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Merciless Visit Studio Before Sudden Death, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer Tribute Artist

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Beenie Man and Bounty Killer are among a slew of dancehall legends paying tribute to Merciless.

There is still no confirmation about what caused the death of dancehall legend Merciless. His body was found at a guest house on Walker’s Avenue, off Beechwood Avenue, in Kingston yesterday, July 19.

So far, the only information that has been confirmed is that he checked in alone and that he was in the area doing gigs at the Corporate Area studios. Other eyewitness accounts state that he was last seen around midnight on July 18. His death has rocked the dancehall world as, for many, it was unexpected.

One of his close friends spoke with the Observer about the final moments he spent with the “Ole Gallis” deejay and shed some light on the deejay’s generous nature. The friend identified as Kevin Thomas was also Merciless driver.

“Ah Sunday night ah di last mi see him. Di man give mi $1,500 an’ seh, ‘Kevin, si yuh lunch money yah… Come link mi likkle more.’ Him seh when him finish do some work ah di studio [on Monday] him ah go come link mi,” he shared.

Thomas, obviously upset, also explained that he tried to call Merciless, whose real name is Leonard Bartley, on the morning of his death to ask him where he needed to get to for the day. He added that when his calls were not returned, he left his job at 4 pm to go look for him. He saw his car parked and was informed that it had not been moved since yesterday morning.

“Suh mi call Carlos an’ seh, ‘Yuh si di deejay?’ an’ him seh, ‘Yuh know ah two day mi nuh hear di man… Mi call di security an’ wi shub off di door an’ si the man pon di ground pon him face. Ah we see di man dead,” he revealed.

Jamaica’s minister of culture, gender, entertainment, and sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, also expressed her sadness and shock at the passing of one of the stand-out voices of 90s dancehall. She described him as a popular artiste in dancehall and also said that he had a number of hits to his credit.

Minister Grange also extended her sincere condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and associates and to the music fraternity as well. The Observer also spoke with the information arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit, which stated that they were informed that the police were called to a motel off Beechwood Avenue, where they found Merciless dead.

At this time, no foul play is suspected, and it is being treated as a sudden death investigation. The artist will no doubt leave an indelible mark on the dancehall fraternity, having made his debut back in 1994 when he captured the hearts of many with his witty lyrics and powerfully booming voice.

Probably the moments that he would be most remembered for will be his famous sound clashes, which in their heyday had fans flocking to arenas to see how new and upcoming artists would stand up to the veterans.

The “Len’ out Mi Mercy” deejay also gained notoriety for holding his own against the top clash artists, including Ninjaman, Bounty Killer, and Beenie Man at Sting 2000 at Jamworld Entertainment Complex in St Catherine.

Several of his fans flooded his last post on Instagram with comments of shock and also to offer condolences.

Bounty Killer also took the time out on Instagram to wish farewell to a legend of dancehall.

Beenie Man also shared a tribute for the late deejay.

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Popcaan Calls Out Reggae Sumfest For Using His Image To Promote Event

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Popcaan is calling out Reggae Sumfest for using his image in a post on Instagram with their branding stamped on it.

As Reggae Sumfest heats up ahead of the July 22-23 staging, the festival has been in full promotion mode as it unveils its extensive list of performers for Reggae and Dancehall night.

The festival is returning for the first time since the pandemic, which saw it being moved to a modest virtual staging in 2020 and again in 2021.

The first festival night, July 22nd, will see many of the hottest talents in the music arena gracing the stage. These include Aidonia, Shenseea, Spice, Ishawna, Masicka, Govana, Ding Dong, Chronic Law, Skeng, Jahshii, Intence, and Iwaata, headlining the first night along with a number of upcoming acts.

Night too has several big-name artists, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Cham, Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid, Mr. Easy, and Spragga Benz, followed by several upcoming and trending artists like Yaksta, Nation Boss, and Wesroc, among others.

The festival organizers have teased that other artists are to be on the lineup as they promote the event dubbed the greatest reggae show on earth.

