I-Octane Rubbishes Claims Of Hair Extensions

Rising superstar I-Octane has categorically denied ever putting extensions in his hair in the wake of statements made by fellow entertainer on Thursday.

"I can't control what another artiste chooses to say," I-Octane stated. "But I've been growing my locks for several years now and the people at Jus Natural in Portmore can vouch for that."

When prodded to respond about how he feels about the allegation, I-Octane made things very clear. "In this industry you come to expect that people will do and say anything. Is music mi a deal with and I won't allow anyone to shift my focus from that. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't make sense for me to spend a lot of time thinking or even talking about this issue. Jah teach me that you empower what you focus on, and as mi seh, music is my focus.

Nobody can draw me out or try to involve me inna mix up. Anyone who has been following my career can look at me through the years and see that my locks grow natural. Its not an overnight thing. As a matter of fact, people a suffer all over the world. Mek wi focus on dem type a tings."

In response to questions as to whether he would respond in a song, the singjay laughed. "No sah! Mi nuh haffi do nuttn. Memba dat in mi song mi seh Touch not the Lord's anointed. Mi nuh haffi do a ting."

The artiste is in Orlando, Fla. preparing for a show on Friday (May 13th). He will then be heading to England next week for two shows, one in Birmingham on Friday, May 20th and on Sunday, May 22nd in London, England. He is also one of the headliners for Best of The Best in Miami on Sunday, May 29th.

Reggae 4 Japan Benefit Concert

(VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley has officially joined the line-up of "Reggae 4 Japan," a benefit concert to support the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort of the American Red Cross on June 5, 2011 at the York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York.

The addition of this world-renowned Reggae artist further solidifies the commitment of the Reggae music industry to aid Japan. "Reggae 4 Japan" is produced by Japanese sound system and ambassador of Reggae music Mighty Crown and their management team Irish and Chin with executive sponsorship from VP Records. Additional sponsorship for the concert is being provided by Irie Jam Radio (official media sponsor), Scion, Rocker's Island, 24x7 Records, Woofin', NRL, Far East Connection, Nesta Brand, Bennett Limo, Riddim Driven and Conkur Printing.

"Japan has always had a great amount of fans support Reggae music and culture through out the years," says Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley. "It's only right that we give forward to lend some support to Japan in this much needed time."

Popular Reggae artist Mr. Vegas is also new to the line-up. The singjay's involvement in "Reggae 4 Japan" injects a Dancehall element. In addition, "Reggae 4 Japan" has a roster heavy-hitting Reggae artists, who boast exceptional catalogues of music, including Freddie McGregor and the Big Ship Family (Stephen Di Genius, Chino and Laden), Maxi Priest, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Fire Ball (Japan's #1 Dancehall/Reggae group), Tanya Stephens, Alaine, Gramps Morgan, Peter Morgan and Etana. Overall, Japan has played a strong role in the careers of most of the artists billed for the show. The artists deem their involvement with "Reggae 4 Japan" as a way of saying thanks and giving back.

The increased interest and support of "Reggae 4 Japan" by Reggae artists and industry professionals clearly displays that Japan is in the hearts and on the minds of the Reggae music industry. It brings Mighty Crown pleasure that the Reggae music industry boldly and swiftly responded to their heartfelt plea for help. "I am really happy to see so many artists participating in this charity event..........this increase of involvement shows the love toward Japan and Reggae music," says Masta Simon, co-owner of Mighty Crown. "Respect to all artists who are supporting the event!"

"Irish and Chin has worked with Japan for well over a decade......a large part of our stronghold in the industry is due to our unique relationship with Japan's Reggae market," says Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin, co-producer of "Reggae 4 Japan" and Mighty Crown's manager.
"Playing the role as producer for this benefit concert and lending my resources to this worthy cause is the least I can do to show my gratitude."

"We are showing our care and appreciation for Japan and thank our artists for donating their time and talent for such a good cause," says Chris Chin, owner of VP Records. "Ultimately, we would like to see large numbers of people come out to support this extremely important event."

