Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel was recently released from prison, which grabbed headlines with his dramatically altered appearance. Fans were left speculating whether the person released was indeed the much-loved "Without Money" hitmaker, as Kartel's face appeared swollen, with bulging eyes - a condition that was later revealed to be caused by an underlying autoimmune disorder known as Graves' disease.

Prior to his incarceration, Kartel was known for his slim build, regular oval face, and boundless energy. However, reports soon surfaced that his health had deteriorated significantly during his time in prison, and he had been hospitalized multiple times for his worsening condition.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to an overactive thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism. This condition causes the immune system to attack healthy thyroid tissue, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, heat intolerance, and dramatic weight loss.

In a candid interview with Fox, Kartel opened up about his ongoing battle with the disease, expressing his determination to focus on his health and seek proper treatment. "Healthwise, you know, I'm working on my health right now, but being free is a fantastic feeling. I could be better, but I'm super upbeat. I have appointments with my doctor on Monday so that I can have regular meetings with her, and she can keep track of me in real-time. She even mentioned that she's going to... put me on a special diet so she can monitor me every day, which is a far cry from when you're in prison. I've hit the ground running," the artist revealed.