Nikki Z Interview with Twin of Twins on Tivoli (Jamaica Unrest)

ENTERTAINMENT REPORT: ONEIL EDWARDS-DUDUS-DANCEHALL MUSIC-SHABBA-COBRA-PATRA.

Popcaan Interview With BBC Young Lion MAY 2010

Vybz Kartel Talks About Porno Pics No Apology 2010

Rampin Shop as Lisa Hype. If you look closely at the pics below you will notice that it's the same TV. Now that we all know it's the same Rampin Shop is it the same master?

Lisa Hype and Kiprich Onstage

Zebra Captured In St James for rape charges.2009

Garfield Vassell, more popularly know as Zebra, have been arrested and is now held by the St Catherine North police and is scheduled to face the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court for rape charges.

Zebra was handed over to the Bog Walk police on Friday december 11, 

2009by their St James police department. Zebra have been on the run for 

over ten months.

It's allegedly stated that the stepchild of Zebra, was sexually assaulted. This

came to light in early February 2009 when residents observed the child

behaving strangely.

Buju's Arrest continued Details Of Case Outlined

The Tampa Tribune newspaper provided extensive alleged details on the Federal drug case against dancehall / reggae superstar, Buju Banton. Below we’ve provided excerpts from the original article (which can be viewed here), which reads something like the script from a movie (described by a police spokesperson), with Banton allegedly at one point tasting a sample [as if to test quality] from a one kilo package of cocaine. Notably, it’s apparent that Banton was not actually at the scene of the alleged final transaction which led to the arrest of his alleged co-conspirators. Article excerpts in italics below.

It was Tuesday afternoon when the silver Land Rover with the tag “Jah One” pulled up to La Tropicana de Havana restaurant in Sarasota, according to federal and local law enforcement agents who were staking out the restaurant.

Mark Anthony Myrie [Buju Banton], Ian Thomas and an unidentified woman got out of the SUV. They were there, authorities say, to purchase several kilos worth of cocaine.

The episode, they say, was recorded.

Inside the restaurant, Myrie and the woman met with a confidential source, according to a federal criminal complaint against Myrie, Thomas and Mack.

The confidential source told Myrie and the woman to go to another location – which turned out to be an undercover warehouse – to continue negotiations for a large amount of cocaine, There they met with an undercover Sarasota police officer who showed Myrie and Thomas a specially equipped vehicle that contained 20 kilos of coke in hidden compartments.

Myrie and Thomas went over to the vehicle, pulled out a kilo and placed it on a table. Thomas pulled out a knife and cut open the package of cocaine.

He handed the knife to Myrie, who wiped his finger on the blade and put his finger in his mouth in what appeared to be an attempt to taste the drug.

Myrie and Thomas continued to negotiate with the confidential source until about 3 p.m., when the two men left the undercover warehouse.

The next day, Thomas called the confidential source, trying to purchase 15 kilos of cocaine. They met at an Applebees restaurant in Sarasota, where Thomas told the source his organization wanted to purchase five kilos and, if there were no problems, would buy more cocaine later.

Thomas told the source another member of his drug organization was in the parking lot with about $125,000 in cash to buy the five kilos.

Shortly after 5 p.m., Thomas and the source left Applebees and met with James Mack, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a Honda sedan parked in the lot. Thomas and the source went back into the restaurant and continued negotiating.

At about 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10, Thomas and Mack drove to the undercover warehouse, where an undercover Sarasota officer saw Mack pull large amounts of cash from a hidden compartment in the rear driver’s side of his Honda. After looking over the money, the undercover police officer gave a bag containing seven kilos of cocaine to Thomas and Mack.

As the men inspected the drugs, the undercover gave a signal and agents arrested Thomas and Mack.

Myrie … was arrested in Miami.

All three men are charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. Mack and Thomas are being held in the Pinellas County jail with no bond set.

Myrie is being held in Miami with no bond set and is scheduled to have a first appearance in Miami later this week according to Steve Cole, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tampa.

There may be more arrests to come, according to Sarasota Police Lt. Wade McVay.

“We are still investigating,” said McVay. “The investigation extends to a lot of places. This is right out of a movie script.”

 

Buju Banton Arrested In Miami Facing Drug Conspiracy Charges

Reggae artist Buju Banton CD MIX

Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star whose anti-gay lyrics have drawn international criticism, is in a federal lockup in Miami, facing drug conspiracy charges.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in custody since Thursday and will soon be transferred to Tampa, where the U.S. Attorney is charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.

