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

Broadcasting Commission Weighs In On Kartel Music-Ban

Kingston, Jamaica: The Broadcasting Commission has weighed in on the

controversy over the airing of music by convicted murderer Vybz Kartel on public radio.

According to the Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission, Cordel Green, the commission does not believe the airwaves should be used in a manner which celebrates a person convicted of murder.

However, Green says there is no provision in law barring the transmission of music, simply because it was created by a convicted person.

He says, however, if it is proven that the music was created in contravention of a law governing the Correctional Services and a broadcaster knowingly facilitates that contravention, there would grounds to determine that the broadcasting rules were breached.

There has been renewed public discussion since the Opposition Spokesperson on culture Lisa Hanna this week called for discussion on whether the music of convicted persons should be banned from public radio.

In July 2016, the Broadcasting Commission initiated a meeting with the Commissioner of Corrections and officials of the National Security Ministry to discuss our claims that Adidja Palmer had been making recordings from prison.

Green says the Commission was informed that the Correctional Services were investigating the allegations and that no determination had been made on the matter.

He said the Commission was also told that the prison rules were under review to deal specifically with that issue. 

Kartel, co-accused get life

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer and his three co-accused were Thursday slapped with life sentences for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

Kartel is to serve 35 years in prison before he becomes eligible for parole. His co-accused, Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell is to serve 25 years before he is eligible for parole, Kahira Jones- 25 years and Andre St John, 30 years.

Justice Lennox Campbell handed down the sentences after listening to summations from each defence lawyer in the case.

A guilty verdict was returned for all four on March 13, ending 65 days of trial for the beating death of Williams, which police say occurred on August 16, 2011 at a house owned by Palmer in Havendale, St Andrew.

Shane Williams, the fourth co-accused was found not guilty by the 11 member jury.

Williams was killed, police say, over the disappearance of two missing firearms. 

His body is yet to be found. 

Source: Jamaica Observer

May not know any Vybz Kartel songs? 'Summertime' 

Controversial entertainer to be sentenced for murder today

·       Kartel’s sentencing forces more street closures

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - CONTROVERSIAL entertainer Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused face the possibility of life in prison for murder when they appear before Justice Lennox Campbell in the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston, today.

Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, fellow entertainer Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre 'Mad Suss' St John were found guilty two Thursdays ago after a record 65-day trial.

The men were convicted for the beating death of Clive 'Lizard' Williams which police say occurred at a house owned by Palmer in Havendale, St Andrew, on August 16, 2011.

Williams was killed, police say, over the disappearance of two missing firearms.

His body is yet to be found.

Under Jamaican law the penalty for murder is death, but since 1992 no convicted murderer has been executed, despite calls from the populace for the penalty to be utilised and a majority vote by legislators in Parliament in November 2008 in favour of retaining the penalty.

Former tough cop Reneto Adams last week suggested that Vybz Kartel be slapped with a 50-year sentence for his role in Williams' murder.

During the trial, voice notes, video, text and BlackBerry message evidence was used by the prosecution to secure the conviction of the four men.

A fifth accused, Shane Williams, was found not guilty by an 11-member panel of jurors, but has since been slapped with another murder charge by police and still remains in custody.

The prosecution's case rested heavily on the testimony of a former 'Gaza Empire' member, who gave damning eyewitness evidence against the accused men.

The witness testified that he and Williams were summoned to Havendale by Kartel and were taken there by Campbell in a taxi driven by a man known only as 'Need For Speed'.

He said he and Williams were given two guns for safekeeping which went missing after they were hidden in an abandoned premises at Waterford in Portmore, St Catherine.

The prosecution also displayed a BlackBerry message in which Kartel allegedly wrote that Williams had been chopped up and his body disposed.

Police have put in place special measures to ensure there is no repeat of the bombardment of the Supreme Court which occurred when Kartel and his three co-accused were found guilty two Thursdays ago.

King Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between Harbour Street and South Parade. This means motorists travelling from South Parade, Tower Street, Harbour Street, and Barry Street will not be allowed to turn onto King Street.

