Markus records releases Mattrass Riddim

21st Hapilos Digital: Spearheaded by Markus Myrie, eldest son of legendary Grammy award winner Buju Banton, Markus Records released their latest production“Mattrass Riddim”.

Being one of the youngest producer in the industry has it’s advantage, Markus records has it’s ears to the streets and first hand knowledge of “what’s hot”! Although the name of the riddim suggest sexually explicit songs, a radio friendly version has also been released. Mattrass Riddim features 11 Instant hits from dancehall King Beenie Man, former Monster Shack General B, Aidonia, ladies favorite Tony Matterhorn, Spice, Stacious, Liquid, Blak Ryno, Ninja Kid, Versatile and Flexxx & Ms Ting.

Both raw and radio friendly versions are now available on itunes, distributed by 21st Hapilos Digital

Markus records produced the Life Reflection Riddim and 5th Gear Riddimwhich became viral successes. Markus also performs and is featured on his Ninja Kid production of “Dem”, the video was just released a few days ago and has garnered thousands of views.

Milk Sewell reflects on fallout following sex tape controversy

Four years removed from the most controversial moment in her career, one of Jamaica’s most prominent media figures insists that she’s stronger in spite of the public fallout.

Amelia ‘Milk’ Sewell became one of Jamaica’s most regarded television hosts during her stint as the host of CVM Television’s E-Strip as she instantly connected with fans of all sectors of Jamaica while becoming a face of Dancehall & Reggae music. However, Sewell’s career and life was forever altered while at its peak after a sex tape of her went viral in 2008, in which she was seen performing oral sex on her long-time boyfriend and prominent disc jockey turned deejay, Michael ‘ZJ Liquid’ Brissett.

Milk spoke out publicly about the fallout from said tape during a recent interview on the Lauren O Lauren (LOL) show, stating that originally found out about the tape leaking through her hairdresser who discovered the tape on a customer’s phone. Once she found out, Sewell first thought about her family and how she would explain such a thing to them, particularly her son.

“My son is old enough to understand. I just equipped him with the response to anything that anyone could ever say about the tape. He goes to Wolmer’s…believe u me, no one said anything to him, no teacher asked him about it…They saved him from going to school every day and being jeered.”

Shortly after the tape emerged, Sewell was axed by CVM and received public backlash as a result of the controversy. To this day, the prominent media personality believes that she didn’t receive a fair shake in the wake of the sex tape from the network; intimating that she never got the support that she hoped for from them at the time.
“I really, really wished and hoped that they stood behind me and made something of it…They didn’t work with me and I was very, very disappointed in how they reacted and how they treated the situation. They wanted me to stay out of the public eye when it happened…I didn’t feel like I didn’t need to hide away from the public because I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Now four years removed from the sex tape controversy, Milk says that she’s still being looked on negatively as a result and all that the fallout has affected her ability to rebound and make strong income.

“The way how Jamaica looks on it is very double standard. Four years later, it’s still affecting me. It affects my income and my earning, it affects the way I take care of my son. I have to be finding and inventing all different kinds of things to get by and make it,” she said.

Meanwhile, Milk conceded that she did lose friends following the controversy as they could not accept appearing with her in public given that she was caught in such a compromising position. However, she credits her dedicated fans for sticking by her while also revealing that internationally renowned disc jock turned deejay, Tony Matterhorn helped her get through the public scrutiny.

“I big up Tony Matterhorn every single time I tell this story because he made it ok for me to come into the dance and nobody don’t say anything to me. Every place I went, Matterhorn was there and he just made it ok,”she said.

Sewell also credited former Miss Jamaica World and Jamaica’s current Minister of Youth and Culture as one of many female public figures who supported and encouraged her during her toughest time.

As for her future prospects, Milk continues to work on the set of Dancehall megastar, Vybz Kartel’s reality show, Teacher’s Pet and also has been recording in recent times as she looks to score a major, mainstream hit as she tries to add to her already verse repertoire. Additionally, she says that she has advised young girls who’ve been through similar plights so that they can overcome such an experience, using the experience iconic media personality, Fae Ellington as a source of inspiration after Ellington overcame being raped over 30 years ago towards becoming one of the island’s most successful media figures.

“I really helped a lot of people, gave a lot of people advice on how to deal with it…The strongest woman I know is Fae Ellington who went through what she went through and is still ok. I drew from Fae Ellington’s experience and give what I go through and what I know what keeps me together to the young girls.”

