Reporting from Jamaica - Kevin Jackson

Chart Beat

• RICHIE STEPHENS DOES COLLABORATION WITH HIS MOTHER

Singing runs in Richie Stephens’ family, so it was natural that he would’ve gone the same route. His mother’s mother was a singer and so too is his mother. Recently, the singer recorded a duet with his mother, titled "Mama’s Blessings". The song will be released on his Pot of Gold label, and it is a very good effort, worth savouring.

"The feedback to the song has been great. It has been a dream of mine to record a song with my mother, and now it has materialized", Richie said recently.

Richie and his mother, Mama Carmen, have been very close all through his childhood years, and it was natural that the lyrics to the song came from the heart.

"The lyrics, the arrangement and the entire production of this song are very original. It will be released in another week and will be distributed by All Access in Central Plaza", he added.

A remake of Alton Ellis’ "You Make Me So Very Happy"; a combination with Bounty Killer titled "Outcry" and a collaboration with Joan Dixon titled "It’s a Jungle Out there" are among Richie’s latest singles. His Mexican and Acid Rock riddims are also getting much love at radio and on overseas reggae charts.

• DAMIEN "JUNIOR GONG" MARLEY NEW ALBUM DROPS

16 tracks will comprise the eagerly anticipated sophomore disc from 23-year-old Damien "Junior Gong" Marley which is titled "Half Way Tree". The Ghetto Youths/Motown album is slated to be released on Tuesday September 11.

Among those making guest appearances on the album are Bunny Wailer, Izzy, rapper Eve, Stephen Marley (who has production credits on the album), Yami Bolo and Capleton among others.

The first single from the album, "It Was Written", which features, Stephen and Capleton, is still a local radio favourite. It did well on most local charts.

The current single the double sided "Still Searching/More Justice" is doing well in the New York tri-state area. On the latest reading of the New York Reggae Top 30 Singles chart, the single moved from #22 to #16 in its 3rd week on the chart. It features Yami Bolo and Stephen Marley.

• GT Taylor and the Aggregation Rock US Nightclubs

Radio personality and show emcee GT Taylor and his sound system the Aggregation, which comprises Gash Thomas (aka Big Pun) and Jermaine Jones, recently returned from a weekend tour of the United States.

According to our sources, Taylor and his crew did dates at Club Amazura in New York and The Three C’s Club in Boston.

At Club Amazura, they unleashed their deadly turntable selection and venom at Summer Heat 2001. The event featured performances from the likes of Bunny and Skully, Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Eric Monty Morris and Leroy Sibbles.

Over in Boston at the Three C’s Club, Taylor and his crew came up against Stone Love and Afrique sound systems. Our sources said that with their mature selections of songs from Shabba Ranks, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Lt. Stitchie, Little John and Barry Brown among others, the crew easily shone among the bright sparks of the event.

• NEW RIDDIMS ON THE AIRWAVES

The Herbalist, Monday Morning and Money Gram riddims, are among the newest beats that are making some noise at local radio.

Produced by the First Name label (the same label which scored with the Full Moon and the Energy riddims), the Herbalist is a nice easy going beat which features songs such as "MTV/BET" by Determine; "Sell Out" by Capleton; "Boom Down" by Capleton and Uplifter; "Long Time" by Beenie Man; "Them Not With You" by Youthie Dread; "Women of Jamaica" by Tony Rebel; "Brighter Tomorrow" by Buju Banton; "Never Lose the Faith" by Jah Mason; "Its All Yours" by Sizzla; "How Come" by Louie Culture; and "Nuthin Naw Gwaan" by Anthony B.

"Monday Morning" riddim on the Weeded Production label was produced by Dane "Outlaw" Moo and Fabian "Goldy Lox" Francis. One of the better one drop beats currently banging at radio, this groove features the songs "Monday Morning" by Richie Spice; "Finally Free" by Turbulence; "Enough is Enough" by Luciano; "No One Said" by Mikey General; "A Place for Rastafari" by Junior Kelly; and "Wipe Your Tears" by Determine.

