In the world of sound systems and selectors, or DJs as they are more commonly known, the art of clashing or battling a rival DJ is one that can launch someone’s career, and with a name like Marcus the Assassin, one need not wonder about the litany of “soundboys” this month’s feature DJ has left in his wake, never to be heard from again in the dance-hall.
To gain full appreciation for the artistry that is involved in such dominance, one must first familiarise oneself with the rigours of the culture amongst DJs and how competitive the industry can be. The quest to find the right songs, the right commentary to go with those songs, and the uncanny swagger that makes the package complete.
It’s about confidence and the DJ Marcus has spent years building up his reservoir of magic ingredients.
“From the time I can remember, my father and uncle were heavily involved in sound and I had the privilege of growing with the art form. I started out playing dances with Walkmans and a little box hitched up somewhere. When one cassette was finished, we simply switched it over. Later, we moved on from that to one turn table, two turn tables, mixing, and now we are doing everything digitally with computers and the rest of it,” he says, adding that it was impossible to imagine what is happening today when he started out. “You couldn’t dream this stuff up!”
“We used to use 45 inch records and have what we called 45 shoot-outs. But now you rarely see those anywhere.”
DJ Marcus started out his career in Jamaica with a team called Super 1, but he says he got his real break with 4x4 Exodus, a popular sound system that built up a following and notoriety around the world.
“From there it took off,” he recalls.
Not long after, rumours of his conquests at the expense of less formidable selectors was heard about in the Cayman Islands and Red Diamond, one of the premier sound systems on Island, came calling. In 2009 Marcus would call Jamaica’s closest neighbour home. His first show was at the Limestone Ironshore Lounge.
“Most DJs now are trying go for the top 10 music to play for their audience but they are forgetting about the grass roots of the music. I think this is not a good way to progress music and move it forward, so I am constantly challenging myself and my listeners to increase their imagination and scope of appreciation. It is a formula that has worked for me and it keeps things from becoming repetitive for the audience, many of whom probable heard you play the week before,” he says, pointing out that “In music you should set your own pace and never follow anyone else’s trend.”
The majority of Marcus’ emphasis is placed on reggae and dancehall, but the DJ also delves into other genres quite regularly. He has developed into a highly celebrated part of the night life in the Cayman Islands and can be found doing gigs just about every night of the week.
On Mondays, Red Diamond host a weekly event called Round Robin, with Tuesdays seeing DJ Marcus the Assassin at Welly’s Cool Spot. On Wednesdays, you can find him at the Blue Marlin and on Thursday, he is at Archie’s Bar and Restaurant.
For Friday and Saturday, he is at the Dump Road Bar and Blue Marlin respectively. WH
For more information about the Red Diamond Sound and how to contact DJ Marcus the Assassin contact 1-345-322-6365.