Dancehall SlangWami Encyclopedia
BIG UP
Core Definition
To publicly acknowledge, praise, or give respect to someone — an artist, a crew, a crowd, or a place — usually shouted over the mic.
[ Comprehensive Explanation & Cultural Context ]
'Big up' is one of the most universal phrases in Jamaican music culture, used by MCs to greet specific people in the crowd, thank collaborators, or honor other sound systems. It's a verbal handshake that builds community within the culture.
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