The "Money Gram" beat was produced by Moses Davis and Neil Amos for Free Willy Productions.

Some of the songs include "Money Gram" by Kirk Davis; "Call the Ladies" by Lukie D; "Cut Mi Speed" by Patchy; "Always Be The Man" by Beenie Man; "Time" by Beenie Man, Gringo and Razor Man; "Good Loving" by Beenie Man; "A Just So" by Gringo; "Out the Door" by N-Daddy, Shotta and Bugs; "Red Bull and Tiger Bone" by Delly Ranks; "Want a Gal" by Tanto Metro and Devonte; "Show Them How" by Shabba Ranks and Jose Wales; "Good Lifestyle" by US rap group Iconz; and "Youngster" by Kitty Paw.

Free Willy also has another beat, this one is called "Prado", which features "More Pon More" by Shabba; "Favouritisim" by Delly and Harry Toddler; as well as contributions from Danny English, Kitty Paw, N Daddy, Shawna P and Shotta.

Arthur Wale is the producer on board this project.

• BITS AND PIECES

With his charismatic persona, Delly ignited the flames at the staging of the 9th staging of the Kathleen McDaniel Foundation community event, which was held on Saturday August 25 in Trinity, Porus, Manchester. The event formed part of an all day event hosted by the McDaniel Family, in memory of their mother who died in 1992.

The event kicked off with a full slate of activities for the kids during the day. The kids were given free food and drink and school supplies as well as stationary items. After being feted, they rode on merry-go-rounds, bounce-a-bouts and other fun stuff.

The adults were not to be left out, as they too were catered to. During the night the sounds of Super Flex disco rang out as Delly, along with Tanto Metro and Devonte, Altacraz and Patchy, delivered knockout performances. Delly’s performance was nothing short of superb, as he delivered the hit songs, and the new releases, which had the large crowd singing along word for word.

Song like "Miss Call Me Too Often", "Wagga Wagga Fat", "What a Gal Can Wine", "Headache" and "Gimmie Di Weed" were hungrily consumed by the villagers.

The event also featured performances from Pinchers, Chuck Fender, Frisco Kid, and Singer J.

The following day, the McDaniel family donated proceeds from its recent MacD’s Gospel showcase, towards the Kathleen McDaniel Foundation. The Foundation is supported by the McDaniel family but maintained by a selected number of persons from the community., The Foundation provides scholarships to students from the adjoining districts, to attend basic, primary and high schools within the area.

• Electronic Music Event to bring tourists to Montego Bay

Wavz Events in Negril has teamed up with Comprehensive Outreach Program Inc. (COPI) out of Miami to stage the first ever Electronic Music Event in Montego Bay. The event is scheduled to be held from November 9-11.

Electronic Music events are very popular across the world. With a loyal fan base consisting of upper and middle class persons, the event has attracted up to 15,000 persons on day that it is held.

Originally scheduled to be held in the Dominican Republic, the event’s organizers decided to instead shift focus to Jamaica. "After careful assessment and negotiations, we were able to get them to bring the event to Jamaica for what will hopefully be an annual event", Brian Young of Wavz Events told this writer recently. Young along with Samuel Fernandez of COPI are the players who will be making sure that the event gets off and running.

The event will be covered by a number of overseas press and media including E! Entertainment, (who will be filming segments of the event for its "Wild On" series) MTV Europe and CNN World Beat. Penthouse magazine as well as various North American publications will also be coming into the island to provide additional coverage.

The Electronic Music Event will showcase over 30 top disc jocks from across the world. All the events will be taking place at 2 venues simultaneously.

Scores of tourists are expected in the island for the event. Young and his partners are hoping that the event will assist in bringing some form of positive publicity to the island, in the aftermath of the negatives that have hit the international press in recent months.

"We are going to be hosting the infamous Penthouse Pets as well as hundreds of VIPs and media on a huge yacht. Hopefully, the number of persons we are expecting in the island for the event, will boost our tourism product", said Young.

