Vybz Kartel Lights Up NYC — ATL Still Waits for the Worl’ Boss Blessing
May 17th, 2025, 8:30pm
by Chris Mention
After two decades away from U.S. stages, Vybz Kartel made an earth-shaking return with not one, but two sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in April 2025. It was pure madness history in the making and exactly what we’ve come to expect from the Worl’ Boss: energy, hits, and unmatched crowd control.
Next stop? Atlanta is on the tour list officially set for Friday, June 6, 2025, at State Farm Arena. But from where I’m sitting, I’m still waiting for something… more.
Because while a full arena show will always take off, what if Kartel took a left turn and gave us something totally different? I’m talking Kennedy Center vibes. A real crossover cultural moment Kartel, on stage in Atlanta, backed by a full orchestra, running through classics with violins slicing through the bassline. Picture “Bicycle Ride” in a symphony setting? Pure chills. Somebody pass the white rum and a silk scarf, yes I am getting old, LOL...
Or maybe strip it all the way down. Just Kartel and a Selector; someone like Ricky Platinum outta DC, a mic, some classic dubs, and a “Pull up dat one deh!” in his rawest (I am dreaming here), and I’m good. Picture a Tiny Desk Dancehall Edition where the studio walls barely hold the bassline. Now that’s a vibe.
Listen, the collabs need to keep coming, too. Kartel’s got over 50+ features to his name and counting. From “Clarks” (ft. Popcaan & Gaza Slim) to “Fever,” he’s mastered the art of features and locked down place. I would not give him the title “The King of Dancehall” yet, but “King of Collabs” similar to a lane T-Pain is in now.
But let’s dream a little more: a ‘90s dub-style track with Shenseea and Sexy Red, two queens with very different sauce, on one track with Bounty Killa dropping a grimy hook just for good measure. Imagine the visuals. Imagine the madness. Imagine the chaos. That would be too lit.
So yes, the official date is locked for ATL. But for real music lovers and dreamers like me? We’re hoping Kartel uses this U.S. return not just to tour but to create moments that bend time, genre, and borders.
Let’s get orchestras. Let’s get raw DJ sets. Let’s get collabs no one saw coming. Until then, we’ll be front row watching, waiting, and wheelin’ up the classics.
👉🏽 #VybzKartel #WorlBossReturns #ATLConcert2025 #TinyDeskDancehall #KennedyCenterVibes #SexyRedxShenseea #BountyKillaHook #DancehallRoyalty #CollabKing #MIKNOWradio