DANCEHALL artist Bounty Killer walked away from the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court a free man today after an assault case against him was dropped.
Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, was arrested and charged for beating up his girlfriend, Kadeem Baker, who had indicated to the court that she was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

Police then charged Baker for creating public mischief and informed the court that she was being pressured by associates of Pryce to drop the case.

On the morning of his arrest in April Pryce reportedly called Baker and threatened her in full hearing of the police. He spent two weeks behind bars.

When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke with Mavado’s manager Julian Jones-Griffith he explained that two weeks ago Drake donated US$25,000 (JA$2.15 million) towards the building of the library. The popular rapper shot the video for his latest single Find Our Love in Jamaica in April. The rapper also visited the island prior to that for vacation.

Jones-Griffith explained: “Basically Mavado and Drake shot some scenes in Cassava Piece and struck up an immediate rapport with the people there. He thought they showed him a lot of love and he was very down to earth with them and wanted to do something positive.”

The idea for the learning center which includes a computer lab and a library, according to Jones-Griffith, was one Mavado had plans for so Drake decided to assist the project.

When THE WEEKEND STAR spoke to Drake he commented: “I had a great time when I was in Jamaica and the people of Cassava Piece showed me a lot of love. I just wanted to show back some love by helping out with Mavado’s project on the Gullyside. It’s a very positive move and something I am very happy to be a part of. Education is the key to life so to be able to assist in that process is very fulfilling.”

Two weeks ago Drake gave Mavado his contribution and since then construction has started in Cassava Piece. Jones-Griffith added: “Obviously it’s going to take more than what Drake gave so Mavado has contributed to it and pledges to put more towards it.” Tentatively the name for the library is ‘Drake and Mavado Peace Center’.

Mavado said: “I was born and grow inna Cassava Piece so mi always a look to impact di community in a positive way. We recently helped create peace between rival communities dat is going good, so we want to do sumpten new. We have been planning it for a while, when Drake was here it came up an he wanted to do sumpten to help and we mek di arrangements.”

He added: “We’re grateful for his contribution, it’s a great gesture, he is not even a Jamaican, so for him to do dis and help build a foundation of knowledge and learning in our community is, yuh nuh, appreciated. Odda successful Jamaicans should tek a leaf out of Drake’s book and gi back to di communities from weh dem born and grow.”

For Mavado and his team they are looking to Corporate Jamaica to assist in the project. Jones-Griffith said: “We’re reaching out to Corporate Jamaica which is always talking about transforming the garrison so it’s time for them to put their money where their mouth is. LIME has already pledged to give us free Internet connection and we appreciate that.”

The learning centre will be free of cost to persons from Cassava Piece as Jones-Griffith explained: “It’s a community project not a business venture. People from the community are contributing to it from the ground up and are very happy about it.”

Mavado has turned a peaceful leaf of late with a number of socially-conscious musical releases of late including: Messiah, Change Right Now and Can’t Believe.

Entertainer Buju Banton, who has been in a Florida jail awaiting trial on drug charges since last December, will have to wait a bit longer to know his fate.

The trial was again rescheduled on Friday, this time to September.

According to the Tampa Tribune newspaper, district judge James Moody moved the trial without giving a reason. The new development reportedly angered Banton’s attorney David Markus who argued that the latest date change is costly for the defence which will have to re-arrange travel plans for witnesses.

Markus also said the date change violates the Speedy Trial Act which requires a defendant’s trial to start within 70 days of them being arrested.

Objections overruled

Moody overruled Markus’ objections.

This is the third time the trial has been rescheduled. It was originally set for April 19 but two weeks before the start, Moody set it back to June 21.

The Tribune reported that a new date will be set in August.

Moody’s surprise switch is another setback for Banton and his legal team which is led by Markus, a high-profile Miami lawyer. In March, Markus lobbied for Banton to be removed to a facility where conditions are more suitable to his Rastafarian diet. That request was denied.

Banton has been incarcerated since his arrest by Federal agents in Miami on December 10. He and two other men were charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine, and face lengthy prison sentences.

The entertainer and his attorney have challenged the agents’ story, saying he was set up.

Banton (Mark Myrie) is best known for songs like Browning, Deportee and Driver. His 1995 album, Til Shiloh, is regarded as one of the great reggae albums.

He has had several clashes with gay rights groups in the United States and Europe, largely over his 1993 song Boom Bye Bye. Last year, his Rasta Got Soul tour of the US was marred by protests from gay activists.

Several shows in major cities had to be cancelled.

