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Minister Marion Hall “Never Going Back” To Lady Saw, But Says She’s Still Dancehall’s ‘Baddest’

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Minister Marion Hall says that while she’ll “never go back to being Lady Saw,” she still remains Dancehall’s “baddest” female artist.

“Nobaddy nuh bad like me inna Dancehall yah suh.  Mi jus nuh waan guh back deh!” Hall declared while performing her song Kiss Out Mi Bible at Groovin in the Park over the weekend.

“Dem nuh lyricist like mi.  Das why dem worry.  Suh, meck mi tell yuh suppm.  Yuh have a problem wid how God a use mi.  God sen mi yah suh.  Dress mi like all oonu wha day; God dress mi up inna belly skin suh Chris an Karen can hire mi, an den di devilcome wid dem plot.”

Marion Hall

During the event, which was held in Queens, New York, Hall made references to two of her raunchiest songs, Sycamore Tree and If Him Lef. “Mi used to do sittn bout tree an dem sittn deh and If di man lef.  Mi muh haffi worry bout if di man lef.  No man naw lef mi right now.  If anybaddy lef me, dem lef di holy ghost,” she said to the delight of some audience members.

She also reeled off a slew of new songs written for stage performance, with lyrics supposedly aimed at her detractors within and outside of the music industry. In one instance, Hall blasted her critics for what she considered their setting of double standards.

“Some people say because I am a Christian I should not deejay; I shouldn’t speak broken English; I shouldn’t talk Patois… Once mi deejay, dem seh mi tun back. Papa San deejay; Lieutenant Stitchie deejay.  Everybaddy.   and is not a problem.  Worried dem worried bout me,” she declared.

Prior to that, she seemingly took aim at one of her Dancehall compatriots with whom she has recently had an online tiff.  

She sang:

“Mi nuh come yah suh fi igleMi nuh come yah suh fo Dancegall titleMi come yah suh fi preach up di gospelSuh tell a bleach-out duppy mi nuh frighten”

She then added:

“Mi a one Cristian weh clap backAnwhen mi clap back head must crack”

In December 2021, Hall declared that “even now,” she could still rip errant deejays apart with” just gospel, godly songs,” as through her sheer talent, she could use the word of God in Dancehall style, to minister to and even clash and obliterate “‘in the name of the Lord,” any Dancehall rival who tried to test her on any stage, anytime, anywhere.

“I have this talent that is beyond me.  It’s like it just exceed my expectation and others.  Even now, I could step out and stand beside any one of those females and rip them apart with just gospel, godly songs,” Hall had told Tamara McKayle on The Trailblazers show.

The God Speaks artist had also shrugged off suppositions being made by some Dancehall fans that she might have thought she was fading away, thus her exit from secular Dancehall in 2015.  Instead, she pointed out that her departure was not of her own free will, but a command from God.

“I could go on to 100 year old and still be the best at what I do… A lot of people see me here and they believe that ‘she just parked up’.  No.  God told me it’s time to preach.   If I wanted to be out there, I would be out there. But God has a time when he lock us in,” she had stated.

A few weeks later, veteran music selector Foota Hype, and many other fans of Hall had batted hard for her to come back and dominate Dancehall.

Foota’s followers had urged her to return to the genre, even from a gospel perspective and take the path of Lieutenant Stitchie, who pioneered gospel Reggae/Dancehall, and who like her, is a Minister of Religion and still a dominant force in Dancehall music.

Some claimed her nemesis Spice, would be dethroned should Hall resume her once-prolific recording of Dancehall songs, even if only from the gospel realm like her male compatriots Lieutenant Stitchie and Papa San.

Others said nobody in Dancehall matched up to the 53-year-old, whether in aesthetics or talent.

In the meantime, Minister Marion Hall says she has a slew of new songs in her lyrical arsenal, which she has written for her upcoming performance at Reggae Sumfest’s concert night two in Montego Bay on Saturday, July 22.

