INTERVIEW: Vybz Kartel On Cultural Influence, Lessons From Prison, Meeting His Fiancé, Kings Of Dancehall + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with Vybz Kartel

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Vybz Kartel On Cultural Influence, Lessons From Prison, Meeting His Fiancée, Kings Of Dancehall + More
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlemagne Tha God
Guest: Vybz Kartel
Knowledge Cutoff: 2023-10

---

1. Introduction and Welcome

The episode kicks off with DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlemagne Tha God warmly welcoming Vybz Kartel to "The Breakfast Club." Vybz expresses his excitement and gratitude for being back on the show.

Quote:
DJ Envy [02:37]: "We got a special guest in the building."
Vybz Kartel [02:48]: "Hey, what's up, man?"

---

2. Return to Performing

Vybz discusses his recent return to performing, highlighting the overwhelming support from fans and the significance of selling out shows at the Barclay.

Key Points:

• Feeling of Accomplishment: Vybz feels blessed and accomplished to see his hard work materialize into sold-out performances.
• Ticket Demand: He acknowledges the high demand, with tickets priced around $7,000.

Quote:
Vybz Kartel [03:15]: "It feels like an accomplishment because these are the things that we have worked for over the years."

---

3. Time in Prison and Career Management

Delving into his 13-year incarceration, Vybz shares insights on managing his music career behind bars while battling illness.

Key Points:

• Innovative Music Production: Despite prison constraints, Vybz released music using limited resources, notably recording with an iPhone 5s and a mattress.
• Motivation: His family and children were pivotal in keeping him motivated to continue his career.
• Mental Fortitude: Vybz emphasizes his resilience and refusal to succumb to self-pity.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [04:25]: "Coming from prison, 13 years, still battling with my illness and the love that the people show me, man, if it's not God, I don't know who it is."
Jess Hilarious [05:25]: "How was that managing your career even behind bars?"

---

4. Personal Life and Relationship

Vybz opens up about his relationship with his fiancée, whom he met and nurtured during his time in prison.

Key Points:

• Meeting His Fiancée: They met in 2015 via Instagram, maintaining their relationship through regular communication despite his incarceration.
• Support System: His fiancée remained steadfast, relocating to Jamaica to support him upon his release.
• Trust and Commitment: Vybz highlights the depth of their trust and her unwavering support.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [13:12]: "Because she believed. I met her in 2015... she was always there."
Charlemagne Tha God [14:29]: "How could you trust that, though? That could have been catfish."

---

5. Release from Prison

The emotional release from prison is a pivotal moment for Vybz, marking a new chapter in his life and career.

Key Points:

• Emotional Release: Vybz describes the overwhelming emotion upon release, shedding tears of joy.
• Spiritual Renewal: Post-release, he entered a covenant with God to remain positive and spread messages of love and joy.
• Health Struggles: While his health remains a work in progress, he acknowledges improvements since his release.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [10:43]: "When they actually opened the gate, I was the last one out of my cell... I shed a tear or two."
Vybz Kartel [12:26]: "So for me, right now, it's just God, family, music. That's it."

---

6. Influence and Legacy in Dancehall

Vybz reflects on his position in the dancehall scene, comparing his influence to legendary artists and discussing the evolution of the genre.

Key Points:

• King of Dancehall: Vybz is often hailed as the king of dancehall, a title he humbly acknowledges but does not actively seek.
• Cultural Impact: His influence extends beyond music, shaping trends and styles within the community.
• Generational Shifts: He observes the genre's evolution, noting changes in beats and lyrics influenced by global trends like reggaeton.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [18:27]: "Your dominance, your influence is not necessarily selling records... That's the influence, that larger than life vibe that we bring."
Jess Hilarious [21:04]: "Yeah, I agree with that. Because spice is dance all. To me, that's who I listen to."

---

7. Creativity and Music Production

Discussing his approach to music, Vybz emphasizes the artistic and poetic nature of his lyrics, often layered with double meanings.

Key Points:

• Artistic Expression: Music serves as both expression and interpretation, with Vybz striving for poetic artistry in his tracks.
• Prolific Output: He continues to produce music diligently, motivated by purpose and dedication to his craft and culture.
• Influence of Family: Growing up in a musically inclined family fueled his passion and commitment to rap and performance.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [31:15]: "Music is art, man. So at the end of the day, we're poets... it has to be done artistically."
Vybz Kartel [31:55]: "Purpose. I do this from the heart, man. And I do it for the culture too."

---

8. Cultural Commentary

Vybz provides his perspective on societal issues such as skin bleaching and colorism within Jamaica and its broader implications.

Key Points:

• Skin Bleaching: He critiques the practice as a manifestation of self-hate and colonial legacy, linking it to global desires for Eurocentric beauty standards.
• Colorism vs. Racism: In Jamaica, Vybz distinguishes between racism and colorism, noting that social status often correlates with skin tone rather than race.
• Personal Growth: Reflecting on his past, he acknowledges the negative self-esteem issues that led him to bleach his skin but emphasizes personal change and self-acceptance.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [36:30]: "I think it has to do with self hate, the history of colonialism, colorism."
Vybz Kartel [38:33]: "In Jamaica, it's not racism, it's colorism. The lighter you are, the higher you climb socially."

---

9. Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Vybz shares his ambitions beyond music, including plans for film and contributing to entertainment.

Key Points:

• Film Projects: He expresses interest in creating films, particularly horror films inspired by Jamaican folklore like "duppy" stories.
• Legacy Projects: Vybz is keen on documenting his life story, especially his time in prison, to inspire future generations.
• Community Impact: His focus remains on influencing and uplifting his community through various creative outlets.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [45:25]: "I'd love to do a film about my life... the prison part."
Vybz Kartel [45:57]: "We need to capitalize on [Jamaican duppy stories] more."

---

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the interview wraps up, Vybz reiterates his gratitude, commitment to his family, and dedication to his music and cultural influence.

Key Points:

• Gratitude: He thanks the hosts and acknowledges the support from his team and family.
• Commitment: Vybz remains steadfast in his mission to spread positive messages and uphold his legacy in dancehall.
• Humor and Personality: Despite his serious topics, Vybz showcases his vibrant personality and sense of humor.

Quotes:
Vybz Kartel [46:49]: "Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus."
Vybz Kartel [43:03]: "The new lease that God has given me on life, that's what keeps me grounded."