Drizzy Drake and crew jumped on a Gulfstream G4 yesterday and jetted back from Kingston, Jamaica after wrapping up an epic three-day video shoot for “Find My Love,” a forthcoming single from his highly anticipated album Thank Me Later.

But while in the island of the sun, the Toronto-born actor/singer/MC didn’t waste the opportunity to link up with some hometown talent. Dancehall hitmaker Mavado was on set of the new Anthony Mandler-directed flick to play a major role.

“Drake loved the vibe, mi nah lie,” Mavado told VIBE. “We did our best to make sure everything was as comfortable and smooth as possible.”

he video production team staged scenes throughout Kingston, shooting a bikini-and-bonfire beach party at Port Royal, capturing club action inside The Building (a popular New Kingston hotspot better known by its former name, Asylum), and finally heading to Mavado’s birthplace, the garrison community of Cassava Piece, better known these days as The Gully Side.

“We goin’ all the way in with this one,” Mandler tweeted of the neighborhood where many fear to tread. But Drake had so much fun kicking it in Mavado’s “Gully” community that he hung out long after Mavado had turned in for the night.

“Even after mi lef’ Cassava Piece, Drake was still there!” Movado told VIBE. “It coming like ah dessoh him born and grow!”

The camaraderie between Aubrey Drake Graham, one of the most in-demand rappers on the planet, and David Constantine Brooks, one of the hottest dancehall artists in the game, has been developing for a while now. Back in late February, the two spent some time together at Gee Jam Studios in Port Antonio—the secluded soundlab where No Doubt worked on their hit album Rock Steady.

“We really planning on doing songs together,” Mavado stated in a YouTube interview, though he also made it clear he wasn’t about to rush the process. “Big up Drake,” Mavado added. “Drake ah me dog.”

Michel—Drizzy’s love interest in the video—was just as approving, describing the Young Money rapper as “a super sweetheart” via Twitter.

Her favorite take? “The bedroom scene (by far lmao) wink wink,” she tweeted.

Jamaican born reggae phenomenon Sizzla, represented by Nhamo Chitimbe of Shumba Instrumentation and Zingiswa Sigaba of Milla Events and Communications, will be bringing his message to the continent of his roots with Sizzla’s 2010 African mission and tour. Widely recognized for his talent, versatility and unmistakable sound in the genre, Sizzla has taken his music to the next level time and again developing his own style and choosing to use his music as a powerful platform to reach the youth.

Sizzla Kalonji has released over 45 solo albums and over 15 combination albums, crossing different genres of Dancehall / Reggae. He has started his own record company, Kalonji Records; which is a joint venture with Damon Dash Music Group and Koch Records I 2006. This second generation Rastafarian movement devotee is a prolific composer who at the tender age of 33 – already has 45 solo releases under his belt.

On the 11th of March 2010, Sizzla will touch down in South Africa where he plans to spend the few days that follow – not only meeting with fans who have supported his music for many years – but also visiting some of the places of solace in South Africa for people, especially children to assist, educate and unify them throughout Africa and the universe regardless of race, colour or creed. His main objectives is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, nourish the sick, protect the weak and the aged especially the urban youth to aid, who are affected by a multitude of social economic issues.

This is only the first part of Sizzla’s exploits in Africa, where in an altruistic exercise he will be traveling in and around in Johannesburg and Pretoria spreading his message of hope and giving of himself to those communities in need, especially troubled children and youths who are in constant need of icons and leaders that they can look up to and see a positive reflection of themselves.

Sizzla has always been involved in philanthropic activity culminating in the establishment of Judgment Yard, a community centre in August Town, Jamaica. Recently he has just established in Zimbabwe and South Africa, the I’she Sizzla African Youth Foundation – aimed at uplifting and contributing to the development of Urban African Youth as well as the facilitation of sustainability projects for the elderly – on a continental scale.

By recording songs that primarily tackle issues of spirituality and social consciousness, exploring common themes, such as Babylon’s corruptive influence, the disenfranchisement of ghetto youth, oppression of the black nation and his abiding faith in Jah – Sizzla has created for himself a strong and devoted fan base worldwide.

The many successes he has enjoyed as a recording artist have allowed him to be able to put into practice what he preaches by giving back to his community. An exciting project that Sizzla is eagerly anticipating is the brand new, state of the art, world class recording studio – due to be opened soon in neighbouring state capital Harare, Zimbabwe – one of the many projects he has planned to empower others to learn how to make living out of their chosen art form.

