RIP SUGAR MINOTT

Veteran singer, songwriter, musician and producer Sugar Minott - born Lincoln Barrington Minott - from Kingston, Jamaica has been a driving force in pioneering the creation of reggae music. Contributing his indoctrination to the reggae music from growing up near a dancehall where some of the best sounds of the day used to play.

From this exposure he began to build a repertoire and entered talent contests like the Little Theatre Company. When finished school he began his journey in the music business selling records and playing in a sound named, Sound of Silence Keytone.

Sugar then started his own sound by the name of Black Roots which then led to the creation of Youthman Promotion.

In 1969 Sugar teamed up with Tony Tuff and Derrick Howard and formed the group the African Brothers. Tony was the lead singer and they recorded for Micron Music which was run by Mick Johnson and Ronny Burke of Sunsplash fame. The group then recorded for other producers from the likes of Keith Weston, Winston "Marrytone" Blake, Rupie Edwards and Coxsone Dodd. Some of the releases were "Lead us father", Mystery of nature", Party time" and"Righteous kingdom".

The group sprang up from the gathering at Delacree Rd. and Delamar Ave. corner, properly known as Tony Martin corner where many aspiring artists would mass. Due to strong cultural content of the lyrics the group did not receive the type of publicity it deserved so they all decided to pursue solo careers.

In 1974 Sugar teamed up with Ace producer Coxsone Dodd "Studio One". Bringing the label back to life after the loss of John Holt, Ken Boothe, and Alton Ellis to other studio's, His first hit for "studio One" was "Vanity" followed by "Mr DC", "House is not a Home" and "Hang on Natty", which led to his first solo album "Live Loving".

In 1979 he left Studio One to form his own label - "Black Roots" which led to the foundation of the Youth Promotion crew, recoding artist's like Little John, Triston Palmer, Barry Brown and Tony Tuff.

Youth Promotion started back in 1979, in the Maxfield park area of Kingston, Jamaica. Known as the Ghetto sound by the youths of the area. Started by Lincoln "Sugar" Minott the Veteran singer, songwriter, musician and producer. The sound system was the opportunity of the youths to be heard by the masses.

The Sound Youthman Promotion began to dominate the Dancehall scene by voiceing artist's like Junior Reid, Yami Bolo, Don Angelo, the late Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty and Garnet Silk who did his first recording for the Black Roots Label. The list of Artists goes on - Tony Rebel, Colorman, Daddy Freddie, Johnny Osbourne, Steve "Shalom" Harper and many more.

Courtesy of www.sugarminott.com

Sugar Minott died at the age of 54, on Saturday July 10 2010 at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew. He was previously diagnosed with Angina Pectoris – a severe heart condition. His death is said to be from complications of this condition. May he rest in peace.

MUNGA A NO-SHOW AT "SETTLMENT" LAST NIGHT

Where in the world is MUNGA HONORABLE?? Last night was the 2nd date scheduled for "Settlement", a stage show that allows rival artist to settle the score. As my previous article shows, the original date was scheduled for June, however was changed to July 9 2010. Deva Bratt arrived at the venue to find that his nemesis Munga was a no-show. Many people had speculated that Munga would not show up for quite some time. I personally reached out to Munga for confirmation of his attendance at the show, and was not successful in getting a response. This no show may be the final act that proves that Munga is no competition for Deva Bratt, and that he fears loosing a lyrical battle. Without Munga's input as requested, I am left to assume this to be true. So Deva Bratt wins this round by default, CONGRATS DEVA!

KARTEL TO REMAIN IN POLICE CUSTODY

Vybz Kartel turned himself into police approximately a week ago, after being placed on a "WANTED FOR QUESTIONING" list. Originally the hold order was for one week, however when that week was over, a judge decided that Vybz Kartel should remain in police custody for further investigation. It is not clear if he will be charged or what he will be charged with. The new hold order could allow authorities to hold Kartel for 30 days. Kartels publicist has kept his fans up to date via twitter, tweeting Kartels mood, and personal messages to fans. Follow him @iamthekartel. Keep your head up Addi. Updates as they become available.

