“He’s Inspired an Entire Generation, Even the Ones Who Won’t Admit It”: ZJ Chrome on Vybz Kartel’s Return

Exclusive: Vybz Kartel’s official DJ, ZJ Chrome, reflects on memorable moments, iconic riddims, and his unbreakable chemistry with the Worl' Boss. “The chemistry never left. Since his release, that connection has only gotten stronger,” says Chrome. “He was selling out shows without even being physically present… now the momentum has doubled.”

Chrome (R) with Vybz Kartel. “Since his release, that connection has only gotten stronger.” (Photo: Rojhay Anderson)

Super producer, Zip FM jock, and official DJ for dancehall megastar Vybz Kartel, ZJ Chrome, is experiencing a packed schedule this year as part of Kartel’s Worl' Boss tour and a string of shows across the globe following his release from prison.

In an exclusive and in-depth conversation with Kaboom Magazine, Chrome opens up about his journey in music, producing iconic riddims like Mad Collab and Cardiac Bass, and the unwavering chemistry and loyalty he shares with Vybz Kartel. He also shares insights on navigating the fast-paced music business and how he manages to balance it all.

“The chemistry between Kartel and I has always been natural. It never left. Since his release, that connection has only gotten stronger,” he declared. “On stage, he knows how to control a crowd, and when I’m on the turntables, it’s like a party. The energy is unmatched. We’re both in our element, and that shows every time.”

"It was a mutual understanding, loyalty, chemistry, experience, and music knowledge that played the biggest roles"

When asked how the partnership with Kartel was rekindled after his release, Chrome explained, “TJ reached out to me directly. It was a mutual understanding—loyalty, chemistry, experience, and music knowledge that played the biggest roles. Kartel kept his word too. He always said there were a few people he wouldn’t leave out when he got out, and my name was one of them.”

Since his release, Kartel has reunited with Chrome for a string of major events—from the landmark Freedom Street concert to two sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, and a series of packed arenas across the U.S. Chrome is quick to praise his longtime collaborator’s unmatched impact and stage presence.

“Kartel is a legend. He has the kind of pull that very few artists internationally have, and none locally can touch,” Chrome expressed. “He’s been shaping culture for years, and not just through music. He’s inspired an entire generation of dancehall, even the ones who won’t admit it. He was selling out shows without even being physically present. Now that he’s back, the momentum has doubled. He’s a global force.”

The music producer and radio jock has experienced some unforgettable moments in recent months, and now he reflects on what he takes with him moving forward. “One of the most memorable moments, maybe the same for many, but watching the fur coat step out on stage at Barclays and the crowd erupted is one I won’t forget, it gave me goosebumps,” he recalled.

Chrome and Kartel’s chemistry extends far beyond the stage—it thrives in the studio as well. Their longstanding partnership has delivered major hits like “Clarks” featuring Popcaan and Gaza Slim, “Mr. Officer,” and most recently, the high-energy single “Boom.” “In the studio, his energy is still razor sharp. The hunger, the creativity—it’s all there, maybe even stronger now,” Chrome revealed. “He recorded seven songs in one session, in the space of just 2 hours.”

"Whenever I create a riddim, I put my full heart into it."

Chrome, who has been a staple in the music scene for over 20 years, has produced some of dancehall and reggae’s most impactful projects throughout his longstanding career. His catalog includes standout riddims like Mad Collab, Triple Bounce, and Cardiac Bass, the latter recently earning a major accolade as Christopher Martin’s “Paper Loving,” one of the standout tracks on the project, was certified Silver in the UK for sales and streaming equivalent of 200,000 units.

"Whenever I create a riddim, I put my full heart into it. But you can never truly predict how it’ll be received,” He explained. "With Cardiac Bass, I had a strong feeling it was special. It was my first reggae project, and I added non-traditional sounds and my own flavor. Then when the artists started voicing on it, I knew it was going to be something big. Same with Strings, Mad Collab, Triple Bounce. They just took on a life of their own. It’s humbling to see them still going strong.”

Looking back on his body of work, Chrome acknowledges the impact and uniqueness of each project, both creatively and commercially. “I’m proud of all of them, to be honest,” he said. “Creatively, I’d say Mad Collab because it was the first of its kind still the only one I know of with only collabs. Also, the entire Cardiac series that project had emotion, depth, and the artists really connected with the mood. Commercially, Smokin and Triple Bounce were huge.”

Reflecting on his most impactful releases, Chrome highlighted Smokin and Triple Bounce as major milestones. “Commercially, Smokin and Triple Bounce were huge,” Chrome added. “Those riddims performed very well in Jamaica and internationally. But every project teaches me something new and adds to the journey.”

Balancing the life of a radio disc jockey, music producer, and touring DJ for one of dancehall’s biggest names means wearing many hats—but Chrome is the man for the mission. For ZJ Chrome, it’s a passion-fueled journey. “I genuinely love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work, so it doesn’t feel like work,” he expressed. “Being on ZIP keeps me connected to the streets, the fans, and the latest trends. Producing lets me stay creative. And playing for Kartel is an honor. I just plan my time carefully and stay consistent.”

While continuing to shape the sound of Jamaican music, Chrome also keeps his eyes on future collaborations. “Locally, I always want to support younger talent; they bring fresh energy and perspective,” he noted. “Internationally, I’d love to work with pop stars like Adele, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, or Miley Cyrus. Something unexpected that brings worlds together. I’m always open to good music and solid collaborations.”

And the journey can't stop now. Chrome hinted at an upcoming juggling project that promises to fuse the best of both eras. “I’ve been working on a new juggling that blends the classic dancehall essence with a modern edge. It has a bounce you can’t resist, and the artist lineup will surprise some people,” he said. “It’s called Circuit Riddim. I recently released Vybz Kartel’s ‘Boom’ from the project, and the music video will drop soon. Just know I’m still in the lab. Listen out for the other tracks as well—they’re dropping quite soon,” the multitasking Chrome echoed.