Dancehall Artist Vybz Kartel Charged with Murder

Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican dancehall singer notorious for lightening his skin color, is facing some heavy charges in Kingston.

Following an interrogation Monday (Oct. 3) by police, the controversial reggae performer was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and illegal possession of a firearm, Billboard reports.

The charges stem from the July 11 slaying of Barrington "Bossie" Burton, a 27-year-old music promoter who was gunned down in the Kingston suburb of Portmore. Police allege that Kartel, known for hits like 2010's 'Clarks,' worked with other men to plan the killing, and he's scheduled to appear in court today.

Kartel had initially been arrested on Fri., Sept. 30, and charged with marijuana possession. The 'Ramping Shop' hitmaker was in the midst of filming his 'Teacha's Pet' reality series, which debuted last month and has drawn criticism for its crude content.