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Vybz Kartel [03:15]: "It feels like an accomplishment because these are the things that we have worked for over the years."
• Vybz Kartel [04:25]: "Coming from prison, 13 years, still battling with my illness and the love that the people show me, man, if it's not God, I don't know who it is."
• Vybz Kartel [10:43]: "When they actually opened the gate, I was the last one out of my cell... I shed a tear or two."
• Vybz Kartel [18:27]: "Your dominance, your influence is not necessarily selling records... That's the influence, that larger than life vibe that we bring."
• Vybz Kartel [36:30]: "I think it has to do with self hate, the history of colonialism, colorism."
• Vybz Kartel [43:03]: "The new lease that God has given me on life, that's what keeps me grounded."

---

Conclusion: This episode of "The Breakfast Club" offers an in-depth look into Vybz Kartel's life, exploring his resilience through incarceration, his unwavering commitment to music and family, and his influential role in shaping dancehall culture. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, Vybz provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of his journey, challenges, and aspirations, reaffirming his status as a pivotal figure in the music industry.

Transcript

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[Larison Campbell]

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[Vibes Cartel]

7,000 bodies out there or more.

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A forgotten asylum cemetery.

[DJ Envy]

It was my family's mystery.

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Shame, guilt, propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep until it's not. I'm Larison Campbell and this is under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

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[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah.

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[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah.

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[Vibes Cartel]

I'm Viosa.

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[Israel Gutierrez]

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[Vibes Cartel]

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[Vibes Cartel]

For what Steph has done for the game.

[DJ Envy]

He's certainly on that Mount Rushmore.

[Israel Gutierrez]

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[Charlemagne tha God]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club morning Everybody, it's DJ Envy. Jess. Hilarious. Charlemagne, the guy. We are the Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Yes, indeed, the legendary Vibes Cartel.

[DJ Envy]

Welcome, brother.

[Vibes Cartel]

Hey, what's up, man? Hello.

[DJ Envy]

How you feeling, Man, I feel like.

[Vibes Cartel]

A million dollars right now, man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Every time I walk through the airport the last two weeks, everybody there, all the Caribbean people, you got to have vibes on the Breakfast Club. Vibes gonna be in Brooklyn on April 11th. You gotta have them on the Breakfast.

[DJ Envy]

Club in the building. All through the streets, they knew you were coming. So first and foremost, how does it feel to be back here and being able to perform? How does that feel? What is that feeling like?

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, it's a blessing, you know, and it's a feeling of accomplishment because, you know, I mean, this is. These are the things that we have worked for over the years. So to be here now and see it actualize itself. Yeah, it feels like an accomplished, you know, I mean, feeling. Yes.

[DJ Envy]

You sold out two shows at the Barclay immediately. Did you. Did you ever. Did you think it would be like that with, like, ticket prices are like 7,000 for seats, like.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, of course. Like I said, I put the work in. I mean, so everything is happening to me. I deserve it, man. God is the greatest, you know, I mean, we work hard over the years. We built a huge catalog. So, you know, I mean, the music speaks for itself as it relates to dancehall and for me to represent the culture. So that was no surprise, man. We all. We. My manager wanted to do a third night. I'm not. I'm 49. I'm not that. Yeah, I mean, strong man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

That's young, man.

[Vibes Cartel]

I know, but remember, we coming from prison, I'm sick, you know? I mean, so. Yeah, so that's why it. That makes it more of a blessing, you know? I mean, to know that, you know, I mean, coming from prison, 13 years, still battling with my illness and the love that the people show me, man, if it's not God, I don't know who it is.

[Charlemagne tha God]

You know, nobody wants to go to prison, but it feels like prison made you larger than life. Like, just from a career.

[Vibes Cartel]

I agree with you.

[Charlemagne tha God]

From a career perspective, do you think it preserved your legacy and made it bigger?

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean. Sorry. Yeah, I think so. I think it did. But like I said, everything happens for a purpose. I mean, and if God has a plan for you, he has a plan for you. You have to just work with it.

[DJ Envy]

So I look at it the opposite way, though, because I feel like people heard the music but couldn't see the face. Like I felt like you would have been an even bigger artist because they just couldn't touch you.

[Vibes Cartel]

Or if I was free, maybe I would have died, who knows, in a car accident or something. You got to just focus on what is right, you know what I mean? And that's how I live my life. Like it is what it is. I'm here. I did 13 years, but now I'm here. And that's in my rear view. Wifey real.

[Jess Hilarious]

During your time in prison though, you released a lot of music. How was that managing your career even behind bars? Like being in there?

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, like I said, I had to do it. That was, that was too easy, man. Like, yeah, I always try to find innovative ways to, to do what I do. And that was just one of them. Like I had to do it. I had people depending on me. I had a family to feed. I had my career to maintain. So that's too easy.

[Jess Hilarious]

And even that with being sick though, were there times where you just like, man, fuck this.

[Vibes Cartel]

No, no, no, never. I couldn't do that. Like I said, I have people depending on me. Like I couldn't slack off, you know, I mean envy, you know, you got kids, you got kids, right? You can't slack off, man. So for me it was. Yeah. And my children are a big part of my motivation too. My mother as well and I mean just family in general. So I couldn't, I didn't have time for self pity or to be like, oh yeah, wah.

[Jess Hilarious]

No, but you were really sick though. I was, I guess I'm saying, like, how did you fight? Like just having the strength to fight through that and still make music and all of that and keep your mental where it needed to be to really commit to that music. So you can still be the vibes cartel and deliver what people wanted to hear.

[Vibes Cartel]

And I understand that's a good question too, because in Jamaican prison, it's not like American prison. Jamaican prison is real dungeon style. Wow. You know what I mean? No toilets in the cells and crazy work, you know?

[Charlemagne tha God]

No toilet in the cells.

[Vibes Cartel]

No. You know how I got toilet in my cell? When Lisa Evers did that piece?

[DJ Envy]

They did the special.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes, with Lisa Ever. That's when they put the toilet, installed the toilet in.

[Jess Hilarious]

Wow.

[Vibes Cartel]

It was crazy. Did you had you use. Pun intended.

[Charlemagne tha God]

So what? So what they had you using before using newspaper.

[Vibes Cartel]

Wow. Yes. So you can read while you. Wow.

[DJ Envy]

But I got, you know, you put out so much music, people assumed that you had a studio in prison. Because it just. The music didn't sound old. It always sound new. It always sound fresh. I mean, somebody passed away and you be talking about him in a song. I'm just joking. But you had. So did you have a studio?

[Vibes Cartel]

That's. No, I had a phone. The iPhone 5s. That's the. That's recorded like the Fever album? No, the Viking album, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Really?

