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Beenie Man
The King of the Dancehall
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
It’s no easy task to stand out in our Jamaican dancehall culture, for many artists it takes years of work and dedication before they receive any recognition and it is just as hard to stay relevant. One artist that has cemented himself in dancehall, both locally and internationally and may even be considered a living legend is Beenie Man, our crowned the king of the dancehall.
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Beanie was born on August 22, 1973, in our capital city of Kingston in the not so favourable community of Waterhouse. When he was only eight years old, he won the national Teeny Talent competition, giving him his first chance at fame. Producer Junjo Lawes was introduced as a result, and together they recorded the debut single "Too Fancy." The young man was then given employment at Bunny Lee's Unlimited sound system after being taken under his wing.
In 1983, Beenie Man released his debut album, "The Invincible Beenie Man: The 10-Year-Old DJ Wonder," showcasing his exceptional skills as a child prodigy. Over the next few years, he continued to refine his craft, releasing several albums and singles, gradually building a loyal following in Jamaica and beyond.
The 1990s saw dancehall music rise to international prominence, and Beenie Man was at the forefront of this cultural explosion. He released a string of successful albums, including “Cool Cool Rider” "Maestro," and "Many Moods of Moses," solidifying his status as a dancehall superstar. His distinct voice, witty wordplay, and ability to fuse dancehall with other genres like hip-hop and R&B set him apart from his contemporaries.
During this period, Beenie Man delivered numerous chart-topping hits, including "Who Am I (Sim Simma)," "Girls Dem Sugar" featuring Mýa, "Dude" featuring Ms Thing, and "King of the Dancehall." These songs not only showcased his versatility but also introduced dancehall music to a global audience.
Like many prominent figures in the music industry, Beenie Man's career has not been without its share of controversies and challenges but despite these, his talent and determination allowed him to weather the storm and continue producing exceptional music. He received a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2001 for "Art & Life," a testament to his musical prowess and recognition on the international stage.
Beenie Man's impact on the global music scene goes beyond just dancehall. He has collaborated with artists from various genres, demonstrating his ability to bridge musical gaps and appeal to diverse audiences. His collaborations include working with hip-hop heavyweights like Wyclef Jean, Lil Kim, and Janet Jackson. These partnerships not only elevated his international profile but also helped break down barriers between different musical cultures.
His collaboration with Janet Jackson on the hit song "Feel It Boy" was a testament to his crossover appeal and ability to infuse dancehall elements into mainstream music seamlessly. The track received widespread acclaim and showcased Beenie Man's ability to craft infectious hooks and catchy melodies that transcend language and cultural barriers.
Beenie Man, being the prolific and influential artist that he is, has produced numerous major hits throughout his career. Some of his most notable and iconic songs include:
- Who Am I (Sim Simma) - This song, released in 1998, is perhaps one of Beenie Man's most popular and recognizable tracks. It's infectious rhythm and catchy chorus made it a massive hit both here in Jamaica and internationally.
- Dude (feat. Ms Thing) - Released in 2004, "Dude" became a commercial success, reaching high positions on various music charts. Its playful lyrics and dancehall beats resonated with audiences worldwide.
- Girls Dem Sugar (feat. Mýa) - A collaboration with American R&B singer Mýa, this song was a crossover hit that showcased Beenie Man's ability to blend dancehall with other genres. It was featured on his 2000 album "Art & Life."
- King of the Dancehall- This song, released in 2004, solidified Beenie Man's title as the king of dancehall. It became an anthem for the genre and remains one of his most celebrated tracks.
- Romie - This dancehall classic, released in 1996, is a fan favourite, and its popularity has endured over the years.
- Bookshelf- From his 1999 album "The Doctor," this song became a massive hit in the dancehall scene and further established Beenie Man as a force to be reckoned with.
- Black Board - released in 1996, this is still today one of his most outrageously catchy and infectious songs and stills get incredible airplay.
Beenie Man's career has spanned over four decades, which is an impressive feat in the ever-changing landscape of the dancehall music industry. Throughout the years, he has collected numerous awards and accolades, including multiple MOBO Awards, Source Awards, and International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). But perhaps the most significant recognition comes from the love and respect he receives from us his fans and even fellow musicians.
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References & Sources For Beenie Man the King of the Dancehall
- Beenie Man Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic. (n.d.). AllMusic. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/beenie-man-mn0000788508/biography
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