In the past few weeks numerous rappers including T.I. and Jay-Z have expressed their support when it comes to gay rights, but by far one of the most unexpected supporters recently voiced their opinion on gay rights in a video statement released via YouTube.
The video features reggae star Beenie Man and in the minute-and-a-half long video the Jamaican artist stresses the fact that he has “nothing against no one” and goes on to state that he has no problem with gay and lesbian people.
“Listen to what I have to say. Let me make this clear and straight. I have nothing against no one,” Beenie Man explained. “I respect each and every human being. Regardless of which race and creed. Regardless of which religious beliefs you believe in and regardless of which sexual preference you have, including gay and lesbian people. I respect all humans.”
Beenie Man also touched on the homophobic songs he released in his past and informed those watching to not judge him based on songs that were released decades ago
“We are human people this is what we do,” said Beenie Man. “Do not fight against me for some song that I sing 20 years ago…Now I know that people live in the world that live their life differently from my life. I still have to respect another human. So please I’m begging you do not [have] me up for what some songs that I wrote…Just love the music and respect the music. And I love and respect each and every one.”
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BEEEEYATCH! BEEEINE MAN DI KING OF DI REGGAE
No comment!!!
Pause…
this seems forced. gays strongarmin people again. as an artist he should be able to speak his mind. gay bullyin at its finest
You’re fucking retarded. Honestly, why the hell do you care who a person chooses to love and sleep with at night? Are you holding that persons hand? Are you feeding that person? Are you providing for that person? Even if you are, let the person live. It is really not that serious. It really does not matter at all what a person chooses to do with their life as long as they are not hurting society in anyway. If a man chooses to kiss another man then so be it. You people are truly ignorant or just plain stupid to let such a small thing interrupt your life. Grow up and find a real problem to solve. If you were trolling then good job but still this needed to be said. The hip-hop community is one that bitches about being discriminated against but at the same time the community itself is the first to call someone out for how they dress or who they listen to it. Shit needs to change.
chief g, please spare me your microwaved, pre- packaged outrage. Where did it say in my short comment that I cared who someone loved and slept with at night? Where did I make a comment about gay rights? Where did I make a comment about not letting someone live? You state it is not that serious but yet go on an emotional rant that is obviously something pre-programmed in your head. Read my statement again, then read yours and ask yourself whether it was warranted. Who is the “you people” you speak of?
Let me clarify the statement I made above and perhaps you will deflate your overly combative stance. Gay activists have, for years now, boycotted many artists, especially in the dancehall community, such as Sizzla, Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks and Beenie Man, going as far as picketing in front of their concerts. The fact that the protesters were often not familiar with these artists but still joined into these protests, therefore inflating the crowd of picketers, caused severe financial strain on these artists as it became harder for them to get bookings, or to even get entry into certain countries and cities as the authorities did not feel like they were worth dealing with protests for a simple concert. These artists, as you know, rely greatly on tour money. The problem was that many of the protesters were not familiar with the Caribbean artists and were just joining the protests in “flash mobs”, standing up for their beliefs against a perceived enemy. The records they were protesting were often songs recorded as far back as 20 years ago. This caused severe financial strain to these artists, and judging by the body language of the artist on the clip above, his statement seemed forced, like some sort of statement done for community service, to appease the gay community in order for him to resume making a living as an entertainer without being boycotted. The “bullying” comes from the fact that his freedom of expression and his ability to make a living were threatened because people disagreed with statements made in his music. You may not agree with his lyrics disparaging gays, however it does not mean he must be silenced. I, for one, prefer actual artists with opinions, even if they differ from mine as opposed to the walking billboards and automatons we have today. If you feel that his apology is coming from an epiphany, then more power to you. It is however, simply not the case.
As far as you’re concerned, learn to stop screaming with your eyes closed. Not everybody you meet is the same so your pre-packaged rants will not work on everybody. The Hip Hop community could include an accountant in Sweden, a student in Angola and a Bus driver in Brooklyn, so once again, who are you speaking of when you say you people? Check yourself homie
@mack
Damn homie aint no one got time to read ur essay. You could’ve made ur point in one paragraph instead u go on here and write an entire term papers. Niggas be tryin to spit too much knowledge on this shit.
@mack
If you wanna write a novel, this is not the place.
