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.