Merciless ADD

Obituary to Merciless - God Bless Me More and Curse Me Less

07/20/2022 by Gardy Stein

"Me len' out mi mercy, me no get it back yet..."

With this iconic intro, Mr. Merciless started his journey to fame back in 1994. Prior to that, he had honed his skills on soundsystem performances, picking up the mic whenever possible to chat about what's going on in the world, always making his audience laugh. Although it has become quiet around him lately, the news of his passing left the Dancehall fraternity in shock - with "Warhead", as he was also called, it has lost one of its founding fathers.

Born Leonard Bartley in Chapeldon, Clarendon, in 1971, he grew up with seven siblings in poor conditions, but nevertheless recalls a happy childhood (Interview TeachDem). Initially sneaking into his grandfather's room to play the melodica, he continued his musical journey by saving money for the jukebox and imitating the artists he heard there, especially Papa San who was his favorite DJ. As a teenager, he then learned to write his own lyrics, performing them under the moniker Sugar Demus. A friend told him about a singer's contest in Ocho Rios, and after winning that competition one night, he went on to record his first ever song, Matey.

The artist-to-be then frequented Penthouse Records, working with Courtney Cole and getting to know Steven "Lenky" Marsden, who introduced him to producer and Annex-manager Harvel "Gadaffi" Hart, a link that led to the recording of Len' Out Mi Mercy with Stone Love in 1994. The success following this tune brought Merciless on tour to Canada, UK, Japan and the USA, and he went on to release more hit songs: Gal Dem Gizzada, Mavis, Mama Cooking, God Alone, Mr. Houdini... you name them.

Known for his extraordinary lyrical skills, Merciless also engaged in several clashes with fellow singers; the most remarkable one was probably Sting (2000), where he clashed Ninjaman, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer at the same time. The vocal similarity with the latter has often been commented on and led to a fierce competition on stage. Off stage, however, the two worked together and even recorded a collaboration called No One Cares.

Leonard Bartley was reportedly found dead in a Motel in Kingston last Tuesday (Jamaica Observer), the cause of his death still being investigated. His intelligence, down-to-earth attitude and exceptional humor will be greatly missed.

Condolences:

Olivia "Babsy" Grange: "It is really sad to lose another member of our music fraternity. Merciless was a popular artiste in the dancehall and had a number of hits to his credit. I extend sincere condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and associates and to the music fraternity." (Jamaica Observer)

Shaggy: "Woke up to the sad news this morning! I remember being in studio with Red Rose at Mixing Lab in Kingston when we were doing one of his biggest song Mavis... such a talent gone too soon! R.I.P. walk good Leonard!!!"

Bugle: "Blessed An9ted Love - Rest Well Mi DJ"

D-Major: "Condolences to your Family, Friends & Fans, Truly A Lyrical GIANT, Undeniable History & Legacy, The contribution To our music Lives Leonard"

Bass Odyssey: "Walk good Leonard. Nuff plate in the box from our work together over years."

John Masouri: "What sad news. I interviewed Merciless during his rise to fame in the nineties, when hits like Mavis, Mr. War War, Gal Dem Gizzarda and Mama Cooking ruled the dancehalls. Echoes put him on the front cover the same year - 1997 - that the car I was in broke down outside of Tivoli Gardens late one night. Merciless appeared from nowhere and saved myself and son Felix from a tricky situation, as you can imagine. I'll always remember him for that and our other, more welcome encounters during that period, and also for his many fine records and performances over the years. My sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to his army of fans from around the world."

Teacha Dee: "R.I.P. Leonard Bartley aka Sugar Demus aka Merciless. One of the most authentic dancehall lyricist. Rhymes that always surprise you. Respect due. Walk Good Merciless .. You made your mark!"

Maxi Priest: "The music fraternity has lost another Great one! Condolences to the family, loved ones, friends, fans, Jamaica, and the World on the loss of the infamous, DJ Merciless, Leonard Bartley. I always wanted to do a song with the DJ Merciless. Rest In Peace King. Your works live on."

IN THE PRESS
MERCILESS FOUND DEAD AT MOTEL [JAMAICAOBSERVER.com - July 20, 2022]
DANCEHALL ARTIST MERCILESS IS DEAD AT 51 [DANCEHALLMAG.com - July 20, 2022]
POPULAR DEEJAY MERCILESS FOUND DEAD [LOOPNEWS - July 20, 2022]
MERCILESS FOUND DEAD AT HOTEL [JAMAICA-STAR.com - July 20, 2022]
MERCILESS DIED OF A ‘BROKEN HEART’ SAYS LONGTIME MANAGER [JAMAICAOBSERVER.com - July 20, 2022]