Did Sizzla Kalonji Sell Out?

[@Gunnar-kq6em]

I remember when he came on the scene, I wasn't into his music because I wasn't a fan of the Rastafarians culture, but the more I listen to his songs, the more I realise this guy was super talented. His older songs have such rich melody and meaning. I just now realised it was a privilege to have been a teen and young person when he, Garnet Silk, Antony B, Everton Blender, Capelton, and Luciano all burst on the scene with their sweet cultured music. I miss those days !!!

[@mysticman9331]

Bob said, "Every man has a right to decide his own destiny'. Lets allow Sizzla to be Sizzla! Jah Bless, Jah Protect!!

[@Mrsplanetmaster9]

Brother you're right, you're right , you're right, you're right - so RIGHT😁🙋🏻‍♀

[@chriszugu8422]

Rastafari has certain principles. If you chose to profess and practice a lifestyle, then that lifestyle comes with rules and principles. Not anything goes

[@markspringer716]

Bob Marley wouldn't have much to say if he was smoking the nowadays inorganic weed ....weed change meds change

[@burninglove5240]

But in this judgment there will be no partiality.

[@mysticman9331]

@@chriszugu8422 Ye man but Rasta needs to get down sometimes. But yes it's good to remind each other of livity but let us not be too harsh on one another. After all there are not many people who still stick to all the core principles of Rasta. Some Rastas eat meat. Some drink alcohol all of them tings that are against Rasts livity. But we can't just disown them when deep down they still feel what we feel as Rasta. Rasta is a earthforce. It's either you feel it in you or you don't.

[@PapaIrie]

Absolutely. Doesn’t take away from his greatness but you haffi call it what it is.

[@KennethHolloway-fk1xk]

Temptation ruined the artist

[@lazzaripalmer8351]

Not him alone all a dem only iwayne and queen ifrica mi si a bun some fire

[@kf9926]

If he sold out he would of apologised for his statements against batty, that’s why he was refused from England to this day!

[@kf9926]

Ask the ghetto youts in the trenches sizzla get respect cos he not preachy

[@kf9926]

Sizzla not aloud to perform in uk specifically because he doubled down on his justified homophobia

[@andieslive669]

Love, Honor and Respect to Sizzla Kalonji because he as done excellent work over the years. Yes, he made some mistakes here and there but the good out weight the bad. Indeed, he represent Jamaica, the Rastafarians, the people, the community, Reggae and Dancehall Culture very well. At, least he is much better than what the government as done for it's people. Yes, the Artists takes care of poor people more than the government because they are the only one's that can relate to poor people struggle.

[@GAMBIANFURIAH]

Pour ma part quand j'écoute sizzla et d'autres artistes, je fouille dans les début ^^ tous ce qui sest fait après la première décennie des années 2000 reste peu attirant et recommandable. Ceci n'enlève en rien ses prouesses ^^ . Bless up.

[@reilym979]

Of course he did I only play the original sizzla from the 90s

[@mbrad9379]

I have been asking myself this question for the past 5 years. Thankyou for covering this.

[@seandickson9206]

After Bi Strong album that was it for me, he had few nice singles but this wasn't the sizzla I grew up on. He became more dancehall rather than conscious

[@richardmuirhead3568]

His legacy is diluted with the BS songs. Him reputation "bow" as we say. ... Capleton is the catalyst of the Rasta Renaissance, stays on message TO THIS DAY! Him buss 2 times, was in Dance Hall Queen when Bernie was wiping windshields, Def Jam move bring Rasta to the world again as Bob did. Still fire 🔥. He called himself the Prophet, no exaggeration ... 20+ years he described today's world. 'Cable people" he said, now the tether is wireless. From the land that the invented Rastafarian movement (made Selassie a God we did) and Reggae, Thank you Brother for documenting what we take for granted.

[@user-iu6it9ns2o]

He that is without sin let him first cast a stone. Respect Sizzla for all the wonderful work he has done through out his career

[@kf9926]

And he only make them kinda songs to connect with the youth

[@ashleybaker7809]

Sizzla is a musical genius in my eyes and all his good ways out weighed his bad, case closed. "Any man without sin cast the first stone," "only god can judge me" in my 2pac voice.

