Author: Kara B (Twitter @KaraBrazey20 )
A few weeks ago, Nicki Minaj released her first compilation album “Queen Radio: Volume 1”, with some of her classic and greatest hits, including a remix of emerging dancehall artist Skeng’s, “Likkle Miss”. The Trinidadian born rapper has always voiced her love and admiration for dancehall music and Caribbean artist, so this remix shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Nicki has always been genre defying and the epitome of musical versatility.
Possessing the creative range to make her artistry fluid and the tuned ear to connect with the music that creates a distinct chemistry between her and the instruments. I’m of the opinion Nicki’s talent best shines when she is in “dancehall mode”. She seems to be more relaxed as if her creative process is at home and you can see the layers of her versatility and artistry flex in anattitude that is different than her simply rapping on a track. 
Skeng is the new emerging star of the dancehall genre and is a breath of fresh air to hip-hop. Hailing from St. Catherine, Jamaica the “Gvnman Shit” rapper is known for his hardcore lyrics and with the rising success of his “Likkle Miss” single, has proven the necessary skillsetand musical appeal to cross into mainstream.
The 90’s and early 2000’s saw an influx of mainstream American hip-hop artist collaborating with dancehall artist and dancehall artist such as Shabba Ranks, Beanie Man, Shaggy and Buju Banton having solo success and careers in hip-hop during the era of musical gold. I think we are getting back to that era of music and it’s about damn time. Hip-hop and rap was built on the stories of our people being told thru music and dancehall artist add to the context. Respect is due.
Now, I don’t fully understand Jamaican Patois, but I am of hip hop culture and have thoroughly enjoyed dancehall artist like Patra, Lady Saw, Sean Paul and many others. But I think that’s the beauty of music; it’s supposed to move thru cultures, bring listeners together and be enjoyed. The rhythm of dancehall music is to make YOU move and appreciate the vibe and sound. Some people will say “I can’t understand that type of music so I’m not listening to it” which is the greatest disservice you can do for yourself. Often in life, you have to listen at the beat of the drum and let the rhythm carry you.
The “Likkle Miss” Remix does just that. On the surface it’s the perfect club banger for a night out. Nicki is the perfect fit for Skeng’s delivery and like she said,“Caribbean girls run it”. Skeng raps in the intro “What up what up, represent for the barbz-Nicki this Nicki that Nicki bad dem”, so you know Nicki about to eat. Nicki intertwines her Patois with rapping in English highlighting the layers of her versatility and diverse style. Switching flows and cadence between Patois and English makes her transitions smooth while maintaining the cohesiveness of the song.
Skeng’s ability to still dominate the track with Nicki on it proves why he is the future of dancehall. He has his own distinct style of rapping that flows with the current style of mainstream rap. Check out his music, you will be taken aback at his talent and the enjoyability of his music. Remember you heard it here first, this is only the beginning, we will see a lot more dancehall artist collaborations leading into Spring/Summer 2023. Mainstream hip-hop has sort of exhausted itself with redundancy and this is the creative spark it needs.
The “Likkle Miss” remix video was released about 2 weeks ago and directed by Drevinci and G Town. The directors did an excellent job at creating a club atmosphere of the song. Nicki Minaj stuns as usual with the pink hair. Throughout the video we see ladies twerking their derrieres and even Queen Nicki gyratingher famous cakes. “Likkle Miss” Remix is just a fun song and video intended to make us move to the rhythm andhave fun. Enjoy the music and the feel-good moments that come with it.