MR.LEXX BLAZING SPEED ON THE FAST ROAD TO (MORE) SUCCESS!

As if making a come back with hit songs like "Hold The Line" w/Santigold, and "Dem ah Pree" wasnt enough, Mr Lexx is now also taking over the big screen. He guest stars in an independent film "Wah Do Dem" written, directed and produced by Ben Chace and Sam Fleischneryes. In "Wah Do Dem", young Brooklyn musician Max (Sean Bones) decides to go on a Caribbean cruise alone when his girlfriend Willow (Norah Jones) dumps him cold two days before the trip. Once in Jamaica, Max quickly escapes the tourist zone for more "authentic" surroundings and in the process is robbed of his possessions and is stranded, and literally misses the boat. As Max sets out for the American Embassy in Kingston on foot, Jamaica is waiting to meet him with unexpected and extraordinary encounters, including a full-moon celebration with the legendary reggae group The Congos, and a dreamy stay with a Rasta prophet.

Check Out "Wah Do Dem" trailer @ http://vimeo.com/4368680

Upcoming Screenings
•NEW YORK | Cinema Village | Jun 18 - Jun 25 WAH DO DEM NR Running Time 1:16 9:15p
•LOS ANGELES | The Egyptian | Jun 18 - Jun 25 WAH DO DEM NR Running Time Two showings: 7:30 PM & 9:00 PM [Spielberg Theatre]
•BOSTON | Somerville Theatre | Jun 25 - Jul 2 WAH DO DEM NR Running Time 3:00 | 7:15 | 9:00



Keep up with Mr.Lexx @
myspace.com/mrlexxmusic
twitter.com/mrlexx
youtube.com/mrlexxonline2010
facebook.com/christopherpalmer

DUDUS CAPTURED

After a 1 month stand off between Jamaican security forces and citizens of Tivoli Gardens in search for Christopher "Coke" Dudus, he has been captured and brought to New York City to face federal charges. Dudus was said to be on his way to turn himself into American officials in Jamaica when he and his advisors were stopped and he was subsequently arrested. As the pictures below show, he was in disguise when caught, but appeared to be happy that it was over. Dudus reportedly told one reporter he was "just happy to be alive". Full story about Dudus below in my previous article.

DEVA BRATT & MUNGA TO SETTLE THE SCORE!

Long time rivals Deva Bratt and Munga Honorable, are scheduled to clash at "The Settlement", a stage show that allows rivals to war lyrically on stage. As you may remember in Decemeber 2007 at Stone Love's Anniversary Party, Munga was performing "Auto Tune" on stage when Deva Bratt approached the stage and pushed one of Munga's entourage member off the stage. Munga then attacked Deva Bratt with a Mic to the head,the two duked it out on stage until they were bother escorted out of the venue. Although the physical fight started there, the two had been battling lyrically for many weeks prior.
Shortly thereafter the Stone Love incident, Deva Bratt was arrested and spent approximately 9 months in jail for incidents not related to the fight. Upon his release both artist recorded diss tracks targeted at each other and showcased them on youtube. This "settlement" is 3 years in the making, and will be nothing short of absolute excitement! The stage is set Saturday June 26 2010 at the Kingston Polo Club. Who will reign supreme?

GYPTIAN SUFFERS HEAD INJURY IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Gyptian is suffering from head injuries as a result of a recent motorcycle accident that took place this week. His publicist states " he will be ok", however Gyptian had been undergoing MRI testing and in the care of Andrews Memorial Hospital.

Gyptian has regained international success with his hit single "Hold Yuh". It has climbed numerous charts and reached number one on many charts as well. "Hold Yuh" debut on the Billboard Chart at #96, and has since climbed to #46. The single has been counteracted by many artist including Lady Saw, and also got a hip hop boost on the single from Young Money's first lady and hottest female rapper right now, Nicki Minaj. The remix was controversial due to Minaj's usual sexually explicit lyrics and mentions of what some consider lesbian activities. Check out the song and remixes below.