[@Star-kp8oc]

🔥🔥🔥

[@pharaohsara6656]

In these days where alphabet people are promoted pump up her pumpum is needed...i used to think it was slack but i can now see why he made it.... "Phat sexy gyal what kalonji grind.....fire for the man who go ride man behind"

[@loveheals6184]

Blessèd Love, fam. I recall the shock of "C*ck up your p*m p*m" after having seen Sizzla perform with Luciano. I actually went to speak with Warrior King after a show to ask what was up. It felt like a crisis and lovers of the man & his music concerned family members. "Words of devine", "No other like Jah", "Thank you Mama" & "Solid as a rock" remain vibrant.

[@rasjunie]

He been systematic for long time!!! Only jamaican dnt see it they neva see when jamaican r wrong.....

[@curtisbessent1374]

Everything changes with time, nothing stays the same. It’s good he cross over n get new fans. The new fans will go back n listen to his earlier records n gain wisdom.

[@xatoriusxVSExbhuttoriusx]

*Sizzla started with Quality but later ended up in Quantity.* *Still Kajonji tho!* 🔥🇬🇳🔥

[@blackwolverine1]

It's up to us fans to hold the Artists we admire accountable for certain content we find inexcusable. From letter writing campaigns to even using the Internet strategically.

[@queenanointed-oconnor8738]

Sizzla stood his grounds on his belief. He is phenomenal and extraordinary singer. A man who for poor ppl and children in his community and jamaica over all.

[@Kingofkings-i7g]

Jah is the most powerful tool so sizzla can bun fire 🔥 on babylonians

[@babasaho5787]

At the end of the day no man is perfect. Sizzla is great artist despite his bad songs.

[@andregabrielbadji1373]

Very prolific artist

[@NajeirMateland-t1x]

Sizzla is the reggae 🐐 goat.

[@positive___soul]

I love Sizzla 💚💛❤️JAH bless

[@miroz5824]

Honestly, with "Born a king" I thought, he is coming back to his good old himself, I enjoy that album to this day, but sadly since that album, nothing major caught my 'ear' and soul. Still, I am not ready to write 'late' Sizzla off yet. To the Reggae Appreciation Society: Thank you for what you do! Love the content! Blessings & LOVE ❤ 💛 💚

[@negusrbg500]

Overstanding balance is not selling out. The man speaks against all injustice, which js why he cannot travel to the states. Pump up her pum pum is not against God. He's still an entertainer,keep this in mind

[@SixEightRider]

Really??? As a worldwide well known Artist, i would rather be a decent roll model… those last words of your comment are an cheap excuse…

[@mikeltsmith]

But let's not ignore the gun lyrics too!

[@negusrbg500]

@SixEightRider not an excuse ,just a reality. You're projecting what you'd rather be and that's dope. We talking about someone else

[@negusrbg500]

@@mikeltsmith you're right!

[@Oldschoolways168]

​@@SixEightRiderHe spoke out against homosexuality. He's a role model.

[@championsoundrecords]

Burning Up was the first album back in 1995 by Sizzla Kalonji on Dr. Dread's RAS Records. Produced by Fatis Burrell. The man hasn't sold out but stuck true to his principles not being tied to any one label so hardly a sell out letting his artistic, creative expression to be free to move in any direction he feels. This does in no way make him a 'sell out'. Pigeon holeing artists to what the certain more rasta roots faithful and fans expect isn't exactly allowing freedom of expression and in no way is Kalonji selling out or sold out at any point in his career just because he lets loose in a secular manner on subject matter close to what he believes or feels at that time. A true living reggae legend of our times. Long live Sizzla Kalonji 🔥🔥🔥

[@goodmanfilife]

'A some big long gun a run out pon dem. Extra load clip a run pon dem'.. 😅

[@obakengleepile1538]

There definitely been a shift in the content of the music. He definitely remains one of the most versatile artist of the Jamaican music & Reggae scene.

