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Skeng

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Skeng
Birth nameKevon Douglas
BornSt. Catherine, Jamaica
OriginJamaica
GenresDancehall, Traphall
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, deejay
InstrumentVocals
Years active2021–present

Kevon Douglas (born in St.Catherine, Jamaica) known professionally as Skeng is a Jamaican Dancehall artist[1] Skeng came on the scene in 2021 with his infectious hit “Gvnman shift” and gained international recognition after collaborating with Trinidadian artist Nicki Minaj on the single “Likkle Miss (Remix)”[2][3][4][5][6] which enter the Billboard Chart.[7][8] and peak at number 6[9] he also collab with Dancehall artiste Tommy Lee Sparta on "Protocol".[10]

Biography

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Skeng developed an early interest in music while growing up in St. Catherine, Jamaica, and began honing his craft as a teenager.[11] He drew inspiration from both old-school dancehall icons and contemporary trap-influenced beats, blending gritty lyrics with high-energy performances. His raw, unfiltered sound quickly resonated with younger audiences across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.[12]

Following his initial success, Skeng continued to build momentum with a string of singles that showcased his signature aggressive delivery and street-centered themes. His style has often been described as a fusion of hardcore dancehall with elements of modern hip-hop, setting him apart in an evolving Jamaican music landscape.[13]

In addition to his high-profile collaborations, Skeng has remained a prolific solo artist, releasing music that captures the realities of urban life in Jamaica. His performances, known for their intensity and crowd engagement, have earned him a dedicated following both locally and internationally.[14]

Skeng's growing influence marks a new wave of dancehall, often referred to as "traphall," where traditional rhythms intersect with darker, trap-inspired production.[15] Despite some controversies over the lyrical content of his songs, he remains a prominent voice among the younger generation of dancehall artists redefining the genre’s boundaries.[16]

Musical style

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Skeng's musical style is a fusion of traditional dancehall rhythms and contemporary trap influences, a subgenre often referred to as "trap dancehall" or "traphall". This style is characterized by the incorporation of trap music elements—such as heavy basslines and rapid hi-hats—into the dancehall framework, creating a gritty and modern sound that resonates with younger audiences. Notable trap dancehall artists include Skillibeng, Skeng, and Squash. [17]

Skeng's lyrics often delve into the harsh realities of urban life in Jamaica, portraying gritty narratives delivered in rapid-fire Jamaican patois. His track “Protocol,” featuring Tommy Lee Sparta, exemplifies this style and dominated YouTube Jamaica as the top song for two years. [18]

Influenced by legendary artists such as Bob Marley and Buju Banton, as well as contemporary stars like Vybz Kartel and Popcaan, Skeng has developed a unique style that blends traditional dancehall sounds with modern production techniques. [19]

Despite some controversies over the lyrical content of his songs, Skeng remains a prominent voice among the younger generation of dancehall artists redefining the genre’s boundaries. His music reflects the harsh realities of life in Jamaica's inner cities while also offering messages of hope and perseverance.

Discography

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Singles

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Title Year Collaborator(s) Chart Positions Ref(s)
Gvnman Shift 2021 — iTunes (Grenada): #94 [20]
Protocol 2021 Tommy Lee Sparta YouTube (Jamaica): #1 [21]
Likkle Miss (Remix) 2022 Nicki Minaj Billboard Digital Song Sales: #18
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales: #6
Billboard Rap Digital Song Sales: #4 		[22]
Talibhan 2022 Stalk Ashley YouTube (Jamaica): #1 [21]
Life Changes 2022 — iTunes (Grenada): #93 [20]
23 2021 — Apple Music (St. Vincent and the Grenadines): #92 [20]

Filmography

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Music videos

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Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2022 "Likkle Miss (Remix)" Himself Official music video for the hit collaboration with Nicki Minaj. [23]
2023 "Shottaz" Wayne Smith Music video short film inspired by the 2002 Jamaican crime film Shottas; co-stars Kraff as Biggs. Directed by Now or Never. [24]

