‘Tracing’ match, not clashing - Sound system veteran calls out Tommy Lee Sparta, Masicka

World Clash sound system competition co-founder Chin is not impressed with the latest dancehall rivalry between Tommy Lee Sparta and Masicka.

"I don't think these artistes respect clash as an art form. There is a competitive aspect of our culture which is an art form. Though over the years some may favour it as an art form and some look at it as bugga-yagga business, nonetheless, it's still an art form," said the New York-based promoter who is half of the duo Irish and Chin.

He said that clashes, when the concept was respected as a form of art years ago, brought several now big-name artistes to prominence, but he is not convinced the same creative principles are applied.

"These are talented, great artistes but if they had respect the art form, they would do it right. The same energy they put into making Billboard songs, it's the same they should use to put into making these clash songs. Or else, what it becomes is a 'tracing' (cursing) match. They are not utilising the art form that's entrenched into our culture," Chin argued.

"There's still a swag and a structure to the competitive space of our culture and if you're going against that, all your doing is tracing and you're not uplifting that sector of our culture. I'm not saying they should or should not clash because I love that part of the culture, but you gotta do it right," he told THE STAR.

He highlighted that the friendly showdown between Beenie Man and Bounty Killer on the American music webcast series Verzuz marked a musical shift in the clash culture.

"Because that art form is originally ours, when Bounty and Beenie do it, they (Verzuz organisers) had to now convert to doing it the way [both artistes] did it, moving forward. They went in and changed the show's whole trajectory because when a clash is presented correctly, there's no limit to the people who can enjoy the art form," he opined.

Chin received heavy criticism recently after sharing a post on his Instagram account, calling out Tommy Lee Sparta and Masicka. Chin classified some of the lyrical content of their songs as "rubbish" and was adamant in his responses to critics that, "the original structure of the game should remain the same to be deemed a clash".

"Other artistes and people put dem career and everything on the line to build this art form which yuh now using to chase each other; this is our culture and supm that forces us to be better. Certain thing nuh have nutten fi duh with generations and I'm not telling you guys to change the sound. But, have a competitive structure that salutes and appreciates what comes before you guys or don't call what unu doing 'clash'. Call it chasing, not clashing," he said.

In supporting his narrative, Chin also highlighted some notable past clashes such as Vybz Kartel-Mavado, and Beenie Man-Capleton as historical clashes in which quality songs were derived and went beyond local dancehall.

"Once you apply the art form and the culture the right way, you're gonna get hit songs," he said.

Tommy Lee Sparta and Masicka have been spewing fiery lyrics for the past two weeks and the back-and-f0rth has seen other dancehall acts, including Shawn Storm, Rhyme Minista, Jahshii and Skeng intervening. The intense spectacle has so far brought much attention to the artistes and local dancehall space with several industry players and supporters weighing in. But Chin opined that it "would be good for these men to work with some producers who can guide them into doing what the people did before them and don't reinvent di thing".

"For the songs to become popular, the deejays have to juggle dem in the parties or on the radio with clean content and on the same riddim to maintain that formula. That's how yuh ago get di excitement and create a hype inna di dance." However, he said he was "hopeful" about the future of Jamaica's clash culture.