madonna is set to launch a new album in april 2008 with timbaland expected to feature on it.

Ras Shiloh%u2019s brand new Cd titled %u201CComing Home%u201D produced by Bobby %u201CDigital%u201D Dixon, on the VP records label, is a honorable volume of new music. Ras Shiloh%u2019s music never has a rushed or hurried approach and that is clearly evident in the content of %u201CComing Home%u201D. There are some songs that will definitely be hits with longtime Shiloh fans, as well as converting some new ones too!

Ras Shiloh%u2019s message resonates with kindness, upfullness, and awareness. It is been a pure joy to experience this singer%u2019s rise to success with his conscious music and heartical vibrations. This album has three tracks with guest singers, Morgan Heritage, Bascom X and Natural Black.

There are some tracks that really deserve acknowledgment for their tremendously potent lyrical content. The opening track %u201CWe Need More Love%u201D starts the course for some divinely inspired music. A simple message that can%u2019t be stressed enough. Let%u2019s show more love mankind.

%u201CLet The People Voice Be Heard%u201D heralds a call to dem heads of Government who just can%u2019t seem to remember their job is to listen to voice of ALL people, no matter what race, class or religious belief. With the great Morgan Heritage vocals adding to the spiritual heights, this song is a new classic.

%u201CShout in his name with praise, shout in his name always%u201D proclaims Ras Shiloh with such sincerity in the fourth song titled %u201CWhat You Have Done%u201D. You can%u2019t help but feel his love for Jah. I would hope that others outside of the reggae community would recognize this songs potential to crossover to other musical genres like Gospel and R&B, while still maintaining a Roots Reggae foundation.

The next track featuring Bascom X, %u201CThe New Rising Day%u201D blends the two sounds of Ras Shiloh%u2019s soulful singing style with Bascom X%u2019s up-tempo chanting to create a real nice tune. A real Irie duo, for your listening pleasure.

The eighth track, %u201C Volume of the Book%u201D Ras Shiloh sings about the righteous works contained within our father%u2019s instructions. The next tune with Natural Black, %u201CIt will be over%u201D, Shiloh asks the listener, %u201CWhich road will you choose?%u201D Natural Black lays down his signature, original vocals on the chorus.

The title track %u201CComing Home%u201D features Dean Fraser%u2019s wonderful saxophone adding to the gifted singing of Ras Shiloh to create a memorable tune. Dean Fraser is featured throughout many other tracks on this album. Other musicians who contributed to making the album%u201CComing Home%u201D are Mikey Spice on Keyboard and bass, Donald %u201CDanny Bassie%u201D Dennis also on bass, Dalton Browne on guitar, Kirk Bennett, and Squidley Cole on Drums, Paul %u201CLymie%u201D Murray, and Nicky Burt on background vocals.

There are many other tunes, 16 in all, that make %u201CComing Home%u201D well worth the wait. I can appreciate an artist%u2019s music much more when some time and planning goes into creating a new studio album. Ras Shiloh, along with Bobby digital%u2019s production skill have created a solid new chapter in Ras Shiloh%u2019s musical development.

Load up yuh cutchie full, give thanks, and pray for Jah Guidance, then listen to Natural Black’s latest works on King Jammy’s production titled "Jah Guide." Natural Black just can’t help but shine as his songs are inspired by the Most High God, Jah Rastafari, and through his Imperial Majesty’s guidance he has crafted another solid album for your roots, and conscious dancehall listening pleasure.

What impresses me most about Natural Black, (besides his singing ability), is his overall devotion to Rastafari spirituality, and Reggae music. A devotion that brought him to Jamaica from his native home of Guyana. A small South American country whose coastline is part of the West Indies. Guyana rests between Venezuela to the west, and Suriname to the east. Born Mortimer Softley, Natural Black has some big songs in the Jamaican dancehalls, as well as the dancehalls in Guyana and South America, Europe, and North America.

