KINGSTON, Jamaica — Just a day after his release from prison, dancehall star Vybz Kartel has jumped back into the music scene with the launch of his new album, “First Week Out,” which he promoted on Platform X on Thursday.
The 12-track project, distributed by Hapilos, features collaborations exclusively with Squash, another prominent figure in dancehall. The album’s track listing includes:
- Feel Great (Intro) – Featuring Vybz Kartel, Squash
- The Menace – Vybz Kartel
- Terror By Night – Vybz Kartel
- Unstoppable – Vybz Kartel
- Skillful – Featuring Vybz Kartel, Squash
- Adiadking – Vybz Kartel
- Giant – Featuring Vybz Kartel, Squash
- Victorious – Vybz Kartel
- Beat DemBad – Featuring Vybz Kartel, Squash
- Win – Vybz Kartel
- Success Story – Vybz Kartel
- Number One – Vybz Kartel
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was released from Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility on Wednesday after the Court of Appeal overturned his murder conviction. The news of his release sparked celebrations throughout Kingston, as fans poured into the streets to celebrate the return of the dancehall icon.
Kartel, along with his co-accused Sean “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahila Jones, and Andre St. John, was initially convicted in 2011 for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. After the Jamaica Court of Appeal upheld their convictions in 2020, they appealed to the UK’s Privy Council. On March 14, 2024, the Privy Council overturned the convictions, citing jury misconduct. The case was then sent back to the Jamaica Court of Appeal, which led to Kartel’s release.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the new album, which marks Kartel’s first major release since his release from prison.
