Buju Banton's Trial has been pushed back again leaving the Jamaican Dancehall/Reggae superstar to spend even more time behind bars in America. Buju is currently trying to clear his name and this latest development has left his legal team in further frustration sources say.

"The trial was pushed back to September 20 despite our objection" David Oscar Markus of Buju Banton's Legal Team was quoted as saying. "We are ready to go and Buju is looking forward to his day in court" Markus added.

US District Judge James Moody Jr granted a one week delay in the start of the trial last week based on a request by attorneys representing one of Buju's co-defendants, James Mack. Mack's lawyer apparently wrote to the court requesting more time to build up a defence.

This is the fifth change in the planned start of Buju's trial, he is being held in custody in Florida since last December when he was arrested on charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime.

Buju Banton (real name is Mark Myrie) - James Mack, and Ian Thomas were held following a sting operation by US law- enforcement officials.

The new trial date is just over one week before the scheduled release of Buju Banton's latest album 'Before The Dawn' with the feature track entitled 'Innocent'.

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After setting the UK dancehall scene on fire as part of dancehall group Sunclyde and after working with the likes of US heavyweight hip hop stars Twista and UK fast rapper Lethal B, Greensleeves Artist: Gappy Ranks is poised to release his debut solo album 'Put The Stereo On'. The album is due for relase on August 24 and features 12 original tracks with production provided by the infamous 'Peckings Crew'.

With his latest album release, Gappy Ranks set out to pay homage to the foundation that Reggae music built while bringing to the genre a direction he sees as the future of reggae music. The album opens with “Mountain Top,” Gappy’s first track to rise on the UK Reggae charts, followed by “Heaven In Her Eyes,” which remained #1 for 13 weeks on the UK Reggae Charts and opened up Gappy Ranks career to the world.

When recording PUT THE STEREO ON Gappy Ranks was granted access to classic reggae riddims like the Treasure Isle riddim featured on “Happiest Day Of My Life.” “Thy Shall Love” delivers a powerful sound and uplifting message of loving yourself and others. For the closing track, “Soul Rebel,” Gappy Ranks is accompanied by legendary UK Reggae artist Nereus Joseph.

Born and raised in the inner-city town Harlesden NW10 which is unofficially known as London’s Reggae capital, Gappy Ranks discovered his passion for music at a young age. While attending school, he strengthened his musical skills devoting most of his time to writing. He made his studio debut with the Ruff Cutt band at aged 11 and later joined Stonebridge stars Suncycle Crew. This experience helped him develop his understanding of the music business and the building of his musical repertoire. He has released numerous mix tapes and collaborated with fellow UK artists Kray Twinz, MC Lethal B and US rapper Twista.

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Portmore Empire Crew member Popcaan has been freed from jail after being locked up in the Bahamas since Monday. Riddimtube.com understands that 22 year old Popcaan real name André Sutherland including Ainsley Morris (24), and Lenburgh McDonald (26) were arrested and charged with damage and grevious harm after a brawl at the airport involving an airline pilot.

Popcaan appeared before the Bahamian courts Wednesday Morning (18 August 2010) where all the charges brought against him were dropped.

Promoter C-Bas who hosted PopCaan and the Portmore Empire at his annual Birthday bash said the deejay had left the Bahamas for Jamaica on Thursday.



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Three members of Vybz Kartel's Portmore Empire Crew who are accused of attacking a Bahamian Pilot on Monday at the LPIA (Lynden Pindling International Airport) appeared in court on Wednesday (August 18, 2010). The men were in New Providence to entertain a large crowd of dancehall fans at a birthday bash at the Luna Night Club this past weekend. The experienced turned sour when the Empire Crew artists found themselves behind bars.

Ainsley Morris (24), André Sutherland (22) and Lenburgh McDonald (26) all of St Catherine Jamaica appeared before the Magistrate to answer to the charges of attacking Bahamian pilot Tameko Bannister at LPIA and causing damage inside the Airport terminal building.

It is alleged that the men got into a fight with the Spirit Airline Pilot after he asked why there were women in the men’s restroom with them. The pilot reportedly left the restroom after a member of the group started to shout obscenities at him. The pilot reportedly told police that when he returned to use the bathroom another time one of the women who is a part of the group was hit by the bathroom door. It was at that point Bannister said one of the group members slapped him in the face and punched him in his left eye. Witnesses say the brawl ended in the lounge of the departure terminal alarming hundreds of passengers.

The story according to the attorney representing the men (Willie Moss) the incident didn't play out exactly like the pilot is claiming. Moss said the incident occurred when the Pilot ordered the group out of the restroom. He said that one of the group members only approached Bannister after drinks were spilled on the female member of the group and it was at that point Bannister was punched in the face. Moss said Bannister then in turn threw a punch at another group member knocking him unconscious. Moments later he said Banister ran out of the restroom and called for security. Other members of the group had already boarded the plane when Bannister pointed the men out to security.

Mr. Moss told the Magistrate that the men were extremely embarrassed about the situation and were willing to pay for any damages. “I am asking the court not to proceed with sentencing. A criminal record could prevent them from performing throughout the world. They know that they have embarrassed their group and their country,” said Mr. Moss.

Morris and McDonald pleaded guilty to the charges of damage and grievous harm and are expected to return to court this morning. Meanwhile Sutherland pleaded not guilty to the charges and was acquitted of all charges.

Vybz Kartel has reportedly denied any involvement in the incident.



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Artists representing the label Big Ship, led by Chino and Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor (the son of reggae legend Freddie McGregor) will arrive in Japan this weekend as they begin a two week tour to promote Chino's "Never Change" album which was released in Japan last month.

The tour kicks off at the Mighty Crown's Annual Yokohama Reggae Bash on Saturday, August 21st. Chino said "This will be the first show to kick off the Japan tour and I'm going to make my set as enjoyable as possible. This concert usually has more than 40,000 people in attendance, and my fans here have been extremely supportive so I really want to make it a great experience for them".

After Saturday's event Chino will continue on to Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka and other venues in Japan. Fans can keep up with the Big ship family as they make their trek across Japan in the TV category.

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