Singer-rapper Sean Kingston

Sean Kingston is making strides on the Billboard charts with his debut single, Beautiful Girls. The song has jumped from number 57 to number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Kingston, a 17-year-old who migrated from Jamaica to Miami brings his very unique triple threat of talent of rapping, reggae chanting and soulful harmonisation to the musical game. He is the first artiste signed to producer JR Rotem's Beluga Heights label. Rotem has produced hits for the likes of 50 Cent, the Game, Rihanna and Snoop Dogg.

"As an artiste, my whole goal is to make powerful and classic music," Sean revealed. "I want everyone to feel me and understand where I'm from and that's what this album will do. The music is all about an authentic Sean Kingston vibe. JR is a talented dude and a dope producer and he saw that I had something different than any other artist out there. Together we're a powerful force."

In addition to JR, The Runners, Cool and Dre, DJ Felli Fell, and DJ Khaled will be supplying beats to his forthcoming project. In just a short time, Kingston has already done what few in his age bracket can accomplish, which is to garner some street credibility.

He has two potential hits on his hands with Colors 2007 and the Jamaican remix. The reggae remix of Colors is a Caribbean hailstorm featuring Vybz Kartel and Kardinal Offishall.

"The song is about representing every flag that you're loyal to whether it is Jamaica, the States, your block, etc. It's a lifestyle record that can be a street anthem no matter where you are. I couldn't ask for anybody better than The Game and Ross to join me on the track. The reggae version came up because I knew I had to do one special for Jamaica. The first person I thought of was Vybz Cartel. His verse came out crazy. Then Kardinal Offiishall, that's my homie, he really attacked the track," Kingston explained.

Sean says he was inspired to write the record after he saw his family incarcerated when he was just 14 years old. "I always had my sister and my brother. My brother was doing his own thing, he was there but he was running around doing his own thing. When my mother and sister went away, it took a lot out of me. My sister went away for four months and my mom been away for over a year. When she went way, I was like 'nah man, this is too much'. I was only 14. I missed her like crazy but I pulled through and used it as my motivation.
Prosecutor is a defining song on the album for me; nothing fake about it because it touches on something very personal to me. The dope melody that's on there makes me feel even closer to it."

Music had always been in Kingston's blood. His uncle is Buju Banton and producer Jack Ruby is his grandfather.

"In the future I want to have my own label and work on the business side," he said. "I went to acting school when I was younger, so I want to get into that. I want to get into every aspect of the business. It took me a little while to develop and build my sound, to find out who the real Sean Kingston was. I didn't know if I wanted to harmonise, or to rap. But I found out that I can do it all," he added.

Beenie Man drumming up assistance for his forthcoming album, tops the charts with Back It Up

Beenie Man is on top of the charts with his latest jam, Back It Up. The song, produced by Mario C, is the latest in a lengthy list of chart-toppers for the deejay born Moses Davis.
Beenie Man is currently working on his upcoming album, which, according to highly placed sources, should see the light of day early next year.

So far, the likes of Barbie, D'Angel, Alaine and Aidonia have recorded collaborations with Beenie Man for the forthcoming MAFIA House release.

Sasha signs with Downsound Records

Sasha is no longer a part of the VP Records roster. The singer/deejay who split from dancehall artiste Turbulence last year, recently signed with Josef Bagdanovich's Downsound Records.

Downsound Records has been instrumental in launching the careers of artistes including Fantan Mojah and Nanko.
Sasha, who is known for hits such as Want A Natty, We've Got The Love and Dat Sexy Body, began her career under the guidance of Steelie and Clevie.

Mr Vegas to release album independently

Mr Vegas, who has been prolific on the charts over the past few months, will release his new album independently this summer.

Apparently, negotiations with Greensleeves Records in London, fell down and this has prompted Vegas to go the independent route with the album.

Reports are that the dancehall artiste was offered US$20,000 for the album, which he rejected. His publicist, Ray Alexander confirmed the offer and the subsequent refusal by Vegas.

Greensleeves released two albums for Vegas, namely Heads High and Damn Right.

Da'Ville and Sean Paul shoot video for Always on My Mind remix

The video for the remix of Da'Ville and Sean Paul's Always on My Mind, was shot on Wednesday in Port Royal. The video was directed by Ras Kassa.
The song is featured on Da'Ville's VP Records disc On My Mind.

Chart Updates

Tarrus Riley is still the king of the hill on the New York reggae charts with She's Royal. Over on the Germany reggae charts, Alborosie's Kingston Town is the new champ. Riley is also on top of the charts in St Lucia.

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