News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Weds. June 28, 2023: Iconic Jamaican brand Red Stripe celebrated the launch of their new Rum Punch and Rum Mojito canned cocktails during the culmination of Caribbean-American Heritage Month by hosting their Dance Hall of Fame event in Wynwood, Miami.

Co-produced with WYNCARIB at Wynwood Marketplace, the event featured legendary Jamaican duo Chaka Demus & Pliers and prominent dancehall recording artist Konshens, as well as the unveiling of mural rendered by local artist, Nate Dee. As part of the evening’s program, emcee and beloved radio personality Slim City led a special presentation honoring dancehall greats Chaka Demus & Pliers and Konshens.

“We want to thank Red Stripe for honoring us as dancehall legends,” said Chaka Demus. “I love seeing how music and Caribbean culture bring us all together. We’ll never forget where we came from,” Pliers added. The legendary duo stole the stage with their swagger and a string of timeless classics, including “Murder She Wrote.”

“This event transported us in time, honouring legends while shining a spotlight on the future generation of dancehall music,” said Karla Flores, Red Stripe Brand Director at HEINEKEN USA. “Dancehall is in Red Stripe’s DNA, which is why we crafted our latest innovation of ready-to-drink canned cocktails with the vibrant island spirit in mind. The Red Stripe Dancehall of Fame turned up the vibe, bringing together Caribbean culture and beats into an unforgettable night.”

The Red Stripe ready-to-drink cocktails are now available in Florida and select markets across the northeast.

A since-deleted Instagram post by Queen of Dancehall Spice on Wednesday seems to have stirred some tension between her and the Trans community, after the singer attempted to get her ‘besties’ opinion on a polarizing topic: whether or not men can become pregnant.

Spice reposted a screenshot that captured an engagement between trans model and public figure, Ava Hinojosa, and a follower. Tagging Hinojosa in the debate-starter to her over 4.2 million Instagram fans, Spice asked: “Besties, what’s your thoughts on this?”

In the original post from Hinojosa’s account, the trans woman is captured in a bathroom selfie showing off what appears to be a noticeably protruding midsection, and a caption to accompany it.

The caption read, in part: “I’ve been hiding this for a while from everyone, but yes, trans women can now… get pregnant by getting a womb created in them and a whole bunch of other scientific things that go into all that as well. I know you guys are gonna hate on me and wish death on my child, but I’m gonna take a break from the internet until I have him & make sure he is loved properly. This is all I ever wanted. I am so happy in life right now.”

Though the So Mi Like It singer appears to have wanted a conversation on the topic, many of the responses were scathing remarks directed at Spice, who has long considered herself to be an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Hinojosa was among the first to comment on Spice’s repost, reaffirming that: “Yes, trans women can have kids now…”

Other comments, however, took Spice to task.

“I’m so disappointed rn. This is lowkey transphobe bait, Spice. I thought you were an ally,” one follower wrote.

Another quipped: “Didn’t you perform at Pride Toronto last year? If this is criticism against trans people, then I really don’t think you should’ve performed at Pride.”

Spice’s appearance at Pride Toronto was again mentioned when another fan relayed: “Girl during PRIDE?? We really expected better after the Pride Toronto performance.”

Insisting that Spice’s inquisition was setting up the trans community for unnecessary hate, some fans continued to reel off on the Dancehall star, suggesting her curiosity was causing them hurt.

@Iam_syrai.yamaya asked the mother of two: “Why create a platform for hate? Knowing the political climate… Idk where it really concerns you considering it doesn’t take anything from you or harm you in any way. All trans women/women are different in more ways than reproductive organs… When’s the drop tho?”

Wrote another follower: “It’s things like this that makes it hard for trans women like myself that just want to enjoy our womanhood in our unique way. This is going to be such an uproar and unnecessary hate we don’t need.”

Other comments took a hard stance on the topic.

“I am a part of the LGBT community and I am also a student nurse. Medically and scientifically, it is impossible for a trans woman to have a child since they were born a male… Personally, I believe that there are extremists within our community and this is one of them. Trans women do not try to discredit or erase women. Women [are] born that way at birth,” aesthxtic contended.

The user concluded, however, that “…This post only gives fuel for the transphobes to show their colors in this comment section. No real discussion, just hate and ignorance.”

Others added their two cents to the mix, from suggesting Spice is not in control of her account currently, to even suggesting she was straight-up trolling.

“Spice is hacked yall!” bestblackhairblog wrote.

“This is trolling! No matter what, a genetically born man cannot have a baby. A womb is required & that can’t be scientifically created,” commented another user.

Last year, the Dancehall Queen was among the headlining acts at Pride Toronto Festival Weekend 2022, which was staged by LGBTQ+ group, Pride Toronto.

