Beenie Man to perform alongside Nicki Minaj on BET’s 106 & Park

Dancehall artiste Beenie Man is slated to perform with the Trinidadian-American hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj on stage during this coming Monday April 2, 2012 episode of BET’s 106 & Park. The two have recorded a collaboration called “Gun Shot”, which will be featured on Nicki Minaj's upcoming album and Beenie Man believes this is an indication that dancehall is making a return to the US mainstream market.

This marks Beenie Man’s first performance in the United States since re-acquiring his visa last year. Despite the long wait to perform in America, the ‘King of the Dancehall’ believes that his international reputation has continued to elevate, regardless of that setback.

Beenie Man told the Jamaica STAR that “Even when I lost the visa mi level never drop. Me and Nicki met at Sumfest and from that wi start link up. Suh if my standard did drop she wouldn't work with me, she could have chosen anybody else. Once yuh set your standards high, things like these will happen."

For Beenie Man, his collaboration with Nicki Minaj suggests that Dancehall is finally returning to the international mainstream level that it once was at.

"It has been a while since dancehall has been on the back-burner so it is really a good feeling to be back, this is really a return because we did this before,” he said.

"Dancehall is making an international return, one one cocoa full basket so we give thanks. Rum and Redbull had the world by storm, and I did not get a chance to promote it but now it is a good look."

As a way to return the favor, Beenie Man intends to work with artistes from Lil Wayne’s label, Young Money Records for his next album.

Beenie Manis no stranger to the 106 & Park stage, having appeared on the show in 2002 with Sean Paul and in 2005. For the prominent deejay, Monday’s performance could re-open doors for him on the international scene.

"This performance will put me back on the visual international scene. There are some people who never see me before, Nicki Minaj has a young fan base and I will get a chance to tap into that market."

Popcaan Hits Billboard Hip-Hop And R&B Charts

Dancehall artist Popcaan made his debut at #89 on the Billboard Hip-Hop & R&B song charts with the So Unique Records hit single “Only Man She Want.” The song, featured on the Lost Angel Riddim, had been added last month to the playlist of New York’s Hot 97FM and other major radio stations across the US.

Elvis Redwood, CEO of So Unique Records says:

“This is a good look for dancehall and I feel grateful for the hardworking team of Johnny Wonder, Bobby Konders amd Mister Cee who helped to make this song a hit. I just want to thank Vybz Kartel, Popcaan and the whole Portmore Empire for helping to make the riddim such a huge hit, and this is really good news for the industry on a whole, and I will continue to work hard to produce more hits.”

Just last month, Johnny Wonder, executive vice-president of 21st Hapilos Digital, was quoted thanking the New York station “First of all I have to thank Bobby Konders and Mister Cee of HOT 97 for their support; they are always behind us 100 percent and we are thankful. I am also happy with Popcaan’s growing success, both locally and in the international market.

Popcaan’s rep issued the following statement about this achievement**:

“Entering the Billboard Charts is a good achievement and also can help keep international focus on dancehall music. We are happy for this and grateful to all the fans and the industry people working to make it possible. We will keep making songs and working to build on all our success. Big up and respect to dancehall fans worldwide.”

DropWordz Team would like to say congrats to Popcaan on is achievement.

Chris Brown Cell Phone Robbery Case: No Charges Yet, But Investigation Continues

Chris Brown could be in hot water again if a Florida woman's claims that he stole her cell phone prove true.

It remains to be seen if Chris Brown will eventually be charged for allegedly stealing a woman's cell phone in Florida last month.

According to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the investigation into the matter remains on going as detectives are continuing to interview witnesses.

"We have taken the statements of our local witnesses and have just finished discussing with the lead Miami Beach Detective the additional witness information supplied by Mr. Brown's attorney Mark Geragos," said Rundle in a statement on Thursday. "We must now interview these individuals, some of whom may be from out of state, just as we do in every criminal investigation in order to uncover the truth in its entirety."

The case in question began on Feb. 19 when, the alleged victim, Christal Spann, 24, told police that after spotting Brown and rapper Tyga leaving the club through a side door, she and her friends followed the artists onto the street. Brown got into a black Bentley as Spann took out her cell phone and snapped a photo of the singer while he sat in his car. At this time she stated that Chris Brown reached through his car window snatched her phone from her hands and yelled, "Bitch, you ain't going to put that on no website," as he reached out the window and grabbed the phone.

No arrests have been made and no warrants have been issued so far in the case, but TMZ reported that the incident is under investigation. According to E! Online, the Florida State Attorney's Office is preparing a warrant for Brown's arrest on suspicion of "robbery by sudden snatching."

Brown is currently on probation until 2014 for his assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna prior to the 2009 Grammy Awards but he could be facing some legal troubles as a result of the Miami episode. On February 9, a Los Angeles judge ordered Brown to continue reporting to a probation officer
 in his home state of Virginia as part of his five-year probation sentence in the Rihanna assault.


Prince Harry To Visit Jamaica

Grandson of The Queen, His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of Wales (always known as Prince Harry), will be visiting Jamaica from today March 5 to March 8 on behalf of The Queen. 

The four-day visit is in commemoration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – her 60th year since accession. 

Prince Harry will arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport at 5 p.m. today Monday, March 5, where he will be accorded a 21-gun salute by a Guard of Honour furnished by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). He will be accommodated at King’s House, as the guest of Their Excellencies, Governor General the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen. 

On Tuesday, March 6, Prince Harry will visit the Usain Bolt Track at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, where he will observe child athletes and young national athletes during a training session. 

Prince Harry will then move on to the university’s Law Faculty, where he will be listening to a moot debate by students ; and a visit to the non-governmental association, RISE Life, which serves communities in downtown Kingston.

witness a few minutes of a mock moot session. The Queen holds the title 'Visitor' at the university, and Prince Harry will unveil a plaque there in honour of his grandmother’s Diamond Jubilee. 

Prince Harry will then visit children, parents and staff members at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Lady Allen is involved in an outreach programme at the hospital and Their Excellencies will accompany Prince Harry. 

He will also unveil a plaque on the main entry building in honour of The Queen. 
Prince Harry will then be hosted by Prime Minister, the Most Hon Portia Simpson Miller at a lunch at the historic Devon House. He departs Devon House for the Victoria Jubilee Hospital and will unveil the statue, The Rings of Life, which marks three events in 2012: the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee as an independent nation; and the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. The statue is the work of master sculptor, Basil Watson. 

To end the second day of his visit, Prince Harry will hold separate audiences at King’s House, first with Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Holness, followed by the Prime Minister. There will be a State Dinner where Prince Harry is expected to deliver one of the toasts. 

On Wednesday, March 7, Prince Harry will be wearing military uniform for his visit to Up Park Camp. 

Prince Harry will co-pilot a helicopter from the JDF Air Wing to the William Knibb Memorial High School playing field, and from there will commence an afternoon of sightseeing in the company of the Governor General and Lady Allen. During the tour, which starts at the Falmouth Pier, the Prince will spend a quiet moment at the William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church. After the tour, the Prince will visit the Good Hope Great House. 

Later that evening, Prince Harry will be treated to a Jamaica Night event on the Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Kokomo Island in Montego Bay. The event is being staged by the Government in partnership with Sandals Resorts. 

Prince Harry ends his visit to Jamaica on Thursday afternoon (March 8), when he departs from the Sangster International Airport. 

Prince Harry’s visit to Jamaica is the final stop in his visits to Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean. The other two stops will be in Belize followed by The Bahamas. This is the first time that Prince Harry will be on an official duty on behalf of The Queen. It is also his first time in the Caribbean.