Dancehall icon Beenie Man and newcomer Skeng were given a quick yet heartfelt shout-out by Trinidad-born rapper Nicki Minaj at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards after she received the Video Vanguard Award.
In her acceptance speech, Minaj first thanked people who were key inspirations to her signature sound and flow. She sang praises to names such as Lil Wayne, Foxy Brown, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill and Doug E Fresh.
She also gave credit to all the people who provided her with major opportunities including Kanye West, Beyonce and Barbadian singer Rihanna—a name that she melodized and used as a segue into shouting out all Caribbean people.
Beenie Man, however, was given a special shout-out for his contribution to her career. “…Beenie Man thank you for everything…” Minaj said.
She also gave Dancehall newcomer Skeng a wholesome ‘wah gwaan’, an acknowledgment that comes right after their collab, Likkle Miss (Remix), which was released yesterday on the rapper’s greatest hits compilation, Queen Radio: Volume 1.
