‘Rompin Shop’ Created and Manipulated Controversy
The use Ne-Yo’s successful single ‘Miss Independence’ hit rhythm by Dance Hall  maestro Vybz Kartel on his Did Vybz Kartel create a controversy to manipulate it, I wonder? ‘Rompin Shop’ track may have been a stroke master of genius from marketing perspective given the reported 250, 000 hits on youtube to date. Kartel primary concern here is popularity, fame and money. He knew using Ne-Yo’s rhythm was illegal, because he had not obtained legal clearance to use it, but he wanted to ride on the success of success of Ne-Yo’ track to boost his ‘Rompin Shop’ sales and popularity. EMI issued Kartel to cease and desist court order forcing him to change the riddim on his song. EMI have not asked YouTube to take down the video version of Rompin Shop, the more popular of the two videos, to date. Why? That’s another story

Bob Marley Trivia
This month we celebrate Bob Marley day. Do you think you know Bob Marley? Take our trivia quiz and see how well you know Bob Marley.

Bob Marley, National Hero? Does Jamaica need another one?
Bob Marley’s 64th birthday was February 1 and February is officially Reggae month in Jamaica and the discussion of making him a national hero is heating.  When I wrote the above cover in 2000 raising the specter of Bob Marley being considered for national hero status in Jamaica, my intention was to provoke a debate on the merits of his candidacy and viability of whether or not Jamaica needed another national hero.

Reggae Artist outpricing themselves
As the global economy heads into a tailspin, it is expected that it will have a profound effect on many sectors in Jamaica. I believe that one of the sectors that will be greatly impacted is the music industry.

Ladies First: Boogie on Reggae Women
Having fired a proverbial shot across the of reggae music’s bow in 2007 Reggae Female artist continue establishing their dominance in big way for 2008. First off there are so many female entertainers this year, including an ever increasing crop of new artists with songs getting air time, like Tifa, Alibra, Natalie Storm, Pamputtae, Timberlee, a.k.a "TNT, Althea ‘Di Chic’ Hewitt, Natalie Storm, Lady Raine Seville, veterans Lady Saw, D'Angel, Stacious, Spice, Macka Diamond, Lady G, Queen Paula, Miss Thing and Ce'Cile to name a few. It is a joy to keep track of them. Reggae music may well be on its to shedding it sexist image Let’s look at what the females in reggae and Caribbean music have done for the first half of 2008.

Who’s really responsible for DANCEHALL decadence?
February was declared Reggae month; Reggae music is therefore destined to gain added notoriety locally as well as overseas because of its close association with brand Jamaica . Dancehall music is unquestionably the most popular genre. It is unapologetically raw and rude being a creation of the rabble. It is therefore by nature uncouth and uncontrollable. A firestorm has erupted as to whether dancehall is the source of our decadence or its natural by-product, the jury is still out.

Reggae’s Crown Prince Should be Honored
Brown is arguably the greatest singer in the history of Jamaican music,his contribution to Jamaican music makes him just as much an architect of reggae music as Bob Marley.

Staged Shows by Jamaican/Caribbean Nationals

Jamaica Elections 2007 Chat - Ask JLP and PNP Representatives Questions:
We would like to ensure that you have an opportunity to ask questions about matters that are critical to the future of Jamaica . The Jamaican Diaspora Southern United States will hold a Town Hall Meeting, titled "Elections 2007: Our Vision for Jamaica's Future", Thursday, July 26, 2007, 6:00pm to 8:30pm in Miramar, Florida with a representatives from Jamaica's two main political parties - People's National Party and Jamaica Labour Party. Jamaicans.com will have a live connection to our chat room. You can ask your questions live in our chat room or have us pose your questions. To submit a question in advance, click here or join in live from this site from 6:00pm to 8:30pm EDT on Thursday, July 26, 2007.

Shirley...A Thrilling Story of Grace…
Shirley Findley-Willis, a native of St. Ann, was the unforgettable leading vocal of the age-old gospel group, The Grace Thrillers’. One of the most visible and renowned member of the original group, Shirley’s compelling voice in popular songs like “By the Grace of God I am Saved“, “Can‘t Even Walk“, “Oh What a Sunrise“ and “Not My Will” has won the hearts of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Interview With Nadine Sutherland
She is, arguably, the most successful Jamaican female singer of her generation chart wise, Nadine Sutherland is veteran with more than two decades of hits to her credit. She took time out of her busy schedule to talk to Jamaicans.com writer Stan Evan Smith. Nadine will join us as this month's online discussion guest. She will answer questions April 25th 2007, 11- 6 PM in our forums.

Interview With Diana King -‘ Kingsinga’ Respeck due
Say the name Diana King and music fans the world over think, Shy Guy, the block buster three million worldwide selling single from her first album, the 6 Million selling CD ‘Tougher than Love’ comes to mind. Senior writer Stan Evan Smith talks to eclectic King about her growing up, her music, being sexually abused as a child in Jamaica, and the way females are treated in the music industry.

Jammin’ In Jamaica: The Dub Mix
Around the explosive, political and musically transitional period of the late '60s, America, Jamaica and England were affected by a new production technique that first reared its head in Jamaican studios.

The return of the Wild Apache - Super Cat
Even after more than a decade without a hit song, Super Cat can still marshal his lyrical whip, like a reservoir full in drought, he has an abundant supply of intelligent lyrics and he is still one of reggae/dancehall’s most devastating live performers.

The Canary, Mr. Levy, Sings His Blues At Club Cross Road
Contributing writer Stan Evan Smith reviews a recent performance by Barrington Levy. Stan also speaks to Barry about his career.

Buju’s #1 Fan Tells All
I’ve always wanted to meet Buju - Mark Anthony Myrie a.k.a Buju Banton – the Gargamel. However, I am a firm believer that all good things will happen in the fullness of time. I wanted to make sure that when Buju met me he would not forget his greatest fan in all the world.

Damian "Junior Gong" Marley: The Youngest Veteran
Bob Marley's story is one of the 20th century's most powerful and compelling human
dramas. A profound songwriter and a prolific musician, Marley died at age 36 from
melanoma cancer. His meteoric rise to international cultural importance and musical
significance made him one of the most significant contributors to world culture.

Bob ‘Tuff Gong’ Marley at Sixty One
Bob Marley's story is one of the 20th century's most powerful and compelling human
dramas. A profound songwriter and a prolific musician, Marley died at age 36 from
melanoma cancer. His meteoric rise to international cultural importance and musical
significance made him one of the most significant contributors to world culture.

Top 10 Bob Marley Albums
We surveyed visitors to our site on what Bob Marley album they thought was the best. Here are the top 10.

Roots-Ragga-Rap-Rock-Soul-Rhythm & Blues: The New Genre Of Popular Music
For New Yorkers singer BluFox, singer/actor/musician Leon, and the R&B duo Deep, fusing the drum and bass sounds of the Caribbean with American sounds such as Hip Hop, Rock, Rap, and R&B to create a unique distinctive sound is what they were trained to do as native New Yorkers.

"Reggae Vinyl : The Collectors Rare Treasure"
Reggae Vinyl collection have become very valuable over the last few years. Reggae Vinyl expert "Songman" explains more about the rare treasure.

When Did Reggae Become Rap
The popular charts now show dance hall reggae listed as rap? When did this happen? Are we not putting the carriage before the horse?

Claim Reggae For Prosperity
How important is Reggae to our culture? Read this commentary by Jean Lowrie-Chin on the importance of the music and the efforts that need to be supported for the music to continue to strive.

Routes of Reggae
Learn about the history of Jamaican music and the "Routes" the music to Reggae.