Dancehall artist 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 artists 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 leveled against dancehall artists who are simply trying to feed their families through hard work.
“One artist 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 artist 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.
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