Church Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between South Parade and Tower Street, while no traffic will be allowed to turn onto Church Street from Barry Street. Police said only court officials and police vehicles will be able to access Church Street from the direction of South Parade or Tower Street.

Motorists travelling along Harbour Street who intend to use King Street to get to the Parade area will have to use Orange Street or continue straight along Harbour Street, then left onto Duke Street, then left on to East Queen Street, to access the Parade area.

Additionally, motorists travelling from South Parade intending to use King Street will have to travel onwards to East Parade, then

onto East Queen Street, then onto East Street.

Source: Jamaica Observer

You could not have done anything else – Judge

Kingston, Jamaica - After five months of trial, six days of summation and four guilty verdicts, Justice Lennox Campbell assured members of the jury that they could not have done anything else as it related to the verdicts.

"You could not have done anything else of this evidence presented here. It was not possible," the judge said.

A few minutes earlier, the 11-member jury, who had deliberated for a little over two hours, returned with four guilty verdicts and one not guilty.

The jurors returned a guilty verdict for Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer, Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell, Kahira Jones and André St John. Shane Williams was found not guilty.

While the four remained expressionless and staring straight ahead, Williams briefly bowed his head after his verdict was read.

After thanking the jurors for their 'responsible and serious approach', he commended them, on behalf of the Jamaican people for having served so well.

Justice Campbell also cautioned the media not to try to ferret information from the jurors - "what happens in the jury room, remains in the jury room."

Those found guilty are to return to court for sentencing on March 27. The defence attorneys have indicated their intention to appeal.

Kartel and five other men had been charged with Clive 'Lizard' Williams' murder, but at the start of the trial in November last year, the fifth co-accused, fashion designer, Calvin Haye, was freed after the Crown offered no evidence against him.

Source: Jamaica Star

Vybz Kartel, three co-accused found guilty of murder

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Popular Jamaican Dancehall DJ Vybz Kartel and three co-accused were found guilty of murder in the Home Circuit court today, Thursday, March 13.

Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was charged jointly with fellow entertainer Shawn Campbell, also called Shawn Storm; Kahira Jones; Shane Williams; and André St John for the murder of Clive‘Lizard’ Williams .

Of the four co-accused only Williams was found not guilty.

Clive 'Lizard' Williams was allegedly killed over a missing gun belonging to Kartel.

Those found guilty are to return to court on March 27 for sentencing. 

Source: Jamaica Observer 

Blood at Kartel’s home

But forensic analyst says DNA didn’t match uncle of ‘Lizard’

BY PAUL HENRY Crime/Court Co-ordinator henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Vybz Kartel

Kingston Jamaica - GOVERNMENT forensic analyst Sharon Bryson testified in the Vybz Kartel murder trial yesterday that blood, believed to be that of a male, was found at the entertainer’s house.

However, she testified that DNA analysis of the blood did not match that of the uncle of the man the prosecution believed to have been murdered.

Bryson gave the evidence during her examination-in-chief that blood, believed to be that of victim Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, was taken from the Havendale, St Andrew, house and that a swab was done of Williams’ uncle for DNA.

“The DNA did not match that of the uncle,” Bryson told the court. Asked by lead prosecutor Jeremy Taylor what could account for the failure to match DNA, Bryson said Williams’ uncle may be from his mother’s side of the family.

Under cross-examination by defence attorney Tom Tavares- Finson, who appears with Chris Tavares-Finson for Kartel, Bryson said she was unable to say that the blood taken from the house was that of Williams.

“If it was said that the blood of Clive Williams was found at the house at Swallowfield Avenue, that would not have come from you?”

“No, sir,” said Bryson.

“If the police say blood of Williams was found at Vybz Kartel’s house, that wouldn’t have come from you?”

“No, sir,” was her response.

Under cross-examination by another defence attorney, Michael Lorne, who, along with Susan Dodd, appears for Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Bryson said the police had brought the uncle to her for a sample to be taken for DNA analysis.

She said other samples that were taken from the house were tested, but no match to Williams was found.

