Caribbean Lifestyle Media: Kartel's latest album Kingston Story is a nice mix of music. The same cannot be said for recent events surrounding the artist.  On tunes like "Jamaica", Kartel proudly claimed "Dancehall Forever!".

While the artist is currently being held on murder charges, it is bitter sweet for Empire Fans who can now celebrate with Kartel who was recently nominated for a Soul Train Award in the category of "Best Caribbean Performance".  Kartel joined the likes of Machel Montano, Rihanna, Mavado, and Kes The Band.

Congratulations to Vybz Kartel! Get Kingston Story here: 

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By Orlando
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Caribbean Lifestyle Media: Vybz Kartel told the Observer, "the only thing you can expect from Vybz Kartel is the unexpected"; those word are ringing true as a few of the top United States media companies took notice.  In one of his more provocative statements, Kartel said, “Remember now, people are like sheep, and I am the shepherd. They’re easy to be lead. It’s so easy it’s hilarious.”

Could it be that Rolling Stones Magazine, Fader, New York Times and Billboard are all sheep?   I am going to take the next few lines to lay out the brillance of how Kartel decided to lead his sheep.  In today's landscape, getting attention for your craft is one thing; having talent is another. Kartel has access to both. Very few artists, much less, Dancehall acts can garner as much attention as Vybz Kartel. Despite the antics (read as bleaching, sex photos, and alleged beating of former Empire members), Kartel is on to something.  He connected with Dre Skull to create what might be one of the best Dancehall albums of the last 5 years.

Kartel was recently challenged by the legend Shabba Ranks in a tune called "none a dem". I like the tune but lets break down the amount of energy it takes Mr. Vegas, Shabba, and Bounty to take on Kartel because they disagree with his lifestyle and off stage antics.  For every diss song one of these legends created counteracting Kartel, he gets another major headline.  Unfortunately, the same is not happening with any of the artists previously mentioned. In other words, they prove his statements that he is the Dancehall hero.

Kartel is currently a storm that not even the naysayers can ignore.  In a recent New York Times article Kartel summed up his success in a rather brilliant and introspective approach which displays his uncanny ability to tap into the current hate being targeted towards him .  He stated, "It's fun for me to watch people hate me, and it's flattering to watch people love me," he said. "But 10 years from now the public is going to love somebody else. Vybz Kartel is going to become irrelevant, and I can accept that. That's why a lot of artists are bitter, 'cause they can't accept that. Get over it. Stop trying to be Kartel. You can't. It's all about making that money while I'm in the limelight."

I always say, give credit where credit is due. However, I checked Itunes recently and while I was searching for Kingston Story to be somewhere on the top 10 Reggae album or top 10 Reggae singles charts, it was nowhere to be found.  Does this mean Kartel is not the King of the Dancehall?  In my opinion, Kartel's brand of Dancehall can bring him revenue in other creative ways.  However, if you are the reigning king of the Dancehall and the reign on the charts is short like Leprechaun (Jay-Z pun intended), what have you achieved?

Kartel, I believe you are keenly aware of how this all impacts your bottom line. Remember, when an artist is bigger than life, their ability to earn income expands exponentially (thus the comparison to Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and others).  Kartel has the right idea in mind; I like to call it the psychological game.  For example, Shabba dissed him, instead of doing what Dancehall artists are known for (feuding and taking each others girls, just laugh nuh!); Kartel told Fader Magazine: "What Shabba had was what Bob had over his peers: cocky, confident, charismatic, outspoken and ahead of his time."  I am not sure if you have read the book, "How To Win Friends and Influence People" but I will be willing to bet Vybz Kartel is manifesting the same principles.  He has an ability to utilize what is being used against him to his favor and that takes guts and know how. 

Being the King of Dancehall is not about album sales as it once was, it is about building a loyal fan base (who at times don't buy your music, but they will pay to see you perform, which is good). The album sales will hopefully arrive, but with loyal fans you can tour forever (ask the grateful dead), lets hope he gets the US visa as soon as possible. All artists have the potential to have a fan base they can engage, and they will in turn be your TRIBE (passive income like what Bob Marley generates).   With that said, the game has changed, as a matter of fact, the rules have changed.  Kartel compared himself to Jay-Z, I can think of so many ways this rings' true. Regardless if you believe the comparison or not, Roc-A-Fella records business partnership broke up, so did the Empire (Corey Todd, the yardy from foreign).  Jay-Z branded himself as a mogul, Kartel is branding himself as a mogul.  Jay-Z is light skinned, Kartel is now light skinned (Pun intended with a ROFL).  

