KINGSTON, Jamaica — Steering clear of controversy after recently pulling the plug on his long-awaited appearance in Trinidad, Vybz Kartel has released a brand new single, and this time, the entertainer has gone gospel.
Still, on a path of redemption, Vybz Kartel continues to profess his love for God on his latest single, asking God to “use him as a vessel”. Titled Glory of Jesus, the track is a remake of a classic from veteran gospel group, Grace Thrillers.
“Dear Lord, I want you to use me as a vessel, Lord to spread your word and your gospel to the ends of the world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen,” the singer declares in the song’s intro before putting his spin on the vintage gospel track.
Four hours after its release on Monday, the song racked up close to 50,000 views on YouTube with many listeners congratulating the entertainer on keeping his music largely positive post-prison. Acknowledging the artiste’s attempt to incorporate his faith in his music, fans say Kartel has been doing his best to stay reformed.
“I can’t believe Vybz Kartel is talking about Jesus like this. Man is totally reformed. Jesus is Lord indeed,” one listener commented under the song on YouTube.
“Vybz Kartel has fulfilled the part of his promise where he said he wouldn’t stop praising God if he gives him a second chance,” another posted.
Glory to Jesus follows up on the single God is the Greatest which was released two months ago. To date, that single has generated some 9.5 million views on YouTube.
Following his release from prison after a 13-year stint, Vybz Kartel told the Jamaica Observer that he prayed daily for redemption and vowed to continue praising God if he was given that chance.
“When mi did inna prison, mi literally pray to God and mi say father God if yuh carry mi outta da situation yah, mi never stop praise yuh, mi never stop shout yuh name. Mi talk to God, read mi Bible and him answer mi prayer. Mi forever grateful fi dat. Mi tattoo the thing pan mi face say ‘love God’ twice,” he said. “Mi talk to God, mi read mi Bible. Him answer mi prayer and mi forever grateful fi dat,” he said outlining that he is trying to walk the straight and narrow.”
Staying true to his word, the deejay expresses in Glory to Jesus’ outro that he will never stop calling on the name of the Lord.
“Thank you, Lord, for everything you’ve done to me and everything you’ve done for me. Father God, I just wanna give you praises. Praise your holy name. Lord, I’m thankful for my countless blessings, and I’ll never stop calling your name. Amen,” he said as the song came to a close.