DJ Khaled’s Forthcoming Album Reunites Mavado and Vybz Kartel on the Same Song for the First Time in 19 Years

In a historic move that has Dancehall and hip-hop fans buzzing across the globe, DJ Khaled has confirmed a monster collaboration on his forthcoming album Alaam of God, featuring Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, and Mavado—marking the first time in nearly two decades that Vybz Kartel and Mavado will share vocals on the same track. The last time these two titans appeared together was in 2006 on the gritty street anthem “Sunrise” (also known as “Gunrise”) produced by Delly Ranx, and earlier that same year on the poignant “Happiest Days,” crafted by George “GT” Taylor. Their lyrical rivalry soon escalated into one of Dancehall’s most defining clashes, cementing both artists as icons of their era.

Now, with DJ Khaled at the helm, these fierce veterans are putting unity ahead of animosity for what is already being hailed as a game-changing moment in global music. “Historic Collaboration Alert ? Unity is strength!” Khaled wrote on Instagram, teasing the nearly completed track. “I DON’T WANT THIS TO BE A SECRET. THIS IS A GIFT TO THE WORLD ? THIS IS FOR THE CULTURE!” Known for his high-profile collaborations, Khaled is once again leaning into his deep appreciation for Jamaican music and culture—something he’s proudly expressed since his days spinning Dancehall on pirate radio in Miami during the ’90s.

Khaled’s connection to the genre runs deep. His 2019 album Father of Asahd featured “Holy Mountain,” a spiritually charged Dancehall track with Capleton, Sizzla Kalonji, Buju Banton, and Bounty Killer that racked up over 15 million streams on Spotify alone. In 2023, he tapped rising star Skillibeng for “TSKMN” on God Did, further cementing his role as one of the few American producers consistently championing authentic Dancehall voices on a global stage.

But this new collaboration is more than just music—it’s a cultural reset. Not only does it mark Vybz Kartel’s first official collab with his longtime inspiration Buju Banton, but it also signifies a full-circle moment for a genre that thrives on evolution through conflict and creativity. For Khaled, Alaam of God is shaping up to be more than an album—it’s a celebration of redemption, legacy, and the healing power of music.