Here at OutAroad.com we are trying to find out which dancehall artiste is going to ‘run’ the summer. We have decided that the best way to find out is to get you involved. Just leave a comment to let us know who you think will be ‘sizzling hot’ this summer. Below is a synopsis of some of the artistes on our list.

Last year almost everyone readily agreed that Munga Honourable was sizzling. The ‘Gangsta Ras’ had several smashing hits that cemented themselves onto the tongues of dancehall music lovers. However, Munga has lost that momentum and this year won’t be considered for the ‘pick of the summer list’.

On our list, we have the fiery Vybz Kartel, the intense Mavado, the blazing Beenie Man, the relentless Assassin, the energetic Elephant Man, and new comers Bugle and Serani (Daseca).

Vybz Kartel has been one of the most consistent dancehall acts in recent time and has a plethora of hardcore dancehall hits under his belt. For this summer, we can expect a lot from the former Alliance member as his palette just keeps growing with songs that appeal to his ever-growing fan base. Some of Kartel’s more vibrant songs going into the summer are: Fatta Than a Pound, My Scheme, Trailer Load of Money, Money Fi Spend, Tightest Punanny, and Broad Daylight.

For female artistes in Jamaica’s hostile dancehall circles, getting ahead is a daunting task. There is usually the speculation of who is sleeping with whom, and who have to do some immoral things to get ahead. For OutAroad.com Break Out Artiste for this Month, Tifa, those challenges are non-existent.

For Tifa, christened Latifa Brown, the road to stardom has been somewhat easy thus far. Music has always been a part of the singer/deejay life. Her stepfather, Sampalue, the reggae producer who assisted in the building of several music careers inclusive of dancehall’s queen Lady Saw, gave her a deep-rooted love for dancehall music. Her active participation in various aspects of the music began from prep school days and has since rolled on like a train.

“I love music. I have been involved with music all my life. I was a member of the Ashe Caribbean Performing Arts Academy and Ensemble and toured extensively with the group throughout the Caribbean and North America from 1996 to 2000,” she explained.

DJ Spice is back and making no bones about it! She made the statement very clear with her single titled ‘I’m Back’ on the North Coast rhythm for House of Vibes label. The single is expected to be released by the end of this month and the dancehall world will definitely be getting a more improved lady DJ.

The only artiste who worked throughout her pregnancy and within six weeks of giving birth launched back in the thick of things, Spice is definitely taking things in strides when it comes to her career.

Now with the added motivation of being a mother, she is even more determined to accomplish her dream and is now surrounding herself with a fully armed professional team as she prepares to take her career to the next level. Forming the team is publicity firm Khool International headed by Ray Alexander, booking agent, stylist, road manager and a street team, plus she already has Madhouse dealing with most of her productions. She is also working with other top ranked producers.

According to Spice, she will be doing more radio and television friendly songs. “Of course, I will still have rude girls songs for dancehall fans…but it’s all about flexibility and being more corporate friendly,” she shared.

First iMacs then iPods, now Apple is celebrating dancehall icon Shaggy. The Apple Store in downtown Manhattan is opening up its doors for the Grammy-winning, 20-times platinum recording artiste, as he prepares to drop his newest studio effort, Intoxication.

New York fans can look forward to a live preview of the album when Shaggy performs his new tracks on Wednesday, November 7 at 9pm. It’s a rare chance to see one of the world’s best-selling artist in action, for free.

If you cannot make the New York launch, Shaggy will be on the road promoting his new sounds, including coveted couch time on Late Night with Jay Leno(NBC) on day of release, and stints with Tavis Smiley (PBS) and Craig Ferguson (CBS), just to name a few.

DJ Kiprich is busy in the studios working on his second album for Big Yard, which is expected to be completed soon.

VP Records, who were also responsible for distributing his first album titled ‘Outta Road’, recorded for Big Yard.

Not only is Kiprich working on his new album, he also has recorded singles titled ‘Bun Fi Bun’ and ‘On My Mind’ on the Big Yard label, ‘Rosie Whine’ on Birchell label and ‘40 & Over’ on the Total Cil label.

Christened Marlon Plunkett, the DJ who was born in Waterhouse, St. Andrew, went by the stage name Crazy Kid when he just started out in the music business. Crazy Kid was not doing any justice for his career so he changed it to Kiprich, which was to give him the big break he so desperately wanted.

Kingston, Jamaica - The recent buzz about what really took place at the Dancehall Diva’s Show at Fayors Entertainment Complex in Mandeville (Jamaica) last weekend, has certainly been another stepping stone for D’Angel to put her best foot forward and move on in more positive ways. The Dancehall Diva did a couple interviews during this week both for the print media as well as for radio listeners and has made it clear that what took place at the show was something orchestrated and was a ploy to destroy her career.

Aside from all the recent pandemonium of media antics, D’Angel has been non-stop working and is remaining positive. She completed the video for her single “Blaze” produced by Arif Cooper for Fresh Ear Productions; it was premiered last week on TVJ’s Entertainment Report (ER) hosted by Anthony Miller in which she was the featured artist.

It’s not often that an aspiring deejay on his very first attempt at making a career out of dancehall actually does. But living up to his epithet, Assassin only needed one shot. In the summer of 1999, just one year shy of his graduation from Kingston, Jamaica’s Camperdown High School, the Assassin-so named by schoolmates who during cafeteria clashes witnessed, time and again, his lyrical dexterity cause his contenders’ demise-was welcomed into the fold of the dancehall fraternity.

His signature slogan ‘Versatile’ aptly summarizes Assassin, as he eases through several topics in his cutting lyrics. From We A De Roughest, to Girls Gone Wild to Idiot Ting Dat to Naw Mad Ova None to Anywhere We Go to Gully Sit’n to No Boring Gal. With his biting lyrics and clever phrases he has stood out amongst his colleagues and can be seen as the next flag bearer on the international front.

Marion Hall a.k.a. Lady Saw is currently in Paris promoting the film Made in Jamaica, directed by French filmmaker Jérome Laperrousaz. The film was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2006.

Made in Jamaica is a feature length documentary telling how a small island nation of only three million people has made music that resonates around the world. The film tells how reggae became such a worldwide phenomenon and provides a powerful portrait of the leaders of the movement.

The film showcases performances by the best Reggae and Dance Hall artists ever assembled including: Lady Saw, Third World, Beres Hammond and Sly & Robbie.

Rave reviews have been coming in for Ce’Cile’s video Goody. Based on Danger Zone’s Wipe Out Riddim, the video has been voted # 1 on MTV Tempo’s Cross Caribbean Countdown, and the track has been doing well on the US scene and throughout the wider Caribbean.

Ce’Cile gives her fans a different flavour in this video as she tries to incorporate a more relaxed family vibe with guys and girls having fun, kids playing games on the beach and later when the scene simmers to a sizzling bonfire party.

The song and video are aimed not only at Ce’Cile’s mature audience but also her growing young fans

Critiques may be having a field day trying to prevent dancehall artiste from going to the States, but that doesn’t stop the artiste from making great strides in his career.