The dancehall musician Laden, whose actual name is O’keefe Aarons, was today freed from prison after serving nearly 30 months of a four-year prison term for possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition.
In Laden’s earlier years, before he knew he would be a famous singer, he attended Haile Selassie High School in Kingston. Laden reported that he learned to “ride the rhythm” by listening to beats and singing along, according to last.fm.
RELATED: Laden Talks Prison Experience, The Gun and Music in First Interview Since Release – Watch Video
Laden was propelled into the public eye through the Jamaican music competition known as the Digicel Rising Stars. He is known for songs such as Time to Shine, Need Fi Know You, and Public Code.
After his release from prison, the dancehall artiste wasted no time hopping onto a motorcycle and going for a short ride as a member of his entourage shouted “freedom.” The video was done in front of the prison as his friends cheered and celebrated his release from the rehabilitation facility.
Watch the video of Laden riding a motorcycle below:
Laden was given a four-year term for illegally possessing a gun in December 2020, as well as an 18-month sentence for illegally possessing ammo. When he was seen violating the nationwide curfew put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19, the deejay pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, and failing to stop when asked to do so by the authorities.
He could have spent no more than four years because both sentences were intended to run consecutively. Before his sentence, he had spent three months in prison. He was also given the opportunity to request parole after serving a minimum of 12 months in prison, according to Dancehallmag.
According to reports by the police, on October 28 at approximately 10:40 p.m., law enforcement officers were in Cheapside, St. Elizabeth, when they ordered a black Mercedes-Benz driver to halt. The motorist, who was later identified as Laden, originally followed the directive but drove away when the cops arrived.
RELATED: Laden sentenced to 4 years in Prison
RELATED: Popcaan Reaches out to Mavado and Shows Sympathy for Kartel, Laden, Rytikal and Tommy Lee
Laden was later seen seemingly having fun on the road with a number of friends as he posted a video on his Instagram story. Their location was not disclosed, neither did the video have sound but it was evident that the singer was enjoying himself.
See video of Laden and his crew below:
