“Cross, angry and honorable,” is the phrase that recording artiste Bounty Killer wishes to be known by. Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Basil Price, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recently concluded Reggae Sumfest 2010.The award was presented to him on July 22 , 2010 dancehall night by Sumfest producers Johnny Gourzong and Robert Russell for his outstanding contribution to Jamaica’s music. Bounty Killer begun his music career in the 1990’s and has been going strong since. Like any good artiste, he has had his highs and lows but has a loyal fan-base that has stuck with him throughout the years.
Bounty Killer’s father owned and ran the Black Scorpio sound system and hence started his musical career as a sound system deejay in his early teens.. At 14 years of age, Bounty was shot by a stray bullet during a gunfight, and while recuperating in hospital decided to use the name Bounty Killer. He then turned his attention towards recording.
Bounty Killer is mostly known for his rivalry with dancehall veteran Beenie Man. Bounty has aided in the introduction of many superstars to the industry and has helped their careers to flourish locally and internationally, artistes such as Mavado, Busy Signal and Vybz Kartel. Bounty Killer is also responsible for forming the group
Bounty Killer has recently been in the news for negative reasons and this has put a bit of positivity in his life. Killer was calm as he accepted his award. He used the opportunity to discuss his recent troubles, such as being jailed and losing his
Bounty Killer also called on the government to show some rush in the fight against poverty, especially in the wake of the recent state of emergency and the displacement of high-profile dons. He also lashed out on the ‘shottas’, whom he labelled, “wasted sperm” and “society’s germs.” Bounty Killer stayed true to being the “Poor People Defender.”
Reggae Times congratulate him on his award and hope this will be a step for him in a new and positive direction, as he matures into the man we know he can be.