" Pratt, a Nationalist activist, Vietnam War veteran and godfather to Tupac Shakur, was convicted of murder in 1972.

Authorities alleged that Pratt robbed and shot a young white couple on a tennis court in 1968.

The woman died, and her husband survived to identify Pratt in a line-up two years after the shooting.

A judge in Orange County overturned Pratt's conviction in 1997 after he served 27 years in prison, a day Cochran described to the Los Angeles Times as the happiest in his career.

"Johnny would be one the attorneys that we would get to assist the Panthers. He's like my brother. We are like family members," Geronimo told AllHipHop.com. "Johnny was always there. �Johnny was instrumental in a lot of tactic. He is a media personality."

Cochran received a law degree from Loyola Marymount University in 1962 after graduating from UCLA.

His national law firm Cochran, Cherry, Givens & Smith, L.L.P. eventually became "The Cochran Firm" and is the country's largest personal injury plaintiffs tort law firm.

The Cochran Firm, which currently has offices in California, Florida, Georgia, New York, and Washington, D.C. among other places, has not released a statement yet.

Funeral services for Cochran have yet to be announced.

Suge Ordered To Pay 7 Million
Mar 30, 2005
Author:

A Los Angeles judge has ordered Suge Knight to pay 7 million to Lydia Harris, who claims in a lawsuit that she helped found Death Row Records.

According to the Associated Press, Superior Court Judge Ronald M. Sohigian ordered the Hip-Hop mogul to pay the money after he and his lawyer didn�t answer necessary legal inquiries in the case or offer other information. This information was meant to be shared with Harris� counsel.

The settlement against Knight amounts to million in punitive damages, million in economic damages and million in non-economic damages, the AP reported.

Harris is married to convicted drug dealer Michael "Harry O" Harris, who is presently incarcerated. Harry O has maintained that he provided .5 million in seed money for Death Row.

In a 2002 lawsuit, which never came to fruition, Lydia Harris charged that Knight forced her out of Death Row after it began to be successful. She alleges, they were equal partners in 1989.

Representatives for Knight were unavailable at press time.

Elephant Man launches 'Ova Di Wall', new album in stores this summer
Mar 28, 2005
Author:

(New York-March 28th) Elephant Man has begun a US tour to promote the release of his new album 'Ova Di Wall'. The Energy God thrilled audiences last week with 2 shows back-to-back at SOB's night club in Manhattan. The show, which was promoted by New York radio station Hot 97 and sponsored by Navan Liquor, launched a 2 month national tour with supporting act Kiprich and the usual cast of dancers and singers.



Elephant Man hit the international scene in 2003 with the release of his album Good 2 Go, his first with VP Records. With songs like 'Pon Di River' and 'Jook Gal' Elephant Man brought dancehall dancing to the forefront and was nominated for an MTV2 Video Music Award, Vibe Award, and won the first ever Source Award for dancehall reggae. Elephant Man's exposure to the mainstream was furthered by an endorsement deal with Puma who used the artist's song 'All Out' in its first ever North American TV ad campaign. The new album 'Ova Di Wall' will be in stores this summer, "It's a hybrid dancehall album, if you're a hip hop fan, a reggaeton fan, or straight dancehall or reggae fan, there will be something on there for you" the artist said about the collection of songs being considered for the album.



Since the crossover success of the last album, Elephant Man has been busy touring and remixing tracks with a variety of artists "I have been blessed to work with so many different artists recently, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Lil Jon, and so many others, it has really inspired me." Elephant Man continues to add his impressive list of collaborators with Reggaeton artists Daddy Yankee and Pitbull on the remix of 'Rah Rah', produced by Hot 97's Bobby Konders' Massive B label. Another recent collaboration was with southern hip hop artist David Banner titled 'Shake That Booty (Krumpa Remix)' on the Black Chiney produced Kopa Riddim "I sing about booty shaking, cuz that's what the girls do in Jamaica, it's an inspiration to me."



Another of Elephant Man's inspirations is dancing, a member of his entourage the dancer Gerald Levy a.k.a. Bogle, was recently gunned down after a party called 'Whedi Whedi' in Jamaica. The dancing icon's passing had a profound affect on the entertainer, "Music and dancing go hand in hand, whether it's the slowest music, or the fastest, you are dancing, Bogle was an inspiration to us all, he was a good friend from my hometown" Elephant Man's home Seaview Gardens, an area of Kingston plagued by gang violence, is also an influence on the artist. "When you hear me say 'Bad Man a Bad Man' or talk about the gansta's, I'm using the slang from the street, because there are enough gangsta's in Seaview Garden, and they influence the music like everything else."



Elephant Man's Ova Di Wall Tour continues until the end of April when he will be appearing with Snoop Dog, The Game, and Jadakiss, for a show in upstate New York. Stay tuned to VP Records on release date information for the new album 'Ova Di Wall' and check your local listings to see when the 'Ova Di Wall' tour will be coming to your area.

Sources Say Lil Flip And TI Have Physical Confrontation
Mar 25, 2005
Author:

According to sources, a brewing feud between T.I. and Little Flip has allegedly resulted in a physical confrontation in Houston, Texas.

Sources stated TI appeared on 97.9 earlier in the day making negative remarks and stated on air that they were heading to Flip's Cloverland neighborhood."

After hearing TI's remarks, they met at a detail shop near Cloverburger, where TI and some of his people were shooting a DVD or something," a source told AllHipHop.com.

"C Note got out of the car first and TI didn't know Flip was there. When Flip came out of the car, they started fighting."

Source said TI appeared on the station after the altercation, but would neither confirm nor deny the incident.

Representatives for Flip or TI could not be reached at press time.

Billboard Magazine names VP Records as top independent reggae label
Mar 25, 2005
Author:

March 19, 2005) Year-to-date charts identifying top independent labels in Billboard magazine this week naming top independent labels and top albums in various genres that span across the Billboard charts. VP Records was named as the Top Reggae Label, and Top Reggae Album for Strictly The Best Vol. 31. The list is based on Billboard chart information covering the 12 month period starting with the Feb. 7, 2004, issue through the Jan. 29, 2005, issue.



The independent charts are a summary of all the titles sold by non-major distributors (not under the umbrella of the four largest record company conglomerates). Top albums are based exclusively on point-of-sale information compiled by Nielsen Soundscan. This report was a special section in the latest Billboard that focuses on the Underground a special report on Independent report on independent music.



VP shares the top with heavy weights in other genres including TVT (Top Indie/Rap), BME (Top imprint label), Koch (Top digital distributor), and Sub Pop (Top electronic label).

LADY SAW appears on showtime at the Apollo
Mar 25, 2005
Author:

Saturday (late night), March 26th

NBC

1:00 AM

directly after

Saturday Night Live

Woman smuggled ganja for love
Mar 24, 2005
Author:

A JAPANESE WOMAN whose attorney told the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday she agreed to smuggle about 9.98kg (22lbs) of ganja out of love for a man she met in Jamaica, was sentenced to eight months in jail.

Twenty-five-year-old telephone operator Aoi Yamaki of a Tokyo address was also fined 1,000 after she pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in and taking steps preparatory to exporting ganja.

Yamaki was held at the Sangster International Airport on February 22 at around 7:45pm when the dark blue suitcase she had checked in was searched at the security check point and found to contain 11 parcels of compressed ganja was found in a secret compartment.

The court heard that when asked about it she denied knowledge of it.

In court yesterday, attorney at law Mr Clive Mullings who represented Yamaki asked the court to show leniency. He told the court, the accused woman had met a young man while she was here on vacation and he asked her to take back the drugs telling her it was no big deal as it grew naturally in Jamaica.

She was fined ,000 or six months for possession and 6,000 or six months for taking steps to export ganja.

She was also sentenced to eight months mandatory and would serve and additional 12 months if the fines are not paid as Resident Magistrate Evan Brown ruled the sentences are to run consecutively if the fines are not paid

Nelly�s Sister Passes From Leukemia
Mar 24, 2005
Author:

Sadly, Nelly has lost his sister Jackie Donohue to a years-old bout with leukemia.

Donohue, 31, died Thursday morning after the cancer came out of remission.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jackie Donahue, 31, who lost her 3-year battle with leukemia this morning," the family told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "We want to thank everyone for their love and support of Jackie. In particular, we want to thank those who participated in the Jes Us 4 Jackie bone marrow drives."

In March of 2001, Donahue was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and had beaten the disease until she suffered a relapse in January 2003.

Consequently, she and Nelly established the non-profit Jes-US-4-Jackie as a way to raise awareness about leukemia and to find her a possible bone marrow donor.

"We are very proud of her efforts to educate and raise awareness about the disease and the need for African-Americans to join the National Donor Registry. She will always be remembered for her loving spirit, energy, courage and unshakeable faith."

Nelly cancelled his recent concert appearances after learning about his sister�s passing.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.

