New generations have emerged since his induction into dancehall, but Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer remains constant. If there is a more legendary name in the genre, it is debatable, with the “Worl’ Boss’s” influences spanning the four corners of the globe. With anthems as impactful as they are contentious, Kartel has continuously pushed the genre’s limits. He has established himself as one of the biggest icons in reggae and dancehall history, thanks to his lyrical talent, unmatched range, and ability to stay relevant even while incarcerated.
Throughout creating his legacy, Vybz Kartel has released a treasure trove of albums, which some may find to be a chaotic list. However, Kartel’s catalog is far from haphazard—it is masterful. With his highly anticipated performance at the New Year’s Eve celebration concert “Freedom Street,” what better time to take a journey through the sounds of a genius? In this article, we’ll explore our picks for the top 5 Vybz Kartel albums of all time in chronological order, noting the growth and transitions of this legendary artist—the career-defining, genre-shaping projects that made Mr. Palmer a pillar of the industry.
Up 2 Di Time (2003)
“Who dem seh start well?” If you’re unfamiliar with the answer, you’re definitely not “Up 2 Di Time.” This “Black Kartel” era introduced many to the artist, where his style was raw yet honed in a way only he could execute. With tracks like “Sweet to the Belly” and “New Millennium,” this project would become nostalgic for his earlier fans, proving to be a cornerstone of his later success.
The Teachers Back (2008)
Before the monikers of “Worl Boss” and “Gaza Don,” it was strictly “Di Teacha,” as demonstrated by the album title. The black Kartel era that many loved brought about this masterpiece, showing that Di Teacha had the streets long before the Highway 2000 was renamed to the P.J. Patterson Highway.
One of his more structured albums, “The Teachers Back” featured intros, skits, and elite lyrical storytelling. Tracks like “Court Case,” “Costranostra,” and “Solomonic Chronic” are cult classics, while more celebrated tracks like “Broad Daylight” and “Nah Go Nuh Weh” showcase his range. This early project demonstrated Kartel’s versatility, as he effortlessly switched from lyrical storytelling to melodic tracks and back.
Pon Di Gaza 2.0 (2010)
Before Chris Brown started releasing 33-track albums, there was “Pon Di Gaza 2.0″—a 45-track, no-skips successor to “Pon Di Gaza.” This project would be a “Best of” collection for any artist, but for Mr. Palmer, it’s just another release. While lacking the structured approach of “The Teachers Back,” this album marks an era where the Worl’ Boss had DJ Dotcom making a new mix every week with consistently released hits.
Kingston Story (2011)
Releasing “Kingston Story” just a year after the massive “Pon Di Gaza 2.0” demonstrates Kartel’s relentless creativity. This 14-track album is one of his more structured works, featuring defining hits like “Freestyle” that went triple platinum on every Jamaican coaster bus. A collaboration with producer Dre Skull, the album showcases the electro and hip-hop influences Kartel has never shied away from. Beyond the music, this album is the source of some of the artist’s most iconic images, including his signature hand-across-chest photo showcasing his tattoos.
To Tanesha (2020)
The final album on our list, “To Tanesha,” was initially met with skepticism. However, it proved to be a solid release that further demonstrated the artist’s versatility. Heartbreak anthems like “Rocket To Da Moon,” “Cast Iron Heart” (featuring Jada Kingdom), and “Delusional” (with Sikka Rymes) solidified its place in Kartel’s impressive catalog.
The years between these albums saw Vybz Kartel transition between styles, sounds, and even skin tones. Yet, the creativity and quality he began with remained constant. The difficulty in choosing a top 5 speaks to his prolificness—it felt criminal to not mention albums like “King of the Dancehall,” “Viking,” and “Kartel Forever.”
For those unfamiliar with these projects, there’s ample time before Kartel’s Freedom Street Celebration to get “Up 2 Di Time.” These timeless classics will be on display. Disagree with our top 5? Let’s hear yours—there are no wrong answers when it comes to the Worl’ Boss.
