Deejay Black Rhyno, yesterday confirmed reports that he has severed ties with the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire.

"I just want to make it known that I am no longer a member of the Empire," Rhyno told the Observer during a telephone interview.

The deejay, whose real name is Romane Anderson, is most known for his track Bike Back on Russian's Strip Club Riddim, and is said to be one of the Empire's biggest money makers, outside of the self-proclaimed Gaza president, Kartel.

However, Rhyno has dismissed reports that his split with the Empire has anything to do with money.

"I know it has been said that there has been some money issues with me and the Empire, but I want to state clearly that it has absolutely nothing to do with money," the deejay said.

On Monday, the Gaza machinery, in reacting to reports that both Black Rhyno and the Empire's other rising star Jahvinci had left the crew, denied that anything was amiss.

According to a spokesman, Rhyno and Jahvinci were happy with their arrangements. "They are happy, their parents are happy and those around them are also happy, and they say the funds are rolling in as required," the spokesman said.

When contacted, Vybz Kartel's publicist said a statement would be released soon. (See Chat! for details.)