Banton has homes both in Jamaica and Tamarac.

While legions of dancehall reggae enthusiasts view Banton as one of the most prolific voices of Jamaica’s poor masses, critics say he’s a gay basher whose lyrics incite violence by calling for attacking and torturing homosexuals. His song Boom Bye Bye, a dance-hall hit released in the 1990s, advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire.

As late as September, Banton’s local management told The Miami Herald that the criticism of the star was unwarranted because he had stopped singing the song years ago. The song remains a hit among reggae DJs.

Still, such lyrics have made Banton one of the more controversial reggae artists, with angry gay activists this fall forcing the cancellation of a string of concerts by the artists during a U.S. tour that included a Halloween night concert in Miami.

Recently the firestorm ratched up after the Grammys announced that Baton’s album Rasta Got Soul, released earlier this year, was up for an award.

Gay Men of African Descent and the National Black Justice Coalition joined with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in a petition drive protesting the nomination.

Source: MIAMI (CBS4)News

Vybz Kartel Gully VS Gaza Interview With Dahved Levy PT 1-3(DEC 2009)

Jamaica TVJ: Vybz Kartel and Mavado Peace meeting at Jamaica House "WE ARE NOT ENEMIES!" DEC 8,2009

Peace March for Gully & Gaza On Wednesday 9th 11- 2009

“After previously extending an invitation to Vybz Kartel to attend Mavado’s Birthday Bash, that he declined, we are glad to see that he has now seen the light and recognises the need for a show of unity at this time, albeit when the realisation has now dawned that it seems the artists will not be allowed to perform in Jamaica until this issue is resolved. This was exactly what we were trying to pre-empt with our invitation to Vybz Kartel to attend the party.

Mavado and I recently met with Bishop Herro Blair in which we put forth the idea of a peace march headed by Mavado and Vybz Karte lfrom Cassava Piece/Big Yard right to Half Way Tree or to Stadium where both could perhaps give a unification performance on stage together.This message of peace would be compounded by a “paint-out day,” ridding communities of the Gully/Gaza graffiti that now decorates many a wall and zinc fence, with the artists also taking part. We also think atangible message of peace could come in the form of a peace record. We put this latter proposition to Minister Babsy Grange who took the ideaone step further, suggesting that Artists who have feuded over the decades could take part in this record – Bounty/Beenie, Ninja/Shabba,Stitchie/San etc which we accord is an excellent idea.

In light of recent events and with the intervention at the very highest levels of the security forces and the Government, Mavado and Ihave been summoned to a meeting early next week. We are not permitted to say at this time with whom we are meeting but we believe that Vybz Kartel will also be in attendance. We are heartened that Vybz Kartel isnow prepared to move forward with a positive intent and we expect aplan of action to be formulated at this meeting.”

Dancehall top gunz Mavado and Vybz Kartel seems to be on their way of ending the musical feud, which seems to have forced Gully and Gaza fans to turn the musical feud into physical face offs.

Information reaching TuffChin.Com is that the Commissioner has called upon Mavado and Vybz Kartel to meet and have peace talks.

Vybz Kartel however stated that he respected the called for peace but, "I think they went a little overboard in making such a hasty decision, especially in light of the fact that Mavado and I are currently in negotiation as to how best we can publicly make a cry for peace.

Vybz Kartel also declared there is no animosity between him and the Gully Gad and he will definitely be available to stand with David Brooks aka Mavado on December 9th in Half Way Tree Square.

Similar sentiments hailed from Mavado's camp as Julian and Mavado recently met with Bishop Herro Blair in which they put forth the idea of a peace march headed by Mavado and Vybz Kartel from Cassava Piece/Big Yard right to Half Way Tree or to Stadium where both could perhaps give a unification performance on stage together. This message of peace would be compounded by a "paint-outday," ridding communities of the Gully/Gaza graffiti that now decoratesmany a wall and zinc fence, with the artists also taking part.

"We also think a tangible message of peace could come in the form of a peace record. We put this latter proposition to Minister Babsy Grange who took the idea one step further, suggesting that Artists who have feuded over the decades could take part in this record - Bounty/Beenie, Ninja/Shabba, Stitchie/San etc which we accord is an excellent idea".

