On August 29, 2025, Vybz Kartel released Heart & Soul without prior announcement — an eleven-track project that appeared at midnight through Greedy Lion and Vybz Kartel Muzik, 13th Street Promotions and Reggaeville report. The drop coincided with his return to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for another staging of Reggaefest — a venue he had already sold out twice since his release.

The record

The title signals a softer register than Kartel’s hardcore catalogue. Kaboom describes the opener, “They’re Outta Love We Aren’t,” as a romantic dedication, and “I Know” as a viral hit that exploded on TikTok through a dance challenge. Most of the record was voiced in marathon sessions with longtime engineer RedBoom; Ishawna is the sole feature, on “Bad Bad Bad.” The project was later nominated in the Best Reggae Album category at the 68th Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy lists.

Why it matters

Heart & Soul is proof that Kartel’s post-prison output is not merely a greatest-hits exercise — he is still experimenting with form and audience. The surprise release model, honed during his years of recording from custody, remains intact; the subject matter, however, shows a Worl’ Boss willing to reveal vulnerability.

Listen and dig deeper

Sources: 13th Street Promotions — “Vybz Kartel Delivers Surprise ‘Heart & Soul’ Project” (Aug 29, 2025); Reggaeville — release page; Kaboom — review (Aug 29, 2025); Recording Academy — Best Reggae Album, 68th Grammy Awards.

Editor’s note: This entry is part of the JamaicansMusic online museum — a career timeline assembled from the archive. It is dated to the era it documents; every claim is drawn from the linked sources.