Sizzla Burns DJ Khaled’s Gift For “Insulting” Him
KINGSTON, Jamaica —Sizzla Kalonji, a reggae/dancehall musician, and DJ Khaled, an American record producer, appear to be at odds with one another.
This came about after Sizzla shared videos of himself burning two plaques that were allegedly sent to him by Khaled’s team on social media. The plaques were given to Sizzla in recognition of his contribution to the projects and mark the achievement of platinum certification for two of Khaled’s albums.
In contrast, Sizzla called the gesture a “diss” to him and the people of Jamaica in the videos that are currently going viral online, complaining that he could hardly make out his name on the plaques.
Kalonji tore the face of Khaled’s eldest son Ashad from the plaques, saying, “Babies are innocent,” then poured gasoline on the remaining items. The “Run Out Pan Dem” deejay referred to the child as his Godchild and said he would prefer to accept the pictures of Khaled’s son as his plaques over the commemorative items sent by the Recording Industry Association of America.
“Yuh insult me DJ Khaled. Yuh insult Jamaica. Babies are innocent. Ashad a di boss,” the deejay can be heard saying in the videos.
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The video has sparked numerous discussions on social media, with users shocked by the reggae singer’s actions. Some users believe Kalonji went too far, pointing out that DJ Khaled is one of the few international artists who frequently features Jamaican artists on his projects.
“Wow…never expected this. From what I saw @djkhaled always showed Sizzla love and respect. If he didn’t appreciate it, return it. Simple,” said @GregyShao on Twitter.
“Why feed this level of ignorance and hatred? DJ Khaled has only ever shown Jamaican artistes and culture his respect and loyalty. I hope Khaled hears the message loud and clear. Your admiration is not welcome. Let the culture rot continue,” another Twitter user, @TheMacVillan posted.
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The controversy piqued the interest of dancehall producer Cordel ‘Skatta’ Burrell, who stated that it was “not a good look” for the industry. Skatta pointed out that, while Sizzla may be offended, Khaled, as an international producer, is not required to include Jamaican acts on his projects.
“As a featured artist on a compilation album that went platinum I understands how he feels however, one must remember this is Khalid’s project he’s been doing for years and also has the biggest artist in Hip Hop e.g. Jay Z, Drake, Kanye, Eminem, Future, Lil Wayne on this album. For any Dancehall artist to be featured on this is something to be extremely proud of and celebrated. Until we as a people are able to market our music and show support for our own We will forever be relying on others to lend that support,” he wrote on Instagram. “I honestly think this album would still hit the platinum mark without that combination song wit the dancehall acts and Khaled did not need to record a single Jamaican on it, however his love and adoration for this culture that has been a major influence in his career is what drove him to visit this island.”
“Dancehall/ Reggae music needs bigger support, our artist needs better work ethics and Discipline, this is why Jamaica has so many talented artist that influences the entire world yet we continue to see little gains from the industry,” he continued. “Afro Beat is taking over and Africa is now the major music capital of the world. Khaled def won’t be back after seeing shoe stomping on his face.”
Skatta went on to say that he hopes Sizzla’s actions have not jeopardised future opportunities for other local acts.
“Hope this hasn’t jeopardised and opportunities for others who would have gotten the chance at another big feature. We really need more support from the international community. Let’s not forget this is a business. Managers are needed to get between artist and labels to squash these things before it gets out and hit the internet. NOT A GOOD LOOK,” he declared.
