Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel is embracing a momentous chapter in his career. As he gears up for the 2025 Grammy Awards this Sunday—where he’s nominated for his first-ever Grammy—the iconic deejay has also dropped Viking (Vybz Is King) 10th Year Anniversary, a deluxe edition of his influential 2015 album. Arrived this Friday, January 31, the expanded project not only revisits some of his most beloved tracks but also introduces seven brand-new songs, marking his first recordings since regaining his freedom in July 2024.
For longtime fans, this release is more than just an anniversary—it’s a testament to Kartel’s resilience and unwavering dominance in dancehall. The updated album features hits like “Gon’ Get Better” and “Dancehall Cyah Stall,” now sitting alongside fresh recordings such as “God Is The Greatest,” “It A Tape,” and the Ishawna-assisted “Porn Flick.” Kartel, who remains one of Jamaica’s most prolific artists, expressed his excitement about returning to the studio: “This album is special because we are celebrating many milestones… It’s a full-circle moment, and like I said on the first track, ‘God Is The Greatest.’”
The album’s release is strategically timed ahead of the Grammy Awards, where Kartel’s Party With Me EP is vying for Best Reggae Album. Despite being incarcerated for over a decade, his influence never waned—his streaming numbers remain formidable, with millions of monthly listeners on Spotify and YouTube. Producer TJ Records emphasized the significance of this project, noting, “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.”
Whether it’s his gritty street anthems, introspective reflections, or party-starting bangers, Kartel continues to shape the dancehall landscape. Viking (Vybz Is King) 10th Year Anniversary not only commemorates the past but sets the stage for what’s next in his storied career. With a Grammy nomination in his sights and new music ready to hit the streets, one thing remains clear—Vybz Kartel is unstoppable.
