Chino Not Stranded In The UK

Kingston, Jamaica -- No he's not stranded in the UK, neither is he requesting that funds be lodged to a bank account to aid him in his trip home. Dancehall artiste Chino, was the recent victim of internet hackers.

The email stated, "I've been to the US embassy and they're willing to help me fly without my passport but I just have to pay for my ticket and settle some bills. Right now I'm out of cash plus I can't access my bank without my credit card over here. I have contacted them but they need more verification. I'm just gonna have to plead with you to lend me some funds right now? I'll pay back as soon as I get home. I need to get on the next available flight home."

The email went on to list two accounts to which money should be lodged. Dancehall artiste, whose correct name is Daniel McGregor is urging those who received the fraudulent email to disregard it and under no circumstances should they send money to the bank accounts quoted in the email.

"Those who received the email shouldn't send their hard-earned money to these people. My email address was hacked and I am fine, and not stranded. Thanks to those who called to find out about the email, those who couldn't reach me, please do not be alarmed or send your money to those fraudulent accounts," said the artiste.

Chino, who last weekend gave a stellar performance at the Arthur Guinness Celebration at the National Stadium alongside his father, reggae pioneer, Freddie McGregor, and brother, Stephen "Di" Genius McGregor, has continued to release first-rate singles ahead of the March 2011 release of his US album.

Added to his catalogue of crowd favourites are: Mus Come Back, Protect Your Life, Grapevine (Championship Riddim), No Styling (Smokin Riddim), Gwaan Baby Gwaan (Street Swag Riddim) and more.

This weekend Chino leaves the island for yet another champion performance for his fans in Toronto, Canada.

Video: Bob Sinclar & Sean Paul – Tik Tok

I-Octane Scheduled For Three-City UK Tour

Fast-rising cultural act, I-Octane leaves the island this week for a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, which will see the artiste in performance in Birmingham, London and Bristol.

While this is not the artiste’s maiden voyage to the UK, this is the first time since his widely acclaimed recognition as reggae’s newest standard bearer that I-Octane will entertain fans in that country. With a steadily building catalogue rich with conscious, thought-provoking songs, the singer is ready to thrill his European fans who have been playing songs such as my Life, Lose A Friend and Puff It.

“As always, it is an honour and a pleasure to represent Jamaica overseas and to hold up the flag high. Other great reggae artistes have paved the way for me and I accept the baton with humility,” I-Octane said.

“I feel sad to know that reggae icon Gregory Isaacs, who I have a lot of respect for passed away in England just this week and I send my condolences to his family and join with his fans worldwide in mourning the loss,” he concluded.

According to I-Octane, Gregory Isaacs will be uppermost in his thoughts as he prepares for these shows and he intends to dedicate a song to Gregory during his performances. I-Octane’s single Lose A Friend has, since Monday, been given numerous spins in tribute to Gregory Isaacs.

Meanwhile, the artiste has expressed pleasure at the impact his singles have been making around the globe. The song My Life is currently number one on the Shanty Vibes Radio Chart in the Virgin Islands, and Lose A Friend also peaked at pole position on the same chart. Both songs have also featured on all charts locally and also in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

I-Octane is scheduled to perform at Indulgence in Birmingham on October 29, at Sutherland House in London the following night and he closes his three-day performance on October 31 at Blue Mountain in Bristol.

Various Artists: Ifficial Riddim

Itation Records is pleased to announce the upcoming release of another exclusive hitbound riddim set featuring Anthony B, Kali Blaxx, Teflon, Delly Ranx, Bescenta, Monsoon and Pressure.

The Ifficial’s bubbly bass groove and energetic melodies, all carefully crafted by production partner Tune In Crew, provide a launching pad for hard core roots and consciousness courtesy of reggae’s most talented lyricists like Anthony B, Pressure, Bescenta and Delly Ranx.

Teflon and Kali Blaxx prove their rising stars shine as bright as ever, particularly on Itation Records releases. And newcomer Monsoon injects a undying spark of creativity and unique vibes on the Ifficial Riddim that the world will have to take notice … Ifficially.

Digital Release Now Available. Cornel Campbell And U-Roy

Zion High Productions is pleased to bring veterans Cornel Campbell and U Roy together for their first in-studio vocal collaboration ever. “Babylon You Wrong” is a rare recording made all the more special and collectible thanks to Zion High Productions’ attention to musicianship and production value.

Available in digital (late October) and vinyl (early November), “Babylon You Wrong” – which includes a radio mix and dub version – captures reggae’s unique timeless appeal while losing none of the contemporary vibes for a record that will stand the test of time.

Reminiscent of the foundation reggae style emphasizing serious messages of dread and righteousness over bright, friendly melodies, “Babylon You Wrong” is led by the cool and deadly vibes of Cornel Campbell the singer and U Roy the deejay.

The two stalwarts of reggae face off against Babylon while airy horn solos spar with smart percussion and driving bass lines. Although their first time together, U-Roy’s toasting talents and Cornel Campbell’s throwback rhythm and blues vibe compliment each other perfectly. Indeed, the result on “Babylon You Wrong” is right on.