Staff writer – Kerran Monroe
Just weeks after incarcerated dancehall deejay, Vybz Kartel disbanded the Portmore Empire, also called the Gaza, there is controversy already stirring up on the dismantled Gaza.
After the Empire got disbanded by its leader, Vybz Kartel, former Empire members Vanessa Bling, also called Gaza Slim and new sensation, Tommy Lee, hinted that they will be a part of a new organization/crew called PG13. It is important to note that there was no mention of self proclaimed Gaza prefect, Popcaan, as a member of PG 13.
In his official release, disbanding the Portmore Empire, leader, Vybz Kartel, said that he would in the future be grooming other artists. Some of us just did not know that the future would have come so soon, because we have been made to understand that PG13 is headed by Vybz Kartel. Of course, this comes with a slew of controversies. I will explore one that has come out so far, and one observation that I have made, which I am yet to hear anybody commenting on.
The biggest controversy surfacing from this revelation so far is one that I have already mentioned; Popcaan is not named as a member of PG13. I have heard a number of rumors, concerning what Popcaan has apparently said, pertaining to PG13; however I will not discuss those. What I will discuss, is the claims that are being made pertaining to Popcaan selling out. Of course, that is the first thing that will come to the minds and mouths of some people. Gaza Slim, a PG13 member is apparently one of those people who are thinking as such. This has caused an inevitable rift between her and Popcaan. Former Portmore Empire female artist, Lisa Hyper, has also been vocal about her feelings towards the current drama taking place in her former crew. She also sent out a warning for Gaza Slim, that she should not disrespect Popcaan.
Popcaan. Photo courtesy oonuyard.com
With all that drama taking place though, some of us seem to have forgotten, or are maybe just choosing not to remember, one little detail, Kartel put in his statement, disbanding the Empire. If you have forgotten, let me remind you. This has to do with his reason for disbanding the Empire. In a gist, he said that, with him being behind bars, it would be unfair to the artists, since he is not able to do what he needs to do in order to take their careers to the next level. He also said that, he is confident that they can manage themselves to take their careers further. What changed? Did he suddenly realize that he has the resources needed to take care of his artists? Did he suddenly realize that Gaza Slim and Tommy Lee are not adequately equipped to take on the music industry by themselves? Whatever it is, something just does not add up for me. Oh well, let us wait and see.
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