Vybz Kartel (real name Adidja Palmer), Campbell, Kahira Jones, Andre St John, and Shane Williams are on trial for the murder of Clive Williams on August 16, 2011.

A body has not been found but the prosecution believes that Williams was beaten to death over the disappearance of two guns.

Yesterday, Corporal Shawn Howard of the police’s Communication Forensic and Cybercrime Unit testified to getting a number of cellular phones, a notebook computer, a USB flash drive, and laptop on October 3, 2011, which he logged in the register.

Cross-examined by Lorne, he said that he was aware that in some instances the law required that a warrant be obtained before a confiscated cellphone could be searched. He, however, said that he didn’t obtain a warrant to do so.

Howard also said that he didn’t ascertain if a warrant was obtained for the confiscation of the items in the first place.

In response to questions posed by attorney Pierre Rogers (Jones’ attorney), Howard said that no civilian worked at the Cybercrime Unit at the time he got the items, and that only police officers conduct analysis of exhibits.

“There are no civilians to check the police finding?” Rogers asked.

“No, sir,” Howard said.

Crossed by Tavares-Finson, Howard said there was no way of telling the ownership of the phones if the investigator didn’t put the names of the owners on them

Source: jamaicaobserver.com

KARTEL'S JAIL CELL SEARCHED IN INVESTIGATION OF PRODUCER'S KILLING

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Police say they have searched the jail cell of DJ Vybz Kartel’s as part of their investigations into the killing of popular music producer Patrick ‘Roach’ Samuels.

The police reported that on Sunday detectives seized two cellular phones and three thumb-drives from the cell occupied by Kartel whose real name is Adijah Palmer. 

The Constabulary Communications Network (CCN) report Wednesday did not give the connection between the contraband found in the entertainer’s cell and the killing of the producer.

According to the cops the cell of Garfield Vassell, otherwise called ‘Zebra’, was also searched and the officers seized a sim card as well as a piece of paper containing instructions purportedly written by a popular entertainer.

Neither the nature of the instructions nor the name of the “popular entertainer ”were revealed.

VYBZ KARTEL NEWS: POPCAAN AND TOMMY LEE BETRAYED ME - WORLD BOSS

Vybz Kartel has denied allegations that he was attacked behind bars.

Addi Di Teacha said, "I want the fans to know that I am physically okay. I have never been stabbed, kicked, punched or beaten and I did not try to commit suicide. Jail is undoubtedly, unquestionably the worst place to be on this planet called Earth, but as it relates to my encounters with the correctional officers at the institution, I have no complaints,"

Vybz Kartel also said he has had great support from his family and his common-law wife (Shorty) and babymother during his tribulation; but he is disappointed in some of his former colleagues.

The embattled DJ said, "Despite being denied bail recently, and being betrayed by Popcaan and Tommy Lee whilst going through the darkest hour of my existence, I am unparalleled in my determination to remain positive. I do a lot of reading and writing and usually try to exercise."

"I would like to thank all my fans who have been behind me in my time of peril and unjust prosecution. Thanks for your continued support of my music, making me the recipient of Youth View's Deejay of the years 2011 and 2012 as well as Portmore Awards 2012, plus voting countless songs to the number-one spot on the reggae/dancehall charts worldwide," he added.

Kartel has been in custody since September 2011 and he is to return to Court on May 27.

Popcaan speaks out regarding 'Gaza' status and relationship with Vybz Kartel

Kingston, Jamaica - After weeks of silence and a plethora of rumors that have infiltrated Dancehall circles, internationally acclaimed Dancehall superstar, Popcaan has finally spoken out; addressing every topic of speculation that his name has been involved in in recent times.

With the Portmore Empire officially disbanding last month and fellow ex-member of the group, Tommy Lee stating during an interview on Friday that Popcaan was not a member of Kartel's newly formed PG13 stable, the Party Shot deejay has come forward to set the record straight amidst rumors of a falling out between himself and the self-professed Worl' Boss.

