From school singer to sound clash legend

At nearly 58 years old, Esran ‘Billy Slaughter’ Phillips has not only carved a place for himself in Jamaica’s dancehall scene, but has also become a global ambassador for sound system culture, celebrating 33 years with the iconic Stone Love sound system.

Recently honoured as the Guinness Sounds of Greatness (GSOG) Belt Awardee, his hard-core delivery and dominance in sound clashes have solidified him as a legendary figure. Yet, there’s more to him than meets the ‘ear’, a journey shaped by sports, school singing competitions, and his tight-knit family.

Growing up as the youngest of seven brothers in the Burnside Valley, Red Hills community, Phillips always aspired to be something great, a “superstar”, he said. Sports dominated his early years, with an unexpected turn into music.

“My childhood was filled with sports. I played cricket, and I loved football and table tennis, but it was a teacher of mine who always pushed me to attend music classes that led me to discover singing as a second passion. I won school singing competitions for two years straight, and that experience opened the door to my musical journey,” Phillips shared, reminiscing about his early years at the then Red Hills All-Age School.

Though completing his time at all-age school, his love for music never faded. So, Phillips pivoted towards deejaying, following in the footsteps of his cousin. However, the competitive – and sometimes hostile – nature of the deejaying scene drove him to new ventures.

“There was too much fighting over a microphone, and I didn’t want that kind of life,” Phillips shared. It was then that he discovered the world of sound systems, where he found not just competition, but a new avenue for creativity and self-expression.

By 1991, he joined Stone Love, one of Jamaica’s most renowned sound systems, a decision that would change the trajectory of his life. “I love challenges. When I was invited to defend Stone Love, I took it seriously,” he shared. Many might wonder where he got his intriguing name. Phillips earned the moniker ‘Billy Slaughter’ from Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell, founder of Stone Love Sound System, after an impressive victory over two rival sound systems, Exodus and Silver Hawk, at the Beachline Sunday Event in Hellshire. Embracing this new title, Phillips dove head first into the art of selecting music and quickly made a name for himself.

Phillips’ success, like many icons, didn’t come without sacrifice. His life revolved around music, and preparing for clashes demanded intense focus and relentless hours of work. “For months leading up to a clash, I would focus solely on music – I wasn’t playing football or dominoes or even out searching for girls. I was just into music. For 20 hours a day, it was all about calling deejays, writing lyrics, and transforming regular ‘45’ songs into dubplates,” he recalled.

This unwavering dedication paid off, leading to unforgettable moments, such as his legendary clash with Kilimanjaro at Half-Way Tree and his electrifying performance at England’s Culture Clash, where he faced off using multiple genres before a crowd of approximately 20,000. Phillips credits selectors like Rory Gilligan and Glamour Wayne for shaping his early career. “I idolised them; I watched and learned. Now, I can go up against any of them and know I’ll win,” he said confidently.

Now, three decades into his career, Phillip’s reputation is cemented. “I’ve travelled the world – almost every continent except Australia,” he shared, humbly acknowledging the international recognition he has garnered. His room, filled with trophies and plaques from places like Atlanta and Germany, stands as a testament to his impact on the global stage. His latest accolade, the Guinness Sounds of Greatness (GSOG) belt, adds to his legacy.

“It feels great to be honoured. I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and I truly consider myself a professional. It’s really gratifying to see Guinness recognise my work and present me with this award. I’m elated,” shared Phillips. This honorary award, presented to an outstanding sound system emcee, selector, or veteran, celebrates significant contributions to Jamaica’s sound clash culture. Each year, the GSOG selection team evaluates candidates based on their influence, legacy, and dedication to the sound system community, qualities Phillips exemplifies.

As he prepares to celebrate his ‘50-Great’ birthday with his wife and five children in November, Billy Slaughter’s legacy in the music industry continues to grow. For aspiring selectors, his advice is simple. “Study the business. Learn when to play what songs in a dance. Don’t just rush to play the top 10 songs. It’s about making the patrons feel comfortable, letting them groove and feel the vibe,” he said.

For Phillips, the road to success has been paved with both competition and community, he thrives in the heat of the moment, always pushing himself to be the best. As he continues to dominate the sound system scene, Billy Slaughter is a cultural icon who has shaped the soundscape of Jamaican music for more than three decades.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com