Breaking: Vybz Kartel Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murder

Vybz Kartel is almost out of options. The Jamaican dancehall star has been sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of parole until he serves 35 years. Laaaaawd, mi can’t tek it no mo!

 

In mid-March, Vybz (born Adidja Azim Palmer), was found guilty in the August 2011 murder of promoter Clive “Lizard” Williams.

The 38-year-old has remained behind bars for almost three years while awaiting trial, and after 65 days in court, a jury eventually voted 10-1 to convict Kartel and three other men on guilty charges. Prosecutors set out to prove that Williams was beaten to death in Kartel’s home, over two missing guns.

On Thursday (April 3) The Jamaica Gleaner reported that Vybz, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St. John were all sentenced to life in prison, with varying levels of eligibility for parole.

Both Campbell and Jones are eligible for parole in 25 years, while St. John will have to serve 30, and Vybz 35.

The defense still plans to appeal the verdict and Vybz Kartel’s lawyer, Tom Tavares-Finson, is specifically questioning the trial judge’s decision to allow certain phone evidence to be used in court.

According to Tavares-Finson, Jamaica’s Director of Public Prosecutions has commissioned an inquiry into the conduct of police investigators involved in the case. “I am of the opinion that the department cannot investigate itself and any such investigation should be done by the Independent Commission of Investigations,” Tavares-Finson told The Gleaner.

 

 

 

 

eb via mtv



Island Def Jam Folds, Heavyweight Exec Steps Down

In a surprising move, Universal Music Group has announced today that it is reorganizing the Island Def Jam Music Group.

Universal Music Group has announced that they have dissolved Island Def Jam. CEO Barry Weiss has also stepped down. Going forward, Motown Records, Island Records and Def Jam Recordings will consolidate as one operation. Says UMG’s CEO, Lucian Grainge: 

At UMG, our labels are empowered to be entrepreneurial and take creative risks. By re-establishing Def Jam, Island and Motown as standalone labels within the UMG family, we’re positioning them to recapture the uniqueness of their brands and serve artists with the singularity of vision, focus and creativity that was at the core of their original success.” 

In addition, Def Jam has appointed No I.D. and Kyambo “Hip Hop” Joshua as executive VPs and co-heads of A&R.
 

variety 

Michael Jackson ‘XSCAPE’ Album Cover

 

After much delay, Epic Records is really to roll out the posthumous album from the late King Of Pop. Executive produced by L.A. Reid., the album will feature 8 unheard recordings and will be released May 13.

“Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”



source

New Video: Jennifer Lopez ft French Montana “I Luh Ya Papi”

 

Jenny from the block turns up the heat in her brand new visual for her Detail-produced collab with French Montana ‘I Luh Ya PaPi’. The song may not make too much noise, but J.Lo in this video sure is. It’ll make you want to take a trip to Miami ASAP. Directed by Jessy Terrero.



Dancehall Artist Vybz Kartel Found Guilty Of Murder

The artist, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was tried and convicted as one of the killers of one Clive “Lizard” Williams. Kartel maintained his innocence, but was not able to convince a jury. The jury came back with a guilty verdict after a mere two hours even though the trial took a whopping 65 days.

“We will not sit by and let this case of injustice score victory. We will be appealing the verdict given the many questionable police corruption in the case,” the lawyer said according to UrbanIslands.com.

Kartel was acquitted of the murder of Barrington “Bossie” Burton last year.
The body of Clive Williams was never found, but authorities maintain it happened in a house owned by Kartel.

Three other men, Shawn “Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones, and André St John, were also found guilty in the murder.

Kartel faces life in prison.
 

allhiphop

Usher Links Up With Justin Bieber In Panama

Usher has high-tailed it down to Panama to talk some sense into Justin Bieber.

Justin and his mentor posed for pics with a woman who appears to be a Panamanian Belieber (they really are everywhere).

Sources tell us Usher flew to Panama for a serious come-to-jesus with JB on the heels of his arrest in Miami.

We’re told Justin’s manager Scooter Braun, and Justin’s childhood friend Ryan Butler, are also there for the sit-down. Scooter got roped in for a pic with a Belieber at the resort where they’re all staying.

We haven’t heard this word used, but this meeting has all the earmarks of an intervention.

Worth noting … even the fan who posted the Usher pic acknowledges the kid’s hit rough times, describing him as the youth idol who some love and many others hate.
 

 tmz

Sony Settles With Marvin Gaye's Estate

Back in August R&B singer Robin Thicke, producer Pharrell Williams and rapper T.I. filed a pre-emptive lawsuit against the Estate of Marvin Gaye to prevent the Estate from suing the trio over their copying of music from Marvin Gaye's 1977 hit single 'Got to Give It Up' for last summer's smash hit 'Blurred Lines.

 

Robin, Pharrell, T.I. and Sony have decided to back down...

According to reports The Estate of Marvin Gaye and publishing company Sony/ATV have settled their dueling lawsuits for an undisclosed amount.

A previous settlement offer had been turned down.

 

 Rhymes With Snitch

The Top 10 Highest Paid Musicians Of 2013 – No Rappers

All The talk of album sales and which genre runs the game and what artists is making moves doesn’t really ring true when it comes to overall earnings. Madonna tour grossed over $350 mil and she pocketed around half of that. Forbes is estimated, so more likely some of these artists made more or less, but as it stands.

 

 

Reports Slumz Boxden:

 

N0 1. Mondonna – ($125 Mil)
No 2.Lady Gaga – ($80 mil)
No 3. Bon Jovi – ($79 Mil)
No.4 Toby Keith ($65 million)
No. 5: Coldplay ($64 million
No. 6: Bruce Springsteen ($62 million)
No. 7: Justin Bieber ($58 million)
No. 8: Taylor Swift ($55 million)
No. 9: Elton John ($54 million)
No. 10: Beyoncé ($53 million, tie) 

No. 12 Puff Daddy ($50)
No. 17 RiRi ($43 mil)
No 19. Jayz ($42 mil)
No.21 Dr Dre ($40 mil)
No 23. Katy Perry ($39 mil)



FYI: Soul Train Music Awards Bans Lip Syncing

This ought to be good. There will be no backing vocal tracks at this years Soul Train Music Awards...

 

 

Reports Rhymes With Snitch:

 

According to reports all singers will be required to sing live at this years Soul Train Music Awards.

Scheduled performers include Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Gladys Knight, Tamar Braxton, Ruben Studdard and K. Michelle.

The Soul Train Music Awards airs Dec. 1 on BET and Centric.



Pebbles Sues VH1 For Their Negative Portrayal of Her

The recent TLC biopic aired by VH1 was not so kind to former TLC manager Peri "Pebbles" Reid, as she's somewhat of a villain in the film. TLC members T-Boz and Chilli have co-signed the representation of Pebbles, but Pebbles claims the movie is slanderous.

 



 

 

 

Reports Vlad:

 

To combat the portrayal, she's started a legal battle with VH1, demanding that the take the scenes about her out of the film.

"This unprovoked attack has been extremely upsetting to me and my family," posted Pebbles on twitter.

She claims she "never cheated or mislead anyone" and it's "time the truth comes out."



 



Check out Pebbles' full statement here.