Vybz Kartel is celebrating his freedom after being released from prison following a 13-year bid for murder.
The Jamaican dancehall legend was initially sentenced to life in prison in 2014 for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, but his conviction was overturned earlier this year.
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Vybz (real name Adidja Azim Palmer), along with his co-defendants, will not face a retrial, Jamaica’s Court of Appeal ruled on Wednesday (July 31).
Following his release, the 48-year-old posted a video on Instagram of him partying in a limo with his wife. He also shared a screenshot of a news article about his release and wrote: “☺️badmind how yuh feel? [thinking emoji].”
Drake reacts to Vybz Kartel’s freedom pic.twitter.com/KbbW8H7Vdd
— The Tropixs (@Tropixsofficial) July 31, 2024
Vybz’s freedom was also applauded by various figures in the Hip Hop world, most notably Drake.
Drizzy celebrated Kartel’s release from prison by posting a selfie of himself wearing one of the self-proclaimed King of Dancehall’s shirts. He also wrote: “Boss free up now.”
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Nicki Minaj also welcomed Kartel’s release, commenting on his Instagram page: “Welcome home,” while Busta Rhymes — who has worked with the Jamaican star on numerous songs — added: “WORL BOSS THE WORLD IS YOURS KING!! WELCOME HOME!!”
Swizz Beatz, Ty Dolla $ign and Young M.A. also left supporting comments.
Vybz Kartel’s murder conviction was overturned earlier this year after it was revealed that one of the jurors who put him in jail had been bribed and therefore should have been removed from the jury.
Kartel was not initially freed from prison as the Court of Appeal had yet to rule on whether there would be a retrial.
The “Summertime” hitmaker suffered a number of health issues while locked up.
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In June, Lisa Evers of FOX 5 News spoke to his attorney, Isat Buchanan, who revealed that Kartel needed medical help last year.
“Mr. Palmer’s illness is actually life-threatening,” he told the longtime New York journalist. “His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck and that’s how bad it is in this moment.”
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He continued: “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”
Kartel was also kept in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours per day and his attorneys argued he was being prevented from getting clean air.
