Adidja Palmer a.k.a Vybz Kartel is perhaps the most mystical personality to come out of Jamaica since Bob Marley; a demigod to some, the living devil to others. In a New York Times article, his marketability was compared to that of Lady Gaga, Madonna and Jay Z. The Rolling Stone Magazine is quoted as saying “look up controversy in the Jamaican dictionary and you might find a photo of Adidjah Palmer, aka dancehall star Vybz Kartel”.
Vybz Kartel has had an indelible effect on the policy and people of the country; forcing the Jamaican government to change broadcasting rules in an effort to curb his influence, revolutionized female sexuality by making Jamaican women feel uninhibited and challenged the political status quo by having many in Jamaica paying allegiance to the Gaza (his hometown crew) instead of PNP and JLP. Whilst doing this, he has been summoned to Jamaica House by the Prime Minister, invited to the podium of esteemed Universities by learned professors and brought to West Kingston by the man known as the “President of Jamaica,” Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, to show the people the unity between him and his rival Movado. This was all accomplished while being banned from entering or having his music played in several countries.
Naturally he has become the man that Jamaica loves to hate and the person that many hate that they love. At the time of publishing this book, Vybz Kartel remains in custody at the Horizon Remand Centre having been charged with two murders along with multiple other criminal offenses. However, Kartel has vowed not to be silenced and has used this book as a medium to expose what, he believes, has been the societal ills, injustices and suffering endured by his people – the people of the Ghetto. Hence, he has put all his thoughts, secrets, experiences, “his side of the story” into this book.
This book should be read by every Jamaican and any person who is interested in the real Jamaica. Not the Jamaica on the travel ads but REAL JAMAICA. Kartel exposes some political secrets, other issues that are so taboo that they have been swept under the rug and downright lies told by politicians. Palmer and his co-author both confess that they anticipate consequences from the powers that be for daring to write this book and exposing all to the masses. He has often been compared to Tupac and Biggie and many, including him, fear his untimely death is near but before he goes, he has teamed with Michael Dawson to write – The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto.
Addi will forever ron dance hall music.
Tell em kartel..make the truth buss pon people head straight.