Ninjaman
Ninjaman | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Desmond John Ballentine |
| Also known as | Don Gorgon |
| Born | January 24, 1966 |
| Origin | Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Occupation | Deejay |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Ninjaman, alias Don Gorgon, (born Desmond John Ballentine on January 20, 1966, in Annotto Bay, Jamaica) is a popular dancehall deejay and actor, known for his controversial and pro-gun lyrics and his stuttering and melodramatic style.[1] Ninjaman is currently out on bail awaiting trial for a murder that was committed in Kingston, Jamaica.[2]
Biography
After moving from his birthplace Annotto Bay to Kingston at the age of 11, he launched his deejay career with the Black Culture Sound System at age 12 as "Double Ugly". In 1980, he joined Killamanjaro, there got the chance to learn from established deejays Super Cat and Early B, and released his debut single as "Uglyman". Yet another name change made him the now well known Ninjaman.[3] In 1987, Ninjaman recorded - and produced himself - his first hit single "Protection", a duet with Courtney Melody. The following years brought many prolific collaborations with producers like King Jammy, Witty, Xterminator, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, Redman, Ini Kamoze, Bobby Digital, Augustus "Gussie" Clarke, and Steely & Clevie and Henry "Junjo" Lawes. It has been said that Ninjaman comes up with all of his lyrics on the spot in the recording studio, in a freestyle manner.
His hits over the years 1989-1992, like "Murder Dem", "Permit to Bury" and "Above the Law" reinforced Ninjaman's image of a violent rude boy. One of his most infamous rivalries (besides the ongoing quarrels with Flourgon and Super Cat) was the one with Shabba Ranks, leading to a number of clashes.
In 1993, criticism of Ninjaman's violent and pro-gun lyrics arose, leading to a decline in performing gigs and chances to record.
By 1997, Ninjaman had changed his name once again, now performing gospel reggae songs as "Brother Desmond". He sought help to fight his crack cocaine addiction in born again Christianity.
In the late 1990s, he was accused (but later acquitted), among other things, of having raped a woman at knifepoint in his home and having murdered a taxi driver. He was sentenced to one year in jail in late 1999, after being convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
In July 2001, Ninjaman was assaulted with a machete, suffering several wounds, some to the head.
In March 2009, Ninjaman, along with his son Jamel, was arrested and charged in connection with a murder on Marl Road, Kingston, Jamaica.[2] He was granted bail for the sum of JD$2,000,000 in March 2012, and is scheduled to appear in court 15 July 2012.[4]
Discography
- Number One
- Glad Me Release (1986)
- Send Threat To Me (1988)
- Slackness Done (1988)
- Stumbling Block/Sixteen (1988)
- Superstar (1988)
- Big Showdown (1990)
- Kill Them And Done (1990)
- Murder Dem (1990)
- My Weapon (1990)
- Out Pon Bail (1990)
- The Last Of Flourgan (1990)
- Warning You Now (1990)
- Zig It Up (1990)
- Bring Them All To Jesus (1991)
- Bunty Hunter (1991)
- Dirt Heart (1991)
- Excuse Me (1991)
- From Mi Hold Him (1991)
- Gunman (1991)
- John Law (1991)
- Mandela Come (1991)
- Permit To Bury (1991)
- Step Aside (1991)
- Sunsplash (Don Gorgon) (1991)
- Target Practice (1991)
- Ting A Ling A Ling A School Pickney Sing Ting (1992)
- Hardcore Killing (1993)
- Original Front Tooth Gold Tooth Gun Pon Tooth Don Gorgon! (1993)
- Run come test (1993)
- Artical Don (1994)
- Booyakka Booyakka (1994)
- Hollow Point Bad Boy... (1994)
- Jungle Move (Remarc Remix) (1995)
- Ninja Man Mega Mix (2000)
- Anything Test Dead (2001)
- When It Done/Mad Again (2004)
References
- ^ "Ninjaman biography at allmusic". Retrieved 2007-05-28.
- ^ a b http://www.dancehall.mobi/2009/03/20/ninja-man-charged-with-murder/
- ^ "Ninjaman biography at GLP". Retrieved 2007-05-28.
- ^ "Ninja Man granted bail". Jamaica Gleaner. March 23, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2012.