Viking (Vybz Is King)

I am dancehall, Kartel proclaims on the intro to this collection of riotous—and occasionally tender—bashment staples. He proves it on a track simply titled "Dancehall," trumpeting his contribution to the Jamaican genre over trembling synths and a crisp, syncopated beat that could mash up even the most staid club. On "Gon' Get Better," he pulls out the acoustic guitar to comfort a female friend; then he breaks out an upbeat synth march on "Unstoppable" to recount his own rise to the top. This a short album with a simple message: no regrets.