Jamaican dancehall superstar Adidja Palmer, better known as Vybz Kartel, has opened up about how his 13-year prison sentence transformed his life and strengthened his spiritual beliefs.

Speaking on the Drink Champs podcast this week, Kartel reflected on the highs of fame before his 2011 arrest, admitting that his popularity had given him an inflated sense of self.

“Before I got arrested, I never believed in God as a concept. Fame had me thinking I was invincible—like I was God,” he said.

The artist, whose music has captivated fans across the Caribbean and beyond, shared that his time behind bars forced him to reevaluate his life.

“Being in that cell humbled me. I started to build a relationship with God because I needed that extra energy—so many people depended on me, from my family to the guys I was arrested with,” Kartel explained.

During his incarceration, Kartel embraced spirituality, even tattooing “Love God” on his face as a symbol of his renewed faith.

“I had to put my faith in something greater than myself,” he said.

Now a free man after his release in early 2025, Kartel is urging younger generations to prioritize humility over fame and fortune.

“If I hadn’t gone to jail, I would have been dead,” he stated bluntly.

“13 years in prison, coming out to get my international visas and make millions? I’d be a fool to waste this second chance.”

Kartel was originally imprisoned in 2011 on charges related to an alleged murder case. His release earlier this year has sparked widespread conversation about redemption and personal growth.

“Prison taught me about love, respect, and humility. I’m not taking this fresh start for granted,” he concluded.