Even behind bars, Vybz Kartel continues to rule the dancehall world.
As 2025 winds down, Kartel’s Viking (Vybz Is King) 10th Anniversary Edition has officially become the highest-selling dancehall album released this year, standing as the only dancehall project to debut on the U.S. Billboard Reggae Albums chart in 2025.
A Decade Later, Still Dominating
The deluxe 11-track reissue peaked at No. 10 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart dated February 15, 2025, marking Kartel’s 11th career entry on the chart. Released on January 31 via Adidjahiem Records/TJ Records, the project moved just under 2,000 equivalent album units in its first week — more than any other dancehall release this year, despite conflicting reports elsewhere.
New Tracks, Same Greatness
The anniversary edition breathed new life into the 2015 classic with seven brand-new songs, including God Is The Greatest and Porn Flick featuring Ishawna — both of which shot to No. 1 on the U.S. Reggae iTunes chart upon release.
Another standout, Amout, also topped the YouTube Jamaica Chart, proving that Kartel’s global fanbase remains unstoppable.
From 2015 to 2025 — The King Still Reigns
Originally released in March 2015 while Kartel was incarcerated, Viking (Vybz Is King) climbed as high as No. 3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart at the time.
Fueled by fan favorites like Unstoppable and Gon’ Get Better — the latter later sampled by Fifth Harmony — the project became one of Kartel’s most influential works, solidifying his title as “The World Boss.”
Since its debut, the album has now surpassed 40 million streams on Spotify, ranking among his top 10 most-played releases on the platform.
A Clear Win for Dancehall
In a year when few dancehall projects made waves on international charts, Viking (Vybz Is King) stands as proof of Kartel’s enduring impact.
Even a decade after its original release, his voice, vision, and influence continue to shape the genre — from Kingston to California.
The other dancehall albums released in 2025 — including additional sets from Kartel himself — sold fewer than 500 U.S. units in their opening weeks and failed to chart. Yet Viking (Vybz Is King) defied the odds once again, showing that the crown still belongs to the Gaza boss.
The Legacy Lives On
Ten years later, Viking isn’t just an album — it’s a statement.
A reminder that even when silenced, Kartel’s influence can’t be contained.
As 2025 ends, one thing is clear: the throne hasn’t moved — Vybz Kartel is still king.