The organizers have already approached the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) for their participation in the event. "We have asked the JTB for their contribution and involvement in the event, to help us to curb the bad press that the island has been receiving in the international press. We hope that the JTB will mobilize expeditiously for the event as this could be an annual event ", Mr. Young said. "We must show organizations like COPI our gratitude for having the confidence to bring an event such as this to Jamaica in light of the current situation as far as the island’s image overseas is concerned", added Young.

So far, promotional events and parties have been organized in the United States, Canada, and Europe, to promote the event. A massive media blitz and street campaign is also being orchestrated overseas.

Mr. Young said that they have to date received support and encouragement from the Montego Bay JHTA as well as hoteliers in the Montego Bay area. Air Jamaica is the official airline for the event.

A website has being set up at www.cosmicbeach2K.com where attendees and ticket buyers will be able to book air travel, hotel accommodations and event passes, online. No tickets will be sold at the gates during the event, although various points of purchase for locals will be set up.

According to the organizers,90% of the proceeds of the event will be donated to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and UNAIDS. The proceeds will assist with cancer and AIDS research.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

• ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL PROMOTER TO SUE 112

Officials for the St. Kitts Music Festival are planning to take legal action against Bad Boy recording act 112, for their non performance on the June 21, 2001 event. Information gathered from sources close to the event, allege that 112 was booked for the event along with other R&B acts as well as dancehall acts Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas, but the organizers were informed the day of the event that 112 would not be appearing due to the illness of one of the group’s members. However, that same weekend, it is alleged that 112 performed and made appearances on other events in the United States including Janet Jackson’s "All For You" tour.

A spokesperson for the St. Kitts Music Festival claimed that US artistes are frequently uncooperative when it comes to performing on the event. In the case of 112, representatives for the group demanded full payment prior to the group leaving the United States. At the last minute, the group cancelled and have to date not returned the funds that were disbursed.

A source close to the situation, said "We have given their (112) representatives some time now to respond or to return our money, but to date this has not been forthcoming. We have no choice but to go public with this and inform any potential promoter who might be looking at working with this group".

• MR. LEX AND COBRA RESOLVE THEIR DIFFERENCES

Deejays Mr. Lex and Mad Cobra have sorted out their differences and have decided to put an end to the drama which has gotten out of proportions in recent months. We applaud this effort and we can only wish that other entertainers who are currently in "cass cass" and "passa passa" will come to their senses and realize that the music is much bigger than overzealous egos and disgusting behaviour.

When I spoke to Mr. Lex earlier this week, he said that both he and Cobra had arranged to meet at a particular recording studio, and they sorted out their problems then and there. "Everything is okay now", he said.

Mr. Lex, best known for songs including "Cook", "Divine Reasoning", "Get With It", "Full Hundred" and "Monkeys Come Out", is currently putting together the finishing touches to his upcoming album. The VP Records disc is slated to be released in November and will feature the production work from notables including Steelie and Clevie, Tony Kelly, Sly & Robbie, Delroy Foster, and Chris "Goldfinger" Cartel among others.

The still-untitled disc will comprise 18 tracks. "This album is being aimed at the international market. I plan to follow in the footsteps of Shabba Ranks who is the King of dancehall and Shaggy who is the multi-platinum seller", said Mr. Lex

Fans of the charismatic deejay will be given the opportunity to give his album a name, as they can email him at lexxusUS27007@aol.com From the names submitted, one winner will be chosen. "If it’s a female fan who wins, then she will win a date with me and maybe go to dinner. If it’s a male fan who wins, then he gets free passes to any show that I am performing on as well as the opportunity to hang with Mr. Lex for the day at a recording studio", the deejay added.

Although currently in negotiations with a number of overseas acts to finalize collaborations for the album, Mr. Lex revealed that Beres Hammond, the Gang Bang Crew, Action K, Jennifer Phillips (the sister of Chaka Khan) and others, will be featured on his upcoming album.