Excerpt from Vybz Kartel's upcoming book: I start the song, by repeating "hustle the money" "me a hustle the money" almost to make the message subliminal. Careful. Read again. Haters, critics, read again and listen carefully - its hustle the money - not steal the money, not take a gun and rob the money, not start a ponzi and con the money- just hustle the money. I stress the point repeatedly because there is a sector of society that believes when ghetto youths acquire ambition for financial success it means that we are going to begin to embark on some unscrupulous or illegal behaviour to rob people money. What makes Kartel different from any other artists on the Dancehall scene is his intentions and ability to tap into the void. 

Whether or not Kartel is the reigning king of the Danceahall can be argued until pigs fly. The point is, we are all talking about him.  Tell those other artists if they want to become the king of the Dancehall they should learn how to market themselves, and a little ignoring of Kartel in their songs might help.  Diss songs only make Kartel stronger, he has the momentum now.  As Kartel prepares to release his upcoming book I am more keenly aware that there are some wolves around watching out for Kartel's sheep's. Wait, did this entire article just make me a Kartel sheep?  :) 

Check out Vybz Kartel Kingston Story on:

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media: In all the mayhem that is Vybz Kartel; the loss of business partner Corey Todd, loss of members of the empire, and loss of melanin.  Kartel has plans to continue to dominate the media and is focused on branding himself using his "Gaza" brand.  Kartel's recent interview with Rolling Stones Magazine brings home the point that even without a visa, he is able to garner attention from the US mainstream media.

Yeah!, I am aware that Kartel is releasing a book and social commentary is hardly anything new. However, the more interesting news is that Vybz Kartel is gearing up to do something that is a first for any Dancehall artist. He will be doing a Reality Show to air on Jamaican Television in the fall. Who knows? Maybe Vybz Kartel's show will get picked up by VH1.  Kartel told Rolling Stones, "this will be another first for dancehall music: a reality show similar to Flavor of Love. Twenty girls from all over the world, vying for the quote-unquote love of Vybz Kartel, vying for my heart. Wherever that is."

This should be interesting..... in the meantime check out all things Vybz Kartel here:

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media-On Friday December 10th, Tads Records will release a compilation of Vybz Kartel's biggest anthems for the year. You may remember Kartel released 'Pon Di Gaza 2.0', released earlier this year. Singles to be included on the mixtape will be "touch a button", "Turn and Whine", "Cake Soap" and "Clarks".  The mixtape is mixed by DJ Wayne.

Tadiem Dawkins of Tads Record Inc told us, "This isn't a full-fledged album, but more of an attempt to bridge the gap between Pon Di Gaza 2.0, and his next album, which is scheduled for release at the end of 2011, as long as he keeps spitting out these hits, we must respond to the audience demand with a product that highlights and promotes these songs."

Clarks: De Mixtape Raw, will be released by Tads Record Inc. on iTunes and all digital outlets on December 10th. Production credits on the EP include Wayne 'DJ Wayne' Morris, Ainsley 'Notnice' Morris, Shaun 'ZJ Chrome' Chabal, Tarik 'Russian' Johnston, Linton 'TJ' White, Andrew Coke/LivUp Records, Cashflow Records, and Kirk 'Cool Face' Ford. 

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Kartel who recently came back from tour overseas can now add one more notch to his belt, he was recently nominated for "Best Reggae Artist" for 2010 at the Soul Train awards.

Kartel who recently released a joking statement from his publicist stating, "Well, Kartel is the Dancehall artist with the most soul, so it's only natural that I be nominated for a Soul Train Award".  On a more serious note, Kartel said, "Big thanks to organizers of Soul Train, and to throngs of music fans worldwide for the recognition, and the nomination." Watch the latest video from Kartel here and download latest music here.