In April – fans on this legendary reggae artist will be pleased to know that Milla Events and Communications together with Shumba Instrumentation will be taking Sizzla to embark on the long awaited SIZZLA 2010 African Tour. Catch Sizzla at venues to be announced in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and South Africa it’s going to be ‘More Fire!”

According to reports, Nas and Damian Marley has added Lil Wayne to their upcoming Distant Relatives album. The reports are based on a recently released track listing for the album which has Lil Wayne featured on a track called “My Generation” with singer Joss Stone.

The Distant Relatives tracklisting is located below:

1. As We Enter
2. Tribal War (feat. K’NAAN)
3. Strong Will Continue
4. Leaders
5. Wisdom (Sabali)
6. Count Your Blessings
7. Dispear
8. The Promised Land (feat. Dennis Brown)
9. Nah Mean
10. Angola (Friends)
11. My Generation (feat. Lil Wayne and Joss Stone)
12. Africa Must Wake Up (Feat. K’NAAN)
13. BONUS TRACK Ancient People (feat. Jr. Reid)

THE nation’s capital was at the weekend rocked with loud vibration of music which blasted the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, venue for the much-hyped ‘Sizzla Kalonji Reggae Concert’ musical.
Thousands of adult youth, most of whom were students from almost all the tertiary institutions, thronged the mega concert venue to watch celebrity artistes that had teamed up with the Jamaica reggae star.

The event attracted a large crowd including, reggae fans and stakeholders in the reggae industry.

Jamaica reggae super star, Sizzla Kalonji, who was the main artiste for the show, rocked thousands of reggae lovers in Ghana to usher in Ghana’s 53rd independence celebration.

He entertained the crowd with some of his hit-songs, and song after song, the crowd could not help but dance their hearts out to show appreciation.

Sizzla, the Jamaican born reggae super star who is one of the most successful contemporary reggae artistes, set the entire stadium on fire with his stage craft and dancing skills.

Music fans, both the young and old, danced and sang along as he performed his favourite hit songs.

He also used the show to salute Ghanaian teachers for contributing to the development of education in the country and asked them to work harder for the nation’s progress.

Sizzla, born Mignel Orlando Collins, has already released 45 solo albums and over 15 combination albums, crossing into different genres of reggae. Twenty of his albums have also made it onto the Billboards’ Top Reggae Charts worldwide.

The show was organised by Lalibela Music Limited and Aduanaba Promotion Limited, with support from GTV, Radio Gold and Vibe Fm.

Some reggae artistes that participated in the concert included Chizzy Wailer, Black Prophet, Prickie Yhardhey, Combolo, Bandana and Vibration Kings

NAS & DAMIAN MARLEY INTERVIEWS | DISTANT RELATIVES from DJ SEMTEX on Vimeo.

Nas and Damian Marley at Rock the Bells in L.A. They talk about their forth-coming ‘Distant Relatives’ project.

*The concept of Distant Relatives.
*How they hooked up.
*Working in the studio.
*K’naan gets the ultimate co-sign.
…..and more.

The Nas footage isnt the best, but thats how it goes when you get 10 minutes with one of the hottest rappers in the game in his tour bus, 12 minutes before he hits the stage.

There wasn’t enough room on the tour bus for my camera crew.

Sidebar: this was shot before the Blueprint tracklist leaked.

UP CLOSE is a real talk with the dancehall culture that takes an in depth look into the life of dancehall artistes, their circumstances, and influences that motivate their artistic genius. The series is shot at Studio 45 in Kingston Jamaica

Executive Producers: Jeremy Whittaker and Delano Forbes

Video Interview: Bounty Killer – On Stage – Talks Kartel, Beenie, Gully-Gaza [A Must See!!] (part 2)

UP CLOSE is a real talk with the dancehall culture that takes an in depth look into the life of dancehall artistes, their circumstances, and influences that motivate their artistic genius. The series is shot at Studio 45 in Kingston Jamaica

Executive Producers: Jeremy Whittaker and Delano Forbes

Bounty Killer – On Stage – Talks Kartel, Beenie, Gully-Gaza [A Must See!!] (Part 1)

UP CLOSE is a real talk with the dancehall culture that takes an in depth look into the life of dancehall artistes, their circumstances, and influences that motivate their artistic genius. The series is shot at Studio 45 in Kingston Jamaica

Executive Producers: Jeremy Whittaker and Delano Forbes

Entertainer Garfield Vassell, more popularly know as Zebra, has been held by the St Catherine North police and is scheduled to face the Linstead Resident Magistrate’s Court for sexual offenses. The Star learned from the police that Vassell was handed over to the Bog Walk police on Friday by their St James counterparts. It was eight months ago that the name of the entertainer started to circulate in the media after he was accused of sexually assaulting a close relative. strange behavior Reports are that the stepchild of Zebra, was sexually assaulted. This came to light in early February when residents observed the child behaving strangely. A report was made and the police investigation led to a series of searches for the entertainer who remained elusive until he was held in St James. Zebra came to prominence in the late 1990s with songs such as Rupert Cut in a two and Redder than Red. However, he was convicted of rape in 2002 and was sentenced to eight years hard labor and was released in July 2008

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.