Gunfire At Nas Concert Halts Show
Mar 23, 2005
Author:

A UK show by Nas was halted by gunfire when someone fired a gun during a concert the rapper was holding inside Brixton Academy.

The shooting occurred 25 minutes into the rapper's performance, prompting a scramble for the doors.

Sources with Nas said the rapper was not harmed during the incident, which allegedly took police officers over 30 minutes to respond to.

As of press time, no injuries were reported.The UK Guardian reported that shortly before the shooting, Nas told the crowd the atmosphere reminded him of New York.

"Halfway through his set, it sounded like 3 shots were let off," an eyewitness on the side of the stage told AllHipHop.com. "I was at the side of the stage. I doubt anyone was trying to shoot Nas, but you're in Brixton, the heart of London's biggest ghetto. There's too many guns on the streets out here."

The United Kingdom has been plagued by a rise in gun culture.

Last week, gun control activists in the UK lashed out at 50 Cent and Reebok, over references to guns and violence in the "I Am What I Am" advertising campaign.

Students step 'Up to the Line'
Mar 23, 2005
Author: www.jamaica-star.com

THE STREETS OF Half-Way Tree were like a war zone on Saturday night, as the bitter feelings of sour losers at the VMBS Athletics Champs were being expressed. Inside Skateland, however, things were a bit better for many.

Hundreds of other schoolers sanded down their bitterness with the hard jugglings of the sound systems present for 'Up To The Line', the official After Champs Fete.

These students made it clear they meant business for the night, despite being out since early Saturday morning.

Stepping into the packed skating rink, the heavy odour which seeped through the nose was indication enough that many of them had not yet gone home after a sweaty day at the National Stadium.

For the uninitiated, it may have been a slight stinger to see students behaving the way many of them did, but surprisingly no one looked out of place. Saturday night's session was predominantly a schoolers affair, but the session resembled any other street party.

For one, the best herb in the house was being sold in copious quantities, liquor was aplenty, and cigarettes were there for anyone who wanted to buy from vendors.


Well adapted


The schoolers seemed well adapted to the living, as they lit up their joints and drank away whatever trouble they had had for the day.

Those who were not doing this, danced.

Couples laced their moves on the packed dance floor with the expert steps of seasoned dancers. No one was guessing their steps, so the adults there had stiff competition on the dance floor.

At roughly 1:45 a.m., a fight broke out towards the back section of the venue, but things got back on track shortly afterwards.

Showtime kicked off later on with the duo Naa Switch. They pulled a small amount of attention to themselves but not enough to charge the venue. The same fate followed Step Father and Son who were next, and the artistes after them as well.

It took Sugar Roy and Conrad Crystal to step up the notch for the young audience, as they did three tracks before leaving for another show.

Following this duo, the floodgates opened with the Assassin-led Red Square crew who were joined on-stage by everyone else afterwards.

Assassin held his own in customary fashion, with Briggy Benz, Greg Hinds and Sugar Slick enjoying some of the spotlight.

The Gangbang team was slowly generating a buzz but one of the members was constantly pulled off the stage by the passionate teens. Pickney then joined the fun to cap off the performances for the show.

No sooner than they left the stage, Dangazone sound system started playing again and with no explanation the show ended. The exodus towards the exit by that time was sign that the session was over.

Eminem Withdraws Source Suit
Mar 21, 2005
Author:

Eminem and The Source magazine may have come to the end of their legal crusade against each other.

Earlier in the week, the Detroit rapper withdrew a copyright infringement suit from a Manhattan Federal Court, but a judge wouldn�t formally rule on the case until Monday.

If the suit is withdrawn, the magazine would be free to publish lyrics from demo session where the rapper made disparaging and racially charged comments about African Americans.

The withdrawal, both sides are claming victory, according to eurweb.com.

Eminem�s lawyer Donald David said, "There is nothing left to win. The judge already decided we have the copyright, and he awarded us 1,000 in sanctions. So the case has no purpose anymore."

However, Dave Mays, the co-owner of The Source, offered a countering point.

"They want this withdrawal so they can avoid the public embarrassment of having Eminem on trial in New York,� Mays said. �We have been vindicated whichever way it goes."

The Source previously issued clips of the rapper�s racially charged inside of an issue that harshly criticized the rapper.

Ray Benzino, the other co-owner of The Source, said that he attempted to resolve his issues with Eminem, but the talks never had a chance to happen.

�Late last year, I called for a sit-down with Eminem and his camp in an attempt to resolve our ongoing beef, but my calls were rejected,� said Benzino in a statement. �In fact, Eminem responded by rolling up on my partner with 15 guys at a radio station in Detroit to try to intimidate him as well as radio station personnel.�

is LIL KIM getting ready for jail?
Mar 21, 2005
Author:

Tupac did it. Beanie Sigel did it. Shyne did it. And, Lil�Kim is doing it. Despite a conviction on perjury charges, Lil� Kim has starting to record songs, apparently bracing for a stay in prison. According to her publicist, "She is actively in the studio recording," and said that Kim would also continue to market her clothing line and her jewelry/watch line. Last Thursday, the Brooklyn-bred rapper was convicted on three counts of perjury and one of conspiracy, which amounts to a possible 20 year in jail. Legal experts have speculated that Kim will receive anywhere from 3-7 years as a first time felony offender. The Grammy Award winner will be sentenced on June 24.

Lil� Kim: The Ladies Speak Up On Verdict
Mar 18, 2005
Author: allhip.com

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Lil� Kim: The Ladies Speak Up On Verdict
By Clover Hope and Houston Williams



For the first time in Hip-Hop, a female rapper has taken a similar path that has faced a number of male MC�s.

Lil� Kim�s high-profile legal case penetrated through the walls of Hip-Hop and emptied into the mainstream - and she was declared guilty.

Lil� Kim�s fate on perjury charges was deliberated over a mere two days by a Manhattan jury who decided that she blatantly lied about the now notorious 2001 shooting outside Hot 97 radio station.

Kimberly Jones now faces up to 20 years in prison and females inside the rap game are speaking out.

�I would really lobby the Hip-Hop community to examine this verdict. It's quite telling [of] the harsh contrast of her verdict versus the other verdicts that go against persons who are not in the Hip-Hop community,� Shemia Miller, a marketing executive with The Game�s Blackwallstreet, told AllHipHop.com. �Lil Kim is our Black Madonna and we should respect her contribution to the Hip-Hop community.�

Kim, never a stranger to the spotlight, has appeared in various media circuits since her trial began�from music outlets to newspapers and news channels nationwide. But when her 20-minute long verdict was read, the Brooklyn native seemed to shun the spotlight she so avidly absorbed and pursued. She showed no visible emotion, while her supporters wept silently and her mother, Ruby Mae, crumbled in her seat.

"I am disappointed in the verdict. However I was acquitted of the most serious charge, obstruction of justice," Kim said in a statement following the verdict. "Throughout my life, I have always lived with adversity and will continue to have faith and do good for my family, friends and fans."

Kim may be the first publicly known female rap figure in her predicament, but she�s only the latest rap victim of the American legal system. While some, like Death Row CEO Suge Knight, have been in and out of prison, others had short stints and vowed never to go back. G-Unit member Tony Yayo was introduced to hip-hop as the incarcerated member of 50 Cent�s rap crew, who frequently bore �Free Yayo� T-shirts. Shyne, Styles P, Beanie Sigel, and the list goes on. But never a female MC.

Furthermore, she was prosecuted in New York, a town that has a �rap task force� and an apparent longing to take legal action against

Bounty Killa charged for speeding
Mar 16, 2005
Author:

IT WAS ,000, two points or 10 days hard labour for entertainer Rodney Pryce also known as Bounty Killer.

Pryce who was charged with exceeding the speed limit appeared in the Spanish Town RM Court, yesterday before Senior Resident Magistrate Lorna Errar Gayle.

When his name was called, the entertainer walked to the door, the judge then made enquiry of the officers if he needs fanfare to walk in. He took the dock smiling. When he was pleaded he told the court he was guilty.

On August 28 last year at about 4 p.m, when Bounty Killer was spotted by police along the Mandela Highway doing 80 mph in a 50 mph zone.

Mr. Pryce paid his fine and walked out of the court with his entourage awaiting.

50 Cent's Reebok Ads Cause Stir In U.K.
Mar 16, 2005
Author: www.allhiphop.com

Reebok�s �I am what I am� campaign has come under fire in the U.K. due to graphic images of rapper 50 Cent.

The television ads feature 50 Cent counting to nine relating the number to the amount of times he was shot in 2000, while the print ads feature the rapper with finger print records.

The Disarm Trust, an anti-gun charity in the U.K., called the ads �irresponsible and despicable,� and said the company �was preying on young impressionable black males.�

Reebok denied the Disarm Trust�s claims and stated that the advertisements were �edgy� and would only be featured in adult oriented media outlets.

"Reebok does not condone every action, choice or view expressed by the athletes and entertainers who wear our products," a spokesperson for the company stated.

