Why is Vybz Kartel in Jail? How Long Has Vybz Kartel Been in Jail?
by A Maria
Updated Feb 17, 2024
Who is Vybz Kartel?
Adidja Azim Palmer, known widely by his stage name Vybz Kartel, is a highly influential Jamaican artist known for his contributions to reggae and dancehall music. Alongside his various monikers, he is commonly referred to as Worl' Boss or Teacha. Renowned for his controversial lyrics and mischievous public persona, Kartel has achieved a revered status in Jamaica, earning him a place as a folk hero.
As Rolling Stone aptly summarizes, Kartel has consistently and thoroughly captivated the dancehall audience while simultaneously provoking the sensibilities of his detractors. Kartel's discography boasts a range of hit singles, including "Romping Shop" (2009), "Dancehall Hero" (2010), and "Summer Time" (2011).
Beyond his solo work, he has collaborated with prominent hip hop and R&B artists like Major Lazer, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Digga D, and Unknown T. His unique style has also served as inspiration for a multitude of Western artists, with Drake notably acknowledging Kartel as one of his greatest influences, particularly in the fusion of dancehall elements into his own music.
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Why is Vybz Kartel in Jail?
Vybz Kartel's involvement in the disappearance of Clive "Lizard" Williams captivated Jamaica and the music industry. Kartel, known for his controversial lyrics and charismatic stage presence, found himself facing serious criminal charges. The arrest in 2011 shook the dancehall community, leaving fans and critics alike stunned. The subsequent years have seen Kartel's legal battle play out in the courts, with multiple twists and turns along the way.
Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement, Williams' body remains missing, leaving unanswered questions and lingering pain for his family. The 64-day trial that followed was one of the longest in Jamaican history, drawing significant media attention and public interest. Ultimately, Kartel and three others were found guilty in 2014, marking a turning point in his life and career.
The sentence of imprisonment not only deprived Kartel of his freedom but also altered the trajectory of his musical journey. While his music continues to resonate with fans around the world, the shadow of his incarceration looms large over his legacy, leaving behind a complex and controversial chapter in Jamaican music history.
How Long Has Vybz Kartel Been in Jail?
Vybz Kartel has become a captivating and controversial chapter in the history of Jamaican music. Since his arrest in 2011, Kartel's imprisonment has left a void in the dancehall genre, where he was a prominent figure. The allegations surrounding his involvement in the kidnapping of Clifford "Lizard" Williams have raised numerous questions and fueled speculation. Kartel's request to have his murder conviction overturned in a London court adds a new layer of complexity to an already intricate legal battle.
He has expressed concerns about potential influences that may have impacted the prosecution and jury, as well as the dissemination of incriminating communications. Kartel's stature as an artist, with collaborations alongside renowned musicians like Rihanna and Jay-Z, has only heightened the attention surrounding the case. As the court prepares to make a decision on Thursday, 15 February 2024, the anticipation and speculation surrounding Vybz Kartel's fate continue to grow, leaving fans, critics, and the music industry eager to see how this ongoing saga will unfold.
When Did Vybz Go to Jail?
In September 2011, Vybz Kartel's life took a dramatic turn when he was arrested in connection with the murder of Jamaican businessman Barrington Burton. However, he was granted bail shortly after his arrest, temporarily regaining his freedom. Unfortunately, this was not the end of his legal troubles. Later that same year, Kartel faced yet another murder charge, this time for the killing of Clive Williams, also known as "Lizard."
The subsequent trial, lasting a grueling 65 days, captivated the nation and the music industry. On March 13, 2014, a verdict was delivered, and Kartel was pronounced guilty. Since then, he has been serving his sentence at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, a prominent correctional facility in Jamaica.
The impact of these charges and convictions has been immense, not only on Kartel's personal life but also on his career as a renowned dancehall artist. The events surrounding his incarceration have left a lasting impact on the Jamaican music scene, continuing to spark discussions and debates about justice, fame, and the consequences of one's choices.
Vybz Kartel Health Issue
Concerns about the health of Jamaican musician Adidja Azim Palmer, widely known as Vybz Kartel, have arisen among netizens as reports suggest he is fighting for his life while being incarcerated. Sources reveal that Kartel has been battling Graves' Disease, an autoimmune disorder, for the past seven years. Coupled with his alleged heart conditions, this combination has rendered his current condition as "life-threatening."
In an interview that aired on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, Evers, the interviewer, claimed to possess a medical certificate from Kartel's doctor, Karen Phillips, confirming the news. Evers mentioned that despite receiving treatment, Graves' Disease has not gone into remission, and if left untreated, it could prove fatal.
Graves' Disease is characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones, also known as hyperthyroidism, and bulging eyes are common symptoms associated with the condition. If left untreated, it can lead to heart rhythm disorders and heart failure, resulting in an inadequate pumping of blood throughout the body.
