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.
One Way
Vybz Kartel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To St. James
Portmore
Yow Din Din, yow Atto
Money & pussy a the motto
Real hustler, nuh affi win di lotto
Money eva deh ya, ye we got you
Spanish gyal nyam the taco
Put me pon a platto den mi dig like Chapo
Japanese gyal get dezฤto
You buk di buddy good? Arigato
Gregory Park, R.I.P Capo
Real top killa, badda dan di Gestapos
Violate the Teacha him a shot yu
Every bullet inna di clip coming at yu
Bublie, mi gad dat
Anyweh, nuh weh far, map dat
One don, WorlBoss, top top
St.James, why pree? Chop chop
Mi a live life only one way
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
Yow Likkle Vybz, Likkle Addi
Watch di road, pree everybody
Nuff hypocrite don't like yuh daddy
Dem a move Sly, we a Robby
Mek sure seh a hustle a yuh hobby
Gwan floss, get catty
Don't trust dem, nuh true dem have crotches
Gyal run program wicked
Cold like man neda day inna di office
Listen me, don't be nuh gunman
Mi wi do the killing & pile dead body
Leff some a road, bury some fi the maggage
Heartless, man cruel & savage
Bublie, mi gad dat
Anyweh, nuh weh far, map dat
One don, WorlBoss, top top
St.James, why pree? Chop chop
Mi a live life only one way
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
Yow Din Din, yow Atto
Money & pussy a the motto
Real hustler, nuh affi win di lotto
Money eva deh ya, ye we got you
Woman eva deh ya fi we cock up
Spanish gyal nyam the taco
Put me pon a platto den mi dig like Chapo
Japanese gyal get dezฤto
You buk di buddy good? Arigato
Gregory Park, R.I.P Capo
Real top killa, badda dan di Gestapos
Violate the Teacha him a shot yu
Every bullet inna di clip coming at yu
Bublie, mi gad dat
Anyweh, nuh weh far, map dat
One don, WorlBoss, top top
St.James, why pree? Chop chop
Mi a live life only one way
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
The song "One Way" by Vybz Kartel is an energetic and catchy dancehall track that speaks to the artist's life philosophy and experiences. The song begins with a greeting to his friends Din Din and Atto, followed by the assertion that "money and pussy" are his motto. Kartel then describes himself as a real hustler who doesn't have to win the lottery to have money. He also makes it clear that women are always around for his pleasure, whether it's a Jamaican, Spanish, or Japanese woman, and he highlights how he satisfies each of them. Additionally, he pays tribute to Capo, a friend of his who passed away, and positions himself as a "top killa" who is not to be messed with.
Kartel's chorus shows his determination to live life on his own terms, hustling until he is old and gray. He emphasizes that he and his crew won't accept a situation that doesn't pay them, and he affirms his desire to ensure that none of his "dawgs" ever go hungry. He repeats this sentiment three times throughout the song, which underscores its importance to him. The second verse includes a message to his children, Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi, advising them to "watch di road" and avoid being hypocrites. He encourages them and his listeners to make hustle a hobby, to flaunt their wealth, and to be cautious around people they don't trust. He underscores his ruthlessness by describing killing people and piling up their dead bodies, highlighting his heartlessness and cruelty.
Line by Line Meaning
Teacha
Vybz Kartel, the self-proclaimed teacher, is beginning his song
To St. James
A reference to the parish in Jamaica, where Vybz Kartel is from
Portmore
Another location reference, Portmore is a suburb in Jamaica
Yow Din Din, yow Atto
Vybz Kartel greets his associates Din Din and Atto
Money & pussy a the motto
Money and sex are Vybz Kartel's main priorities
Real hustler, nuh affi win di lotto
Vybz Kartel is a true hustler who doesn't need to win the lottery to make money
Money eva deh ya, ye we got you
Money is always available and Vybz Kartel has it covered
Woman eva deh ya fi we cock up
Women are always around for sexual pleasure
Spanish gyal nyam the taco
A reference to Spanish women performing oral sex
Put me pon a platto den mi dig like Chapo
If Vybz Kartel is put on a plate, he will perform like the infamous drug lord El Chapo
Japanese gyal get dezฤto
A reference to Japanese women getting dessert (dezฤto) after sex
You buk di buddy good? Arigato
If you have sex well with a Japanese woman, Vybz Kartel will say thank you in Japanese (arigato)
Gregory Park, R.I.P Capo
A reference to a deceased friend of Vybz Kartel who was known as Capo
Real top killa, badda dan di Gestapos
Vybz Kartel is a strong and deadly person, even more so than the Gestapo (Nazi Secret Police)
Violate the Teacha him a shot yu
If you disrespect Vybz Kartel, he will shoot you
Every bullet inna di clip coming at yu
If Vybz Kartel shoots you, he will use every bullet in his gun
Bublie, mi gad dat
Vybz Kartel affirms his agreement with previous statements
Anyweh, nuh weh far, map dat
Vybz Kartel will travel anywhere and is not afraid of distance
One don, WorlBoss, top top
Vybz Kartel is the boss of his world and is on top
St.James, why pree? Chop chop
A reference to the violence in St. James and the need to act quickly to avoid danger
Mi a live life only one way
Vybz Kartel lives his life with only one approach
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
Vybz Kartel will continue to hustle until he is old and gray
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
Vybz Kartel will ensure that none of his friends go hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
Vybz Kartel is not interested in pursuing actions that do not bring him money
Yow Likkle Vybz, Likkle Addi
