The Worl' Boss drops his first album since prison, blending lyrical genius with gratitude to God, loyalty to his producers, and love for the ladies
Vybz Kartel is celebrating many milestones
Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel is completing his triumphant return with the release of his first album since his prison release after 13 years. Dropping this Friday, January 31, just in time for the 67th Grammy Awards, the special deluxe edition of Viking (Vybz Is King) commemorates the 10th anniversary of his influential 2015 album.
This highly anticipated release commemorates the album’s 10th anniversary, featuring a blend of its iconic tracks along with seven new songs, the first recordings since his release from prison in July 2024.
The updated album will include fan-favorites such as “Unstoppable,” “Enchanting,” “Gon Get Better”, and “Dancehall” (now retitled “Dancehall Cyah Stall”).
The dancehall kingpin complements these classics with two previously released tracks: “Str8 Vybz“, named after his new rum brand and doubling as a marketing tool for the product, and “AmOut“, which currently holds the #1 spot on Jamaica’s YouTube trending chart with nearly 2 million views.
“This album is special because we are celebrating many milestones. We are recognizing the impact of the Viking album 10 years later and my ability to create new music for the first time since I have been out“
Fresh additions include the powerful track “God Is The Greatest”, a tribute to God after Kartel’s release, as well as “It A Tape”. The Worl' Boss channels his genius by drawing inspiration from two of his recent signature catchphrases, “Am Out” and “It A Tape”, crafting a rhyme that once again showcases his undeniable lyrical prowess that fans have long recognized.
The album doesn’t leave out the ladies, featuring tracks like “Dreams Are Made Of” and “Polite”, along with a fiery collaboration with Ishawna on “Porn Flick”.
“This album is special because we are celebrating many milestones. We are recognizing the impact of the Viking album 10 years later and my ability to create new music for the first time since I have been out,” he expressed while speaking about his loyalty to his longtime producers and their contributions. “Plus, it’s with my day-one producer, TJ Records, and engineers Ricardo ‘RedBoom’ Reid and Dominic ‘Troublemekka’ McDonald. It’s a full-circle moment, and like I said on the first track, ‘God Is The Greatest.’”
Producer TJ also shared his enthusiasm, “All the new songs on the album were recorded since his release from prison, so it was nice to reunite all together, this time in the studio, with him on the other side. Vybz always delivers, so can’t wait for the fans to hear what is in store.”
Since his release from a life sentence last year after serving 13 years, Vybz Kartel has continued to cement his legacy as the King of Dancehall. He has dropped a string of singles, including “Comet,” “White Rum,” and “Cloudy,” along with major projects like First Week Out and the Party With Me EP. The latter, released while he was still incarcerated, earned him his first-ever Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.
Comments