{"id":3082,"date":"2025-04-23T08:36:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T08:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmtv.ca\/?p=3082"},"modified":"2025-04-23T09:01:36","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T09:01:36","slug":"vybz-kartel-opens-up-about-skin-bleaching-and-self-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cmtv.ca\/index.php\/2025\/04\/23\/vybz-kartel-opens-up-about-skin-bleaching-and-self-love\/","title":{"rendered":"Vybz Kartel Opens Up About Skin Bleaching and Self-Love"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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During a candid April 9th appearance on Hot 97<\/strong>, Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel<\/strong> expressed deep remorse over his past decision to bleach his skin\u2014something he once proudly embraced.<\/p>

The \u201cShe Holding On<\/strong>\u201d singer, born Adidja Azim Palmer<\/strong>, previously even launched his own skin-lightening product line, according to Complex<\/em>. However, at 49 years old<\/strong>, Kartel now reflects on the decision with regret.<\/p>

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\u201cI\u2019m now fully melanated,\u201d<\/em> he declared.
\u201cIn hindsight, it definitely had to do with self-love. But at the time, my mind wasn\u2019t telling me that. I was telling myself I\u2019m doing this to show my tattoos\u2014I\u2019ve got a lot of tattoos. But looking back, it was more<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Eurocentric Beauty Ideal and Its Legacy<\/h2>

Kartel didn\u2019t stop at personal reflection\u2014he also weighed in on the deeper societal issues at play. When asked why so many Black people struggle with their appearance and identity, he pointed to historical trauma.<\/p>

\"\"\u201cThat Eurocentric look\u2014Black people have always wanted to look like that. I guess it has to do with slavery.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

This acknowledgment touches on the long-lasting psychological impact of colonialism and systemic racism that has shaped beauty standards for generations.<\/p>

Life After Prison: Reflection and Regret<\/h2>

As previously reported by Face2Face Africa<\/em>, Vybz Kartel was released from prison in 2024<\/strong> after serving 13 years<\/strong>. In an earlier interview with The Guardian<\/em>, he reflected on the heavy cost of incarceration:<\/p>

\u201cEven though I made so much money after my release, I can\u2019t get back the time I lost.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

The time behind bars has clearly influenced Kartel\u2019s perspective, especially when it comes to his past decisions and the path he took.<\/p>

A Message to the Youth: Education Over Street Life<\/h2>

Kartel also shared heartfelt advice drawn from his upbringing and his mother’s influence. He recalled how his mother, a devoted housewife, instilled strong values in him\u2014values he wishes he had followed more closely.<\/p>

\"\"\u201cI\u2019ve always said this\u2014even before I got arrested: stay in school as much as possible. Get an education. Not everyone can afford college, but go as far as you can. Stay away from bad energy, bad people, gangsterism. It\u2019s not worth it.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\u201cIt may look glamorous, especially if you were raised in the ghetto like I was\u2014but trust me, it will cost you. It cost me.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>

\"\"Kartel\u2019s honesty in this interview reflects a man who has come full circle\u2014from defiance to introspection. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-worth, education, and the courage it takes to grow beyond your past.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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