The longstanding debate over who holds the title of “King of Dancehall” has been reignited, with Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man engaging in an online spat over the coveted crown. However, veteran Dancehall selector Tony Matterhorn has offered a different perspective, asserting that neither of them currently reigns over the genre.
Instead, Matterhorn believes Masicka has taken up the mantle, succeeding Popcaan, who had his own reign as Dancehall’s king.
Masicka, whose career has been on a meteoric rise, has embraced the concept of shared greatness. His latest album, Generation of Kings reflects this sentiment. In September 2024, the artist declared, “All a we a King, yo hear. Every black man a King inna him own right… as long as yuh deh pan the path to greatness.”
This inclusive mindset has resonated with many fans, with Masicka positioning himself not only as a ruler but also as a leader who acknowledges the contributions of others in the genre.
Matterhorn, speaking on The Fix Podcast, highlighted the historical transitions of Dancehall’s crown. “Beenie been di King of Dancehall and a claim the king fi umpteen years when actually him was deposed as the king… Because at the time when Beenie claim seh him a king, a Ellie (Elephant Man) a di king,” he stated.
In his view, the title has been passed through multiple eras, with Kartel and Popcaan previously holding sway before Masicka emerged as the new frontrunner.
Masicka’s dominance in 2024 is underscored by the success of his track Whites, widely regarded as one of the year’s best songs. Furthermore, alongside artistes like Vybz Kartel, Kraff, and Squash, Masicka was at the forefront of the Dancehall scene over the past couple of years.
Meanwhile, Dancehall legend Yellowman has added another dimension to the debate, criticizing both Beenie Man and Bounty Killer as “ungrateful evils.” Yellowman’s biting remarks included, “Them cah wipe out history… everyone a them a fool, them a king a duncehall, badmindhall, criminalhall, liadhall, ungratefulhall.”
As the genre evolves, four names are currently in contention for kingly status: Masicka, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, and Yellowman. While the debate continues, one thing remains clear—Dancehall’s dynamic nature ensures that its crown will always be contested.