50 Cent recently landed in hot water in the United States, when he booted former cohort The Game from his G-Unit clique on New York's Hot 97.

Game, who was on rival station Power 105, went to Hot 97�s offices to confront 50 Cent and in the resulting fracas, an associate of Game was shot in the buttocks.

The two men later held a press conference at the Schomburg Center in Harlem, New York, to end the growing tension between the two camps.

The �I am what I am� campaign features Allen Iverson, Andy Roddick, Jay-Z, Lucy Liu, Yao Ming, 50 Cent and others.

A press release issued by Reebok called the global campaign the largest advertising spend in nearly a decade.

The U.K. has experienced a surge in violence involving gun crimes, but the overall level of gun crime in the country is relatively low.

According to the U.K.�s Home Office website, gun violence accounted for less than half of 1 percent of all crime recorded by police.

Lil jon almost arrested
Mar 16, 2005
Author:

Lil' Jon, The King of Crunk, was almost arrested last week during the taping of a MTV Spring Break concert in Panama City, Florida. New York's Daily News reports that Lil' Jon ordered the women in the crowd to "show their goodies" or the show wouldn't go on. The women in the audience complied and removed their tops, but police were called in when the crowd began to get rowdy. Lil' Jon avoided getting arrested by talking the crowd into calming down and getting the women to put their tops back on. In related news, Lil' Jon & The Eastside Boyz are currently promoting their latest album, Crunk Juice, which was recently certified double-platinum for sales of two million copies.

I Wayne Rocks Club Speed with Hot 97
Mar 12, 2005
Author: www.vprecords.com

ON SUNDAY NIGHT, MARCH 6th, EMERGING REGGAE SENSATION I WAYNE WOWED A NEW YORK CITY AUDIENCE AT CLUB SPEEED IN MANHATTAN, PERFORMING FOR A CROWD OF NEARLY 1000 PEOPLE. OPENING THE SET WITH THE TITLE TRACK FROM HIS UPCOMING ALBUM "LAVA GROUND," I WAYNE HAD THE AUDIENCE IN HIS GRIP FROM THE ONSET. THE CROWD WAS ALSO TREATED TO THE SOULFUL "LIVING IN LOVE" OVER THE POPULAR "HARD TIMES" RIDDIM. THE REAL MOMENT OF THE NIGHT ARRIVED WHEN THE OPENING NOTES TO THE SMASH HIT "CAN'T SATISFY HER" ECHOED THROUGH THE PA. I WAYNE'S SELECTOR, BABYFACE, HAD TO PULL UP AND PULL UP AGAIN UNTIL THE AUDIENCE WAS IN A FRENZY. NEARLY EVERY PERSON IN THE SWEATY, JAM-PACKED ROOM WAS SCREAMING THE SONG, LYRIC FOR LYRIC, AT THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS. "CAN'T SATISFY HER" CLIMBED TO #65 (80) ON THIS WEEK'S BILLBOARD HOT R&B/HIP HOP SINGLES CHART, A FEAT FOR ANY REGGAE ARTIST.

FURTHER CEMENTING I WAYNE'S STATUS AT THE TOP OF THE REGGAE HEAP, LONG-TIME HOT 97 DJ / RADIO PERSONALITY AND EVENT ORGANIZER MISTER CEE HAD THIS TO SAY ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE - "I WAYNE'S SHOW AT CLUB SPEEED WAS INCREDIBLE!!!! GREAT STAGE PRESENCE, GREAT COMMAND OF THE CROWD AND THE LADIES LOVE HIM. I'M PROUD TO HAVE BROUGHT THE FUTURE OF CONSCIOUS REGGAE TO THE LEGENDARY CLUB SPEEED!!!"

Mr easy nominated for 2 awards!
Mar 12, 2005
Author:www.rudegal.com

The 2005 Annual International Reggae & World Music Awards have honored Mr. Easy with nominations in two categories. He�s been nominated for the category of �Most Improved Entertainer� and �Most Promising Entertainer�. Martin�s Inter-Culture International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) has been presented yearly for the last 24 years. This year�s award show will be held on Saturday, May 7th at Columbia University in the Alfred Lerner Hall. Columbia University is located at: 115th Street and Broadway in New York City. For More details on the Award show or Martin�s Itner-Culture LTD, please visit: www.martinsinterculture.com.

Mr. Easy�s present stature is on the rise. There�s several recordings circulating the streets; �It�s Amazing� from the Slow Bounce riddim (#65 in Greensleeves� Rhythm Albums), �Troubles Stay Away� from the new THE TRUTH riddim by Kingstone Records, �Burn� featuring deejay Hallowpoint off the FUNGUS riddim � the lastest by producer Skatta.

Mr. Easy�s been enjoying wide radio play on Caribbean shows aired on college stations, community stations and even mainstream radio with the following songs; Drive Me Crazy (original BUY OUT by producer Tony Kelly), Drive Me Crazy � the remake with Kevin Lyttle, BREAK HIS HEART from the Military riddim/producer Birch (video debuting in April 2005), and a leak pre-release of BOUNCE THAT � from producer Vada Nobles, a surefire mainstream hit! A review of Mr. Easy's song BREAK HIS HEART is featured in the March 2005 issue of URB Magazine.

If you�re interested in securing Mr. Easy for your show/event or lining up radio/press interviews,contact management: RudeGal at 909-227-RUDE or via email at: rudegal@rudegal.com.

Foxy Brown Surrenders On Assault Charge
Mar 9, 2005
Author:

Foxy Brown turned herself in to police last night (March 7) on a misdemeanor assault charge due to an incident with a manicurist in Manhattan nail salon last year.

The incident occurred at Bloomie Nails in August of 2004.

Brown�s lawyer stated that the incident started when Brown requested a manicure and a pedicure, but only got a manicure.

When she refused to pay the bill of , the employees allegedly locked her in the store and demanded the cash.

Sources stated that during the fracas, Brown allegedly threw a cell phone at an employee.

Brown eventually escaped from the store and flagged down a police officer, who advised her to pay the tab.

The employees reported the incident to police as well. Brown�s lawyers says the two workers are motivated by money.

50 Cent And Game�s Truce
Mar 9, 2005
Author:

Ain�t no hell up in Harlem, it�s all peace. 50 Cent and The Game formally announced their truce at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture during a press conference announcing their charitable donation to the Boy Choir of Harlem.

Howard Dobson, the Director of the Schomburg Center, began the press conference by speaking on both the history the Schomburg and the Boys Choir of Harlem to the various press outlets gathered in the Langston Hughes Auditorium.

He noted that, �One of the best kept secrets about the Boys Choir of Harlem is that it is one of, if not the best, educational institutions not just in the city but in the country. The Boys Choir of Harlem and the Choir Academy for the past five years has been graduating 95% of its students and sending 95% of its students on to college.�

However, despite the Boys Choir of Harlem�s renown success, in recent years it has fallen into dire financial straits. That�s where 50 and The Game come in. After first introducing the Boys Choir�s founder, Dr. Walter J. Turnbull, he then introduced 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) and The Game (Jayceon Taylor) who strolled on stage to a large round of applause, flash bulbs and an NYPD cop snapping a picture on her camera phone.



50 Cent was in a G-Unit hoody with his diamond encrusted dangling from his neck. The Game donned in a leather bomber jacket and sported an Aftermath piece

Reading a prepared statement 50 began, �In the shadow of the untimely death of Biggie, today marks the anniversary of his death, we�re here today to show that people can rise above even the most difficult circumstances and together we can put negativity behind us. A lot of people don�t want to see it happen but we�re responding to the two most important groups, that�s ourselves and our fans.�

After announcing their intentions to contribute to the Boy Choirs, 50 went on to add, �Overall I feel like this is an opportunity for people to see us make peace,� to a round of applause.�

After some more commentary The Game stepped to the podium and after greeting the crowd chimed in, �I came a long way to be here today. On behalf of myself and 50 I want to say that we�re making a statement that is a lot louder than the sound of just two voices. We showing that you can control your destiny. Not only your destiny but your future. I�m here in the stand that I�ma control mine. Not only am I going to control mine but I�ma do it in a productive and a positive way.�

As he finished his sentence the audience burst out in applause and shouts of agreement. Game then continued, �I saw what 50 was getting involved with the Harlem Boys Choir and I basically jumped in on behalf of myself, my record label, my family [and] most importantly my son. [50 Cent] jumped in on my end with the Compton Unified School District Music Program. We here to make it happen for the future of not only my son and his son but anybody else out there who got kids, fans and the hip-hop industry. Game continued, �Hip-hop is much more bigger than�� but was cut off by a spectator yelling �Y�all!�

Unfazed he went on, �Hip-hop is much more bigger than y�all,� noting that he could see Reverend Run and Russell Simmons in the first row. �I seen Russell Simmons speak in front of the Minister Farrakhan and that�s when I was just Jayceon Taylor. No Game, no rap skills, no nothing, just broke and hungry from the hood. There�s a lot of reasons that I�m here. I could stand here all day and talk to all you guys, but I just want to apologize on behalf of myself and 50 Cent to the fans, to the radio stations, to my labels�and uh, I�m almost ashamed to have participated in the things that went on in the last couple of weeks. So I�m here, I�m apologetic.�

This was met with another round of applause before he added, �I told you mama I wasn�t going to look down when I was talking.�

Though they announced the end of any sirloin, 50 and Game�s body language indicated that they are far from being fast friends. 50 Cent and Game held up poster sized checks indicating donations of 0,000 on behalf of G-Unit and 3,500 on behalf of Black Wall Streetm Aftermath & Interscope Records, respectively. Dr. Turnbull praised (�This last graduating class of 100% graduating and all being accepted and 80% being on scholarship�that work can continue because of you gentleman coming forth.�) and accepted their charitable donations.

