Vybz Kartel (born Adidja Palmer, Jan. 7, 1976) is a Jamaican dancehall deej… Read Full Bio ↴Vybz Kartel (born Adidja Palmer, Jan. 7, 1976) is a Jamaican dancehall deejay.
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.
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.
a dem alone
Vybz Kartel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Up to di time
Dem fi know seh a Kartel di war angel
Buss di bomboclaat haskell and bwoy
Blood run red like pastel
Some bwoy a do talk shootin' you
Know we walk by shootin' jam 2
If a dem alone, nobody nuh dead
If a we alone, everyday another marrow spread
Mr laing and bigga ford cyaa
Save yuh big head and if Adams inna yuh bed
Yo a yawn him a dead
Execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Jam 2
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
When mi guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Man mi nuh powder like Johnson & Johnson
Buss dat gun like Charles Branson
Double mouth Thompson
Mi nuh use strength like Sampson
Copper from outta di six pans-son
Crush yuh like a ants-son
Mi nuh warn man twice nor once-son
Bullet a run yuh dung like Ben Johnson
Black talon romance-son
From Connecticut to Wisconsin
Me and Jam 2 deh murda people
Drive dung inna we vehicle
Teflons inna yuh neck, pull out yuh tonsil
Neva yuh tek badman fi Daffy duck nor
Waterford buss di magnum like kitchen utensil
Bascom X wi' stab you up wid a pencil
Inna di execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Kartel
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
When mi guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Mi cock di hammer, squeeze di
Trigga, freeze di nigga, bwoy dead off
Black talon lick a leg off
Pumpy pebbles tek a head off
One a dem escape inna di Gully, run gone a
When him come back him ago dead
Waterford ago kill him off
Bwoy a seh dem want fi kill mi fuss
Joke him wah give off
Run yuh joke so till yuh mek
Mi mac 90 rifle laugh
Everybody stifle off when mi
Tek yuh title off, yuh wife a laugh
Me a fuck yuh wife, me a tek yuh life
Inna di execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Waterhouse
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
Tivoli guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Man mi nuh powder like Johnson & Johnson
Buss dat gun like Charles Branson
Double mouth Thompson
Mi nuh use strength like Sampson
Copper from outta di six pans-son
Crush yuh like a ants-son
Mi nuh warn man twice nor once-son
Bullet a run yuh dung like Ben Johnson
Black talon romance-son
From Connecticut to Wisconsin
Me and Baby G murda people
Drive dung inna we vehicle
Teflons inna yuh neck, pull out yuh tonsil
Neva yuh tek badman fi Daffy duck nor
Granich Farm buss di magnum
Like kitchen utensil
Southside man wi' stab you up wid a pencil
Bwoy dead off
If a dem alone, nobody nuh dead
If a we alone, everyday another marrow spread
Mr laing and bigga ford cyaa
Save yuh big head and if Adams inna yuh bed
Yo a yawn him a dead
Execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Greater Portmore
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
Redhill guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Cock di hammer, squeeze di
Trigga, freeze di nigga, bwoy dead off
Black talon lick a leg off
Pumpy pebbles tek a head off
One a dem escape inna di Gully, run gone a
When him come back him ago dead
Bascom X ago kill him off
Bwoy a seh dem want fi kill mi fuss
Joke him wah give off
Run yuh joke so till yuh mek
Mi mac 90 rifle laugh
Everybody stifle off when mi
Tek yuh title off, yuh wife a laugh
Me a fuck yuh wife, me a tek yuh life
Dem fi know seh a Kartel di war angel
Buss di bomboclaat haskell and bwoy
Blood run red like pastel
Some bwoy a do talk shootin' you
Know we walk by shootin' jam 2
If a dem alone, nobody nuh dead
Mr laing and bigga ford cyaa
Save yuh big head and if Adams inna yuh bed
Yo a yawn him a dead
Execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Jam 2
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
When mi guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Man mi nuh powder like Johnson & Johnson
Buss dat gun like Charles Branson
Double mouth Thompson
Mi nuh use strength like Sampson
Copper from outta di six pans-son
Crush yuh like a ants-son
Mi nuh warn man twice nor once-son
Bullet a run yuh dung like Ben Johnson
Black talon romance-son
From Connecticut to Wisconsin
Me and Jam 2 deh murda people
Drive dung inna we vehicle
Teflons inna yuh neck, pull out yuh tonsil
Neva yuh tek badman fi Daffy duck nor
Waterford buss di magnum like kitchen utensil
Bascom X wi' stab you up wid a pencil
Inna di execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Kartel
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
