Vybz Kartel: The Rise, Reign, and Legacy of a Dancehall King | Drink Champs Full Episode

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N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode we chop it up with the one and only, Vybz Kartel!

Vybz Kartel, the undisputed king of dancehall, pulls up on Drink Champs for a legendary convo, breaking down his rise, his impact, and why he still runs the game. From his early days grinding in Jamaica to becoming a global icon, Kartel keeps it real about the struggles, the wins, and the system that tried to hold him back. He talks about shaping dancehall with bangers like “Fever” and “Ramping Shop”, flipping the industry on its head, and keeping his name hot—even from behind bars.

He gets into his influences, the OGs who inspired him, and how he took dancehall to new heights. Kartel also drops gems on the business side, his brand, and the culture shifts in Jamaica. He speaks on the power of black artists, the gentrification of reggae, and how he kept his pen sharp despite his legal battles.

With legendary stories, dope conversations, and that signature Kartel energy, this episode is a must-watch. Drink Champs gives the World Boss his flowers while he’s still making history. Whether you’re a day-one fan or just tapping in, this one’s for the culture. Kartel ain’t just a name—he’s a movement

Special guest Mike Booth joins us on this episode along with special guest host Drink Champs Director iRossta.

Make some noise for Vybz Kartel!!

*Listen and subscribe at https://www.drinkchamps.com

Timecodes:
00:00:00 – Intro
00:05:30 – Kartel breaks down his come-up in Jamaica, his inspirations, and his first big break in the music industry.
00:12:15 – Shaping the Dancehall Sound
00:20:45 – Kartel talks about his ventures beyond music, from merchandise to keeping his brand alive globally.
00:20:45 – Vybz Kartel receives his Flowers!
00:28:10 – A deep dive into how the industry has evolved, the gentrification of reggae, and the global impact of dancehall.
00:35:20 – Kartel opens up about his incarceration, how he continues to make music, and the challenges he faces.
00:42:00 – The future of dancehall, Kartel’s impact on the next generation, and his thoughts on staying relevant.
00:43:26 – Importance of being both an artist and a fan of music, including thoughts on collaboration with Busta Rhymes.
00:47:51 – Reflection on Kartel’s early struggles in the industry and how his unique style initially faced resistance.
00:52:08 – Debate over reggaeton’s similarities to dancehall and how Latin artists were influenced by Jamaican music.
01:01:29 – Quick Time with Slime
01:12:58 – Cultural discussions, humor about Jamaican identity, and a debate over curry chicken vs. jerk chicken.
01:17:58 – Personal losses in Kartel’s life, including the deaths of his mother and his partner’s mother.
01:23:21 – Discussion on Kartel’s mentorship of younger artists and his influence in shaping new talent.
01:28:35 – Gentrification in Jamaica and comparisons to Puerto Rico’s changing demographics.
01:33:12 – Personal reflections on relationships, betrayal, and family dynamics.
01:37:45 – Acceptance of his legacy, lack of regrets, and acknowledging his impact on dancehall.
01:43:23 – Discussion on dancehall rivalries, ego clashes, and government intervention in conflicts.
01:48:02 – Talk about reggae’s DNA in Jamaican culture and its connection to Cold War influences.
01:59:10 – Kartel’s children, their aspirations, and his pride in their achievements.
02:04:00 – Reflections on fatherhood, having grandchildren, and generational impact.
02:09:42 – Love for Drink Champs as a platform, comparison of different hoods globally.
02:14:56 – Struggles with Graves’ disease, balancing health, music, and personal life while in prison.
02:25:39 – Reflections on growth, maturity, and understanding human connection.
02:30:47 – Discussion on his music catalog, major hits, and their continued relevance while he was incarcerated.