While Game was the first to head to exit stage right, 50 motioned for him to return at which point they both shook hands on stage while the photographers leaned forward for the photo opportunity. Questions were not taken by either artist.

50 CENT breaks records
Mar 9, 2005
Author:

50 Cent has crushed all comers in a show of retail force rarely seen these days. His new album,
The Massacre (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope) has been selling in rapid fire since its release last Thursday (2/3) and at this point looks like it will have easily moved over a million units once the counting�s done. Indeed, The Massacre�s number could potentially move as high as 1.1 or 1.2 million, though it�s too early to tell. Regardless, 50 Cent is untouchable on this week�s album chart.Rapper 50 Cent has become the first solo artist to have three singles in the US top five in the same week. His track Candy Shop remained at the top of the charts, while Disco Inferno crept up from six to five. 50 Cent also appears on rap protege The Game's song How We do.

the GAME speaks out against G UNIT!
Mar 9, 2005
Author:

The Game went on the offensive against rival 50 Cent at a Friday concert in Los Angeles.
Media outlets have been accused of instigating the situation, but the Game opted to spew, �G-Unit can suck my d**k� during a brief intermission in the show. Game specifically named 50 Cent, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Olivia and Violator Management. Meanwhile, the police in New York still seek to speak with Game about a shooting that resulted in the brief hospitalization of a member of his entourage. On the other side, 50 Cent is downplaying the beef after forcing Game out of the G-Unit clique and making several disrespectful claims against rappers in his native New York.
"A lot of things you hear out there is being said for shock value and not really as serious as people make it out to be," 50 Cent said on BET�s �106&Park� show.

man in 50's entourage arrested!
Mar 9, 2005
Author: www.supacindyonline.com

A member of 50 Cent's entourage was reportedly arrested for possession of a knife Thursday (March 3) as 50 and his crew entered CBS Studios in New York City for an appearance.
Jean Bernard, 28, was arrested at the studios, where BET is located, while 50 Cent spoke with actors Vin Diesel and Jennifer Lopez on a BET talk show. Early reports suggested that the person arrested was affiliated with 50's street team and not his G-Unit crew. According to sources, the man was related to 50's close friend and G Unit member, Tony Yayo.

VP Records signs multiple deals for digital distribution
Mar 7, 2005
Author: vprecords

VP Records has signed multiple digital distribution deals for their music with three major online music distribution companies, providing the online community with access to VP Records releases. Non exclusive digital distribution deals were recently signed between VP Records and Apple�s iTunes, MSN music download service, and Rhapsody music. The contract ensures that the most sought after reggae music from VP Records will be available to the online community.The first set of releases to be posted on the sites include Lady Saw �Striptease�, Capleton �Reign of Fire�, Beres Hammond �Love Has No Boundaries�, Strictly the Best Volume 32, and a variety of Riddim Driven titles. Over time VP Records will be making their back catalog of Reggae Hits available, allowing some of the company�s most obscure titles to become available to web browsers. �We are hitting the ground running, and keeping pace with the rest of the international music industry in terms of the future of music distribution�, said Vice President Randy Chin who orchestrated the merger among the companies. �Legal music downloads are going to be and integral part of sales in the future, and will be especially important for Reggae, because many fans of reggae cannot always find what they are looking for in their local record shops, downloading songs and albums will be an integral part of the growth of reggae music in the new millennium.� Look for new VP Releases to be available for download on iTunes, MSN, and Rhapsody.

$Multimillion heist - Armoured vehicle robbed, search on for two Guardsman employees
Mar 4, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-gleaner.com

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann: THE POLICE have launched an islandwide manhunt for two employees of Guardsman Ltd. who they believe were the masterminds behind a multimillion-dollar robbery, which took place in St. Ann on Wednesday night.

The money was stolen from a Guardsman armoured vehicle on the Haddon Pen main road near Walkerswood in St. Ann at about 10:30 p.m. by two security guards with the assistance of at least two accomplices.

While the exact amount stolen is yet to be determined, the St. Ann police, and sources at Guardsman Ltd, have estimated the loot to be over 0 million. The robbers also escaped with two firearms belonging to the company.

TWO BANDITS IDENTIFIED

Police sources have identified the two bandits as Harvey Green of Bay Farm Road and Copeland Samuels of a Waltham Park Road, both of St. Andrew addresses.

Reports are that both Green and Samuels travelled with two other colleagues from Kingston to pick up a quantity of cash at the Ocho Rios office of Guardsman Ltd.

The dramatic series of events began shortly after 10 p.m. when the crew of the armoured car collected the money and was heading back to Kingston.

On reaching a section of the Haddon Pen main road, one of the guards who was travelling in the front of the vehicle, reportedly pulled his gun and pointed it in the face of the driver and ordered him to stop.

The other rogue guard who was travelling in the back of the vehicle then held up and disarmed the crewmaster of his firearm.

A car then drove up and stopped beside the armoured vehicle from which one man alighted and entered the vehicle, taking charge of the wheel with the driver sitting in the middle, and the other guard on the passenger seat. The driver was handcuffed to the steering wheel and the man who entered the vehicle drove it into the nearby Windalco property with the car following behind.

It is reported that they stopped at a point on the property, but as they opened the back door, the crewmaster immediately jumped from the vehicle and escaped in the dark woodland.

MONEY PACKED INTO THE CAR

The men from the car, along with the two rogue guards, then packed money into the car and left the area with the other guard still handcuffed to the steering wheel of the armoured vehicle.

CCN liaison officer for St. Ann, Constable Courtney Johnson, said the guard was handcuffed and had a bag tied over his head.

Constable Johnson said the police found million in the armoured vehicle, which is now parked at the Moneague Police Station.

Up to news time, the police could not give any account of the security guard who escaped from the vehicle, and so far no one has been arrested in connection with the incident.

John Singing A Different Tune
Mar 4, 2005
Author:www.jamaica-star.com

IT SEEMS THAT in the midst of adversity, some persons are able to rise above the ashes and become stronger and more diverse in their approach to life. This is exactly what John Prendergast has done.

He is popularly known as John Hype, the dancer, but that is about to change, as Hype has also been tapping into his deejay skills in the studio.

Hype already has two recordings under his belt, the first being a song called Roses Mi Did Deh, a counteraction to the late Bogle's song, All Dem Deh.

However, he recently recorded a second song last Monday evening entitled Rich Back, a song he says he has dedicated to his fans who have become concerned about his mishaps since Bogle's death.

"Rich back, clothes weh bun out, dem nuh haffi stitch back, full white today, tomorrow a pitch black, every weh wi guh, wi have di place lock," Hype quoted from his latest tune.

According to John Hype, the song was recorded on Devonte's 'Vengeance' Rhythm at the Shocking Vibes Studio, and was written by himself and one of his friends, taking only three hours to complete.

In explaining why he chose to write such a song at this point in time, Hype said that the song was written for his fans who were concerned about what happened. "Mi jus a tell mi fans dem seh mi rich back, suh nuh worry uno self," he said.In addition, Hype says this is not just a one off opportunity to capitalise on the present situation, but he plans to continue recording songs while dancing.

"Yea man, mi a plan fi record more tune, an right yah now mi deh yah a write a tune. A more money, an double di impact. When a dancing time a dancing time, when a deejay time a deejay time, all in one package," Hype said.

In the meantime, Hype says that his fans can expect to see more of him, as the dust has started to settle."Every ting kinda a clear up now, but wi still haffi watch wi self. Jus waan tell mi fans fi keep praying for I an I, mi love all mi fans all over the world," Hype said.

KOBE BRYANT settles with his accuser
Mar 2, 2005
Author: www.supacindyonline.com

Kobe Bryant and the woman who accused him of sexual assault have agreed in principle to settle the civil lawsuit she filed against the NBA star, ABC News has learned.
Sources told ABC news that Bryant and his accuser have agreed to a settlement for emotional and other injuries she said she sustained in connection with the alleged rape. Sources say the parties are meeting this week to work out the details of the settlement, which could be signed by both parties by the end of the week.