[Vibes Cartel]

I kid you not. Yeah, man. 5s and a mattress and some prisoners looking out. That was it. That was it, man. And determination and got himself. Wow. So that's it. Yeah. Yeah. It's crazy work.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Was there ever any time in that 13 years, especially when you started getting sick, that you was like, man, I don't know if I'm gonna make it out of here.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah. I mean, there were times I thought that I wouldn't make it, but, like, I still had to put in the work. I still had to do what I had to do. You know what I mean? Like, it is what it is, man. Like, if I die, at least I die trying. I mean, because that's. That's just my mindset, you know? But, yeah, there were times I was like. I even talked to my mother. I was like, mom, she was like, no, fight it, man. Pray, you know? So, yeah, big up to my mother. She's a blessing in my life as well.

[DJ Envy]

And how did you. How did you finally get out? Because they were fighting. Fighting to keep you in for a long time.

[Vibes Cartel]

They weren't.

[DJ Envy]

They were fighting appeals. Anything that you tried, they were fighting. What was the. The one thing that says. What was that turn?

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, you're right. They wanted to keep me there forever, but, I mean, I sent. When the case went to England, you know, I mean, because the thing is, Jamaica, and I don't want to, because a lot of people in the system in Jamaica, they support me as well, but the system really just. I think they wanted to make an example. Oh, man. You know, I mean, out of me. Because the case is clear cut. Like, I've always told my manager, my family, bro, I'm coming out. Once my case reaches England, I'm out. And so said so done. Because it's open. Shut case. You messed up here. You messed up here. This is wrong. This is wrong. Free the man. Easy as that.

[DJ Envy]

Have they ever apologized or said, my bad, sorry, anything?

[Vibes Cartel]

I don't need apology, sir.

[DJ Envy]

Freedom.

[Vibes Cartel]

Freedom.

[Charlemagne tha God]

The best apology.

[Vibes Cartel]

Exactly. Right. Exactly. Exactly. So I'm good, man. I'm not looking back. I'm not even suing. Yeah, no, I'm not that I'm not even pursuing. So no suing like that chapter.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Why do you think they want to make an example out of you?

[Vibes Cartel]

Because of my influence. I mean, people compare Cartel to Bob Marley, and then people say, but Bob Marley and Cartel do two different types of songs. Yes, but the influence is the same. That's why he got shot. That's why you had to leave Jamaica at one point. So that is, you know. You know, it's a Caribbean country. It's a third world country. It's a political charged atmosphere. So influential people that they can't control is dangerous. So, I mean, but yeah, we here still, man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

But you know, the worst thing you can give a person like that is. Is time, right? Because now you sitting there and you being still and you really hearing God and hearing what your purpose is.

[Vibes Cartel]

Exactly, man. I prayed so much, man. Like, nobody can tell me nothing. Charlemagne. Don't come at me with no atheism, no rubbish like that. God is real and I'm living testimony of that, man. Trust me. So I feel blessed every day.

[Jess Hilarious]

How is your health now?

[Vibes Cartel]

Work in progress. Yeah, so definitely a work in progress. But it was worse when I came out. My head was this big, like the Pillsbury Doughboy. It was crazy, man. So. But you're working. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Can you describe the moment you were released? Like, what. What that emotion was?

[Vibes Cartel]

I'm still processing sinning, I swear to you. I swear to you, man, because there were times like, I never lost faith. But when I. When they actually opened the gate, I was the last one out of my cell. I was just like, is this really. Is. Am I dreaming right now? Like, what the hell is this? I had all my clothes on, the full white that you see me walk out in. Didn't put my shoes on yet. And I just said a little prior, and I just walked out, man. When I was walking in the yard and all the prisoners were shaking the doors and it was like an earthquake, man. And I'm not gonna lie, I shed a tear or two. Yeah, tears of joy. Yeah, yeah. And then I just walked through the gate. But throughout my incarceration, I never cried. I never felt sorry for myself, you know, I just know that this is something that I have to get through. Through and by the grace of God, man. God did.

[Charlemagne tha God]

What did God tell you to do?

[Vibes Cartel]

No, it's not tell you to do. Like, but when you pray, you listen to that voice in your head, in your heart, humble yourself, chill. You know what I mean? Eat. I actually stopped smoking, too. Was like. Like I just listened to that divine voice in my head, in my heart, and it just led me to the right place. I mean, I made a pact, a covenant with God in prison. Lord, if you get me out of this, trust me, I will never stop calling your name. I'll never stop being positive. I'll never stop spreading that message of love and happiness and joy. And I'm doing that right now. Yes, sir. And I won't stop. I mean, no. Till my. My last breath, man. Trust me.

[DJ Envy]

And what was the first thing you did when you got out? Cause I remember when you got out, people were waiting for you to announce a show. Like, everybody wanted a. And music but you. It took you some time for that. So what were you doing?

[Charlemagne tha God]

The man just told you he was getting some cheeks.

[DJ Envy]

That poor girl.

[Vibes Cartel]

Exactly. Well, I was in prison for years, sir. Stop it. Come on. But yeah, man, I was just chilling with family mostly. Like I said, my mother, my father, my kids, my grandchildren. When I came out of prison, I had three grandkids. Wow. But when I was going in, I had babies.

[Jess Hilarious]

Wow.

[Vibes Cartel]

So, you know, I mean, 13 years is a long time. Trust me. So for me, right now, it's just God, family, music. That's it.

[DJ Envy]

Who was your biggest allies when you were locked up? Celebrity wise? I know.

[Vibes Cartel]

Oh, Buster, Buster, Buster.

[DJ Envy]

He always said your name. Always rang your name.

[Vibes Cartel]

Easily Spice, Easily Popcorn. You know, I mean, a lot of people don't see Easily Boom. I don't even have to think. My. My brother slash manager, tj. You know what I mean? Yeah. Aishana, she came to visit me several times because a lot of people are scared. So it wasn't that they didn't want to come, but just the stigma associated with.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah, yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

So like Spice, Nyshana, Popcorn, Buster, Rhyme. I gotta give it. Shout out to them, man. Give them props.

[Jess Hilarious]

Relationships are tough, you know, in general, but what do you think? Major relationship with your fiance? Work while serving a life sentence?

[Vibes Cartel]

Because she believed. I mean, she believed. I met her in 2015. 15. July 25th. Never forget. Yeah, I mean, we've been on and off, you know, I go, she's in the free world. I'm in prison. She live in her life still, whatever, blah, blah, blah. But she was always there. So in 2022, I decided, like, yo, like I said, I started being more spiritual, putting my faith in God. And I told her, I'm like, yo, I'm coming out, Come to Jamaica. And she came. She left everything. Came to Jamaica.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Well, she had.

[Vibes Cartel]

She was. She's From London. Okay.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Okay, okay.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah.