• JAHMEL BACK FROM US TOUR

Penthouse recording artiste, lovers rock crooner Jahmel is back in the island after completing a 3 week tour of the United States with his Dem Man Deh Band.

"The tour was a nice vibe. The people who came out for the shows were really feeling our music. It was a good experience. We went to different places in Chicago and New York. Some of the events that we also did included the "Rock the River" and the "Carifesta" events", Jahmel said.

Having completed work on a music video for his single "The Prayer", the singer/musician/songwriter is putting together the finishing touches on his upcoming album for Penthouse. Donovan Germaine produced most of the 20-odd tracks, which will comprise the disc. The album will comprise mainly lovers rock offerings as well hip-hop infused songs.

• PETER LLOYD COMPLETES NEW SINGLE, READIES FOR NEW ALBUM

Actor/broadcaster/singer Peter Lloyd has a new single that looks like it could make some noise later this year leading into the new year. The single "Walk Through Fire" which he co-wrote with Dennis Howard and Mikey Bennett, will be released in the next few weeks on 7 inch and CD single formats.

A source close to the project said its one of the best songs that Peter has done in recent times. The track will be the lead-off single for his upcoming album of the same name.

Produced by Howard and vocal arrangement by Bennett, "Walk Through Fire" has the potential to rock the airwaves similarly to other lovers rock tracks which have found favour at radio in recent times.

Progression Posse, Paul "Computer Paul" Henton, Bobby Digital, Dean Fraser and Mikey Bennett are among those who will be featured on Peter’s upcoming album.

• LISA STANSFIELD HAS A NEW ALBUM OUT

British soul singer Lisa Stansfield has a new album out titled "Face Up". Actually, the album is only released in the UK. There is no scheduled release date for North America at present. The album which is on Arista/BMG UK, contains 14 tracks. It is her follow up album to the 1997 effort "Lisa Stansfield".

Stansfield shot to fame in 1990 and became a worldwide sensation with her debut album "Affection". Songs like "Affection", "You Can’t Deny It", "This is the Right Time" and the international smash "Been Around the World" (which became the first song by a white artiste to reach the #1 spot on Billboard’s R&B Singles Chart), earned her a large following. She later scored with songs such as "All Woman", "Change" and "A Little More Love".

• News of Aaliyah’s death hung over Sashi 2001

As the news of the death of R&B singer Aaliyah spread like wildfire, one could sense the impact it had on some of the performers on the Sashi 2001 show, which was held on Sunday August 26 at the James Bond Beach.

The 22 year old star died last Saturday enroute from the Bahamas to Florida, after completing a video shoot for her upcoming single "Rock the Boat".

Rumours circulated that among the dead were noted video director Hype Williams and music executive Damon Dash (whom it is alleged was dating Aaliyah). These were however, confirmed to indeed be rumours. Among the dead were Gina Smith and Keith Wallace from Aaliyah’s management company Blackground Entertainment; Doug Kratz, a Virgin Records executive; Aaliyah’s hairstylists, makeup and wardrobe personnel.

Missy Elliott who was billed to perform at Sashi, did not show up at the venue. According to sources who spoke to her manager Mona Scott of Violator Management (the same company which manages Busta Rhymes), Missy was too devastated by the death of Aaliyah, to perform. Both had been good friends for a number of years, and worked on a number of projects in the past.

Persons at the Jamaica Grand Hotel in Ocho Rios where Missy and the rest of the celebrities billed for Sashi stayed during their performance in the island, claimed they saw the hip hop star in a depressed state when she was spotted on numerous occasions.

Kevon Edmonds, brother of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds who gave a good account of himself on the Sashi show, said "Aaliyah was a gift from God. Now he has taken her back. I had the opportunity of meeting her once. Her death is really hard on a lot of people. I am really sorry for her family right now. Everybody has been in a state of shock about her death".

