TAYLOR SWIFT TELLS "APPLE MUSIC" TO PAY UP!

Taylor Swift is not here for the "Music Industry Politics". The young Pop Star took to her website to write an open letter to Apple Inc. about the new music streaming service, Apple Music, that had initially planned on NOT paying royalties to artist, writers and musicians for 3 months of streaming their work, while offering this free trial period to customers. Here's what Taylor had to say...

"I write this to explain why I’ll be holding back my album, 1989, from the new streaming service, Apple Music. I feel this deserves an explanation because Apple has been and will continue to be one of my best partners in selling music and creating ways for me to connect with my fans. I respect the company and the truly ingenious minds that have created a legacy based on innovation and pushing the right boundaries.

I’m sure you are aware that Apple Music will be offering a free 3 month trial to anyone who signs up for the service. I’m not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months. I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company.

This is not about me. Thankfully I am on my fifth album and can support myself, my band, crew, and entire management team by playing live shows. This is about the new artist or band that has just released their first single and will not be paid for its success. This is about the young songwriter who just got his or her first cut and thought that the royalties from that would get them out of debt. This is about the producer who works tirelessly to innovate and create, just like the innovators and creators at Apple are pioneering in their field…but will not get paid for a quarter of a year’s worth of plays on his or her songs.

These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much. We simply do not respect this particular call.

I realize that Apple is working towards a goal of paid streaming. I think that is beautiful progress. We know how astronomically successful Apple has been and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the 3 month trial period… even if it is free for the fans trying it out.

Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing. I say this with love, reverence, and admiration for everything else Apple has done. I hope that soon I can join
them in the progression towards a streaming model that seems fair to those who create this music. I think this could be the platform that gets it right.

But I say to Apple with all due respect, it’s not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this. We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.

Taylor"

6 BALTIMORE COPS ARREST IN FREDDIE GRAY MURDER

Clockwise from top left, the six Baltimore Police officers who were charged Friday in the death of Freddie Gray: Officer Caesar Goodson; Lt. Brian Rice; Sgt. Alicia White; Officer Garrett Miller; Officer William Porter; and Officer Edward Nero. CreditThe Baltimore Police Department

The officers who were arrested, three white and three black, include a lieutenant with 17 years on the force, several near-rookies and a woman who had just been promoted to sergeant.

The most serious charges were brought against Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr., who was driving the van that carried Mr. Gray to a police station after his April 12 arrest. Along with involuntary manslaughter, Officer Goodson, 45, was charged with “second-degree depraved heart murder,” which means indifference to human life.

All six officers were arrested and appeared before a judicial officer. Bail was set at $350,000 for four of the officers and $250,000 for the other two, according to court records. By late Friday, court records showed the officers had been released from jail.

The death of Mr. Gray, 25, a week after he suffered a spinal cord injury brought to a boil long-simmering tensions between the police and poor neighborhoods in this majority-black city, culminating in rioting and looting on Monday. More peaceful demonstrations continued through the week after a curfew was put in place. And the swift action by the prosecutor seemed to some to mark a turning point after months of debate and demonstrations around the country over police violence.

“The larger message, if there is one, is that we’re moving on these things,” said David A. Harris, a law professor and expert on police racial issues at the University of Pittsburgh. “We’re taking them seriously, and there’s no longer going to be any kind of slowing down and taking it to the point where people wonder, ‘Whatever happened to that?’ ”

In Washington, President Obama declined to comment on the charges directly, but said that what mattered was for the justice system to work properly. “What I think the people of Baltimore want more than anything else is the truth,” he said. “That’s what people around the country expect.”


The Gray family said it was satisfied with the charges. “We must seize this opportunity to reform police departments throughout this country,” said the family’s lawyer, William H. Murphy Jr.

The Baltimore chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police called the speed of the prosecutor politically motivated. “The actions taken today by the state’s attorney are an egregious rush to judgment,” said Michael E. Davey, the union’s lawyer. “We believe that these officers will be vindicated, as they have done nothing wrong.”

Ms. Mosby faulted the police conduct at every turn. The officers who arrested him “failed to establish probable cause for Mr. Gray’s arrest, as no crime had been committed,” she said, describing the arrest as illegal. Officers accused him of possession of a switchblade, but Ms. Mosby said, “The knife was not a switchblade and is lawful under Maryland law.

Ms. Mosby said Mr. Gray suffered a spinal injury while being transported in a police van — and not earlier, while being arrested — and pointed to the failure of the police to put a seatbelt on him as a crucial factor.

“Mr. Gray suffered a severe and critical neck injury as a result of being handcuffed, shackled by his feet and unrestrained inside the B.P.D. wagon,” she said.

Despite repeated stops to check on Mr. Gray, the van driver, Officer Goodson, and other officers never belted him in, she said, at times leaving him face-down on the van floor with his hands behind him. Though there has been speculation that the police intentionally gave Mr. Gray a “rough ride,” intended to slam him against the metal sides of the van, Ms. Mosby did not refer to that possibility. She charged only Officer Goodson with second-degree murder, the most serious crime facing the six officers; he was also accused of manslaughter, assault and misconduct in office.

