The Voice Of The Jamaican Ghetto: Incarcerated but not Silenced

This book is like a history and present day recollection that I'm truly happy to have bought. It's in the words of a big brother speaking to his siblings, a father for his children, a son for his mother, a lover for his woman, as well as an advocate speaking on behalf of his people.I, a Jamaican, knew that the ghetto existed and that people suffered, I wasn't brought up in a wealthy house and I was raised by my grandmother and aunts, (I lost my mom at age 12) but honestly, Kartel breaking it down to this degree from someone who has lived it and seen the highs and lows of life in Jamaica brought some things into perspective. I never really listened to Kartel's music because it wasn't for me. He highlighted many social, economic, even relations issues that need to be seriously addressed for our people to evolve from this way of being: starting from the top.I got to see the other side of this man that I hope will help to bring about some changes. There's no reason Jamaica should be facing this much poverty with all the natural resources we have. Please read and if you are in any position to move this country forward please put your two cents in!One Love.

I just got around to reading this book by Adidja Palmer aka Vybz Kartel ,World Boss. I remember when he first came out as a Dancehall deejay. The whole scene was excited. Others were outraged by his badman songs and slack tunes which pushed the boundaries of freakiness. He also however was known for his amazing lyrics, one of the best ever. He wrote this book after he was imprisoned on a murder conviction which he challenges ( case is still being argued ). I am amazed at Vybz' intelligence and his breakdown of the real Jamaica beyond the tourist ads. He denounces the corrupt political parties that have kept Jamaicans divided. He even asserts his understanding of Black history. He also broke down the reasons he does not like Christianity. It is not a book for readers who are caught up in the tourist image of Jamaica. I am a fan but this adds to my respect for him. Vybz has been a devil to some, denounced as a " lord of darkness " even. Sizzla, Chronixx, Sean Paul and Mutabaruka have all denounced him. Yet Lee Scratch Perry the legendary dub reggae producer and Buju Banton have both declared Vybz the best deejay ever. He has made an influence on Jamaican music comparable to that of Bob Marley and is still as of 2021 making music behind bars. This book shows why Vybz is known as The Teacha.

Adidja Palmer, gives the reader a history and current affairs lesson from the eyes of a ghetto youth in Jamaica. He uses his lyrics from his songs to guide the reader to the rationale for his music by positioning the reader into every day life in the Jamaican gaza. This book enlighten me to a lot of Jamaica's history, culture and societal behavior. It has really proven the old saying "don't judge a book by its cover". The themes are very similar to many Caribbean countries such as Trinidad and Tobago and therefore while reading I was constantly shaking my head and saying, " wow! is as if he is describing Trinidad and Tobago ". Overall I enjoyed this book.

Throughout all the years I have been listening to Kartel's music I was not aware of the knowlege he possessed outside of Dancehall music. I always believed that he possessed a high level of intelligence however based on his lyrical ability. The novel just clarified the issues that I knew were part of Jamaica's economic woes. He shed's light on the problems that face a vast majority of the population that is not born into wealth. The dynamics of the government definitely needs to be diversified in order for the country to strive and become a powerful nation.Sadly Jamaica will shun the information in the book until they are placed with their back against the walls and the people demand change. He gave a 10 step summary on how Jamaica can turn everything around, but it needs to be approved with an open non biased approach. After all we are Out of Many but we need to become One people.

This. Book is the truth about the deplorable living conditions of poor people in Jamaica and the abuses they are living with.And it's similar to the life of many poor people lives in the cities of the USA in the 60's and 70's and even today. It breaks my heart in many ways. But as a Christian it confirms what the Bible says that man have ruled man to his injury. But thankfully our God Jehovah cares about all people and by means of his ruled by his son Jesus Christ his kingdom government is going to solve all mankind's problems and injustices right here on earth in the very near future.Psalms 37:10,11,29. No man made government or kingdom can or will not solve our problems. So it's no need to look to any politician to correct the ills of this world.

As a Peace Corps volunteer in an inner-city Kingston community from 2002-2004, I witnessed many of the issues that Kartel discusses firsthand. His book is well-written and gives an honest commentary on Jamaican society and the Jamaican ghetto. While Kartel points out the many ways in which the government, "society," and "Babylon," need to reform their ways, he also points out how inner-city residents themselves need to work as agents of change. I know very little about the conditions of Kartel's arrest and I'm not the biggest dancehall fan, but as a book that tackles the issues faced by the Jamaican ghetto this is an excellent read, and will hopefully be a call to action, especially for those at the highest levels of government and "society."

I really enjoyed this book as we got to see the man behind the entertainer. He talks about many things that don't just affect Jamaica but are taking place all over the world, in areas where there is poverty. This is a really good book that questions many things about deprived areas and also looks into how these problems we face in society can be solve. Free Adidjah Palmer

I stumbled across this book and decided to give it a read and i am so glad i did. It has kept my attention all through and educated me on the political state of Jamaica.

Dope book. I just wish it was available in physical format too!

Very good perspective and very intelligent man

Excellent reading gives the opportunity to understand the struggle of the disadvantaged.