[Charlemagne tha God]

You met her on Instagram.

[Vibes Cartel]

I heard that. Yes, sir. Wow. Wow. Yeah, it was crazy.

[Charlemagne tha God]

How could you trust that, though? That could have been catfish.

[Vibes Cartel]

I know, but like I said, it was years in 2015.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

You know, I mean, and I was talking this every now and then we spoke and we started speaking on a regular basis and. Yeah. So it took. It took a while for me to trust her. She actually came to Jamaica the first time in 2019. That's four years after we were talking, just on the phone talking. You know what I mean? Having eex.

[DJ Envy]

Okay, all right. Yeah, we got it.

[Jess Hilarious]

Phone sex.

[Charlemagne tha God]

I'm glad you a shake my hand.

[Jess Hilarious]

When she came in 2019, you actually got to put the face to the.

[Vibes Cartel]

And.

[Jess Hilarious]

And she looked exactly like the pictures.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, yeah, she look exactly like the was before AI. So she couldn't.

[Jess Hilarious]

Okay, okay. Yeah, got you.

[Vibes Cartel]

But she came to visit me and, you know, I mean, it was a vibe. So in 2022, I was like, yo, coming out, Come to Jamaica. Come live. She was like, are you sure she's British? Yeah, I'm like, yes, come. And she came and she did two years before I came out. So she came to visit me every time there was a visit. Wow. If I was in a bad mood sometime and I'd be like, I don't want to see nobody. She cry. Or she'd come to the prison still, and the guards would be like, hey, your fiance is outside. And I'm like, okay, I'll go. You know what I mean? So, yeah, she's been there, man. Trust me.

[Charlemagne tha God]

How did you know she was the one, though? Because you're the world boss. You didn't been all around, you know.

[Vibes Cartel]

How did you know she was the one? You know, I mean, she's different. She. She don't into that hype stuff, you know, she chill. Nothing is wrong with the girls that are in the hype either, you know, I mean, it's cool, but she's very humble, you know? I mean, some. Even now when I come out, I have to beg her to go shopping. You'll buy some clothes, man. Some wear some Louis, do something. I mean, and she. When she goes shopping, she buys stuff for me. Crazy. Yeah, yeah, man.

[Jess Hilarious]

You are king, man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Is it easy for you to resist the temptation, though, being that you back on the road and you out in the streets? I know the women coming after you.

[Vibes Cartel]

Crazy. I'm not gonna lie. I flirt with the ladies. I'm five scartel. Come on, man. Nobody can Get. Get out to them. Only she can get out herself by messing up. But no girl on the planet can get her out of my life. You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah. So she good, man.

[DJ Envy]

Now, the late 90s and early 2000s, dance hall was. Was crazy.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Seems like it slowed down a lot. Why do you think that is?

[Vibes Cartel]

Because I was in prison, sir. Yeah, but now I'm out, that we're doing stuff. But you know what? I don't. I wouldn't say slowed down. I would say that the. The concept changed, the lyrics changed to an extent. The beat changed, and it just kind of went that way. And then, you know, afrobeat came out. The emergence of, like, reggaeton became, you know, I mean, so I think there are a lot of factors that contributed to dancehall going through that lull. Yeah, but, yeah, we back again, man. We doing stuff. And I think this new generation of artists, I like them, man.

[DJ Envy]

What artists do you like?

[Vibes Cartel]

What?

[Charlemagne tha God]

What?

[Vibes Cartel]

Well, Jamal Donsman, like Pablo, yg. I mean, chronic loss, Killy Bang. Yeah. I mean, and, you know, Popcorn is like. He's the king of that little generation. So, yeah, to me, they're doing stuff. Once they learn to fine tune their music, make it more commercial, more palatable to guys like you and, you know, the American, North American market, they're good. They're good.

[Jess Hilarious]

You know why? Because I. I agree with that. Because spice is dance all. To me, that's who I listen to. Spice is the one, man.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, man, she is. And you notice how she puts her stuff together. Like, Americans like it, Europeans like it. It's a vibe.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

Once they crack that code, they good, man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

What makes a person king of the dancehall? Because that's what they say they call vibes. Cartel, king of the dance. What qualifies a person for that title?

[Vibes Cartel]

Your dominance, your influence is not necessarily selling records, because I haven't sold records like Sean Paul. But if I walk through the streets of Jamaica and Sean Paul is on the other side of the road, he will go unnoticed. I mean, no disrespect, that's the influence, that larger than life vibe that we bring. If I say, oh, Clarks, everybody wear clarks. Put on a tattoo, everybody gets tattooed. You know what I mean? That type of vibe, the dominance. And I've been doing that since before I got arrested. I've been. People been calling me the king of dancehall. But, you know, I mean, like I said, kings come, kings go, presidents come, presidents go. Nothing is forever except salvation. So, yeah, so I'm not Really fighting for the crown because the people gave it to me.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Can it be more than one king, though? Because, you know, people love to say Beanie man too.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, of course it can be more than one king. Not in our genre is one, but.

[Charlemagne tha God]

It'S not a dance.

[Vibes Cartel]

Oh, no, but that's what I'm saying. Remember who was the king? Who was the. The king in 1945? King George or something that dead and more kings come along. It's just life. That's what I'm saying. Like, you can't hold on to it forever. You can't gatekeep the crown. It's not yours to get. It was never yours. The gatekeeper. You do your time, you move on. New king is in town, sir. Thank you.

[DJ Envy]

Now, when you were locked up, versus was big, right?

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

And Beanie Bounty.

[Vibes Cartel]

Versus is my favorite.

[DJ Envy]

Beanie Bounty.

[Vibes Cartel]

That's my favorite. I was in prison watching that.

[DJ Envy]

Like now when you were watching that, did you think, I would love to do A vs. Cuz D is very competitive. And. And if you could.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Who would you want to do on Mavado?

[Vibes Cartel]

Obviously. Come on. Obviously, man. Yeah, big up Movado too, man. But yeah, that would be a crazy versus. Obviously I would win, but he would.

[DJ Envy]

Bob talks that talk.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes, he does.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Is there anybody catalog you afraid of? A little bit.

[Vibes Cartel]

Movado got a big catalog. Beanie. No, not Beanie or Bounty Killer. Those guys. Those are in a different class, remember? You know, I mean, Bounty Killer, Beanie, they locked the 90s to the early 2000s. Then cartel came out. Elephant man has a nice catalog. He's not like a warrior artists. You get, you know, I mean, what's a warrior artist? What's that like a cartel? I'm a vado. A bounty killer. I mean, a massacre. Ready to go at it right now. Yeah. So. But no, no, no. I think I have the biggest current catalog in dancehall because it's relatively young. It's 23 years.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

And I mean, lots of hits, especially in the dancehall landscape, you know, I.

