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.
Solomonic
Vybz Kartel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a high grade angel (yuh know)
So mi ah say yuh kno when I smoke d weed
I'm high next to heaven (christly)
My IQ raise also (intellect)
My intellect, Intelligence
SO MI AH SAY YUH KNOW (wah yaaa sayyyy)
Leme tell yuh sumin
So Solomonic is d chronic
Supersonic, Super tonic
Mekk me speakin' in Islamic
Hieroglyphic and Slavonic
Every atom get atomic every follicle bionic
Head spinnin' cyclonic
Ears ringing telephonic
So sweet and Symphonic
When me grab ah block of Blonic
Spilff big and Iconic, long like a macaronic
Diabolic or perstalical alcholic whey
Yuh fall it
Babylon belong d range shoot up tekk tonic
Blue ride hydrolic stay like it's titanic
Jewish and catholic say me have it more ronic
More chronic Gyalionic make me
Wrap the microphonic
Keep it real mi nuh act it
Like a marriage wey plantonic
We smokin till we look down at D sky
High like the Greeting someone say HI
Dis bwoy ah roll tru high school dayz
Me IQ raise when d High Grade raise
Aye! Like third world I'm committed
To weed Me doh Shitted
Blood witted daz written
It's not counterfitted
D judge still great head
Right tru some half withered
Police grab me spliff head
But I was a quick head
Radio transmitted or fed Ex Remitted
Anywhere dat me sit at
My treez affi refitted
D light when me lighter emitted
It split head but matches got lit head
Still benefitted black head and white head
Treez get lighted
Fire ignited me brain's excited
I'm so delighted fully red sighted
Treez and rizzla and fire united
We smokin till we look down at the sky
High like the greeting Someone say Hi
Dis bwoy ah roll tru high school dayz
Me IQ raise when D high grade raise
In Vybz Kartel's song "Solomonic," he celebrates the positive effects that smoking marijuana has on his mind and spirit. He starts by asserting that when he smokes weed ("yuh know when I smoke d weed"), it takes him to a higher state of consciousness ("I'm high next to heaven"). He believes that his intelligence is enhanced by the herb ("My IQ raise also").
The title "Solomonic" references King Solomon, a figure known for his wisdom in the Bible. By associating the chronic (slang for marijuana) with Solomon, the song suggests that smoking weed can unlock a higher level of wisdom or insight. The lyrics also touch on various cultural and religious references, such as Islamic, Hieroglyphic, Slavonic, Jewish, and Catholic. This hints at the diverse influences that weed can bring about in one's thoughts and perspectives.
Overall, the song portrays smoking marijuana as a positive and enlightening experience. It suggests that it can expand one's intellectual capacity, enhance creativity, and provide a feeling of euphoria and connectedness to a higher power.
Line by Line Meaning
So mi ah say yuh know it's kartelly (timely)
I want to emphasize that I am Vybz Kartel, and my music is relevant and current.
I'm a high grade angel (yuh know)
When I smoke weed, I feel euphoric and connected to a spiritual realm.
So mi ah say yuh kno when I smoke d weed
I want you to understand the effects of smoking weed on my mind and body.
I'm high next to heaven (christly)
When I'm under the influence, I feel like I'm elevated close to heaven.
My IQ raise also (intellect)
Not only do I feel spiritually elevated, but my intelligence also improves.
My intellect, Intelligence
I want to emphasize the enhancement of my intellect through smoking weed.
SO MI AH SAY YUH KNOW (wah yaaa sayyyy)
I want to make it clear that you understand what I'm trying to convey.
Leme tell yuh sumin
Now, let me share some insights with you.
So Solomonic is d chronic
I refer to weed as 'Solomonic' to highlight its importance and potency.
Supersonic, Super tonic
Weed has a powerful and uplifting effect, comparable to being supercharged and energized.
Mekk me speakin' in Islamic
Under the influence of weed, my thoughts and words take on a spiritual quality, akin to Islamic teachings.
Hieroglyphic and Slavonic
The influence of weed allows me to express myself in symbolic and mysterious ways, drawing from ancient Egyptian and Slavic cultures.
Every atom get atomic every follicle bionic
Smoking weed has a transformative effect, making every part of me feel powerful and invigorated.
Head spinnin' cyclonic
My mind becomes intensely active, creating a swirling sensation like a cyclone.
Ears ringing telephonic
My heightened perception makes me more attuned to sounds, and they resonate in my ears like a phone call.
So sweet and Symphonic
The experience of smoking weed is pleasurable and harmonious, like listening to a beautiful symphony.
When me grab ah block of Blonic
When I hold a large quantity of weed, known as 'Blonic,' I feel a sense of power and control.
