Vybz Kartel’s New Chapter: From Prison to “First Week Out”

Since his release from prison after a decade-long incarceration, Vybz Kartel has been making waves both in his personal life and the music industry. The dancehall icon, who was freed due to a landmark appeal that overturned his 2014 conviction, has quickly immersed himself back into the life he left behind, focusing on his health, reconnecting with family, and diving into new music projects.

Upon his release, Vybz Kartel has been prioritizing his health, a critical factor in his legal battle and eventual release. Suffering from Graves’ Disease and heart complications, his time in prison took a toll on his well-being. Now, Kartel is keen on regaining his strength and health, as he mentioned in a video post on social media.

Family has always been important to Kartel, and this has been evident in his recent social media posts, where he shared moments spent with his mother, daughter, two sons, and grandson. These heartwarming family reunions highlight his efforts to make up for lost time. Additionally, Kartel has been learning to navigate social media, with his wife guiding him through platforms like TikTok, where he’s been experimenting with content creation.

Kartel wasted no time in getting back to music. Less than a day after his release, he dropped a 12-track EP titled First Week Out. Produced by 21st Hapilos, the EP is a compilation of tracks that Kartel recorded while behind bars, reflecting on his experiences in prison and his return to freedom. The project features collaborations with Squash on four tracks and showcases Kartel’s resilience and creative spirit despite the hardships he faced. Though much of the music was created during his incarceration, the EP has been received with excitement, marking Kartel’s return to the dancehall scene.

As Vybz Kartel continues to adjust to life outside of prison, fans are eagerly awaiting what the dancehall king will do next. With his health on the mend, family by his side, and a renewed focus on his craft, there’s no doubt that Kartel’s influence on the music world will only continue to grow.