Hitman Walle Condemns 'Merciless' Rumours.
Legendary dancehall artiste, Hitman Wally, has denounced the widespread distasteful rumours surrounding the July 19, 2022 death of Leonard "Merciless" Bartley.
Merciless, who had abused alcohol, was found dead in a motel on Beechwood Avenue in the Jamaican capital, Kingston.
The St. Catherine based Hitman, who released several chart-topping songs between the 1990s and early in the millennium, met Merciless between 1994 and 1995 at the heights of the “Lend out Me Mercy” hit. The two men subsequently became very good friends and music collaborators.
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| The late Leonard 'Merciless' Bartley |
A very hurt Hitman Walle has told the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show on YouTube that he is very disappointed with the persons who have been posting on social media that Merciless was broke and hungry. He described these persons as insensitive because they have failed to consider how their posts would affect the late artiste's family, friends and fans.
He has pointed out that the misleading posts have also alleged that the "Gal Dem Gizada" entertainer died after taking viagra tablets, which were too strong for him. Hitman Walle stated that the posts pontificated that the artiste met his demise after he invited a female to his motel room and took the pills to boost his sexual performance.
As Hitman Walle agreed to sensitise the public on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show about the kind of person Merciless was, he demaned that the public exercise patience and wait for the autopsy report. He warned that it is irresponsible to jump to conclusion.
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| Hitman Walle |
Hitman Walle, a native of Spanish Town,
has paid tribute to Merciless, was arguably the king of lyrical dancehall clashes. He remembers the "Mavis" and “Mama’s Cooking” hitmaker as a very kind person, who looked out for his friends. He noted Merciless would do whatever he could to help anyone who was in need.
The highest water mark of his career was arguably a lyrical clash at the annual year-end showpiece event, Sting, in Jamaica two decades ago. The Warhead arguably outperformed Bounty Killer, Ninjaman and Beanie Man on the same night.
Merciless's career allegedly took a nose dive following his unrivalled performance at Sting in 2002. Hitman Walle has told the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show that Merciless was side-lined on several occasions for shows and other commercial opportunities.
Hitman Walle asserted that this and other events in Merciless's personal life, including the sudden death of his wife, Keisha Gibbs-Bartley in Longville Park, Clarendon on the 3rd of April 2015, had a profound effect on the entertainer. He spent the rest of his life trying to come to terms, but never really succeeded.
In order to help himself to cope with these deeply heart-breaking and despairing experiences, Merciless turned to the bottle. Hitman Wally acknowledged that although Merciless was a heavy drinker, the intoxicating spirits did not affect his ability to record and perform coherently. He expressed amazement at the way the "Ol' Gallis" dancehall star would demonstrate his lyrical dexterity in the studio. He says Merciless, who was born in the small community of Turner in Chapelton, Clarendon on the 1st July 1971, was always energetic and confident.
As both artistes pursued their careers, they often ended up making music at the same recording studios. Hitman Walle eventually produced some of Merciless's records. One of their latest productions will be released by Sony Music on the 19th August 2022.
Meanwhile, several fellow dancehall artistes have since paid tribute to the “Gal Dem Gizada” entertainer on social media. Among them are Bounty Killa, Beenie Man and General B.
Up to the time of publishing this article, the cause of Merciless's death was still not known.
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Shaun Cain is the presenter of the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show on YouTube. He is a newspaper columnist, published author and former Jamaican radio presenter.
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