@mack….what the fucking hell… No way I’m reading any of that ish. You need to learn to use proper paragraphs and shit. I’ve written some long comments in the past(not too long though), but you’re taking it to a new level…lol..
@mack
I read your essay and well-said. This definitely looks like political correction/pressure from activists at work, I doubt he just woke up one day and realized he believes in gay rights after all. For that matter, neither did Obama.
Now maybe you believe that the gay activists are right to boycott Beenie Man and the other dancehall artists for their hateful beliefs, and that’s a valid opinion, but hip-hoppers need to be careful. Hip-hop has all kinds of controversial, politically incorrect content and it already suffers because of it. If you don’t want activists fucking up Chuck D’s or Ice Cube’s pockets and opportunities (well, 20 years ago at least), maybe don’t be so quick to point the finger at Beenie Man and them either. Freedom of speech.
WHO GIVES A FUCK!!?? When did this even become a issue? Fuck Obama and the corrupt Government! Making this stupid shit a issue to distract us from real shit.
I cant help but look at this and feel like Beenie sold out. Anonymous has a point. Our government has bigger problems to look at than Gay Marriage.
As a gay man, I can’t explain how much this means to me. Gay people like reggae and clearly Mr. Beenie realizes this.
What you don’t realize is how many of you are likely bisexual or even… Gay *Gasp*. We are going to take over the music industry, starting with regay ( I would like credit for the new name), then moving swiftly along to rap!
Our voice is be hear louder then ever!!! LET’S PAINT THE WORLD PINK!!! GAY PRIDE!!! BEENIE MAN LETS YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY! The gay community will now rally behind you, and attend all of your shows!
wow you’re funny
IF U GOOD IN LIFE
WELL FED
HAVING FUN
WINNING
U DON’T CARE ABOUT WHO GAY
U DO U
THE CONSTITUTION RUNS THIS CONTINENT WE CALL NORTH AMERICA
NOT THE BIBLE
U CLOWNS SUBMIT MORE GAY THINKING COMMENTS HERE THAN ACTUAL WOMEN COMMENT
That’s gay. #bodied
just because he doesnt care about it doesnt and he respects people doesnt mean he supports gay rights. i dont care what these ppl do behind close doors but it doesnt mean i support it. As long as my seed isnt gay its all good.
I feel as if Gay people flaunt their sexuality more than heterosexual people.If u a sausage sucker or a carpetmuncher than do u.You dont have to tell me im ignorant because I dont condone a lifestyle I dont agree with.Its being shoved in our faces that we have to accept it and we honestly dont.i dont expect a white person to like every black,and its not wrong for them to have a opinion on how they feel due to how they were raised.this gay shit is getting outta hand.Its everywhere u look,from the family channel to network tv.I aint gon front like im gonna be fucked up and have a attitude toward gays cause it is some gay people that are cool but I dont have to agree with there lifestyle.i gotta explain this fucked up world to my seeds.
do you watch tv/listen to music/watch movies? its alllll about heterosexual stuff. at least 50% of advertising is based on sex. and you say straight people dont flaunt their sexuality? its all over the place
Gay people are on tv because they are human beings, just like straight people. You people are ignorant as fuck. You sound no different than a white person saying “I have nothing against black people, but I don’t want my children seeing them on tv.” Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? Gay people are on “family” tv because they have families, dumb asses. They pay taxes, fight in wars, they teach are children, they are doctors, and lawyers, and are just like anyone else. If you don’t agree with it, fine. But if you don’t want to see them on television, change the channel. *drops mic*
well fucking said
I thought Star & Bucwild were crazy talking about the ‘gay mafia’ but that ninja hit it right on the head. effin’ years ago. The world is going to heck and a handbasket. How in the world does a life / love preference become such a political subject?
Beenie Man felt the squeeze. So sad, smh. Well they won’t get Bounty Killer.
Proud of Beenie Man for admitting his wrongs.
Batty Man Fi Ded!!!
he wants a green card
FIYA BON PON DI BATTY
respect.
You Jamaicans need to get over it. Let the gay people alone. I love Jamaica and been there many times, but you guys should leave gays alone. Who gives a fuck? if they wanna go and be gay let them. I am straight and it no affects me.
You think them people wanna choose a life of misery and torment? Some of them are born that way I’m telling you. Let them be!