FT. LAUDERDALE – Many try to copy the sounds of reggae and dancehall music. Even Hispanics have adopted the dancehall music and chants, and while they do a decent job, they can never imitate the soulful, deep harsh sounds from dancehall Kings like Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Movado. Their sounds come from a deep place – the pain and the grit of the street and thug life.
Movado is able to create such a unique sound. It seems everything he touches turns to gold because of the passion and pain that spills out from the guts of his stomach onto the vinyl or CD.
Mavado
You can hear it when he cries out to God to protect him from those who might want to harm him or bring him down in “I’m on the rock.” This passion can never be imitated, because its his pain, his passion, his story. Amazing Grace is so hard to listen to as it depicts hard core street life (and how he managed to survive it.) His most recent “So Special” chart buster is as sweet as it is rough; Not to mention the dances that have been invented to go along with his winning hits. The gully creep might have emerged from this thug life – hiding out from whomever – maybe the helicopter shining bright lights “a-groun”. All I know is the dance just fits the rythm and the lyrics just so. Of course, everyone puts their own unique spin on it and that makes it even more beautiful.
Many of us have a love/hate relationship with dancehall music, because, while we do not condone or encourage the gangster lifestyle, the compilation and delivery of the lyrics and rhythms are so magnetic its hard to resist.
Many leaders have lashed out against artists like Movado, saying that the lyrics in their songs might negatively influence the youths. Large sponsors have banned big concert events because of them. These artists sing about what they know, and you have to give most of them credit for their belief in God and his grace.
Movado, while he sings and chants about street life, he always seem to manage to give reverence to God. You have to give him and other artists credit for that. This is one main difference that I find between (Jamaican) dancehall artists and rap artist, they always include, Jah or God in their lyrics.
The good thing is – its a way out of the street life, when they are able to succeed in the business.
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Pat White
Community Blog: Pat’s Pet Peeves Daily Blog. Sometimes Controversial – Sometimes Humorous – Always Thought Provoking.