[@musamusashi]

When the love for commercial success and the obsession to stay relevant are dominant over one's principles (or alleged principles in many cases) that is what happens. Buju did something similar, except he started with slackness, then moved to righteousness and then rode on both to stay relevant with the public, especially the Jamaican one that, for the most part, don't love righteousness. Someone like Luciano, who always held strong to his principle, while still loved in Africa, Europe or Japan, kind of fell out of grace with the Jamaican public as being too "soft".

[@goodmanfilife]

Not 'soft'.. He just didn't ride the wave with the times.

[@MsWildberry1]

Sizzla held on to his principles longer than most artists. To a degree he didn't sell out because he is a musician first, who wants to sell his music, tour the world and make money. Sizla is not a visionary or a campaigner his ultimate aim is to sell music. The only musician I can think of that didn't sellout is Peter Tosh. Blessings Music Appreciation Society ❤️💛💚🖤

[@Jason-lv4uu]

Well said 👍🏾

[@MsWildberry1]

@@Jason-lv4uu I wonder of those who say he sold out is going to pay his bills, and feed his children. Sizzla has done various lot for our culture.

[@Jason-lv4uu]

You know how it is, when you start a certain way, people don't want you to stray too far from what you represent and what made them gravitate towards you. It is what it is.

[@MsWildberry1]

@@Jason-lv4uu 💯

[@Mrsplanetmaster9]

MAX RESPECT..my forever FAV-PTosh💋🌞🌿🌿🙋🏼‍♀

[@stuckintha90s]

Honestly I haven't felt anything he's put out since 2002

[@nickarth669]

Soul Deep is a great album.

[@mikeltsmith]

Yes, in a sense, you could say that Sizzla did sell out with the slackness and gun songs, but like someone else in the comments section mentioned, the good out weights the bad. Lets not forget, when the Black women and child album came out, the crime (murder) rate in Jamaica dropped!! 100% Full facts!🔥🇯🇲✊🏿💯

[@kf9926]

And he said he made those songs to try and connect with the youth

[@gillianreno7863]

Big up to sizzla my brother. There’s no other like him . He has touch my heart then and still continues to do so .

[@Kingofkings-i7g]

Jah said sizzla can bun fire 🔥 on babylonians and you can do nothing you systematic the king 👑 said so long as Jah live sizzla you will live to see the most powerful ok

[@culturedat]

Y’all forgot he’s supposed to be the head priest of Nyabingi and BoBo Ashanti Rasta. Sizzle is similar to Russell Wilson, a hall of fame talent in the end being devastated by their own inability to keep out of FUCKERY

[@BLACKGOINT]

Uncomparable.light.of.this.world.king.

[@ziontrain7887]

Definitely. Still shock at his left turn after Praise ye Jah album dropped. I-Wayne for a moment carried the conscious positive energy for a while.

[@Jay-hr3rh]

Absolutely, he did. Money corrupts. From black woman and child to pump up her pum pum. Then, talking about slapping up woman. However, Sizzla is still my artist.

[@UTG-uptown]

What you define as switch dada never bow out yet only artist wa na now fi visa and lose it for money

[@booblam6919]

He's still in the dancehall category that's why.

[@chriszugu8422]

They all are just talking, their actions speak louder than the music. Rastafari core believe is self reliance and Repatriation. How many of these Rasta singers put their money to those principles?

[@DJkingFar-i]

One of the most intelligent Rasta … as long as he promote str8ness and righteousness he good … he didn’t sell out … he has provided work for Jamaicans…. Lead in the movement to keep August town crime free for a full year .. etc etc he educates and more look at his actions not lyrics

[@janetlawrence7937]

I wouldn’t say he sell out there was a time when he had fallen short of the glory of the Most High God which led him to sing songs like pump up her pum pum and gun lyrics.However a lot of spiritual people who realize that he had strayed prayed for his return including myself and I can see now that he’s back and keeping his eyes on the prize. In my opinion he don’t need any new music. Black woman and child and all those songs from back in the days are gold. He just needs to stay focused and keep doing the great work of educating and helping the youth.❤Sizzla🇯🇲

[@smashboogietheilladelic5740]

Great Segment!