In a post on Monday night, Sumfest seemed to hint that they were going to get the Unruly King himself, Popcaan, at the event, but Popcaan was not for it, as he shut down the festival for falsely advertising that he would be at the event.

“Watch da styla ya nuh! Drop who you think it is in the comment section and mek wi know! Let’s see who gets it!” the post on Instagram read.

Screenshot IG

In the comments section, many fans were quick to guess it might be Popcaan or “Toni-Ann Singh man,” as some referred to him.

Popcaan, who got wind of the post, was quick as he responded in the comments section calling out the festival for using his image in their promotion.

“unu stop Bomboclaat ramp wid me cauee man nah perform a no sumfest!!!! @unrulyfest me know,” Popcaan said.

Reggae Sumfest has not responded to Popcaan, who is currently in England.

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Drake $75m Mansion Intruder Arrested After Claiming To Be Rapper’s Son

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

A man claiming that Drake is his father was arrested at his mega mansion in Beverly Hills.

Drake is again targeted by a fanatic who was arrested at his new home in Los Angeles. Months ago, the rapper sold his YOLO home and has relocated into something more spacious, where he seems to enjoy living, as he has his pool, basketball stadium, and other amenities.

It seems that the crazies are keeping track of the rapper’s personal life as they have found his new home and are already breaking in.

According to TMZ, on Tuesday morning, an intruder was arrested at the rapper’s new pad, and when questioned by police, the intruder made the bizarre claim that he is the rapper’s son. Los Angeles Police officers responded to a call from an employee at Drake’s Beverly Hills mansion on Friday that an intruder was lurking by the pool house on the property.

A 23-year-old was found by the officers and, when questioned, reportedly told cops that he was Drake’s son. Never mind that the math is impossible because Drake is 35 years old. Even though Drake does have a son, cops however arrested the man.

The unidentified intruder was charged with misdemeanor trespassing. Despite being on the property, the intruder thankfully did not get into the rapper’s $75 million home. The rapper was also not home, as evident by his Instagram posts.

Over the weekend, the rapper was in Sweden, then Ibiza, where he shared several posts. Drake recently moved into the $75M home he bought from fellow musician Robbie Williams. His previous home has also been broken into, with a woman breaking in several times and sleeping in the rapper’s bed, wearing his clothing, and drinking alcohol.

The woman who was found twice was not charged, however, as the rapper felt she needed help. In any case, the rapper was eventually sued by the same woman who alleged that Drake defamed her despite the rapper never mentioning her name or knowing who she was.

The matter was eventually thrown out by a judge.

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Kanye West Felt Nicki Minaj Bodied Him On “Monster” Says Amber Rose

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Amber Rose says she worked in an A&R capacity for Kanye West and is the one who introduced him to Nicki Minaj in 2010, which led to their “Monster” collaboration.

In a new interview with Higher Learning Podcast, Amber Rose speaks about her role as an A&R for many of her ex-boyfriends, including Kanye West, whom she claimed did not know who Nicki Minaj was and whom she convinced to feature Nicki Minaj in what is now one of the biggest tracks for both artists.

“Monster” has become a bone of contention for Nicki Minaj and Kanye West as their strained relationship has taken on a different face. Last week, Minaj seemingly dissed Kanye during her Essence Fest performance when, after “Monster” came on, she told the DJ to cut the track, and she even had some choice words directed at Kanye.

Nicki Minaj referred to the Donda artist as a “clown.” It’s been speculated that Kanye has been holding back Minaj’s “New Body” remix featuring Minaj, and she and her Barbs fans are not pleased about it.

Amber Rose, on the other hand, offered some insight on what Kanye West thinks of Nicki Minaj as she shared that she put her on “Monster,” as Ye did not know who Nicki was at the time.

“I put Nicki on Monster,” she told hosts Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay.

“He didn’t know who Nicki was then. I had Nicki pull up to the studio and I put her on Monster,” Amber reiterated to the shock of the hosts. “I saw her in the studio and said ‘this b*tch is talented as hell’ and I went back to Kanye and said ‘you need to put her on Monster’.”

