Residents and fans of dancehall legend Vybz Kartel are celebrating his release after 13 years behind bars. The artist, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, has been met with an outpouring of excitement and some spicy takes from fans and celebrities alike.

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Among the reactions, Resident @nakiyamillan commented, “Drake tryna get that feature instantly!! He said popcaaan yuh time up.”

Another Resident, @sarjoswholisticonline, expressed concern for Kartel's health, noting, "I'm worried about Kartel's health as his face is very inflamed the last he needs is drink and smoke."

The release of Kartel has also stirred some controversy. Resident @mrupstream shared their thoughts on Instagram, stating, “Here comes the Afrobeats Hate Train Again. Like we don’t have a plethora of top charting artists who’s been killing it for years. Y’all had to wait for one man. We too can appreciate he’s the world boss but don’t turn this into an African hate train, y’all won’t win as easily as you used to back in the early 2000s.”

Others found humour in the situation, with @mandemvsgaldem noting, “His girlfriend being from North London is so random.”

Worldwide star Drake even chimed in on his newfound freedom, showing the world his own tee which said FREE KARTEL on his Instagram story.

Kartel's legal journey has been complex. Arrested in 2011 alongside three other men for the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams, he was sentenced in 2014 to 35 years in prison, which was later reduced to 32 and a half years on appeal.

Maintaining his innocence, Palmer continued to appeal the conviction. In March, the UK’s privy council, serving as Jamaica’s final court of appeal, found that juror misconduct had tainted the original trial. A juror had offered bribes for a not guilty verdict but was still allowed to serve.

Lord Lloyd-Jones of the privy council quashed the original conviction, stating the presence of the compromised juror was “fatal to the safety of the convictions.” The case was then returned to Jamaica's court of appeal, which decided against a retrial. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop concluded that "the interests of justice do not require a new trial," leading to Palmer's release.

Upon his release on Wednesday evening, Vybz was greeted by a crowd of supporters in Kingston. He later took to social media, sharing images and videos to celebrate his newfound freedom.

Jamaican and dancehall legends have poured out their respects for the freedom of Kartel. Icons like Shenseea, Popcaan, and Stefflon Don have shared their love and support for the Worl Boss.