[@Star-kp8oc]

i understand what you are saying... big up sizzla still! real heavy weight in the music

[@karastamusecrecords]

Sizzla Kalonji mission was and is to unite our people thru music. At same time messages of moral discipline and militancy Sizzla Kalonji has kept consistent with delivering. In a time when Dancehall music started promoting sex in mouth, Kalonji sing "Pump up her pum pum" as response. & regarding songs like "Big Long Gun", ones must keep in mind the images of our Negus Nagast Qadamawi Hayle Sellasse with big long gun in reality. Music is very much a psychological tool. Is like, some people don't want straight up ital veggie, so you haffi gi dem veggie chicken and veggie burger; mock meat. It is not actually animal meat, tho it gives the impression of animal meat. This is the case with certain songs from Sizzla Kalonji.

[@4lifegunner]

I agree with this statement the most.. Jah bless ❤💛💚

[@judahtunes2245]

Sizzla is still the same … he’s human .. he did his work. He put out so many hits .. time for new blood

[@sheek1982]

Another reason why i hate religion and politics, it puts people in a box, and kills creativity. SMH

[@xtra_classy3331]

using those slack words in that brawling manner is not creative. If Beenie man said this it's cool, but when Sizzla does it it looks pretentious. Jamaican music is weak right now.

[@Mrsplanetmaster9]

Money- the ROOT to most Evil‼😭🌿🌿

[@marktafari9125]

Sizzla never sellout a one sizzla sky is the lemit

[@JateFit-lo9eg]

It's music

[@michelrood2966]

Dancehall music isnt reggae. Nowadays, it promotes only slackness and violence. Real dancehall is long gone.

[@herbman1163]

Okay we must talk about each other,but remember a man I just a man in his glory and remember rasta humble not passive , glory to sizzla

[@rusticization]

I believe so. When Sizzla released his song called "Give It to Dem" in late 2000, he forsook his Roots & Culture in favor of singing lewd lyrics in Dancehall and he also sang gun lyrics in songs such as "Empty the Clip". He completely sold out when he signed to Damon Dash's Hip-Hop record label in 2005.

[@beverlylawrence]

Him never help a next artiest.

[@David_Smith]

not sure if he did or not but I know he lost fans when he started to dj that brawling way.He should have stayed in his lane.

[@David_Smith]

I've never heard Luciano or Admiral tibet dj a song yet and they light up the place where ever they go.@@MountyCrizto

[@Jason-lv4uu]

Let's be honest sizzla can't sing like Luciano and the rest of man dem, he doesn't have a voice like dem. He does what he does in his own lane.

[@ketamaRulz]

YaMan ! Devil takin over ! Like the guidenessGone😮😮😮😮😮wiseManTurnTo whatever

[@donavangreen7922]

Yes sizzla sell out he's an example to some of Jamaica new generation rasta jah cure Fanta mojah Antony B alot more they cliam them fire bunn rome I live to see sizzla wearing blazers or jacket many other things that was made in Italy I respect 2 rasta in Jamaica capleton and mutabaruka they wear rasta traditions outfit gypian is one all so who sell out !

[@eugenebruno1481]

Sizzla did that song with foxy brown "come fly with me". Nasty lyrics not something I expected Sizzla to sing.

[@trevordhlamini5577]

A man is Just A man, love Sizzla's earlier albums. Last album of his l enjoyed was Waterhouse Redemption. Off course Sizzla soldout, you can't listen to Black Woman And Child and then his latter albums, then not fill he soldout.Listen to Luciano Sweep Over My Soul and his other albums, and you will see that the message is always the same , uplightment

[@thearki-vist6050]

Kalonji !!! 🔥 always 💯

[@dellydzima]

Kalonji he was one of the best

[@jahineverybody]

Kalongi nah sell out. Slackness? He have a few rougher gal tunes, but that’s slack. He dont chant “ money, possessions, being gangster, killing people, drugs etc.”. I love roots reggae, but I also love lot of other music. I like the i grade album. I love conscious lyrics over different types of beats. And the gal tunes… I both hold the sabbath, and then sometimes after, I might go out to the dancehall with my wife, and get a whine from she lol. It’s just life man. Blessed love

[@loveheals6184]