"Reggae 4 Japan" will be an intimate staging with limited seating (less than 1500 seats). This unprecedented and historical benefit concert will mark the first official stage show of the summer in the New York Tri-state area and one of the strongest line-ups that New York has witnessed in quite some time.

While the benefit concert is a U.S. based fundraising effort for Japan, Mighty Crown and members of their family have been on the ground in Japan lending their time, energy, effort and resources to provide assistance to people in the affected areas in the form of food, water, toys and music/entertainment. The Japanese sound system recognizes that there is still a lot of work to be done.

"Almost two months have passed and things are sill rough for the victims......lots of people are waiting for the government to build tentative houses, as things are moving slower than schedule," says Masta Simon. "Furthermore, the newspaper states that it will take at least three years to clean up the heap of rubble caused by the earthquake and tsunami."

"What the victims need is caring and love....this benefit concert will definitely be a relief for the victims in more ways than one....it shows a bond through Reggae music," adds Masta Simon passionately.

Immediately following the event, Mighty Crown and Irish and Chin will donate profits from "Reggae 4 Japan" in the form of a check to the American Red Cross, specifically to their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Effort. To date, the American Red Cross has supported their partners the Japanese Red Cross with $100 million.

Additionally, the American Red Cross is funding half of the UN World Food Programme's logistical operation in Japan for the delivery and storage of relief items at a cost of $500,000. The American Red Cross will continue to support their Japanese partners as they help survivors take an important step toward early recovery.

Since March 11, the Japanese Red Cross has been providing tens of thousands of Japanese with emergency relief, medical services, emotional counseling and now it's helping to equip 70,000 temporary homes with essential appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, rice cookers and microwave ovens. Additionally, the Japanese Red Cross, through local municipalities, will soon start to distribute cash grants to survivors.

"Reggae 4 Japan" tickets are on sale now -- there is limited seating: http://www.irishandchin.com/reggae4japan. Tickets will be on sale at select retail outlets later this week.

For more information about the American Red Cross in Greater New York, please call 212-875-2617 or visit them online at www.nyredcross.org.

Mighty Sparrow Soca Anthology: Doctor Bird

(17 NORTH PARADE/VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - The 'King of Calypso' music, Slinger Francisco aka The Mighty Sparrow aka Doctor Bird, is an extraordinary entertainer who utilizes the medium he masters not just to entertain but also to edify, enlighten, and educate. On May 17, 2011, 17 North Parade/VP Records sees the release of the ultimate collection of classics from this Caribbean icon with his Soca Anthology, aptly titled DOCTOR BIRD.

The Mighty Sparrow has proven himself as the quintessential calypsonian with over seventy (70) albums to his credit. An incredibly talented entertainer, he possesses an amazing ability not only to put into works and tempo the exploits of society, but to crown it all with showmanship and appeal. His great contribution to the art form of calypso and Caribbean culture overall has thus unraveled the mysteries of island life for the world to experience, through his sounds. He is also credited with bringing international acceptance to a genre that was once scorned by the elite of Caribbean society.

This double-CD and DVD anthology edition is a collector's item, with each CD packed with 15 of Sparrow's hits for a total of 30 classics, and is presented with a DVD of rare footage of the musician, on and off the stage. Featuring jams that placed Caribbean music on the map such as "Congo Man," "Jean And Dinah" and "Mr. Walker," DOCTOR BIRD is a definitive collection of Sparrow's works for both his lifelong fans and those who wish to experience the very best in calypso music, from one of the world's most electrifying and dynamic performers.

VP Records invites you to meet The Mighty Sparrow on day of release in New York City. He will be present for an exclusive in-store performance and signing session to commemorate the release of this CD/DVD anthology at J&R Music World (23 Park Row, New York, NY 10038), from 12:30pm to 2pm on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.

