T.O.K. member Craigy T says he is not particularly impressed with Destin Conrad’s reinterpretation of the dancehall group’s controversial hit “Chi Chi Man.”
In an exclusive interview with World Music Views, the Jamaican dancehall veteran revealed that Conrad’s new song, “Chi Chi,” was cleared as an interpolation of T.O.K.’s original composition, but suggested that elements of the group’s actual recording may also be audible in the finished product.
“It is on paper, it is an interpolation. However, I can still hear voices. So let’s see what that will cause in the future,” Craigy T said.
When asked to confirm whether the clearance covered an interpolation rather than a direct sample of the original recording, he responded, “Correct.”
An interpolation involves re-recording elements of an existing musical composition, while sampling typically involves incorporating portions of an original sound recording. The two uses can involve different rights and licensing requirements.
Craigy T stopped short of alleging any definitive wrongdoing, stressing that the situation was sensitive.
“I have to be very careful with what I say now because it’s tricky. So let me not say too much,” he explained.
His remarks come as Conrad launches a promotional campaign around “Chi Chi,” from his latest album Roadrunner which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.
The song and its accompanying music video reinterprets one of dancehall’s most controversial songs from a perspective that challenges its original message.
Conrad, who identifies with the LGBTQ community, has described his reinterpretation as an effort to reclaim the song.
Craigy T Says He Doesn’t Love the New Version
Beyond the clearance questions, Craigy T believes the singer could have done more with the material.
“I personally though, I think he could have done more with the song than that,” he said, making it clear that his criticism was based on musical preference rather than an objection to Conrad recording the song.
“I think he should take it in a completely different direction,” he explained, adding that the melodies selected for the verses could have been stronger and that the lyrics could have explored a deeper concept.
He suggested that simply revisiting a familiar hit was not enough to guarantee a compelling new recording, particularly when the original carries such a significant cultural history.
Despite his reservations, Craigy T acknowledged that musicians cannot dictate every way their work is interpreted once it enters the public domain of popular culture.
“When you do music, you know, and you put it out there for the world, the world uses it as they wish,” he said, referring to the ways audiences and other creatives engage with released music.
A Controversial Dancehall Classic Reimagined
Originally released during an era when anti-gay lyrics were prominent in sections of Jamaican dancehall, T.O.K.‘s “Chi Chi Man” became one of the group’s defining recordings.
The song’s original message has remained a source of controversy, particularly as attitudes toward LGBTQ representation and expression have evolved within the wider music industry.
Asked whether he believed the new version represented a broader shift away from homophobia in dancehall, Craigy T declined to draw a definitive conclusion.
“I can’t tell you what that’s doing or what that’s not doing,” he said.
“Music is evolving in some good ways, some bad ways, you know, but it is evolving, and it is going where it needs to go to get where it needs to go.”
The singer also appeared reluctant to engage with the visual direction of Conrad’s accompanying music video, telling World Music Views that he did not need to watch it.
‘Music Has Always Been Universal’
Despite his criticism of the remake, Craigy T said he had no objection to members of the gay community embracing T.O.K.’s music.
Asked directly whether he was comfortable with LGBTQ listeners adopting the song, he responded, “I’m okay with them embracing the song, yes.”
He nevertheless described the broader question as complicated, saying he had never approached his music by considering the sexual orientation of individual listeners.
“Music is music, you know, music has always been universal,” he said.
The entertainer explained that artistes cannot control who listens to their recordings, nor should they expect their music to reach only particular audiences.
He described the discussion as a “double-edged sword,” acknowledging the complexities surrounding the original song’s message and its reinterpretation by a new generation.
While Craigy T was not enthusiastic about the creative execution of Conrad’s remake, he acknowledged that the licensing process could have a positive outcome for T.O.K.
According to the singer, the discussions surrounding the song’s clearance have helped resolve issues that previously complicated the group’s ability to perform the original recording.
“The good thing is that this whole thing and clearance for the song and everything, it kind of free up the song so we can sing it now,” he said.
He also recognised that Conrad’s version could introduce the original T.O.K. recording to younger listeners unfamiliar with the group’s catalogue.
The renewed attention comes as T.O.K., known for international dancehall hits including “Footprints,” “Gal You a Lead” and “Chi Chi Man,” continues to navigate the members’ individual careers.
World Music Views also contacted Bay-C, another remember of T.O.K. but he offered no comment.
Asked about the group’s current status, Craigy T said T.O.K. remains intact, although coordinating schedules has become increasingly difficult.
“The group is good, you know. It’s just that because everybody doing their thing, it’s hard to get everybody to get out at one time, at the same time,” he explained.
He nevertheless confirmed that more music from the group is planned.
“100%,” he responded when asked whether fans could expect new T.O.K. material.
Craigy T Working on Solo Music in Miami
Craigy T, who spoke to World Music Views from Miami, said he was in the city recording material for his next solo project.
He also directed listeners to his solo album Ascension (Out Of Many…), which he said is available across digital streaming platforms.
Among the songs he highlighted was “Boodum Booddum,” which incorporates an interpolation of General Degree’s dancehall classic “Boom Boom.”