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 Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Vybz Kartel recently released his new video for Dumper Truck/Never get a gyal.  The video was directed by Kirk Lee for Roadblock Films.  Kartel said, "It's just RoadBlock and Vybz Kartel taking dancehall videos to yet another level in terms of scenery, props, story line, and quality editing"

Check out the video here. Download other releases by Vybz Kartel: Pon Di Gaza, Virginity (single) and Love Dem

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Dancehall DJ-Vybz Kartel was a person of interest shortly after Chirstopher "Dudus" Coke was extradited to the United States.  The details of why Kartel was asked to come in for questioning was sketchy at best.  In these matters the public is not always privy to the details.  Kartel released the following statement shortly after, "I, like millions of other Jamaicans, have certain concerns about the violation of my civil rights and liberties during this State of Emergency. However, I will grant the police an audience this morning as they have declared me a 'major person of interest,' and placed my name on a list populated by alleged criminals.

This is not the first time that the law enforcement has attempted to smear my reputation based on half-baked assumptions and ridiculous rumors, but I know I will be exonerated and I have nothing to fear. Fear makes men believe the worst; and I still believe in our justice system, however flawed it may be, and remain confident that law enforcement will act with professionalism in this matter. I have engaged legal counsel, and I have no doubt justice will prevail and I will be exonerated." 

Vybz Kartel was scheduled to perform for Sumfest  2010, Caribbean Lifestyle Media learned that Kartel will be released just in time for his performance at Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

**photo by Giovanni Powell-all rights reserved

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media-CEO of Adidjahiem records Vybz Kartel, recently released "Clarks" paying homage to the original creation made famous by James Clark in 1825. It easy to understand what Kartel has tapped into with the latest tune-the history of a culture in Jamaica specifically relating to Clarks. The new tune features Popcaan and Vanessa Bling aka Gaza Slim.

In Response to the emerging success of his latest single Kartel Stated, "I anticipated it would be a hit, because to Jamaicans, Clarks is not just a brand of shoes, it's part of our culture, I was paying tribute to my large collection of Clarks, and it just took off." In response to the growing buzz around this single, many provided insight into the direction that Dancehall will be taking for 2010. Johnny Wonder (21st Hapilos) said, "It's important that Dancehall be accessible worldwide, particularly on iTunes and other digital music outlets. 21st Hapilos is running an extensive marketing campaign, to prove to naysayers that Dancehall can and does sell."

"Clarks" is on the Mad Collab Riddim produced by Shaun 'Chrome' Chabal, who told us, "Clarks " is the fastest hitting song I've seen hit the Dancehall in quite a while." With that said, did you purchase your Clarks yet? It is available on Itunes

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media-If in 2009 everyone had Vybz Kartel's name in their mouth, then in 2010 Kartel intend on doing the same-this year the lyrical one started the year off with questions and controversy in regards to his treatment of Gaza Kim aka KYM. No one can doubt Kartel's contribution to Dancehall with a slew of hits which challenged every artiste to take a look at their delivery or in some cases, second guest their own talent.

Kartel is looking to increase his take of the pie with his latest, yet to be released album, Pon Di Gaza 2.0. Adidjaheim Records partnered with Tads Record to re-release last year's Pon Di Gaza digital album. Last year's album suffered due to lack of digital sales.

Kartel recently stated, "Double CD but never a dull moment, I think it's a beautiful effort by all concerned to put together an album of this caliber. It's laced with track after track of high energy Vybz Kartel lyrics and melodies accompanied by equally amazing beats from producers like Notnice, Russian, and Chrome to name a few. It's filled with new material as well as songs people know and love. I think this will be my best album to date."

Per Ms Raine, inc (PR)., "We predict that Pon Di Gaza 2.0 will be one of the best Dancehall albums of 2010," states Tad Dawkins, CEO of Tads Record Inc.

Album will be available via Itunes & Amazon on February 26th, 2010 with production credits by Don Carleone, Notnice, Stephen Mcgregor, Russian, Leng, ZJ Chrome, and DJ Neal.

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media-The controversy that surrounds Gaza Kim, more recently known as KYM continues to stir. In previous reports, Kym made statements to Nikki Z that she was beaten by members of the Portmore Empire-Vybz Kartel crew. Kartel quickly responded with a press release condemning the violence against Kim.