Hits like "Far From Reality", "Nice it Nice" and%uFFFD "Things and Times," helped to launch this rising star to international recognition. These tracks were all recorded in Kingston, which has been home to Natural Black since 1995, when he first moved to Jamaica’s largest city to work with the Big Ship label (Freddie McGregor), Harmony House label (Beres Hammond), and Black Scorpio studio (Jack Scorpio).

You can tell from the quality of music coming from this talented lion conqueror, that he really respects the elders in the reggae music business. He is receptive to their input which is clearly evident in "Jah Guide". The album was mixed by King Jammy and the backing musicians are all veterans in the record studio. Backed by the Firehouse Crew and the High Times Band, this is one of the best studio albums I have heard from Natural Black. I have only the highest regard for the creative efforts contained in the tracks on "Jah Guide"

There are many noteworthy songs, which are already receiving praises from conscious dancehall fans. In the second track%uFFFD "Intellectual Fanatics", Natural Black reasons, " we never know bout no ginal ting, look gwan fi blame man." Talking some truths and rights about all dem who promote wars and violence. Cease the war Now!

"Genuine Love" has some real righteous lyrics, " it’s time for you to know yourself my brotherman, makes no sense , off on a shelf with no other one." Yes I, no man is an island. Then the next track , #3, "Bless The Herb", Natural Black, sings " me go bless the herbs, settle your nerves, and then mi find words to the chorus and the verse." Big ups to all cannabis promoter dem worldwide!

If you are feeling a little down and need that perfect song to lift your spirit up, put on track #7, "Joy" and feel upliftment through the heartical vibes.%uFFFD "The spiritual joy within the music, could make you stop crying, the chorus in the music, when you hear it you won’t stop trying" The world needs some healing, there is a lot of sufferation going on out there . Songs like this one are so important to those strugglin’ inna di ghettos, inna di war zones, bless up humanity!

I want all you to listen closely to the words in "Love of Rasta" , to overstand this prolific singer’s loyal faithfulness to the teachings of Haile Selassie I the First. "I could never take no other route" proclaims Natural Black.%uFFFD One Iditation, One Love, One Jah! The slow rocking "Every Time"%uFFFD with binghi, drummers adding to Natural Black’s signature, "smokey", vocals is full of spiritual vibes, for your daily Ises.

When Natural Black sings, you are hearing true sincerity in his words. Genuine heartfelt emotion, that is something of a rarity in other musical genres, but this Guyanese singer has tapped into what the elder reggae musicians have taught him, and he is well on his way to share his knowledge with the new Rasta singers to come. His lyrical clarity is always present in all his works. Massive Respect to Natural Black for creating "Jah Guide" for all of us who require high grade, Rastafari influenced music to overcome Babylon oppression, and keep our thoughts pure.

With a truly royal sound and style, Queen Ifrica’s debut release Fyah Muma, has been one of the most greatly anticipated albums of the year. Many of you have heard the numerous tracks on Fyah Muma, as singles that have been blazing hotta fyah in the dancehalls, radio airwaves, and performed by Queen Ifrica herself live on stage.

This album is such a joy to review, because the music contained within is so rich with wisdom and healing vibes to keep your meditation focused and pure. Queen Ifrica exemplifies what consciousness combined with great talent can create in the studio.

So many great songs are contained within Fyah Muma, that I assume most Big Up Radio listeners have already heard at least a few on our various weekly shows including interview on Reggae Makossa (Thursdays on Roots) with Makeda Dread on Thursday. Not only is this Royal Empress a dedicated singer, songwriter and performer but she often volunteers her time for community outreach programs. In particular the in area of Kingston 13, known as the S corner neighborhood.

"Fyah Muma" is a must own roots reggae album of timeless proportions. Tracks like "Genocide" is a call to humanity to wake out of their slumber (figuratively speaking), and realize that the few that live in excess wealth are like vampires on the poor and the disadvantaged, sucking the life from those that need help the most. This song is a gift to those strugglin’ inna Africa, inna the Kingston ghettos, inna the projects of east Oakland, have faith in the Most High God. Queen Ifrica sings, " Praise the King and not another."

