Emerging dancehall artiste Whispa is proving that sometimes, all it takes is one viral moment to change the course of a career. Featured among a colourful mix of hopefuls on the Jamaican edition of the wildly popular American satirical talent competition Coulda Been Records, hosted by comedian Druski, Whispa stood out—not just for his lyrical style, but for the spirited exchange he had with one of the show’s special guest judges, Popcaan. That moment of unscripted virality has now blossomed into a fully-fledged co-sign and collaboration with the Unruly Boss, signalling a major turning point for the Golden Spring native.
The track, titled “Hot Oil,” was officially released on Easter Monday and has been heating up both the streets and social media feeds ever since. Produced by Crown Media House in partnership with Hundred Hours Ent. and distributed by ONErpm, the single showcases Whispa’s raw energy and gritty delivery, layered over a beat that’s as infectious as it is authentic. “The song is doing excellent. The streets have been going crazy even before the release,” Whispa shared in an exclusive interview with Prism Marketing Consultants. While he has not officially inked a deal with Druski or Popcaan, the collaboration speaks volumes about the potential trajectory of his career. “Popcaan reached out to me,” he revealed—proof that star power still recognizes genuine talent.
Popcaan, who began his own rise under Vybz Kartel’s tutelage as part of the Portmore Empire in the early 2000s, has a long-standing history of co-signing and uplifting younger talent. From his collaborations with artists like JaFrass and Quada, Popcaan has consistently used his platform to elevate others. With over 2.41 million YouTube subscribers, multiple charting singles, and a Billboard Reggae Albums chart-topper under his belt, his influence in and out of the Caribbean is undeniable.
As for what’s next, Whispa is keeping the momentum going. “More bangers, consistency,” he declared, signalling a focused path forward. Whether “Hot Oil” will boil over into mainstream success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the fire has already been lit, and Whispa isn’t letting up.
