Popular selector Foota Hype has threatened to sue Vybz Kartel for copyright infringement. The selector went on to social media with a live stream, claiming that he owns the legal rights to the slang “St8.” This comes several days after the launch of Vybz Kartel’s STR8 VYBZ Rum Portfolio.
The launch, held at Downsound Records on November 6, celebrated the portfolio’s versatility. The collection sought to capture the essence of dancehall culture through four signature rums (Overproof Rum, White Rum, Enhanced Rum, and Dark Rum) named after four of Vybz Kartel’s chart-topping hit songs, Fever, Electric, Ramping Shop, and Unstoppable.
According to Foota Hype, he invented the popular slang and had it copyrighted. He urged Vybz Kartel to have his team contact him to seemingly discuss the royalties and warned that failure to do so would result in him taking action against them.
“A my intellectual property, a my idea… unuh memba good,” Foota Hype said. After expressing that he felt happy to be the creator of something that “other great minds” are emulating, he stated, “Vybz Kartel, the owners and distillers of STR8 VYBZ liquor, link me…link me before it’s too late.”
Foota, who noted he was not being egotistical, also highlighted that STR8 NATION is on his live stream, showing that “STR8” has been a part of his brand.
Notably, The House of Angostura Distillers in Trinidad and Tobago produced and bottled STR8 VYBZ. Additionally, Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. (CPJ) exclusively distributes STR8 VYBZ.
After clips of the live stream were shared on Instagram by Questime on November 13, 2024, social media users responded with negative comments, criticising Foota Hype. Some Instagram users called him out for chasing clout. The clips have since been deleted from the page, and Vybz Kartel has not yet publicly responded to the warnings of Foota Hype.
Watch the clip of Foota Hype below:
