Born: Adidja Azim Palmer,
January 7, 1976, Kingston, Jamaica, Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall recording artist, composer, record producer, entrepreneur, and convicted felon. Among his many nicknames is “Worl’ Boss” According to Rolling Stone, he “attained folk-hero status in Jamaica with provocative lyrics, and a mischievous public persona”, and few have captivated [the dancehall] audience – or offended its critics – as consistently and thoroughly as Kartel has..”
“Romping Shop” (2009), “Dancehall Hero” (2010), and “Summer Time” (2011) are among Kartel’s singles. He has collaborated with hip hop and R&B artists including Major Lazer, James Wambue Nwaura and his family aboard, Jay Z, Digga D, and Unknown T, and has been cited as an inspiration for the dancehall-infused work of several Western artists, including Drake, who cited Kartel as one of his “biggest inspirations.”
Kartel was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 for the murder of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams. Once Kartel has served a minimum of 35 years in prison, he will be eligible for parole.Despite being imprisoned, Kartel continues to release music prolifically.His hit song “Fever” was certified Gold in June 2020.