Under My Skin: Beenie Man - A view from the throne

Published: Saturday | August 1, 2009


Danelia Doyle, Youthlink Writer


Greatest Legacy: Reigning kingdom

The King of Dancehall will go down in history books for being one of the most popular modern Jamaican performers to have lived.

Thirty years? Is that accurate? Besides hinting at how old he actually is, it seems like it was just yesterday that Beenie Man hollered, "Gal a tear off mi garment and a bawl fi come inna me apartment."

Countless hits later, Moses Davis has established himself as the King of Dancehall in a career highlighted by the astronomical heights of a Grammy Award, roller-coaster rumbles with nemesis Bounty Killer and a soap opera marriage with songstress D'Angel.

Having been at the top of his game for more than 15 years, the deejay says he has no regrets.Greatest Struggle: Growing up without his parents

It was hard, but music became my parents. I then had the opportunity to be mentored and fathered by some of the industry's greatest. Barry G and Yellow Man really helped me as a youngster.

I don't blame my parents for what they did, I love them and I understand, but if I had kids who wanted to enter music, it wouldn't matter what age, I'd support them."

Greatest Lesson Taken From The Game: Equilibrium

Love the music for what it is and it will love you back and be what it is supposed to be to you, not what you want it to be. Staying current is not easy, but you have to have heart.

Anybody can sing and get caught up in the hype, but after the hype, can't bring themselves back. Yuh haffi have heart. Recreate yourself, every time come with something different."

Greatest Lesson Learnt About The Game: Longevity

Artistes need to understand the importance of longevity. In music, this is all that counts. Each year not goin' to be the same.

It's not all about the music: If you're not thinking about the people, your career don't make any sense. If the people don't love you no more, who you goin' sing to? Before me and Killer, artistes' lifespan used to be two to three years."

Greatest Performance Ever: Sizzle in august

To celebrate my 30th (anniversary), I plan to put on a performance like none you've ever seen, unless you've seen Michael Jackson (live). It's going to be a dancehall show with a touch of class. There will be something for everyone. We gonna have dancehall, soca, hip hop, R&B and rocksteady, everyone should come out."