Spilff big and Iconic, long like a macaronic
The spliff I smoke is significant and iconic, just like my presence and influence in the music industry. It is also large and elongated, reminiscent of a macaroni shape.
Diabolic or perstalical alcholic whey
The effects of weed can be intense and overwhelming, leading to a state of altered consciousness resembling that of an alcoholic.
Yuh fall it
It's easy to succumb to the powerful influence of weed.
Babylon belong d range shoot up tekk tonic
The oppressive system of Babylon falls apart when faced with the strength and power of weed.
Blue ride hydrolic stay like it's titanic
In the presence of weed, even a blue car with hydraulic suspension can withstand challenges and remain strong, just like the Titanic.
Jewish and catholic say me have it more ronic
Even Jewish and Catholic people recognize and appreciate the depth and significance of my weed usage.
More chronic Gyalionic make me
The intense potency of weed, along with the influence of women, drives and motivates me.
Wrap the microphonic
I excel at using the microphone to express myself and share my experiences.
Keep it real mi nuh act it
I maintain authenticity and honesty in my music, never pretending or faking it.
Like a marriage wey plantonic
Similar to a platonic marriage, my commitment to weed is deep and meaningful.
We smokin till we look down at D sky
We smoke weed until we reach such a high state that we can gaze down upon the sky.
High like the Greeting someone say HI
Our level of intoxication is so high that it's comparable to the excitement and energy of greeting someone with a loud 'Hi.'
Dis bwoy ah roll tru high school dayz
I reminisce about my youthful days in high school, where I first discovered the joy of smoking weed.
Me IQ raise when d High Grade raise
My intelligence and mental abilities improve when I smoke high-quality weed.
Aye! Like third world I'm committed
Similar to the commitment of people in the third world, I am dedicated and faithful to weed.
To weed Me doh Shitted
I have never abandoned or betrayed the use of weed.
Blood witted daz written
It is evident in my blood and nature that weed is a fundamental part of me.
It's not counterfitted
The weed I consume is genuine and authentic, not a fake or imitation.
D judge still great head
Despite society's judgment, I am still highly regarded and respected.
Right tru some half withered
Even though some critics may try to diminish my accomplishments, their words hold little weight.
Police grab me spliff head
Law enforcement has tried to confiscate my joint.
But I was a quick head
I reacted swiftly and managed to avoid any consequences or trouble with the police.
Radio transmitted or fed Ex Remitted
My music and message are widely distributed through radio and other media channels, reaching a large audience.
Anywhere dat me sit at
No matter where I am, whether it's a physical or mental space, weed is always present in my thoughts and actions.
My treez affi refitted
I constantly seek out and obtain high-quality weed to maintain my elevated state.
D light when me lighter emitted
The flame produced by my lighter represents the beginning of my smoking session.
It split head but matches got lit head
The sound of the flame igniting the joint sparks a sense of excitement and anticipation within me.
Still benefitted black head and white head
Both black and white individuals can experience the positive effects and benefits of smoking weed.
Treez get lighted
The weed gets ignited and starts to burn.
Fire ignited me brain's excited
The act of smoking weed brings a fire to my brain, stimulating my thoughts and provoking excitement.
I'm so delighted fully red sighted
I am joyfully intoxicated by the weed, and my vision becomes enhanced and vivid.
Treez and rizzla and fire united
The combination of weed, rolling papers (rizzla), and fire create a powerful union and experience.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jahluva2000
This is one of the most original, lyrical, and commited to herb anthems I've heard in a long time. Jah Bless
artie allen
one of my favourite kartel songs, mad respect how he flow on one of the hardest instrumental.
Shevon
Amazing song, amazing album. Truly genius.
neo501no
Song is like poetry words are used not necessarily for the denotative meaning but for the connotation, and sometimes just to draw attention; and if you notice that it was used in the wrong context he did his job, which is to get your attention. This is why I think this guy is a good artist. Example when he said "every follicle bionic". Of course follicles aren't bionic, its just a hyperbole; used to show the enormous benefit he thinks is derived from weed. As opposed to the comments by O'Reilly.
Delon Thomas
That album is untouchable in dancehall anybody who knows a dancehall artise with a album to compare please bring it ah Beth all will crumble before the teachers back Gaza
daniel stone
Inna 2018 an nobody have lyrics like him, really and truly the best of all artiste to ever come out of Jamaica. Donโt debate with me at all.
Prince Taylor
No joke Gaza me seh ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Linford Durrant
Undisputed champion no comparison ๐ฏ๐
neo501no
absolutely, as they say you must know the rule to break it. As I said before this has been done many times in poetry. Every great poet has done it sometime or another. They are just figures of speech. If you just listen to them without analysis they sound stupid but if you think about it, it makes perfect sense.
Allan Taylor
this may be my favorite kartel of all time