jamarchListeners in New York and worldwide will be at rapt attention today, Sunday June 26, when the tri-state’s # 1 radio personality, Dahved Levy interviews ace Dancehall deejay (whom many consider #1 in the game) the indomitable VYBZ Kartel. Dubbed `Ultra Exclusive’ this conversation promises to be explosive, revealing and full of captivating moments as `De Teacha,’ one Adi Palmer, sets the record straight. This on the Arbiton rated # 1 Caribbean Program on New York’s leading black urban station 107.5 FM WBLS and will be streamed live straight from The Portmore Empire HQ, on www.fevereyes.com.
The very controversial but undeniably astute DJ has had much to deal with recently. From the very public and acrimonious breakup with longtime business partner Cory Todd, to the steady stream of Gaza backsliders: Gaza Kim, Black Rhyno , JahVinci, and producer Not Nice, to name a few.
One could say that the deejay has `called down’ (and instigated) much of the brouhaha on himself; all designed to propel his career. The general consensus; that the bleaching, the inking, the sex-tape, the hair extensions, and other controversial dabblings, are not symptoms of a dangerous psychosis but rather part of an overall strategy of marketing, of the “create controversy and keep them talking” kind. And the deejay has all but confirmed this. In a recent interview he stated that anything Kartel does is designed to get a reaction.
So, as he leaves behind one version of the Kartel Brand (Street Vybz Rum, Daggering Condom & The Building) he seems to be furiously rebuilding an even stronger one. And what seems to be the master plan? As Kartel watchers, critics and naysayers have found out the promotional machinery is in overdrive. Seemingly empowered and undaunted by the unending onslaught of unfortunate incidences, Kartel continues to masterfully fashion his winning strategy. The media savvy King of the Portmore Empire in doing so has served up some timely lessons: The plan-new products (rum, cake soap, etc.) with strong helpings of `lyricism’ and the like; the revelation of a book and impending movement under the apt title—GAZA Education & Literacy (GEL) Program; designed to empower and give the ghetto youths a voice he says. He is allowing his work to speak for itself and in one fell swoop silence his critics.
And so as Fader magazine, The New York Times and Billboard Magazine wonder about his mystique and marvel at his brand, Kartel is proving his mettle. With his recent launch of his new album Kingston Town, he has stamped his `leader of the pack’ status all over dancehall again. The single already setting the summer on fire is of the same name `Summer Time.’
The accolades have been pouring in, once again confounding his critics. Love him or hate him, his talent is undeniable, his influence unstoppable.
What: Vybz Cartel Interview
When: Sunday, June 26, 2011
Where: 107.5 FM WBLS/www.fevereyes.com
Time: 8pm – midnight
Media Writer
