Bounty Killer crowned his former student Vybz Kartel as the new king on the block, earning a reaction from Beenie Man.

Vybz Kartel made a triumphant return to the stage to start the new year after a 13-year hiatus due to incarceration. His “Freedom Street” concert was a massive success, marking a new era for the dancehall legend. During his over 3-hour set, Kartel invited several artists from his former Portmore Empire crew and also his former mentor, Bounty Killer.

The Killer describes Vybz Kartel’s return to the stage as “phenomenal” and crowned him the new king. “I said, this man is a lyrical genius,” Bounty Killer said during his short cameo on stage. “Nuff producers, gal, and boy never believed us. And now he’s proven himself. He’s the father.”

A proud Bounty Killer added, “You’re taking nobody’s throne. You built your own, independently. The only man who never signed to an international label and still earned gold and silver—while being a prisoner. A king has risen. Remember that.”

Vybz Kartel appeared very moved by what Bounty Killer had to say about him and responded with similar accolades for the dancehall General. “We learn from the best,” Kartel said.

Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel share a moment on stage during #FreedomStreet. “Happy new life!” said Killer. #GLNREnt pic.twitter.com/zCuHiPbhtU

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) January 1, 2025

Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel have had a storied relationship in dancehall after the Killer introduced a young Kartel to the masses in the early 2000s after recognizing his talent. Kartel also wrote several hits for the veteran deejay. By the mid-2000s, the two had a bitter falling out, which saw Kartel leaving the Bounty-led Alliance crew and forming a friendship with Killer’s rival Beenie Man before forming his own crew, Portmore Empire.

The two artists have since put that part of their history behind them, which saw Killer supporting Kartel during his fight for freedom while battling declining health behind bars.

In the meantime, Beenie Man has responded to Bounty Killer crowning Vybz Kartel, king of dancehall. Beenie shared a throwback video of a performance with him and Kartel at Reggae Sumfest 2009. During the set, Kertal hailed The Doc the king of dancehall before crediting him for being instrumental in his career growth.

“Beenie Man you a King of the Dancehall from yuh come outta yo madda belly,” Kartel said on stage. “Me respect and honor yuh. A me and you say ‘Breast Specialist’ a mi first No. 1.” Beenie mockingly captioned the video, “Straight from the horse’s mouth, ‘So weh did war bout?! 1King.”

Dancehall fans have been weighing in on the discussion about who is the king of dancehall in 2025.