Despite missing out on a Grammy win and seeing his highly anticipated Carnival performance postponed, dancehall heavyweight Vybz Kartel continues to dominate the charts, securing his 11th entry on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. The deluxe edition of his 2015 album Viking (Vybz is King) debuted at No. 10, proving that the “Worl’ Boss” remains an unstoppable force in the genre. The 11-track reissue features seven new songs, including God is the Greatest, Amout, and Polite, adding fresh heat to an already acclaimed project.
Kartel’s latest Billboard entry adds to an impressive résumé that includes King of the Dancehall (No. 2, 2016), Of Dons & Divas (No. 6, 2020), and First Week Out (No. 8, 2024). His continued chart success reinforces his relevance, even after more than a decade behind bars. “If I wasn’t incarcerated, I would have been nominated already… I would have definitely won,” Kartel told Billboard after narrowly missing out on a Grammy to Bob Marley: One Love (Music Inspired by the Film). His Party With Me album had ignited conversations about dancehall’s Grammy influence, but nostalgia and industry politics kept the trophy out of reach.
While some critics questioned his inclusion in Trinidad’s soca-dominated Carnival lineup, the postponement of the One Caribbean Music Festival has done little to slow his momentum. His presence alone had sparked debates about the intersection of dancehall and soca, even prompting a hunger strike from local soca artist Yankey Boy. But for Kartel, the conversation only amplifies his cross-Caribbean appeal. “This is a joint collaboration between Jamaica and Trinidad,” he emphasized, positioning himself as a unifying force in the region’s musical landscape.
With his Billboard streak intact and international festival bookings lined up—including potential appearances at Wireless and SummerJam—Kartel’s post-prison resurgence remains undeniable. Whether winning awards or stirring controversy, he continues to shape the global dancehall narrative, proving time and again that his influence extends far beyond the stage.