TuffChin.Com will definitely be there to capture every moment.

Vybz Kartel interviewed at Gaza All White Party 2009

2009 Sting Budget Problem.

Isaiah Laing, head of Supreme Promotions, which stages
the huge Sting concert on Boxing Day annually has a J$10
million budget problem and rising.

Vybz Kartel is said to be demanding Us$100,000
(approximatelyJ$9 million) from the Supreme promoters
to battle the two alliance deejays at the same time.

At the launch of Sting on Tuesday night, Laing said Elephant
Man was running from a lyrical face-off with Flippa Mafia and,
as a result the 'Energy God' would not be on the show.

However, Elephant Man says he is not running from a clash. Elephant
Man says he is willing to clash Flippa Mafia at Sting if promoter Isaiah
Laing is willing to pay him Us$55,000 (approximatelyJ$5 million).

Since Guinness gave up the title sponsorship of Sting, they have
not had a sponsor pick up that huge role of title sponsorship causing
the budget shortfall.

However, there is a much more immediate need and Laing says
Sting does not have sponsorship in its all-important platinum, gold
and silver categories.

A platinum sponsor is required to put in US$500,000 on a three-year
commitment and gets title sponsorship. A contribution of US$200,000
secures a gold categorisation and presenting sponsorship status, while
an investment of US$90,000 is necessary for silver, or service sponsorship.

SQUINGY, THE LEGEND GONE TOO SOON R.I.P

Kevin “Squingy” Bennett was a legend, a product of natural, raw talent. It is with much grief that we must inform the public that he is no longer among us.
At 6:40 am on Tuesday November 24, 2009, we were informed of his death in a hospital in Tampa, Florida. It is reported that his lungs collapsed which lead to the failure of his other organs.

At little over five years ago, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Although there is no cure he had been receiving adequate treatment in both Jamaica and the United States. At this time we extend gratitude to those who have helped us to support and maintain Squingy’s life until now as that in itself is a miracle from the Almighty that he had been with us so long.

Kevin was a proud, strong, loyal and dedicated member of our family who bravely fought this obstacle to the final second and lived his life to the fullest in light of the surrounding circumstances.

We appeal to the true Squingy friends and family, the loyal Bass Odyssey fans and supporters of the music that effort be made to preserve his important legacy and contribution. Let us bury the man as a legend.

We maintain that we have always supported Squingy and the entire staff and in extension Alexandria community have stood by his side 100 per cent. Keith Walford and Kirky C are making the necessary arrangements to ship his body to Jamaica where he will receive an honourable burial.

We appeal to everyone to rise to the occasion and support us in honouring a legend for his lifetime and dedication to entertaining fans around the globe.
Thanks to those who have expressed their support and condolences, they are our strength in this time of grief.

Sincerely’
Bass Odyssey

Kartel large!

Bwoy di biggest talk on the streets is not the fact that Lisa Hype was caught going down on Vybz Kartel, but it is the fact that he is really blessed! Yeah man a whole heap a woman a sey him never did a lie inna di song whey him do sey him c—ky longer dan him nine. Fi real from di look a tings him really did a talk di truth.

And di nex’ ting whey dem a talk hard bout is that di Gaza man teck it hands down when it come to armed with the right size tool fi di job, dem all a wonder if Mavado caan measure up. Dem Vybz dey a lead yah now, cause him a guh hard wid di music and when it come to having the right size tool fi di job…well …unno done si di image pon whole heap a di site dem. But a how Lisa Hype never choke dough eeh?

RICKY TROOPER Says SQUINGY A DE NEXT VICTIM Read more

I made a speech one night in a dance say that selecting a sound system naw no pension and selectors must set them thing straight that when them sound days are over them good and people say all kind a thing about that. Now squingy is a next victim of dedicating most of his life to a sound system and now him alone a fight him struggles to deal with his health.God bless kirky c to show the youth love but it should not be so.A kieth whey own bass oddessy should a be the one to a spend pon the youth and see say him good untill god say a time for him to come home.A whole lot of fucking money squingy put in kieth pocket but some a unu ago say kieth did a pay him so him should have set him thing good but wha sound man pay selectors a fucking hand to mouth most of the time.

