Betrayal in the Dancehall, has this become a tradition? Well, the voice of Dancehall history is certainly saying that this is an established trend. But with this new trend it's becoming more difficult for producers or a well known artiste to lend a helping hand to upcoming artistes

Dating back to the genesis of the genre's high profile, we can recall vividly, Supercat vs. Ninja Man. Supercat is the icon credited with the distinction of giving the Dancehall the 'ever-relevant' gift, the gold teeth, front teeth, gun pon teeth Don-Gorgon. Nevertheless, relations broke down between the then leading DJ's, and reached a bitter end at that infamous 'Sting' of 1991. What took place? Artistes clashed, Supercat got bottled by the audience, and Ninja Man was the new king.

There has been much debate about what was the real cause of the 'split'. Often times I hear talk about some 'coke' thing, but let's leave that. However, the adage 'Kids live what they learn', seem to be a cornerstone in the Dancehall. In more recent times there has been Bounty Killa vs. Vybz Kartel. Without expounding this scenario one could use a quote from Kartel, which sheds a bright light on the topic. During an interview on Entertainment Report, aired on Television Jamaica (TVJ), he responded to a question from host Anthony Miller about his relations with the 'Killa', stating, "A son will not live in his father's house forever. A time will come when the son will move into his own apartment."
Although Vybz Kartel's notion is factual, there are still many who continue to deem his actions a "Judas-like'. Is the Dancehall demanding that once an artiste is a student he should not graduate? This seems to be a harsh reality in the Dancehall arena!

No matter what reason is giving by artistes for wanting to embark on their own mission, it seems the label 'betrayer' always accompany them. If we are to make a list, we would have, Supercat vs. Ninja Man Ninja Man vs. Shabba Ranks, Bounty Killa vs. Merciless, Baby Cham and Vybz Kartel; Beenie Man vs. Don Mafia, and Idonia vs Skatta. .

All that examined, it appears there could be a dramatic change of this 'Dancehall idea'! At Sting 2006 Ninja Man gave Bounty Killa something to think about. While on stage Ninja said, "People! unuh si how Kartel tun roun waa beat Bounty Killa? Well Bounty! If yuh did honour your father that thy days may be long upon the land of the lord thy God yuh wouldn't a get beaten!"
Well, the 'Warlord' seemingly took the rebuke in a good spirit and word now on the street is that he has 'made - up' with his father. Kartel and Bounty reportedly made peace at Dela Splash late last December; and Beenie Man, while ascending the stage at Dancehall Jam Jam last year was heard saying, "Ninja yuh diss mi, but mi naah ansa yuh cause mi respect mi elders."

If this recent trend continues to develop, it could be a very good 'compromise' in a tough arena.