Sean Paul Explains DMX's Role in Getting Him in the "Belly" Film

Sean Paul is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and successful dancehall artists. However, many fans are unaware of his appearance in the cult classic film, Belly. HipHopDX caught up with the dancehall legend, who explained how DMX got him an appearance in the film early on in his career.

The "Gimme The Light" artist said his acquaintance with DMX began after the two collaborated on the song, "Top Shotter." Paul talked about skipping an annual dance to work on music only to find out DMX was at the event. Upset by the missed opportunity, Sean Paul ended up getting a call to work with DMX and Mr. Vegas. It was explained to him that Hype Williams wanted a song to put in Belly so he and Mr. Vegas built the record prior to DMX arriving at the studio.

"We did this song 'til like 4 in the evening and then about 5 or so, we thought, 'Yeah, this is a dope song.' Then DMX rolls in. I'm like, 'Yo, woah, wassup.' They played the track and he was like, 'Hmm, alright, okay. Well, this is what I got.' And he starts [rapping], 'Here comes the boom, here comes the boom.'"

After recording the record, Sean Paul recalled being quickly asked to appear on the set of the film.

"I was getting more calls like, 'Yo, they're gonna shoot a video and they might put you in the movie, just come along,'" he said. "I was like, 'Wow.' We actually did reach to the stage part of Belly and they were like, 'Just go up there and sing the song a couple times.' I was kinda like, 'So where's DMX now?' And he wasn't there, but they were like, 'This is just a scene where they're gonna show a dance-off but we're putting this song in the movie.' I was crazy happy. There were a few days out there, just kinda pre-prep and that kind of stuff. X came out there, he was chilling in the tour bus, it was like a bus outside. I remember he called my brother 'Farm' because the first time he met my little brother, he came through with a pound of weed."

During the chat, Sean Paul expressed his gratitude to DMX for working with him on the song, which led to his appearance in the film. He was also grateful to director Hype Williams and Mr. Vegas.

"It was good days and just exciting for me as a young artist to be put on such a platform," Paul added. "That was one of the biggest things to happen to me back in the day there. So big up Hype Williams, big up Tony Kelly, big up Vegas, and big up the dog. R.I.P. DMX."