MORE 50 CENT drama
Mar 2, 2005
Author:

50 Cent has upset Newport News, Virginia residents with his portrayal of the town on a song off The Massacre. On "Ski Mask Way," 50 tells the story of a big-city hustler who sets shop in Newport News. The Queens rapper nicknames the town Bad News, calls it "easy pickings" for hustlers and mentions buying guns from Philadelphia 76ers and Virginia native Allen Iverson's local crew. The track is featured on The Massacre, which was leaked last week, and has since angered some of the town's residents. a usic director for A local station said. "Some people are still not OK with it. But some people are looking the other way. It's really a touchy subject." DJs recently discussed the song on air and took calls from opinionated listeners. During a promotional stop at Hampton Roads last weekend, 50 stated that his references were blown out of proportion. He also said that he's grateful towards Newport News because of the support the town showed him early in his career.

50 Cent Cancels New York Appearance Amid Shooting Inquiry
Mar 2, 2005
Author:

In lieu of a shooting that occurred outside New York's Hot 97 Monday night, 50 Cent's Interscope label has cancelled the rapper's scheduled in-store appearance today (March 2) at the Times Square Virgin Megastore in Manhattan, a label spokesman announced.

50 Cent was to appear to promote his much-anticipated sophomore release, The Massacre.

The Interscope spokesman declined comment on Monday's shooting incident, which took place moments after 50 Cent broke news during an interview that Game was officially dismissed as a member of his G-Unit rap crew.

Label officials are currently trying to sort through the aftermath of 50's decision to kick Game out and how it affects his new album.

Shortly after the incident at Hot 97, shots were also fired outside Violator Management, which represents 50 Cent. The shots left the glass front door shattered and six bullet holes in the wall of the lobby.

Further details on the Hot 97 shooting identified the man shot as Kevin Reed, an associate of Game, police said. Reed, 20, of Compton was shot once in the upper leg-groin area and grazed twice � once in the leg and shoulder, police said. He was treated and released from
St. Vincent's Medical Center yesterday.

Police said they doubted Reed's story that the shooting was not linked to rap beef. While people with Reed at the time reportedly told police they were bystanders, cops believe they are all affiliated with Game.

Several members of 50 and Game's entourages left the scene after officers arrived, and police said an unclaimed dark sedan was left running outside the building.

Man Shot Not With 50 Cent; Violator Offices Shot Up
Mar 2, 2005
Author: www.allhiphop.com

Authorities have refuted early reports that a shooting victim at Hot 97 was affiliated with 50 Cent�s G-Unit. Now authorities have stated that the victim is a native of Compton, the hometown of The Game.

At the time of the shooting, 50 Cent was interviewing on Hot 97 and The Game was reportedly trying to gain entrance to Hot 97. A confrontation ensued outside after the Compton-bred rapper and his camp were prevented from getting inside of the facility.

According to sources, the wounded man was a 20-something African American male, but have not positively identified him as a member in The Game�s crew. 50 Cent, G-Unit and Olivia were immediately ushered out of a side exit to the building.

Additionally, the offices of Violator Management were also shot up. Violator is the management home of 50 Cent, Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes, among others.

The victim was shot in his leg and taken to a Manhattan hospital for examination. Police are currently investigating both shootings and no suspects were available at press time

Yesterday 50 booted Game from his powerhouse rap outfit after the younger rap star appeared on Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex this past Saturday and Angie Martinez this afternoon and refuted 50�s claim that he had a major hand in assisting Game with his debut, The Documentary.

The Game appeared on Hot 97 at the same time as 50 Cent was on Power 105 and was unaware of the announcement. It wasn�t until a caller phoned in and asked Game his thoughts on 50 Cent dissing him that the California rapper learned the news.

Game carefully avoided answering the question and responded by saying he would continue to make good music.

The next caller, however, challenged the Compton star and told him he wouldn�t be as successful without 50 Cent before Game retorted by telling the female fan to �suck it.�

In a recent interview with VIBE magazine, 50 stated he was brought in by Interscope Records to resurrect Game�s album, which according to 50 was on the verge of being shelved and Game being dropped from the label.

On Saturday, however, The Game told Funkmaster Flex that his status was never uncertain nor was He ever close to being let go by Dr. Dre or Interscope Chairman Jimmy Iovine.

�It was the truth,� an animated 50 Cent told Funkmaster Flex on Hot 97 this evening after his appearance on Power 105. �He was getting dropped. Why else would they let me be a partner on a project that [Interscope] had for two years?

�I�m so disappointed,� 50 continued. �This is crazy.�

Earlier yesterday, The Game repeated his assertions and also noted his displeasure with 50 Cent for publicizing a shoving match the duo had.

The Game compared the situation to the spat between former teammates Shaquille O�Neal and Kobe Bryant, which often took place through the media.

Yet The Game seemed to overlook comments he made during a previous Hot 97 interview when he initially discussed his and 50 butting heads over the direction of his album.

50, however, explained to Funkmaster Flex that there was no physical confrontation of any kind.

�We ain�t never had no pushing and shoving match,� said 50. �That�s entertainment. I was trying to follow up with him and not make him look crazy by saying it didn�t happen. Because he says a lot of things and then turns around and takes it back.�

50 Cent then remarked on Game calling out Jay-Z while in Amsterdam and then quickly dissipating any rumors of beef between him and the Def Jam president once he returned.

He said Game called him from overseas to check on the status of any potential disagreement Jay-Z had. 50 never got in touch with Jay-Z, but received word from sources close to Jay that the emcee was just warning Game.

The Game recently returned from a European promotional tour for The Documentary and was confronted with reports of a growing riff between him and the rest of the G-Unit camp.

Although he downplayed the situation, the rapper revealed jealousy was playing a role in the information floating around between him and his former clique.

�I been hearing mixed things, getting mixed e-mails, getting phone calls, so I don't know the nature of where this is coming from,� Game told BET�s �106 & Park.� �I just got back from Europe so I haven't heard a lot of things and at then end of the day, some people are frustrated with the success of my album.�

50, on the other hand, felt just the opposite.

�I think he has a problem with my position,� 50 said. �I think he�d like to be 50 Cent. Like, the head of the situation. To be technical, I make more of his record than he does.�

50 added that he contributed at least six songs on The Documentary, including the chorus for �Church For Thugs.�

He called Game�s album his EP before it was the Cali rapper�s album. �I muted my vocals and gave him records.�

In a moment that perhaps foreshadowed Game�s departure from G-Unit, the rapper revealed on Saturday his intentions of recording with Nas, a nemesis of 50 Cent.

Funkmaster Flex questioned Game for aligning himself with Nas, but the rapper responded: �When I have beef it seems like I�m always by myself.�

50 told listeners Game might as well cut the track with Nas now.

As for the rest of G-Unit, Young Buck apologized to 50 Cent on air while at Power 105 for his lyrics regarding Game on �Let Me In� when he rapped �You ain�t no Blood like Game.�

�He�s just a rapper, he don�t live it, man,� said Buck. The Tennessee native then offered to �take care of him� referring to Game before 50 intervened and told him it wouldn�t be necessary

Lloyd Banks simply said: �He don�t move like we move.�

Meanwhile, Jadakiss and D-Block have confirmed that they are going to respond to 50 Cent�s disses in the song �Piggy Bank.� The Yonkers native called into DJ Clue�s radio show late Monday.

�I got a whole clip loaded up,� Jadakiss said of 50. �Half a dollar is nothing. I�ma destroy this dude.�

Fat Joe, who is named in the �Piggybank� dis record, is also about to reply to 50. Joe called the rapper a �CB4 gangster� and quipped 50 has been beefing with Ja Rule for 4 years and hasn�t even slap boxed him yet.

