Vybz Kartel hates me, says Popcaan

Vybz Kartel

Dancehall artiste Popcaan recently told BBC 1XTRA that he is hated by mentor Vybz Kartel due to his mainstream success.

According to the deejay, who claimed that he loved Vybz Kartel the most during his performance at Sting 2012, the dancehall space is filled with jealousy, and envy.

"Dancehall artistes don't like the ones who are progressive. When you are on a low level, you have the most friends in music. When you going up, you have less friends, and I learnt that a long time ago," he said. "Since I have been around Vybz Kartel, a lot of people used to hate Vybz Kartel, but he stayed on top. I learn that lesson from him and that is why he, Vybz Kartel, hates Popcaan today. I will forever be on top ... because I learn that from him."

 TRYING TO FEED THEiR FAMILIES

The Billboard-charting/MOBO Award winner also said it is unfortunate to see the large amount of hate that has been levelled against dancehall artistes who are simply trying to feed their families through hard work.

Popcaan

"One artiste can contribute to 50 per cent of dancehall and if that person hates you that is a problem. Me as a man from my humble beginnings, who grow with my granny ... man come from bush, real bush, from nothing. All I try to do is take care of my family, and people have a problem with that. It is not my job to tell people what to say or how to live. So it's nobody's job to tell Popcaan how to live," Popcaan said.

However, it would appear that Kartel is not the only person disgruntled with Popcaan. Fellow incarcerated dancehall artiste Shawn Storm recently released a diss song called No Frauds targeting the deejay.

When contacted, a member of Shawn Storm's management team, who requested to remain anonymous, told THE STAR that the song was intended to address Popcaan's alleged disloyalty to Kartel and Storm.

"From Shawn and Vybz Kartel have been incarcerated, I don't think he has visited them even one time or check with their family. Remember that after everybody left Gaza it was only Popcaan, Gaza Slim, Shawn Storm and Vybz Kartel. Popcaan is acting like they never existed. I want you to please note that this song was recorded long time, but we just decided to release it because it's timely," she said, making it clear that Storm hasn't been recording behind bars.

She said the song is not about war, but rather to remind Popcaan where he is coming from.

Popcaan was unavailable for a comment. Several calls to his phone went unanswered.

Source: The Star

Spice lands first corporate deal

By Shereita Grizzle

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Dancehall artiste Spice has secured her first major partnership with a corporate company.

The hard-core female entertainer signed a deal with Sperone Moscato Jamaica, and is now the company's newest ambassador. The line of Italian Sparkling Moscatos is distributed by Select Brands Limited, one of the largest distributors of wines and spirits in Jamaica.

Spice told THE WEEKEND STAR that she was overwhelmed at the opportunity, but was hesitant at first because she wasn't sure if her image and the corporate world would work well.

"Sperone's marketing manager reached out to my business partner, Romeich, to contact me with the proposal," she explained. "When Romeich contacted me, the first thing I said was that I wouldn't be able to do it because most corporate companies probably want me to adjust and tone down who I am, including my wild stage performances."

To her surprise, the deal did not require her to make any adjustments to her raunchy dancehall image.

Spice is flanked by corporate marketing manager for Select Brands, Tania McConnell (left), and Sperone Moscato Jamaica's brand manager, Jhannel Townsend (right)

"When I was told that they know what I'm about and they want me to represent their product regardless, I was so excited and overwhelmed. I realise now how much the brand loves and supports dancehall, and I will encourage every single person to support them," she said.

PROMOTE THE PRODUCT

The new deal will see Spice appearing on Billboards and in advertisements as the new face of the product. As an ambassador, she is expected to promote the product, something she says will be easy.

"It's the only thing I drink since lately. I will use my huge fan base to showcase the product across the island. A di hottest bottle a wine in the streets right now anyway. It's a product that is loved, so this will be easy," Spice said.

The entertainer has been enjoying media attention and much success in recent times, especially following her appearance on the VH1 hit TV series Love and Hip Hop.

Source: Jamaica Star

VIDEO: SIDDUNG – SPICE