Dancehall fans have accused American rapper of cultural appropriation.
Earlier this week, fans called out the rapper for wearing an outfit notably reminiscent of 90’s Dancehall Queen splendor.
The image sent tongues wagging, as many Jamaican fans blasted the star for appropriating Dancehall culture without acknowledgment.
Saweetie sparked controversy after she was captured wearing the risque two-piece ensemble. She completed the eye-catching outfit with a platinum blonde wig, and matching thigh-high boots.
However, according to fans, the rapper’s outfit looked straight out of the closet of 1990s Dancehall Queen Carlene Smith. “Give Ms. Carlene her flowers”, one fan commented, citing Smith’s influence on the rapper’s outfit.
“It’s amazing how much is borrowed from Jamaican dancehall culture without even a shout-out lol,” one fan lamented on Twitter.
“She literally look like Marcia against Oliveen in Dancehall Queen [the 1997 movie],” said one fan while another agreed, “she jacking Carlene right here.”
Dancehall superstar Jada Kingdom also added her voice to the converstaion saying, “Coincidence dem seh …neva wa giwi credit yet.”
The phenomenon is credited as being one of the biggest aspects of Dancehall culture during the 1990s. During its golden era, these displays had the potential to attract thousands of fans.
In a documentary, director Cori McKenna once described the phenomenon as “bold and daring women have turned Jamaican street dance into a massive global phenomenon. These women use dancehall to express themselves, to own their sexuality, and to gain confidence in every part of their lives.”