"Babylon Blunder" is another serious minded song, and Fyah Muma just blazes dem wicked heathens!. On the "Get a Beaten" riddim, an uplifting song with such strength and determination delivered with pure clarity in the lyrics. Queen Ifrica notes "Life is worth more than a dollar bill." Resist babylon and stand firm!

When I first hear the tune "Black People", and the inspiring lyrics within I thought to myself "I hope this song gets heard by all generations." There is a real positive message here and the vibes promote an upfulness not present in much of the mainstream music of today.

The track "Sensimina" is just a pure niceness. Higher Heights fi real! As any herbsman or woman knows, Cannabis is a gift from Jah. This is our hola sacrament, from the days of King David, and Fyah Muma come to tell you some truth and rights. This is our brain’s food, Rasta knows this is the healing of all nations. " Herb over cigarette, life over death."

Every Rasta know that "Natty Fi Grow" and dreadlocks are more than a fashion statement. For a Rasta’s dreadlocks is a part of their Nazarene vow, a Rastafari covenant. "Dash out yuh false hair, fire di barber" , "fire bun yuh pork chops, Rasta nah walk inna cemetery." Yes I, teach dem Queen Ifrica!

"Zinc Fence" tells of the often overlooked, downtrodden communities existing in dire poverty. Why can’t we over come the greed in society and give a helping hand to the poor? That is what Father God requires, you overstand? Queen Ifrica impresses me with her devotion to those sufferahs inna di ghettos.

There are also many nice time listening tunes, like "Need You". Build yuhself a spliff, kick back and lovepreciate that special empress(or king), inna yuh life. The Track entitled "Below the Waist" tells a story of how Man and Woman come together despite the difficulties of maintaining a relationship. Queen Ifrica sings "Him say gwaan put on yuh thong baby, an before yuh know it is another baby."

In "Born Free" Queen Ifrica explains "Never want to get caught in their corruption", Mash dem pagans down. Good over evil every time. This message carries the vibes of true Rastafari inspiration. I hope this reaches dem inna South Africa, inna Somalia, and especially Sudan. Jah will shield his children, from the evil dragon.

The track "Goodbye Love" presents another side of Queen Ifrica’s amazing vocal capabilities. This track proves what a multi-dynamic singer she is, and the lyrics tell the story of love lost. The pain of a break up can be hard, but you have to love yourself first and foremost, Seen?

The one song that I personally feel has the most healing potential is "Boxers and Stocking." What a timely message. While wars are waged, and violence lurks in the ghettos, an Angelic voice commands, "hold on don’t give up now, be strong and trod along, have faith in the Most High, Rastafari" Blessed love is within all of us, conquer dem with love!

There are many other noteworthy tracks on "Fyah Muma", such as "Randy", "When I Love", "Lengthen My Days" "Yesterday", "Mr. Bojangles", "Fyah Muma" and "Beautiful Day" Of course it goes without saying, that this a must have Cd for any serious reggae music collector. It should also be noted however that "Fyah Muma" will appeal to many with a broad taste of music genres as well. Shares this album with those that are close to you. Tell dem ’bout Queen Ifrica, and spread Jah message to those who have ears to hear this righteous Dawta of Rastafari.

hree days after Siccature Alcock’s (Jah Cure) early parole from the Spanish Town prison where he had served eight years of a fifteen year sentence, his fourth album "True Reflections…A New Beginning" was released proving that Babylon’s prison walls just could not keep this man’s spirit and creative talents in captivity. "True Reflections" released on the VP records label, has many tracks that showcase Jah Cure’s proclivity for Rastafari influenced Word, Sound and Power.

The fifteen tracks contained within the album, all have a very easy listening ability about them. You can tell this cd is different from his earlier works, which have a more raw, rasta rebel sound. While "True Reflections" may have a more polished character it doesn’t stray too far from his foundational works.