In a statement sent out to the media on Monday, Popcaan talked in detail about various topics, including his thoughts of the Portmore Empire's dissolution.
"The world already knows that my career was launched from the greatest dancehall school and business entity, The Portmore Empire/Adidjaheim Records led by Vybz Kartel. Since Vybz Kartel's incarceration in September 2011 I remained a loyal and contributing member of this unit until May 2012 when the Portmore Empire was dissolved," he said.

"Rumors started as early as September 2011 that I had left the Portmore Empire, this was not so. My actions in October 2011 were to seek booking representation as this very important function was no longer viable for me with the incarceration of the head of my management and booking company. To date I have no formal management or booking agreement and only since June 2012, with the dissolution of the Portmore Empire have I engaged the services of a lawyer to put these agreements in place."
"From September 2011 to present I have worked hard and stayed focused on my career with my main intention to make sure that the music from the Portmore Empire was being released and the brand remained in the forefront of the dancehall music industry. I feel that I did that to the best of my ability with the release of songs like Party Shot, Fry Yiy, Coolie Gal, Bad Mind, She A Gwaan Good, Nuh Sell Out and Step Like Dead and with performances all over the world."

Popcaan also talked about the reasoning behind him not being a part ofPG13 and even addressed So Unique Records head, Elvis 'Sounique' Redwood who he claims has been making several defamatory statements to the press since he declined to voice on one of Redwood's recent Aurora Skies Riddims.

On PG13, "Vybz Kartel has explained that with no negative intentions and with his blessing and the possibilities of working together in the future, he thinks I have shown where I can work with my own career and that he will form a unit named PG13 for upcoming artists and include two former Portmore Empire members."

Regarding Redwood, Popcaan intimated that, "Elvis Redwood has made it public that he is one of the producers working with PG 13 and he also keeps making defamatory statements about me. I know these are related to his disappointment because I did not voice on his 'Aurora Skies' Riddim and it did not pass Half Way Tree. Because of his reaction to this and the way he constantly refers negatively to me throughout the music industry and the media. My statement here is that I will never voice on any Riddim he produces."
"My main producers remain TJ Records, UIM Records, Young Vibez, ZJ Chrome, Not Nice Records and MixPak Records. I also record any riddims that I like by other producers."

Perhaps the most pressing issue that Popcaan addressed was his relationship with long time mentor, Vybz Kartel. For months, several Dancehall fans have queried why the Ravin' deejay has not visited Kartel since his incarceration last September.

Popcaan explained that he made several inquiries to law enforcement officials about visitation but to no avail while also stating that Vybz Kartel himself advised against such communication.
"Since his incarceration I have not visited Vybz Kartel, nor have any members of the Portmore Empire visited him to date. In September 2011 it was explained to us that only family members were allowed to visit at set times once a week. On several occasions when I enquired about visitations I was told that this was not advised. Later Vybz Kartel communicated through letters that I should focus on my career and stay away from the police. All our communication has been focused on updates on my career, my song releases and stage shows and general discussions as one would express in the present situation. Up until May 2012 when the Portmore Empire was dissolved we maintained a business relationship."

Nevertheless, Popcaan remains grateful to Kartel for creating vast opportuinities that he's managed to capitalize since joining the Portmore Empire.
"I am grateful and am loyal to Vybz Kartel for the opportunity of working with the Portmore Empire, for everything I learned from him about the music business, life, friendship and family. He is a brother, a father figure, "mi real chargie". He has influenced and will continue to influence my career as one of my favourite artists and from the day we met at the Chromatic party 'My Scheme' in Portmore in 2009 to collaborating on hits like Clarks, Hot Grabba, Never Fear Dem and other songs."

"I look forward to working again with Vybz Kartel and will be checking with producers to see what previously recorded material they may have that I can include on my album which I will start working on soon."
Popcaan also addressed rumors that Informer, a track done by Kartel and Tommy Lee was in no way aimed towards him.
"The song Informer was recorded by Vybz Kartel in August 2011 an added to by Tommy Lee in May 2012."

"These lyrics in no way pertain to me. To create friction and controversy, some persons have tried to dissect the song line by line but the fact remains that this song was not recorded about or toward me. Every word sang by Tommy Lee in this song could have been sung by me but this is the time for Tommy Lee to get the exposure and recognition from a collaboration with Vybz Kartel."