Greetings, bredda. Getting a wine from your wife isn't in the category of slackness. Like you rightly said, "It's just life". A fi yuh 'oman dat. A public Rasta is holding a banner for best ways. I imagine there are some impressionable youths who may feel flinging down their woman is acceptable if even Kalonji is talking about roughing up his lady without shame. I cannot imagine Burning Spear or Israel Vibration or Culture doing such. Even The Cool Ruler APOLOGIZES and acknowledges that that's not the way. And to show the other side and give credit where it's due, "Just one of those days (Dry Cry)" was a masterpiece. I believe nuff man a feel seh being a big enough man to state that losing his woman was devastating and he wants to make people know he messed up and wants her back was a show of strength, remorse and courage. It likely helped rebuild relationships. I have gunman and slack lyrics I enjoy in a different time and place. But bredrin, suppose you go to a Beres show and he sings a gunman tune and box down woman? Lol. It's the opposite of what he's shown character-wise. Blessings to you and your empress, me and my lion and all seeking sweet vibes always encounter the riddims that bring us closer in love. ASE.

[@tonyhallakabajan2jzmk3]

Are you stupid, you never hear the song he got with dipset where he literally said he is a gangsta and will use his glock to bus a shot in ya ass😂😂😂😂😂

[@abangedwinkgosikoma-ls5uz]

Leave Sizzla alone who art thou fi Judge...

[@AndyMosesMusic]

YO Sizzla big up bro 1love AM

[@nickarth669]

Judgement Yard Mixtapes volume I and lII are both truly great. Volume II is dancehall ranting.

[@celmac74]

He was cute when he was young 😊

[@ronnyhuggins8164]

Kalongi is King

[@jahjahtruth]

If Sizzla was a sell out he would have a net worth way more that 1 million dollars and he wouldn't be banned from 29 European countries. Yeah Sizzla a rude bwoy and he does some slack lyrics from time to time but thats not what hes known for. Remember hes human not gonna be perfect. There is only one perfect one to follow HIM. It surprise me in these comments how judgmental they are. The man has done some great works musically and for Jamaica.

[@JD-hl9sw]

Life is short and he is just trying as many things as he can in this life

[@maggiparel2858]

FORMULA🔥🔥🔥SIZZLA❤BIG UP USELF❤

[@TheNewDawnLeadership]

Why can't anyone just be themselves?

[@kriticalkonsciousness]

No one is perfect

[@OdiseoenGrecia]

The leader,selassie knows

[@34ebo]

I was wondering 💭 about him & Buju 👀

[@nickarth669]

Sizzla sings graphically about sex but he is never disrespectful of women. It’s always in the context of love/feelings.

[@paulreuben7343]

by the standard set by this video, if Sizzla has sold out then so did Bob Marley.... Nicely produced and narrated video....but naive

[@kf9926]

And the Marley children what do they do for the people?

[@philliplyn2692]

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@jccjjccj3305]

His collaboration with 070 shake was unacceptable in the eyes of Jah and man

[@albertaberdeen4162]

You missed 1important name out my friend, The GREAT Bobby(digital)Dixon RIP,Sizla best music was produced by this master after that he's music lacked the Spiritual space ,The END

[@trancepriest]

No he just likes pum pum... according to the ancient khemetic people of Af-rui-KA (the land of the opening of the KA).... pum pum was heaven. I myself am a Rastaman and I love the pum pum(s) of the African empresses.

[@haggai3.477]

14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 15That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. ECCLESIASTES 1: 14-15 KJV

[@watsonunlimitedmusic]

As soon as "Long Gun" came out I stopped listening. Still one of the great artists of the modern era. But honestly disappointed with the last decade of output as an artist.

[@booblam6919]

He's still in the dancehall category that's why.....why doing some very songs.

[@JamesAnderson-fk1nh]

Sizzla definitely went commercial when he go to Def Jam records but I think that was strategy to expose his music to the hip hop world. It is his contradictory behavior that is a problem. One moment he is Bobo Rasta the next he is bad man. He need to decide what he is .

[@kf9926]

He said he only makes those songs to connect with the bad man. Ghetto youths like sizzla cah he not preachy. They can relate

[@Dreadd81]

I don’t see an issue with artist having range nor do I see an issue with “slack” music.