She added that Kanye did not know the Queens rapper, and “he was like who what? No,” but still he let her listen to the track.

Amber Rose

The Slut Walk founder says that Minaj sent her verse right after listening to the song.

“We all had a conversation, she heard the song and then she came back the next day with the verse.”

Kanye West, who is rumored to have wanted to pull Minaj’s verse, was impressed and expressed it to Amber, who said that Minaj’s verse was “was too good.”

“He told me the same day like ‘how the f*ck you did you bring in a b**ch that killed me on my own song’”.

While some social media users have reacted with disbelief at the revelation, Minaj had acknowledged in interviews before that Amber was instrumental in the “Monster” collab.

In the meantime, Kanye has not responded to Minaj since her comment at Essence Fest. He has, however, unfollowed her on Instagram.

Listen Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Jay-Z’s “Monster” below.

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Haitian Doll Heats Up Miami

Black Immigrant Daily News

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. July 19, 2022: Haitian Doll, the swimwear line by Haitian born model Jo Bella, recently heated up the catwalk at Swim Week Miami.

The bright neon prints, statement gold fasteners and details and daring geometric cuts dominated the line by Bella, who moved to the US as a teen from Haiti and began modelling.

Swimwear represents only one branch of the ambitious Haitian entrepreneur’s empire, which also features a jewelry line full of inventive, statement making pieces. Despite not receiving the support of her family, the designer remains grateful for the customer loyalty she has received and the success she has seen so far.

The Shows were powered by DCSW at SLS South Beach on July 15, 2022 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Models walk the runway for Haitian Doll by Jo Bella during DC Miami Swim Week in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for DC Miami Swim Week)

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Donna-Lee Donaldson: Producer/Police Under Scrutiny, Influencer Remains Missing

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Friends and family of missing social media influencer 24-year-old Donna-Lee Donaldson claim that she was last in the company of a man who is allegedly a producer and security personnel who worked with a popular young dancehall deejay.

There have been protests for two days now by Donaldson’s family as they demand that the Jamaica Constabulary Force acts amid reports that Donaldson’s boyfriend, whom she was last seen with, Noel Maitland, is a police officer as well as his baby mother, Cathy Ann Smith, who has reportedly fled the island to the United States.

On Monday, the JCF said it launched a high-level probe into the disappearance of Donaldson, who was reported missing last week Wednesday. Many on social media have accused the JCF of a cover-up, given that two of its officers are allegedly responsible for the young woman’s disappearance.

On Monday, the JCF denied the reports of not acting and said that as soon as the report was received, the force’s missing person protocol was immediately activated.

Several arms of the JCF, including senior investigators from the St Andrew Central Police division with the oversight of Criminal Investigation Branch HQ, the Communication Forensic and Cybercrime Division, and Scenes of Crime investigators, have been tapped to investigate the case.

The JCF also said that a senior St Andrew Central Division officer is leading the investigation, given the report that two officers are reportedly responsible for the missing woman’s disappearance.

In the meantime, spirited citizens have taken to social media to expose Smith and his wife. Some have identified Smith as allegedly being a producer and security personnel for a dancehall rising star.

The reports have also suggested that unconfirmed witnesses say that Donaldson was at the police officer’s residence in St. Andrew up to 4 PM on Wednesday. Smith has, however, said that the young lady left his home around 11 AM on Wednesday. Other reports alleged that Smith’s baby mother showed up at the apartment, and both women were there arguing.

A social media account is also claiming that there are security cameras where the missing woman was last seen, but it is unclear if police have seen it. Another claim also says that Maitland and his baby mother were seen removing a couch from the apartment sometime after the young lady was reported missing.

The JCF is asking members of the public with information to contact the Half-Way Tree CIB at 876-926-8184, Crime Stop 311, or the police emergency number, 119.

In a press conference on Monday afternoon, the JCF confirmed that they were pursuing several theories, but no suspect has been identified. They have, however, disclosed that a criminal investigation is underway, but the police did not divulge further.

The police added that it was not limiting its investigation to just a missing person report when asked if a homicide investigation was now underway.

