Kartel began his musical journey in 1993 as a teenager, releasing his first single “Love Fat Woman” under the name Adi Banton, a tribute to Buju Banton. He soon joined a group called Vybz Kartel, later adopting the name as his own after the group disbanded. A prolific writer from the start, he claimed to have penned up to 30 songs even before his breakthrough.
He came into prominence in 2003 after a string of hit singles and a memorable, though controversial, clash with Ninjaman at the Sting Festival in Portmore. Though the confrontation turned violent, both artists reconciled days later. Kartel’s fearless persona and ability to stir conversation made him a folk hero in Jamaica, as described by Rolling Stone, who noted his impact on fans and critics alike.
Over the years, Kartel released successful albums such as Up 2 Di Time, More Up 2 Di Time, and J.M.T., many under Greensleeves Records, and later through his own label, Adidjahiem/Notnice Records, which he co-founded with producer Notnice. Through this platform, he helped launch the careers of artists like Popcaan, Tommy Lee Sparta, Blak Ryno, and Jah Vinci under the Portmore Empire collective.
Kartel’s catalog includes iconic tracks like “Romping Shop” (2009), “Dancehall Hero” (2010), and “Summer Time” (2011). His music, marked by raw lyricism and dancehall innovation, has drawn collaborations with international artists such as Major Lazer, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, and Alison Hinds. His influence stretches far beyond Jamaica, even inspiring artists like Drake, who has publicly cited Kartel as a major inspiration.
Kartel’s career, however, has been deeply entangled with controversy. In 2014, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. Despite incarceration, he remained incredibly productive, releasing over 50 songs in 2016 alone. The UK Judicial Committee of the Privy Council overturned his conviction in March 2024 due to juror misconduct, and on July 31, 2024, he was released from prison after the Jamaican Court of Appeal declined a retrial.
Outside of music, Kartel was a savvy entrepreneur. In 2008, he partnered with businessman Corey Todd to launch ventures like Street Vybz Rum, Daggerin Condoms, and the popular Street Vybz Thursdays at Club Asylum. Despite falling out in 2011, the duo reconciled and resumed business in 2012, even while Kartel was behind bars.
Vybz Kartel’s lyrical content often sparked debate. He faced backlash for explicit sexuality and alleged homophobia, leading to the revocation of his MOBO Award nomination in 2004. However, in 2010, he signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, opposing homophobic lyrics in music. He’s also credited with challenging long-standing taboos in Jamaican culture, particularly regarding sexuality.
Though banned in countries like Guyana for his controversial lyrics, Kartel remains an unshakable figure in dancehall. His life and music represent both the power and complexity of Caribbean cultural expression — raw, rebellious, and revolutionary. Now free, Kartel’s next chapter stands to be as unpredictable and impactful as the legacy he has already cemented.