Bounty Killer’s recent interview with DJ Akademiks has reignited a years-old dispute between him and fellow dancehall artist Alkaline. During the conversation, the veteran entertainer revisited the origins of their falling out, pointing to Alkaline’s promotion of a controversial sexual act, known in Jamaican slang as “brawta,” as the starting point.
Bounty Killer explained that when Alkaline released a track endorsing the behaviour, Jamaicans openly rejected it. Bounty, echoing traditional Jamaican values, said he publicly denounced the act and disrespected Alkaline for endorsing it.
The tension reportedly escalated when Bounty voiced his criticism on Instagram and disrespected the younger deejay. In response, he received a direct message from Alkaline that disrespected his mother, a serious insult in Jamaican culture. Bounty made it clear in the recent interview that if the two ever cross paths, there would be consequences
The interview has sparked a conversation on social media, with fans and critics weighing in heavily on both sides. Some argued that Alkaline was simply defending himself after being called out, while others believe Bounty had every right to express his views as an elder in the industry. One user wrote, “So u diss him and him nuh fi diss u bk??”
Others questioned the double standard, pointing out that Bounty seemed to forgive other artistes who had insulted him publicly, including Vybz Kartel. “Kartel diss yuh the worst way n yuh run backa dat,” one person noted, referencing past controversies between Bounty and Kartel. Many users also suggested that the constant focus on Alkaline might stem from resentment that he never publicly acknowledged Bounty as an inspiration.
A 2018 report from Urban Islandz revealed Alkaline’s perspective on the controversy. According to the “Champion Boy” deejay, Bounty had long taken jabs at him, even labelling him the biggest “Freakazoid” in dancehall during a rant.
Alkaline said he initially ignored the insults but eventually fired back with the now-infamous direct message. While his response was met with criticism, Alkaline defended his decision, claiming he was tired of older artists disrespecting younger ones without expecting a reaction.
“I didn’t hear everybody talking about how them a diss me,” Alkaline said at the time. “From ever since I forward into the industry, Killer call up my name… I just did a focus on my music.” Alkaline also indicate that status does not exempt anyone from retaliation. “From you diss me, you’re going to get diss,” he stated unapologetically.
