Dancehall mastermind Vybz Kartel drops his new album, King of the Dancehall, on June 10th, 2016. The apropos title serves as a reminder that the controversial artist, commonly referred to as the “World Boss,” is still the authority when it comes to dancehall music. King of the Dancehall contains 14 unreleased tracks, each recorded before Kartel’s incarceration.
Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, is widely recognized as dancehall’s cream of the crop. In the past, he has collaborated with music superstars Rihanna, Missy Elliot, Major Lazer, and Popcaan, but Vybz Kartel’s name alone stands up to any of 
them when it comes to his home country of Jamaica. Despite his musical success, Vybz Kartel is as polarizing as they come. He is currently serving life in prison on a murder charge, without the possibility of parole for at least 35 years.
Many questioned whether dancehall could even survive in the absence of Vybz Kartel. His albums Pon Di Gaza (2009), Pon Di Gaza 2.0 (2010), and Kingston Story (2011) took the scene by storm and propelled the “World Boss” to the top of dancehall charts around the world. King of the Dancehall promises not to disappoint fans craving for classic Kartel hits.
In a written statement, Vybz Kartel heralded the forthcoming album as “an album that encompasses the very essence of Adidja Palmer and by extension, the Jamaican experience,” adding, “This album will bring its listeners into the world of hardcore dancehall, not some ‘pop music’ watered down version. It will give you a peek into my Jamaica, not the one on the tourist board ads, but the real Jamaica…dancehall Jamaica.”
The first peak at the new album comes in the form of an absolutely wild and raunchy music video for the 1st single, “Fever.” Though he doesn’t physically appear, the embodiment of the video is vintage Kartel.
Adidjahiem Records/TJ Records have worked in tandem with Zojak World Wide to prepare King of the Dancehall‘s release. Available in stores on June 10th, the album is already available for pre-order exclusively via iTunes by clicking HERE!
Related Links:
King of the Dancehall Pre-order
Vybz Kartel Twitter
Article By: Brian Winters
Watch: Vybz Kartel – “Fever”