Vybz Kartel, a.k.a. Adidja Palmer, has been acquitted of one of two murder charges that he is facing. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the 37-year-old Kingston dancehall singer and two accomplices were found not guilty in the 2011 death of Barrington “Bossie” Burton, a 27-year-old promoter and businessman who was shot while standing with friends in a St. Catherine park.
A jury ruled in Palmer’s favor after the prosecution rested yesterday (July 24). Only a day before, the Jamaica Home Circuit Court judge disallowed two witness statements against the defendants. While the other men were released, Kartel is still in custody for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, who was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death in Kartel’s St. Andrew home over a pair of lost guns, says Jamaica Observer.
Kartel is one of the most popular dancehall artists in Jamaica today, with his 2009 single “Romping Shop” getting some play in the States. He’s also collaborated with Jay Z, Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, and Eminem, and has faced international controversy for explicit and homophobic lyrics (the latter of which he swore to abandon). He’s also come under fire for his decision to whiten his skin with a brand of cake soap that he later sold.
Kartel’s other business ventures include Street Vybz Rum and Daggering Condoms, so, yeah.
