“Pull Up”, the latest project by Mr. Vegas (Delicious Vinyl / Interscope Records) is due out mid April. However, the new album is hitting the street in a blaze of controversy. While his single “Pull Up”, on the Coolie Dance riddim, has been getting major spins on urban radio, the song has also spawned an unauthorized sample by rappers Pit Bull and Lil Jon on the TVT label. The artists themselves are downplaying rumors that there is a feud brewing, however Interscope has gotten involved to do damage control since they realize the timing of this sampling, which features the same melody, hook and rhythm could interfere with crossover success of Vegas’ efforts.

Congratulations Bunji Garlin on being crowned the 2004 International Soca Monarch. He will be able to celebrate this year as a solo monarch, unlike previous joint crowns shared with Iwer George. He avoided a tie with Sherwayne Winchester by a mere 2 points with his explosive performance of “Warrior Cry”.

Popular Reggae singer Trevor Sparks died from a stroke in March in a Chicago nursing home. Sparks, who is best known for his cover of “Bye Bye Love”, a chart hit in 1987, had been confined to a wheel chair over the past few years, after severe injuries he received in a motor vehicle accident. Sparks whose real name is Trevor Chambers was born in England to Jamaican parents. He is survived by two sons. Trevor Sparks will be laid to rest surrounded by friends and fans in Brooklyn.

Assassin, Jeffrey Campbell, has recently signed a three album deal with VP/Atlantic Records. Assassin has been deejaying since high school and was encouraged by his manager, Donovan Germain, to finish his education. Now the 21 year old is viewed as one of the top deejays in dancehall with several singles on the charts in South Florida and London including his collaboration with Bounty Killer on the Tunda Clap riddim called ‘Dem Ting Deh’.

Sorry fi anybody who thought dancehall would quietly leave the charts in 2004. Dancehall in the mainstream is here to stay! The Billboard charts are still being infiltrated by crossover successes like: Beenie Man and Miss Thing's ‘Dude’ in the number 65 spot on the latest Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 27 on the R&B charts. Baby Cham's ‘Vitamin S’ is holding the number 59 spot and TOK's ‘Gal You A Lead’ moved into the number 36 spot on the R&B chart. Sean Paul and Sasha's ‘I'm Still In Love With You’ is at number 20 on the Hot 100 chart and number 13 on the R&B chart.

The United Nations bestowed its Woman of Great Esteem Award on veteran Jamaican singer Marcia Griffiths, at a special ceremony in New York City. Griffiths is being awarded for what the world body says is her outstanding contribution to mankind. The event helped mark Griffiths' celebration of her 40th anniversary in the music business, a celebration which has been named "I Shall Sing. Her Story Unfolds". "I am truly grateful for this honour from the United Nations.”

Compiled by: Odette Flemming