Vybz Kartel has aways instilled belief in his young proteges but it seems he may have had special hopes for Vanessa Bling.

The incarcerated Dancehall superstar has always had an eye for talent, as he helped to mould the careers of several top-tier entertainers such as Popcaan, Blak Rhyno, Lisa Hyper, Jah Vinci and of course Vanessa Bling.

However, it seems the deejay may have ranked the “Independent Ladies” star among some very illustrious company to say the least.

According to Vanessa Bling, the Gaza deejay always told her that she was his “Rihanna” or his “Beyonce,” presumably alluding to his belief that she could go as far as the two pop superstars internationally.

The “Future Guaranteed” singer made the claim during a recent ER interview in which detailed her recent return to the Dancehall scene following an extended hiatus, as well as her focus on the international market.

The singer recently returned to the scene with a bang after popping up with a brand new EP titled “Still Standing,” as well as sporting a brand new look.

“Sometimes you have to just take some time off to revamp and come back,” she said. “[Because] you know I started off as Vanessa Bling aka Gaza Slim, but in 2010 you guys get more of Gaza Slim and then after that you get Vanessa Bling, so it’s time to get Vannessa.”

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According to the entertainer, the image change and new musical focus are all apart of her rebranding efforts to appeal to a more international market. She claims its something Vybz Kartel always wanted for her as he frequently told her “Vanessa you’re an international artist you’re global.”

Bling, who is now signed and managed by Atlanta based label Outta Space records, says she intends to make the “Worl Boss” as she believes she has to capacity to be as big as the international superstars.

Vybz Kartel is currently awaiting a verdict in his recently concluded appeal trial for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.