Entertainment Reporter
Monday, June 23, 2014
For many entertainers in Jamaica, life is anything but a party.
With reports of alleged corruption within the Jamaican government, Beenie Man knows first hand the effects the situation has on those who make music in the area. Evidence of government corruption in Jamaica was first made known with the incarceration of Beenie’s fellow artist Vybz Kartel, who is currently serving a life sentence he labels as “The Kartel Inquisition.”
“The ‘injustice system’ of Jamaica is trying to use me as a scapegoat for crime, so they’re trying to build a case that doesn’t exist,” Kartel wrote via an email to Boomshots.
“I think the government profiles the artists,” added Beenie, who mentioned how government officials aren’t happy with how artists have been flaunting their money in Jamaica.
Couple that with artists having houses next to high officials and the result is rising animosity, according to the “King of Dancehall.”
Beenie goes on to warn that although the average policeman in Jamaica actually enjoys turnin’ up with artists and benefits from hanging out with celebrities, “barking your tongue in the wrong streets” can land you in jail.
“When you come from where I am coming from and to be where I am at right now, you have to move carefully,” he told BET.com.
To see Beenie Man’s full interview with BET.com, check out the video below:
