Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel was unexpectedly released from prison last month after serving 13 years, and, as expected, he’s experiencing quite a bit of culture shock!
TMZ Hip Hop caught up with the reggae legend via Zoom from his home in Jamaica, where he’s currently recovering and preparing for his highly anticipated comeback performance on New Year’s Eve to ring in 2025.
Vybz revealed that he hasn't been back in the studio since his release on August 1. Instead, he's been taking it easy, enjoying traditional herbal drinks (though not everyone would love them 🤮) while letting his extensive music catalog speak for itself—and it’s paying off big time. His team, including manager KD McNair and attorney Isat Buchanan, have been busy managing an influx of requests.
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On social media, Vybz's presence has exploded, with millions of followers on TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify—quite the feat considering these platforms weren't nearly as popular, or even in existence, when he was convicted in 2014. TikTok, in particular, wasn’t even around at the time!
Despite his freedom, Vybz admits he's still adjusting, even feeling anxious about using his phone in public, a lingering effect of his time behind bars. He's taking things one step at a time, working through the post-prison stress.
Reflecting on his experience, Vybz said he wouldn’t wish prison on anyone and considers himself fortunate to have been released before his health condition, Graves’ disease, worsened.
Though sentenced to 35 years for murder in Jamaica, Vybz never gave up hope, continuously appealing his case. During his incarceration, he used creative methods to keep recording music, even crafting a pop filter from mattress foam and coordinating with engineers to block out background noise, including guards’ conversations.
Artists like Tory Lanez have followed the tradition of releasing music while incarcerated, but Vybz had to be resourceful. His engineers deserve major credit for making his in-cell recordings sound top-tier.
In the coming months, Vybz Kartel is focusing on getting back in shape, preparing to give his all at his "Freedom Street" concert when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.
