23/08/2025
ROOTS WARRIOR SOUND honors BEENIE MAN – Born August 22, 1973 🇯🇲 🎤
Today we celebrate the Earthstrong of Anthony Moses Davis, better known as Beenie Man, aka The Doctor, Ras Moses, and The Girls Dem Sugar—a true icon of dancehall, a lyrical genius, and one of the most electrifying performers Jamaica has ever produced.
From his early days as a child prodigy to his reign as the self-proclaimed King of Dancehall, Beenie Man’s career spans over four decades of hits, clashes, controversy, and global acclaim.
🎤 From Waterhouse to World Stage
Born in Craig Town, Kingston, Beenie Man was raised in the musically rich neighborhood of Waterhouse. His uncle, Sidney Knowles, drummer for Jimmy Cliff, introduced him to reggae’s greats—Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Black Uhuru. By age 5, Beenie was already deejaying, and at 8, he won the Tastee Talent Contest, launching his career.
His first single, Too Fancy, was recorded in 1981 with producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes, and by age 10, he released his debut album:
🎶 The Invincible Beenie Man: The Ten Year Old DJ Wonder (1983)
💥 Rise to Stardom & Dancehall Dominance
In the 1990s, Beenie Man became a household name in Jamaica and abroad:
• His 1993 hit “Matie” topped Jamaican charts and earned him the DJ of the Year Award—the first of eight consecutive wins
• His rivalry with Bounty Killer defined the era, culminating in legendary clashes like Sting 1993 and the album Guns Out
• He signed with Island Records and released Blessed (1995), followed by Maestro (1996), which solidified his UK fame
• His international breakthrough came with Who Am I (Sim Simma) (1997), a global hit that went Gold in the US
🎧 Discography Highlights
Beenie Man has released 18 studio albums, including:
• Many Moods of Moses (1997) – featuring Who Am I, Foundation, Oysters & Conch
• Art and Life (2000) – Grammy Award winner for Best Reggae Album
• Tropical Storm (2002) – featuring Feel It Boy (with Janet Jackson)
• Back to Basics (2004) – a return to raw dancehall
• Undisputed (2006) – featuring Hmm Hmm and Girls
• Unstoppable (2016) – featuring Yardie, Ready to Party, Million More
He’s collaborated with:
• Barrington Levy, Lady Saw, Luciano, Sanchez, Wyclef Jean, Mýa, Janet Jackson, Sean Paul, Lil’ Kim, and Sly & Robbie
🎬 Film & Cultural Impact
Beenie Man starred in the cult classic Dancehall Queen (1997) and appeared in Third World Cop. He’s been crowned King of the Dancehall at Reggae Sumfest, and his influence stretches across genres—from reggae fusion to hip-hop, soca, and Afrobeats.
“From me a likkle yute me a do music enuh, so yuh haffi understand—people fascinated wid I & I.” – Beenie Man
He overcame poverty, a speech disorder, and fierce competition to become one of Jamaica’s most decorated artists. His stage presence, humor, and lyrical dexterity remain unmatched.
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🎙️ ROOTS WARRIOR SOUND salutes Beenie Man
You are the voice of the streets. The doctor of the dance. The king of the riddim.
Happy Birthday, Beenie Man. Your fire still blazes across the globe.