Similar sentiments were echoed by Jimmy Cozier, who is of Jamaican parentage. "It’s a very tragic thing. She was a beautiful person both inside and outside. We were both good friends. As entertainers, we all fly everyday and we just have to keep ourselves in line with God and be prepared".

Towards the end of his performance, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs paid tribute to Aaliyah via his hit single "I’ll Be Missing You", which was dedicated to the death of his friend Biggie "the Notorious BIG" Smalls, who died in 1997.

In the press room during the show, many persons were overheard discussing the tragic circumstances under which the popular teen idol died. Some journalists were seen on the internet catching up on the latest reports.

Born Aaliyah Haughton in 1979, she recorded her first album "Age Aint Nothing But a Number" back in 1994. The album went double platinum on the strength of hits such as "Age Aint Nothing But a Number", "At Your Best, You Are Love" and the platinum single "Back and Forth".

Two years later her "One in A Million" disc was released and it scored big with the singles "If Your Girl Only Knew", "Four Page Letter", "The One I Gave My Heart to" and its steamy title track.

Two movie soundtrack hits "Are You That Somebody" (from Dr. Dolittle") and "Try Again" (from "Romeo Must Die") kept her on the charts until her latest album "Aaliyah" was released a month ago. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 and has to date sold over 500,000 units. A radio hit "We Need a Resolution" from the album, is steadily climbing the Billboard singles charts.

At Tuesday night’s taping of the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards in Los Angeles, entertainers including Patti LaBelle, Destiny’s Child, Blu Cantrell, Tyrese, paid tribute to Aaliyah. Patti LaBelle used the bulk of her acceptance speech for the Lena Horne Award for "Outstanding Career Achievements", to pay homage to Aaliyah. Shirley Caesar gave the press room an impromptu sermon about dealing with the sudden loss of the budding star.

Gladys Knight who was once married to Aaliyah’s uncle said "Her star had just begun to shine so brightly. Though she was ours for only a short time, what a time it was. I love Aaliyah and I will miss her for the rest of my life".

When contacted for a comment, Carrie Miller, Aaliyah’s publicist at Blackground Entertainment said "Blackground is devastated with the loss of our Queen. The example she showed young people will be sorely missed and we hope her short time on earth will be an inspiration to young people all over the world. We are equally distraught by the passing of our Blackground family members Gina Smith and Keith Wallace. Their hard work and dedication were an invaluable contribution to the success of Aaliyah and Blackground. Our prayers go out to all their families".

Jasmine Vega of Virgin Records commented "The worldwide Virgin Family is devastated by the news of this terrible and tragic accident and our hearts and thoughts go out to all those families who lost loved ones. Aaliyah, one of the world’s brightest and most talented stars will be mourned by all who loved her music. Her depth and versatility as an artiste was matched by the passion and devotion she had for her craft.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Virgin staff member Doug Kratz. Doug was an extremely dedicated and talented professional, whose enthusiasm, energy and spirit will be missed by everyone who worked alongside him everyday".

Aaliyah who was carving out a budding acting career prior to her death (having appeared in "Romeo Must Die" and "Queen of the Damned"), had just signed up to star in the sequel to "The Matrix". A funeral service was scheduled to be held yesterday in Manhattan, New York.

PRESS RELEASE

"MISS CALL ME TOO OFTEN" KICKS OFF THE "SHOWDOWN" RIDDIM

The "showdown" riddim which is produced by Roshaun Clarke for Bombrush Muzik, has taken off thanks to the amusing "Miss Call Me Too Often" single from deejay Delly Ranks. The single which relates the tale of a female who consistently telephones the deejay at various times each day, has been getting left field treatment at local radio for some weeks now.

"Miss Call Me Too Often" is among the numerous singles released on the "showdown" riddim which are being distributed by All Access Distribution.

It is the latest in a batch of new singles from the deejay. Check out his website at www.dellyranks.com for more details on his latest releases.

Also featured on the "showdown" riddim are songs from Desperado (his single is on the flipside of Delly’s single); Merciless, Monster Shack Crew, TOK, and Goofy among others.

