The 1997 original, entitled "Who Am I (Sim Simma)", was a Jamaican smash, which crossed over into American markets extremely well reaching peaks of #6 on the US Billboard Hot Rap Singles charts〔http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1314767〕 and #15 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop singles charts.〔http://www.billboard.com/charts/1998-05-09/r-b-hip-hop-songs〕 It was a simmering dancehall hit that confirmed the nickname that Beenie Man's father had given the DJ as a child, what with the young boy's winning ways with the little ladies. Years have passed, but Beenie's charms have only grown, and on "Girls Dem Sugar", they flower fully.
However, it took the help of The Neptunes and featured artist Mýa to add a new sound and style for international crowds.The song quickly became a smash hit at urban dance clubs and urban radio in the U.S
This version is notably different from the original, with the production team creating a stuttering rhythm, shot through with old school scratching, whilst simultaneously conjuring up a rich and romantic atmosphere, fed by Mýa's sweet, sultry vocals. The song quickly became a smash hit on urban radio and in urban dance clubs. It is considered somewhat of a classic dancehall song because of its crossover appeal and its ability to get partygoers on the dancefloor.
And while Mýa sweetly coos about being his girl, Beenie "zagga zagga"'s along, in between chatting her up and bragging how badly all the girls need him. And so it seemed, for "Sugar" shot up the charts around the world, and in the UK even entered the Top 15.