As for his status within the Gaza, Popcaan proclaimed, "I have never said and will never say I am not a part of Gaza. Gaza is my original home and foundation and I will always remain loyal to the Gaza."
"As I move forward and progress in the music industry I will use my success to bring forward other artistes like Vybz Kartel did for me and like Bounty Killer did for him."
"Unscrupulous persons have called me and my family members with threats on my life, my family’s lives and threats to bottle my performances. I will not focus on this as I remain committed to my music, my career and my fans. Thanks to everyone for all the messages of support and encouragement that keep coming to me from fans in the streets, the media, the music industry and all the social networks."

"I can only be myself and bring my own energy and vibes to the music industry, I remain the same fry yiy, hotskull, peppa skull, boil brain, popskull from 3 West Portmore dat Vybz Kartel buss to di world. Wi born unruly wid baay badness pack up all ova dat so…do remember…a di whole place a say fry yiy and the undisputed best mixtape of 2012, 'Yiy Change,' is still available for download at www.popcaanmusic.com. Listen for new music and look out for di fry yiy Ravin King coming to a city near you…big up di fans worldwide."

Source: outaroad

STATEMENT FROM ADIDJAHIEM RECORDS: "VYBZ KARTEL HAS NOT BEEN RECORDING MUSIC IN JAIL"

Kingston, Jamaica - June 2, 2012 : Adidjahiem Records would like to make it clear, that Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer has not recorded any material since his arrest in 2011. Any songs containing material from Vybz Kartel that were released after his arrest, were recorded by the artist in previous years.

Various songs containing material from Vybz Kartel have surfaced since his arrest, including a collaboration with Busta Rhymes and a song titled "Back to Life," which have sparked rumors that the artist has been recording at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre. Adidjahiem Records would like to make it explicitly clear that both songs were recorded prior to his arrest. The single "Wine and Go Down" by Busta Rhymes ft. Vybz Kartel was recorded at Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett's studio  in 2010 in a session that was broadcast live on ustream. The lyrics contained in "Back to Life" were also recorded in 2010.

"The lyrics from "Back to Life," that was released by U.I.M. Records, were recorded by Adidjahiem Records during the Dudus extradition - the original title was "Me Waan Go Home," says Elvis Redwood of So Unique Records, who was an in-house engineer for Adidjahiem Records at the time. "Those same lyrics were re-used on a different track to create "Back to Life." 

-end-

Statement from Vybz Kartel About Disbanding the Portmore Empire

By Adidja Palmer

Adidjahiem Records would like to announce that the outfit known as the Portmore Empire is being disbanded, with the following statement from Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer:

Dancehall fans worldwide, it with great regret that I, Adidja Palmer have decided to disband the Portmore Empire. These artistes have been under the Adidjahiem leadership for years, where they have honed their craft and made their mark, and as such, are well on their way to becoming major forces in Dancehall. They have reached a level where they are more capable to take on their careers by themselves, and it would be unfair to them, based on the limited resources of Adidjahiem Records, and current legal woes of the Adidjahiem C.E.O. and team members.

I wish them the best and I am confident that they will live up to my expectations. In the future, Adidjahiem will continue to bring out new acts and groom them for stardom.

Thank You.

Former Portmore Empire members Vawnessa 'Gaza Slim' Saddler and Leroy 'Tommy Lee' Russell are moving on with a newly formed label named PG13.

"Right now, a PG13 di ting deh," states Gaza Slim.

"Look out for PG13," says Tommy Lee. "It soon work in."

.

VYBZ KARTEL GRANTED BAIL IN SUM OF $3 MILLION

KINGSTON JAMAICA - Vybz Kartel was granted bail in the sum of $3 million when he appeared in the Home Circuit Court yesterday.
He was granted bail on the murder charge relating to the death of Barrington 'Bossie' Bryan who was shot dead while standing among a group of persons in Gregory Park, St Catherine in July last year. Kartel will however, remain behind bars as he faces another murder charge in relation the death of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. He will return to court on April 13.

