Essential Kartel: Vybz Kartel’s 30 Most Essential Tunes

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March 31, 2014


28. Jay-Z featuring Pharrell, Vybz Kartel and Wayne Marshall—”Frontin” Remix

vybz-kartel-jay-z-def-jamaica

I produced this with Cipha Sounds and Disco D, but I think it’s pretty important. This was not a bootleg remix. It was officially commissioned by the Neptunes’ label, Star Trak—Cipha Sounds was working as A&R there at the time— and appeared on the Def Jamaica compilation. This was huge just in terms of Kartel (and Wayne Marshall) appearing alongside Pharell and Jay on an official major-label release. Also, the album was Grammy nominated. — Max Glazer