Two cars belonging to the policeman and his baby mother have also been processed. According to a senior St. Andrew police officer, the vehicles have been processed, which he called “things we consider of evidential value.”

As to the report that a pickup truck had gone to the apartment for a couch, the senior police officer said that 20 hours of CCTV footage was recovered from the complex that is being reviewed for possible evidence.

“I want to point out too that we have not yet determined that a definite person is dead so we can’t say that we are investigating a murder. We hope that we will find Ms Donaldson alive and within the same [inaudible] we are exploring the leads that we have and if it results in that, if she is dead, I don’t think there will be any shortfall in the approach that we take,” the officer said.

In the meantime, Smith, who is a district constable, has refused to give a statement, while Maitland has given the police a statement, the senior police officer said.

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Ashanti Robin Thicke Heat Things Up In The Bahamas

Black Immigrant Daily News

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 18, 2022: Grammy winning singers Ashanti and Robin Thicke heated things up in The Bahamas Saturday night, July 16th.

Ashanti and Thicke preformed at the Atlantis Paradise Island Music Making Waves concert on Paradise Island, Bahamas. The dual performances featured a mix of Ashanti and Robin Thicke’s biggest hits, including “Foolish,” “Baby,” “Rock Wit U” by Ashanti, “Blurred Lines,” and “Lost Without You,” and “Magic” by Thicke.

Ashanti preforming at the Atlantis Paradise Island Music Making Waves concert on July 16, 2022 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island)

A portion of the proceeds from the performance will benefit the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, which aims to save marine life and their habitats in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.

(Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island)

It’s part of a summer-long series that included a concert by Sheryl Crow last month, and another by Jake Owen on Aug. 20. For more, visit Atlantis Making Waves.

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Lloyd Banks Gives 50 Cent His Flowers For Elevating His Songwriting Skills

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Lloyd Banks says 50 Cent helped him become a better songwriter.

When 50 Cent’s name is mentioned, it’s often connected to some beef or trolling. However, at least one former G-Unit rapper wants to give him his flowers for something good with a successful career.

Former G-Unit member Lloyd Banks, who is not really known for giving interviews, decided to sit down with Joe Budden on his podcast show, The Joe Budden Podcast, on July 14.

The interview lasted an hour, and even though the focus was mainly on Banks’ upcoming The Course of the Inevitable two album, he took some time to share just how much 50 Cent helped him to mold his sound.

The “On Fire” rapper said that besides the fact that 50 Cent was an exceptional songwriter, he helped him understand how to elevate his game. In fact, he said that when he was coming up as a young rapper, the “Candy Shop” rapper was one of the emcees that he most admired.

“Some of the biggest artists weren’t the best songwriters – he was. From the introduction, what you say in the beginning, where to pause. So that’s how I write,” he added.

Llpyd Banks also took the time to show just how much his writing game changed when compared to his early 2000s work.

He said that he now writes four bar pieces, and his first four are more than likely going to be aggressive. He ensures that there will be a line in the first four that will raise eyebrows, and then in his second four, he would try to have some type of breakdown.

“The next four, it’s gonna be a little melodic cheat code. And that’s what I got from 50. ‘Cause I was always bar heavy. That’s why ‘Victory’ is 50 bars. That’s why ‘The Banks Workout’ is 50 bars, because I didn’t know structure. So I was just doing 50 bar verses. If it wasn’t 50 bars, I felt like I cheated you and myself,” he continued.

The new album The Course of the Inevitable 2 dropped earlier today, Friday, July 15, and has some big features, including Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Jadakiss, and Tony Yayo, among others.

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Kevin Gates Addresses Jojo Zarur Relationship & Dreka Gates Breakup

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Kevin Gates had the internet buzzing with his “Super Gremlin” freestyle that hinted that his baby mother Dreka had cheated on him.

In a new interview with Yung Miami on her show Caresha Please, Kevin Gates did not directly answer if he and Dreka Gates broke up.

“What you mean really broke up,” he asked. “That’s my best friend so no matter what, she’s gona always be my best friend. Like I love this woman with everything in me. See a lot of people like to take it and be like cause the “Super Gremlin” song when the Super Gremlin song came out I never accused her of cheating,” he said.

