American singer Destin Conrad is bringing fresh attention to “CHI CHI,” a track from his ROADRUNNER album that reworks a controversial song from Jamaican dancehall history.
The song draws on T.O.K.’s “Chi Chi Man,” released in 2000. The original became known for its catchy sound but also faced criticism for lyrics targeting gay men.
Conrad takes the familiar musical reference in a different direction. As a queer artist with Jamaican roots, he uses “CHI CHI” to express his identity and challenge the meaning attached to the original song.
In an interview with The FADER, Conrad explained that the sample almost did not make it onto the album because permission had not been secured until the day before its release. He said he had considered releasing the track without clearance and dealing with the legal consequences, but the sample was approved in time.
The song also reflects the wider idea behind ROADRUNNER, Conrad’s 13-track album released in August 2026. The project explores reggae and dancehall while keeping elements of his R&B sound and celebrating his Jamaican heritage.
Conrad has spoken about wanting to make space for people who may not always feel accepted in certain cultural settings. He said the album allowed him to express himself honestly while bringing different parts of his identity together.
“CHI CHI” therefore does more than revisit a familiar dancehall hook. It places a controversial piece of music history in a new context, giving listeners another way to think about identity, heritage and how music can change meaning over time.
