Exclusive: Ricky Platinum Shares His Unstoppable Journey to the World’Boss Tour

International DJ Ricky Platinum shares his journey from his start with Platinum Sound to working with Downsound Entertainment and Vybz Kartel, who shares his last name. “Every show I’ve done with Vybz Kartel just keeps getting bigger and better. The moral of the story: every memory made on a Vybz Kartel show is everlasting,” he said

The Palmers: Vybz Kartel with Ricky Platinum

For over a decade, Ricky Platinum has made a name for himself in the local music scenes across the U.S. and the Caribbean, becoming a well-known representative of Jamaican music. From commanding crowds at top venues across the States, including the DMV area, to building an impressive resume, he continues to gain momentum and is now at the peak of his career.

Born Ricky Palmer in Brooklyn, New York, he relocated at a young age with his Jamaican parents to Maryland. The eldest of two siblings, Ricky was introduced to music by his father, Simeon Palmer, at just four years old. With a diverse music library spanning soul, disco, ska, culture, reggae/dancehall, soca, rap, hip-hop, R&B, go-go, and more, he has captivated audiences around the world.

Since rising to international prominence as a DJ, many doors have opened for him. In recent months, he has taken on a high-profile role alongside ZJ Chrome as one of the official selectors for dancehall icon Vybz Kartel, supporting the artist’s return to the scene. With sold-out arena shows across the U.S., he is a key part of the ongoing Worl’ Boss Tour following Kartel’s release from prison.

"I must say, it’s a blessing to share the stage with the legend Vybz Kartel, Every moment counts in a special way."

“Downsound Entertainment has worked with me for about three years for Reggae Sumfest, and with the trust they had in me and their brand, they decided to book me for Freedom Street,” he shared in an exclusive interview with Kaboom Magazine. “TJ Records also recommended me for the first show, saying he loved how I connect with the international audience.”

“Once Kartel's U.S. visa was ready, CJ Milan from Reggae Fest added me to the first two NYC shows. It was my first time working with her, and after seeing my performance, she booked me for Atlanta’s State Farm Arena and the upcoming Baltimore show on July 26,” he added.

Since then, Platinum has performed at several major events, including the iconic Freedom Street return show on New Year’s Eve, and sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and in Atlanta.

“The pulling power of Vybz Kartel is unique. You have longtime fans and a whole new generation who’ve never seen him live. These shows are making a lot of dreams come true. Even for me, it’s my first time seeing him perform live”

“I must say, it’s a blessing to share the stage with the legend Vybz Kartel, every moment counts in a special way. My family is from Clarendon, Jamaica, so playing at the National Stadium in their home country was amazing. I was born in Brooklyn, so being part of history in my birthplace was truly a blessing,” he reflected. “The ATL show was no different, an unforgettable experience. Just being in an arena for dancehall music made me proud to see where the culture is heading. And with Baltimore coming up, that one’s special—DMV is home.”

Palmer describes every show with Vybz Kartel as a level-up experience, reflecting on the energy and impact of the Worl' Boss's return to the stage. “Every show I’ve done with Vybz Kartel just keeps getting bigger and better,” he said. “Everything coming his way now was well anticipated. Kartel has put in tremendous work over the years, before prison, during prison, and now as a free man. His work ethic hasn’t changed, he’s still dropping hit after hit.”

The Int'l DJ also highlighted the unmatched magnetism Kartel brings to each performance, “The pulling power of Vybz Kartel is unique. You have longtime fans and a whole new generation who’ve never seen him live. These shows are making a lot of dreams come true. Even for me, it’s my first time seeing him perform live. The demand to see the Worl’ Boss is real. It’s been long overdue.”

Coincidentally, both Ricky Palmer and Vybz Kartel, whose given name is Adidjah Palmer, share the same last name. Palmer recalled their first meeting with a smile: “I met Vybz Kartel for the very first time at Artwell’s Birthday Bash in Kingston, Jamaica. I wasn’t sure if he knew who I was, so I introduced myself as Ricky Platinum. He looked at me and said, ‘Easy Mr. Palmer!’ That’s when it hit me—we have the same last name! I realized we’re actually cousins. We’re related by greatness. Seriously, all the Palmers are great!” he said jokingly. “So now, every time the boss sees me, he greets me as ‘cousin.’”

With a career spanning over 16 years, Ricky Platinum reflected on his journey in music, from childhood inspiration to international recognition. “It started with my father, Simeon Palmer, randomly spinning tunes at home while my mom and twin sister danced along. At 17, I got introduced to the scene through my uncle’s Platinum Sound. Coming up in the DMV wasn’t easy, so I focused on branding myself globally.”

The American native gave a special shoutout to Ron Burke from Dream Weekend, saying, “Ron Burke gave me a shot at playing the world-famous Igloo, and from there, other promoters started noticing. I think my ability to really connect with the foreign crowd in Jamaica made a big difference.”

 “Everything coming his way now was well anticipated. Kartel has put in tremendous work over the years, before prison, during prison, and now as a free man. His work ethic hasn’t changed, he’s still dropping hit after hit. Every memory made on a Vybz Kartel show is everlasting”

As he prepares to join dancehall legend Vybz Kartel for the upcoming shows in Amsterdam and Paris this July, as well as back-to-back performances at London’s iconic O2 Arena on September 4–5, he declares, “The moral of the story: every memory made on a Vybz Kartel show is everlasting!”

Closing on a reflective note, he added, “The things I’ve accomplished over the years, some of it I never even thought was possible. It might sound strange, but my career doesn’t have a destination. The more I work hard, the more doors open. I don’t want to limit myself by focusing on just one goal. I believe if I stay dedicated to my craft, God will continue to make a way.”