Vybz Kartel Celebrates Album Anniversary with New Tracks Ahead of 2025 Grammys

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his influential 2015 album, ‘Viking (Vybz Is King),’ with a deluxe reissue featuring seven new tracks. The release, set for Friday, January 31, comes just days before the 2025 Grammy Awards, where Kartel has earned his first nomination.

The deluxe edition includes songs such as ‘God Is The Greatest,’ ‘It A Tape,’ ‘Dreams Are Made Of,’ and ‘Polite,’ alongside a collaboration yet to be revealed. Kartel recorded the new tracks following his recent release from prison, where he had been serving a sentence for the alleged murder of an associate.

In a statement, Kartel expressed his excitement about the project, calling it a ‘full circle moment.’ He credited longtime collaborators, including producer TJ Records and engineers Ricard ‘RedBoom’ Reid and Dominic ‘Troublemekka’ McDonald, for helping bring the album to life. ‘This album is special because we are celebrating many milestones,’ Kartel said. ‘We are recognising the impact of the ‘Viking’ album 10 years later, and then my ability to create new music for the first time since I have been out.’

The release follows Kartel’s historic homecoming concert in Kingston, Jamaica, which marked his return to the stage after years of legal battles. The deluxe reissue underscores Kartel’s enduring influence on dancehall music and his ability to adapt to the evolving music industry.

Kartel’s Grammy nomination for the 2025 awards adds another layer of significance to the reissue. The artist, often referred to as the ‘king of dancehall,’ has long been a polarizing figure in the music world, but his latest work highlights his resilience and creative vision.

Fans can stream the deluxe reissue of ‘Viking (Vybz Is King)’ starting Friday, January 31.