Words by DJ Gravy—
The title “King of the Dancehall” is a pretty serious claim—while many dream of it, ultimately only one can truly own it. From the early 90’s til now, there’s been one artist who’s kept coming back with hit after hit and pushing the boundaries of dancehall, reggae and soca music, touching every genre from hip hop and pop to jazz, country and beyond. Grammy-winning artist Beenie Man is paralleled by none when it comes to making nonstop hits over the last 20 years, and turning 40 just the other day isn’t slowing him down in the slightest.
Yesterday, BET’s 106 and Park themed their afternoon’s episode entirely around the preparation for New York’s Caribbean carnival, the West Indian Day Parade (taking place this Monday—see our guide to the festivities, curated by Red Fox). To mark the occasion, dancehall stars Wayne Wonder, Mr. Vegas and Beenie Man each performed to a flag-waving studio audience. Beenie also premiered his brand new music video, “Thug Love” featuring Ce’Cille. The video was shot in Portland, Jamaica, and directed by Mike Abela whose past credits include videos for Vybz Kartel and Junior Reid.
And now, (big mon voice) we have the honor of premiering it pon di wurl’ wide web! Produced by longtime friend and LargeUp supporter Khabir Bonner’s Grillaras Productions and Zojak World Wide, it’s Ras Moses aka Di Gyal Dem Sugar aka Beeeeenie Man ‘longside the lovely Ce’Cille, in the brand new music video for “Thug Love” so tun it up, louder!
Zagga!