Local singer Michael James, better known as "Mr. Mikey," has just launched a maxi single of the same name which is to be the forerunner of his first, full-length CD, entitled "Mr. Mikey. It's Over," which is due for release around the end of the year.

"The maxi has five selections on it, four songs: 'Hot Girl Party 2,' 'It's Over,' 'See No Mon Dat Me Fraidda,' and `Stressin' Me,' as well as the instrumental version of 'It's Over'," he says.

" 'It's Over' is the cover tune, and it is about social things that are going on in people's lives," Mr. James says. "We have a lot of single parents. I was from a single parent home as well, and I got involved with somewhat the same type of thing with a female, which inspired me to write this song."

In fact, the composer/singer says all of the material on the album is original, and is "a mixture of hip hop, reggae and R&B".

"But it is definitely dance hall based with sprinkles of hip hop and R&B."

Gospel singer Tanya Iris, also known as Tanya Labr, is featured on 'Stressin' Me,' and joins "Mr. Mikey" on 'Hot Girl Party 2' and 'It's Over.'

"Mr. Mikey" is the executive producer; audio and recording is by Just Platinum Studio, Studio B, and Out Back Sound Station, and A & R marketing is by Madd Zulu Crew. Tracks are by Mikey, Digital and Detramental D.

The maxi single ($10) can be purchased at Music World, Sound Stage, the Warwick gas station, and the Jamaican Grill on Ord Road. For further information contact "Mr. Mikey" at 232-0241, or via pager 296-9372.

"Mr. Mikey" is also teaming up with reggae/rapper-MC Ninja Cutty to produce a compilation CD of various artists, and hopes to have this out by the end of the year.

"We have known each other for about 12 years," Ninja Cutty says. "We basically came from nothing and started the development of artists, which we are continuing to do. But it is not about us, it is a family thing. It's about the Madd Zulu Crew. Studios Out Back Sound Station and Donald's Music Room are working on the compilation, and we are shooting to have it out by the end of the year so we can start touring in the Spring."

Ninja Cutty recently returned from performing in Jamaica's Sunfest, "the first time anyone or any group of people from Bermuda" has done so since it started, he says.