The title track "True Reflections" is an earnest attempt to share with the listener what his experience behind those prison walls have taught him. While many of Iyah Cure’s close friends and family have steadfastly maintained Cure’s innocence, it is obvious that he has learned something from this experience, with him even stating "I swear that I can be a better man"

The next track is perhaps the biggest track on the album and one of the "Big" tunes of 2007. Jah Cure longside Fantan Mojah have created a new classic with, "Nah Build Great Man" Sighting up many past, prominent black leaders and freedom fighters, that have struggled against Babylon system. Yes Iyah, "nah work for Pope John," Roots and culture for iver!

Another big tune on the "drop leaf riddim" is "Longing For". A softer side of Jah Cure is displayed with his heart felt sentiment during his incarceration. Another love song on the "Guardian Angel" riddim has some real touching lyrics. This one sounds nice inna di dancehall when the selecta mixes "To Your Arms of Love" with Alaine’s "Rise in Love" or Daville’s "Give Thanks for What You’ve Got"

"Searching For A Girl" is something any man can relate to. When you find your Queen you need to let her know how yuh feel. Relationships require some relating, seen? This track is on the powerful, "Lion Paw" riddim. The following tune called "Jamaica" is a great endorsement of an even greater Island. On the "Sunshine" riddim, it is Jah Cure’s Joyous vibes he holds that makes this song an island anthem.

Iyah Cure stands in opposition of brutality and violence with his anti war message in the track "Cease All War" he commands "Give up the gun thing and violence" A clear and positive message in this world of confusion. Another uplifting tune is "Share The Love" with Gentleman. This is a solid pairing, an expansion of higher heights.

On the "Seasons Riddim" Jah Cure has really created a timeless song with "Love Is". He has the ability to put heartical vibes into the words he sings. "Always a smile, counteracts a frown" This is the kind of poetry that exudes divine inspiration. Huge track…again followed up by an equally large tune "The Sound." Iyah Cure explains where the source of his meditation is found, "fill up my brain, with music, not cocaine." When a Rastaman talk ’bout word, sound, power, this is what he is referring to.

Other tracks like "What Will It Take," "Love You", "Same Way" and "Conga Man" are all solid works. "Most High Cup Full" ends the album with a spiritual vibration on the "Sun Is Shining" riddim. Sighting up the Father with praises, Haile Selassie I the First, Jah Rastafari. Last weekend was the first annual "Curefest" held in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica.

Veteran reggae artist Don Carlos is preparing to do another US tour in April 2008. Don is a melodic singer whose classic songs are well put together and well executed. He is a mature artist  definitely one of the nicer and more genuine singers in the reggae business. Last April, he did a similar US tour. February and March 2008 he is scheduled to tour Europe. Don has recently returned from Brazil, where he is also greatly loved and appreciated. On this upcoming US tour in April, he will be carrying his trademark horn section, which has been working with him internationally for the last seven years, and his female background vocalists. Dons gentle contented spirit is a comfort to his friends and fans. There is a class about him as an artist that promoters and venue owners can take pride in.

August 2007 Don toured Poland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Holland and France. Europe has been a strong consistant market for Don. Festival wise, he recently played Earthdance, in northern CA, The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Reggae On The River, Music In The Park in San Jose, CA, The Monterey Reggaefest, the Upsala festival in Sweden, the Reggae Sundance in Holland, and the Reggae Summerjam in Germany. Sly and Robbie backed him on Reggae on the River prime time Saturday night. Don has also been touring South America and Hawaii regularly, where he headlined the Bob Marley Day festivals last February on all four of the major Hawaiian islands.

Don has out seven albums with Ras records, and at least nineteen other releases on different labels. These titles are listed on his biography. Don recorded four albums with Black Uhuru for the Mesa Blue Moon label and toured with Black Uhuru as lead vocalist from 1989 - 1994.%uFFFD

%uFFFDIn his music, Don speaks for all people.%uFFFD He talks about peace and love, generosity and righteousness.%uFFFD He doesnt leave out thanking Jah for everything.%uFFFD I love you and Jah loves you more, he says.%uFFFD Love Jah, and you will have everything  all wisdom.%uFFFD Don has a big heart and a kind loving spirit. He is a special artist. Because of his blessings, the multitudes are drawn to him.

Moses ‘Beenie Man’ Davis is no longer affiliated to the company Mafia House that was dissolved as of November last month.

