Human Rights Organiasation calls for PM Golding to take a Lie Detector Test

January 31st, 2011 | By

Lloyd D’Aguillar a spokesman for Campaign for Social and Economic Justice is calling for Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding take a lie detector test in relation to the events leading up to the extradition of Dudus.

The group Campaign for Social and Ecomnomic Justice says it will be organising its own investigation into the actions of security forces that led to the incursion in Tivoli Gardens in May of last year, where by which almost at LEAST 75 residents lost their lives, hundreds were harassed, arrested and intimidated by police forces who claimed to be searching for alleged drug lord Dudus and his criminal companions.

The government said it would not be having a separate inquiry to investigate the deaths.

D’Aguillar says the commitee will set of a People’s Enquiry shortly.

Dior RTW Spring2011

January 30th, 2011 | By

To start off our SPRING 2011 Ready To Wear picks its none other than Dior….The eye catching colors and sheers pop first.  The movement and and draping  is very 70′s MIA.  Anybody else thinking Michelle Phipher IN Scarface.  That rich bi___ch, no work, all play, all money nostalgia seems to hit you in the face.  If your looking to do some lounging or partying on South Beach or anywhere hot, I’d imagine you’d look well prepared wearing any of these gorgeous pieces.

Check back next week to see more DHU SPRING 2011 RTW picks…

Tell us what you think of this collection….HIT or MISS?

DISTANT RELATIVES-PART3 “TRENCHTOWN ROCK”

January 30th, 2011 | By

DHU brought you part one and two of the DISTANT RELATIVES 3 part documentary a week ago.

PART 3-Trench Town Rock just dropped.  Watch Now.

RISEUP MOVIE CALLED BEST JAMAICAN FILM SINCE HARDER THEY COME

January 30th, 2011 | By

RiseUp is a documentary on the Reggae underground music scene and has toured festivals and special events around the world screening in over 25 countries and winning awards such as the AFI/DISCOVERY SILVERDOCS Best Music Documentary Award.  The film is said to tanscends genre and niche, seamlessly weaving three distinct stories into one inspiring feature-length movie that is both dramatic and explosive.

Upon viewing the film at a private screening on the Island, Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records stated that “RiseUp is the best Jamaican film since The Harder They Come”.  NBC Miami called the film “A Culture Lesson”, Variety said “RiseUp a Winner.   International audiences continue to echoed the sentiment calling RiseUP the best movie to come out of the Caribbean in many years and “saying that RiseUp is like a ‘Jamaican Hoop Dreams’.  Both The Gleaner and The Observer have heralded it a “new classic” and a “poetic film”.

read more at riseupmovie.com

VYBZ KARTEL- YEA THOUGH I

January 30th, 2011 | By

TOP TEN RICHEST DANCEHALL/REGGAE ARTISTS alive

January 30th, 2011 | By

1. Shaggy at US$22 million ($1.8 billion)

2. Jimmy Cliff at US$18 million ($1.5 billion)

3. Sean Paul at US$11 million ($944 million)

4. Ziggy Marley at US$10 million ($858 million)

5. Sean Kingston at US$7 million ($601 million)

6. Damian Marley at US$6 million ($515 million)

7. Maxi Priest at US$4.6 million ($395 million)

8. Buju Banton at US$4 million ($343 million)

9. Beenie Man at US$3.7 million ($318 million)

10. Bounty Killer at US$3 million ($258 million)

Verification of these figures are hidden within music and tour contracts, however, Urban Islandz says it has compiled its data from sources both online and offline.

“We strive to make sure the content we published is fully accurate but we cannot always guarantee this,” it stated about its list. Urban Islandz, an entertainment company, said it compiled the data to highlight “that our reggae/dancehall artistes are doing well on the global scale in the face of mounting criticisms that our music is in decline”.

Shaggy topped the list due to selling over 20 million copies worldwide of his 2001 album Hot Shot, but equally due to securing a lucrative royalty deal for that album better than 90 per cent of the industry, they said.

“Shaggy managed to sign a sweet deal with UMG, named MCA Records at the time, where he earned (greatly on) each album sold for Hot Shot. Majority of artistes are lucky to earn $1 off each album sold. The Marley’s on the other hand having their own company to work with, puts them at an advantage to earn more off album sales,” stated urbanislandz in a written response to Splash’s queries. “Regarding tour dates, again each artist’s earnings vary according to their popularity and demands. Therefore, when artistes like Sean Paul or Sean Kingston would earn an average US$40,000 per tour date, other artists like Bounty and Beenie would be brushing an average US$10,000.”

A respected musician and producer who toured with at least one the top five artistes told Splash that the data seemed credible. He spoke on condition of anonymity in order to respect private conversations with artistes.

“Sean Paul is conservative and I remember he even avoided buying a NY apartment calling it unnecessary. It is possible that Bounty Killer amassed that amount because he is also a conservative spender and has other businesses. Regarding Jimmy Cliff, definitely. He has been around from in the heyday of reggae and has been involved in music, songwriting and movies. He did songwriting for big artistes and also got his songs covered by the likes of Bruce Springsteen with Trapped. That would have been a big money earner,” he said.

