Since his arrest in September 2011, Vybz Kartel has not recorded a single track. That is what a statement from Adidjahiem Records sets straight:
"Adidjaheim Records would like to be very clear: Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer has not recorded any tracks since his arrest in 2011. All the Vybz Kartel tracks released since his arrest were recorded by the artist in previous years."
The statement dwells in particular on two tracks, a duet with Busta Rhymes (Wine and Go Down) and a song titled Back to Life, which fuelled rumours of the artist recording songs from his cell.
"These songs were recorded before his arrest. The single Wine and Go Down with Busta Rhymes was recorded at Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett's studio in 2010, during a session that was streamed live on ustream. The vocals for the song Back to Life, released on UIM Records, were recorded for Adidjhaheim Records during the extradition of Dudus (in May 2010, editor's note)."
Incarcerated since September 2011, Vybz Kartel recently dismantled the Portmore Empire, founded in 2007, setting his former protégés free: "I wish them the best, and I know they will live up to my expectations." While Popcaan had not really waited for him, Vanessa "Gaza Slim" Saddler (co-accused of perverting the course of justice, and released on bail) and Leroy "Tommy Lee" Russell have set up a new label, PG13.
Held at the Horizon Adult Remand Center in Kingston, Vybz Kartel will appear in court again on 8 June. His trial for attempting to obstruct justice has been postponed to 29 August 2012.