“I’m writing for Sumfest too, and Sumfest is the place to be.  That’s the place to be.  That’s when you’re gonna hear the real…,” she told Onstage’s Winford Williams after he commended her on her performance at Groovin in the Park, and suggested that “Jamaicans now, after this, they can’t wait to see you at Reggae Sumfest.”

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Spragga Benz Cautions Youth Against Sex Addiction

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Dancehall artist Spragga Benz believes he came from a sex-crazed generation, and doesn’t want today’s youth to continue the cycle. 

In an Instagram post, the Things Ah Gwaan deejay echoed personal coach Zeus Wit’s stance that a man who controls his stomach, penis, and tongue, has solved 99 percent of his problems. He particularly zoomed in on the power and sanctity of sex.  

“I think reverse psychology has been used on us as gyalis, so, although it late for some still, mi a ask the youths dem to be wise and discipline yourself BEFORE you develop Sex Addiction like my generation,” he said. 

Spragga Benz hails from an era of dancehall that scorned upon the “one-burner” lifestyle, instead uplifting images of having “nuff gyal inna bungle”. The Casanova antics superseded lyrics as some of Spragga Benz’s contemporaries including Ninjaman, Elephant Man, Buju Banton and Beenie Man went on to father several children. It is something Culture Professor Donna Hope has often described as proof of the “punaany being conquered”.

Spragga Benz

The idea of settling down has become less bizarre in dancehall, with acts like Konshens, Ding Dong, Aidonia and Ninjaman tying the knot. 

“Don’t just have sex just for recreation, create a loving bond with your partners first,” Spragga Benz said. “Sex with someone you love is the purest release of cosmic life energy. Casual sex, it seems, is energy food for demons from different realms we are yet to fully understand. Just as our bodies get energy from sun rays that we can’t see ourselves, sex energy is so powerful; it creates LIFE.”

The entertainer had scores of users in agreement, with one person suggesting, “Please put some of this knowledge in your music my brother. Remember when they use to say the half that is never been told. Well there is plenty information out there for use.”

Spragga Benz told the fan that he has been injecting his music with these messages, using Tiny Tot as reference. Produced by Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, the 2009 song chronicles his sexual and personal maturity, having boned the hottest belles with women traversing his house daily. 

The lyrics say in part:

When mi start to get mi youth, dem time mi learn the truthAnd learn that sex is not only designed to buss a juiceIt’s like the planting of the sacred seed of life weh bring the fruit

Other users wrote:

“Teach them mi general. A lot don’t know how sacred & powerful sex really is.”

“Might be challenging but it is the absolute .”

“Finally I’m not the only one that sees this. Jah know. It’s not a popular subject but hopefully your platform can do sumn.”

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Shane O, Kash Promise Move Impress At Rum Bar Vibes Fest

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Dancehall artists Shane O and Kash Promise Move left an indelible mark on the residents of Portland at the recently held Rum Bar Vibes Fest on Friday, June 23 at the Port Antonio Town Centre.

The event peaked with Shane O’s acapella entrance onto the Rum Bar stage which was enough for patrons to pay keen attention while the Kingston native belted out his 2021 song, We Alright produced by 1st Class Musiq.

During this moment, everyone’s focus remained glued to the star’s deeply-felt interaction that lifted the masses, before segueing to his other hits Lightning Flash, Last Days, and 7 Jacket. However, it was his gloomy take on being lonely with Dark Room that stirred cheers from the crowd.

Before Shane O’s set, Kash Promise Move’s energetic delivery riled up the masses in preparation for what was to come.

Kash

In a big move curated specifically for the interests of Dancehall lovers in Portland, Rum Bar sought to entice partygoers with free entertainment and giveaways with its third staging of the concert series. Hosted by former dancer T.C., and musical entertainment by DJ Bigga 5, Port Anotonio’s Town Centre was brought to life with Rum Bar branded paraphernalia and staging for a perfectly fitting Friday night Dancehall stage show fiesta.

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Jo Mersa Marley’s Cause Of Death Is Revealed Months After Singer Was Found Dead

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Reggae singer Jo Mersa Marley died of an “acute asthma exacerbation” after being infected with rhinovirus or enterovirus, according to documents obtained by Rolling Stone on Tuesday (June 27).

