VYBZ KARTEL: THE INTERVIEW! (PART 1)

In his first full-length interview with a UK journalist in over 5 years, Vybz Kartel speaks to The Wrap Up’s Marvin Sparks about his beginnings, writing for Bounty Killer, the infectious tribute to footwear brand Clarks, working with Major Lazer on ‘Pon Di Floor’ and much more, in the first of this two-part interview...

Vybz Kartel were a group comprised of three artists, including Adijah Palmer, then known as Addi Banton. The group split due to differences in vision, but Addi Banton kept the name Vybz Kartel, joined Bounty Killer's crew,Alliance, and the rest, as they say, is history. Initially coming to prominence flexing his lyrical skills in 2002, Kartel became one of the genre's leading artists shortly thereafter, which included featuring on the Def Jam's US and Jamaica collaboration album, ‘Def Jamaica’, working with Missy Elliott and fans including Nicki Minaj andJay-Z. Controversy has never been far; from clashing Ninja Man, which lead to a fight on stage, leaving the Alliance then performing at his former mentor's biggest rival Beenie Man's wedding to Bounty Killer's ex-girlfriend, 2 years on-and-off fued with Mavado, to being sued for creating the explicit 2009 hit ‘Ramping Shop’ from Ne-Yo's ‘Miss Independent’.

The Wrap Up: You broke through with a unique style of deejaying (rapping) to dancehall in 2001/2002. Tell us a bit about why you adopted that style... 

Future Fambo Ready For Sting...

Comeback Kid, Future Fambo, whose career has seen a fruitful resurgence in 2010, is getting ready to perform on one of the biggest shows this season - Sting.

The deejay sees this as a great way to close off a year in which he has performed in every parish across the island, severalCaribbean territories, North America andEurope.

With his monster hit, Rum and Red Bull racing up charts and claiming number one spots locally and internationally, Fambo, the self-titledDrunken Master of the Dancehall, has been kept very busy, not only by performing, but also in the studio voicing follow-up songs.

Fambo’s studio efforts have paid off handsomely and singles includingSwagaholic, Pop Bottle, and This Life have found favour with fans locally, in the Diaspora and the Caribbean. Even Fambo himself has been surprised at the popularity of the songs when he performs overseas and fans sing them word for word.

Ja Rule To Serve Two Years In Prison On Gun Charges

NEW YORK - Ja Rule reached a plea deal with prosecutors in a Manhattancourtroom on Monday (December 13) that will see the rapper serve two years in prison. The charges stem from a gun bust in July 2007, when bothJa and Lil Wayne were arrested separately following a concert performance.

The Murder Inc. star pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon, a class D felony in the second degree.

"Minor setback for a major comeback,"Ja tweeted after reaching the deal.

Ja Rule is expected to be sentenced in February, following a court appearance that same month to report his progress to the judge.

Don King Stopped in Ohio for Ammo in Luggage....

TVJ NEWS - MORE BODIES FOUND IN PORTMORE {JAMAICA}