'TEACHA'S PET' FUTURE UNDECIDED

By Sadeke Brooks and Krista Henry

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - Following LIME's withdrawal of their sponsorship of the reality show Teacha's Pet, a decision is yet to be made whether the show will be discontinued or aired without the communication giant's backing.

The STAR spoke with the producers of the show yesterday who disclosed that they are still in discussions about what decision will be made about the future of Teacha's Pet. They explained that a decision will be reached very soon.

This comes in light of LIME's announcement that they will stop airing Teacha's Pet on their LIME mobile TV. When news spread that the show's star Vybz Kartel had been arrested on Friday and charged with illegal possession of ganga, LIME immediately went in discussions with Creative Source Production, prod-ucers of the show Teacha's Pet.

The company said it would be monitoring the situation surrounding the dancehall artiste, before deciding the show's fate.

But in a statement yesterday, after the artiste was charged with murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of firearm, LIME announced that it will be pulling the show from its mobile TV. The show was premiered on CVM TV at 10 p.m. on September 23, while the 'Too Hot For TV' episode was aired on LIME's Peppa channel.

In a statement yesterday, LIME said, "Due to the serious nature of the charges against Vybz Kartel, LIME has taken the decision to discontinue its broadcast of Teacha's Pet on mobile TV with immediate effect. The issue is a legal matter, which is the purview of the security forces and the courts and LIME will not comment any further at this time."

Meanwhile, Vybz Kartel did not appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday as scheduled. When his lawyer, Christian Tavares-Finson turned up, he was told the case would not be heard and has been rescheduled.

The dancehall entertainer, real name is Adidja Palmer, is accused of conspiring with other men to kill 27-year-old businessman Barrington Burton, otherwise called 'Bossie'. The police said Burton was murdered while he was standing with friends along Walkers Avenue in Gregory Park, St Catherine.

Source: jamaica-star.com

Vybz Kartel charged for ganja possession

Kingston Jamaica - CONTROVERSIAL Deejay artiste Vybz Kartel was arrested and charged for possession of a small quantity of ganja last night.

The artiste was arrested by cops from the Flying Squad after they searched a hotel room Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, occupied in New Kingston and found the contraband.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau Senior Superintendent Elan Powell confirmed the arrest and said the police would be issuing a statement later today.

He said the Deejay was being interrogated in relation to other matters.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Guyana bans music of no-show Jamaican singer

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — The state-owned radio network in Guyana says a Jamaican dance-hall singer has been banned from the airwaves of the South American country because of obscene lyrics.

National Communications Network spokesman Martin Goolsarran says the music of Vybz Kartel was banned because it brings "nothing positive" to the entertainment industry. He said Wednesday that the decision came after a week of internal debate and said they are reviewing the lyrics of other musicians and could ban them as well.

This is the first time that the government has taken such action against a specific artist. Vybz Kartel angered local music promoters and the Tourism Ministry last month when he failed to show up at a government-supported summer music festival.

VYBZ KARTEL COMPARE HIMSELF TO MARCUS GARVEY

A release from Adidja Palmer via Riddimstream was sent out last night. In it, he compares himself to Marcus Garvey and says that he has deliberately made himself into an attention-seeking, porn-producing, and bleaching out face to "trick Babylon". He said that once he saw how powerful he had become, he realized that he was on a path that mirrored the lives of Marley, Tosh and Miller who all died young in what he calls "unique, somewhat mysterious circumstances". Vybz Kartel also said that he plans to release a book about his life he wants to release the book on the birthday of his Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie on July 23rd.

The statement begins: "Many of you have heard or seen the recent accusations made by my former associates in the past few weeks. I don’t know why all of these individuals, think the most appropriate action to take after a philosophical difference occurs is to go to the press and attack me."

I can only say that I am reminded of Bob Marley’s admonishments when he said man is so unjust, you don’t know who to trust…your best friend can turn out to be your worst enemy…I shall say no more, other than who the cap fit, mek them wear it. I am issuing this statement because I think these accusations are due to a breach of confidentiality as certain individuals got wind of my upcoming projects and initiatives and they know they can’t stop me without resorting to underhanded tactics.