Television appearances

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Year Show/Network Format Notes Ref(s)
2022 TVJ Entertainment Prime Interview Skeng discussed his rise in dancehall and his musical influences. [25]
2022 Dancehall Tours Interview Skeng spoke about his experiences in the dancehall scene and the role of cannabis in his music. [26]
2023 Magnum Xplosion Live Performance Skeng delivered a high-energy performance, marking his return to Trinidad after a three-year hiatus. [27]

Awards

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Year Award Category Work Result Ref(s)
2023 Caribbean Music Awards Collaboration of the Year (Dancehall/Reggae) "Likkle Miss" (with Nicki Minaj) Won [28]
2023 MECA Awards Male Dancehall Artiste of the Year — Won [29]
2023 MECA Awards Best Collaboration of the Year "Likkle Miss" (with Nicki Minaj) Won [29]

References

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  1. ^ "Skeng – Biography of the Jamaican Musician - Pianity". pianity.com. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  2. ^ "Nicki Minaj joins Skeng on the "Likkle Miss (Remix)"". The FADER. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  3. ^ Peters, Mitchell (August 28, 2022). "Nicki Minaj Adds 'Likkle Miss' Remix With Skeng to Her 'Queen Radio: Volume 1' Compilation". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  4. ^ "Nicki Minaj Drops Remix To Skeng's 'Likkle Miss'". Hits 96 | WDOD-FM. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  5. ^ Devin. "Nicki Minaj Drops Remix to Skeng's 'Likkle Miss'". Rap-Up. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  6. ^ "Nicki Minaj Adds Remix of Skeng's "Likkle Miss" to 'Queen Radio: Volume 1' Compilation LP". Hypebeast. August 29, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  7. ^ "Skeng | Hapilos". www.hapilos.com. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  8. ^ "Skeng jams with Nicki on Billboard - Guyana Chronicle". guyanachronicle.com. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  9. ^ Mallick, Dani (October 11, 2022). "Skeng Earns First Billboard Entries With Nicki Minaj". DancehallMag. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  10. ^ Caribbean (January 6, 2023). "Skeng - CaribbeanArtistBirthday". Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  11. ^ Brown, Tanesha (March 15, 2022). "Young Dancehall Stars Rise: Spotlight on Skeng". The Gleaner.
  12. ^ "Skeng Connects with Youth through Street Anthems". Loop Jamaica. December 10, 2021.
  13. ^ "Skeng Carves His Own Lane in Traphall Movement". DancehallMag. May 9, 2022.
  14. ^ "Skeng Delivers Gritty, Powerful Stage Sets". Jamaica Observer. June 21, 2022.
  15. ^ "What Is Traphall? Inside Jamaica's New Sound". LargeUp. July 15, 2022.
  16. ^ "Skeng Responds to Lyrical Criticism". DancehallMag. October 1, 2022.
  17. ^ "Trap Dancehall: Subgenre Spotlight". Beatsource News. July 6, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  18. ^ "Trap Dancehall: The New Sound Of The Jamaican Youth Takes Over Apple Music And YouTube". World Music Views. January 15, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  19. ^ "Skeng". Dancehall US. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  20. ^ a b c "Skeng Chart Positions on Spotify, Apple Music and Other Streaming Platforms". Kworb. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  21. ^ a b "Skeng Sets New Protocol, Breaks Record For Most Streamed Song In Jamaica". World Music Views. May 22, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  22. ^ "Five Breakout Dancehall Artists To Watch In 2021". DancehallMag. April 1, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  23. ^ Mallick, Dani (October 11, 2022). "Skeng Earns First Billboard Entries With Nicki Minaj". DancehallMag. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  24. ^ "Skeng, Kraff Team Up In New Visuals For 'Shottaz' – Watch". DancehallMag. April 1, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  25. ^ "Skeng On TVJ Entertainment Prime". YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  26. ^ "Skeng on Dancehall Tours". YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  27. ^ "Skeng Returns To Trinidad". Loop News. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  28. ^ "Here Are The Winners Of The Inaugural Caribbean Music Awards". TEMPO Networks. September 3, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  29. ^ a b "Valiant, Skeng, Koffee among MECA Awards winners ... but few show up to event". The Gleaner. January 1, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
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