At the time, she told the gathering: “They didn’t want me to come here to perform for you guys!  When I made the announcement that I am gonna be performing at Pride 2022, it became the biggest thing on the internet.  They didn’t want me here! But even if I was the only one from Jamaica to stand my grounds and stand up as a black woman to fight for my fans, to fight for what I believe in, to fight for all a you, I am standing here because I love all a you, and I know you love me too, because you came out in your tens and thousands.”

Spice has also recently shared a promo for her upcoming song, titled Jealous.

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Queen of Dancehall Spice has come out in full defense of her signature one-leg-in-the-air stunt, which has triggered both fervent support and strong criticism following her performance at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday.

If you know Spice, you know that she raises one leg when she reaches the raunchy refrain in her 2014 hit So Mi Like It—which goes “skin out mi p-m p-m,” or “mi know mi good good” in the clean version that she rendered during a Dancehall tribute to Busta Rhymes, who had received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Taking to Instagram on Monday night, the 40-year-old artist defended her performance and invited open discussion.

“I see someone comment saying I shouldn’t have done my famous one leg in the air at my BET performance, however, this segment was a dancehall segment, so I really want to ask if I shouldn’t have represented the way I did or I should have acted like someone else . Please feel free to share your opinion cause I’m curious …..” she wrote in the caption.

She also shared a clip from an Instagram Live session where she emphasized that she was showcasing authentic Dancehall culture on an international stage, despite having only a brief time slot.

“Mi seh when di people dem tell mi seh ah 10 minutes dem ah give wi, mi tek piece—a coulda 2 seconds!,” she said.

Added Spice: “A coulda even a second, all who nuh know Jamaica an’ all who nuh know Dancehall, dem know it tonight! Dem aguh know it…mi nah ask yuh. Mi jump, mi split, mi do everything inna 2 seconds yuh crazy?! Mi haffi skin right out.”

The singer had an army of supporters in the comments, including Busta Rhymes, who wrote: “Stop catering to foolishness when we are in the most blessed space ever boss lady !! Queen of Dancehall is who you are and will forever represent that!! Argument done!!”

Swizz Beats also showed his support of the performance: “Rassssssssssssssssss you went crazy on em sis let dem chat!!!!!!”

Miss Universe Jamaica 2017 Davina Bennett commented: “Mi seh if u did go do Ntn else u see! A dancehall u represent! A bet nobody nuh mix up deh segment deh after that performance! One Queen!!!! ASSIGNMENT UNDERSTOOD!”

BBC Radio 1Xtra host Seani B added: “I saw then, un saw the comments! Leave dem! We know the rules of engagement. This is social media. They would find something if it wasn’t that.”

One fan also argued that Busta was aware of the kind of performance that Spice always delivers, so the outrage was unnecessary.

“Baby he brought you out for a reason. Your job was to bring dancehall to BET and you did what you were supposed to do. You ate it up. So happy and proud of you,” she wrote.

However, not all accepted Spice’s explanation or supported her artistic choice.

“But your clothes never a rep for Jamaica culture so yea you could leave out us with the one leg dance … I am just been honest cause a lot people may think the same as me and still comment oh nice out fit well for me I don’t like it plus I don’t like Dexta out fit… why you guys can’t dress like Jamaicans simple, sexy and neat nothing fussy and just heavy and no make sense,” one user asked.

Another chimed in, “Dancehall has a lot more substance than just skin out…” 

“You wouldn’t do that a Grammy award show,” one more social media user suggested.

This isn’t the first time So Mi Like It has landed Spice in controversy.

Back in 2016, she performed the track at an event celebrating Jamaica’s Olympic athletes’ triumph. The event was attended by Government ministers and other dignitaries.

In a post-interview with Onstage, Spice said that she was unaware that the song selection would have stirred mixed feelings.

“I think I wasn’t brief properly,” she said.

“In terms of I didn’t know that my songs selection was going to be an issue or a problem. I thought that once I did the edited version and represented Dancehall then it would be fine,” she told host Winford Williams at the time.

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Spice, Dexta Daps, and Skillibeng, among others, set the Microsoft Theater ablaze in honoring American rap legend born to Jamaican parents – Busta Rhymes, who was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 BET Awards yesterday.

This year’s BET Awards set out to celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop and did so in a series of tributes that recognized pioneers in the genre, late legends, and rising stars.

The 12-time Grammy Award-nominated rapper, Busta, kicked off the Jamaican segment of his tributes in epic fashion. 

Following a series of performances featuring Rah Digga, Swizz Beatz, Coi Leray, and others, a sweat-drenched Busta brought both the crowd and the music to a halt. Dressed in all-white while a massive screen behind him showed a picture of the incarcerated Vybz Kartel and DJ Kool Herc, Busta addressed the crowd.