The publication reported that Jo’s condition often presents as symptoms of the common cold, citing new details from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office.

Jo Mersa, the son of Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marley, died on December 26 in Miami-Dade County at age 31.

According to Rolling Stone, a toxicology report detected the presence of THC, the chemical in marijuana, along with naloxone and 0.08% of ethanol in his body at the time of his death.

“Naloxone is commonly used to reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids, but it is unclear at this time why the drug was found in Marley’s system,” they noted.

Jo Mersa had a history of asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia and had not been taking his medication for his asthma diagnosis at the time of his death, according to the Examiner’s Office.

Their report also indicated that Jo had spoken to his mother Kerry-Ann Smith on Christmas Day, the day before his death, and “informed her he was feeling ill, ostensibly due to his asthma.”

Jo Mersa Marley

His body had no evidence of injury, though his lung showed signs of congestion, hyperexpansion, and increased mucus in its airwaves, along with “enlarged glottic tonsils” and black discoloration in his lungs, resulting from smoking.

“An acute asthma exacerbation due to viral illness is a common occurrence and considered a non-allergic event,” the report said. “Additionally, chronic smoking of combustible products such as tobacco or marijuana is dangerous in a person with asthma.”

On December 27, police reported that at about 10 p.m. on Dec. 26, officers from the Pinecrest Police Department arrived at a shopping center’s parking lot located at 11825 South Dixie Highway, finding Jo Mersa unconscious inside his vehicle.

Paramedics at the scene later determined that he had passed away.

Jo was interred at Nine Miles, St Ann, like his legendary grandfather, Bob Marley in January 2023.

In March 2023, several members of the Marley family paid tribute to Jo Mersa as they commemorated what would have been his 32nd birthday. 

He is survived by his wife Qiara, six-year-old daughter Sunshine, and 12 siblings.

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Shaggy Shares How US Marine Corps Training Shaped His Distinctive Voice

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Dancehall megastar Shaggy has shed light on how his time in the United States Marine Corps played an instrumental role in shaping his distinctive baritone voice.

His path to stardom took an unlikely turn when he enlisted in the Marines as a means of finding stability and escaping the challenges of his Flatbush, New York neighborhood. The decision, Shaggy explained, proved to be a crucial stepping stone in preparing him for the hurdles that lay ahead.

“The Marines was a good set up for everything that I was about to encounter in life that I didn’t know,” the 54-year-old remarked during an interview with Billboard.

“Drill instructors—they used to put these voice off and say ‘hey, boy! Drop and give me 20 boy!’ And I just used to mimic them because they would call me out to sing cadences. Little did I know that that was actually vocal training because I was singing from my gut and running three miles.”

He reminisced, “And so I wrote ‘Boombastic’ and they debuted it number 1. The first Reggae or Dancehall artist to debut on the British charts…”

Shaggy, who enlisted at the age of 18 in 1988, found himself deployed to Kuwait two years later as part of the Field Artillery Battery in the 10th Marine Regiment during the Persian Gulf War, commonly known as Operation Desert Storm.

The genesis of Boombastic, according to Shaggy, was pretty casual.

“The track came on and all I started to do was moaning, and out of that came a song. I would say the first couple of albums I wrote by myself without writing them on paper,” he explained.

Boombastic spent 29 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3, and 17 weeks on the UK Singles chart, where it peaked at No. 1.

The song formed part of the entertainer’s third studio album of the same name, which earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. 

Boombastic (the single) is certified Platinum in the UK, for sales exceeding 600,000 units, and Platinum in the US, for sales exceeding 1,000,000 units.  The Boombastic album is certified Silver in the UK, for sales exceeding 60,000 units, and Platinum in the US, for sales exceeding 1,000,000 units.

Shaggy later released Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection, a greatest hits compilation in 2008, which was certified gold in the United Kingdom (UK) on Friday, October 14, 2022, after it sold over 100,000 units.

