Bounty Killer Talks About Giving Vybz Kartel and Mavado Their Big Break – Watch Interview
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April 5, 2023
As founder of the Alliance, one of dancehall’s most well-known deejay crews, Bounty Killer has helped propel a number of younger artistes in the music industry. In a recent interview with I Never Knew Tv, Bounty discussed providing a launching pad for artistes such as Busy Signal, Cham, Mavado and Vybz Kartel.
Bounty expressed that he felt a great sense of obligation to pay it forward after finding success in the industry. His friend Boom Dandimite had encouraged him to go to the studio during his early career. After getting his big break, Bounty wanted to ensure the success of Dandimite as well as his other Scare Dem Crew members: Nitty Kutchie, Harry Toddler, and Angel Doolas.
However, the artiste had a difficult time convincing King Jammy’s Studio producers to give his companions recording time, so he created Scare Dem Productions and Priceless Records. Bounty went on to release the Valley of Death riddim, which featured several other artistes, but this ultimately led to friction between him and Jammy’s Studio.
Bounty parted ways with Jammy’s Studio and went to Mixing Lab to work with Sly and Robbie, who would go on to record the Scare Dem Crew. After providing the Scare Dem Crew members with the push their careers needed, the Benz and Bimma deejay would go on to work with Cham and Bling Dog and would meet Vybz Kartel shortly after. Bounty and his entourage of budding artistes began to use the term Alliance when referencing each other, and the name would eventually stick.
Busy Signal, Aidonia, and Mavado would later join the Alliance, and Bounty would give all the members of his newly formed group a chance to hone their skills on stage during his performances at stage shows. Bounty explained that he pushed producers to work with the young artistes, but it was difficult for some to spot raw, unperfected talent.
“Not everybody have the eyes to see beyond the rough [ … ] When I carry Kartel to most a di producers, first he was not polished, but he was creative and talented [ … ] Look at them( Alliance) now, all giants,” Bounty stated.
The deejay went on to hint at a possible revival of Alliance, formed by new, younger artistes.
Watch the interview below.