All-Time High Performance At World Clash R.E.S.E.T. Weekend

Shortly before 11 pm on Saturday, April 7, scores of sound clash revelers amassed on Amazura filling it to near capacity. Patrons strategically mapped out where they would “post up” to get the best view of the war, while chatting about; how far they traveled; which sounds they rated; and who was going to take home the trophy. The audience read like a who’s who of the sound clash fraternity, with key selectors and other sound system personalities, likewise artists such as Shabba Ranks, Spragga Benz, Johnny Osbourne and Edley Shine (Born Jamericans) among others were in attendance.

The clash came alive with vibrant music selections of both dubs and 45’s. More times than not, the participating sounds slung high caliber dubs in the hopes of not being eliminated. Everyone knows how tough New York clash fans can be, so sounds were willing to do any and everything — such was the strategy of Fire Links who pulled out money, begging the crowd to allow him to remain. His hype failed to garner any real fans and the impact of his dubs were not enough to sustain the crowd through every round.

Dressed for war, Tony Matterhorn had funny speeches and received some forwards, but he too couldn’t win over the fierce crowd. Brooklyn’s warrior sound Earth Ruler had an early dynamic set and were the only sound to get a forward for every selection played, however as the clash progressed their selections faded and they too were eliminated. Poison Dart had good music selections periodically, but their long skits and speeches didn’t work.

Black Kat was a huge dissappointment to thier loyal fans and failed from the start, clearly aborting any hopes of finishing well and became the first casualty of the clash. Their selectors lacked chemistry, knowledge of their box and connection with the crowd. Shamefully, Panther’s retirement announcement in the midst of R.E.S.E.T. promotions, left the sound to die at World Clash.

David Rodigan stood out like the legendary figure he is while Bass Odyssey too had a stellar performance. The excitement with both built throughout the night. The chemistry between Damian and Worm and that of David Rodigan and Pee Wee were validated by strong forwards. In the end, these two warriors stood tall in the climatic “tune-fi-tune” set. David Rodigan drew on his vintage dub box nabbing the World Clash R.E.S.E.T. New York trophy after edging out Bass Odyssey. This was a well deserved first World Clash victory for the esteemed ‘gentleman’ selector from Britain.

Less than two days later, the intense clash vibes were transferred to Jamaica. This time, the scene was Pier One in Montego Bay, which was the home for the infamous World Clash Jamaica on Easter Monday, April 9. Although only two years since the end of World Clash Jamaica, clash fans were anxious for its return — as evidenced by the bustling crowd.

Newly crowned World Clash R.E.S.E.T New York champion David Rodigan guest selected, opening the event with a set of heavy dubs. The audience appreciated his short but sweet stint. Next up was the host Tony Matterhorn who got the clash off to a really great start. He had successfully switched roles having 2 days ago competed and lost in NY. With the exception of Black Kat, once again, all sounds came prepared with their “A” game. Heavy dub plates and 45’s combined with good speeches had horns, whistles and flames highlighting as well as illuminating the thousands in attendance.

The sounds that participated in World Clash Jamaica for the first time (Code Red, Rootsman and Heavy Hammer) held their own, while Black Blunt, who were competing for the second time, came with a vengeance slinging the Taxi riddim early but with no real effect.

World Clash R.E.S.E.T. Jamaica boiled down to a heated competition of two sounds: Bass Odyssey and Killamanjaro. This was reminiscent of the old days and the fans were happy to see this repeat battle. Determined to redeem themselves after losing by just one song in New York 2 nights ago,Bass Odyssey seized the World Clash R.E.S.E.T. Jamaica title flawlessly as the crowd named them the decisive winner. Since the victory however, questions now surround the authenticity of the Jimmy Cliff dub plate — which inevitably led to their victory.

As the crowd cleared and the victors celebrated in true sound system style, co-promoter Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne stated how honored he was to celebrate the company’s 15th Anniversary with some of the clash industry’s biggest players and fans from all over the world. He remarked,“The WORLD CLASH R.E.S.E.T. weekend stands alone in authenticity and prestige within a true sound clash arena.” He further concluded, “I would like to thank everyone who supported our vision over the years, but above all I thank the members of Team Irish and Chin whose work ethic and loyalty is second to none!”

Jamaica’s Top Sounds Bass Odyssey and Black Kat Fight for Title

Despite international visibility and fame, there is an age old debate that resonates among clash fans of which sound rules Jamaica’s countryside —Bass Odyssey or Black Kat. Hailing from the remote Jamaican territories of Saint Ann and Christiana, far from the city life of Dancehall hotbed Kingston, respectively Bass Odyssey and Black Kat have been battling over the title of Jamaica’s top country sound for years.

Now, before thousands of clash revelers at both World Clash New York R.E.S.E.T. on Saturday, April 7 (w/Fire Links, Tony Matterhorn, Poison Dart, Earth Ruler and David Rodigan) and World Clash Jamaica R.E.S.E.T.(w/Kilamanjaro, Black Blunt, Heavy Hammer, Rootsman and Code Red) on Easter Monday, April 9, these powerhouse sounds will settle the score. While the stages in New York and Jamaica will serve as battlefields, the ultimate proving ground for Bass Odyssey and Black Kat will clearly be in their homeland in front of loyal supporters at Pier One.

