Reggae Legends Beenie Man & Bounty Killer Put Beef Aside for Next 'Verzuz' Battle

The most recent Verzuz battle featured Ludacris and Nelly.

If your childhood was marked by “Girls Dem Sugar” and “Dude” by Beenie Man, the latest Verzuz battle won’t surprise you. 

Reggae artists Beenie Man and Bounty Killer are the latest artists who’ll square up on Instagram Live. Swizz Beats announced the competition over on his official Instagram page and shared the following caption, “Memorial Day VERZUZ weekend special  @kingbeenieman vs @grunggaadzilla sound clash edition from Jamaica  @Verzuztv what are you wearing ?????”

In Jamaican households (like mines) it’s hard to deny the impact of Beenie Man, a reggae veteran. Growing up we heard his music whether we wanted to or not. It wasn’t abnormal to hear “Girls Dem Sugar” featuring Mya on the radio over and over again in the early ‘00s. The song is arguably one of the most necessary tracks from that era. In the past he’s collaborated with The Fugees and Janet Jackson. We hope to hear “I’m Okay/I’m Drinking Rum & Red Bull” during the battle. 

Bounty Killer is a rightful competitor, as he’s carved out his space within the dancehall genre since the early ‘90s. The Grammy Award-winning artist has collaborated with a slew of artists including Busta Rhymes, The Fugees, and Mobb Deep to name a few. 

While their artistry is definitely on two different ends of the spectrum, the Verzuz battle will give both of them a moment to shine. It’ll also allow them to be given roses for their influence on reggae music. The live event may also put an end to their beef which has been going on for years (we had to add that). After all the two reportedly were headliners at Jamaica's Reggae Sumfest, the country's wildly popular summer concert. 

The Bounty Killer vs. Beenie Man battle will take place on Instagram Live on Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m. EST.