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Twitter Users Force Rvssian To Defend His Jamaican Heritage

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Rvssian. Courtesy Instagram/@rvssian

As the focus on black lives around the world continues to gain steam, superstar record producer, singer, and entrepreneur Rvssian has been made to defend the color of his skin and his commitment to Jamaican culture.

Rvssian, whose real name is Tarik Johnston, is the founder of Head Concussion Records. He shot into the limelight after a string of hits with Vybz Kartel, including the 2010 mega-hit Straight Jeans and Fitted.

On June 4th he posted a series of Tweets, which saw mixed reactions from Twitter users with some commenters saying that there was no way he could identify with the struggle for equal rights for black people because he was too privileged to understand what it really meant to be poor.

Some added that his ancestors did not build Jamaica and so he really had no say in the island’s black affairs.

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Rvssian. Courtesy Instagram/@rvssian

This Rvssian Tweet kicked off the Twitter drama that ensued: “Born and raised in jamaica Flag of Jamaica my entire life. But a lot of Jamaicans on the net behind their phones like to act like they more Jamaican than me for what reason? Motto. Out of many, One people. Don’t lose yourself. I love my country and people.”

One fan was irate that Rvssion was considered someone who started from the bottom and built up his own empire. That fan said: “Rvssian born uptown . The man story good. Him wasn’t a NotNice [another Jamaican producer]. And never struggle or have to beg no man him just work hard at his craft, yes but he had financial and family support and that big boy his fault but. So don’t come like the man start from nothing .kmt”

Another fan chimed in: “@rvssian don’t get in your feelings .the same way you voice your views, they can do the same. And take yourself walk in those shoes and try to see why they say that. Yea u was born and Raised in Jamaica did u go thru the ruff nites and the gunshots in the ghetto.”

And then there was this fan who seemed incensed that the producer was concerned about black lives: “Did your ancestors build the nation? No. you are NOT a descendant of enslaved people who were wrongfully subjected to inhuman treatment yet still the country was built off of their backs. now go and sit down.”

Rvssian did get some support from other Twitter users who tried to let him know that they considered him a full-blooded Jamaican, like this fan who said: “No such thing as being more Jamaican than anyone else…I wasn’t born in JA but both my parents were…also having lived in JA I’m no less a Jamaican than you are bro! They can’t stop your shine if you are an islander bro!”

Another supporter agreed, saying “@Rvssian Sometimes you have to pay less attention to what the inchoate minds are saying its a form of insecurity mi G….P.S it would be great to have a better idea what the international market looking for atleast from your perspective?Folded hands.”

Rvssian went back to his timeline and posted a retro photo of his parents, which included his dad, who seemed to be part of the early Rastafarian movement. He tweeted: “Big up mi mother and father – love youRed heart Uno grow me to not judge & badmind.”

In the end, it seems like there is no love lost between Rvssian and Twitter fans who attempted to discredit his work because of his race.  One of his last tweets on the matter showed that his love for his native island remains intact.

“When I’m in streets in Jamaica Flag of Jamaica it’s all love. I love the people. Never no hate. But the trolls behind them phone on the net. God bless y’all. I’ma work harder just for you – hopefully you will grow to hate less. Hate blocks blessings. No negative vibes here.”