[DJ Envy]

Mean, is that missing in music, though? Like the fact that you would, you know, me coming up in Queens and DJing parties, I would come up and then if somebody, let's say you're in the club or Baby Sham's in the club, they would just grab and go at each other.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Wouldn't be physical, but it would be music.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

If that's what's missing in dancehall especially.

[Vibes Cartel]

I think so too. And one of the reasons why I think so too, is because of the Internet. So a lot of these young kids, they got their fame from their bedroom. They made the rhythm.

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[Larison Campbell]

Mississippi called Yazoo clay. It's thick, burnt orange, and it's got a reputation.

[Vibes Cartel]

It's terrible, terrible dirt.

[Larison Campbell]

Yazoo clay eats everything, so things that get buried there tend to stay buried until they're not. In 2012, construction crews at Mississippi's biggest hospital made a shocking discovery.

[Vibes Cartel]

7,000 bodies out there or more, all.

[Larison Campbell]

Former patients of the old state asylum, and nobody knew they were there.

[DJ Envy]

It was my family's mystery.

[Larison Campbell]

But in this corner of the south, it's not just the soil that keeps secrets.

[Vibes Cartel]

Nobody talks about it. Nobody has any information.

[Larison Campbell]

When you peel back the layers of Mississippi's Yazoo clay, nothing's ever as simple as you think.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

The story is much more complicated and nuanced than that.

[Larison Campbell]

Larry I'm Larison Campbell. Listen to under yazukle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Israel Gutierrez]

I'm Israel Gutierrez and I'm hosting a new podcast, Dub Dynasty, the story of how the Golden State warriors have dominated the NBA for over a decade.

[Charlemagne tha God]

The Golden State warriors once again are NBA champions.

[Israel Gutierrez]

From the building of the corporation that included Klay Thompson and Draymond Green to one of the boldest coaching decisions in the history of the sport, I just.

[Vibes Cartel]

Felt like the biggest thing was to earn the trust of the players and let the players know that we were here to try to help them take the next step, not tear anything down.

[Israel Gutierrez]

Today the warriors dynasty remains alive in large part because of a scrawny 6 foot 2 hooper who everyone seems to.

[Vibes Cartel]

Love for what Steph has done for the game.

[Charlemagne tha God]

He's certainly on that, like Mount Rushmore.

[Vibes Cartel]

For guys that have changed it.

[Israel Gutierrez]

Come revisit this magical warrior's ride. This is Dove Dynasty.

[Vibes Cartel]

The Dubs dynasty is still very much alive.

[Israel Gutierrez]

Listen to Dub Dynasty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. My name is Brendan Patrick Hughes, host of Divine Intervention. This is a story about radical nuns in combat boots and wild haired priests trading blows with J. Edgar Hoover in a hell bent effort to sabotage a war.

[Vibes Cartel]

J. Edgar Hoover was furious. Somebody violated the FBI and he wanted.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

To bring the Catholic left to its knees.

[Israel Gutierrez]

The FBI went around to all their neighbors and said to them, do you think these people are good Americans? It's got heists, tragedy, a trial of the century and the goddamnedest love story you've ever heard.

[Larison Campbell]

I picked up the phone and my.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

Thought was, this is the most important phone call I'll ever make in my life. I couldn't believe it. I mean, Brendan, it was divine intervention.

[Israel Gutierrez]

Listen to Divine intervention on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Vibes Cartel]

Bedroom. Recorded it in their bedroom, made their YouTube channel, put it out. Yep. They can monitor this their on itunes, Whatever. So they're not. We on the other hand, we had to go in the streets. We have to go to the studio, you know, so it was a more physical thing for us, you know, I mean in the same way, remember back in the day when records came out, you have to go to the record store.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

Now you can just take up your phone and be like, yo, stream and stream.

[DJ Envy]

Yes.

[Vibes Cartel]

So that's why I think they don't have that. They don't have the knack for physical confrontation like we did. And by physical I don't mean like punching. Even though sometimes that that does happen. Yep. But like to just run upon a guy on stage. Nah. Yeah, they're not gonna do that.

[Jess Hilarious]

I wouldn't think nobody would do that with Jamaicans anyway.

[Vibes Cartel]

But other Jamaicans, like that's what you were talking about. Yeah. Cause I would like you, you talking shit. When is his next show? There's a show in at the Breakfast Club. We going. Yeah, we run up. So yeah, that.

[DJ Envy]

Have you done that to somebody? Grab somebody's mic.

[Vibes Cartel]

No. Well, Movado during me and Mavado. Yeah, he used to run upon me a couple times. I ran up on him the last time I was in St. Elizabeth. That was crazy. Which was then I got the concept to do the Door Run song because I had a Don't Run song before Sting, and then after Sting, then I was like, you know, because he ran off stage, too, and he's related to Usain Bolt. You know that, right? I'm joking. But, yeah, but at the time that. Yeah, it was. Now, in hindsight, I mean, I'm glad we had that feud, man. It made us big. And, you know, I mean, it spread dance all to places like Africa, which at the time, we were like, these. These guys listen to us because, you know, they don't showcase that in the media. Then before the Internet, where you could just jump on your phone and see Africa for yourself. Yeah. So I think clashing is good, man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

How do y'all get the good terms after clashing? The conversation.

[Vibes Cartel]

The first time we had that conversation was when. The first time we had that conversation was the second time the government sent for us in Jamaica because the vibes car term of other things was so big. School kids fighting, people getting hurt. So we were just there at King's house, which is where the. The politicians are. We was like, yo, our music brought us here, bro. Like, this is crazy. And that's when we started talking. And after that, we still feuded, but it was just more like, on a controlled level. Yeah. Like, he would be like, yo, I dropped a song. Why. Why don't you answer it? Like, oh. And I didn't hear it. And then I replied to it, and then I would drop a song, and he would reply. So we kept it like that, and it culminated in us doing the West Kingston show when he called me on stage in West Kingston with daughters.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Oh, that's smart. So y'all kind of, like, planned it out. It was strategic.

[Vibes Cartel]

Not in the beginning, that's what I'm saying. But after we went to the. To King's house, where the government was. We was, like, outside waiting to go in, and we was just talking, like, do we get the kids, man? Look, you know, I mean, look, what our music is doing is bring. Brought us here. And then we just start like, yo, this. Let's. Let's plan this. Yeah, let's be strategic.

