Vybz Kartel Issues Statement About Gaza Artiste, But Omits Popcaan

Controversial Dancehall entertainer, Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer may be behind bars awaiting his hearing on murder charges, but he continues to assert his dominance over his Portmore Empire stable.

The self-professed “Worl’ Boss” issued a response, through his lawyer, Micheal Deans, regarding recent reports confirming that Shocking Vibes was the new booking agency for emerging Empire artiste, Popcaan. Despite languishing in a Kingston jail for the last three weeks, Kartel insisted that his artistes would conform to their musical obligations to him and his label, Adidjaheim Records.

In the press release issued by “Di Teacha,” he intimated that, "Portmore Empire artistes Vanessa Bling (Gaza Slim), Sheba, Tommy Lee, and Shawn Storm are still booked and managed by Adidjahiem Records. As such, any bookings or commitments coming through any other channels will not be honored.”  

However, the statement made no mention of Popcaan himself, who stated less than two weeks ago that Shocking Vibes and its owner, Patrick Roberts were now taking bookings on his behalf. The deal was reached following meetings between the “Ravin” deejay and Roberts’ son and Shocking Vibes producer, Jamie “Young Vibez” Roberts. Additionally, Patrick Roberts said recently that management talks with Popcaan were preliminary but that nothing concrete was on the table. Popcaan went on to deny that any management deal was on the table.

Popcaan has been a member of the Empire since 2008; releasing several hit singles under Kartel’s tutelage such as “Ordinary Girl,” “Dream,” “Gangster City” and the aforementioned “Ravin.”