Feb 24th:"Jay-Z Planning Return To Rap "
Jay-Z is already plotting his return to rap. The Island Def Jam Music Group President racked up a plethora of accolades in 2004, but has opted to served double duty as CEO and artist. The rapper �retired� from Hip-Hop in 2003 following the release of The Black Album and publicly stated that it would take a �miracle� for him to return. Amidst the emergence of numerous freestyles on the Net and a recent visit to New York City�s Hot 97, Jay-Z recently confirmed what many speculated. �I won't tour, and I am taking a break, but I'll be back,� He confessed to the Page Six Column in the New York Post. "I am planning on recording again.� Sources speculate that a new studio album could be offered from Jay later this year. Additionally, Jay reportedly has albums from Memphis Bleek, Young Gunz and Foxy Brown lined up this year.
-provided by jamaica-star.com
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Feb 24th:" Mystikal Eligible For Parole This Year, Writing New Material "
Incarcerated rapper Mystikal is eligible for parole in December of this year and has already begun plotting his rap comeback, according to an insider within his camp. "He's being treated real well, using the time to re-focus on some things," the source told AllHipHop.com. "He's been writing a lot. I believe he's got over 20 new songs that he's written already." Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Tyler, was sentenced in January 2004 to six years in prison for allegedly assaulting his former hairstylist. Under Louisiana state law, Mystikal was to be eligible for parole after two years. Judge Anthony Marabella also mandated that the New Orleans rapper register with the state of Louisiana as a sex offender. "He's already been in the service, so the routine is familiar to him. He is a very disciplined person," said the source of. "He's very focused on doing his time, getting it over with, getting that behind him." Police arrested Mystikal and two bodyguards for threatening to turn in the rapper's former hairstylist to police if she did not have oral sex with them, after she allegedly cashed $80,000 worth of unauthorized checks from Mystikal's bank account. Mystikal was initially charged on July 18, 2002 with extortion and aggravated rape, which, in Louisiana carries a mandatory life sentence without probation. Mystikal's lawyer, J. David Bourland, was able to lessen the charges down to sexual battery in exchange for a guilty plea. Police said they found a videotape of the alleged assault on July 19, 2002. As part of negotiations, the prosecutor agreed to seal the videotape and exclude it as evidence in the case. Upon the judge's request, however, the prosecution allowed the judge to view the tape. The two bodyguards involved in the assault also pleaded guilty. Vercy Carter was sentenced to four years in jail and Leland Ellis, up to three years. Judge Marabella reportedly read Mystikal's sentence with visible contempt. "The court is convinced that the defendant believes he is above the law and can take the law into his own hands. You received a significant break when the district attorney reduced the charges," said the judge according to the Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate at the time of the trial. "When I read the things that were said to him after his sentencing from the judge, I'm like, these people don't have a clue who this person really is," said the source. "He's built buildings, he gives money to the colleges - and this was all before any of this went on. He has served his country. He served his community on a regular basis." Prior to negotiations, Mystikal performed community service and underwent sexual assault counseling. The rapper also settled with the woman for an undisclosed amount to prevent her from filing a civil suit against him. Mystikal said he expresses his gratitude for those who have reached out with positive feedback and encouragement via written correspondence or other means. "He's been getting a lot of mail. The fans have been supportive, family has been real supportive of course, and the hip-hop industry in general has been supportive," said the insider. "People who have not contacted him directly have sent messages through the label or through his people." Under the conditions of the sentence, Judge Marabella ruled that Mystikal would have to serve five years of probation for extortion after he is released from prison. The rapper would return to jail for up to 10 more years if he violated any of the probation terms. Mystikal is currently serving time in Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility in St. Gabriel, Louisiana.
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Feb 24th:" C-Murder Shoots Video In Jail, Angers Sheriff "
C-Murder's upcoming album and music video featuring scenes of the incarcerated rapper inside prison have reportedly irked a New Orleans, Louisiana sheriff. During his long hiatus from the rap industry, C-Murder, whose real name is Corey, Miller, has remained active, recording an album called The Truest S**t I Ever Said, his first since 2002. The New Orleans-bred rapper was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly killing a 16-year-old inside a nightclub. Miller was found guilty in 2003, but his conviction was thrown out last April. The rapper has been in prison for more than three years and is currently awaiting a murder trial. In a premature version of a music video for the album's single "Y'all Heard of Me," Miller is seen in jail wearing an orange prison suit and complaining about racial profiling against blacks, the Associated Press reported. The music video also reportedly features former Cash Money rapper B.G. performing for a large crowd near the New Orleans housing projects where Miller and his brothers Percy (Master P) and Vyshonne, (Silkk the Shocker) were raised. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee told the AP that he was unaware of Miller's album and subsequent music video until Wednesday (Feb. 23) after The AP requested an interview with the rapper from prison. Lee has called Miller's music video and recordings deceitful and without consent. "Suffice it to say, I'm not pleased," Lee told the AP. "The only thing I'll say is, he will not make another video while he's in my jail." Miller's lawyer, Ron Rakosky, maintains that two film crews were granted permission from the sheriff's office to interview Miller inside jail. According to Rakosky, the music video footage was filmed by crews for Court TV and a local cable-access show. "The bottom line is, we didn't do anything wrong," said Rakosky, who added that he has urged Miller to keep rapping while imprisoned. "Here's a guy in jail, making constructive use of his time instead of withering away," Rakosky continued. "He's lost more than three years of his life, locked up for a crime he did not commit. At least he's not just sitting there, wasting away."
-provided by allhiphop.com
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Feb 24th:" 50 CENT pushed up"
50 Cent's highly anticipated album The Massacre which was scheduled to hit stores on March 8th will be out a few days earlier, on March 3rd. The album has already leaked on the Internet and the streets. The album features production and apperances from Dr. Dre, Eminem , Scott Storch, Jamie Foxx, Olivia and more. One of the most contoversial songs on the album is "Piggy Bank" where 50 takes shots at Jadakiss, Kelis, Nas , Shyne and Fat Joe. Speaking of Fat Joe, the Bronx MC is plotting a response to the track which will be featured on his sixth album All Or Nothing. The album will feature production from Timbaland, Cool & Dre, Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch and much more.
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Feb 24th:"SISQO pregnant??? "
Hip hop thong master Sisqo and his European Pop/R&B singer girlfriend Samantha Mumba are expecting to become parents later this year. Samantha is said to be 4 months pregnant.
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Feb 24th:" LIL JON, PHARRELL, JAY Z change their phone #'s!! "
Lil Jon, Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams' mobile numbers were recently posted on the Internet after a computer hacker lifted the digits from Reality TV star Paris Hilton's cell phone. Paris Hilton is finding more than her body exposed on the Internet after computer hackers posted phone numbers online that had been stored in her cell phone. The New York Daily News reported Monday that it was unclear how the numbers got posted on the Internet, but the incident happened just days after a 22-year-old man pleaded guilty to breaking into a cell phone company's protected computer and gaining access to records for millions of customers. Earlier this week, Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz picked up the Roc The Mic Award at MTV's TRL Awards. The King Of Crunk took the opportunity to tell fans to stop calling his cell phone. "Stop calling on my cell phone! I know y'all got the number off the Internet through Paris [Hilton]. Stop calling me.
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Feb 24th:" School accepts HIV student (jamaica) "
WESTERN BUREAU: ONE OF two HIV-positive boys who had been turned away from a private school in St. Ann, will start in September, HIV advocates say. The plight of the boys came to national attention on February 11 of this year when it was reported that they were booted from school because of their HIV-positive status. "The Ministry of Education made an arrangement for the (first) school to take the younger child (who is eight)," said Mrs. Donna Marie Hamilton-Ross, chairperson of the St. James Parish AIDS Action Committee. One school has agreed to take him, "but not until September," she said. The school is saying that the older boy is two months too told and therefore they cannot take him. FINAL DECISIONS "They have taken a legal loophole to say that the older one couldn't go but he was accepted at first," Mrs. Hamilton-Ross commented. "(He) has lesions so they are afraid. Plus they resent the way that it (the situation) was handled." Under the Education Ministry's HIV Management Policy for schools, no school should turn students away for this reason. Private institutions, although they work within the guidelines and framework of the Ministry of Education, may exercise their own options. "The school thinks we should have left it alone and gone somewhere else," Mrs. Hamilton-Ross said. While somewhat appeased by the prospect that one of the two children will get access to education, Mrs. Hamilton-Ross said the children are still not in school. "The students are still out of school so we are getting tutors for them and signing them up for activities that they can learn from," said Mrs. Hamilton-Ross, who stressed her concern for the older of the two boys who, "needs the fellowship." Mrs. Hamilton-Ross criticised what she cited as the duality of the Jamaican society. "Behave responsibly," she said. "Show that you are part of a community and accept the fact that we all live around HIV and are all affected (by it)."
-provided by jamaica-gleaner.com
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Feb 24th:" John Hype's new 'formila' "
