When he first rose to prominence in 2008, the Portmore Empire was on a high rise not only due to its self-proclaimed World Boss Vybz Kartel but also through promising members such as Popcaan and Black Rhyno. Yet to fans Jah Vinci was never just an ordinary member of the Gaza clique. Having been by far the strongest vocalist of Vybz Kartel's talent factory, he always seemed to be destined for greater things than just being one of the Teacher's many protgs. At the latest his 2010 release of the magnificent Soul To Keep on TJ Records' Word A Prayer Riddim convinced every sceptic of his ability and endowment as a singer and had the artist go down in the history of dancehall with this modern day classic full of soul and heartfelt compassion. However, he seemed to have faded from the spotlight for quite a while now. After leaving the Empire in 2011 Jah Vinci still recorded and released singles such as Nice Again on Don Corleon's Scriptures Riddim or Still Nah Lose for Silly Walks. Despite proper delivery the big hype failed to materialize. Even greater to hear that Jah Vinci has finally finished his very debut album and is about to rise even further with its release on July 22. The foundation of the 13 tracks was first laid by Jamaican Khabir Bonner of Grillaras Productions, who has shined through the release of Lutan Fyah's Life Of A King in 2013. Eventually fellow producers Tariq "Nashi" Smith and Xavier "Bless X" Prendergast of Kamaumusic joined to give Ghetto Born the perfect final. As what you expect from the title Jah Vinci focuses on the hardships of life in the less fortunate communities of Jamaica's capital Kingston: hunger, violence, struggles. Yet the message is more positive than one would expect at first. Instead of complaining the singer appears as a counsellor, a conciliator, a grown man, who has learned a lot in the past. Accordingly mature, profound, and never shallow this album knows to impress with each one of its songs.