Vybz Kartel addresses his sons, Little Vybz and Little Addi
Watch di road, pree everybody
Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for everyone
Nuff hypocrite don't like yuh daddy
Many people will not like you simply because you are associated with Vybz Kartel
Dem a move Sly, we a Robby
Others may be slick, but Vybz Kartel and his associates are more sly and cunning
Mek sure seh a hustle a yuh hobby
Make sure that hustling is your passion or hobby
Gwan floss, get catty
Be flashy and showy, get women
Don't trust dem, nuh true dem have crotches
Do not trust people because they have genitals, they may still be untrustworthy
Gyal run program wicked
Women can be wicked and manipulative
Cold like man neda day inna di office
Women can be as cold as a man you may work with
Listen me, don't be nuh gunman
Vybz Kartel advises his listeners not to resort to violence
Mi wi do the killing & pile dead body
If necessary, Vybz Kartel will kill and dispose of the body
Leff some a road, bury some fi the maggage
Some bodies will be left on the road, while others will be buried in the trunk of a car
Heartless, man cruel & savage
Vybz Kartel is ruthless and savage
Mi a live life only one way
Re-emphasizing that he only lives his life one way
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
Re-emphasizing that he will keep hustling until old age
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
Re-emphasizing that none of his friends should go hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
Re-emphasizing that he is not interested in pursuing actions that do not generate money
Yow Din Din, yow Atto
Vybz Kartel greets his associates Din Din and Atto again
Money & pussy a the motto
Repeating the idea that money and sex are his main priorities
Real hustler, nuh affi win di lotto
Repeating that he is a real hustler who doesn't need luck to make money
Money eva deh ya, ye we got you
Repeating the idea that money is always available and he has it covered
Woman eva deh ya fi we cock up
Repeating the idea that women are always around for sexual pleasure
Spanish gyal nyam the taco
Repeating the idea that Spanish women perform oral sex
Put me pon a platto den mi dig like Chapo
Repeating that if Vybz Kartel is put on a plate, he will perform like El Chapo
Japanese gyal get dezฤto
Repeating the idea that Japanese women get dessert after sex
You buk di buddy good? Arigato
Repeating that he will say thank you in Japanese if someone performs well during sex
Gregory Park, R.I.P Capo
Repeating the reference to his deceased friend
Real top killa, badda dan di Gestapos
Repeating that he is a top killer, stronger than the Gestapo
Violate the Teacha him a shot yu
Repeating that if someone disrespects him, he will shoot them
Every bullet inna di clip coming at yu
Repeating that he will use all of his bullets on someone if he shoots them
Writer(s): Adidja Palmer, Mario Hemmings, Atto Wallace
Contributed by Chase R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jacobboer4822
One Way Lyrics
[Intro]
Teacha
To St. James
Portmore
[Verse 1]
Yow Din Din, yow Atto
Money & pussy a the motto
Real hustler, nuh affi win di lotto
Money eva deh ya, ye we got you
Woman eva deh ya fi we cock up
Spanish gyal nyam the taco
Put me pon a platto den mi dig you like Chapo
Japanese gyal get dezฤto
You buk di buddy good? Arigato
Gregory Park, R.I.P Capo
Real top killa, badda dan di Gestapos
Violate the Teacha him a shot yu
Every bullet inna di clip coming at yu
[Pre-Chorus]
Bublie, mi gad dat
Anyweh, nuh weh far, map dat
One don, WorlBoss, top top
St. James, why pree? Chop chop
[Hook]
Mi a live life only one way
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
[Verse 2]
Yow Likkle Vybz, Likkle Addi
Watch di road, pree everybody
Nuff hypocrite don't like yuh daddy
Dem a move Sly, we a Robby
Mek sure seh a hustle a yuh hobby
Gwan floss, get catty
Don't trust dem, nuh true dem have crotches
Gyal run program wicked
Cold like man neda day inna di office
Listen me, don't be nuh gunman
Mi wi do the killing & pile dead body
Leff some a road, bury some fi the maggage
Heartless, man cruel & savage
[Pre-Chorus]
Bublie, mi gad dat
Anyweh, nuh weh far, map dat
One don, WorlBoss, top top
St. James, why pree? Chop chop
[Hook]
Mi a live life only one way
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We no wa try if it don't pay us
[Verse 1]
Yow Din Din, yow Atto
Money & pussy a the motto
Real hustler, nuh affi win di lotto
Money eva deh ya, ye we got you
Woman eva deh ya fi we cock up
Spanish gyal nyam the taco
Put me pon a platto den mi dig you like Chapo
Japanese gyal get dezฤto
You buk di buddy good? Arigato
Gregory Park, R.I.P Capo
Real top killa, badda dan di Gestapos
Violate the Teacha him a shot yu
Every bullet inna di clip coming at yu
[Pre-Chorus]
Bublie, mi gad dat
Anyweh, nuh weh far, map dat
One don, WorlBoss, top top
St. James, why pree? Chop chop
[Hook]
Mi a live life only one way
Hustle till mi old, till mi tun gray
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
We nuh wah try if it don't pay us
None a my dawgs nuh fi hungry
We no wa try if it don't pay us.
@magicallydelicious7024
his songs are so catchy like how can you not sing to them bless up vybz๐ฏ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
@Wisdom-jn4qb
Of course love you king
@brandireece9725
He's in prison and still providing for his child that's what you call motivation and a great father
@olandomartin5216
๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ
@tonicianelson4640
Real hustler
@keronwilson3694
Mentality different
@daddant.c.g299
You smart๐๐
@Miguel-di-Stinga
This song is legit well put together. Different flow. Lyrics a chop chop
@phoenixduchess2411
Facts
@jaydenc9433
๐ฅ๐ฅ