BACKAYARD Magazine

Daddy Yankee Reigns Over Reggaeton

The rhythm of reggaeton has ruled over Latino and Hispanic communities since the early 1990s, and the ruler of reggaeton these days is a worldwide superstar known as Daddy Yankee.

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PUMA's Limited Edition: Usain Bolt Berlin 2009 Clothing Line

Besides Usain Bolt himself and our little island of Jamaica, Puma is definitely next in line as an entity that has capitalized greatly from their partnership with the fastest man in the world.

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Major Lazer's top 10 most influential dancehall tracks

Diplo from Major Lazer shares his top 10 most influential dancehall tracks.

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JetBlue Airlines Plans Fly to Jamaica

Although it already has an extensive Caribbean route list, JetBlue is planning to add more flights to Jamaica. The airline, which already flies to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, announced it has applied for authority from the Jamaican government to offer flights between Boston and Montego Bay and Orlando and Montego Bay.

Both routes are expected to begin this January and February, but JetBlue is waiting for approval from the government of Jamaica. The daily non-stop route from Orlando to Montego Bay is scheduled to begin on Feb. 8. Travelers from Boston will be able to book non-stop service to Montego Bay for Saturday –only travel starting on Jan. 9.
JetBlue also announced yesterday it would increase the number of flights by 11 between its existing New York City (JFK) and Montego Bay route during the holiday season.

Source: JetBlue.com
Mighty Crown Scores New Nike Deal

Mighty Crown is recognized as being one of if not the most successful non-Jamaican dancehall sound systems. Their juggling success has brought them many other lucrative business opportunities which include the Nine Rulaz clothing line, Strive magazine and the Lifestyle Record Label.

The most recent business venture they've copped is signing their third design deal with sneaker giant Nike, to produce what will be known as the Dynasty High sneaker which will be distributed worldwide.

This deal marks another major turning point for the Japan natives as the anniversary of Mighty Crown's home town's (Yokohama) reggae festival approaches. Visit www.mightycrown.com (be sure to hit translate page unless you speak japanese) or visit their MySpace page myspace.com/mightycrownentertainment (which is in english).
"Kingston Paradise" Film Nears Completion

Jamaican director Mary Wells is pleased to announce the successful completion of principal photography on her first feature film Kingston Paradise. This new gripping action drama from Jamaica now enters post-production and is expected to be released in theatres in early 2010.

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Gramps Morgan - "2 Sides of My Heart"

A Brooklyn native but a full fledged Jamaican by birthright nonetheless, Gramps may be known primarily as one fifth of the group Morgan Heritage. On tour presently with the new school musical greats John Legend and India.Arie, the singer continues through these collaborative performances to increase his already expansive US fanbase.

His latest solo project is his album entitled 2 Sides of My Heart. The album which is in stores now features a total of 16 tracks and is also available for digital download via his website www.grampsmorgan.com (see full track listing below).

Be sure to follow him as he updates you on his every move at twitter.com/grampsmorgan.

01 Wash The Tears 3:58
02 All Together 4:20
03 Don't Cry For Jamaica 4:12
04 Hold On 4:01
05 Time 4:04
06 Lonely 4:02
07 Come Back To Bed 4:26
08 Hush 3:41
09 For One Night 4:12
10 Power of Prayer ft. Buju Banton 4:00
11 Roll Call 4:15
12 Where Has Mama Gone 4:23
13 Therapy (Remix) ft. India Arie 3:44
14 Always & Forever 4:51
15 One In A Million 3:55
16 Higher In Love 3:21

Vybz Kartel - The People's Champ Mixtape

Released by DJ Greedy in association with Dancehall USA check out The People's Champ the new Vybz Kartel dancehall mixtape. Follow the link for a full track listing and a download link
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