Vybz Kartel, Jamaica's former dancehall kingpin, looks unrecognizable from the man he was behind bars. At 49, with a sparkle in his eye and a warm smile, he exudes a sense of vulnerability that belies the tough exterior of the man who once ruled Jamaica's music scene.
His release from prison last year after a lengthy appeal process has been a life-changing experience for Kartel. The memories of life inside still linger, however, with sounds and sights from his former cell still sending shivers down his spine. "If I hear a key shake," he confesses, "it traumatizes me."
In the years leading up to his imprisonment, Kartel was at the height of his powers, producing hit after hit that dominated Jamaica's charts and beyond. He became one of dancehall's greatest successes, earning him a reputation as the King of Dancehall. But behind the scenes, Kartel was struggling with an autoimmune condition, Graves' disease, which left him severely weakened.
Conditions in Jamaican prisons were so bad that he feared for his life, and at one point, his heart rate had slowed to 37% of normal, prompting doctors to warn that he might die if he didn't receive medical attention. "I was in urgent need of medical help," Kartel recounts, "but the state couldn't provide it."
Kartel's music reflected his tough surroundings, with lyrics that often glorified violence and promoted a culture of fear. But despite this reputation, Kartel says he never actually resorted to violence himself. His friends and associates often took the blame for his actions.
In recent years, however, Kartel has undergone a transformation. He has lost weight, shaved off his bleached skin, and cut ties with some of the people who influenced him during his time in prison. "I did not kill Lizard," he insists, referring to his former associate who was killed in 2011.
Kartel's views on politics are also more nuanced than they once were. While he still opposes the Jamaican government's decision to reject a Caribbean Court of Justice, he now sees Britain as an ally rather than a foe. He has even expressed admiration for Britain and celebrates its privy council for delivering justice in his case.
In many ways, Kartel's music has evolved alongside him. His latest album is called Heart & Soul, reflecting the changes that have taken place within him since his release from prison. While he still performs provocative lyrics, they are tempered with a newfound sense of love and unity.
For now, at least, Kartel seems content to bask in the glow of freedom. Praying every day, removing old tattoos, and pursuing a more wholesome path – these are just some of the changes that define this new chapter in his life.
His release from prison last year after a lengthy appeal process has been a life-changing experience for Kartel. The memories of life inside still linger, however, with sounds and sights from his former cell still sending shivers down his spine. "If I hear a key shake," he confesses, "it traumatizes me."
In the years leading up to his imprisonment, Kartel was at the height of his powers, producing hit after hit that dominated Jamaica's charts and beyond. He became one of dancehall's greatest successes, earning him a reputation as the King of Dancehall. But behind the scenes, Kartel was struggling with an autoimmune condition, Graves' disease, which left him severely weakened.
Conditions in Jamaican prisons were so bad that he feared for his life, and at one point, his heart rate had slowed to 37% of normal, prompting doctors to warn that he might die if he didn't receive medical attention. "I was in urgent need of medical help," Kartel recounts, "but the state couldn't provide it."
Kartel's music reflected his tough surroundings, with lyrics that often glorified violence and promoted a culture of fear. But despite this reputation, Kartel says he never actually resorted to violence himself. His friends and associates often took the blame for his actions.
In recent years, however, Kartel has undergone a transformation. He has lost weight, shaved off his bleached skin, and cut ties with some of the people who influenced him during his time in prison. "I did not kill Lizard," he insists, referring to his former associate who was killed in 2011.
Kartel's views on politics are also more nuanced than they once were. While he still opposes the Jamaican government's decision to reject a Caribbean Court of Justice, he now sees Britain as an ally rather than a foe. He has even expressed admiration for Britain and celebrates its privy council for delivering justice in his case.
In many ways, Kartel's music has evolved alongside him. His latest album is called Heart & Soul, reflecting the changes that have taken place within him since his release from prison. While he still performs provocative lyrics, they are tempered with a newfound sense of love and unity.
For now, at least, Kartel seems content to bask in the glow of freedom. Praying every day, removing old tattoos, and pursuing a more wholesome path – these are just some of the changes that define this new chapter in his life.
I'm loving the transformation vibes on Vybz Kartel! It's crazy how much he's changed since being behind bars. The fact that he's speaking out about his struggles and growth is super inspiring 
. His music was always raw and energetic, but now it seems like he's finding a balance between keeping it real and spreading love and unity 
. I'm excited to see what his future holds for him and his music 
.
it's amazing how far he's come since being released from prison 
the way he talks about his experiences is really inspiring, and I love how he's evolved as an artist too 
his music used to be all about violence and fear, but now it sounds like he's found a new vibe 
Kartel's transformation is so inspiring 
, is a beautiful thing. His new album sounds amazing 
can't wait to give it a listen!
The transformation of Vybz Kartel is like a whole different vibe. I mean, you can see how far he's come from being locked up behind bars to now radiating positivity and vulnerability. His journey is an inspiration, and it's amazing to see him embracing a more wholesome path 
. His story is a harsh reminder of the struggles faced by many in Jamaican prisons, and it's high time we start talking more about mental health and wellness behind bars 
.
but now it's like, hold up, this dude was fighting for survival.
, like he was just a youngin' when we used to blast his tunes on our Discman 
. Remember when Myspace was all the rage and we'd spend hours creating our profiles and sharing our fave dancehall tracks? 
. Maybe one day we'll get a concert featuring the old-school Vybz vs the new-school Vybz – that would be a wild show! 
I'm glad he's taking care of himself now, losing weight and shaving off his bleached skin is a great start. He's really embracing a new chapter in his life and it's inspiring to see someone turn their life around like that 
] (Like how Kartel has transformed into a new person)
]
]
]
] (Cutting loose from the past)
]
it's crazy to see vizzy kartel all grown up like dat 
gotta respect the king of dancehall making some changes 
According to Wikipedia, his net worth was around $30 million in 2018, but after his release, it's reportedly decreased due to a loss of endorsement deals 
. Anyways, I love how his music has evolved too! His latest album, Heart & Soul, is giving me life! 
. It feels like he's trying too hard to change his image. Still, I guess you can't deny that his music does seem more positive now... but it's just not the same as the old Vybz Kartel