Reports from Jamaica indicate that Vybz Kartel has broken out of prison during an armed raid.
Vybz Kartel is one of the most important figures in Jamaican dancehall, an artist who is recognisable not only to those in the scene but also those outside it's close knit network of soundsystems.
Gathering an international profile, the dancehall world was shocked when Vybz Kartel was arrested last month and charged with the murder of a promoter. Now it seems that the performer has broken out of prison following a late night firefight with guards. (via The Hype Mag)
Reports are still sketchy, but news services in Jamaica are reporting that an armed battle broke late last night (November 29th) at Horizon Adult Remand Centre on Spanish Town Road, Kingston.
The escape involved a large group of prisoners, who used guns smuggled into the complex. Vybz Kartel was apparently involved in holding guards at gunpoint, with several prisoners swapping clothes with the guards and seizing car keys to aid their escape.
At around 1:45am last night the prisoners made their escape, using a prison maintenance pickup-truck to leave the complex.
Vybz Kartel is thought to be missing from the institution, along with seven other prisoners. At things currently stand, this would be the largest single break out in the history of the Jamaican prison system.
Two guards were injured during the escape, while one is thought to have died of a heart attack during the struggle.
More news at it comes in.
UPDATE
Sadly, it was too good to be true. The story was a hoax, and Vybz Kartel is currently serving out his sentence.