“I’m gonna be clear,” he began, “we celebrating Hip-Hop 50. Kool Herc, the founding father of Hip-Hop – he is a bloodcl#@t Jamaican! Mek sure yuh know dat. And Jamaica is in my blood, so as much as we gon’ rep Hip-Hop tonight, we gon’ represent this Dancehall culture!”

On cue, the stage behind the Hip-Hop legend transformed to reveal digital columns of colorful sound system boxes, complemented by a live band, a sound selector, and background dancers. Once the stage was set, Busta again addressed the crowd.

“All Caribbean people, mek we get up! Mek we stan’ up!!” Busta roared as the opening instrumentals to Dexta Daps’ Shabba Madda Pot swelled in the background. In a matter of seconds, Daps exploded onto the stage in a white blur to deliver an especially energetic rendition of the Daseca-produced track, as he promised his fans he would.

Daps had previously announced via Instagram that he would have been a part of the group selected to honour Busta Rhymes. He promised fans: “Without apology, I shall destroy this stage in the name of Jamaica.” 

The Bring It To The Owner singer also took a moment to reflect on Busta’s legacy. He wrote: “@BustaRhymes you’ve been breaking necks for decades and you’ve been my fav. rapper forever, [and] I’m honoured to be in the presence of @bet honoring a true legend in the game… Best believe Caribbean gon’ shake the stage and represent.”

Daps delivered on his promise and then some, riling up the mostly American crowd as Busta provided support.

Next to join Busta on stage was Queen of Dancehall Spice, who made an entrance to raucous cheers from the occasionally lackluster crowd.

The 40-year-old performed her hit single, ‘So Mi Like It’, raising the roof alongside Busta with an energy-filled performance. Taking things up a notch, Spice pulled off her signature leg lift – while singing. The star then performed a series of twerks, while Busta watched on in amazement, before sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy as she transitioned into a full ground split on stage.

An ominous synth of piano keys, complete with a bass drop and flashing lights, set the stage for Skillibeng, whose signature Whap Whap kept the crowd abuzz.

Rushing out onto the stage dressed in all white, like his counterparts, Skillibeng was joined by a fleet of backup dancers who brought the energy with him. The star rocketed to the front of the stage, shared an embrace with Busta Rhymes, then channeled his energy into the crowd. Chants of ‘Whap Whap’ filled the Microsoft Theatre as both Busta and Skillibeng took turns delivering segments of his catchy hit.

Cutty Ranks – who performed A Who Seh Mi Dun – also joined the Hip-Hop legend in his celebration.

For the man of night, Busta, who was born to Jamaican parents Geraldine Green and Trevor Smith Sr., receiving the night’s highest award was a moment of validation for his three-decades-long stint as a juggernaut in Hip-Hop.

An emotional Busta Rhymes, who was told he had only two minutes to deliver his acceptance speech, took the stage for over 12 minutes.

“All right. So, I’m going to wear it on my sleeve. I do want to cry,” Busta began. “I was the youngest one of the Leader of the New School… [and] I was scared when the group broke up. I ain’t never wanted to be a solo artist. I was cool just dropping my 16 bars, kicking everybody’s ass, and getting up outa there… so when I got kicked out of the group, I was scared.”

Busta was ousted from the group in 1993 and, as he explained, he didn’t put out a solo project until 1996. He also spoke about his six children, the struggles of trying to figure things out, growing up in a Jamaican home and how he found solace in the process of rebuilding himself by immersing himself in studios. 

Rhymes mentioned how he would share a cigar with anyone present in some of those studios and effortlessly create a 16-bar verse. “Long story short,” he said, “I pioneered the future.” 

He emphasized that much of the greatness within the Black culture arises naturally, almost as if by magic. “It took so long to gimmi dis!” Busta jokingly shared of his award.

The rapper woke up still in a jubilant mood today, and took to Instagram to thank his supporters and all the entertainers who helped to make his moment special.

The prestigious BET Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2001, and is geared at honoring industry icons who have significantly shaped culture through their extensive careers. 

Being the award’s latest recipient, Busta joins a lineup of legends including Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Prince, Lionel Richie, and Diddy, who took home the title last year.

The BET Awards was established in 2001 to celebrate black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports and philanthropy.

Beyoncé and Sza—both absent—copped the Album of the Year award for Renaissance and SOS, respectively. Sza also earned the Video of the Year for Kill Bill, while Beyoncé was also announced the winner of Viewer’s Choice and BET Her for Break My Soul.

Chris Brown and Usher took the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist title, while Drake and 21 Savage won Best Group. Future feat. Drake & Tems’ Wait For U earned the Best Collaboration award, and Latto received the prize for Best Female Hip Hop Artist. Best Male Hip Hop Artist went to Kendrick Lamar, and Coco Jones was awarded Best New Artist.

The African Giant Burna Boy was named Best International Act. 

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