It’s officially ‘war season’ in dancehall, and Masicka and Tommy Lee Sparta have each thrown down the lyrical gauntlet.

The pair managed to ignite the local entertainment scene with fiery ‘diss’ tracks that have left fans anxious for the coming rounds in what promises to be an explosive showdown.

Tommy Lee Sparta fired early shots at Masicka through his single Control, as he seemingly targeted the Genasyde boss for perceived subliminal blows aimed at the Worl’ Boss, Vybz Kartel.

Although neither Masicka nor Kartel have confirmed a brewing beef, the dancehall grapevines have been abuzz with talk of the two being at loggerheads since Reggae Sumfest in July. Masicka sent tongues wagging at the summer show when he referred to himself as the GOAT — greatest of all time — amidst Vybz Kartel’s official crowning as the King of the Dancehall. It is believed that the ongoing war of words over titles may have led to the current feud between Tommy Lee and Masicka.

Tommy Lee, in his first round diss track, took direct aim at Masicka, gaining early momentum especially among dedicated Gaza fans who lauded the Spartan for seizing the opportunity to seemingly “put Masicka in his place” and defend his mentor. But his effort did not only gain praises from fans, it also earned the wrath of Masicka, who returned fire in his track, Vain.

Referring to himself as the G.O.A.T. once more, Masicka — while declaring Tommy Lee an unfit challenger — said the Uncle Demon deejay has been riding Kartel’s wave as his solo career sinks.

Pointing out that he can walk proudly up the ladders of the dancehall hierarchy, Masicka said, unlike Tommy Lee, he has ascended to the pinnacle of dancehall with zero assists.

Masicka accused Tommy Lee of “begging” for a collaboration during his stint behind bars between 2021 and 2023 — a request he declined.

As the two engaged in another round, Masicka replied to Tommy Lee’s Destroyer with his single Tears on Wednesday. In the track Destroyer, Tommy Lee called out Masicka for ‘crown-chasing’ and declared the Genasyde boss unfit for the dancehall throne.

In his response, dubbed Tears, Masicka made it clear that if a ‘come up’ in dancehall was dependent solely on raw talent Tommy Lee would have never made it.

The lyrical war has captivated music lovers locally, with both artistes being praised for their potency by each of their fan bases. They are even being encouraged to continue the showdown so long as they do not get physical. Listeners have so far determined that the war of words is a good look for the dancehall space.

Popular selector Boom Boom agrees.

“Fi tell you the truth, mi play both songs a Uptown Mondays, and it was a good look on the streets… As a youth weh grow on clash culture, we know this is the time of year for all war, and it make the place nice again,” he said.

Boom Boom shared that, on a positive note, the vibe on the street was so good.

“We know, based on history, war can get drastic, but me haffi give it up to the fans of both artistes, dem stay while each of the songs played and just hold a vibe,” he said. “A two bad artiste dem, and mi just wah dem keep it lyrical and make we enjoy the music same way.”

Heavy D, artiste manager and veteran industry insider, shared similar sentiments.

“A dis dancehall build up off of, clashes, wars and the whole vibe. It goes way back, and it’s a very important part of our culture. Two talented artistes who big in dem own rights, so that can only be good for dancehall seeing this kind of showdown, and at this point me like it,” he said. “Bottom line is that this is our culture on full display, and I know it will help both artistes, especially at this level. We nah declare no winner yet, we a gwaan watch and listen.”

The two entertainers have since been encouraged by Sting promoters to take the lyrical showdown to the stage come December 26.

Sting, in its prime, was the ultimate battleground for feuding artistes. The stage show has helped several artistes gain legendary status in dancehall by offering a platform for the lyrical combat.

Legendary Sting clashes include: Merciless vs Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, and Vybz Kartel in 2000; Ninja Man vs Vybz Kartel in 2003; Vybz Kartel vs Mavado in 2008; Beenie Man vs Bounty Killer and Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, and Ninjaman in the early 90s. However, the show has not been able to return to its glory days, making a physical showdown between Masicka and Tommy Lee highly unlikely.

Tommy Lee (Karl Mclarty)