Moreover, sources indicate that Kartel's cell block suffers from inadequate ventilation and provides only a bucket as a toilet facility. Additionally, it is noted that the musician is currently appealing his conviction in a court based in the United Kingdom.
Kartel's health struggles have been documented in the past as well. In 2013, he was rushed to the hospital in the custody of armed police officers after experiencing severe chest pain. Furthermore, in 2015, he was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies due to severe skin inflammation.
Vybz Kartel Professional Career
Since being imprisoned in 2011, Vybz Kartel has maintained a prolific release of new music. Despite Jamaican prison officials denying him recording privileges, Kartel has continued to put out music, although the exact source of these recordings remains undisclosed. The lyrical content of his songs often reflects current events, showcasing his ability to stay relevant even while incarcerated. In 2016, while still in prison, Kartel achieved international success with the release of his album "King of the Dancehall."
The album reached number 2 on the US Billboard Reggae Charts. It featured the hit single "Fever," which not only topped local music charts but also became one of his most streamed songs on various platforms. Collaborating once again with producer Dre Skull, known for their work on the "Kingston Story" project, Kartel released the single "Real Bad Gal" in 2017.
Meanwhile, two of Kartel's seven children, Jaheim (Little Vybz) and Akheel Raheim Palmer (Little Addi), have been continuing their father's musical legacy since 2014. They formed a duo known as PG 13 or Kartel Sons. In 2019, both children were featured on the "Fully Gaza" riddim, with Likkle Vybz joining his father on the title track and Likkle Addi performing solo on "Dolla Sign."
In January 2020, Kartel dedicated an album titled "To Tanesha" to his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his three children, Tanesha Johnson. The album was co-produced by their respective record labels, Short Boss Muzik and Vybz Kartel Muzik. Later in June 2020, Kartel released his fifteenth studio album, "Of Dons & Divas."
He also made an appearance on Busta Rhymes' album "Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God" in the same year. On April 3, 2020, exactly six years after his initial conviction, the Jamaican Court of Appeal upheld Kartel's guilty verdict. However, on April 17, 2020, the Court of Appeal reduced his parole eligibility from 35 years to 32 years and 6 months, taking into account the time he had already spent in jail while awaiting trial in 2014. As a result, Kartel will now be eligible for parole in 2046.
Vybz Kartel Net Worth
Vybz Kartel, a Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist, has an estimated net worth of $1 million. Born Adidja Azim Palmer on January 7, 1976, in Kingston, Jamaica, Kartel is not only a musician but also a songwriter, businessman, and convicted murderer. He began his entertainment career as a teenager under the name Adi Banton, with his first recording titled "Love Fat Woman."
Kartel gained significant recognition in 2003 when a series of hit songs in Jamaica led to a highly anticipated clash with Ninjaman at the annual dancehall festival called "Sting" in Portmore, Jamaica, his hometown. Unfortunately, the clash turned violent, prompting both Kartel and Ninjaman to publicly apologize to the event organizers.
Throughout his career, Kartel has been no stranger to controversy. He faced criticism and accusations of "bleaching" his skin using a special soap, which sparked debates and discussions. Additionally, the National Communications Network of Guyana banned his music from the airwaves in 2011, citing "obscene lyrics" and a perceived lack of positive contributions to the entertainment industry.
In a more severe turn of events, Kartel was arrested in September 2011 on charges of marijuana possession and was later charged with the murder of Jamaican businessman Barrington Burton, as well as conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. On April 3, 2014, he was sentenced to life in prison, with parole eligibility after serving 35 years.
Vybz Kartel Bio
Birth name
Adidja Azim Palmer
Born
7 January 1976 (age 47)
Portmore, Jamaica
Genres
Occupation(s)
Dancehall Magician, producer, entrepreneur
Labels
Adidjahiem Records, Vice, Mixpak Records, Greensleeves Records, Short Boss Muzik, Vybz Kartel Muzik
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Why is Vybz Kartel in Jail - FAQs
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, is a highly influential Jamaican artist known for his contributions to reggae and dancehall music. He has earned a reputation as a controversial figure due to his provocative lyrics and mischievous public persona.
Alongside his real name, Vybz Kartel is commonly referred to as Worl' Boss or Teacha. These nicknames highlight his influential status in the music industry.
Vybz Kartel has captivated the dancehall audience in Jamaica with his unique style and lyrical content. He has gained a folk-hero status in the country, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
Vybz Kartel has released numerous hit singles throughout his career. Some notable examples include "Romping Shop" (2009), "Dancehall Hero" (2010), and "Summer Time" (2011). These songs have gained significant popularity among his fan base.
Yes, Vybz Kartel has collaborated with several notable hip hop and R&B artists, including Major Lazer, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Digga D, and Unknown T. These collaborations have further expanded his reach and musical influence.