Effective December 1, 2007, the entertainer is under new management. King Of The Dancehall Entertainment (KODE) is now fully responsible for all undertakings of the artiste that includes bookings and management. Contact can be made between 9:00am-6:00pm on Mondays to Fridays by phone at (876) 969-3015 or by email him at beeniemaninfo@gmail.com

Fans can also check out his website at: www.myspace.com/beenieman.

Public Relations are still being handled by Khool Booking Agency who can be reached at (876) 998-5083 or email: khoolray@cwjamaica.com

Reggae music icon and international recording artist Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney receives a

Best Reggae Album GRAMMY%uFFFD nomination

for BURNING SPEAR EXPERIENCE

New York, NY (December 6, 2007)  Burning Music Productions is proud to announce that Reggae music icon and Grammy-winning recording artist Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney (O.D.) has been nominated for a Best Reggae Album Grammy for his 2007 double CD release, Burning Spear Experience.%uFFFD Spear is a previous Grammy winner for his 1999 Calling Rastafari CD and has received 10 nominations for his releases over his career to date.%uFFFD The 50th Annual Grammy Awards presentation will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 10, 2008 to be broadcast on CBS Television nationwide.%uFFFD

Burning Spear Experienceis a two disc, 25 track compilation from Rodney’s own Burning Music Productions featuring rare unreleased tracks, alternative versions and live concert recordings spanning Spear’s career.%uFFFD All tracks on the compilation were chosen by Burning Spear himself.%uFFFD Included is a limited edition bonus DVD and is available exclusively at the Burning Spear Store on his official website, Borders Stores, and all leading music outlets.%uFFFD Burning Spear’s catalog of releases are available on is own Burning Music Productions and Think Indie distribution company.

Burning Spear is scheduled to release his all-new studio album Jah Is Real in early 2008 through his Burning Music Productions.

Keep The Spear Burning !

For more information on the latest Burning Spear news, Burning Sound radio (on Live365.com), joining the Burning Spear Street Team and more -

Visit www.BurningSpear.net

(NEW YORK, NY - RHONA FOX, INC.)

Dancehall deejay Assassin is now setting his sights on the video for his latest single, "Money Machine." The video will be shot during the second week of December in parts of Kingston, Jamaica and will be directed by Julia Braham.

"Money Machine" is the latest release from Assassin’s very own label, Boardhouse Records, which he owns with his manager/brother Gareth Campbell and DJ Jevon "Bones" Bailey. Boardhouse saw its previous productions with three tracks on Assassin’s sophomore album, Gully Sit’n (VP Records), in stores now.

Promotional tours for Gully Sit’n have had Assassin not sitting around. In the past three months, he’s trekked to America, the U.K, Barbados, and was in Canada last week for a sold-out performance.

This holiday will be another busy season for the sensational deejay. Assassin will be celebrating his 25th birthday at a local college in Jamaica (UTECH Papine), which is only fitting for one of the few entertainers out there with a college education. He is currently earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.

NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Shaggy’s Intoxication blasted onto the Billboard Reggae Chart at #1 when it hit shelves in November, and now it’s heating up as he teams up with hip-hop mastermind Akon on his next single. The two swapped sound booths for studios at the recent video shoot in Miami’s famed South Beach.

Shaggy unleashes all the elements his fans expect on "What’s Love" - a proven and familiar formula that sees his macho hardcore chatting, fused with Akon’s flowing R&B hooks, riding a catchy hip-hop beat.

Shaggy hauled in the genius of Hype Williams to bring this track to life, and it will hit airwaves within the next few weeks. It will then have to battle the "Bonafide Girl" video, his second single from Intoxication featuring Rik Rok, which has been getting non-stop play ever since its release.

So what’s next for the platinum pop star? Shaggy is taking Intoxication, and well most of the Big Yard crew, for shows and promotion across Europe in the upcoming months. But if you are in the Caribbean or plan on heading there soon, a good time would be March 17 when Shaggy hits the beaches in Negril, Jamaica for Spring Break.