Grammy Award-winning dancehall artist Beenie Man is advising young dancehall artists to work hard in the studio and work even harder on their performances. “The Doctor,” as he is affectionately called, had a quick chat with World Music Views during the Island Music Conference, held in Kingston, Jamaica in February.
With over 40 years in the business, Beenie, born Moses Davis added the reason for working hard is, “so people can remember your music when you sing it and people can remember you when they see you on stage.”
Beenie Man’s “Simma” was nominated for Best Reggae Album at this year’s Grammy Awards—his fourth nomination in his career. About the achievement, he said, “it is good to know that you are recognized, always good to be recognizable. If you are not recognized, it doesn’t make any sense; it’s always a good feeling to be recognized by the tops of tops. If you are recognized by the American Music Association, The British Music Association, The African Music Association, that means you are recognized out of Jamaica by international people.”
Likewise, Beenie Man said he felt good that the likes of Kim Kardashian knew of his song in a now-viral moment where actress Lala called a few famous personalities and gave them the cue “Sim Simma,” which they completed with “Who got the keys to the bimma,” lines from one of Beenie Man’s most famous songs “Who Am I.”
The song produced by Jeremy Harding of Too Hard Records was subsequently certified Gold in the U.S. for selling 500,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 14, 2023—his first Gold single in the U.S.
The 50-year-old dancehall ambassador said, “It’s a great feeling; the song did 25 years ago, for you to come and sell Gold 25 years after, that’s a great feeling.”
Throughout his career Beenie Man has sold over 1.3 million albums in the U.S. with his Grammy-winning 12th studio album “Art and Life,” released in 2000, has selling over 477,000 units, making it his most successful album to date.
Following closely is “Tropical Storm,” his 15th studio album released in 2002, has surpassed 300,000 units. “Many Moods of Moses,” released in 1997, garnered global attention and has sold 279,000 while “Back to Basics,” released in 2004, sold 231,000 units. His 2006 album, “Undisputed,” released has sold 79,000 units.
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