It’s no secret that Bass Odyssey and Black Kat are stellar war sounds Bass Odyssey and Black Kat are synonymous with high power sound clash. Rising to prominence in the early 90’s, the sounds have cemented them selves as fixtures in the sound clash arena, generating scores of victories, a worldwide fan base and the utmost respect from fellow members of the fraternity. Known for craftily defeating legions of sounds over time, Bass Odyssey and Black Kat remain the most feared players in game. Most of today’s modern day sound systems don’t feel that they can properly reach the big leagues without facing off against these clash leaders.

Bass Odyssey and Black Kat are not just dynamic sounds, but also powerhouse brands. Their names carry weight, allowing them to periodically interchange and showcase team players without losing their position or credibility. Regardless of who plays the sounds, one can almost always anticipate high caliber, strategic sound clash entertainment. Bass Odyssey also excels in juggling. Boasting the role of teacher, some of today’s most prominent sound men admit to learning or studying the tactics and careers of Bass Odyssey and Black Kat front men. Historically, one of the most heralded and praised duos in the sound clash industry consists of DJ Mark and the late, great Squingy of Bass Odyssey.

Tied with 7 World Clash victories (along with “The Far East Rulers” Mighty Crown), Bass Odyssey and Black Kat are set to come head to head on two World Clash stages in April 2012. There is intense energy among fans centered on these highly anticipated face offs. Whenever, these two giants are billed for the same event, only “helter skelter” can erupt. While Bass Odyssey boldly attacks contenders with a fusion of well structured speeches and sharp music selections, Black Kat’s team often dons smiles and sneakily strikes opponents with witty warnings and well-known dub plate anthems.

No matter one’s position on who will take home the coveted World Clash R.E.S.E.T. trophies, fans are certain that Bass Odyssey and Black Kat’s showdown will be forever written in the pages of Dancehall history.

Kerry-Ann ‘ChineyK’ Collins signs with major TV Production Company

Popular New Jersey media personality and director of the Kelia Love Charity Project Kerry-Ann “ChineyK” Collins has just inked a major TV network production deal with JoccoBean Entertainment. The production power house is responsible for some of the major reality shows and TV shows seen on major networks such as A&E, MTV, Fuse, Lifetime and more.

The deal was brokered by her manager Sean “Due” Lashley from Goodthyme Entertainment who has several ties to the music industry locally and internationally. Some of his music production includes the Weapon Riddim and the Due Riddim. He has produced several hits for Jay-Z, Beenie Man, Tifa, Vybz Kartel, E-40 and more. His latest riddim New World Anthem featuring Tony Matterhorn’s ‘We Came’ has been getting rave reviews and play on New York’s Power105fm DJ Norie’s set.

Formally a radio host on Roadblock Radio in New Jersey, ChineyK is known for her tall stellar beauty and her fun exciting personality. She is most known for her charity efforts which every November in Jamaica she conducts her Kelia Love Charity Project. The project strives to empower children in communities through social and educational interaction; improve integration with communities and Corporate Jamaica as well as Agencies specific to the needs of the Inner-city by positively impacting the lives of youths. The charity project has been a huge success with beneficiaries from the Allman Town Community and the Bray Street,Bryden Street area.

Since signing the deal ChineyK has been very busy preparing for what lies ahead. Everyone can look out for ChineyK on a major TV network very soon.

World Clash Gets a Double Dose of Tony Matterhorn

New York, New York — The clock to World Clash’s heralded return in New York and Jamaica is ticking and the series has sparked immeasurable excitement in the sound clash arena. Many have coined the stagings of World Clash R.E.S.E.T. the most anticipated clashes of 2012. With World Clash thriving as a hot topic on facebook, twitter and in the streets, even more potent than the event itself is the hype surrounding larger-than-life selector Tony Matterhorn, who hasn’t touched down on the New York World Clash stage in quite some time. Sound clash enthusiasts are always anxious to see Tony Matterhorn in action, but the heat has especially turned up a notch for this performance, as clash fans can hardly wait to witness Matterhorn’s face off against nemesis Fire Links for the first time on the World Clash stage. Set for Saturday, April 7, 2012 @ Amazura in Queens, New York, this highly anticipated World Clash R.E.S.E.T. staging will also feature heavy hitting contenders Bass Odyssey, Black Kat, Poison Dart, Earth Ruler and David Rodigan.