See Jamaica, Vybz Kartel has been carrying a secret for a very long time and I think it is time that I reveal it before persons try to derail the projects that I have put together by continuing to make false reports about me in their attempt to have me muzzled.two years ago, I had an epiphany whilst on stage. I saw thousands of people screaming for Kartel, jumping up and down, listening to ever word that I uttered on stage, it was like the people were eating out of the palm of my hands. At that moment, something strange came over me, as I heard the people screaming for more, I suddenly realized that my calling was to be more than a Deejay.

I realized that the people were not eating out my hands but they wanted to hear Kartel speak because finally somebody was telling their story in a profound no holds barred manner. Whether I was addressing sexuality, poverty, police brutality, in justice, the trials and tribulations of the ghetto I was finally giving ghetto people a voice – a big voice like society never heard before.

I know I am not the first that has ever attempted to do this. Because when I researched I saw that Marcus, Sam Sharpe, Paul Bogle all spoke directly to the powers that be on behalf of the people but were ostracized and in some cases killed. Later, Marley, Tosh, Jacob Miller did the same thing and all died young under unique somewhat mysterious circumstances. I have seen what they have done to ancient Rastamen, People’s Telecom, the Marcus Garvey Political Party and other entities that attacked Babylon head on.
I did not want the same fate to reach me at the time, I did not want them to muzzle me also, so I took a decision that I felt I had to, I had to trick Babylon. I realized if I kept doing outrageous and outlandish stuff, they would write me off as just an attention seeking artiste and not realize that since July 26, 2009 behind closed doors I have been writing my book and setting up my GEL (Gaza Education and Literacy) program. So they put the spotlight on me, not knowing that they were actually putting the spotlight on themselves because Vybz Kartel is not about braces, bleaching and hairstyles but I am about elevating the cause of Ghetto people.

Please understand Jamaica sometimes you have to trick Babylon with confusion. If I revealed my intentions two years ago, do you think the people that control the media would report everything I do? Babylon, you have been tricked. For 500 years, the system has been using reverse psychology to trick my people, I have now used reverse psychology to trick them Let’s see societal hypocrisy for what it is. Now that my book is going to be released, now that most of my songs will have a more cultural overtone as i have already taken the decision to stop deejaying gun lyrics, now that I am going to be providing educational opportunities for young people, will you be giving me the same attention?

In so far as business is concerned, I don’t agree that rum and a night club is an Empire. The Portmore Global Empire has been in the works for some time with proper infrastructure currently being put in place. I had anticipated certain moves and I have been in consultation with Attorneys in Pembroke Pines, Florida about proper branding, contracts, representation and protecting my legal rights globally. The team I have been working with are all degreed in the areas of Finance, Marketing, Mass Communications and have the expertise that I will need – it is funny when I hear "nobody can tell Kartel anything" when I have trained consultants who have aided me in planning my future projects. I have not finalized any decisions as yet but I have invested considerable resources to take my business endeavours to another level, so again, like Bob Marley said, half the story has never been told.

Now I know a lot of my fans are probably surprised but understand this, I feel called by a power greater than me. Black people have been suffering too long, we have been in poverty too long, we have been brutalized too long and Vybz Kartel is now advising the world that I will use the spotlight that you have put on me to highlight their cause. I am not naïve and I know based on recent interviews on TV that my life and freedom is more in danger than ever before because I have no intention of easing up on the system or their agents. However, I am at peace with this decision. The Gaza ladies, you are still my babies, so don’t worry, the black race must procreate so I will giving you more “Dumpa Truck” to drive in, you can still “Get Wild” and you will still ride your “10 speed bicycle” in “Slow Motion.” I will never stop deejaying for you. The “thugs,” you all built Kartel, so I will never alienate you but you may be getting some new messages from me.

