Vybz Kartel is commemorating the 10th anniversary of his iconic album Viking (Vybz Is King) with a special deluxe reissue, featuring seven brand-new tracks. Released today, Friday, 31st January, the reissue arrives at a pivotal moment in Kartel’s career, as he gears up for the 2025 Grammy Awards, where he has earned his first-ever nomination.
This milestone follows a historic year for the dancehall legend, who made a triumphant return to the stage with a homecoming concert in Kingston, Jamaica, after his lifetime prison sentence was overturned on appeal in early 2023. Kartel, who had been incarcerated since 2011 for the alleged murder of an associate, was released last July, marking a new chapter in his life and career.
The new tracks on the deluxe edition of Viking (Vybz Is King) were recorded in recent months, showcasing Kartel’s renewed creativity and energy since regaining his freedom. The project reunites him with longtime collaborators, including producer TJ Records and engineers Ricard ‘RedBoom’ Reid and Dominic ‘Troublemekka’ McDonald, making it a full-circle moment for the artist.
Reflecting on the reissue, Kartel shared, “This album is special because we are celebrating many milestones. 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. Plus, it’s with my day-one producer TJ Records and engineers Ricard ‘RedBoom’ Reid and Dominic ‘Troublemekka’ McDonald. It’s a full-circle moment, and like I said on the first track, ‘God Is The Greatest.’”
Originally released in 2014, Viking (Vybz Is King) solidified Kartel’s status as a dancehall icon, blending his signature lyrical prowess with infectious rhythms. The deluxe reissue not only pays homage to the album’s enduring legacy but also introduces fresh material that highlights Kartel’s evolution as an artist.
As fans celebrate this landmark release, the deluxe edition of Viking (Vybz Is King) serves as a testament to Kartel’s resilience, talent, and unwavering influence on the global music scene.