Vybz Kartel’s historic Freedom Street concert was not without controversy, as artistes Popcaan and Chronic Law publicly dissed event promoters Joe Bogdanovich and Skatta Burrell after experiencing significant delays at the venue entrance. The Unruly Entertainment team issues a press release explaining why the issues occurred.

The issues began when both artistes were reportedly held outside the venue for hours despite being part of the star-studded lineup. Vybz Kartel interrupted his performance to urge the police to allow them entry. Once on stage, Popcaan directly addressed the ordeal, saying, “Skatta s*ck yuh mada yute! If a neva Kartel mi guh a mi yard… Wah mek unuh have mi and Chronic Law outta door fi three hours? A wah mek unuh a hold down the native dem? Don’t do that to wi yute!”

Chronic Law echoed Popcaan’s sentiments, adding, “Wi deh yasso fi Vybz Kartel, mi a talk straight. Mi nuh deh ya suh fi nuh white boy or nuh rasta boy. Mi a bad man mi nuh like people… Skatta behave, yuh hear? Joe? Behave yuh bomb*cl*t self. Wi deh yah fi Vybz Kartel; wi nuh deh ya fi unuh, p**y!”

Press release clarifies Unruly Entertainment’s position

Following the event, Unruly Entertainment, Popcaan’s management team, issued a press release to address the situation and provide their perspective on the events.

The statement highlighted the respect Popcaan holds for Vybz Kartel, commending the Freedom Street concert as a historic moment for dancehall. However, it outlined several operational challenges, including the rejection of Popcaan’s request to use his band for the performance and the mismanagement at the venue that led to delays at the entrance.

Popcaan explained, “I was standing with Rolexx when he radioed Skatta to say he was at the gate with me. Skatta responded, ‘Mi cyaah bodda wid Popcaan and him 100 man,’ not even knowing how many people were actually with me. The reality is it was just my team and Chronic Law’s team.”

The release also addressed ongoing tensions between Skatta Burrell and Unruly Entertainment, citing past professional disagreements and disrespect toward Jamaican artistes as contributing factors.

Despite the challenges, Unruly Entertainment emphasised that no firearms were involved in the incident and reiterated their commitment to professionalism and safety. Popcaan expressed a desire to move forward, stating, “It’s a new year. My team and I don’t have Skatta on our minds or thoughts. We’re focused on continuing to deliver for the fans and elevating dancehall culture.”