A large part of his earnings come from his music; however, Vybz Kartel has managed to maintain and increase his wealth over the years through several business ventures. Some of these ventures include a line of rum and other businesses after which he has branded himself.

Kartel’s first hits came in 1999/2000 with records like “Guns Like Mine” and “Most High.” However, he didn’t really get much recognition as an artist until the early 2000s. He was known for songs with catchy hooks, but it wasn’t until the early days of YouTube that people saw just how talented he really is lyrically due to uploading thousands on top of thousands of tracks on to his own label, Adidjahiem Records.
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Vybz Kartel Net Worth Today
One of the most iconic and controversial figures in dancehall music, Vybz Kartel has a net worth of $2 million as of 2024. Even while behind bars, Kartel has managed to earn through his music royalties, collaborations, and business ventures.
Music Career
Early Beginnings
Vybz Kartel was born Adidja Azim Palmer on January 7, 1976, in Kingston, Jamaica. He began his musical journey in his early teenage years, releasing such singles as “Love Fat Woman” and “Sweet to the Belly,” which started to build his reputation for freaky and witty lyrics.
Rise to Fame
Kartel’s career took off in the early 2000s with a string of hits such as “Clarks” and “Romping Shop.” He was renowned for his ability to meld dancehall with other genres and quickly became a household name. Throughout his music career, Kartel released numerous albums, including:
- Up 2 Di Time (2003)
- The Teacher’s Back (2008)
- Sean Paul, King of the Dancehall (2016)

Category | Details |
---|---|
Net Worth (Estimated) | $5 million to $10 million (varies by source) |
Main Revenue Sources | Music royalties, live performances, businesses, brand endorsements |
Music Sales & Royalties | Revenue from album sales, digital streaming, and royalty payments. |
Business Ventures | Kartel has a clothing line, a record label, and other entrepreneurial ventures. |
Endorsements | Deals with brands related to his image and popularity in the entertainment sector. |
Live Performances | Earnings from concert tours and performances in different countries. |
Real Estate | Ownership of property in Jamaica and possibly other locations. |
Other Assets | Includes investments in businesses and other personal assets. |
Collaborations and Influence
He has already worked with Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Major Lazer, and his music is helping to inspire a new generation of dancehall artists.
Vybz Kartel is presently serving his life sentence in the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre based in Kingston, Jamaica. Meanwhile, even during the time of his imprisonment, Karl has kept recording and releasing music tracks to stay relevant.
What illness does Vybz Kartel have?
Reports are that Kartel has been suffering from Graves’ disease, a condition in which the immune system of the thyroid attacks the body. Since his sentence, he has reportedly been losing weight and having issues with his eyes. None of this seems to have dampened his productivity, though.
Why Was Vybz Kartel Sentenced To Prison?
In 2014, Vybz Kartel was found guilty for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. The trial gained high media coverage for its contentious evidence and possible procedural errors. Kartel got a sentence for life and is eligible for parole after 35 years.

Why is Vybz Kartel so famous?
The main reason why Vybz Kartel is famous is because of his hit songs and some of the controversial songs that he has made before. He is commonly known as the “World Boss,” and his music is known to dominate in almost all parts of the world. Most people like listening to reggae music, specifically that type that talks about life issues, love, and sometimes just telling a story in style, and this is usually what Kartel does on most of his tracks.
Music Revenue Kartel generates a lot of money from his music, which he sells on iTunes, streams, and also concert royalties from behind bars. His songs generate millions of streams per year.
Live Performances (Pre-Incarceration)
Before his arrest, Kartel used to demand top dollar for live performances, as high as $25,000 per show.
Other Revenue Streams:
Kartel has dabbled in business as well; he has launched his own rum and Daggering Condoms, his signature shoe line, “Addi’s.” These too have helped in increasing his money flow.
More Success and Achievements
- Awards: Vybz Kartel has won many awards, like the MOBO and EME Awards.
- Cultural Impact: His influence in dancehall music & Jamaican culture cannot be denied. Many of Kartel’s songs are anthems to people as they reflect real-life issues and struggles.

Movies & Media Appearances
- Apart from music, Kartel has made some investments in other industries. He is the owner of “Vybz Rum” and “Street Vybz Rum,” which he co-owns with Corey Todd. He also owns his own branded shoe line called “Addaihs,” as well as his own bleaching cream line called “Cake Soap.”.
- Kartel has made investments in a number of ventures, including Real Estate: Kartel is reported to own several properties in Jamaica, which he generates rental income from.
- Business: Not only this, his liquor brand and merchandise show how good a businessman he is.
Other Works
Vybz Kartel is an author too. He has co-authored a book named The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto with Michael Dawson. The book throws light upon Jamaica’s social and political issues.
Personal Life
Kartel is a father to multiple children and has managed to keep close ties with his family while behind bars. His personal life has been an amalgam of public controversies and private resolve.
Real Estate Endeavors
- According to various reports, Kartel has bought up many properties in his homeland of Jamaica, in the realms of residential and commercial real estate. This is no doubt fueled by his data-driven knowledge of the economic value that Kingston and other major cities such as Montego Bay and Portmore have if you want a profitable return from property.
- Vybz Kartel is named Weighty, and all of him do get attention off his celebrity. That kind of influence deh pan him real estate projects too, plus im fans dem weh look up to him business professor. His investments also motivate other local acts and business people to look towards real estate as an option for investment diversification.
FAQs
1. What Is Vybz Kartel’s Most Popular Song?
Clarks, a song that celebrates the famous shoe brand, is one of Karl’s most popular and continues to be remembered.
2. How Does Vybz Kartel Make Money in Prison?
Kartel earns through music royalties, business ventures, and merchandise sales.