When pressed by Yung Miami about what Dreka did since he said Dreka had lied about something, but Gates did not give a forthcoming answer.

“I never said those things, if you listened to the song I said personal trainer invaded my personal [inaduabile]…I never said they cheated, I never accused them of anything…if she did (cheat) I wouldn’t know,” the rapper said.

Kevin Gates appeared to also diss Dreka in his song “Super General,” where he says, “Make the Dreka song, lied to the world while trying to protect her image, causing fans to speculate that she cheated on him.

In the meantime, he also said that he knows Jojo Zarur for more than 12 years, and they are best friends.

“we wasn’t dating or nothing the internet made us be a couple, col f**k it…I never asked this woman to be in a relationship or nothing. No matter what I do she gon always be in my life,” he said about Zarur.

Last month, Gates and Zarur sparked dating rumors and led to major criticisms as Gates is still reportedly married.

Jojo Zarur and Kevin Gates were seen going for dinner, and a message he shared on Instagram hinted that he was protective of her in a romantic way.

“I’ve been being real positive with you guys, you know what I’m saying, and like I said, I’m not speaking on my behalf,” Gates begins.

“I just want you to know one thing, I’m not any of these other p***y a*s rappers that walk around with security, b***ch a*s n****s. If y’all play with anything I love, I’m letting you know now. I hope everybody hears me. I’m ready to do a life sentence. I love you all. Y’all have a beautiful day,” he said, smiling.

Jojo also co-signed the message as she re-shared it on her Instagram Story with the caption, “play with me if you want to,” with the blushing emoji.

In comments criticizing her for being with a married man, Zarur also said, “lol he’s actually single. Get your facts straight,” she responded to a fan who said, “he’s a married man. This ain’t a good look.”

Dreka hasn’t responded to Gates since, but based on Gates’ latest comments, he and Dreka might still be together as they were seen earlier this month out and about to promote his recently released album ‘Khaza’ named after one of their children.

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Kodak Black Release On Bail After Arrested In Florida With 30+ Oxycodone

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Kodak Black was released on a $75,000 bail after being arrested in Florida on suspect drug trafficking charges.

The Pompano Beach rapper was reportedly arrested on Friday in South Florida during a traffic stop. News reporter Andy Slater fired off several tweets on Friday even where he said sources confirmed that Kodak Black was arrested.

In one tweet, he said the rapper was arrested on Friday afternoon in South Florida after he was pulled over for a traffic stop. The reporter said that during the stop, the car was also searched, and officers reportedly found 30+ Oxycodone pills and over $50,000 in cash.

In later updates closer to midnight, the report added that the rapper was going to be charged.

“Kodak Black is being charged with trafficking, multiple sources tell me,” Slater tweeted.

In another tweet, he added details about the traffic stop.

“More details: Kodak Black was stopped for an expired tag and illegal window tints. Cops smelled weed when he opened the door to the bulletproof SUV he was driving, so they began a search,” the tweet said.

“That’s when they found the pills without a prescription and the cash,” the tweet added.

On Friday evening, a photo surfaced showing a shirtless Kodak Black sitting in the middle of the road while a cop appears to be guarding or holding him still. The rapper’s face appears to have a stressed look.

It’s unclear if Kodak is still in police custody, but he is reportedly being held at Broward County jail up to midnight on Friday.

The rapper has had a series of run-ins with the law since being granted clemency by former President Donald Trump in 2021.

He was arrested and charged with trespassing on New Year’s Day in Broward County, Florida. Reports are that the rapper was arrested by Broward County sheriff’s deputies around 1:30 a.m. ET in the Pompano Beach area. Kodak, whose real name is Bill Kapri, is originally from Broward County.

Kodak Black’s attorney Bradford Cohen told TMZ on Saturday that he was released on a $75,000 bond as they move to quickly resolve the case. The rapper was slapped with two charges, trafficking in oxycodone and possession of a controlled substance without prescription.

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