Vybz Kartel is considered one of the best Dancehall artists of all time, despite being behind bars for 13 years. The veteran musician not only put a mark in the dancehall industry before serving in prison but also while in jail. For instance, Kartel dominated the Jamaican airwaves throughout his time in prison.This set him aside as a legendary figure in the game, as he still had influence even without freedom.
Comparing to his earlier career, Vybz Kartel seemingly reached his peak while serving his jail term. Some of the songs that became hits during the period include Any Weather, Unstoppable, World Government, Fever, Volcano, and Hi, just to name a few. But how did Kartel sound before his breakthrough in the industry? In this piece, The Daily Sauce explores Vybz Kartel’s life before fame and how he penetrated successfully in the industry.
Early life
Vybz Kartel was born, Adidja Azim Palmer, on January 7, 1976, in Kingston, Jamaica. The musician was raised in the Waterford district, where he attended Calabar High School. Unfortunately, he was expelled from the school while he was still a teenager. Thereafter, Vybz Kartel enrolled at a tutorial technical school where he completed his education.
Adijah Palmer grew up listening to a wide variety of music, given the fact that his uncles were aspiring musicians. As a result, he was exposed to big artists such as Ninja Man, Buju Banton, and Sam Cooke, among others. Actually, Ninja Man became one of his musical heroes as he looked up to him from a tender age.
The roots of Vybz Kartel’s musical career
Vybz Kartel released his first song, ‘Fat Woman,’ in 1993 while he was still a teenager. At the time, his stage name was Adi Banton. Adijah Palmer was so determined that he formed a music group, Vibes Cartel, in 1996. The group consisted of a young Kartel and his two friends, Escober and Mr. Lee. Sadly, the group didn’t last long: it was quickly dissolved shortly after its formation.
The controversial singer kept the group’s name but in an altered manner (Vybz Kartel instead of Vibes Cartel). Vybz Kartel was now his stage name as he became a solo artist. He was then signed by Bounty Killer, where he wrote songs for artists on Bounty’s Alliance Roster.
Turning Point: Breakthrough in the Music Industry
The ‘World Boss’ broke out in 2002 after releasing a series of singles, including Badman, Guns like Mine, and Most High. He also featured with reggae star Wayne Marshall in some of his projects. During the same year, Vybz emerged as the best new artist in Jamaica.
Three years later, he won deejay of the year, a title. These incidents were actually the turning points in Kartel’s musical career. In 2003, the dancehall star became more famous on a worldwide level thanks to his hit song, Up 2 Di Time.
Additionally, his controversial clash with his ‘mentor’ Ninja Man during the Sting festival broke the Internet. Vybz Kartel’s feud with Ninja Man helped him get more recognition worldwide, hence making him a global star in years to come. Apart from the controversy, fans ‘fell in love’ with his lyrical prowess that set the trend in the Dancehall industry.
Rise to Fame: Building the “World Boss” Persona
After establishing his name in the music industry, Vybz Kartel enjoyed a good following not only in Jamaica but also across the world. This helped him elevate his lyrical levels, hence creating a mischievous public persona. In due process, the singer nicknamed himself the World Boss.
This gave a clear indication that he was ready to take over the music industry worldwide. Most Dancehall fans resonated with the initiative, thus helping Kartel become a brand globally. As a result, the world boss Persona played a huge part in the rise of his popularity.
