By Marc Parc
OutAroad.com Writer
Internationally acclaimed Dancehall superstar, Bounty Killer won't let his long-time rival, Beenie Man live down his decision to issue a recent video statement in which he tried to bury the hatchet with gay and lesbian critics who have long bashed his lyrical content.
Beenie Man responded to recent comments from Bounty Killer criticizing his perceived apology while implying that he sold out his beliefs by making this move. The self-professed King of the Dancehall steadfastly denied apologizing to the homosexual community, insisting that his purpose for the video statement was to ask gay, lesbian critics to stop holding lyrics from his younger years against him. Additionally, Beenie Man took shots at the Alliance leader, claiming that Bounty Killer should have been talking about a performance in Amsterdam in which he claims fans left before the self-proclaimed War Lord took the stage.
However, Bounty Killer refuses to back down; taking to Twitter to refute claims by Beenie Man that Jamaican artistes will see an increase in overseas shows, in part, because of his video statement.
According to Bounty Killer, he would not have done the same thing if put in such a position and that Dancehall music has helped boost Jamaica's stance on homosexuality; intimating that artistes should not back down from said stance regardless of the possible financial implications.
"Me can't ever put a dollar over Jamaica and its culture. If it wasn't for dancehall and its culture I don't know where or who I'd be today. Mi nuh sorry fi nothing that I said or sang; I am sorry to know it offended anybody but that's how I see it. My views and beliefs, all I can say is that homosexuals fi stop try ban we shows and dancehall must leave dem alone to God still and let peace reign," he said.
Most a these artistes nowadays only standing up 4 their careers and income. If Yellow Man, Shabba, Ninja, Super Cat, etc. was doing the same back then, how'd we come to have dancehall to elevate out of the slums. So why today I must sell it out 4 my career or a dollar. Nuh body not doing ntn to preserve the industry that made dem who they are today. All mi can hear a man family affi eat so sell out Jamaica and Dancehall that's the only way to eat nowadays sell ur soul???
He also implied that Beenie Man's decision to issue his video statement was motivated by money.
"When since a money control Jamaicans' morals? Leave the gold and save unuh souls. It no look good," he said.
According to Bounty Killer, there was no need for his rival to apologize given that in the last two years, Dancehall music has steered clear of violent lyrics against any group.
"What are you apologizing for? You don't apologize for what you sincerely believe in. You can only regret if it offended or hurt anyone," he said.
Bounty Killer recently returned from a two and a half week European tour, which he insists went well. He retorted Beenie Man's position that the stadium in Amsterdam was near empty when he took the stage in Amsterdam and also believes that Dancehall music remains in good shape despite many claims to the contrary.
Posted on May 26, 2012 11:39
Beenie Man a fish from long time but mi just cant understand how come gays a fight one of their own gay brendren beenie man it sticky pon yuh sah
Posted on May 26, 2012 11:49
Bounty this is why I respected you and stil do no matter what what, you are one of the smartest artist in jamaica, at the end of the day is about what is right and that aint right in the sight of God, leave Fishinie to time!!!
Posted on May 26, 2012 14:08
beenie remember u song ( all batty man fi dead ) well u fi bl**dclaat dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on May 27, 2012 12:07
Well everybody know say the fish a fag him manager is the biggest fag in Ja. Onnu no mamba say he go pag rupaul show ah hug him an kiss him. Onnu fe whole him a cut him locks how could u say u a ras a regret way u say. Because
$$$$$ ...
Posted on May 27, 2012 20:07
Well I think that Beenie did the noble thing to providing explanation and apology. At the end of the day, it's not about gay people, it's about music... Other artiste need to step up and do the same thing. Only God can judge people, who are we to tell people how to live.