Popcaan says Vybz Kartel hates me5 min read

Dancehall artiste Popcaan recently told BBC 1XTRA that he is hated by mentor Vybz Kartel due to his mainstream success.

According to the deejay, who claimed that he loved Vybz Kartel the most during his performance at Sting 2012, the dancehall space is filled with jealousy, and envy.

“Dancehall artistes don’t like the ones who are progressive. When you are on a low level, you have the most friends in music. When you going up, you have less friends, and I learnt that a long time ago,” he said. “Since I have been around Vybz Kartel, a lot of people used to hate Vybz Kartel, but he stayed on top. I learn that lesson from him and that is why he, Vybz Kartel, hates Popcaan today. I will forever be on top … because I learn that from him.”

The Billboard-charting/MOBO Award winner also said it is unfortunate to see the large amount of hate that has been levelled against dancehall artistes who are simply trying to feed their families through hard work.

However, it would appear that Kartel is not the only person disgruntled with Popcaan. Fellow incarcerated dancehall artiste Shawn Storm recently released a diss song called No Frauds targeting the deejay.

When contacted, a member of Shawn Storm’s management team, who requested to remain anonymous, told THE STAR that the song was intended to address Popcaan’s alleged disloyalty to Kartel and Storm.

She said the song is not about war, but rather to remind Popcaan where he is coming from.

Popcaan was unavailable for a comment. Several calls to his phone went unanswered.