It's 9:30pm on a Wednesday night.
Fire Links is about to handle his business at Bobby Digital's studio in Hughenden. He's waiting for Frisco Kid to arrive, the next artist in line to be voiced on his new riddim, yet to be named. The beat, created by the all-star production team of Suku, Jazwad & Tetimus, should "be the bomb" says Links and is scheduled to hit the streets later on this summer on Fire Links Records. The disc jockey/selector says his decision to put out a riddim has been in the works for a long while and now this time is just right. He is even considering jumping aboard as well. "…I am even thinking about putting myself on the riddim…a combination…with Matterhorn. We spoke about it and he thinks it's a pretty good idea." To date, Capleton, Frisco Kid and Sizzla Kolongi, have all blessed the track, which is guaranteed to be a massive hit…all things combined.

CHANGING OF THE 'GUARD

In 1986, when Links was just 8 years old in the community of Nitty Gritty in Seaview Gardens, he decided that he too wanted to be a part of the great Jamaican music empire.
Black Hawk, a local sound system inspired his career choice and in 1993, he joined the infamous Bodyguard. "I was the monster mind behind Bodyguard. I handled all the creative aspects of the sound- putting the tunes together, cutting the 'specials'," but he didn't get the credit he deserved.

In 1999 after a six-year stint with the sound system Links decided to part ways with Bodyguard. His decision to leave was fuelled by the lack of recognition and though he was about to embark on an uncertain solo career he had a pathway etched out by the notorious Tony Matterhorn who left King Addies in the late nineties to venture out on his own as an independent disc jockey. "I figured I could do it on my own. It has worked out financially -I'm able to make money on my own. Matterhorn kinda gave me a clearer view towards the decision…mi haffi give him him props."

Now 25 years old, Dane Anthony Johnson, a.k.a. Fire Links is striving to become more versatile. He is not content with being branded solely a 'clash' deejay although his "killing" of Matterhorn some two years ago in NY acted as catalyst in his rise to popularity. " It should be Links is a war head but him can juggle too. Right now, I play a variety of music…hip-hop, soul, even funk! I have to, in order to appeal to female fans because in this business you cannot make it without the support of the ladies" Don't get it twisted though, "I'm always ready for a clash-as long as I am getting paid for it!" he says with a smile.

 

PROPHET

If you've ever witnessed Fire Links play you have without a doubt noticed his impressive arsenal of Capleton specials and dub plates. The two have a great artistic/creative relationship. Capleton is always willing to put out his best for Fire Links." When I am around Prophet him build a lot o' new tunes. I play a big part in this (creative process), it is not something I emphasize because it is best to be humble at times, but we have a good vibe between us."

Known for his abrasive shouts (or should we say screams) of obscenities during his performances, Fire Links sounds like he is ready to rip someone's head off! "Is a natural ting...when I play a tune and it buss di place, me screaming is just extra energy…and the crowd can feel it", he says.
His violent screams when performing are not a reflection of his personality. " I am a regular person, no bad man ting… I'm very easygoing…only hype in my performances."