ALTHOUGH NOW FAR removed from the public's eye, John Hype has still managed to do what he does best. The dancer, despite the recent tragedy of having his house torched and his life threatened, has found time to compose a new dance move titled the 'Formila'. The move is based on a new rhythm 'Di Formila', which was made by producer Alamo from Alamo Records. Hype told THE STAR that the inspiration came as soon as he heard the track from the producer. "I just listened to the rhythm and a vibe start come to me and I just made it," he stated. " To come up with everything, it took me about one day." Can't feel good Though it may seem that because he was able to create a new dance he has forgotten about his recent trouble, Hype says the reality stares him in the face every day. "I feel good inna mi body, but deep inside mi can't feel better cause yu dun know how it go already," he said. "Some people still have two minds bout the whole incident, so yu can't be sure what are everybody's intentions." He noted, however, that like nature itself, he cannot help doing what he knows best. He has built the 'Formila' dance, and is hopeful of going out to a session soon. "Mi still have my security round me but mi can't just stop partying cause party a mi life. Mi feel mi a go out in the near future, but mi caa seh where or when," he announced. Even while displaying optimism and making plans of when he would release the dance, John pointed out that the series of incidents which followed Bogle's murder not only affected him and Beenie Man, but the entire music industry. "I feel good in body, but this was a whole set back fi everybody. It was a set back fi me, fi the dancehall, the dancer dem, and fi the music. Everybody feel it."
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Feb 18th:"LOWE FREE...Reggae Boy beat drug charge rap ? "
JAMAICA STRIKER ONANDI Lowe was freed of drug charges in Northampton Crown Court in London, England today. Lowe, who was accused of attempting to possess more than a kilogramme of crack cocaine, was freed after the 12 member jury returned a not guilty verdict. The prosecution alleged that Lowe was "part of a chain of supply" who signed for a package which originally held more than �100,000 worth of the drug at his home in Northamptonshire. The drugs had actually been removed by drugs officers in Miami after the box arrived from the Caribbean. Lowe has told the court that he was accepting the package as a favour for a friend who had no permanent address in the UK and he had no idea the box held drugs. Lowe, 31, - who has 65 caps for the Reggae Boyz the Jamaica national football team, - came to Britain in 2001 and has played for Port Vale, Rushden and Diamonds and Coventry City. He earned more than �4,500 per month through football and also took appearance and goals bonuses. No need to smuggle In closing on Thursday, defence counsel Mark Graffius told the jury that Lowe was a successful footballer who had no need to smuggle drugs. "He has bettered himself, he has signed for Coventry. He is sending money home and built his mother a house," said counsel. "He is flying at this point. With all that going for him do you think you can really be sure of his guilt? "Can you exclude the possibility that he has been set up? "The bottom line is you cannot exclude that possibility and you cannot be sure. It is now the case that there is only one safe verdict and that is one of not guilty." Lowe, now of Finsbury Park, north London, denies one charge of attempting to possess a class A drug with intent to supply. He was arrested on April 14 last year after police filmed him signing for the package which held 1.17kg of the drug at a purity of 71% cocaine.If convicted, the maximum sentence he could have faced is of life imprisonment.
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Feb 18th:"BEENIE FRAMED? Deejay sings of innocence "
BEENIE MAN HAS cried on television and pleaded his innocence in many interviews but still many persons do not believe that he was not involved in Bogle's death. So the deejay has resorted to one other thing � he is now singing about it. His most recent song, Frame I an' I has been blasting across our airwaves since last week and has caused quite a lot of chatter. The song was recorded at Beenie Man's home studio, 'Kiddies Room' last week Thursday, and will be released on the Don Corleone label by Monday. In explaining his reason for recording the song, which took Beenie and co-writer Don Maffia only ten minutes to word, he told THE STAR that there are many influential persons who want to see his demise so they used Bogle's death as an opportunity to frame him. "This song is just to clear the air. Bad mind and envious people a call up mi name seh a me kill mi fren an people trying to frame us and keep us down, while turning a blind eye as to what is happening, and this is what the song is all about. It is to clear me and my friend name," Beenie said. Public chatter Since Bogle's death, there has been constant public chatter that Beenie is aware of the circumstances surrounding Bogle's death. Rumours have also circulated that there are reprisal attacks being planned for the deejay. The latter rumour is one which the deejay is taking seriously. He says he has received several death threats and has increased the security around him. "If yuh all have entertainer a plan fi kill yuh, yuh haffi do dat, and if di heat push on, mi a guh reveal di name. I have been to countries after that and other parishes and I still get love, but mi can't guh a Jungle, an dis a wah bad-minded people did want from long time," he explained. The truth As for the song itself, Beenie hopes that it will shed some light on the truth. "The truth will set us free and the song is the truth. I am already free, and none of my friends are suspects," he added. Patrick Roberts, Beenie Man's manager, says the song has been doing quite well in terms of the response he has been getting. "The feedback has been great, we have been getting the kind of feedback that a hit tune would. Everywhere you go, people a call fi it," Roberts said.
-provided by jamaica-star.com
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Feb 18th:"Tanya for 24th Raggamuffins Festival "
TANYA STEPHENS WILL fly off to California this weekend to participate in the 24th Annual Raggamuffins Festival in Long Beach, and The Bob Marley Day celebrations in San Diego and San Francisco. Stephens is scheduled to perform on Saturday, February 19 at the Long Beach Arena, Monday February 21 at the San Diego Sports Arena, and Saturday February 26 at the Billy Graham Civic Auditorium. The 24th Annual Raggamuffins Festival features top reggae and Caribbean artistes performing the best of roots, dancehall, and old-school. Traditionally, the performers attract nearly 30,000 attendees over both days.
-provided by jamaica-star.com
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Feb 18th:"WILL SMITH hating on EMINEM??"
Five years after being ridiculed on Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady," the former Fresh Prince apparently has some words for Em. Insiders say Smith's upcoming Lost And Found is a deliberate departure from his usually clean cut music. The album features a track entitled "Mr. Nice Guy" on which Big Willie addresses his good guy image and disses Slim in the process. The album features production from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Timbaland and guest appearances from Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige.
-provided by jamaica-star.com
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Feb 18th:"Comedian Bill Cosby has learned he will not face charges "
Comedian Bill Cosby has learned he will not face charges stemming from a woman's allegation he fondled her. Pennsylvania authorities found "insufficient credible and admissible evidence" to support the woman's claims. Cosby's accuser told authorities in her native Canada last month that the funnyman gave her medication which made her feel dizzy, then fondled her at his suburban Philadelphia home after a dinner out with friends in January 2004. She said she later awoke to find her bra undone and her clothes in disarray. Cosby has denied the allegations. The District attorney has said that the accuser's year-long delay in coming forward, and her contact with Cosby in the past year, weighed in the comedian's favor.
-provided by jamaica-star.com
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Feb 11th:"did SUPERHEAD catch DIDDY and FARNSWORTH in bed? "
Karrine Steffans (also known as Super-Head) is writing a tell-all about the many R&B and Hip-Hop stars she has slept with. Recently, she was overheard saying that she will tell many stories about P. Diddy's personal escapades including one night that she came in very late from an event and caught P.Diddy in the bed with Farnsworth Bentley. While many rumors have come forward before, this is the first time it will be documented.
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Feb 11th:"BILL COSBY in more hot water!! "
A semi-retired California lawyer yesterday joined a Canada woman in accusing comedian Bill Cosby of drugging and groping her. Tamara Green, 57, claimed Cosby peeled off her clothes and "tried to rape me" 30 years ago after providing what she thought were two decongestant pills at a Los Angeles restaurant he owned. Cosby's lawyer said the comedian had never met Green. "I was a starry-eyed 20-year-old wannabe and he was this famous guy," "I was introduced to him by a mutual friend, a doctor. Green said she auditioned for Cosby to join his production firm, then began working with him on a new nightclub venture. After she phoned in sick one day, he invited her to lunch, suggesting food would help, she claimed. "He gave me (some pills) ... this was Bill Cosby so I thought it was okay! I lost all motor co-ordination and he said, 'you look sick' and offered to drive me home." Once there, he removed her clothes, Green alleged. Dazed but resisting, "I told him. 'you'll have to kill me'." Cosby left "after I threw a lamp at him. He tossed $200 onto a table, which really p...d me off." After dressing, Green said, "I ... went after him because I wanted to throw the $200 in his face." But the restaurant was closed.
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Feb 11th:"R KELLY caught having SEX in the KITCHEN "
It's official: "Sex in the Kitchen" is R. Kelly's choice for the first single off his upcoming album. The record hit mixtapes a few weeks ago, and now his camp says the R. will be shooting a video soon. And what was said about his as yet untitled next LP, "Its a very sexy album". Kelly has already moved on to his next two projects while finishing up the impending solo release. He's producing on the new album by Syleena Johnson and playing the role of executive producer on a forthcoming solo effort by Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band. Wilson is already six songs deep into his album, and besides collaborations with Kelly, he's going to be teaming up with Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams.
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Feb 11th:"Queen Of Denmark Takes On Missy Elliott In Logo Dispute "
Missy Elliott�s line of clothing Respect ME with sports giant adidas, hit a bump in the road - courtesy of the Queen of Denmark. Queen Margrethe II complained that Elliott�s logo, which the superstar rapper/producer designed herself, infringed on the Royal monogram. �Adidas has never intended to copy the crown or any other symbols of the Royal family in Denmark or in any other country,� adidas Corporate PR Manager Anne Putz told AllHipHop.com. �The adidas design team worked directly with Missy Elliott on the logo which was created from the fact, that Missy Elliott is known as the queen of hip-hop. That's why the logo ended up as a crown with the M.E. monogram resembling Missy Elliott underneath.� Elliott and adidas announced the partnership and creation of the Respect ME line in April of 2004, with hopes of tapping into Elliott�s fan base and the women�s urban market. The Queen is demanding the logo be changed on the clothing line, which launched globally in November of 2004. Reports stated that adidas withdrew the line in Denmark, due to the threat of legal action from the Danish royal household. Elliott�s partnership with the German sportswear giant, is the first with an entertainer since adidas� landmark deal with Run-DMC in 1986.
