Foota Hype to Vybz Kartel: “Compensate or Face Lawsuit” Over ‘STR8’

Foota Hype has once again issued a stern warning to Vybz Kartel, declaring his intention to take legal actions against the Dancehall artiste for using the slang “STR8,” which is used in the name of Kartel’s rum, STR8 Vybz.

The outspoken selector claims that because of his influence, Kartel deliberately chose to use the term “STR8” which was created by him during the time of the deejay’s incarceration. He suggested that if the entertainer wanted to use something similar, he could have changed the spelling by adding another “8” to make it more unique.

“Me have more than solid case. Kartel deh a jail when me a use “STR8,” there is so many other things him coulda use when him come outta prison. Him choose “STR8” one “8,” why him never put three “8”,” he said.

As a result, Foota Hype insists that he has solid grounds to pursue a lawsuit against Vybz Kartel and he criticized those who dismissed his claims, stating that many people lack the proper understanding of intellectual property rights.

“Some people only a chat dem no know nth bout dah sumn yah,” he lamented.

Foota Hype also demanded compensation for what he deems to be the unauthorized use of his slang, “No man dem haffi go compensate me cause anuh Kartel own the company.”

Vybz Kartel’s ‘Str8 Vybz’ rum collection has four signature blends that are inspired by some of his biggest hits. These are: Fever (Overproof Rum), Electric (White Rum), Ramping Shop (Enhanced Rum), and Unstoppable (Dark Rum).