Mary J Blige to thrill Mobay at Sumfest '07

In the hybrid genre called hip-hop soul, there's Mary J. Blige and then there's everybody else. Miles ahead of her contemporaries, she is unquestionably R&B royalty - The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

Summerfest Productions, organisers of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, have scored a major coup by securing an artiste of her calibre for the 15th anniversary staging of the major event to be held in Montego Bay from July 15 to 21.

Her sultry, sweet and emotively powerful vocals will fill the main venue at Catherine Hall on Saturday, July 21 at the "Zenith", where she will share the stage with the likes of Beres Hammond, Tanya Stephens, Tarrus Riley, Allison Hinds and Tessanne Chin, backed by Rootz Underground. No doubt, the star power of Mary J. Blige and the fine local line-up assembled for the final night augurs for yet another impressive and record-breaking show.

Fifteen years have passed since her debut album What's the 411 hit the streets in the summer of 1992 and announced her arrival as an innovative force in music. She infused smoothed-out R&B with the energy and vibe of pure and edgy hip-hop, and critics ran out of superlatives in describing the New York native's efforts that changed the game forever.

To read more pick up your copy at the nearest bookstore

Erup - A New Force Bursting on the Scene

Volcanic eruptions are one of the rarest and most destructive natural disasters known to man. When dormant, a volcano's presence can almost be forgotten. However, when it becomes suddenly active, it has everyone's attention and individuals prepare for its effects.

There's a hot new flow like lava in the dancehall, originating from Rockfort in the eastern part of Jamaica. His name is Erup, but unlike an active volcano, his sudden burst onto the scene with a hot vibe is not a threat to property and life. It's all about the music, and this fast rising act now has everyone's attention.

His journey towards popularity and recognition has been filled with struggles and hardships. However, his persistent spirit allowed him to not only make a name for himself, but also bring persons along with him into the industry. In the process, he has managed to remain humble and grounded.

When asked how he received the name Erup, he stated that it came from a line in a song he did years ago called "Can't Trick Wi". According to the new artiste, the name describes his aim to arrive on the music scene with a force never seen before. For Erup, music is something that is in his blood. It has always been a pursuit for him from as far back as he can remember.

"Mi memba inna grade one wi use to beat desk and mek up song off a girl weh wi like," he reminisced.

To read more pick up your copy at the nearest bookstore

No Stopping Buju the 'Driver' at Sumfest '07

Uncompromising expression comes naturally to Buju Banton, the man who has come to be known as the "Driver" in recent times - a title derived from one of his latest tunes of the same name. When he hits the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2007 stage in July, he will no doubt take his fans on the musical ride of their lives in his own inimitable style.

His performance at the 15th anniversary of Sumfest is expected to rival, if not surpass the absolutely spine-tingling show he put on recently at Madison Square Gardens in New York City in front of thousands of fans. With thought-provoking hits like "Murderer", "Untold Stories", "Destiny" and "Til Shiloh", as well as his popular dancehall hits "Batty Rider", "Browning", "Bogle", "Deportee" and "Operation Ardent", Buju is sure to please.

There is no denying the impact of the man who made his initial stamp on the Jamaican music scene at age 12 as the "Lambada" man and eventually became known as the "Gargamel".

To read more pick up your copy at the nearest bookstore