[Charlemagne tha God]

When did you realize the influence that you had? Was it moments like that when you got kids in school fighting, you know, for your music? Like, when did you Realize I have influence over a whole generation.

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, I've always realized that, but I never took it as seriously as I should have because then I would have made maybe better choices. I don't know. But with that being said, I still have no regrets.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

Because my choices led me here. I mean, I've been down some dark roads, but I'm still alive, man. And I'm doing extremely well. And God has blessed me. But, yeah, I've always realized that I had the influence.

[DJ Envy]

I got a question. Right? So my wife is Jamaican, right. So I asked her. We have artists, some things, so we look at it differently. So she was like, looking back.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Is there a moment in your career you wish you handled differently at all? Or like you just said, do you have no regrets? Is there anything that you said I should have done differently?

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, not really. I mean, let me see. What should I have done differently? When I. I think maybe when I. I don't know. When I hit Ninja man with the mic on stage, I don't know, but. Because that's what I'm saying. Everything that I've done, it's still. Even if it brought me down, when I came up, I came up higher.

[DJ Envy]

Right?

[Vibes Cartel]

So, yeah, I don't like that word regret, man.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

I don't know.

[Charlemagne tha God]

No, because if you believe in God, you really got to believe everything happened for a reason. Even if it was just your own poor choices.

[Vibes Cartel]

Exactly.

[Charlemagne tha God]

It still got you closer to God because God got you through.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, man. Yeah. That's what I'm saying. Nothing. I would do different. Maybe with the Ninja man thing, maybe I wouldn't have punched him. Maybe I would have just kicked him. I don't know. Jesus Christ.

[Jess Hilarious]

Still some injury.

[DJ Envy]

Now, what's something the public.

[Charlemagne tha God]

What do you. That's funny, though, because he, like, he had to get it somehow.

[DJ Envy]

Just kick him.

[Vibes Cartel]

Don't change history is what I'm saying. You're gonna mess it up for all of us. Don't go back in time and fuck shit up, right?

[DJ Envy]

Yo, now, what's something the public completely misunderstands about vibes?

[Vibes Cartel]

I'm a fun guy. I mean, I like to vibe. I like to have fun. Like, if you don't know me, especially then, like. And if you approach me wrong, obviously I'm gonna react. But if I'm comfortable around people, we cool, man. We vibing. Yeah. So a lot of people, really, they think I'm just this evil person when I'm not. I mean. So. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Now your lyricism is Layered with double meanings, encoded language. At times, yes. How intentional is that? Do you write for interpretation or expression?

[Vibes Cartel]

Both. I mean, music is art, man. So at the end of the day, we're poets, man. All you see, we on stage clashing each other, singing those violent lyrics. It's still poetry. So it has to be done artistically. It has to be done a specific way to get a desired result. Otherwise you're just chatting. I mean, you're just talking. Yeah. So we do both.

[Charlemagne tha God]

What fuels the creativity now? Because I know you, you said when you was locked up, you know, it was just your desire to work and feed your family that fueled it. What fuels it now? Is it pain? Is it purpose?

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, purpose. Thank you for that. Thought of it like that. Purpose, I would say, because God is purpose. God is the ultimate purpose, you know, I mean, so I think purpose pushes me. Like I still record, even though I don't have to. I still record five, six songs and I'm in the studio back to back and. And still we in the, the studio partying, girls are there, we drinking, we smoking. I still knock out five songs, seven songs. So. Yeah, yeah, I, I love this, you know, I do this from the heart, man. And I do it for the culture too.

[DJ Envy]

Definitely one of your biggest records. Romping shop.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Did you ever get that clear or was it you just. So you never got paid off of that? You just threw it out? It just did what it did.

[Vibes Cartel]

I got paid. Come on, that song is on my. That song put me on another level, globally again. Because like I said, it's levels to it the same direct. Clarks did it, Summertime did it, Fever did it. You have some songs with that, you get those songs, it's like up another echelon, right? You're just going up. So yeah, of course, man, that, that song was crazy. We actually wanted to try to see if we could get it cleared now and do like maybe a 12 year anniversary, 15 year, whatever. But yeah, that song was crazy, but I didn't get it cleared. But in Neo's defense, he didn't sue you. He couldn't clear it. Like he's remember the rhythm, you know, the thing, go publishing and yeah, yeah, yeah, you made the beat. But he's the rapper. But you know, I mean, so people think, oh, why didn't envy clear the song? But it. You own the rights to the. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

So yeah, now also when you, when you perform back in the late 90s and early 2000s, there was terms and words that you could say that you Cannot say anymore or they will try to cancel it.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Oh, no. The 90s kind of back a little bit, man.

[DJ Envy]

You remember the beginning of Romper Shop?

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, they take it right out. Ramping shop. That was explicit. I mean, I don't know, man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Play for the kids.

[Vibes Cartel]

All is explicit as it is very intolerant, which I think is changing now still, because the world is changing. So you got to be mindful of what. What you say, you know?

[DJ Envy]

So there's certain songs you don't do because of that, or you just, oh.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, I won't do.

[DJ Envy]

Or there's certain songs I won't do.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah. Hell, yeah. I mean, come on. Well, that's like saying, oh, slavery was good. Let's bring it back. No, we're not. So we're not going to sing certain songs. You're not gonna. You know, I mean, come on. It's this. It's distasteful. Yes, distasteful, sir. Thank you.

[Charlemagne tha God]

And also, I'm sure over time, you probably seen Gal to Gal, and they look beautiful together. Gal to Gal to Gal Got the guy look beautiful together.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, man. I mean, I don't judge and I don't look. I'm. I'm engaged, sir.

[Charlemagne tha God]

I'm engaged.

[Vibes Cartel]

I'm engaged, sir. Yes, is what I'm saying. So, yeah, I. I focus.

[DJ Envy]

Another question the wife had is, is, are you going to marry your fiance? It's been a while now.

[Vibes Cartel]

That's usually how it works when you usually marry a fiance. Okay, this is the thing. I came out July 31st. Yes. Did the biggest concert in Jamaica history. December 31st. Got my US visa. January 31st. Yeah. So I wanted to get married February 31st. It turns out we doesn't have a 31st.

[Charlemagne tha God]

You did that on purpose. You knew exactly what you were doing.

[Vibes Cartel]

We're gonna get married. No. Because I've been so busy all over the place. We have to plan it. Okay. You know, her family is big, mine is big. But make no mistake, she's right here. She. I left her at the hotel. I don't leave her nowhere.

[DJ Envy]

There you go.

[Vibes Cartel]

She's like my good luck child. That's how you stay out of trouble. Yeah, yeah, exactly right? That's right. She balances me. She calms me, man. So, yeah, she good.

