Doza Medicine Reminisces about Portmore Empire



Doza

Doza Medicine is a founding member of the Vybz Kartel lead Portmore Empire.  

One of his more popular tracks is a collaboration he did fellow Gaza member Popcaan called, "Inna Grave Dem A Go."  Doza's contract with Vybz Kartel's Adijaheim Records expired late November 2010 and since then the focus has been on getting a big break in the local music industry.  


We caught up with Doza in Portmore, St. Catherine and engaged him in a conversation regarding his career, the incarcerated Vybz Kartel, Gaza and the good ole 'Portmore Empire' days..

N.I.P.: Whaa Gwaan?

D.M.: Long Time Mammy, you good?

N.I.P. Yeah Man it's been great.  You're looking good, how have you been doing?

D.M.  You know we keep working it is what our is all bout.

N.I.P.: Yeah I understand.  So tell me Doza, for the purpose of those who might not be familiar with you, who is Doza Medicine?
D.M.:  Doza Medicine along with Deva Brat are founding members of the Portmore Empire.  At that time it was all about music and bringing together all Portmore base artiste. Vybz Kartel being the first major break through artiste, licensed the name

N.I.P.: We've heard so much drama about Gaza/Portmore Empire, tell us what are some of the most memorable moments you had being apart of this illustrious, controversial group?

D.M.: [Chuckling softly] Portmore Empire members were talented and represented an evolution to Dancehall and Dancehall music.  We think out of the box and wanted to do things differently, Kartel made things happen.  Overall the greatest joy was the 'family like unit' shared among member you know, yeah man da something deh.

N.I.P.: What was it like watching Vybz Kartel excel/

D.M.: Vybz Kartel's progress was exhilarating for me and I guess every member at the time.  Every Empire member felt proud of his success, for me it felt like a me buss.

N.I.P.: How did Doza fit into the Empire?
D.M.: Kartel the 'Teacha' say Doza Medicine a di Top Student cause him lyrics and metaphors nuh normal.  So much so Kartel as the Teacha would seek Doza Medicine opinion and ideas for making songs.

N.I.P.:  What happened, how have the 'Top Student' not gotten his big break just yet?

D.M.: I guess, it's hard for someone in the same field and as good as you are to turn around and manage your career.

N.I.P.: Yeah I guess, but having said that, what has Doza been up to lately?
D.M.:  The focus now is on getting people to warm up to Doza's music, building fan base..

N.I.P.:  So What do you want to tell Dancehall fans about Doza Medicine now? 
D.M.: Wow, the time has come for me to make you believe in me.  I'm working hard and have songs out now you may want to download on your ipods. The most current, are Pretty Lil Thing produced by Flex Rich Records and Hot Gal produced by Cash Bag.  I might have been overshadowed but the opportunity to shine is here now and I am making the best of it. Follow me on Facebook, twitter and youtube.

N.I.P.: Thanks Doza, all the best with your career.
D.M.: Thanks mammy big up yourself.

By: Sophia McKay