-provided by allhiphop.com
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Feb 11th:"Vybz Kartel freed of assault charges "
DEEJAY ADIDJAH 'VYBZ Kartel' Palmer, Julius Watson and Anthony Wright were freed of assault charges in the Spanish Town RM court on Friday but a warrant was issued for fellow deejay Desmond 'Ninja Man' Ballentine. When the case was mentioned, Ninja Man was absent and as a result, the case against the three men was dismissed for want of prosecution and a warrant issued for his arrest. The men were before the court following an incident at the Sting Reggae show in Portmore, St. Catherine, in 2003. Reports are that at about 6:00 a.m. on December 27, Ninja Man was on stage performing when an altercation development between himself and Vybz Kartel. Ninja Man was attacked and beaten by Kartel and the other accused men. He sought medical attention and they were all charged with disorderly conduct and assault occasioning bodily harm. They made numerous court appearances, however, after a few appearances, Ninja Man has not been appearing.
-provided by jamaica-star.com
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Feb 4th:"ANTHONY ANDERSON cleared of all rape charges! "
Barbershop star Anthony Anderson is now completely free of his legal woes, after Tennessee prosecutors decided not to pursue rape charges against him. The 34-year-old actor, along with film director Wayne Witherspoon, 43, stood accused of attacking a 25-year-old female extra last summer on the set of the Sundance Film Festival success Hustle & Flow. But a judge threw out the case in the autumn, saying testimony by the accuser was some of the most suspicious he had heard in 20 years. The accuser's former boyfriend reportedly testified at a preliminary hearing that she told him that she was falsely making her claim to extract money from Anderson and Witherspoon.
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Feb 4th:"Irv and Chris Gotti pleaded not guilty"
Rap moguls Irv and Chris Gotti pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of laundering more than $1 million in drug proceeds through their record label, the Inc. (formerly Murder Inc.), in federal court in Brooklyn. The brothers, who surrendered to authorities Wednesday morning (January 26), were released after a $1 million bond was posted for each. They face up to 20 years in prison. The convicted drug lord they are alleged to be in partnership with, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, and several of his associates face the death penalty for homicide. The brothers' next court date is scheduled for March 18. After the hearing, Irv Gotti made a brief statement. "I'm gonna give you guys one comment. I want to make it very crystal clear that I don't look [badly] at the government in any way, shape or form for them thinking I'm doing anything wrong. I call myself Gotti, I made my label Murder Inc., I grew up poor, from the street. But I don't look bad at them for thinking ill things of me. In no way have I done anything wrong except make great music that people seem to love. That's all I'm guilty of".
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Feb 4th:"ANTHONY ANDERSON cleared of all rape charges! "
Barbershop star Anthony Anderson is now completely free of his legal woes, after Tennessee prosecutors decided not to pursue rape charges against him. The 34-year-old actor, along with film director Wayne Witherspoon, 43, stood accused of attacking a 25-year-old female extra last summer on the set of the Sundance Film Festival success Hustle & Flow. But a judge threw out the case in the autumn, saying testimony by the accuser was some of the most suspicious he had heard in 20 years. The accuser's former boyfriend reportedly testified at a preliminary hearing that she told him that she was falsely making her claim to extract money from Anderson and Witherspoon.
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Feb 4th:"New violence erupts in Mountain View "
AFTER MORE THAN a year of ceasefire and less than six months after a police station was opened, fighting has again erupted on Mountain View Avenue, Kingston. This time the warring is between rivals gangs on Jacques Road and it has left the community very tense. The area resembled a ghost town yesterday.But, shortly after moving to another part of the community, two men were seen with hand guns walking down the road. Other men were seen on the side-walks talking in low tones as some residents looked through their windows. Residents say the fighting began on the weekend but it was not until Tuesday night that the shooting started. They were uncertain as to what caused the current stand-off as they said prior to Tuesday night no one was killed in the area and things were calm. Internal difference "Right now we nuh know what a gwaan because a jus' pure shot a fire. Right now we siddung here so a look out but we a expect seh anyting can happen so we a prepare fi run if nutten start," said a resident. They pointed out, however, that the fighting was between men from the community and no other area. Police and residents confirmed that already a man was shot and injured and the car of another man was burnt. "Not even shop open because we nuh know what a gwaan. We hear shot a fire an' people a seh it betta we stay in so we only come now but we a go back in," said another resident. Late yesterday police revealed the feud stemmed from a dispute between men from top and bottom Jacques Road. "Another man was shot this (Wednesday) afternoon and shots were fired in the area last night and a short while ago. It seems to be an internal difference between the men," Sergeant Garey Duncan of the Mountain View Police Station, said. "The Mobile Reserves are in the area now as we speak, as we are trying to maintain a presence."
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Feb 4th:"Naomi Cambell turns Usher Down?"
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has refused to pose with ex-boyfriend Usher for Vogue For Men's magazine cover - and demanded she be pictured with rapper Sean 'P Diddy' Combs instead. Usher and Naomi ended their three-month romance last month amid reports of a series of drama. And Naomi was reportedly furious when the publication asked her to reunite with Usher for their cover, insisting she will only attend next month's photo shoot if her pal P Diddy is with her///coming up an update in the anthony anderson rape case and you'll never guess for what product LL COOL J will be in a commercial for.
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Feb 4th:"Irv and Chris Gotti turn themselves in"
Murder Inc. founder Irv "Gotti" Lorenzo, the hip-hop record label behind superstars Ja Rule and Ashanti, was charged on Wednesday with laundering more than $1 million in drug money from a multistate crack and heroin operation. Gotti, who named his company after a crime syndicate and borrowed his nickname from a Mafia don, made no secret of his friendship with Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, one of New York's most notorious drug lords. "They don't call it gangster rap for nothing," said Frederick Snellings, special agent-in-charge of the FBI's New York criminal division. "It's pretty clear that the image isn't accidental." McGriff, already in prison on a gun violation, was charged with drug dealing, racketeering and three murders. Federal prosecutors said Gotti, his brother and business partner, Chris Lorenzo, and their associates accepted frequent deliveries of McGriff's drug cash at their Manhattan offices. In exchange, Gotti cut McGriff more than $280,000 in business and personal checks and paid for tens of thousands of dollars worth of his travel and hotel costs, prosecutors charge. Ja Rule's manager and at least seven other Gotti and McGriff associates also have been charged in the case. Gotti and his brother were released on $1 million bonds Wednesday afternoon after pleading not guilty in federal court in Brooklyn. Gotti's lawyer, Gerald Lefcourt, said the brothers had been unfairly targeted for trying to help a respected figure from the rough Queens neighborhood where they grew up. McGriff's lawyer, Robert Simels, said his client told him from prison Wednesday that "it's a shame that people who tried to help him in a legitimate way are involved in defending themselves in a criminal case." The indictment seeks to seize Gotti's personal property and two of his music companies but does not target Murder Inc. itself.
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Feb 4th:"Sizzla Jailed"
REGGAE SINGER SIZZLA was yesterday sentenced to serve 15 days in jail for the language he used at the Red Label wine East Fest concert held on Christmas Day in St Thomas, but up to press time yesterday, lawyers acting on his behalf were preparing an appeal for the sentence. The singer was given the sentence in the Yallahs Resident Magistrate's Court, two weeks after pleading guilty there to the charge of using indecent language. His attorney Charmaine Rhoden had entered the guilty plea on his behalf, and had apologised to the court for Sizzla's actions. On that day (January 19), the presiding Magistrate Bertram Linton accepted the plea, but postponed handing down the judgment until yesterday. The Constabulary Communications Network, the police's information arm, that the singer was sentenced to 15 days in jail, and would spend it in the Yallahs Lockup. Road block As news of the judgement broke out, some residents of August Town, the community where Sizzla is originally from, headed to the streets of that community, blocking a section the August Town main road with debris, protesting the 15 day sentence. The police and other residents later cleared this however as news spread that an appeal was being made on Sizzla's behalf. At his previous court appearance, dozens of supporters lined the perimeter of the courthouse which was heavily guarded by police. Immediately after his dismissal from that court session, he was taken to the Traffic Court in Kingston where he answered to an outstanding traffic ticket from 1997. Sizzla is one of Jamaica's most prominent singers, and over the years has developed an enviable reputation as a talented yet uncompromising Reggae entertainer. He has had over 20 albums released to date, and tours extensively for the most part of each year. Several of his supporters at his previous court session claimed that he was being unfairly targeted by the police, as other artistes who were present at the show had used indecent language as well and they were not arrested.
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Feb 4th:"Ja rule wanted for questioning"
Two bodyguards for Ja Rule are suspected of killing one man and wounding another at a post-Christmas party on December 27th. According to the New York Post, security camera tape seized by the NYPD shows Ja Rule and his entourage coming out of the nightclub and allegedly opened fire. William �Willie Bang Bang� Clark, 39, was fatally wounded and Troy Moore, 37, was wounded. The Post reports that authorities are seeking to question the bodyguards, Ja Rule, his chauffeur and a woman who was with him when the shooting occurred. Ja Rule denied any involvement in the shooting.
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