The “King of Dancehall” debate has once again gripped the genre, but Vybz Kartel has made it clear: he’s not interested in a lyrical clash with Beenie Man or anyone else. Addressing his fans in a video posted to Instagram on Sunday, the Gaza Nation head honcho dismissed rumours of a brewing feud, asserting that his focus is on “positivity, family, business, money, and God.”
“It has come to my attention that Vybz Kartel is involved in a clash or some lyrical feud,” Kartel said in the video. “Let me reassure you, Gaza Nation, nothing could be further from the truth.” His remarks come hours after Beenie Man previewed an unreleased track titled 1King, which many interpreted as a direct challenge to Kartel’s self-proclaimed “World Boss” status. Beenie’s song teaser included pointed lines like, “Fly pass them Porsche inna mi Maserati… A weh the bloodcl**t duh Humpty Dumpty,” a jab some fans connected to Kartel’s recent Porsche purchase.
This isn’t the first time the two dancehall icons have exchanged words. In late 2024, during an interview with Winford Williams, Kartel dismissed the idea of multiple kings in the genre, quipping, “Any other king is Burger King.” Beenie Man, in turn, has repeatedly asserted his reign, stating in a recent video that “there is one King and one clown.”
Despite the growing tension, Kartel’s refusal to engage has been met with widespread support from his peers and fans. Dancehall star Spice chimed in on his Instagram post, declaring, “Unu a gwaan like a 2 but a 1 World Boss and a 1 Adijah Palmerrrrrrrrrrr,” while hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes added a string of crown emojis to signify his endorsement of Kartel’s dominance. Kartel’s stance seems to signal a shift in focus, as he prioritizes personal and professional growth over rivalry.
Meanwhile, Beenie Man’s teaser for 1King has sparked anticipation among fans eager to hear the full track. Whether this marks the beginning of a lyrical battle or just a passing exchange remains uncertain. For now, the dancehall throne remains a hotly contested symbol, with both artistes commanding loyal followings and decades of influence.
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