[Charlemagne tha God]

How was that. How was that big show that you did in Jamaica? Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

Over 35,000 people. That show was a sea of people just as far as your eye can see.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Was it overwhelming for you?

[Vibes Cartel]

No, man. Too easy for me. Like I said, I I put in the work and I know I deserve it. So for me, like, no nervous, no nothing. We just. You saw why I came out of the pit because we did that to, to, to. It's like Vibes Cartel was in the dungeon. So I'm coming up now out of the pits of hell. That's what's the concept for me coming out from under the stage, man. I work for that. I deserve it. And.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus.

[Jess Hilarious]

Let me ask you a question about Jamaican culture. It seems like bleaching, your skin is. Is becoming more popular now. Like, what is the fascination with that in Jamaica?

[Vibes Cartel]

I think it has to do with, you know, the usual issues. Self hate, the history of colonialism, colorism. It's all that, you know, I mean. And like, I was speaking to. I don't remember who I was speaking to, because even in, like, places like Asia, yeah, skin bleaching is a big thing too. And it has to do with that Stockholm syndrome. Because if you think about it, who in Asia bleaches the most? It's the. The south, the north, sorry, the South Koreans and the Japanese, that Americanized kind of European. They want that Eurocentric look is what I'm saying. And black people have always had that problem. I mean, I would never bleach again, personally, you know, I mean, because I'm mature enough to know that, yo, that. Yeah, I definitely think it has to do with self hate or self lack of self confidence as a race, because when I was bleaching, like, I literally looked in the mirror and I. I thought I looked better being light skinned, you know what I mean? So it took a time for me to, like, nah, man, that.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Yeah, so. So it was a cosmetic thing when you did it?

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Okay.

[Vibes Cartel]

Okay, definitely. But I would never do that again, man.

[Jess Hilarious]

And I'm glad. I'm very, very glad to hear that. But even knowing love and hip hop, spice, Spice, she. It was a mess. It was a bigger message that she was trying to convey. And it was exactly what you were saying. She's like, man, this. This is different in America than it is back where I'm from, you know? Like, you don't get certain things if you're not a fairer skin, you know? And people here, because love and hip hop is American, people was looking at spice, like, what the hell? Like, why would you. You know, your black skin is beautiful always, you know what I mean? So. But now I totally do get what you're saying. It's totally different culturally.

[Vibes Cartel]

It's a cultural thing. Yeah, trust me, man. Because we only have blacks in Jamaica.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

So for us, it's not racism, it's colorism. Like the lightest skinned you are. It's like you climb socially. It's crazy work.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Was it a woman? Was it a woman that encouraged you to do it?

[Vibes Cartel]

Oh, no, it's just a bunch of us, as you know. I mean, there's 90% of Jamaica at one point was bleaching.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah. I mean, so did you have any effects after that? Like long term? Cause you were doing it for a while.

[Vibes Cartel]

Like long term effects. Just some fucking pictures that I don't want to look at anymore.

[Jess Hilarious]

Gotcha. Gotcha.

[Charlemagne tha God]

They used to say I was bleaching and they would always send me pictures of you.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah.

[Charlemagne tha God]

And have me side by side with you.

[Jess Hilarious]

No, he wasn't. No, he was just ugly. And then he was cute after a while. Ain't no damn. No, no. He had a whole new face. It ain't like this a tough room.

[DJ Envy]

This is a tough room.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Cosmetic surgery. I got a nose job.

[Vibes Cartel]

You got a nose up.

[DJ Envy]

Michael.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Tell him the truth, Michael. What happened?

[DJ Envy]

I used to have polyps in my nose while I was snore a lot and couldn't snore, so they removed the polyps. I didn't touch my nose. My nose is the same.

[Vibes Cartel]

Okay, okay.

[Jess Hilarious]

He called you Michael.

[DJ Envy]

Do you still get nervous when you perform?

[Vibes Cartel]

What's nervous? Where is it sold? How does it taste? Is it contagious? Don't. We don't do nervous.

[Jess Hilarious]

I know. That's me.

[Vibes Cartel]

Don't do that. No, like I said. Well, and plus, like I said, I was raised in a family of people that love music. My uncles used to try to be DJs, not DJs, like, like me, DJ. Jamaican rapper. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I grew up always wanting to get the microphone, you know, I mean, I grew up wanting to go on stage. Yeah. So no, as it relates to music, no nervousness. I'd be more nervous like going in the bank or something or walking through the airport or, you know, I mean. No, no, no, no, no. That's too easy music.

[DJ Envy]

Not at all.

[Charlemagne tha God]

How was Jamaica for you? Is Jamaica a safe space for Bob's Cartel?

[Vibes Cartel]

Of course not.

[Jess Hilarious]

Way too much.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Do you stay there primarily?

[Vibes Cartel]

I live here, sir. Oh, okay.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Okay.

[Vibes Cartel]

I live in Florida.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Got you, got you, got you.

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, I did 13 years in prison. Why would I. Yeah, but I wrecked my country right through. I wrecked my culture all the way, every day. One yard, man bomb. Can I say that? Yeah.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Is it the government or the people that makes you be like, okay, let me stay. Let me. Let me keep my distance from.

[Vibes Cartel]

Nah, I just wanna. Like, I spent 13 years. Like, seriously, that's not a joke. Like, I need to go out now.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Like, got you guys.

[Vibes Cartel]

And I'm. I'm working.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah, yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

And Florida is good because it's a hub. You can come to New York, you can just go across the Atlantic. Or in England, you go west, you're in la, you know, I mean, so it's just a nice place to be geographically, where I can just move.

[DJ Envy]

Do you like to go back to those areas that you grew up on?

[Vibes Cartel]

Like, drive through Brooklyn, America, I love. Why would I work so hard? No, sir, but like, in Brooklyn.

[DJ Envy]

I mean, like, areas in. In Brooklyn.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes, exactly. White Plains Road, back in the day. 227, 225th.

[DJ Envy]

Yes.

[Vibes Cartel]

Do you go back? No, sir.

[DJ Envy]

No.

[Jess Hilarious]

I don't go to any.

[Vibes Cartel]

I don't go here. You know, I mean. But seriously, why? I'm just staying out of trouble. I don't want to be involved in nothing. Negative. Never. Yeah, so we stay away from that. I love it. Yeah.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Has. Has. Has the you, Mr. Palmer, become a. Ever become a prisoner of Vibes Cartel? Like, how do you remind yourself?

