Vybz Kartel Jamaican entertainer, songwriter and businessman Date of Birth: 07.01.1976 Country: Jamaica

1. Biography of Vybz Kartel
2. Early Career
3. Rise to Fame
4. Entrepreneurial Ventures
5. Business Ventures
6. Controversies and Legal Issues

Biography of Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel, a Jamaican artist, poet-songwriter, and businessman, achieved international success in 2009. His composition 'Ramping Shop' recorded with Jamaican DJ-artist Spice, made it to the 'Billboard Top 100 Singles' chart, and his song 'Dollar Sign' was constantly played on several popular American stations.

Early Career

Palmer started performing in 1993, and his first record, 'Love Fat Woman,' was released under the label 'One Heart.' At that time, Adidja performed under the pseudonym 'Adi Banton' in honor of Buju Banton. Later, he joined the trio 'Vybez Cartel' and modified the group's name as his new alias. During this time, Palmer worked under the guidance of Bounty Killer, for whom Kartel allegedly wrote about 30 songs.

Rise to Fame

Vybz Kartel gained fame in 2003 after releasing a series of hit songs in Jamaica. One of the highlights of that year was his stage battle with Ninjaman at the annual 'Sting' dancehall festival in his hometown of Portmore. The confrontation, seemingly pre-planned, involved Kartel's team attacking Ninjaman on stage. Kartel and Ninjaman later reconciled and announced they had resolved their differences.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In collaboration with Ainsley 'Notnice' Morris, Vybz Kartel established his own label, 'Adidjahiem/Notnice Records.' In 2010, Kartel released the album 'Pon Di Gaza 2.0' under this label. In 2011, he released the album 'Kingston Story' with Brooklyn producer Dre Skull.

Kartel's success on the international level came in 2009 with his composition 'Ramping Shop' featuring Spice, which made it onto the 'Billboard Top 100 Singles' chart. In 2010, Kartel released the single 'Clarks,' which became one of his most successful international works. The single reached the top three reggae singles and spent a total of 40 weeks on North American radio stations.

Business Ventures

In 2008, Vybz Kartel launched his own line of alcoholic beverages called 'Street Vybz Rum.' He also regularly hosts a party called 'Building' in one of Kingston's nightclubs, in collaboration with Corey Todd, his colleague from the 'Street Vybz Rum' project. In the same year, Kartel started releasing his line of condoms. Although there was a period of cessation, the alcohol line is currently back in operation.

Controversies and Legal Issues

At one point, Kartel faced accusations from fans and colleagues of attempting to lighten his skin, allegedly using a special soap of his own development. He did not deny the fact of skin lightening and claimed to have used his own formulated soap.

On September 29, 2011, Kartel was arrested and charged with murder and illegal possession of firearms. The victim was entrepreneur and promoter Barrington 'Bossie' Burton. Kartel spent some time in prison and was released on bail on March 23, 2012. However, he is currently back in prison, facing another murder charge, this time for the killing of Clive 'Lizzard' Williams.