When mi guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Mi cock di hammer, squeeze di
Trigga, freeze di nigga, bwoy dead off
Black talon lick a leg off
Pumpy pebbles tek a head off
One a dem escape inna di Gully, run gone a
When him come back him ago dead
Waterford ago kill him off
Bwoy a seh dem want fi kill mi fuss
Joke him wah give off
Run yuh joke so till yuh mek
Mi mac 90 rifle laugh
Everybody stifle off when mi
Tek yuh title off, yuh wife a laugh
Me a fuck yuh wife, me a tek yuh life
Inna di execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Waterhouse
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
Tivoli guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Man mi nuh powder like Johnson & Johnson
Buss dat gun like Charles Branson
Double mouth Thompson
Mi nuh use strength like Sampson
Copper from outta di six pans-son
Crush yuh like a ants-son
Mi nuh warn man twice nor once-son
Bullet a run yuh dung like Ben Johnson
Black talon romance-son
From Connecticut to Wisconsin
Me and Baby G murda people
Drive dung inna we vehicle
Teflons inna yuh neck, pull out yuh tonsil
Neva yuh tek badman fi Daffy duck nor
Granich Farm buss di magnum
Like kitchen utensil
Southside man wi' stab you up wid a pencil
Bwoy dead off
If a dem alone, nobody nuh dead
If a we alone, everyday another marrow spread
Mr laing and bigga ford cyaa
Save yuh big head and if Adams inna yuh bed
Yo a yawn him a dead
Execution, chattin' a dem problem
Gunshot a dem solution
Black talon mi fling fi bore dem out like
Dem nuh have no gun a seh
Dem ready fi start a revolution
Mi come to a conclusion, Greater Portmore
Execution, teflon inna dem head lick
Out dem feelings and emotion
Copper by di portion cyaa
Cool wid purple lotion
Redhill guns in motion
Blood running like di ocean
Dung inna di execution
Cock di hammer, squeeze di
Trigga, freeze di nigga, bwoy dead off
Black talon lick a leg off
Pumpy pebbles tek a head off
One a dem escape inna di Gully, run gone a
When him come back him ago dead
Bascom X ago kill him off
Bwoy a seh dem want fi kill mi fuss
Joke him wah give off
Run yuh joke so till yuh mek
Mi mac 90 rifle laugh
Everybody stifle off when mi
Tek yuh title off, yuh wife a laugh
Me a fuck yuh wife, me a tek yuh life
The lyrics to Vybz Kartel's song "A Dem Alone" depict a violent and confrontational stance, highlighting the artist's dominance and prowess in the realm of warfare. The song opens with the declaration that Kartel is the "war angel," capable of causing bloodshed and mayhem. He contrasts his own deadly actions with others who only engage in empty talk and boasts about shooting.
Kartel asserts that if it is him alone, there will be constant violence and death, contrasting with others who are unable to cause any harm. He mentions specific individuals like Mr. Laing and Bigga Ford, warning them to save themselves as their lives are in danger. He claims that even if Adams is present, he will meet his demise. From Kartel's perspective, execution and violence are the solutions to the problems presented by his enemies.
The lyrics continue to emphasize Kartel's aggression and lack of mercy. He describes himself as a powerful force who can crush his enemies like ants. His weapons, like the Black Talon bullets, are portrayed as instruments of romance and passion, spreading blood like an ocean. He taunts his adversaries, asserting his control over their lives, stating that he will take their titles, their wives, and even their lives.
Throughout the song, Kartel refers to specific locations, such as Waterford, Granich Farm, and Tivoli, further emphasizing his influence and control in these areas. He collaborates with Baby G, highlighting their joint activities in murdering people and driving around in their vehicle. The lyrics reinforce the notion that violence is the only means to establish dominance and control.
Overall, "A Dem Alone" showcases Vybz Kartel's aggressive and confrontational persona, using vivid imagery and graphic descriptions to convey a message of power and dominance through violence.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
@sirstookie2k6
Classic!!!
@lamoydrysdale4060
love dis song badddd world bosss
@gaza_g_city
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@delonthomas2772
Its old school gaza mi say
@orlandofarson8650
This beat funny lokey in the beginning
@zoiahargrove9500
can Anybody from the Islands help me find this vybz kartell song ...I dont know the name of it but he keeps reapeating the word dead dead dead real fast in Loud it got gunshot sounds in the background.....
@andrebrown2532
Vybz Kartel daddy devil 😈
@lamoydrysdale4060
Zoia Hargrove it daddy devil
@sb25549
video buttons is nt on display
@antwandarellefenton
4th Jan 20