CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Iconic dancehall artiste Ninja Man and former Magnum Kings and Queens of dancehall runner-up Specialist, have recorded a clash song together.

The song is called Dweet, and sees the veteran and the young act trading lyrical blows to prove which generation is more relevant in dancehall.

Ninja Man, who has been crowned the clash King of Dancehall, is now signed to Downsound Records alongside Specialist. He says the clash collaboration song is not to be interpreted negatively by other artistes, young or old. However, it must be seen as a motivation for veterans and up-and-coming artistes to work together.

"We are not fighting the youths, instead we are trying to develop them and helping to bring back dancehall to what it once was in the past," Ninja Man said.

The lyrics, deejayed by Specialist, imply that veteran artistes should step aside and allow the younger generation of artistes to manoeuvre the dancehall/reggae genres. While Ninja Man differs in opinion, stating that the young acts are not ready for that responsibility and cannot perform properly.

"Ninja Man is not really a crew person nor a person that works with bosses. But from yuh hear mi a endorse Downsound Records, yuh must know that we are heading in a positive direction. We are working as a team to get the music to the level of the 90s when dinosaurs like me and Shabba and Super Cat were running the place. At Downsound, I am like a mentor to these young artistes. I show them the ropes and encourage them. Even in the recording process, we are a team, everybody put together their talents and make good music, and more veterans should do the same and help to develop the youths," Ninja Man said.

The clash song, Dweet, is featured on Skatta Burrell's recently released Quarter Mile rhythm and according to Ninja Man, the single is already doing well in London.

"We have a lot more music coming out, so people can look out for them. And people take the positives from the song, it's not about young artiste and veteran fighting against each other, but about unity," Ninja Man said.

Specialist himself has had some experience with clashing. The young artiste was the victor in a war of words against his Magnum Kings and Queens rival Hurricane at Sting 2011. However, the artiste has kept a fairly low profile since his popular street anthem, Street Hustle.