Dancehall sensation Alkaline has received an official citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acknowledging his groundbreaking contribution to Jamaican music, culture, and his global influence in the dancehall genre.
The prestigious accolade was awarded on Sunday, March 30, and shared with fans by his sister and manager, Kereena Beckford, via her social media on Monday, where she expressed gratitude to the Massachusetts Senate for the recognition and celebrated the honor alongside Alkaline’s loyal fanbase.
“Thank you senator Liz Miranda for the official citation recognizing Alkaline’s musical achievements and global influence. Big Up Boston 🎭🎭🎭 @manhimselff,” she wrote on Instagram.
Born Earlan Bartley on December 19, 1993, the now 31-year-old artist made his explosive debut in 2013, captivating listeners with his bold, edgy dancehall sound and distinctive “tattooed eyes” look. Over the years, Alkaline has earned a reputation for his lyrical mastery, innovative musical style, and sharp delivery, establishing himself as one of the genre’s most influential voices.
His influence is especially evident in his two full-length albums, New Level Unlocked (2016) and Top Prize (2021), both of which solidified his status as a dancehall powerhouse. Top Prize garnered critical acclaim and topped the US Reggae Albums chart, selling an impressive 1,527 copies in its debut week—doubling the sales of New Level Unlocked.
Alkaline’s ability to seamlessly blend street anthems with introspective narratives has kept him at the forefront of the genre, all while maintaining a loyal global fanbase. His impact goes beyond the studio, with his signature New Rules Festival becoming a landmark event for dancehall lovers. After successful stagings in 2017 and 2022, the highly anticipated festival will return to Jamaica on July 5 at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, marking its first return to the island in three years.
This latest recognition from Massachusetts adds another significant milestone to Alkaline’s already illustrious career, underscoring that his influence stretches far beyond the shores of Jamaica.
