Worl' Boss Unfiltered: Kartel Talks Bounty Killer, Mavado, Popcaan, and More

In one of his most controversial interview yet, Kartel sat down with the FIX podcast to discuss feuds, family, and his resilience, declaring, “Mi a fighter, dawg”

Vybz Kartel, speaks about everything with the FIX (Photo: Ashani Braham)

Dancehall megastar Vybz Kartel recently sat down with the popular FIX podcast for what may be his most controversial interview yet, premiering today, Monday, December 23.

He addressed simmering tensions with his former protégé Popcaan, stating, “When mi just get locked up inna prison, without consulting me, him signed to Patrick Roberts. Mi bring him to the forefront,” Kartel revealed. “We sort the thing,” he added.

The Worl’ Boss also shed light on the origins of the infamous Gully-Gaza feud. “I was left out of the Alliance and started shooting lyrical shots at them, and Mavado was the bravest to answer,” he explained, recounting the rivalry that captivated dancehall fans worldwide. Kartel also spoke about the historic meeting with the Prime Minister and other key figures, aimed at easing tensions and settling the beef, marking a pivotal moment in Jamaican music history.

Despite past controversies, Kartel remains unwavering in his loyalty to the man who nurtured his career, dancehall legend Bounty Killer. “See life weh mi live, a Killa. Him make mi rich,” Kartel affirmed, crediting Bounty Killer for playing a pivotal role in his rise to success. "Bounty Killer give mi the opportunity to take care a mi family", he echoed.

The "Worl’ Boss" also delved into his personal life, sharing insights into his relationships with Shorty and fiancée Sidem Öztürk. “Three women mi ever tattoo their names: mi mother, Shorty, and Sidem,” he revealed. Kartel shared a poignant moment, adding, “Two times mi cried inna prison—when Shorty’s mother dead. Mi love her, mi love deh woman,” showcasing a rarely seen vulnerable side.

He is now gearing up for his Freedom Street concert on New Year’s Eve at Kingston’s National Stadium, promising to further demonstrate why he's dancehall’s most electrifying and polarizing figure. "Mi might get whole heap a money, but mi represent for the people. If deh people dem nuh good, wah the sense?" he elaborated.

“See life weh mi live, a Killa. Him make mi rich. Bounty Killer give mi the opportunity to take care a mi family“.

“Man deh 13 years in prison, still haffi take care of his children and family, still drop hit songs, sell gold and silver, get out of prison and get nominated for an album do inna prison, get a show fi do inna 5 months—all this while fighting grave disease. How you fi doubt a man like that?” Kartel declared. "Mi a fighter, dawg," he added, addressing skeptics questioning his ability to perform and deliver despite his circumstances.