[@emiledaley3]

I don't if he sold out but he's not the same person we came to love and respect so I would say even though he has seem to lost his way, so did David and other prophets before...A MAN IS JUST A MAN... DON'T expect too much of them and focus on yourself not others... Bless -ed love 🇯🇲🙏🏿🇪🇹

[@janetlawrence7937]

I love your comment. That’s the problem with some humans they don’t seem to understand.A man is just a man who will fall short of the glory at times none of us is perfect not even those who we love and admire so we don’t need hold people at high regard as if they can’t make a mistake or two The Most High God love us regardless.❤🇯🇲

[@Oldschoolways168]

He's not a prophet though.

[@emiledaley3]

@@Oldschoolways168 I agree with that but all I'm saying is a man is just a man no matter how we feel

[@Michael-i9y6e]

Of course he became a sell out ! Been following Sizzla since 97 and he’s no doubt not the same artist

[@littlemanscorner1718]

A man is just a man. Garnett said that

[@coalman1351]

Pump up ain't slackness, it's simply a shot fired at men who reject pumpum.

[@flashback5022]

I feel when you push against the system on when they come after you u will be all alone

[@culturemax234]

Yup

[@dwc311]

He may use slackness as a form of entertainment to draw in troubled youths in hopes they discover his more conscious music and turn them around.

[@rjonesyow]

bob marley said stir it up but him would never say pumpum on record for the world to hear. not even peter tosh joseph hill would do that. modern rasta different principles than the ancients

[@marvin4827]

He definitely strayed from his original Message in terms of his lyrical content...

[@kf9926]

But just last month he release a song praising jah

[@eerie_blur]

He definitely fell off really bad, bad that stance against the slackness growing in society made sense regardless we needed it🤷🏻‍♂️

[@andregabrielbadji1373]

For me sizzla is trying to cope up with the new trend he didn't sell out

[@DE100ify]

To me he didn't sell out becuz of his 1 or 2 slack music as dey said alone, Sizzla had an incident wey d police found a cache of assault weapons in a chicken pen, allegedly dey say was linked to the beloved Rasta artist.😌

[@onlyjoetee]

YES HE DID

[@burrusaga]

Bounty was dissing him and ah seh a bare man the Rasta a pare with ....Bounty trow him off him pivot if yu check the history of the his music

[@Kingz_of_the_jungle]

More like him mad out. He lost his way. He and Capleton and a lot of them.

[@booblam6919]

Both are still great....they are still in the dancehall category that's why.

[@tolanimentor7983]

"Da Real Ting" was released in 2004 not 2002! Sizzla is not a sell out! He's not perfect neither like any other musician or man! His brawling & slacky tidy style in some of his songs at the turn of the new mellineum was a bit of a copy of Capleton style b4 he turn rastafari & the way Shango do his live performance! But Sizzla always have a lot of people that surrounds him & in his presence! Reason why Sizzla shares & gives back a lot to people in need & his community! People hang around him because they see potential opportunity that he can create in their life.

[@loketokhan]

That album came out in 2002 you was probably still nursing that's why you don't know😂

[@kemarg5149]

Definately 02

[@tolanimentor7983]

@@loketokhan I think me start do road even b4 yuh turn ah egg & hatch out! From when time Bob Marley neva start locks, when Capleton did ah Dj slack & when time Gregory & Tiger did ah do crack! Ah me fi tell yuh.

[@loketokhan]

@@tolanimentor7983 What? All that and you still don't know when Da Real Ting come out? Dementia Is Real🤣🤣

[@tolanimentor7983]

@@loketokhan Ah suh it go more time! Anywayzz gone bout yuh bizness! Likkle more.

[@frasskanhaimusic2380]

It’s not what you do but how you do so this means there’s always a right way and a wrong. He know why he has lost his way because of what he has done and we have learn to practice what we preach. Big long gun ago run out pon them is not what I expected from a artist with so many great hits, he started to put out to much rubbish and that how he lost touch with the people because he had a lot of control but the devil trick him because he leading the people with consciousness

[@happygucci5094]

His in crisis man- 😢