Wireless Festival 2021, London, England - September 10, 2021: Drake surprised fans with a performance on Day 1 of the Wireless Festival 2021 at Crystal Palace. The rapper, known for his diverse musical influences, recently made headlines by celebrating the release of dancehall legend Vybz Kartel from prison.
Drake’s relationship with dancehall music has been both controversial and supportive. Back in 2010, he faced criticism for his “Find Your Love” video, which featured Jamaican dancehall elements. However, he has consistently expressed admiration for dancehall artists and collaborated with several legends, bridging the gap between American and Jamaican music scenes.
In a recent Instagram post, Drake proudly sported a “Free Vybz” t-shirt, advocating for Vybz Kartel’s freedom. This isn’t the first time he’s shown off the merch; he previously shared a photo of the same shirt on his Instagram Story. The shirt reads, “Up 2 Di Time,” emphasizing Kartel’s iconic status.
Vybz Kartel, a Jamaican deejay, was convicted of murder in 2011. However, the Privy Council in the United Kingdom overturned his conviction in March, citing juror misconduct and bribery. Kartel’s release on July 31 marked a significant moment for dancehall music.
Drake has long praised Vybz Kartel’s influence. During a 2016 interview with Narduwar, he called Kartel one of his biggest inspirations. Drake highlighted Kartel’s ability to transcend eras and maintain an iconic status within Jamaican culture. He also revealed that fellow artist PARTYNEXTDOOR shares his admiration for Kartel.
While Drake and Vybz Kartel haven’t collaborated directly, Drake did work with Kartel’s longtime producer, Rvssian, in 2022. Fans hope for an official Drake and Kartel collaboration, especially now that Kartel is a free man.