The combined worth at US$90 million is greater than the annual earnings from Jamaica’s major exports including bauxite at US$85 million in 2009 (separate from the US$368 million earned from alumina exports) and sugar at US$72 million according to Bank of Jamaica statistics. It signifies the earning potential of the nation’s music which has come under threat in recent years from international gay and government lobby groups. Consequently, all the top 10 artistes made the bulk of their income prior to the mid 2000s, but Urban Islandz has not discounted Reggae/Dancehall’s future earning potential. They expect newcomers to factor on the list in the medium-term.

“Gyptian is one artiste to look out for as his career is doing exceptionally good and if this momentum takes him into next year and his album Hold Yuh sells well, he could become a strong contender. Mavado also is one to watch, something good should be happening for his career soon…Vybz Kartel is another to watch too, but may need a deal with a major label to put him there. Another reggae fusion artiste to watch is Iyaz from the Virgin Islands who is signed to Sean Kingston’s label,” Urban Islandz told Splash.

Vybz Kartel- Thank You Jah

January 29th, 2011 | By

Shawn Storm- My Life

January 29th, 2011 | By

Slain Artist Copper Cat latest video Murder/Life Goes On

January 29th, 2011 | By

Ryno stays out of jail and releases new Popcaan Diss

January 29th, 2011 | By

Ryno di Stinga kicks off 2011 by staying out of jail and up on his game….Last week Ryno pleaded guilty to offensive weapon charges in Halfway Tree Criminal Court and was ordered to pay 4,000 or do 30 days in jail.  This week he kicks of his 2011 Gaza attack releasing a new Popcaan Diss.

listen here

It is alleged that last year he, Vybz Kartel and Corey Todd had an altercation in the St. Andrews MegaMart Store and that Ryno pulled a knife during the fight. Ryno was then charged with assault and possession of a deadly weapon. Later charges were dropped at Todd’s request.

psalm 65

January 28th, 2011 | By

¹ Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

² O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

³ Iniquities prevail against me: [as for] our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

⁴ Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple.

⁵ [By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea:

⁶ Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; [being] girded with power:

⁷ Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

⁸ They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

⁹ Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

¹⁰ Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

¹¹ Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.

¹² They drop [upon] the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

¹³ The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

Vybz statement to VIBE.com

January 28th, 2011 | By

Yet another story about the man and his bleached out face and body.  Vybz ‘Cake Soap’ decided to send a statement to VIBE.com to express his feelings on the (bleaching) matter, saying:

“I’m my own man, and as such I do my own thing. When black women stop straightening their hair and wearing wigs and weaves, when white women stop getting lip and butt injections and implants, when bald men stop getting hair transplants, and when people stop getting nose jobs and cosmetic surgery then I’ll stop using the ‘cakesoap’ and we’ll all live naturally ever after. Until then, f**k you all.”

BIG YEAR AHEAD FOR BUSY

January 28th, 2011 | By

Busy has come off of a successful 2010 and it seems he plans to take it up a notch in 2011.

When asked about DOB being listed as one of the best albums of 2010 Busy said, “I worked very hard on my album D.O.B. and I’m happy that it was included on the list of top albums for 2010 in Rolling Stone magazine …2011 will be an even greater year with my music.”

DHU also told you recently about 50,000 turn out for the one night only performance of artist  in Gambia in December of last year.  Busy said “Africa was incredible, performing to over fifty thousand people was an inspiration for me and the audience knew each song word for word.”

Busy is currently working on new music and has already released three songs for the 2011 carnival season – “Do di Summn”, “Touch Di Road”, and “Brum Pum” with Trevor Off Key.

He will be heading to Trinidad in February for three weeks, to perform at various fetes across the island.

In March, Africa will have a second chance to see Busy in action as he performs for the very first time in Kenya and the Seychelles Islands.

June will see Busy Signal on a European tour, where he will make several stops in many cities and perform to what is already anticipated to be sold out shows.

Producers Shane C. Brown and Donovan Germain are working hard in studio with Busy Signal to complete a one drop album that will definitely be a favourite with his fans.

Listen to His Carnival Tunes here

Richie Stephens and Artists speak out against sensless Murder

January 28th, 2011 | By

Richie Stephens 22 year old son “Copper Cat” was viciously gunned down at the gate of his Kingston Home 7 days ago today. When the disturbing news broke about the killing of young deejay Copper Cat many artistes, producers and other industry insiders rushed to the the home of Copper Cat’s father Richie Stephens for details.

Media visited the crime scene Thursday night and noting  that scores of persons had gathered on both sides of the police tapes. Stephens was being consoled by members of the entertainment industry, family and friends.

Some of those present were Mr Lex, Khago, Sharon Burke, Scatta, Wee Pow, Singing Melody, KipRich, members of the Ruff Kutt band, Stevie Face, Heavy D, Jimmy Riley, Beres Hammond, Gyptian, Twin of Twins, DYCR, Frisco Kid, Danny Champagne and others.

