2025 may just be getting started, but Vybz Kartel already has plans for new music — including a collaboration with one of music’s hottest female rappers: Cardi B.
Speaking with Billboard‘s Kyle Denis for a cover story chronicling the days leading up to his blockbuster Freedom Street concert in Kingston, Jamaica, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel gave Cardi B her flowers and teased a forthcoming collaboration.
“I love Cardi! We got a song coming out next year,” he revealed. “We are actually in the process of writing it. Even if I have to walk, I’m performing that song in New York!”
Last summer, Vybz Kartel walked out of prison a free man after serving 13 years of a now-overturned life sentence for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. During his incarceration, Kartel suffered several health complications including thyroid issues and a Graves’ disease diagnosis. After Kartel’s release, pictures showing how the autoimmune disease altered his appearance started circulating the Internet, and Cardi B quickly came to his defense against nasty trolls.
“I do not play about f—king Vybz Kartel,” the Grammy-winning rapper said in an X Spaces. “When I see y’all talking about f—king Vybz Kartel, I be getting upset ’cause, like, not too much. Not too f—king much. Mind your f—king business. I do not play about f—king Vybz Kartel, b—h. At all. At all. I do not, I do not, I do not.”
A few months later, the “WAP” rapper continued to show love to Kartel. “I want to make the most perfect, beautiful, amazing song with Vybz Kartel,” she said on Instagram Live. “He’s really my favorite artist. He’s literally my No. 1 artist. My favorite artist in the whole wide world.” In another live session, Cardi told Latin Grammy-nominated producer Rvssian to “cook up the best motherf—king song” for her and Worl’ Boss.”
Cardi B has ventured into dancehall in the past, joining forces with Konshens and Tina (Hoodcelebrityy) for “Back It Up,” a cut from her 2017 Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 2 mixtape. She and Tina linked up again later that year for “Island Girls.” In 2021, she threw a dancehall-themed 29th birthday party that saw Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion and Teyana Taylor dressed in their best dancehall fashions.
Kartel, of course, is no stranger to crossover collaborations. The Grammy-nominated DJ has collaborated with hip-hop heavyweights such as Busta Rhymes, Nicki Minaj, Fivio Foreign and XXXTENTACION.
Perhaps Kartel and Cardi can further discuss their upcoming collaboration at next month’s Grammys (Feb. 2), where both are nominated. Kartel is gunning for his first career Grammy for best reggae album (2024’s Party With Me), while Cardi is competing in best rap performance for her 2024 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit “Enough (Miami)” (No. 9).
The ceremony will air from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 2.
