Vybz Kartel Former Protege 'Slash' Returns For His 'Own'

Hailing from the sunshine city of Portmore, Dancehall/Reggae artiste Dwayne Knight more popularly known as ‘Slash’ grew up in the dynamic and heavily populated enclave of St. Catherine which helped to nurture his talent through various local concerts eventually catapulting him into a hometown celebrity. 

The young aspiring artiste was officially introduced to Dancehall Music by popular singer Michael Buckley, who also lived in the community. Buckley would play his sound system and sing original tracks and a few covers as a favourite pastime. Occasionally Slash was given a chance at the microphone to showcase his aptitudes and hone his craft. 

Following the untimely passing of his brother and mentor Terrence in 2002 the tragedy helped to deepen his love for the craft and Slash would eventually use the unfortunate circumstance as the impetus for his career.  With the assistance of Producer Ray Stephens of the Dog House Production Label (now Vertex Records), Slash recorded two collaborations with Vybz Kartel, this saw the entertainer enjoying heavy rotation on various radio outlets. Kartel, quickly acknowledged Slash’s undeniable talent and encouraged him to join his label: ‘Adijahiem’ Records. This move heralded the release of the collaboration Badman Nuh Bow. 

Slash later recorded tracks on the Classic Dancehall Mix titled, “Art Of War” which featured some of Dancehall’s finest namely: Cobra, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Busy Signal, and Aidonia. 

In 2007 Slash talent landed him a feature role in the documentary ‘Made In Jamaica’ directed by accomplished filmmaker Jerome Laperrousaz other featured acts included Bounty Killer, Lady Saw and Gregory Isaacs, The film has since been featured at a number of international festivals across the globe. 

Coming on the heels of his movie debut Slash continues to received good rotation on the airwaves with songs such as Poor People, The Truth, and the more noteworthy ‘War and Crime’ (West Side rhythm.) some of his other releases include Real Gallis Anthem (Yard Rock rhythm), You Look Good (4.5 rhythm) and Whine Up Yuh Body.

This breakthrough artiste has graced the stages of several high profile event such as, West Kingston Jamboree, Portmore Unplugged and Fully Loaded.  No stranger to the international scene Slash has been making his imprint across the globe with performances in Trinidad, Barbados, St. Maarten and Europe.

Intent on leaving an indelible mark on the music industry this Portmore native has already released the videos for his latest offerings ‘My Own’ and  “Better JA”, the latter produced by Tom Hype for the Germaica Austria label, amid working on new collaborations for an upcoming mixtape. 

Today, Slash considers his music transcendent of all genres and prides himself as an emerging international force in music.  Today, Slash considers his music transcendent of all genres and prides himself as an emerging international force in music