A statement was made by Adidjaheim Records, "The Portmore Empire invested a substantial amount of money in the career of singer Kim Hamilton--filming music videos, printing promotional posters and clocking several hours in the studio honing her talent. We're disappointed that she felt the need to issue a press release to the media announcing her departure from the record label, Adidjaheim Records, without first notifying the company".

Yesterday Caribbean Lifestyle Media received a press release late in the evening stating that KYM has officially severed ties with Adidjaheim Records. Via her publicist, KYM stated "Over the last eight to nine months (8-9 months) my career was managed by Addijahem Records. The Management Contract has been terminated and I'm now pursuing independently my career. I'm now focusing on driving my career and past events in my life have only made me stronger and more driven to achieving success. I would like wish my former Management Team all the very best in their endeavours".

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Caribbean Lifestyle Media: The internet was buzzing late last night with talk of "who is who", we learned early on that Mavado would be performing at Liv Up stage show-West Kingston Jamboree. Well it is official Kartel and Mavado ended their feud on stage for the world to see. Jamboree was held at the Tivoli Gardens Playfield.

We learned that this truce was brought together by Christopher 'Dudus' Coke. The Alliance camp shared: "That was a moment anyone who was there will neva forget. big up to Dudus for makin it happen. many tried and failed, he made it happen".



Mavado and the Alliance manager, Jullian Griffith is scheduled to meet with Jamaica's Prime Minister Bruce Golding on Tuesday to discuss ways to move forward after this historical event in Dancehall music. It was stated by the Alliance camp that while Bounty Killa supports the Gaza/Gully peace, he has unresolved issues with Vybz Kartel that will need to be worked out.




All photos by LIV UP RECORDS-Thanks again

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Despite reports that Dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel has rejected rival deejay Mavado's olive branch by turning down his birthday party invitation, Kartel maintains that he is willing to put aside differences with his arch-musical-rival to call for an end to violence associated with the Gaza/Gully feud, particularly among high school students.

Both artists have been slammed by the local media, as reports of increasing violence at local schools between fans of the Portmore, or 'Gaza,' Empire led by Vybz Kartel and the Gully Squad led by Mavado continue to flood the news, causing even the government to be concerned about mounting social tensions stemming from the feud between the two entertainers.

On Friday, the Jamaica Star newspaper reported that Mavado was calling for an end to the Gaza/Gully war by inviting Vybz Kartel to attend his birthday party at Temple Hall on December 5th. The paper stated that Mavado's management said they wanted to publicly invite Kartel to make peace once and for all, as a show of unity to the nation.

"I will not be able to attend (Mavado's event) due to previously planned engagements," states Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer invitation, citing commitments to Usain Bolt's 9.58 SuperParty and an event in Linstead on the same night. "What I think is the best way to solidify in the minds of the children that this Gaza/Gully feud is merely music, is not to accommodate a historic 'burning of the peace pipe' at a commercial, adult oriented event, but rather in the high schools where bouts of violence due to our feuding are most prominent," states Kartel "When a date for that is set, I will readily appear."

Vybz Kartel has repeatedly spoken out against violence within the island's schools, condemning the sale of 'Gaza buttons' and other paraphernalia depicting violent images of the feud in Corporate Area Schools earlier this month. This year, Vybz Kartel has released the singles "Teenage Pregnancy" with Portmore Empire artist Gaza Kim, and the "Schooler's Anthem" with Gaza Kim and fellow Empire artist Jah Vinci, bringing awareness to social issues affecting teens and encouraging them to stay in school.

Courtesy of Ms. Raine,inc

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Vybz Kartel acknowledges the invitation to attend Mavado's birthday bash, sent today via the media, but regrettably declines, siting prior committments on December 5th.

Vybz Kartel is committed to attending Usain Bolt's 9.58 SuperParty fundraising event in St. Ann and an event in Linstead, St. Catherine on December 5th, the same night as Mavado's party.

As a prominent entertainment figure, Vybz Kartel is willing to work with Mavado and all other entertainers to seek peaceful solutions to the country's mounting social problems, and build a better Jamaica, and is open to other such invitations in the name of peace.