The collection featured 19 songs from eight of his previous studio albums, including Boombastic and In the Summertime with Rayvon from Boombastic (1995), Angel and It Wasn’t Me from the multi-platinum Hot Shot (2001), Hey Sexy Lady and Strength Of A Woman from Lucky Day (2002), and Oh Carolina from Pure Pleasure (1993).

Meanwhile, the Grammy Award-winning singer added that he had his eyes set on musical success from as early as his childhood days. In fact, he was inspired by Dancehall veteran Yellowman.

“I saw Yellowman live at Skateland when I was a kid. Yellowman walked in, he sang a couple songs and he walked out and everybody in the dance walked out with him… I said, ‘that’s what I want.’”

It is safe to say that King Yellowman is also fond of Shaggy.

In during a 2020 interview with the Jamaica Star, he expressed his displeasure at Beenie Man’s remake of his iconic song, Zungguzungguguzungguzeng, noting that he would have preferred Shaggy or Sean Paul.

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Spice Says Carnival Is A Culture Experience, Crucial To Her Mental Health

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Spice might be the Queen of Dancehall, but she has recently revealed that the Carnival experience is crucial to her mental health.

Speaking to MTV for Caribbean American Heritage Month, the entertainer, whose given name is Grace Hamilton, said that the dormancy of Carnival during the pandemic had taken a toll on her. 

“…Of course, you know, my culture inna Jamaica mi love da Carnival deh because I get to be myself. I get to hear likkle Dancehall, and bruk out and gwaan real dirty. I love being on the truck and yuh hearing fast-paced rhythm; whether that be the baseline, the drum, the pattern, seeing the colourful people on the streets just enjoying themselves. I feel like it’s an experience where you get to just forget everything else that’s happening in your life and just have fun,” she reasoned. 

Added Spice: “I feel like if I’m gonna miss Carnival, I’m gonna miss a piece of me. So, when that was taken away when we were going through the pandemic, I was devastated. I couldn’t be able to see my fans, I couldn’t be able to have fun, I couldn’t get to embrace my culture…just the little things that we get to appreciate when it’s actually taken away and we realise that, ‘woah! This was really playing a big role in my life, and my lifestyle, and happiness, and my joy.’”

The Jamaica Carnival experience culminated on April 16. A handful of international celebrities such as Omarion, Chance The Rapper and Winnie Harlow turned out to enjoy the festivities across the different bands. 

Earlier in the episode, Spice noted that Carnival evokes doses of dopamine in revelers.

“Carnival, I would say, it’s the best experience being on the streets just partying, listening to music, having fun in your costume with feathers and colours, the ambiance, the vibe gyrating the waistline…” 

“I feel like Carnival fits into my personal wellness because it’s something I look forward to. It changes your mood, it changes your mindset. I feel like it definitely helps with mental health issues and getting people back into a place where they feel happy. When you get to go to Carnival, it’s just super important for you to represent the culture. So people from all over the world; whether they’re going to fly into Trinidad, Jamaica…wherever in the Caribbean that has a Carnival event. You’re going there to get a cultural experience,” the So Mi Like It singer said.

Trinidad Carnival was also a movie. Queen of Rap Nicki Minaj was live on the scene along with London deejay Skeng. During her visit to her home island, Minaj had also taken the opportunity to promote one of her latest tracks—Red Ruby Da Sleeze, which samples the renowned Diwali Riddim.

Meanwhile, Spice added that she had had loads of fun at international Carnivals and gave an anecdote about one such instance. 

“I performed at the Red Bull Carnival in the UK, and we had to shut the venue down because it was sold out. Seeing my British fans in the UK just going crazy at my performance and the energy, I was climbing up the speaker boxes and giving them the real experience,” she said.

The Go Down Deh singer also addressed the healing qualities of music and she took the opportunity to hail Bob Marley for the example he set in that arena. She also likened this to the impact that her 2018 track, Black Hypocrisy, had on her audience as she aimed to tackle colourism.

