Vybz Kartel: No DJ poses as serious a grassroots threat to the primacy of the current elite than Vybz Kartel. The one-man-gang has locked Kingston like no artist since King Bounty ascended to the throne. Boasting a detailed and mind-numbingly complex rhyme style, full of fits and starts and polysyllabic metaphors, Kartel is the new choice for Dancehall fans who listen to lyrics for lyrics sake, and who enjoy a well-crafted verse as much as the latest rhythm. On stage, Vybz is already classed alongside Bounty as the most feared lyrical assassin. While fans flock to join the Kartel, other DJs are steering clear of young Adidja Palmer.

At the moment though, the problem with Vybz Kartel is belied by his name. No, not the incongruity of a one-man “cartel,” but the lack of true “vibes.” While Kartel sometimes employs Beenie Man-style flamboyant stage costumes, his stage presence is more along the lines of a young Bounty Killa: people chant Vybz’s name at the stage show, and clamor for him to appear, but once onstage, his wooden performance and lyrically-dense delivery is less than entertaining. Kartel is more fun to listen to on your stereo than he is in person. And, like Sean Paul, Vybz is lacking in the diversity department, proving himself adept at bad man, ganja and slackness tunes, but less than adequate handling other subject matter. We’re also bothered by Kartel’s apparent allegiance to producer Don “Vendetta” Bennett, who, despite recent hits is a little too infatuated with spare, hip-hot beats and gimmicky production for our liking. Vendetta is no Dave Kelly. He has the potential to do for Vybz what Jazzwad did for Bounty a few years back: nothing.

Prediction: JUST NOW. Vybz is not quite ready to make the big jump, but it may happen a year or two down the line. The lyrics are top-notch, and Kartel enjoys the sort of unreserved love from the rudebwoys that only Bounty and Ninja Man can relate to. For now, though, Vybz needs to spend a little time honing his craft.

Discography: Up 2 Di Time