Bounty Killer Says ‘King Of Kingston’ Album Not Being Done To Compete With Other Artists
Weeks ahead of the expected release of King of Kingston, Dancehall icon Bounty Killer says that the album is not being done in a bid to compete with anyone, whether younger artists or his contemporaries.
“This album isn’t to compete with the younger folks or anybody. It’s more of a template to guide who doesn’t understand fully about the roots of the dancehall culture… 18yrs ago I dropped my last album then launched Alliance to run dancehall, I never ever needed the hype,” Bounty said, referencing Ghetto Dictionary, his last album, which was released by VP Records in 2002.
“No competition isn’t there… still the two most murderous man inna music today is Mad Cobra and myself and he’s on this Al-bomb😂😂,” he later added in the comment thread, in relation to the collabs on the production which he says will be a “Christmas album”.
In addition, the Seaview Gardens native, seemingly mulling the extremely weak album sales which have been plaguing Jamaican Dancehall artists, pointed out that many people who criticize the quality of the songs being produced, do not spend their money to buy music.
“I hope y’all appreciate it when it comes bcuz most people ppl today only complain and comment about music but they don’t buy it,” he lamented.
Bounty made the statements on his Instagram page on Sunday.
His ‘no-compete’ statement though, is a far different sentiment from remarks he made earlier this year, when he noted on Instagram that other artists should step aside and make way for King of Kingston, which is being executive-produced by Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, and which will eclipse and outshine all others.
On Sunday, Bounty also re-emphasized the point that the album is being put out to remind the world what “authentic” Dancehall is.
“I heard lots of complaints from genuine music fans and music lovers across the globe, About the sound state and condition of dancehall today which most of us can agree that’s it confusing at times, But the change is inevitable however,” the Coppershot artist said.
“So I decided to gather a bunch of artiste producers, musicians and writers to try and remind today’s fans what authentic hardcore international dancehall sounds like, Bcuz the radio mostly plays rap and trap also the cable ppl getting it mixed up,” he said.
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In response to his statements about music purchases, and his upcoming album, many of Bounty Killer’s fans told him that he needed to tell them when the album will be available for pre-order, so they could purchase.
“Well said Bounty Killer me a wait when can I pre order,” djroyiriejam said.
“@grunggaadzilla ..fully agree wid di buy part…everyone issa fan until a time fi spend $12 U.S,” therealprospec replied.
“If it’s good we buy it. If it’s not good we download the audio for free on YouTube,’ one follower quipped.
When one follower, realtention, sought to castigate other hard-core Dancehall artists for criticizing Bounty or leaving him to be a ‘voice in the wilderness’, batting for authentic Dancehall music, Bounty’s response was diplomatic.
“You’re absolutely right but in real though I’m not fighting with anyone or anything bcuz what’s to be will always be I’m just standing with what I know and how I know it’s done,” he noted.
During an Onstage interview earlier this year, Bounty had re-emphasized that King of Kingston was going to be another tour de force.
He had stated though, that he would not rush to complete the album, even though he said he was also cognizant of the fact that his fans were waiting with bated breath for its release.
Bounty had said he would only release King of Kingston when the time is absolutely right, as he always makes it a point of his duty to ensure that his album tracks are always meticulously written and produced before being put in the public domain.
He had also announced that some of the most iconic Dancehall and Reggae artists, as well as several Hip Hop legends would be featured on the album, among them Barrington Levy, Sanchez, Chronixx, Bling Dawg, Busy Signal and Wayne Marshall; Vybz Kartel, “possibly” Mavado, Richie Stephens, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg.