He was born at Kingston's Victoria Jubilee Hospital, and was one of six children. Originally from Waterhouse, Kingston, he was raised in the Waterford district in the community Portmore, Jamaica. Adidja attended Calabar High School in Kingston but was expelled as a teenager. Determined to continue his education, he completed his studies at a tutorial technical school.
He was exposed to a wide variety of music from a tender age by two uncles who were themselves aspiring musicians. Every weekend he was treated to new musical offerings, on his uncle's old component set, ranging from Sam Cooke to country and western ballads to Ninja Man, who became one of his musical heroes.
At 10 his favorites included artists as diverse as Ninja Man, Papa San, Charlie Chaplin, Will Smith and KRS-1, all of whose lyrics he would study word-for-word, performing them later for friends.
He decided he wanted to be a deejay and began writing his own lyrics when he was 11. Eager to flaunt his skills, Adidja and his friends frequented the weekly Gong Talent Show at the Coney Amusement Park on the outskirts of Kingston. To their chagrin, they were always gonged off when they got a chance to perform.
Undeterred by his weekly failure to impress the talent show audience, Adidja decided to hone his skills and concentrate on winning over his own community of Waterford until he was ready for bigger things. With that goal in mind, on weekends he would practise on neighborhood sound systems Soul Signal and Electric Force.
In 1993, Adidja recorded his first single, "Love Fat Woman," for Alvin Reid's One Heart Label under the name Adi Banton, a name he chose in tribute to a role model, Buju Banton. He recorded several more tracks for local producers, perfecting his craft.
In 1996 he and two friends, Mr. Lee and a singer called Escobar, decided to form a group. One night, after watching a movie about Pablo Escobar and his infamous cartel, Adidja came up with a name for his trio: Vibes Cartel.
Vybz Kartel's new role as Killer's protege caught the attention of the public and led to a meteoric career rise, first as a ghost-writer for Bounty, Elephant Man and other members of the Scare Dem Crew, followed by collaborations with Bounty Killer, such as "Gal Clown" and "Girls Like Mine (Liquid Riddim)."
He came into his own with early hits like "Gun Clown," "Guns Like Mine (Trafalga Riddim)," "Badman (Panty Raid Riddim)," "Bus Mi Gun Like Nuttn," "Most High (Mexican Riddim)" and "War Organizer (Clappas Riddim)." He also had a string of successful collaborations with Wayne Marshall, including "New Millennium (Mad Antz Riddim)," "Why (Krazy Riddim)" and "Why Again (Good To Go Riddim)." This unprecedented debut led to Vybz Kartel being crowned 2002 Deejay of the Year at Stone Love's 30th anniversary, a feat unmatched by any new artist in dancehall.
Kartel has--aside from incredible rhymes and subtle, clever pop culture references--a unique lyrical flow all his own. It is to be noted that Kartel rarely does dance "chunes" along the lines of Elephant man or Beenie Man. Nevertheless, he has already had several high-profile collaborations with international hip-hop and pop stars, and is being touted as the next big thing in dancehall.
In terms of singles sold, he has had the second-best year on the 2003 reggae charts, outsold only by Elephant Man, and has released two albums this year for UK label Greensleeves. He was featured twice on the Def Jamaica project, and nominated for Source, VIBE and UK MOBO awards. His MOBO nominations, along with those of Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Sizzla, were subsequently withdrawn over concerns of homophobia, a common issue with dancehall reggae in general.
His video for "New Millennium/Why," with Wayne Marshall, though decidedly low-budget, has seen play on MTV. His underground following is so large that a bootleg version of, in his own words, "a very, very low budget film" made in 2001 has begun circulating. He has two albums, several mixtapes and a prolific library of singles.
In 2005, Vybz and Bountkiller fell out after Vybz preformed a song with Di Angel, Beenie's former girl, "Yuh Know Yuh Baby Father." Vybz walked out of the Alliance. Aidonia also left, because he took Vybz side, falling out with Busy Signal and making the song "Adid A Mi Daddy Who Wa Vex Wan Vex." It was said Vybz took side with Beenie by showing up at his wedding. Vybz said Beenie was his artist and would not and that's as far as it went. Afterwards, he and Movado which led to throwing of words through songs like "Movado di Failla," "Them Start War and Dead" and "Them a Pu@#* Pon di Battle." But this mis happas only made Mr.Palmer express his war side.
Vybz is the head of the territorial gangland in Portmore known as the Gaza and Mavado is the same for the Gully. Due to their feud a physical war arose between people in the two areas. Fans loyal to each artist have taken part as well. Their fan base in the youths has been seen, as entire schools claiming to be Gully or Gaza supporters have been known not just in Jamaica but in other Caribbean countries such as Trinidad to break out into physical war resulting in stabbings and street fights.
Following the 2009 Summit of the Americas the Jamaican government called a meetings between Vybz Kartel and Mavado calling on them to end the war. Since its conclusion both artists have turned away from war songs and focused on different topics, Kartel on women and Mavado on uplifting the people, although both still make songs of all types.
Following differences with record label Greensleeves, Vybz Kartel changed his name to Addi Di Teacha near the end of 2006. All new material he produces will be released under this name. Greensleeves will continue to release his older, unreleased material under the name Vybz Kartel.
He now owns the label Portmore Empire, founded in 2007, on which releases new deejays' music. To clear up why this was done he had an interview with Antony Miller. "If I had join Moffia House, I would be taking side which I said I would not do," he said.
He owns a rum called STREET VYBZ as well as a condom line called DAGGERING.
Recently, he collaborated with artists like D.I. aka Daniel and Di Angel--Beenie man's former wife. But that's another story...
In 2011 Kartel has recently come under fire for bleaching his skin, something that is frowned upon in Jamaican culture and even Kartel spoken against it in past songs. He has come under even more fire for his rumored involvement in devil worship with a satanic group known as the Illuminati, which is known to have other popular musicains such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna.
Day Rave
Vybz Kartel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say mi cool & refreshing like lemonade
Just a likkle touch & dem a celebrate
'Pose shi did a get di sittn everyday?
Long piece a hood fi yuh tight hole
Balls inna yuh mouth gyal, bite dull
She say me bright, mi say "Light bulb"
Plus mi clean to mi step like Pine-sol
Gyal if yuh ugly
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave
Yeh man dis a Day Rave
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Weh mi thugs deh? P pow Pow a AK
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
Shi cum seven time pan a backshot
When shi done hear har "Bap bap"
To di Swag Shop, link Drop Top
Fresh fresh, jump out, hopscotch
To di club, Dancehall, tun e' up
Leave if yuh bruk, get yuh money up
Wi a winner wi nuh si no runner up
When wi leff out a di club wi a go fuck
Mek mi grab yuh pussy, just a likkle touch
Pop a bokkle babes, moggle fi mi nuh
Badmind gyal a watch yuh, weh di fuck!?
Dem inna knock off, dem inna old bruk
Gyal if yuh ugly
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave
Yeh man dis a Day Rave
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Weh mi thugs deh? P pow Pow a AK
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
Champagne campaign, vote fi mi
Boat ride, bare gyal pon di boat fi mi
Inna tights, inna shorts, of course mini
Cuh deh, watch deh smooth like porcelain
Money pull up, Pound mi no throw shillings
Six Baiji, Five Guyanese, Four Trini
Party buck up, get aneda amps
Weh mi gyal a Curacao? Via Netherlands
A mi gyal a Guadeloupe seh she live a France
Come a Jamaica fi get inna di daddy pants
Bring yuh cousin, bring yuh fren
Bring a bag a fans
Anyweh yuh si mi yuh si clans
Gyal if yuh ugly
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave
Yeh man dis a Day Rave
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Weh mi thugs deh? P pow Pow a AK
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
Mek mi tell yuh bout di 3rd verse now
Back to di hotel, pull yuh girl skirt down
Fire inna di belly, yeh di Worl' burn down
She a moan dat a pleasure yuh
Fi know how it sound
Turn round, ice it up, back down, underneath
Har bat a bruise- blue, black, brown
Shi leff e' Gaza, shi a go through Rat Town
Sivva stop di fren, yuh a gwaan up, gwaan now
Turn round, ice it up, back down, underneath
Har bat a bruise- blue, black, brown
Shi leff e' Gaza, shi a go through Rat Town
Sivva stop di fren, yuh a gwaan up, gwaan now
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave
Yeh man dis a Day Rave
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Weh mi thugs deh? P pow Pow a AK
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
The lyrics to Vybz Kartel's song "Day Rave" express a celebration of confidence and attractiveness, accompanied by a lively party atmosphere. The song starts by highlighting the artist's appeal to women, comparing himself to the refreshing taste of lemonade. He suggests that just a small interaction with him leads to celebration, questioning if the woman had been missing out on this experience every day. The mention of his "long piece a hood" and the provocative act of the woman biting on his genitals imply a sexual encounter. The lyrics also emphasize the artist's brightness and cleanliness, using the analogy of a light bulb and Pine-sol to suggest his radiant personality and hygiene.
The chorus focuses on the exclusion of unattractive individuals from the "Day Rave." It sets a standard for the attendees to be hot and to have a confident, bare face. The lyrics suggest that if a person is not physically appealing, they should not attend the event. However, the artist adds that attractiveness is not limited to daytime; if a person is attractive at night, they are still welcome. The lyrics also reference the presence of the artist's "thugs" and the use of AK-47 rifles, projecting a sense of toughness and dominance.
The following verse describes the sexual prowess of the artist, boasting that a woman reached orgasm seven times during a particular sexual position. The lyrics then mention going to the "Swag Shop" and hopping out of a car, connecting the sexual conquest to the celebration at the Day Rave. The artist suggests leaving the club only to engage in further sexual activity after the party. He also mentions grabbing a woman's genitals and drinking from a bottle, portraying a sexually charged and indulgent lifestyle. The lyrics criticize women who envy and watch with ill intentions, describing them as wearing imitation products and being downgraded.
The final verse discusses the artist's lifestyle beyond the Day Rave, involving luxurious experiences such as a champagne campaign and boat rides filled with attractive women. The lyrics mention money being spent, different nationalities of women present, and the artist's connections around the world. The verses depict sexual encounters with women from various countries. The lyrics also mention physical injuries resulting from sexual activities, portraying an adventurous and possibly rough encounter. Finally, the lyrics reiterate the exclusion of unattractive individuals from the Day Rave and express the artist's desire to control and dominate through the use of firearms.
Overall, the lyrics to "Day Rave" celebrate self-confidence, sexual prowess, material wealth, and a party atmosphere. The song highlights the artist's appeal to women and projects a sense of exclusivity and dominance.
Line by Line Meaning
Gyal a serenade
The singer is attracting the attention of a girl and trying to impress her.
Say mi cool & refreshing like lemonade
The singer describes himself as cool and refreshing, similar to the feeling of drinking lemonade.
Just a likkle touch & dem a celebrate
Even a small interaction with the singer leads to celebrations and excitement.
'Pose shi did a get di sittn everyday?
The artist questions if the girl, who seems attractive, receives attention from someone every day.
Long piece a hood fi yuh tight hole
The artist suggests that he has a large sexual organ for the girl's tight orifice, implying sexual prowess.
Balls inna yuh mouth gyal, bite dull
The singer refers to the act of oral sex, with the girl being encouraged to use her mouth to stimulate him.
She say me bright, mi say "Light bulb"
The girl compliments the singer's intelligence, and he responds with a cheeky comparison to a bright light bulb.
Plus mi clean to mi step like Pine-sol
The artist takes pride in his cleanliness, comparing it to the fresh scent and cleanliness of Pine-sol cleaning product.
Gyal if yuh ugly
If the girl is unattractive,
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave
She is advised not to attend the Day Rave party.
Yeh man dis a Day Rave
This is a Day Rave party.
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
The party is filled with attractive girls without heavy makeup.
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
This is a Day Rave party.
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Even if it is nighttime, the girl is still beautiful.
Weh mi thugs deh? P pow Pow a AK
The singer is asking where his gang members are, indicating that they are armed with a powerfully loud AK-47 gun.
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
They will forcefully take control, just like locking a door with a key.
Shi cum seven time pan a backshot
The girl reaches orgasm seven times during the sexual position known as backshot.
When shi done hear har "Bap bap"
After the sexual encounter, she hears the sound of clapping or slapping representing the satisfaction achieved.
To di Swag Shop, link Drop Top
They go to the Swag Shop, possibly a clothing store, and meet up with Drop Top.
Fresh fresh, jump out, hopscotch
The artist and his friends confidently and stylishly jump out of the vehicle, resembling the playful nature of a game of hopscotch.
To di club, Dancehall, tun e' up
They go to the club, specifically a Dancehall venue, and turn up the energy and vibe.
Leave if yuh bruk, get yuh money up
If you don't have money, leave the club and focus on improving your financial situation.
Wi a winner wi nuh si no runner up
They consider themselves winners who don't see any competition.
When wi leff out a di club wi a go fuck
After leaving the club, they intend to engage in sexual activities.
Mek mi grab yuh pussy, just a likkle touch
The singer wants to sexually touch the girl's genitalia in a pleasurable way.
Pop a bokkle babes, moggle fi mi nuh
The singer requests the girl to open a bottle for him, showing dominance and control.
Badmind gyal a watch yuh, weh di fuck!?
Jealous girls keep an eye on her, expressing the singer's anger and confusion about their behavior.
Dem inna knock off, dem inna old bruk
Those girls are wearing cheap, knock-off items and are in a poor condition.
Champagne campaign, vote fi mi
The artist promotes his campaign of celebrating with champagne and urges others to support him.
Boat ride, bare gyal pon di boat fi mi
During a boat ride event, the singer expects to have many attractive girls on the boat with him.
Inna tights, inna shorts, of course mini
The girls can wear tight or short clothing, and of course, something mini or revealing.
Cuh deh, watch deh smooth like porcelain
The artist presents a girl, who appears to have smooth skin like porcelain, as an example of attractiveness.
Money pull up, Pound mi no throw shillings
The artist emphasizes his ability to throw around larger currency denominations like British pounds instead of smaller coins like shillings.
Six Baiji, Five Guyanese, Four Trini
The artist mentions the nationalities of girls he has been involved with, likely showcasing his experiences and diversity.
Party buck up, get aneda amps
At the party, the energy and excitement increase even more.
Weh mi gyal a Curacao? Via Netherlands
The artist wonders where his girl from Curacao is, indicating her connection to the Netherlands.
A mi gyal a Guadeloupe seh she live a France
The singer claims to have a girl from Guadeloupe who resides in France.
Come a Jamaica fi get inna di daddy pants
The girl from Guadeloupe came to Jamaica to engage in sexual activity with the singer.
Bring yuh cousin, bring yuh fren
The singer encourages the girl to bring her cousin and friend along with her.
Bring a bag a fans
The artist suggests bringing a lot of fans, possibly referring to enthusiastic supporters or literal fans for comfort.
Anyweh yuh si mi yuh si clans
Wherever you see the artist, you also see his followers or close associates.
Mek mi tell yuh bout di 3rd verse now
The singer introduces the third verse and is about to provide further information.
Back to di hotel, pull yuh girl skirt down
They return to the hotel and engage in sexual activity, specifically involving the girl removing her skirt.
Fire inna di belly, yeh di Worl' burn down
Both the artist and the girl experience intense passion and desire, as if the entire world is on fire.
She a moan dat a pleasure yuh
The girl's moaning signifies that she is enjoying the sexual pleasure caused by the artist.
Fi know how it sound
To understand how good it feels.
Sivva stop di fren, yuh a gwaan up, gwaan now
The singer tells someone named Sivva to stop being a friend and encourages them to act or behave in a certain way.
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave
The same advisory statement is repeated about not coming to the Day Rave party.
Yeh man dis a Day Rave
Once again, it is emphasized that this is a Day Rave party.
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
The Day Rave party consists of attractive girls without heavy makeup on their faces.
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
The repetition confirms that this is indeed a Day Rave party.
Weh mi thugs deh? P pow Pow a AK
The artist asks the whereabouts of his gang members and mentions the sound of a gunshot from a powerful AK-47 gun.
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
They will forcefully take control, just like locking a door with a key.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Denelson Joseph
Gyal a serenade
Say mi cool & refreshing like lemonade
Just a likkle touch & dem a celebrate
'Pose shi did a get di sittn everyday?
Long piece a hood fi yuh tight hole
Balls inna yuh mouth gyal, [?]
She say me bright, mi say "Light bulb"
Plus mi clean to mi step like Pinesol
[Chorus]
Gyal if yuh ugly
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Weh mi thugs deh? P-Pow Pow a AK
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
Lyrics continue below
FEATURED VIDEOLast.fm's Top Pop Tracks
[Verse 1]
Shi cum seven time pan a backshot
When shi done hear har "Bap bap"
To di Swag Shop, limk Drop Top
Fresh fresh, jump out, hopscotch
To di club, Dancehall, tun e' up
Leave if yuh bruk, get yuh money up
Wi a winner wi nuh si no runner up
When wi leff out a di club wi a go fuck
Mek mi grab yuh pussy, just a likkle touch
Pop a bokkle babes, moggle fi mi nuh
Badmind gyal a watch yuh, weh di fuck!?
Dem inna knock off, dem inna Umbro
[Chorus]
Gyal if yuh ugly
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Weh mi thugs deh? P-Pow Pow a AK
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
[Verse 2]
Champagne campaign, vote fi mi
Boat ride, bare gyal pon di boat fi mi
Inna tights, inna shorts, of course {?]
Cuh deh, watch deh smooth like [?]
Money pull up, Pound mi no throw [?]
Six Baiji, Five Guyanese, Four Trini
Party buck up, get aneda amps
Weh mi gyal a Curacao? [?] Netherlands
A mi gyal a Guadeloupe seh she live a France
Come a Jamaica fi get inna di daddy pants
Bring yuh cousin, bring yuh fren, bring a bag a fans
Anyweh yuh si mi yuh si clans
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Mek mi tell yuh bout di 3rd verse now
Back to di hotel, pull yuh girl skirt down
Fire inna di belly, yeh di Worl' burn down
She a moan dat a pleasure yuh fi know how it sound
Turn round, ice it up, back down, underneath har bat a bruise- blue, black, brown
Shi leff e' Gaza, shi a go through Rat Town
Sivva stop di fren, yuh a gwaan up, gwaan now
Turn round, ice it up, back down, underneath har bat a bruise- blue, black, brown
Shi leff e' Gaza, shi a go through Rat Town
Sivva stop di fren, yuh a gwaan up, gwaan now
[Chorus]
Doh come a Day Rave, dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Every hot gyal, brawling bare face
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
And if a nigh time, gyal yuh pretty same way
Dis a Day Rave, yeh man dis a Day Rave
Weh mi thugs deh? P-Pow Pow a AK
Take weh di key, wi a lock e' same way
Crushroadmusic
Vybz Kartel Still Running Dancehall, Who Else Agree???🔥🔥🔥
Tevin Hall
A cooda who else?!!!!!!!!!!
julz char
Bare facking 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯
SyntaxRadio
Every one
mahallfresh tv 🥶🥶
🎉
december rain
Me💥🔥🙋♂️
Memories Reggae Music
This song will never get old
Xile TheArtist
There's no artist in the history of music can do what Vybz Kartel doing. Man is the GREATEST!!! #DayRave 2022 🔥
PRIORITY AUTO LLC
This man is too talented, his lyrical flow is unmatched. He has a way of including every place in his songs and he does it with such surgical precision. Oh how I wish everyone could understand his flow.
Worl Boss to di world!!!!
Areiba Edwards
SPOT ONNNNNNNNN COMMENT !!!!!