Set to compete in World Clash R.E.S.E.T. in New York and host World Clash R.E.S.E.T. in Jamaica, the industry’s most visible selector Tony Matterhorn has people talking for more reasons than one. Whether it’s his over-the-top radio interviews where he is verbally warring with fellow contenders or his candid video segments, Tony “Mentally Ill” Matterhorn has everyone waiting to see what’s next.

Tony Matterhorn’s involvement in Irish and Chin’s 15th Anniversary stagings of World Clash R.E.S.E.T. is a no brainer, particularly because of the popular selector’s strong ties to the World Clash Jamaica (formerly Death Before Dishonor) brand. Matterhorn is pivotal in World Clash Jamaica’s early development, bringing an onslaught of attention and hype to the event because of his early victories and back to back titles. Before Panther changed World Clash history with consecutive wins as “The Five Star General,” Matterhorn made his mark as the first contender to have back to back titles. Namely, Matterhorn won World Clash Jamaica in 2002, 2003, followed by U.K. Cup Clash.

“Having Tony Matterhorn in this year’s competition means a lot to our brand….he started out with us in 1999 and has been involved ever since,” says World Clash promoter Garfield “Chin” Bourne of Irish and Chin. “Through the good and bad times, Matterhorn has been there for Irish and Chin, so I couldn’t dream of celebrating 15 years without him.”

Although Tony Matterhorn never seized a World Clash New York trophy, he is credited for his very strong performances. And based on Matterhorn’s recent verbal assaults and declared musical preparation, clash fans should brace themselves for an outstanding showing. Only fate will dictate if Matterhorn has everything that it takes to win the highly anticipated competition. Without any question, Tony Matterhorn is the most controversial selector on the World Clash R.E.S.E.T. New York billing,

When asked about his break from clashing, the extremely confident Matterhorn said, “I don’t clash anymore because I have already proven to be ‘THE GREATEST SELECTOR OF ALL TIMES.’ No one has done what I have in their lifetime as a selector.” The selector added, “When Chin asked me to compete and be involved with this year’s World Clash events, I couldn’t say no…..it’s not a money thing with Chin. We go way back…..we may cuss alot, but we respect what we have done for each other’s career.”

Whether Tony Matterhorn rises as the victor or not, one thing for sure is that he is the largest selector in the modern day clash arena. Adding to this respectable title, Matterhorn has cemented himself as a leading Dancehall artist, giving the world monstrous genre-defining hits and crazes like “Dutty Wine,” “Goodas,” “Man from Mars” and more. Tony Matterhorn has been one of the industry’s shining stars since his confident and impactful beginnings on historic clash sound King Addies. Staying true to his legacy, Matterhorn will always afford fans with solid performances and thorough entertainment.

Romaine Virgo, Mavado, I-Octane, Khago, Kiprich Top Nominees For 2011 Linkage Awards In NYC

New York: Reggae rising star Romaine Virgo, who made international headlines last year when he became the first ever reggae artist to perform on one of country music’s most revered stages – the Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee – is again in the spotlight, this time for securing a whopping 4 nominations for the 2011 Linkage Awards. Other multiple nominees include Mavado who grabbed 3 nominations and I-Octane, Kiprich, Tony Matterhorn and Khago who nabbed two nominations each. The Linkage Awards will be staged on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Macedonia Center in Mt. Vernon, New York.

Romaine scored nominations for “Recording Artiste of the Year,” “Best Male Vocalist,” “Most Consistent Male Artist,” “Song Of The Year” whileMavado earned nominations for “Male DJ of the Year,” “Most Consistent Artiste” and “Entertainer of the Year”

Last year’s big winner, I-Octane who pocketed all of three awards, was nominated for “Recording Artiste of the Year” and “Most Consistent Artist” this year.

In the competitive “Song of the Year” award category, Virgo will go head to head again Laza Morgan (One By One), Beres Hammond (She Stop Loving Me) and the combination single “Live Your Life” by Richie Stephens and Gentleman which was voted “Song of the Year 2011” on Irie Jam radio in New York.

Stephens who is scheduled to perform at the Linkage Awards said, “I feel honored that ‘Live Your Life’ is up for the all important ‘Song of the Year Award.’ The song has done extremely well at home and in the international market. I thank my loyal fans and the media for their love and support and thank Gentleman for providing a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most. I would be delighted if we walked away with the top prize” he said.

Event founder Dexter “Linkage” Blake announced that reggae singers Marcia Griffiths, Beres Hammond, Denroy Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Sanchez, Ken Boothe, DJ Lady G and radio personalities Barry G – (Mello FM, Jamaica), Jabba (Hot 97, NY), DJ Norie (Power 105, NY) and DJ Roy (Irie Jam Radio, NY) will be honored for their contribution to the entertainment industry.