The Fine 9 Girls Are Taking Over The Dancehall Scene

The Fine 9 Girls Are Taking Over The Dancehall Scene

Author: Kara B (Twitter @karabrazey20)

Music has always been a form of expression for black people. Whether its celebrating joyous moments or during grief; music has been the sonic bridge that keeps us connected emotionally, spiritually and sensory wise. When the #FineNine remix of Skeng’s “Likkle Miss” dropped, featuring The Queen herself, it shook both dance hall and hip-hop culture. Coming off the heels of her all-female rapper smash #QueenMix of “Super Freaky Girl” featuring JT (City Girls), Bia, Katie Got Bandz, Akbar V and Malibu Mitch, Nicki Minaj proves why she is at the helm of female rap and music in general. She is music. 

Not only does Nicki Minaj have an ear for music but she possesses the innate ability of evoking the best out of those she works with. The #FineNine remix of “Likkle Miss” features 9 women artist of Caribbeanroots coming together for the biggest genre crossing collaboration ever seen in dance hall and rap. Within hours of release, the remix shot to #1 on iTunes (all genres) and is topping charts in the Caribbean including Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. A cultural reset. A moment comprised of sheer talent and empowermentbridging the musical void thru Nine phenomenal women.

 

#FineNine is the epitome of female unity and empowerment. Social media made female rap unity and women empowerment talking points to fit agendas and narratives. But when that unity and empowerment is looking them in the face, they turn a blind eye. There are female rappers on the #FineNine remix and yet the town criers of unity are mute. The world has always been afraid of talented black women. Black women with a sense of self and know their worth. Black women from different regions of the Earth cementing a historical musical moment with their talent. Nicki Minaj assembled the Infinity Stones of Dance Hall and Soca music and created a moment that will stand the test of time.

 

The #FineNine consists of Spice, Pamputtae, Lisa Mercedez, Dovey Magnum, London Hill, Lady Leshurr, Destra and Patrice Roberts. When I tell you, Nicki has an ear for music, this is what I mean. Some of the biggest names in Dance Hall and Soca alongside rising female rap stars in America and the UK, made a 6-minute song showcasing their artistic ability. Letting their work speak for themselves and allowing their artistry to be the introduction.

 

Now, into the music. I’m in love with the #FineNine remix. No, I’m not of Caribbeanroots or culture but if you know hip hop like a lot of you claim, then you would know rappers collaborating with dance hall artist is nothing new. Shabba Ranks, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Capleton, Lady Saw, Patra and many more dance hall artist have made an impact on hip hop and rap culture. The more hip hop became watered down, we were introduced to less and less of these musical acts. Robbing the culture of the exposure and experience.

 

First of all, the beat on #FineNine remix is FIRE! I don’t speak Patois so some of the ladies I didn’t understand lyrically but their tone, cadence, flow and their ability to ride the beat-oh, I understood that. Sometimes you just have to let the music move you, have some fun and appreciate the sound. Man, so many people are missing out on this moment of excellence because of ignorance and that is truly sad.

 

Now let’s highlight these Phenomenal Nine women known as #FineNine. We know Nicki,but she never ceases to amaze us. She gave us a different verse and switched between English and Patois “these bitches gon’ bow down or lay it down”. As Nicki’s verse ends, Spice picks it up. The Queen of Dance Hall raps “Look at this, prettiness, oculus, oculist” and “Hard hard fi go in, pass me the Vaseline”…Spice understood the assignment lol. I thought it was a great fit for Spice to lead into the song following Nicki. It reminded me of Nicki Minaj coming into the #QueenMix after Malibu Mitch’s verse ended. Well done. Spice isn’t the Queen of Dance Hall for nothing and is an amazingly talented artist. Check out her latest album “Emancipated” out now.

 

Pamputtae enters and let me tell y’all, I thought Spice had a way with words lol. Pamputtae raps “T-T-Tun it sideway, cock it up n bruk it (good hole)” why am I blushing lol. But what I find fascinating, after checking out each of the ladies’ music, I was remined of #QueenMix. None of these superbly talented women, strayed from their artistic style. They bought themselves to the song and had the confidence in their own ability to not “hide” themselves by trying to appease mainstream music listeners. Spice and Pamputtae have a more hardcore sound and are actually lyrical. The arrangement of the vocals makes more sense now. Shout out to Juice! Keep us rolling Juice!

 

Lisa Mercedez is here!!! I think Lisa has a smooth type of flow that just compliments whoever she is on the track with. She raps “Good pump um, God Bless me wid it, Pussy good, ah dat mi certain, Gyal ah shade mi like ah curtain”. I love the way she changed her flow for that verse. If yall recall, Nicki bought Lisa out on the UK leg of her last world tour. Dovey comes in with the vocals and raps “If yuh want back yuh man, gyal ask me kindly”…I like Dovey lol. She is a rising dance hall star and has been crowned Atlanta’s top newest reggae recording artist for 3 years straight. Congratulations Dovey! Skeng comes thru with his verse. I have to admit, after looking into and researching his music, I love Skeng. His flow just pulls you in. Skeng and Tommy Lee Sparta just dropped the official video to Protocol 2 on YouTube, check it out. Skeng is dope and I see major mainstream success in his future.

 

London Hill bought that fire!! She starts off rapping in Patois and transitions back into English speaking. Her flow is sick!!! She spits “It’s a b-b-b-bashmnet, change up my accent, Tryna prove his point, bitch, I’m a trigger finger magnet”. Now this is talent. London’s verse is one of my standout verses on this remix. Now we are taking it back to the UK with Lady Leshurr. The British Grime rapper had a point to prove and she cleared. Lady Leshurr raps “And him comb me straight down like ah middle partin”. I must say all the ladies bought their pen game. Iron sharpens iron.

 

Destra enters and brings that heat. Destra is one of the biggest Soca artist in the world. “You want ah rich queen bitch? Live in my queendom” Destra raps and goes into this killer flow. She has a very distinctive flow and cadence and rocked her verse from start to finish. She owned it. Now, Patrice Roberts brings a vocal prowess to her verse that should be its own song. This is my absolute stand out verse. She is singing with vulnerability and raps like “yeah, this is new to you bitch”. Patrice is a huge Soca star and I can see why. Her verse deserves to be made into a song. That’s how good it is. Then Skeng carries the song out.

 

Shout out to Skeng for allowing these 9 amazing, talented and beautiful women to shine. Skeng, you are the MVP. Nicki Minaj, you are a true gem. Your artistry and ability to bring us together through music, isn’t talked about enough. What you have done with the #QueenMix and #FineNine “Likkle Miss” remix is a testament to your talent and hard work. An artist with the vision of music. We love you

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