Expanded 2015 album will arrive Friday just as the dancehall musician prepares for his first Grammy nomination
Vybz Kartel is in a celebratory mood. As he prepares for the 2025 Grammys this Sunday where he is nominated for his first Grammy award, the self-proclaimed “king of dancehall” is releasing Viking (Vybz Is King) 10th Year Anniversary to celebrate his influential 2015 album. The deluxe will arrive this Friday, January 31.
The Jamaican deejay will share seven new tracks as part of the Viking (Vybz Is King) deluxe. Vybz Kartel revealed the new songs will include “God Is The Greatest,” “It A Tape,” “Dreams Are Made Of,” “Polite” and a collaboration with dancehall artist Ishawna titled “Porn Flick.” Before officially announcing the anniversary edition, Vybz Kartel released “#AMOut” two weeks ago, and party anthem “Str8 Vybz.”
Beyond Vybz Kartel’s Grammy nod for Best Reggae Album and album anniversary, the musician has been celebrating his newfound freedom. In July 2024, his murder conviction was overturned and he was released from a lifetime prison sentence after serving 13 years. He has continued to release new music even while in prison, and this anniversary album marks his second project since being released.
In a statement, TJ Records said, “All the new songs on the album were recorded since his release from prison, so it was nice to reunite all together, this time in the studio, with him on the other side. Vybz always delivers so can’t wait for the fans to hear what is in store.”
Kartel himself also shared his own excitement over the project in a statement. “This album is special because we are celebrating many milestones. We are recognizing the impact of the Viking album 10 years later, and then my ability to create new music for the first time since I have been out,” he says. “It’s a full circle moment, and like I said on the first track ‘God Is The Greatest.’”
Viking (Vybz Is King) 10th Year Anniversary Track List
1. God Is the Greatest
2. It A Tape
3. Polite
4. Dreams Are Made Of
5. Str8 Vybz
6. Porn Flick featuring Ishawna
7. Gon’ Get Better
8. Enchanting
9. Dancehall Cyah Stall
10. Unstoppable
11. #AmOut
