Vybz Kartel, the dancehall legend, received a warm welcome home from some of Hip Hop’s biggest names, including Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B.
Kartel was released from prison on Wednesday, July 31, after Jamaica’s Court of Appeals upheld his overturned murder conviction. He had spent 13 years behind bars.
Drake, a noted fan of Kartel, celebrated his newfound freedom by posting a selfie wearing a T-shirt adorned with a painting of the self-proclaimed king of dancehall. He expressed his excitement in a separate post, joyfully acknowledging Kartel’s release.
Cardi B shared her excitement by filming herself listening to Vybz’s song “Dollar Sign” during a car journey, warmly welcoming him back to the world.
Busta Rhymes, who has collaborated with the Jamaican star on numerous songs and shares Jamaican heritage, posted an effusive message on Instagram alongside a video of Kartel walking out of prison. He expressed his joy at Kartel’s return, highlighting the significance of this moment.
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Fellow collaborator DJ Khaled also celebrated by sharing the same clip on social media, emphasizing the momentous occasion. The celebration continued as Vybz Kartel himself posted a video on Instagram of him partying with his wife in the back of a limo, sparking more reactions from notable rap figures.
Nicki Minaj welcomed him home with a celebratory comment, while Young M.A. and Ty Dolla $ign expressed their happiness at his release. Swizz Beatz, Bobby Shmurda, and fellow dancehall star Popcaan also celebrated the news, joining the chorus of support for Kartel.
Vybz Kartel’s incarceration
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, was initially sentenced to life in prison in 2014 for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.
However, his conviction was overturned earlier this year after it was revealed that one of the jurors had been bribed and should have been removed from the jury. Despite the overturned conviction, Kartel was not immediately freed as the Court of Appeal had yet to rule on a potential retrial.
During his time in prison, Vybz Kartel faced numerous health issues. In June, his attorney, Isat Buchanan, revealed that Kartel needed urgent medical help, suffering from severe swelling and other health complications.
His condition had become life-threatening, exacerbated by being kept in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day, preventing him from getting clean air.
