Gabriel and Bounty Killers restyled version of My Boy Lollipop is being herald by European journalists and DJs as one of the continents favorites since the single arrived on the scene in November of 2011.
The original sung by Millie Smalls in 1964 was a massive hit to say the least. The track reached #2 on both the UK Singles Chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and even topped music charts as far as Australia.
My Boy Lollipop was the 1st major overseas hit for Island Records and introduced the world to the bluebeat sound which paved the way for ska and what would later develop into the reggae.
The track sold over 600,000 copies in the UK as Europe embraced a new distinct Jamaican sound.
Almost 50 years later Gabriel and Bounty Killer are moving towards the same caliber of success with their cover of the 60s classic that introduced reggae to the world.
This time however the lyrical input of the BountyKiller seems to be stirring up the most controversy among fans who are asking just how the warlord could possibly sing a song using the word lolipop.
King of the dancehall Beenie Man even publicly ridiculed Killa for using the word during their recent clash in Negril on December 23, 2011.
Bounty however cautions that his words should not be taken out of context, insisting that he made the decision to collaborate on this single to endorse its musical legacy and highlight the contemporary fusion of a 60s mega hit.
Despite criticism however Lollipop has undoubtedly become a whirlwind sensation reviving reggae history while simultaneously inciting debate.
Gabriels high pitched voice echoes that of Smalls in the original while Killas presence on the track opens up the tune and its history to a whole new generation.
Gabriel and Bounty Killer anticipate several overseas dates in 2012 as a result of the controversy and the singles success.
Lollipop as well as Gabriels latest single Dancefloor on the Overproof riddim are now among the most heavily rotated tracks on playlists in Europe since their release late last year.