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Dancehall dynamo Tommy Lee Sparta had a lot on his mind when THE STAR caught up with him backstage at the 2025 staging of Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, St James, early Saturday morning. From community pride to stage injuries, and most passionately -- his respect for Vybz Kartel, who was crowned the new king of dancehall that night.

"Mi think him more than deserving di title! U nuh see seh di man come change dancehall and kick weh Afrobeat? Dancehall a run back di place -- and a Kartel do dat!" he declared.

Tommy Lee, who has long been one of Kartel's musical proteges, credited not just Kartel's talent but his unmatched dedication and legacy. The Worl Boss' was officially crowned King of Dancehall at Reggae Sumfest 2025, solidifying his legendary status and influence in the genre.

"Di man dem fi just come together and continue di ting weh Kartel a build. Kartel a 50-year-old, bredda, and look pon wah him a do. This a nuh overnight ting -- a whole heap a work and sacrifice bring him deh so," the Psycho hitmaker said.

His words were a heartfelt tribute to the musical giant who helped shape his own career.

Switching gears, the Spartan Soldier also spoke with pride about his hometown, Flankers -- a community once riddled with violence but now showing signs of positive change.

"Big up mi community straight! Mi proud a unnu. I'm proud of them not going to crime. Mi proud a MoBay, less crime right now. Di ute dem a gwan good! Di youth dem a rich out!," Tommy Lee said.

According to Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) data, the St James Police Division, which includes Flanker, saw a 62 per cent reduction in murders as of July 12 -- with 30 murders recorded compared to 49 during the same period last year.

Tommy Lee commended Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the division, for helping to drive the decline in violent crime.

"I don't know, but dem strategy a work. Just continue do wah unu a do fi mek a better Montego Bay. If unu can bring the strategy everywhere else to make a better Jamaica, dat woulda good. Even if unnu can tek it outta Jamaica too and mek di worl a betta place," Tommy Lee reasoned.

While Flankers has long been linked with gangs and gun violence, the entertainer is hopeful the community is now on a different path. His vision for Flankers is one where growth, education, and opportunity replace fear and bloodshed.

"Mi just wah see no more killing. Mi wah see development weh can help di youth dem get real jobs and learn fi think fi demself. Dem need fi teach dat inna school -- how fi think. Di devil cyaan handle a man weh think fi himself," he added seriously.