 PRESS RELEASE

NEW SINGLES FROM PENTHOUSE CHARTING OVERSEAS

Over the years, Donovan Germaine’s Penthouse label has maintained itself in the marketplace as one of the more prolific record companies and production houses, which have been consistent in churning out hit singles one after the other.

In the late 1980’s and up to the mid to late 1990’s the production house scored with a number of hits from the likes of Marcia Griffiths, Tony Rebel, Wayne Wonder, Buju Banton, Cutty Ranks, and Beres Hammond among others.

Now, armed with his latest projects, updating of the "Mr. Brown", "Forever Loving Jah" and "Number One" riddims, Germaine is back on the hit trail as singles on those aforementioned beats, are charting an impressive course on numerous reggae charts across the US and in parts of Europe.

Singles on the "Mr. Brown" riddim include "Miss Ready Body" by Buju Banton; and "Can’t Walk Away" by Beres Hammond (both of which are currently on the New York and Atlanta Reggae charts); "What You Looking For" by Tony Rebel; and "Change in Me" by Freddie McGregor.

The "Forever Loving Jah" project features songs such as "Who Can’t Hear" by Ras Shiloh; "Jah Revive I and I" by Morgan Heritage; "Wipe the Tears" by Jahmel and Jahmali; "Everybody Need" by Devonte; "Fly In Jah Face" by Buju Banton and Leroy Sibbles and "Forever Loving Jah" by Marcia Griffiths and Tony Rebel, both of which are charting on the Atlanta and Miami Reggae charts.

As for the "Number One" groove, the singles which are now released are "Number One" by Gregory Isaacs and Marcia Griffiths; and "Where Your Clothes" by Bushman.

On a more cultural spin the Rod Dennis Mento Band’s self titled mento CD which was produced by Germaine, is currently charting on the New York Top 15 Reggae CD chart.

Other releases being distributed by Penthouse include Lenky Marsden’s Mastermind 2.5 label, which has singles such as "Nuh Ready" by Buju Banton; "Freestyle" by Assassin; "Bait Hate" by Zumjay; "Gal Pon Mi Mind" by Mad Anju; "Boom Drop" by Frisco Kid; and "Mix Up" by Delly Ranks.

PRESS RELEASE ON DELLY’S HENNESSEY RIDDIM

For over a month now, the songs on the "Hennessey" riddim have been getting solid treatment at radio stations in Jamaica. However, record buyers have been clamouring for the songs to be released, and as a consequence, seven 45-singles have been released on the Pure Music Production label, and are being distributed in Jamaica, the US, Europe and the Caribbean through Michigan Distribution in Jamaica.

Deejay-turned-producer Delroy "Delly Ranks" Foster is the mastermind behind the project. Gary Samuels created the beat, while mixing of the songs was a joint effort between Foster and Mikey Williams.

The songs on the "Hennessey" are "Step Inna You Forehead" by Lazer B; "Back Down" by Mega Banton; "Mouth Murderer" by Tanto Metro and Devonte; "Ganja Breed" by Sean Paul and Chico; "Get One" by Round Head; "Burning Now" by Capleton; "Stamina and Energy" by Mr. Murphy; "Anyway, Whatever" by Mr. Lex; "Battlefield" by Elephant Man; "Up and Down" by Lukie D and Red Fox; "We Nuh Need Har" by Delly Ranks; "Gimmie Some More" by Delly/Oneil/Bunpan; and "Ain’t No Bait" by Ricky Rudie.

This is not the first project undertaken by Ranks in the past few months. Earlier this year, his updating of the "old broom" riddim did fairly well in the US and parts of Europe. Featured on that riddim were artistes such as Luciano, Lukie D, Devonte, Terror Fabulous, Louie Culture, Burning Soul and Tony Curtis.

Early reports indicate that the singles on the "Hennessey" have been selling well. Over the past 2 weeks, almost 10,000 copies have been sold in Jamaica. This number includes exports.