Since his incarceration in 2011, dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel has defied the constraints of prison walls, continuing to influence the music scene with his prolific output and undeniable talent.
In 2014, Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams. Despite being denied recording privileges by Jamaican prison officials, Kartel has consistently released new music, leaving fans and critics alike in awe.
In 2016 alone, he released over 50 new songs. And with a slew of new hit singles annually, he continues to be one of the leading dancehall artists.
King of the Dancehall
One of the most remarkable chapters of Kartel’s prison-era career unfolded in 2016 with the release of his internationally acclaimed album, “King of the Dancehall.” This masterpiece soared to number 2 on the US Billboard Reggae Charts, showcasing Kartel’s enduring appeal and musical prowess. The album’s lead single, “Fever,” not only dominated local charts but also became a streaming sensation, solidifying Kartel’s status as a global dancehall icon.
“Fever” was certified gold in 2020, after selling 500,000 units, putting him in an elite group of dancehall musicians with gold records such as Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks, and Kranium.
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In 2017, Kartel joined forces once again with producer Dre Skull for the single “Real Bad Gal,” proving that his creativity knows no bounds, even from behind bars. Meanwhile, his sons, Jaheim and Akheel Raheim Palmer, known as Little Vybz and Little Addi respectively, have been carrying on his musical legacy under the moniker “PG 13,” delighting fans with their own brand of dancehall vibes since 2014.
To Tanesha
The year 2020 marked significant milestones for Kartel as he continued to make waves in the music industry. With the release of the heartfelt album “To Tanesha,” dedicated to his ex-partner and mother of his children, Tanesha Johnson, Kartel showcased his vulnerability and emotional depth.
Simultaneously, his fifteenth studio album, “Of Dons & Divas,” demonstrated his versatility and enduring relevance, earning him a coveted spot on Busta Rhymes’ album “Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God.”
He had several other crossover hits, including “Run Up” by Major Lazer featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR and Nicki Minaj (2017) and “Touch Down Remix,” another Nicki Minaj collaboration with Stylo G (2018). He also collaborated with reggae star Jesse Royal in 2021 on “Rich Forever.”
Read: Jesse Royal ‘Rich Forever’ Music Video with Vybz Kartel Trends
However, amidst his musical triumphs, Kartel faced legal setbacks. In April 2020, the Jamaican Court of Appeal upheld his conviction. They did, however, reduce the deejay’s parole eligibility to 32 years and 6 months, citing Justice Campbell’s failure to consider the time the deejay had spent in jail while awaiting trial in 2014.
According to his lawyers, Kartel is also battling an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease and two heart conditions.
Vybz Kartel will now be eligible for parole in 2046, unless he is freed today or granted a retrial by the United Kingdom’s Privy Council, in his final bid to overturn his conviction.