TRACK LISTING - DISC 1

1. Jean And Dinah
2. Congo Man
3. Obeah Wedding
4. Bendwood Dick
5. Sparrow Dead
6. Sell The Pussy
7. Mother In-Law
8. Willie Dead
9. Tobago Girls
10. Doh Drop The Tempo
11. Gu Nu Gu
12. Love African Style
13. May May (Mae Mae)
14. Only A Fool Aka Only A Fool Breaks Is Own Heart
15. Lying Excuses

TRACK LISTING - DISC 2

1. Mother's Love
2. Saltfish (Solfish)
3. Maria
4. Mas In Caracas
5. Sixty Million French Men
6. How You Jamming So
7. Wood In The Fire
8. Ah Fraid Pussy Bite Me
9. Sparrow Water De Garden
10. Dead Or Alive
11. Village Ram
12. Whole Night We Jamming
13. Ten To One
14. Mr. Walker
15. Drunk & Disoderly Medley

Vybz Kartel Releases Statement About His Hair

Hey id like to make a statement bout me hair..."FIRST OFF ID LIKE TO
SAY THAT ALL THE FUSS ABOUT MY HAIR,AS WITH EVERY OTHER THING THAT I
DO HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING EXCEPT PLAIN OLD "BADMIND".

BECAUSE WHEN I WAS INVOLVED IN THE NINJA MAN INCIDENT A FEW YEARS AGO ,I HAD IN EXTENTIONS THEN,WHY DIDNT THE HULLABALOO COMMENCE THEN,?BECAUSE I
WASN'T ON TOP SO THE HATING WASNT NECESSARY.WHEN I DID "NEVER LOVE
ANOTHER GIRL" VIDEO IN 2005(http://www.youtube.com/watchv=GPl_P_vdhdk), MY HAIR WAS PERMED,WHY DIDNT THE INQUISITION COMMENCE?BECAUSE I WASN'T ON TOP SO THE HATING WASNT NECESSARY...WHAT IM SAYING IS THAT WHEN UR ON
TOP,PEOPLE FIND ALL KINDS OF FAULTS AND FLAWS TO POINT OUT IN THEIR
QUEST TO TEAR YOU DOWN BUT GUESS WHAT.

I COUDNT CARE LESS WHAT PEOPLE SAY OR THINK ABOUT KARTEL BECAUSE IF EVERYONE LOVES YOU,UR AN OBVIOUS "KISS ASS" .P.S. MAVADO,ELEPHANT MAN,MACHEL MONTANO(who's hair is done by the same girl who did mine) I OCTANE T.O.K. ETC HAVE ALL HAD EXTENTION PUT IN.TALK BOUT THAT"

ADIDJA PALMER

Lyrics:Ovamarz - Now You See Me Now You Dont

Intro:

You know it's Ovamarz Above a dem

Chimney,dem fi know mi got the magic in me

Every dancer,right now a the hit dance and this a the hit song

Above a dem squad,Tek it to dem

CHORUS

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

This a the dance everyone a talk bout

Move your foot and your shoulder,your head and shub out

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

East,west,north and south

The way the dance yah bad,me haffi go all out

VERSE 1

Move to the left,move to the right

Step forward,foot fi a glide

Rock your shoulders,push to the side

You can nod your head,but a you fi decide

You can't see me but nuh think me a hide

Now you see me as you blink with your eyes

All dancers,quick build a vibes

Cause this a the new dance,everybody realize

CHORUS

VERSE 2

Dance bad,it nuh hard fi ketch

Move your foot but watch your step

Watch mi shirt how it match mi crepe

This a the dance whey you can't forget

Ovamarz,watch me keenly

When mi a dance,gal have to pree me

You whole body fi a rock so neatly

Who a do it,nuh bounty,versie and beenie

CHORUS

VERSE 3

Move to the left,move to the right

Step forward,foot fi a glide

Rock your shoulders,push to the side

You can nod your head,but a you fi decide

You can't see me but nuh think me a hide

Now you see me as you blink with your eyes

All dancers,quick build a vibes

Cause this a the new dance,everybody realize

CHORUS (REPEAT)

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

This a the dance everyone a talk bout

Move your foot and your shoulder,your head and shub out

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

Now you see me,now you see me,now you dont

East,west,north and south

The way the dance yah bad,me haffi go all out

"Now You See Me Now You Don't" - Ovamarz (Official Music Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw6Iubg7-RM

"Now You See Me Now You Don't" - Ovamarz
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/star-bwoy-riddim/id424314770