It is unfortunate that I have been forced to prematurely make this statement as my book was slated to be launched on July 23, 2012 – His Imperial Majesty’s Earthstrong, my GEL program was for the September 2011-2012 academic year but the forces against me are rising on TV and in the newspaper so after consultation with the few trusted advisers I have left, I decided to make this release so that if they take my life or my freedom, the projects will continue. Keep in mind that the greatest black man that ever lived, Marcus Garvey, was betrayed by trusted individuals and endured continuous character assassination, so I guess I am in good company. We nah stop say Gaza4Life, we just upgrading the message

Source: one876entertainment.com

"KARTEL DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A KEY FOR THE BUILDING" - TODD

The fallout from the split between businessman Corey Todd and deejay Vybz Kartel continued to mushroom yesterday as Todd appeared on the popular programme, Onstage on CVM. He said that the popular nightclub The Building is now closed because of threats made against his life and that there will be no events there in the foreseeable future.

"I don't want him coming to my funeral and crying like me and him a friend, because we're not," Todd told TV host Winford Williams last night.

Todd also said that no other events will be held in the Building because neither he nor Kartel's name is on the lease and any move to enter the Building would constitute 'breaking and entering'.

"Kartel doesn't even have a key for the Building," Todd said. The weekly Girls Night Out party was not held last night in the nightclub and several disappointed patrons were turned away from its doors.

He outlined a disturbing trend in Kartel's behaviour after the Street Vybz company bought the S-Class benz for Kartel. He made the remarks during a recent IRIE FM interview.

"He wants his music only to play in the club, he wants to beat up selectors...he made remarks that I don't say Gaza anymore...it just got to the point of being ridiculous...he is a real devious and greedy person and he has bad intentions, I will move on with my life and wish him the best," he said.

Todd will likely lose millions of dollars as a result of his decision.

“I will lose millions, tons of money but I am not motivated by money. Money does not define me. I built this and I will build it again,” Todd said. “I don’t know this new Vybz Kartel; I haven’t known him for quite a while. Enough is enough. "

In the meantime, Vybz Kartel has insisted that he will be performing at the Building this Sunday as part of his scheduled satellite hook up performance for this year's Best of the Best concert in Miami, Florida.

'First and foremost, people can come out to the building on Sunday and expect a brilliant performance by Vybz Kartel," Kartel told IRIE yesterday evening.

As it relates to the allegations of threats made against Todd's life, he said:

"That is now a legal matter and I will rest that in the hands of my lawyers, because that sounds very defaming to my character and very slanderous. I guess he is making a mountain out of a mole hill, but you know, that everything that happens in Vybz Kartel's life, good or bad, we just take it with a smile," he said in a radio interview yesterday.

COREY TODD CALLS IT QUITS WITH VYBZ KARTEL...TODD THREATENED

American businessman Corey Todd has chosen to immediately dissolve his business partnership with Adidja Palmer a.k.a Vybz Kartel in the wake of alleged threats made against Todd's life.

"I cannot be associated with or do business with someone I don't trust. Kartel and I haven't seen eye to eye in a while, and late last week, after a disagreement, he threatened me on the phone because I "refused to tek chat". I don't take kindly to threats against me and my family, and I have contacted my lawyers and the relevant authorities to deal with this issue immediately," Todd said.

"I am my own man, I have never worked for Vybz Kartel, I helped to build his career, but I was never about the division in music, or his need to pigeonhole everything as Gaza or not Gaza. I don't understand
the creative direction he's moving in with regards to his image or his music. I don't know this new Vybz Kartel, I haven't known him for quite a while. Enough is enough. I wish him the best with his career," Todd said.

Todd and Palmer started the Unlimited Daggering company three years ago to manufacture, market and distribute Street Vybz Rum. The company also employs several people at a St. Andrew-based factory. The two also operate the Building nightclub in New Kingston.

Todd sought to reassure his workers that he would find employment for them in his other business ventures if they are displaced.

'I am not keeping any events at the Building nightclub for the foreseeable future, I am not doing anymore business with Vybz Kartel. However, I will be doing another product soon, so I am moving forward and I hope to work with other artistes to help build their careers as well," he said.

Source: one876entertainment