I just came back from my holidays and was shocked to find out about the passing of Kevin "Squingy" Bennett, the legendary selector out of Bass Odyssey. It came as a shock because I only recently heard that he was fighting a terminal illness and the annoucement of that and his death have come out of the blue. For those not in the know to put it simple Squingy was the Don selector, possibly the best in the dancehall business.
I've been collecting and listening to Bass Odyssey clashes and mixes since 1993.Year after year, title after title, he came he saw and more often than not he conquered. Without a doubt Squingy could mash up any soundclash and was respected and feared amongst his peers and loved by his fans.
Alongside David Rodigan, Squingy was my favorite selector.He represented Bass Odyssey for 18 years and the soundclash and dancehall world has lost a real legend. Charismatic and cool this man won clash after clash with specials and dubplates alike. Alongside DJ Mark he took apart many a big sound system and was extremely influential in the dancehall scene. A big down to earth character who brought jokes and excitement to the dance, a soundkiller who could take on and beat the best of them.
Squingy was at the top of his profession for a long time. A true master in the game, many aspiring selectors should learn and study his technique. A terrible and unexpected loss to the reggae community may his soul rest in peace.
OFFICIAL BASS ODYSSEY STATEMENT......
Kevin "Squingy" Bennett was a legend, a product of natural raw talent. It is with much grief that we must inform the public that he is no longer among us. At 6.40am on Tuesday 24th November 2009 we were informed of his death in a hospital in Tampa, Florida. It is reported that his lungs collasped which lead to the failure of other organs.
A little over five years ago, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Although there is no cure he had been receiving adequate treatment in both Jamaica and the United States. At this time we extend gratitude to those who have helped us to support and maintain Squingy’s life until now as that in itself is a miracle from the
Almighty.
Kevin was a proud, strong, loyal and dedicated member of our family who bravely fought this obstacle to the final second and lived his life to the fullest in light of the surrounding circumstances.
We appeal to the true Squingy friends and family, the loyal Bass Odyssey fans and supporters of the music that effort be made to preserve his important legacy and contribution.Let us bury the man as a legend.
We maintain that we have always supported Squingy and the entire staff and in extension Alexandria community have stood by his side 100 per cent. Keith Walford and Kirky C are making the necessary arrangements to ship his body to Jamaica where he will receive an honourable burial.
We appeal to everyone to rise to the occasion and support us in honouring a legend for his lifetime and dedication to entertaining fans around the globe.
Thanks to those who have expressed their support and condolences, they are our strength in this time of grief.
Sincerely
Bass Odyssey.
"FROM WAY OUT IN THE COUNTRY"........
Bass Odyssey Culture Mix Download Link
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KE3TYO1M
CHARLY BLACK TRIBUTE SONG "GONE TOO SOON"
Here's what the Jamaican Star had to say....
Kevin'Squingy'Bennett, died on November 24 2009 at the Tampa General Hospital in Florida at approximately 4:30 a.m. due to heart failure. He had suffered from a terminal illness for several years.
The selector was a member of the Bass Odyssey sound for 18 years and has been with them through countless sound clashes, in which he built his name across the world. Squingy along with fellow selector DJ Mark, lead Bass Odyssey to wins in countless clashes including 2005's UK Cup Clash, 2005's New York Cup Clash, 2005's Death Before Dishonour and 2008's U.K Cup Clash.
Last week when The STAR spoke to his long time friend, Richard 'DJ Kirky C' Salmon, of Poison Dart Sound, he said that the disc jock had been admitted to the hospital in Florida on Sunday November 15. According to Kirky C, 'Squingy' had been in Florida seeking treatment after battling with a terminal illness for years.
In a release sent to THE STAR then, Squingy sought assistance through the 'Squingy Fund Raiser', and he stated that; "for years I've been travelling and entertaining the world. I've given everything to my fans and neglected my own body. I have a terminal illness and it's time for me to focus on maintaining my health as best I can. Moving to the US is going to allow me to receive adequate health care."
As the news of his death spread yesterday, persons expressed their condolences and spoke fondly of the disc jock. According to a release sent from Bass Odyssey, "Kevin was a proud, strong, loyal and dedicated member of our family who bravely fought this obstacle to the final second and lived his life to the fullest in light of the surrounding circumstances."
The release further stated that, "We appeal to the true Squingy friends and family, the loyal Bass Odyssey fans and supporters of the music that efforts be made to preserve his important legacy and contribution. Let us bury the man as a legend. Thanks to those who have expressed their support and condolences, they are our strength in this time of grief."
Bass Odyssey's Yaniq Walford, explained to The STAR that even when Squingy began feeling ill and left front-line duties, he was behind the scenes providing a nurturing hand to the younger selectors.
In his tribute to the fallen selector, Kirky C said, "Squingy was a fun guy, enjoyed giving jokes, loved sports and music. I think he should be remembered as just the greatest selector."
When THE STAR spoke to Coppershot's Matthew Gray he also added, "the world has lost a icon in the music business, Squingy rest in peace. He and Bass Odyssey were the biggest influence to Coppershot, they were all we listened to before we started our sound, and his memory will live on forever. Condolences to his family and the entire Bass Odyssey crew."
A memorial service for Squingy will be held on Saturday in Florida. His body will be flown to Jamaica for the burial.
Possibly the greatest dub fi dub of all time....
BASS ODYSSEY VS DAVID RODIGAN DUB FI DUB FINAL ROUND PART 1 UK CUP CLASH 2008
BASS ODYSSEY VS DAVID RODIGAN DUB FI DUB FINAL ROUND PART 2 UK CUP CLASH 2008
BASS ODYSSEY VS DAVID RODIGAN DUB FI DUB FINAL ROUND PART 3 UK CUP CLASH 2008
KEVIN "SQUINGY" BENNETT 1972-2009 REST IN PEACE
