Vybz Kartel may be entering a new era in his music career, but he has made it clear that while maturity has shaped his new album, the raunchy formula of dancehall remains firmly in his music.
He made the declaration at a St Andrew listening party for his new album God & Time, where industry players, entertainers and close associates gathered to celebrate the release of the project which dropped on June 5 and debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
“It’s just the maturity, you know what I mean? The growth and looking into life from a different perspective, but still at the same time staying true to dancehall,” Vybz Kartel told THE STAR. “We got a formula, same way, the raunchy lyrics and the Jamaican bravado in certain songs, but the overall tone of the album is maturity, more family-oriented and more calm. I’m 50 years old.”
The deejay described the listening session as a success and said the response from patrons gave him confidence heading into the summer season.
“I came late, fashionably late, but big up the people them that turned out. It was a good vibe. The album, as usual, is being well received all over Jamaica and here is no different. It gave me a good insight into how the album looking for the summer, so we outside,” he said.
Asked which songs he believes will dominate the season, the entertainer highlighted Panic with Shenseea, Confessions with Spice, and Hype Life, his highly anticipated reunion track with former rival Mavado.
“The Mavado collab iconic. We nuh haffi go inna the history of it, but it’s iconic,” he said.
Vybz Kartel revealed that reconnecting with Mavado happened naturally after they linked at a DJ Khaled event in the US.
“It wasn’t forced. We chop it up, hold a vibes, and everything just flow naturally.”
The collaboration, he said, symbolises growth and unity as the two were dancehall’s legendary rivals in the late 2000s.
“Remember me and Mavado tun dancehall upside down just over a decade ago. Now we come back to love, unity, and we’re still going to turn it upside down.”
The 14-track album also features Skillibeng, Nigerian superstar Wizkid and Puerto Rican hitmaker Farruko. Vybz Kartel said the latter collaborations were intentional efforts to bridge cultures connected through Caribbean and African heritage.
“As it relates to Farruko, dancehall and reggaeton are cousins. That’s cultural significance. Same thing with Africa. That’s literally where we were made. It was about bridging the gap between the diaspora and the origins of the music and the culture.”
Automotive enthusiast and social media personality Nick Lue said the album’s title carries a message that extends far beyond music.
“I love that title. It really resonates with me because I feel like God is doing miraculous stuff in my life right now, so it’s really God and time happening right now,” Lue said. “I’m really happy for Kartel. To see that he has freedom now, and he’s doing a lot of great stuff internationally and locally. It’s a real good energy to see him spreading love amongst the industry and those people in general. Like how Messi is the King of Football, Kartel is the King of Dancehall.”
Media personality Kerry-Ann ‘Chiney K’ Collins said was equally enthusiastic.
“Vybz Kartel is my favourite artiste on God’s given planet besides Chris Brown. It means a lot to be here. He is not only my favourite artiste, but I’m excited to call him my friend,” she said.
Collins said the album title reflects a lesson she has learnt in her own journey.
“There have been times where I went in for opportunities and didn’t quite make it. I’ve always wondered why, and then I remember God and Time. Everything in God’s timing. When I look back now, I realise maybe I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was,” she said.
With the album already making waves internationally, Collins opined that Vybz Kartel’s global reach will only continue to expand.
“He has been the World Boss. No questions about it. I’ve seen videos on TikTok with the pastiest of white people talking about Vybz Kartel. His influence is global and worldwide. He’s just continuing on the path of being the international superstar he is.”
