MOG Editorial Review

Beenie Man is often hailed as Jamaica's "Dancehall King," and rightfully so. As one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary Jamaican reggae, his 1995 album Blessed combined the sounds of dancehall with lyrical elements more akin to rapping, and it's certainly a winning formula. For instance, the single "Slam" charted in three of Billboard's singles categories: Rap, Dance, and R&;B/Hip-Hop. Defend It pre-dated his most recognizable single, "Who Am I (Sim Simma)," by three years, but his dancehall style was already founded and ready to be discovered by the masses. Armed with a voice that instantly demands attention, and slick reggae rhythms, it was only a matter of time until he gained his cross-over success, and it's no wonder that Beenie Man's charismatic stylings were hailed by his peers and embraced by American hip-hop and R&B superstars, a move that would garner him even more fame and acclaim.