Ebuzz News
Archived: Lyrikal Responds, Sets Things Straight as His Name Is Implicated in Online Scandal.
There’s so much happening in Caribbean entertainment these days. Nailah Blackman’s launched her new band, SOAKAH, Konshens tied the knot, Bunji Garlin’s been teasing us about some vintage Garlin and Rihanna’s in Barbados bubbling to Sizzla Kalonji’s music. We can’t forget though that Trinidad and Tobago’s Shradah, a relatively young and less known female soca artiste, has been making some pretty strong and long- winded accusations, much of which surround an alleged sexual situation of which she was an alleged victim. Her Facebook LIVE outbursts have left some bewildered, but there are others who are concerned that her accusations could hurt their image and reputation, especially since, they don’t know what she’s speaking about.
Shradah has been silent on the music scene for a few years. Her sudden emergence is shrouded by sexual assault undertones.
Lyrikal’s name was subliminally called in one of Shradah’s videos and Lyro’s not happy about it at all. A great season likely ahead, the Brooklyn based carnival mainstay has been churning out the hits. He recently collaborated with Patrice Roberts on a single called, “Criminal Wine” – a Millbeatz Entertainment production. That tune’s been a favorite across the urban airwaves and as Lyro told us, the collaboration came quite unexpectedly with David Millien approaching him with news that he’d created something he thought would be perfect for him and Patsy. “What was crazy was that a few weeks prior, I had met Patrice in the Virgin Islands and she said to me, ‘aye Lyro we should collaborate on something some time’ and I agreed. We never planned anything,” he said. Lyrikal’s one of the most down to earth entertainers and with a humble persona that’s very approachable, the New Yorker’s name certainly isn’t one to be called in any kind of media scandal. At least up until now. “I don’t like my name being affiliated with anything like this, ” he said to us, referring to the videos posted by Shradah, and while he admits that the young mother and artiste did not directly say he assaulted her in any way, her remark that she had reached out to ‘Lyrikal’ for comfort after being allegedly assaulted by a local producer whose name she directly mentions in one of the videos, has Lyrikal stumped. “I know of her- I know her as an artiste. That’s it. We have never had a personal relationship of any kind for her say she would call me!,” said Martin. He said he recalls meeting Shradah once, years ago at Synergy TV, prior to an interview and was introduced to her by producer, Wendell Naipaul. “Wendell said he wanted us to do a song together but that never happened. That was 3 or 4 years ago,” said Lyrikal. We could hear the concern in his voice- the questions as to why Shradah would call his name of all people.
Lyrikal, the artiste who has given fans of soca songs like Loner, Freedom and Dip and Roll, is bothered by recent statements that implicate his name.
Lyrikal told EBUZZTT that if he could speak with Shradah now, he would ask her just that, “why would you say that you called me for comfort and that’s not true? That’s what I would ask her because everyone in my circle, whether artistes or DJs or whatever, know each other and the people who I deal with aren’t familiar with her like that,” said Lyrikal. He said despite everything, he is concerned about the young woman, lamenting that if she was in fact assaulted, he would hope that the authorities intervene and she gets the help she needs to deal with the situation. “I just did a show in New York with Nicki Minaj’s mother. It was all about empowering women and fighting against domestic violence and the abuse of women. I was actually the only soca artiste on that cast. I have a lot of female fans and I have seven sisters. I could never condone any kind of ill treatment against women,” said the entertainer.
Lyrikal’s looking forward to Carnival 2018 but admits that the numerous recent phone calls and enquiries about this particular situation, has bothered him. “I mean, I have feelings too. This definitely bothered me,” he said.
Martin’s already released four tracks ahead of C2K18 and says he has a couple more to come. Shradah meanwhile, has unleashed yet another social media video. In this one, she attempts to clear the air on what she says are her statements being misconstrued. “I never made sexual assault claims against Anson or Lyrikal,” she expresses.
Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Ebuzz News
Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.
Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.
One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’
The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.
In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.
The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’
Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.