“When you speak about the Caribbean, you have to talk about Bob Marley…how he was able to heal the world and join the world together with love through his music. I remember vividly when I did Black Hypocrisy, how I was able to heal a lot of Black women who was hurt, and broken and going through colorism. They were bleaching; they were trying to become lighter. It was to create awareness through my song,” she said.

The official music video for Black Hypocrisy has reached over 6.4 million views on YouTube since its release. The entertainer has always been passionate about speaking on the matter of colorism.

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Legendary Chaka Demus & Pliers, Konshens Honored

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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.

Spice Deletes Instagram Post After Asking Followers Their Thoughts On Transgender Woman’s “Pregnancy”

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

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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Spice Defends Standing Leg Split At 2023 BET Awards: ‘I Had To Skin It Right Out’

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

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.”

Spice at the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

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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Patra, Yo-Yo Have Emotional Reunion At 2023 BET Awards

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The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

It was a moving reunion for Romantic Call collaborators Patra and Yo-Yo, who shared a passionate embrace ahead of the 2023 BET Awards over the weekend.

Both women appeared equally ecstatic to see each other, as shrieks of “Patra!” and “Yo-Yo!” filled what appeared to be a packed passageway where the two had converged. The moment, which was captured on video, saw the two pioneers locking each other into an extended bear-hug, following which the they would go on to exchange a few words.

“Oh my God! Yo-Yo! It has been so f@#kin’ long! This is great, man!” Patra, 50, excitedly told Yo-Yo, 51, whose real name is Yolanda Whitaker.

The rapper, who has been Ice Cube’s protégé and a beacon for female empowerment in Hip-Hop, showered the Queen of the Pack singer with kisses and a few endearing comments of her own.

“I missed you so much!” Yo-Yo told Patra amidst their embrace. “I love you!”

“Me too! I missed you too!” the Dancehall veteran responded. “Oh my God! This is so great! This is the moment, man!”

The two held the embrace while onlookers captured the moment on camera, before finally breaking the bear-hug to observe each other more closely.

Romantic Call, released in 1993 as a single from Patra’s Queen of the Pack album, climbed to No. 55 on Billboard Hot 100, and No. 9 on the Billboard Hot Rap Song chart.

Notably, the song’s music video features the legendary Tupac Shakur, who is, at points, sandwiched between Patra and Yo-Yo as they travel through the streets in a drop-top Chevy Impala.

Patra’s BET Awards performance was among the standout moments for Dancehall music amidst the celebration of Hip-Hop yesterday.

In a segment meant to be a throwback to the old days of the dance hall, a swarm of dancers filled the stage wearing colorful, Dancehall-inspired clothing, complete with mesh merinos, glittery fashionwear, and an arsenal of reasonably-executed dance moves spanning various eras of the genre.

The segment opened with a performance of Freaks by Lil Vicious featuring Doug-E Fresh, who entirely beat-boxed the tune’s backing Dancehall track, much to the crowd’s excitement. That performance of the 1994 single was followed by a vibrant entrance by Dancehall artist and rapper Mad Lion, whose real name is Oswald Priest.

Mad Lion delivered a crowd-buzzing rendition of his single, Take It Easy, which was released in 1994 and produced by his longtime collaborator, rap legend KRS-One. Busta Rhymes, who was being honoured with the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, was at points pictured jamming along to the Mad Lion’s gritty performance.

Bringing the curtains down on that dedicated segment for Dancehall and Dancehall culture was Patra – who parted the sea of background dancers to make a captivating entrance on stage.

Patra, dressed in classic Dancehall attire – batty rider jeans (booty shorts) and a black belly skin (crop top) – appeared not to have lost a step. The 50-year-old unleashed an energetic rendition of Romantic Call, and despite not being joined by Yo-Yo for that performance, she still managed to keep the crowd’s rapt attention. 

Yo-Yo, meanwhile, performed her signature song You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo in a segment with Warren G, who performed his and Nate Dogg’s seminal hit, Regulate, Tyga, who did Rack City, and E-40, who went with Tell Me When To Go.

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