[Vibes Cartel]

Okay, all the time, man. All the time. And it's crazy. Like, it's. It's. It's conflicting, but it's whatever, man. It. Vibes Cartel is why I'm. I have the things that I have, and I can take care of my family, so I work with it. Sacrifice, you know? I mean, because sometimes some days I wish I could just walk, man. Just walk with my grandchildren on the road and just go buy some ice cream and chill. Like, can't do that. Yeah, it's crazy.

[Charlemagne tha God]

So what keeps you grounded? What keeps you reminding yourself of who you. Who you are? Not the character of the Vibes Cartel.

[Vibes Cartel]

I used to buy into the character of Vice Cartel because we grew up rough. We grew up in Portmore. So, yeah, we grew up tough 2.0. But now I just. What keeps me grounding family? I mean, like I said, my kids, my grandkids.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

The new lease that God has given me on life, that's what keep me grounded, man. I ain't messing that up for nobody.

[DJ Envy]

Well, the album is streaming right now. New album. You want to hear something off the new album?

[Vibes Cartel]

No, I did the album, sir.

[Charlemagne tha God]

The people want to hear something.

[DJ Envy]

I want to hear it right now.

[Vibes Cartel]

Can I make a request, though, man?

[Charlemagne tha God]

You need to do a Comedy movie. You need a good Jamaican comedy. We always get a Jamaican gang bang, shoot them up.

[DJ Envy]

Comedy.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Yes.

[Vibes Cartel]

Or horror film. I always thought about that. There's no Jamaican horror film. Even though as. As African descendants, we have a lot of. We call them duppy stories.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Oh, yeah, yeah. The ghost stories.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah. We don't. I think we need to capitalize on that more, but. Yeah.

[Charlemagne tha God]

You believe in duppies?

[Vibes Cartel]

I was gonna say something very disrespectful about it.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Let's hear it.

[Vibes Cartel]

No, I don't. I don't believe in W. You don't believe in ghost?

[Charlemagne tha God]

Come on.

[Vibes Cartel]

No, he was definitely gonna say another.

[DJ Envy]

Artist was a W. But I know him. Yeah, I know you would.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, but. Yeah, of course. I mean, of course. That's the spirit. Is the spirit. Remember, you have good spirits, you have bad spirits. You know what I mean? There's good spirits right now.

[Jess Hilarious]

That's right.

[Charlemagne tha God]

What about mermaids? Did y'all ever see mermaids?

[Vibes Cartel]

Mermaids?

[Charlemagne tha God]

Because I always hear the stories.

[Vibes Cartel]

No, for real. Because in Jamaica, that's the things I'm talking about. In Jamaica, we call them river maids because we have a lot of rivers in Jamaica. Yeah. So stories that the river maids would put the golden table up and people would see it and dive in, and then they would pull you down in the water. Yeah. We grew up on all those stories. Rolling calves. That's the spirit of butchers. No, at night with the cow chain. And it's crazy like.

[Jess Hilarious]

Like the Jamaican Texas chainsaw.

[Vibes Cartel]

Mass. Stuff like that. Exactly. Without the Texas and without the chainsaw. It's low budget.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Have you seen a river made before? Have you seen a river made before?

[Vibes Cartel]

No, but I've seen lots of duppies. Ghosts. Yeah. Like real. Yeah. No joke, you know, I mean, so. Yeah. Wow. It's not about belief. We, you know. You know. You know. You know, I mean, you couldn't have God if the. That you believe in the God. You have to accept that the devil is exist. That's right.

[DJ Envy]

That's right.

[Vibes Cartel]

I mean, so. Yeah.

[Charlemagne tha God]

So you got out. You got plans to write any films? Anything like that?

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes, definitely. I'd love to do a. A film about my life. I mean, not just not my entire life. That's maybe like the prison part.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

After I die, someone else can do the. The full life. I have no time for that. I'm living. I'm living the life now.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah. My kids cannot do. Do that when I'm gone. You know? Know what I mean? So. Yeah, but definitely movies, man. I love entertainment and I love movies. Yeah, yeah.

[Jess Hilarious]

And you got a sense of humor. You're very fun. You definitely a vibe. There you go.

[DJ Envy]

So I'm. I'm going try this again. Vibes.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes, sir.

[DJ Envy]

What song do you want to hear for the people?

[Jess Hilarious]

I want to hear porn flick. My bad. I want to see what just said that.

[Vibes Cartel]

We're winning. We're twinning. Yes.

[Jess Hilarious]

It's the vibe.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yes, like that.

[DJ Envy]

Well, let's get into porn flick now. This weekend. You should have your tickets already. If not, it's sold out. You're gonna have to go to StubHub and pay grands and grands and grands for it. But definitely check them out. And we appreciate you for joining us, man.

[Charlemagne tha God]

Anytime, brother. Pull up.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah, man. Big up Charlemagne. Big up, DJ Envy. Big up, Jess. Yes.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yes.

[Vibes Cartel]

Where's Angela?

[Charlemagne tha God]

She got her own show. She come. She come on after us.

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah. Okay.

[Charlemagne tha God]

She probably. She should be here.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Vibes Cartel]

Okay. Okay. Big up, Angela. Yeah. No, God is the great.

[DJ Envy]

That's right.

[Vibes Cartel]

And we out.

[DJ Envy]

It's the Breakfast Club. It's Vibes Cartel.

[Vibes Cartel]

Y'all wake that ass up early in the morning. The Breakfast Club. Taking control of your career is empowering. Just don't tell my boss I said that. Just kidding. I am the boss. This is Carlos Miller from the 85 South Show. And building a career isn't just about a job. It's about creating a path that impacts our community and future generations. Whether you're starting out or even making big moves, State Farm is here to support you with resources to help protect what you're working hard to achieve. They've got your back every step of the way. Because, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Find out more@state farm.com youm know when.

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[Larison Campbell]

Yazoo Clay keeps secrets.

[Vibes Cartel]

7,000 bodies out there. Or more.

[Larison Campbell]

A forgotten asylum, cemetery.

[DJ Envy]

It was my family's mystery.

[Larison Campbell]

Shame, guilt, propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep until it's not. I'm Larison Campbell, and this is under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

Are your ears bored?

[Vibes Cartel]

Yeah.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

Are you looking for a new podcast that will make you laugh, learn, and say gay? Yeah. Then tune in to locatora radio season 10 today.

[Vibes Cartel]

Okay.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

Now that's what I call a podcast.

[Vibes Cartel]

I'm Diosa.

[Talkspace Advertiser]

I'm Mala, the host of Locatora Radio, a radiophonic novella, which is just a very extra way of saying a podcast. Listen to Locatora Radio Season 10 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.