The passing of Ryan Williams, popularly known as DJ Smoke, a cornerstone of Jamaica’s music scene and legendary Renaissance Sound System member, left a void in the scene last Thursday (May 30).

The DJ, popularly known for the years he spent as a major soca DJ, was diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition in 2019.

Here are five things to know about DJ Smoke

Dancehall before soca

Although popularly known for covering soca events, DJ Smoke started as a predominantly dancehall DJ.

Journey before Renaissance

Before becoming a pillar of Renaissance Sound System, DJ Smoke’s musical journey included stints with both Black Ice Disco and Sky Disco. These early experiences likely helped shape his skills and prepare him for his rise to prominence.

Music does the talking

DJ Smoke’s sets were a testament to the power of music itself. He never relied on profanity or explicit language to hype the crowd. His focus was on the smooth transitions, technical skill and the energy of the music itself.

Family first

Despite his dedication to music, DJ Smoke was a devoted family man. If push came to shove, family always came first.

The ‘Sound Freak’

DJ Smoke earned the nickname “sound freak” for a reason. He possessed a deep well of technical knowledge when it came to sound equipment and music production.