Vybz Kartel sheds light on his health, freedom

Jamaican dancehall star Adidjah Palmer aka Vybz Kartel was recently released from prison after a unanimous decision against a murder retrial and he is focused on rebuilding his life.

In an interview with FOX 5, the singer said he loves the feeling of being free but he is also working on his health.

“I could be better but I am super upbeat. I have hit the ground running. I have appointments with my doctor on Monday, so I can have regular meetings with her, you know, and she can keep track of me in real-time," Kartel said. 

He will also be put on a special diet, and his doctor Karen Phillips will continue monitoring his situation.

Asked about his family and how it feels to spend time with them after being away for over a decade, Kartel said they have been having a good time, giving thanks for life.

"I just want to say to the fans, thank you for the love, thank you for being there by my side, to my extended family, thank you for having faith in me," Kartel said.

He added that he wrote hundreds of songs in prison, which probably explains the release of his 12-track mixtape barely a day after his release.

"We have albums worth of songs, a lot of writing about the situation, not about the situation, a plethora of lyrics," he added.

Musical Influence

As a teenager, Kartel began his musical journey, adopting the stage name Adi Banton, an homage to Buju Banton. His early career was marked by his affiliation with the group Vybz Kartel, which eventually led to his solo ascent. Mentored by Bounty Killer, he rapidly rose to prominence in the early 2000s.

Kartel's business acumen was as sharp as his lyrical prowess. He founded his label, Adidjahiem/Notnice Records, and collaborated with other artists to form the Portmore Empire. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to other ventures, including the Vybz Rum brand.

Despite his numerous catalogue of music before he was imprisoned, Kartel never stopped releasing music even while in prison.

Vybz Kartel’s influence on the music industry never waned. In 2016, he released his most commercially successful album to date, King of the Dancehall, which peaked at number two on the US Billboard Reggae Charts. The album’s standout track, "Fever," became a global sensation, dominating charts and streaming platforms.