When a youth dedicate him life to something whey him believe in him suppose to get more respect.All squingy do come like when a cow give a pail a milk and kick it over.It should not reach a stage whey the youth honour and glory got to be sideline now to be a sorry for thing and a salvation army thing.Mi fucking vex.When mi left jaro sound people say all kind a thing but unu see now wha mi a say u got to elevate and set your thing straight.All the real selectors dem dead paupers or a live like some pussy today.Please do a research on that.Most sound owners just think bout them sound and no give a fuck about the workers who a mek dem rich in the long run.God naw sleep still and squingy is a nex victim of the use and refuse sound game.

Right now mi ago play my part to help him cause a could a me in that position cause sickness no respect no one.I will play in any fund raising dance anywhere in the world to help the youth and we ago send a thing go give him too.All who have bad to say bout mi fren suck unu mumma and bite out unu gal.Mi done talk kieth a pussy him should defend the youth honour cause a the best soldier ever fight for him.HIM A ONE BIG PUSSY. Later mi out unu set a pussy pon dancehall reggae can talk now shit now who no like hear the truth.BIG UP DREW CAUSE YOU HAVE YOU WAYS BUT YOU A GOOD YOUTH FI A HELP ONE A WE WHO GOT FUCK OVER AGAIN.

 

Bass Odyssey Official Response to Squingy's Health

SQUINGY OF BASS ODYSSEY, A LEGEND - MILLIONS SALUTE YOU WORLDWIDE.

Kevin “Squingy” Bennett is a legend. He is a product of natural, raw, born talent. This has propelled him to the top of the Dancehall arena as a selector on Bass Odyssey for nearly 20 years.

Approximately five years ago Squingy was diagnosed with a life threatening illness which out of respect for him and at his request has been kept secret. Only a select few were privileged with knowing this sensitive information as this was necessary in maintaining his health.

Having started treatment in Jamaica, he later began receiving treatment in Tampa, Florida for two main reasons. Squingy had a friend in Tampa who had a relative working in the hospital who would provide him with easy access to the required treatment. He would travel to Tampa for treatment and return to his home in Jamaica. It was of our opinion that this link would be cheaper and also ensure confidentiality. We have always done everything within our powers to maintain Squingy’s health and will continue to support him.

In the first week of November 2009, Squingy’s condition worsened and as usual he left Jamaica for Tampa to recover. It was expected that with treatment he would recover in a few weeks and return home.

Therefore it was a shock to us at Bass Odyssey to learn of the request for funds to support Squingy through the media. We consider Squingy as a part of our family and if he is now on his death bed we believe that an attempt should have been made to contact even the immediate members of his biological family such as his children and brothers before a public announcement was made on the worldwide web.

He is a father, he is a son, he is our brother and he is our friend.

Given the his current state we are unable to give any confirmation on his approval of a recent public broadcast of his illness as we along with Squingy have always made every effort to remain discreet.

Right now Squingy needs our prayers.

This message serves to formally inform all those here in Jamaica and abroad also shocked and saddened by the news. Squingy himself has a vibrant personality and believes in putting his best foot forward. Despite his illness he is hopeful and needs the support of those he has entertained globally over the years.

Bass Odyssey will support the move to raise money for Squingy’s health fund, however we believe it needs serious planning and consideration. We therefore urge the planner to get in contact with us to do what is in his best interest. The best way to maintain and preserve his health should be considered as well as maintaining the financial stability of any move taken.

We therefore take the liberty for apologizing on behalf of Jazzy T from Renaissance whose name was mentioned in the release on Sunday as he was of the opinion when contacted by the planner that the fund planning/raising was being done by us here at Bass Odyssey or at least had our endorsement.

At this sad time, we ask that Squingy’s dignity as a Legend be maintained.

Sincerely,
Bass Odyssey Management
bassodysseymusic@gmail.com
(876) 389 2568 Head Office
(876) 483 2752 Media & PR

Read more: http://urmediaempire.blogspot.com/2009/11/bass-odyssey-official-response-to.html#ixzz0XSwek8EN

SQUINGY NEEDS OUR HELP, SUPPORT AND PRAYERS!

For more than 20 years Squingy, the charismatic DJ of Jamaica?s Bass Odyssey Sound, has captivated audiences with his energetic stage presence and clever toasting skills. His undeniable talent has earned him the respect of his fellow DJs and fans across the world. Now the world-renowned entertainer has decided to permanently relocate to the United States. The decision was not an easy one for him to make; however, Squingy states that he needs to do what is best for his health and well-being. "For years, I've been traveling and entertaining the world. I've given everything to my fans and neglected my own body. I have a terminal Illness and it's time for me to focus on maintaining my health as best I can."

