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Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel is making a triumphant return with a special deluxe edition of his 2015 album Viking (Vybz Is King), just in time for the 67th Grammy Awards. This highly anticipated release celebrates the album’s 10th anniversary and will feature a mix of its iconic tracks alongside seven brand-new songs, marking the first time Kartel has recorded new music since his release from prison in July 2024.
The updated album will include fan-favorites such as “Unstoppable,” “Enchanting,” “Gon Get Better” (famously sampled by pop group Fifth Harmony), and “Dancehall” (now retitled “Dancehall Cyah Stall”). Complementing these classics are fresh tracks like “God Is The Greatest,” a tribute to Kartel’s faith, and “#AmOut” and “It A Tape,” inspired by two of his signature catchphrases. The album also explores themes of love with “Dreams Are Made Of” and delivers a fiery collaboration with Ishawna on “Porn Flick.” Of course, no Kartel project would be complete without a party anthem, and “Str8 Vybz” — named after his new rum brand — serves up the perfect celebration track.
Kartel expressed his excitement about the release, stating, “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. Plus, it’s with my day-one producer TJ Records and engineers Ricard ‘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, emphasizing the significance of Kartel’s return to the studio: “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, Kartel has been unstoppable. The Portmore native has continued to solidify his legacy as the King of Dancehall, dropping a series of singles like “Comet,” “White Rum,” and “Cloudy,” along with major projects such as First Week Out and the Party With Me EP. The latter, released while he was still incarcerated, earned Kartel his first-ever Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. The winner will be announced this Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Viking 10th Year Anniversary – Track Listing:
- God Is The Greatest *
- It A Tape *
- Polite *
- Dreams Are Made Of *
- STR8 Vybz *
- Porn Flick ft. Ishawna *
- Gon’ Get Better
- Enchanting
- Dancehall Cyah Stall
- Unstoppable
- #AmOut *
(New Songs)
With his unmatched versatility, razor-sharp lyricism, and ability to consistently push boundaries, Vybz Kartel’s Viking (Vybz Is King) – 10th Year Anniversary reaffirms his dominance in the dancehall scene. Fans are eagerly awaiting this release, which promises to be yet another landmark moment in his storied career.
English (US) ·