As anticipation builds for their upcoming Reggae Sumfest reunion, Vybz Kartel and Mavado have already joined forces on record. The dancehall icons appear together on Hype Life, a track from Kartel’s forthcoming studio album God & Time, which also features international stars Wizkid, Spice, Shenseea, Skillibeng and Farruko ahead of its June 5 release.
Kartel’s camp unveiled the full guest lineup for the 14-track project on Monday, confirming one of the most talked-about collaborations in recent dancehall memory. While Kartel and Mavado have worked together in the past on songs such as Sunrise and Happiest Days, their relationship later evolved into one of dancehall’s most famous rivalries, with the Gaza and Gully movements dominating conversations across the Caribbean and beyond throughout the late 2000s.
The timing of Hype Life is likely to generate even more excitement among fans, with Kartel and Mavado both set to appear at Reggae Sumfest in July. Their upcoming appearances have already become one of the most anticipated talking points surrounding the festival, making their latest collaboration a significant moment for dancehall culture.
Beyond the Mavado feature, God & Time boasts an impressive international cast. Wizkid appears on Stay For The Night, Spice joins Kartel on Confession, Farruko features on Casi Casi, Shenseea appears on Panic, while Skillibeng lends his talents to Try Again. The project follows Party With Me and Heart & Soul, both Grammy-nominated releases that helped solidify Kartel’s enduring influence on global music.
Speaking about the album, Kartel said the project was designed to showcase a variety of sounds and moods. “I love the well-roundedness of this album, and the features reflect that. We wanted to give people a little bit of every vibe they want to hear this summer. No matter what mood you are in, there is something on here for you. And as you can see, some of the collaborations could only come together through God and Time.”
Produced by Kartel alongside longtime collaborator TJ Records, the team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) and King of the Dancehall, God & Time is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched dancehall releases of the year. With a star-studded guest list, a highly anticipated Mavado collaboration and Sumfest on the horizon, the project is poised to keep the World Boss firmly at the centre of the global dancehall conversation.
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