All You Need To Know About Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel (born Adidja Azim Palmer on January 7, 1976) is a Jamaican reggae dancehall music singer, record producer, entrepreneur, and convicted killer. Among his many monikers, he is known as Worl’ Boss or Teacha.

He “attained folk-hero status in Jamaica with provocative lyrics and a mischievous public persona,” according to Rolling Stone, and “few have captivated [the dancehall] audience – or offended the sensibilities of its detractors – as consistently and thoroughly as Kartel.”

Who is Vybz Kartel?

Vybz Kartel, a controversial character and a superstar in his native Jamaica, was regarded as one of the top new singers to emerge from the dancehall movement with the publication of his debut album, Up 2 Di Time, in 2003. Kartel, who was born and reared in Jamaica’s Waterford region, was just 12 years old when he released his first record, “Fat Women,” under the alias Adi Banton.

He created Vibes Cartel with his friends Mr. Lee and Escobar in 1996, but the organization swiftly disbanded. Vybz kept the group’s name in an altered version and went solo; he quickly became the protégé of popular dancehall vocalist Bounty Killer.

Kartel began writing for artists on Bounty’s Alliance management list, including the Killer, as well as the Scare Dem Crew, which featured Elephant Man.

How old is Vybz Kartel?

The dancehall star was born on January 7, 1976, and hence, is currently 47 years old.

What is Vybz Kartel’s nationality and ethnicity?

He holds Jamaican nationality and belongs to an unknown ethnicity.

What is Vybz Kartel’s career?

Palmer began his career as a youngster in 1993 with his first single, “Love Fat Woman,” which he released on Alvin Reid’s label “One Heart” under the alias “Adi Banton,” a tribute to Buju Banton. Palmer was later a member of the three-member group “Vybz Cartel,” and kept the moniker after the group split up. He claims to have composed nearly 30 songs while still a member of the band, including “Gal Clown.” He subsequently became Bounty Killer’s protege.

After a succession of hit singles in Jamaica, Kartel catapulted to stardom in 2003. The year culminated in Kartel’s hometown of Portmore, Jamaica, with a pre-planned on-stage battle with Ninjaman at the annual dancehall festival Sting. When Kartel’s crew members, as well as Kartel himself, threw punches and assaulted Ninjaman onstage, the fight grew violent.

While Kartel’s manager initially accused Ninjaman, Kartel quickly apologized to Ninjaman and the festival organizers. Four days after the event, the two musicians appeared in front of the press to announce the resolution of their disagreements and the end of any enmity.

Kartel released a number of albums through the UK-based label Greensleeves Records over his career, including Up 2 Di Time, More Up 2 Di Time, and J.M.T. With his business partner and producer Ainsley “Notnice” Morris, he founded his own label, Adidjahiem/Notnice Records.

Following his separation from the Bounty Killer-led Alliance in 2006, Kartel formed the Portmore Empire, a collection of dancehall DJs and singers from his Portmore neighborhood whom he signed to his newly formed Adidjahiem/Notnice Records. Popcaan and Tommy Lee were among the members.

Corey Todd, an American businessman, signed Vybz Kartel to an endorsement arrangement with Vybz Rum in 2008. Todd and Kartel’s friendship evolved into a business partnership. They collaborated on the creation of Daggerin Condom and Street Vybz Rum.

Todd then bought Jamaica’s most prominent dancehall nightclub, Asylum, which became the location of their monthly event, Street Vybz Thursday. The production of Street Vybz Rum was halted in 2011 due to a disagreement between Kartel and Todd. Despite Kartel’s continued incarceration, the partnership resumed in 2012 after the two reconciled.