Jamaican Police shut down a benefit dance promoted and emceed by world champion Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in rural St Ann parish. The thousands of fans who assembled for the event were forced to leave without seeing Vybz Kartel who was scheduled to headline the event. The dance helped to raise funds to build a community center in Bolt’s home town.

Deputy commissioner of Police, Glenmore Hinds says the show was halted after it ran two hours past the legal shutoff time. Under Jamaica s Noise Abatement Act, live events should be halted at 2am.

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) leaders in America have urged musicians to sign a new petition protesting reggae star Buju Banton’s Grammy Award nomination.

The advocacy organization is also calling on Recording Academy members not to support the nomination of Banton’s Rasta Got Soul album in the Best Reggae Album category.

GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios says, “Reggae singer Buju Banton’s anti-gay lyrics and the climate of hatred they create are a threat to the safety of gay and transgender people everywhere. In a climate of increased anti-gay violence in America and Banton’s home country of Jamaica, it is deeply disappointing that the Recording Academy would choose to laud the work of a singer who has advocated violence against the gay community.”

The petition and anti-Grammy campaign is the latest in the battle between gay rights groups and Banton, who was forced to reschedule a series of U.S. shows earlier this year when GLAAD official persuaded many venues to ban his act.

The goverment has stepped in to help end the Gaza/Gully clash between Movado and Vybz Kartel

Gaza boss Vybz Kartel has made it clear that he wants to engage both Bounty Killer and Mavado simultaneously in a lyrical showdown on stage to mark the 26th anniversary of the popular Sting concert on December 26th (Boxing Day) at Jamworld, Portmore.

Among the Portmore emperor’s list of demands was that he wanted U$100,000 (approximately J$9 million) from the Supreme promoters to battle the two alliance deejays at the same time.

“Mi waan clash Bounty and the Barba at the same time, mi ready fi deal wid it, but Laing have to pay me U$100,000 fi clash dem, and the band we use have to be Ruff Kut or it nah go happen” – Vybz Kartel added.

On Tuesday, November 24th, Sting had its 26th Anniversary launch at the Pegasus Hotel, though none of the three entertainers were in attendance the mood was still high and climaxed with some heated exchange from graffiti artiste turn deejay L.A. Lewis and Mr. G much to the delight of the fans. The two are currently embroiled in a court case after Mr. G allegedly used his license firearm to assault L.A Lewis over some unsettled payments.

Though many waited with bated breath during the presentation for an answer as to whether or not the promoters were going to grant Kartel his wish the answer unfortunately was not forthcoming. Promoter Isaiah Laing however did highlight that this year would not be another Gully-Gaza clash as that was done last year and what transpires from here onwards will be determined by the atmosphere leading closer to the event.

Major Lazer is a fictional animated character, who (according to press releases) fought as a Jamaican commando and lost his arm in a secret zombie war in 1984. He fights vampires and various monsters, parties hard, and has a rocket-powered hoverboard.
Made up of DJs Diplo and Switch, the two were introduced after working with M.I.A.. The duo’s first album, Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do was released on June 16, 2009 on Downtown Records. It was recorded in Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studios. Vocalists such as Santigold, Vybz Kartel, Ward 21, Busy Signal, Nina Sky, Amanda Blank, Mr. Vegas, Turbulence, Mapei, T.O.K, Prince Zimboo, Leftside and others contribute guest vocals to the album, as well as additional production from Afrojack and Crookers. This is the first release to come out of the label partnership between Downtown Records and Diplo’s label Mad Decent.
Major Lazer is currently on a US tour. The album’s first single was “Hold the Line”, the video for which, directed by Ferry Gouw, was nominated for a MTV Video Award in the Breakthrough Video category. The track “Zumbi” has a music video that features comedian Andy Milonakis.

Major Lazer Keep It Goin’ Louder feat. Nina Sky and Ricky Blaze official music video Downloads: mp3(song): here
mp4(movie for ipod and mobile): here