Courtesy of Ms Raine, Inc

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In response to current reports of 'Gaza buttons' and paraphernalia depicting the violent images of Dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel and the so-called Gaza/Gully feud being seized from vendors at several Corporate Area schools, Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer issues the following statement:

"Vybz Kartel does not sanction or condone the selling of Gaza buttons with violent images and statements, especially to children and teenagers. We do not own the Gaza name but recognize that unscrupulous and unethical persons may be seeking to profit from the popularity of the Gaza name by engaging in these terrible practices. We urge the relevant authorities to move quickly to protect innocent children from those who would seek to corrupt them.

Vybz Kartel is in the business of music, and through Vybz Rum Limited,the business of alcoholic beverages. We are not involved in the business of merchandising, nor do we benefit from the sale of clothing and other paraphernalia which may bear the Gaza name."

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Indomitable deejay (emcee) Vybz Kartel continues his reign as Dancehall's domineering force with single after single dominating airwaves throughout the Caribbean and North America. Fresh off of the success of his ultra-racy Billboard charting "Ramping Shop" duet with Spice, the street banger "Dollar Sign," and his patriotic "Lightning Bolt" tribute to World Champion record-breaking sprinter Usain Bolt, Kartel returns with "Go-Go Club," another bold and feisty tune guaranteed to raise eyebrows and move waistlines.

For media inquires for Vybz Kartel, contact Claude Mills at 876-781-4268or cmillsy@yahoo.com ###

* Courtesy Ms Raine Inc

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"GO-GO CLUB"
(Adidjahiem/HeadConcussion Records)

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We saw a most interesting report on the Internet regarding controversial deejay Adijah Palmer, aka Vybz Kartel. The news coming out of the spice isle, Grenada, states that the deejay has been banned from performing there and a concert scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled. And it has nothing to do with any homosexual campaign.

According to a statement from the promoter published on the Internet, Kartel was scheduled to perform a "rap-it-up" concert in Grenville, St Andrews, on May 2, where his popular Daggerin condom was to be officially launched.

The release goes on to say, "no reason was given by the Ministry of Labour in Grenada for the refusal of the work permits, but the sensitive issue of censorship or freedom of expression may have been at the forefront". The promoter of the event is reportedly claiming thousand of dollars in losses and is now seeking legal advice, since neither himself nor the artistes were aware of the government's blacklisting.

An Associated Press release, however, stated that a government official had issued a statement that Grenada has barred a Jamaican rapper from performing because of his raunchy lyrics.
It quotes Senator Ann Peters, a junior health minister and chair of Grenada's national AIDS Council, as saying that "lyrics that seem to promote violence have raised concern and led the government to deny the rapper a performance permit".
Vybz Kartel last performed in Grenada December 5, 2008, to a sold-out audience and plans several other performances around the Caribbean, including one on May 8 in Trinidad and Tobago. Source

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Vybz Kartel and Spice have come up with a new version of Rampin Shop that is receiving much airplay in broad daylight. Like the original, this version is all about sexual intercourse - or to use the current dancehall slang, "daggerin". The main difference between the two is the metaphors that are used for the act.

In the "x-rated" version of Rampin Shop, Vybz and Spice brazenly use the common slang words for the private parts and the sex act, instead of the formal Latin/English names. So for penis, Kartel substitutes a popular metaphor: the male domestic fowl, as in cock-a-doodle-do. And the vagina becomes a domestic pet, the pussycat. Sexual intercourse is enacted as a playful romp.

In the revised version, Spice invitingly says to Kartel:

Well yu ha fi rev it hard
Drive it full speed and crash it if you like
Da gear stick ya feel rough
Put di car inna di garage
Drive in front way or back it up
Til di headlight show

Some listeners will claim that these lyrics are "cleaner" than the original since Vybz and Spice are pretending to be talking about driving rather than sex. The lyrics are "suggestive" rather than sexually explicit. But even without knowing the original lyrics, it is quite clear what the version is supposed to suggest. The gear stick is obviously meant to be a penis. The stick then swells the full length of a car. The garage is the vagina in which the car is parked.

Vybz and Spice are clearly taking the Broadcasting Commission for a ride. For there is, essentially, no difference in the meaning of the two versions of Rampin Shop. Both sets of metaphors are sexual allusions and it is nothing but hypocrisy to pretend otherwise. Whether gear stick or male domestic fowl, the literal object is identical - the penis. And the vagina, whether as pussycat or garage, serves the same purring function. Read more

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