Stephans talks to the media here

Since his death, many persons have been grieving and have been expressing condolenses.  Spragga Benz took to Twitter to express his sadness.

“Jah know mi hurt like Carlyle all over again, him an Copper were schoolmates at Stella Maris and Jamaica College. Condolences to Richie Stephens, mi heart cry,” said the artiste, who also lost his son Carlton Grant Jr in 2008 after he was gunned down by police.

Copper Cat was first introduced into the music business at eight years old, under the mentorship of  Richie Stephens, with the song Stay in School that enjoyed heavy rotation on all the major radio stations at the time.   He took a break from music and attended Jamaica College until 2007.  He was trying to make his return last year with a song called Life Goes On.

listen to here to some early music from the young deejay

GAZA KYM joins the ALLIANCE

January 27th, 2011 | By

It’s Official Gaza KYM has officially joined forces with the Alliance.  Gaza KYM who officially changed her name to KYM after parting ways with the Empire andVybz Kartel early last year has been taking the time out of the spotlight to hone her musical talents and give her image a makeover.

Her Mixtape  entitled ” The Rebirth of KYM” drops next month and will symbolize her new musical endeavors with the Alliance.  She says that her album is in the works.  She is scheduled to perform in Guyana and Suriname at the end of this month.

Yes Big up KYM, big up the Alliance for lookin out for the young talent in JA.  Shout out Gaza too you know we are bi partisan here at DHU.

Ninja’s family reacts to reports of prison beatings

January 27th, 2011 | By

Ninja man who has been incarcerated along with his 20 year old son and 2 others have been charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with the death of a 20 year old man in March of 2009 returns to court on Feburary 11.

Recently reports emerged that he has been beaten while in prison.  Ninja’s daughter, Samantha Ballentyne is very distraught over such reports.  According to Samantha’s mother Joy, the deejay is having a rough time “….I am here just trying to do whatever I can to help Desmond.  Ninja is the kind of guy that has given away alot to people, but when he needs help where are these people?” Joy asked.

She explained the whole situation emerged from, ironically, Samantha paid her father a visit just before leaving the island and gave him some money.   ” The reports are that money was taken from him and that caused the problem that led him to getting a fist in his face,” Joy explained.

Samantha who deejays under the alias Ninja Princess goes on to say ” I am just waitinf for a call to hear that he is out on bail.  Ninja has refused bail on numerous occasions and is now being held at Kingston’s Horizon Remand Centre.  



Michael Jackson’s doc, Dr. Conrad pleads not Guilty

January 27th, 2011 | By

Grenedian Doctor of Michael Jackson Dr. Conrad Murray pleads not guilty in the death of Michael Jackson.  He tells the judge ” I am an innocent man, Your Honor.”

Murray is actually charged with Involuntary manslaughter. Trial is set for March 28, 2011, if Murray is convicted he could face 4 years in Prison. During the preliminary hearing attended by 22 witnesses, prosecutors presented evidence which they say will prove that gross negligence killed Jackson.

According to testimony Murray waited up to an hour before he called 911 realizing Jackson had stopped breathing and didn’t tell paramedics that the singer had been given propofol.

Another Interview with the Bleacher

January 27th, 2011 | By

Addi does another interview about da Bleach.  Am I the only one getting a bit tired of this.  That is to say how many times are we going to hear and see the before and after pics of the self proclaimed “Dancehall Hero”.   As media entities in the US are get a hold of  such info (and as Dancehall Goes Global) I can’t help but wonder if the such Interviews are laced with a superior stemmed ridicule of the Techa and even more of African people as a whole.

Listen here and tell us what you think?

DANCEHALL HITS CNN

January 26th, 2011 | By

So CNN does a special on Dancehall not too long after the Canadaian show “So You think You Can Dance” featured a Dancehall Segment featuring Vybz Kartel’s Smash hit for 2010 “Clarks”.  Choreography was centered around the tune and the show got international acclaim.

Watch the segment here. Tell us What you Think.

Do you think Dancehall has gone global now that CNN (the West) takes an interest?  Will specials like this help bring dancehall onto the international scene even more than before?

I OCTANE HEADING TO NY

January 26th, 2011 | By

I-Octane is heading to New York later this week for a whirlwind press junket, meet and greet that will begin at the popular Caribbean eatery in the Big Apple, Negril Village restaurant.

I -Octane is prepared to take his music to his growing international fan base.  He seems to be off to a good start this new year as he is set to embark on a two month “My Life” Tour which will include shows in the United States, Europe and Canada.

I-Octane came off of a high year in 2010 where he scored three number one hits in Lose A Friend, My Life and Puff It.

The awards were raining on the artist as well as he picked up Stone Love culture artiste of the year, Jamaica Observer male singer of the year, Jamaica Star People’s Choice Award male singjay of the year and Hitz 92FM Male Reggae Artist of the year.   Not to mention the contract with Digicel that affords him the distinction of being the company’s brand ambassador.

I-Octane is scheduled for radio, print and television interviews, and to do a few performances in the Tri-state area.