Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, two of Jamaica’s most iconic dancehall artists, were recently honored at the Reggae Icon Awards, a prestigious recognition within the reggae and dancehall music community. At the Independence Day Grand Gala, held at the National Stadium on Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness recognized them as icons, applauding their contributions to popularizing dancehall music worldwide.
During the event, it was announced that Moses Anthony ‘Beenie Man’ Davis was inducted into the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government for his contributions to music. On the same day, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Third World, and Patricia Chin of VP Records were awarded the Reggae Icon Award at the Grand Gala in Kingston. Beenie Man and Bounty Killer delivered a memorable performance together, marking a significant moment in dancehall history.
This year, both Beenie Man (Moses Davis) and Bounty Killer (Rodney Price) are among 150 Jamaicans selected for national honors, which will be formally presented on National Heroes Day in October.
Beenie Man and Bounty Killer are trailblazers in the industry, having emerged in the 1990s during what is often considered the golden age of dancehall music. Their lyrics, rooted in the harsh realities of growing up in Kingston’s slums, resonated with many. However, their careers took different paths.
Beenie Man gained widespread acclaim with his infectious party anthems and songs about the dancehall lifestyle, earning him the title “King of the Dancehall.” His international success culminated in winning the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2001 for ‘Art and Life.’
On the other hand, Bounty Killer, known as the ‘Poor People Governor,’ became famous for his raw lyrics and powerful delivery, which spoke to the struggles of poverty and violence. His songs like “Look Into My Eyes” and “Poor People Fed Up” became anthems of social commentary. Bounty Killer also played a pivotal role in mentoring future dancehall stars, including Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Busy Signal, and Wayne Marshall, all of whom were part of the supergroup known as The Alliance. He gained international recognition as a featured artist on No Doubt’s Grammy-winning hit “Hey Baby.”
For years, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer were fierce rivals, clashing both lyrically and personally, including during a notorious feud involving entertainer D’Angel. Their rivalry intensified when Beenie Man sided with Vybz Kartel in a conflict with Bounty Killer, leading to one of the most sensational episodes in dancehall history.
However, in recent years, the two artists reconciled, most notably during the Covid pandemic when they appeared together on the popular Instagram show Verzuz, engaging in a playful and legendary dancehall clash that broke streaming records.
The Order of Distinction award is the latest recognition of their immense contributions to dancehall, something both men acknowledged as they received the honor from Prime Minister Holness.
Bounty killer (left), Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Bennie Man (right)
Individually and through their legendary rivalry, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer have profoundly impacted the genre, shaping dancehall’s global influence and leaving an indelible mark on music history.
by AlizeLaVie