"Moving to the US is going to allow me to receive adequate health care." The decision is undoubtedly going to cause a stir, but Squingy is hopeful that he will continue to receive the love and support he's been getting for many years. One selector in particular has extended his support during this stressful time. Kirky-C, Owner of Poison Dart Sound, Inc. has been instrumental in Squingy?s transition. "He's been a great help to me" says Squingy. "He's given me shelter, he's provided transportation for me; he's offered his unconditional friendship and I will always be thankful to him for that." Kirky-C and others in the fraternity are seeking support from the fans, his fellow DJs and everyone who's enjoyed Squingy's music over the years. "Squingy needs everyone's support right now. 

If you're a selector, DJ, soundman, radio DJ, no matter, he needs us! Kirky-C and Poison Dart Sound along with Jazzy T from Renaissance Sound, Bobby Chin from Black Chiney, Father Tek from Tek 9 Movements, Unitec Promotions andDancehallReggae.com are organizing several dates across the United States, including Atlanta, New York and Florida, to salute Squingy. All proceeds will go to the celebrated DJ. A schedule for the dances will be published in the upcoming weeks. A fund is also being established in Squingy's honor. All donations ($1 - $1,000,000) are welcome and appreciated. 

ALL DEPOSITS TO BE MADE TO THIS ACCOUNT

BANK OF AMERICA

TAMPA, FLORIDA 

NAME ON ACCOUNT: LANDO1971

ACCOUNT#: 229026055991 

Gully & Gaza Peace?

Mavado's manager, Julian Jones-Griffith, yesterday said he wanted to publicly invite Kartel to make peace once and for all. "Basically we want to invite him to the show at Temple Hall Estate as a show of unity for the nation," Jones-Griffith said.

Jones-Griffith and Mavado have been in discussions with Bishop Herro Blair and other prominent figures to come up with a solution for the Gully/Gaza issue, which people have insisted is dividing Jamaica. Vybz Kartel is supposed to be appearing on Bolt's SuperParty in St Ann on the same night as Mavado's bash.

Jones-Griffith said: "We just want to put it out there, Mavado has been coming under pressure for this Gully/Gaza thing and I'm sure he wants a better Jamaica. I'm sure Vybz Kartel, as a Jamaican, wants the same thing. For the sake of the Jamaican youths we're inviting him to come on stage to show the people it's all about the music and dat we can live good. We want him to come and participate, its something that needs to be done and we need a big stage to do it."

According to Jones-Griffith, Kartel or his representatives can contact them before the show, through the media or simply come to the show on the night. He says Mavado is 100 per cent behind the initiative. Efforts to speak to Kartel were futile up to press time.

This will not be the first time that the two have tried to make peace. In March 2007, the deejays met with DCP Mark Shields to call for an end to the feud, however, weeks later the two were at it again. Jones-Griffith says that will not be happening again: "We've been down dis road before and we don't feel good it ended up going back to the feuding. This is not a publicity stunt, we want to explore how we can do this - reach out to di youths in schools and make it permanent. The war is in no way beneficial to anybody's career and it's bringing a lot of negative energy to the country."

The two have been feuding since 2006 and last year faced off at Sting. Since then they have come under increasing pressure garnering nationwide attention due to the negative effects of the feud.

Shabba- Give his opinion on Gaza Vs Gully

deejay Shabba Ranks lashes out against the Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer feud on Gammo Spengshow, which was recorded at theChoice FM Studios inLondon.  Shabba Ranxalso commented on the then Beenie Man, Bounty Killerfeud."For years Bounty Killer and Beenie man a kill dem one annoda and a cuss dem one annoda and none a dem don’t sell 50,000 copy records." He then added, "If Vybz Kartel waan get in a Bounty Killer Skin and Bounty waan get inna Vybz Kartel skin, a fi dem summi dat, there is a place and a spot out the there for dat. However according Shabba he still has his eyes on the prize. "Where Shabba is concern is straight elevation a mi music because wha, mi waan African to listen to mi music, mi waanJapanese fi listen to music, mi waan Indonesia, Tanzania, Slovakia a dem place deh mi waan fi listen to mi music. And this fussing and fighting and fussing and fighting people outside of our music nuh over stand that. Watch the video