Assassin pulls off clean hit on Studio 38

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

Assassin, or Agent Sasco if you prefer, made good on his promise to 'Run di place', as he took centre stage to deliver a commanding and high-energy performance at Studio 38 in New Kingston on Friday.

The Boardhouse Records artiste showed just how versatile he was, deejaying a number of hit songs and other crowd favourites from his 'arsenal', much to the admiration of the audience that had gathered eagerly and waited patiently for him to 'touch the stage'.

Assassin wasted no time in showing why he is regarded as one of the art form's greatest exponents, delivering those songs that propelled him to dancehall stardom a decade ago.

Making use of an interactive and conversational approach, the artiste, now a dancehall staple, engaged his audience easily and garnered 'forwards' for songs recorded earlier in his career.

Cyah Lock Off The Dance, Dem Bad Mind, Some Gyal, Dem Don't Like, Boring Gyal and Hotter Than Her, were among those from that early career, Assassin chose to highlight.

The feedback from the audience was just as encouraging when Assassin performed some of his more recent hits, which included Wanna-be Ballaz, Pree Dis, Wha Do Dem Guy Deh, Anywhere We Go and one of his latest, Talk How Me Feel.

sasco mode

Shortly afterwards, Assassin went into 'Agent Sasco mode', where he commented on a number of the social ills and problems affecting society through his more conscious songs.

By this time, it became obvious that members of the audience were not just 'making noise' but were really listening keenly to the witty lyrics.

The looks on the faces of members of the audience gave tell-tale signs, they were identifying with the lyrics Agent Sasco spewed.

Songs such as Something's Gotta Give, Day In Day Out, Same Thing Again, Give Thanks, Priority Check, Eediat Ting Dat and Hand To Mouth were well received to say the least.

Assassin later returned to his high-energy and faster-paced songs with selections such as Run Di Place, and his recent 'party vibe' release entitled, Drink and Merry.

He then fittingly wrapped up his performance with Jah Guide and Protect at about 1:43 a.m., which was marked by applause and favourable words from his ever-so-attentive audience.

Assassin lauded Studio 38's support of live music and was appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of such an effort.

"This is where you declare the truth to the people, it's not about rae rae and noise and its not about money pull up and its not about your friends dem with the spray can, it's about people sitting down and listening and responding to you," he said.

"Me applaud every part of the music weh seh live music ... it's growing, but we need to support it because we music a shrink weh," explained Assassin.