by Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

( L - R ) Capleton, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man

As the drops of rain fell thicker and harder at the Jam World Centre, Portmore, in the dawning of yesterday morning the massive audience moved not towards the exit but the hardcore lyrics of the closing deejays.

Two sets traded lyrics to bring the show to a peak and an end after it had gone through the lover's rock of Richie Stephens, Cocoa Tea and LUST, the searing roots of I-Wayne's 'Life Seeds' and Richie's spice, Busy Signal stepping out and Movado delivering the 'Real McKoy' in combination fashion to explosive results as the show moved into its genuine hardcore nature. Macka Diamond's attempt to do a personalised song for Champions in Action fell flat, her line "Killer bullet bullet but a me have de clip" rousing the audience after, although her closing 'Bun Him' did not heat up the audience.

'No pretty girl ting roun' here'

Danielle declared "no pretty girl ting roun' here" and went way below the belt, but the handclaps and waves when she did not take the exit message clearly indicated the audience's opinion. QQ wagged his legs to the Stookie and Turbulence closed a fiery set with 'Notorious. Hero wrapped up a well-received sting with Prayer Time and Elephant Man declared 'No Junjo no Deh Deh' as the sky lightened and, after Razz and Biggy dropped hip-hop selections for a band change, it was definitely the morning ride.

Bullet bullet

Kartel was first up to 'Sen On' the lyrics in the light rain had the audience in a frenzy before demanding "weh mi faada deh?" There was a thunderous roar for Bounty Killer, dressed in black and accessories shining, as he deejayed "real McKoy, pop off ice-pick inna bway". When he asked "do you see what you want to see whan you look at me?" there was another roar, then after a further lyric from Kartel there was again pandemonium as Sizzla rasped "no no way". After Bounty Killer advised "shut de f...k up" Sizzla chanted "Jam World, we no nyam girl" and the venue again erupted.

Wayne Marshall joined the barrage with Forgot Them, Aidonia chipped in and the fire cooled considerably as Ras Shiloh squeezed his Rastafarian lyrics into hardcore time.

'Presi Bounce'

When Bounty Killer intoned "bullet" it was to a chorus of accompaniments, he folded arms and did the 'Presi Bounce' to the audience's extreme delight, and eventually Sizzla was left alone to continue, demanding "whe yu a do, run leff me bo..t?" as the band attempted to pack up. "Don't disrespect de nation. Play dat yute," he said.

As MC Nuffy said "Let me hear you say Moses" there was a streak of lightning far away to the left of the stage and Beenie Man stepped on stage in full white, long coat flowing and smiling to rip the house with Me Come Again. He was not alone for long, as Mongo Honorebel touched "dem bway deh no bad like I" before Capleton charged out with Top A Tings and again the audience erupted. There was more to come in the closing shower of deejays, as Ninja Man high stepped out to "I am the real Ninja Man" and declared himself "Mr. F....y F....y". "Yu know whe me name?" Capleton demanded and replied with 'Prophet' before Beenie Man declared himself the "girls dem sugar".

Sizzla returned briefly and the closing exchanges continued, a brief contribution from a little girl, Capleton doing Tun' Up as the rain started to fall in earnest. The people started to move in numbers, although there were enough to give a good response when Beenie Man asked "whe me real fans deh?" At 6:30 a.m., though, it was definitely time to go and Beenie Man closed with 'Heart Attack'.

Sample Man dropped sample MC talk, Ruff Kut did most of the night's musical accompaniment and Razz and Biggy kept the audience moving with hip-hop during the final band change.