Mr. Gray’s condition deteriorated, she said, as officers repeatedly ignored his pleas for medical attention and ignored obvious signs that he was in distress. At one point, she said, when officers tried to check on him, Mr. Gray was unresponsive, yet no action was taken. He died of his injuries a week later.


Lt. Brian Rice was charged with manslaughter, assault, misconduct in office and false imprisonment. Officer William G. Porter and Sgt. Alicia White were charged with manslaughter, assault and misconduct in office. Officers Edward M. Nero and Garrett E. Miller were charged with assault, misconduct in office and false imprisonment.

Source: NY Times Daily

Morgan Heritage New Album Releases in 5 Days - "Strictly Roots" Pre-Order Now!

The Royal Family of Reggae is ready to unleash their new independent album "Strictly Roots" in 5 days, and it's said to be some of their best work as a group. The Morgan's are a powerhouse on their own, but for this project they've invited a few of their friends and family to join in. The album features Shaggy, Chronixx, JBogg, Rebelution, Jemere Morgan, Bumble Bee of the band SOJA, and Jo Mersa Marley.

Without a doubt when it came to the production side of this album Morgan Heritage called on some of the industries heavywieghts to help co-producer Strictly Roots. Don Chandler and BBC One/BBC 1Xtra's Seani B, Shane C. Brown of Juke Boxx Productions, multiple Grammy nominee, Jason “J-Vibe” Farmer; French reggae/dancehall production duo Matthieu Bost and Jérémie “Bim” Dessus; and guitarist Andrew “Simmo” Simpson were among the few to help put this album together.

In addition, multi-faceted studio and touring drummer, Gil Sharone, has contributed to the brilliant instrumentation for which Morgan Heritage is known. 

Throughout 2015, Morgan Heritage will be touring in support of Strictly Roots, which will be released 
digitally on April 20th, 2015 and physically on April 21st, 2015.

For fans that can't wait until  April 20, 2015 pre-order the album now.

"Strictly Roots" Digital Album on iTunes and Google Play (for Android)
http://smarturl.it/StrictlyRoots

"Strictly Roots" Physical Album Pre-order (Plus Merchandise)
http://smarturl.it/StrictlyRootsCD 

Release courtesy of Urban Relations

Jamaican Motion Picture "Destiny" Comes to the USA, Starring Christopher Martin, Spice, and More

PRESS RELEASE:
Jamaican Motion Picture "Destiny" Comes to the USA, Starring Christopher Martin, Spice, and More

VIA our Media Partners URBAN RELATIONS - A breath of fresh air! That's the phrase that best describes Jeremy Whittaker's breakout film, Destiny. The film now holds the record of the “Longest running film at the Box Office in Jamaican history.” The film features a host of local talent, and boasts a captivating story line and a dynamic soundtrack.

The film, chronicles the story of Lisa Pullen, played by lead actress Karian Sang, as she journeys to find herself following the death of her parents and a tumultuous break-up with her boyfriend. A trip to Jamaica to sell land acquired through inheritance leads to much more, as Lisa not only uncovers truths about her family's past, but also finds herself while falling in love. Destiny masterfully and artistically portrays Jamaican culture and music.

Destiny features Christopher Martin, comedian Ian 'Ity' Ellis and female entertainer Spice. Destiny is one of those must-see films. No violence, no bloodshed, just clean, fun, wholesome entertainment.

Copyright © 2015 MPR Consulting, All rights reserved. 
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Nasheen Fire Leaves Innocent Sound

In a statement released on his Facebook and Instagram pages, the long time selector of Innocent Sound, says he is going solo, but expressed his gratitude for his time on Innocent Sound. Here's what he had to say;

"EFFECTIVE TODAY: I NASHEEN FIRE WANT TO ANNOUNCE IM NO LONGER A SELECTOR/MC {DJ} FOR FLORIDAS {INNOCENT SOUND} SYSTEM!!

MUCH RESPECT TO {INNOCENT SOUND} MANAGEMENT FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE APART OF ONE OF FLORIDA'S TOP {ACTIVE} SOUND SYSTEM!! I GIVE THANKS FOR THE PLACES THE SOUND HAS ALLOW ME TO SEE IN THE WORLD THRU MUSIC!! ITS DEFINETLY A LIFE EXPERIENCE {MUSICALLY} AND FOR THAT I AM GREATFUL!!

BIG UP TO ALL THE REMAINDING SELECTORS OF {INNOCENT SOUND}

Juxxy Fyah
Dappa lee {U.S}
Neely Innocent

Drewsie
Kidz Meal {JAMAICA}
Fire

ALL WHO ARE GREAT SELECTORS/DJ WHO WILL KEEP THE {INNOCENT SOUND} MOVING

BIG UP TO ALL THE FANS WORLDWIDE WHO BEEN FOLLOWING THE MOVEMENT FROM THEN UNTIL NOW!! MUCH LOVE & RESPECT!! KEEP FOLLOWING THE MOVEMENT

I WILL BE MOVING FWD AS NASHEEN FIRE I HOPE & PRAY THE BIG MAN UPSTAIRS WILL BLESS ME WITH COUPLE MORE YEARS OF PLAYING MUSIC AND PLEASING THE FANS MUSICALLY..

BLESSED LOVE TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WILL SUPPORT ME ON MY NEXT JOURNEY!!

P.S. I WONT BE TALKING ABOUT THIS MATTER AFTER THIS!! BLESS UP {INNOCENT SOUND} "

No further explanation was given, and he made it clear he would not discuss the matter after this post made on Monday March 16 2015. Best wishes in all your future endeavors Nasheen Fire.  

For bookings contact NasheenFire@gmail.com or 407-450-8400

RISING STAR - HITECH CAVALEY RELEASES NEW SINGLE "DOH FREE IT UP"

HIS brother, Capleton, is one of the giants of modern dancehall. Newcomer Hitech Cavaley hopes to follow in those huge footsteps with is latest single, Do'h Free it Up, which will be out in February.

Do'h Free it Up was produced by Princess Productions.

"Since I recorded this song I've been getting a lot of positive feedback about it. It's a really good song and it is dedicated to all the independent women. The kind of women who keep it real and don't fall for guys who are trying to trick them with sweet talk and lies," said Hitech Cavaley.

The St Mary native, whose real name is Delroy Bailey, is working on his first album, titled Fully Loaded Street Code, which is scheduled to be released this year.

Some of his previous songs include Spending G's, Gal Criminal and Alcohol. The latter features Future Fambo.

article courtesy of Jamaica Observer

BOBBI KRISTINA, DAUGHTER OF WHITNEY HOUSTON AND BOBBY BROWN FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN BATHTUB

21 year old, Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive, face down in her bathtub in her home, by husband Nick Gordon Saturday morning, an eerie similarity in the manner in which her Mom, the late Whitney Houston, was found when she died almost 3 years ago to date (February 11 2012) .

Since being found, Bobbi Kristina Brown has been in intensive care in a Georgia hospital, breathing with the aid of a ventilator, and in a medically induced coma due to swelling of the brain, as relatives gather by her side. Latest reports are that she could possibly be brain dead, and doctors have warned the family to prepare for the worst.

A family source told PEOPLE the 21-year-old daughter of Whitney Houston has very little brain activity and her loved ones are "praying, hoping for the best."

This just weeks after the controversial Lifetime biopic, of Whitney Houston, produced by Angela Bassett was released. Bobbi Kristina was distraught about not being cast as her late mother, and had a war of words with Angela Bassett via Twitter.

Sources state the cause is possibly a drug overdose. Some are left wondering if this was intentional or accidental. A search warrant was issued and executed, but no drugs were found in her home; this is said to be standard if a toxicology screening shows drugs in ones system in cases such as these.

Bobbi Kristina has lived a sadly dark life, especially since the passing of her mother. Fueled with rumored drug and alcohol addiction, and a shocking marriage to long time friend, many thought to be her adopted brother, Nick Gordon.

Neurologist Eli Zimmerman of Massachusetts General Hospital says her prognosis will depend on "how much oxygen her brain was getting" before Brown was found not breathing, face down in the tub.

"Even minutes [without air] can be grim," Zimmerman says of Brown's chances at a full recovery.

Patients whose brains have been deprived of oxygen are typically sedated and "often kept on medications that slow down brain activity to be able to keep down the amount of energy the brain requires," Zimmerman explains. "In some patients, the body temperature is dropped slightly to reduce energy requirements even more, though this is generally only done for 24 hours."

Cooling pads and blankets are often used to lower body temperature, a procedure typically enacted for cardiac arrest patients. Zimmerman adds that cardiac arrest is the most common cause for a young woman like Brown with no prior known medical conditions to be in an unresponsive state.

"Once things have stabilized, the medications that are keeping the patient sedated are decreased to be able to get an accurate assessment of how the brain is working," says Zimmerman. Positive signs include pupils dilating, eyes blinking and any type of physical reaction.

For those who survive severe oxygen deprivation, "hospitalization is usually pretty long," Zimmerman says, "as is rehabilitation, with recovery often measured in months." In the long term, patients can experience cognitive difficulties, changes in behavior and seizures.

For now, Zimmerman has some advice for Brown's friends and family.

"I always tell families not to make decisions when they're under stress," he says. "It's okay to have doctors or nurses take care of loved ones for a few days."

Father, R&B star, Bobby Brown is said to be "inconsolable" during this difficult time. The loss of his ex-wife Whitney Houston showed to be extremely disheartening for Brown, and this has to be 10 times worst.

Bobby Brown issued a statement on Sunday, "Privacy is requested in this matter. Please allow for my family to deal with this matter and give my daughter the love and support she needs at this time."

Please keep Bobbi Kristina and her family in your prayers.