Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has described the early 2000s as the greatest era in Jamaican Dancehall, arguing that music released during the period continues to dominate parties, stage shows and major entertainment events more than two decades later.
The Jamaican Dancehall icon shared his views during a late-evening interview on ZIP 103 FM, ahead of his highly anticipated Building Club Return event at Jamaica’s National Arena on August 29.
Vybz Kartel Explains Why the Early 2000s Was Dancehall’s Best Era
According to Vybz Kartel, the longevity of the music is one of the main reasons he considers the early 2000s the number one era of Dancehall.
He acknowledged that fans may have different opinions about the various periods of Jamaican music, but said the continued popularity of songs from the early 2000s speaks for itself.
For Kartel, the same songs and riddims from that era continue to rule parties and fill arenas, demonstrating their lasting influence on Jamaican music and Dancehall culture.
Early 2000s Marked a Major Period for Jamaican Dancehall
The early 2000s is widely remembered as one of the most vibrant periods in the history of Jamaican Dancehall music.
It was during this period that Vybz Kartel emerged as a major force in the genre, introducing his distinctive musical style and establishing himself as one of Dancehall’s most influential artistes.
The era also produced numerous popular Dancehall songs, riddims and stage performances that have remained relevant at parties, concerts and entertainment events across Jamaica and internationally.
Kartel recalled that he was a young artiste at the time who was primarily focused on creating music, enjoying the moment and developing his career.
He described the period as a time when young artistes were making music and having fun without necessarily knowing how significant the era would eventually become.
Vybz Kartel Recalls the Gaza-Gully Era
The early 2000s also played a major role in the development of Vybz Kartel’s career and his position within Jamaican Dancehall.
Kartel later became one of the central figures in the highly publicised Gaza-Gully feud, a rivalry involving his Gaza camp and the camp associated with fellow Dancehall superstar Mavado.
The rivalry became one of the most closely followed chapters in modern Jamaican Dancehall history, attracting significant attention from fans and entertainment audiences.
Kartel recalled that the Gaza-Gully conflict was also a major part of the Dancehall landscape during the period.
Vybz Kartel – I Know(YouTube)
Why Vybz Kartel Says Old Dancehall Felt Different
Beyond the music itself, Vybz Kartel believes the Dancehall experience was different before the widespread use of smartphones and social media.
He suggested that the absence of constant phone use allowed fans to become more immersed in parties and live performances.
During the early 2000s, partygoers were less likely to spend their time recording artistes on their phones or creating content for social media platforms.
Instead, audiences were more focused on the music, artistes, selectors and live performances happening directly in front of them.
Vybz Kartel Says Fans Felt the Music More Directly
Kartel believes the lack of smartphones and social media created a stronger connection between Dancehall artistes and their audiences.
Rather than watching performances through a phone screen or concentrating on recording videos, fans could fully participate in the atmosphere of the event.
According to the Dancehall star, this created a more direct musical experience, with the energy moving from the artiste to the audience without the distractions associated with modern social media culture.
His comments have reignited discussions about the golden era of Jamaican Dancehall, with many fans continuing to debate whether the early 2000s represented the genre’s most influential and memorable period.
Vybz Kartel’s Influence on Dancehall Music
Vybz Kartel remains one of the most influential figures in Jamaican Dancehall, with a career that has significantly shaped the genre’s sound, culture and global reach.
His reflections on the early 2000s highlight the lasting impact of the period and the continued popularity of its music among Dancehall fans.
As Kartel prepares for his Building Club Return event at the National Arena, attention remains focused on the artiste and his contribution to the evolution of Jamaican Dancehall music.
Source: newsthemegh.com