Essential Kartel: Vybz Kartel’s 30 Most Essential Tunes

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March 31, 2014


26. “Real Badman”

Gaza-World-Riddim-Vybz-Kartel-Real-Badman

This 2011 track on TJ Records’ Gaza World riddim is one of several Kartel tunes with the title “Real Badman.” Kartel’s vocal delivery on the verses is frightening enough to send children scattering, but it’s offset with sweet singing over the chorus, showing that real badman are seductively smooth as well and don’t need singers to guest spot on their singles. —Saxon Baird