The dancehall community is mourning the sudden death of legendary artist Merciless, who was found dead today (July 20) at a hotel in Kingston.

The dancehall icon reportedly checked into a hotel on Beachwood Avenue after stating he was feeling unwell.

When family members and friends could not get ahold of him, they contacted the hotel where the staff found his body.

Merciless was 51 years old when he died.

While the artiste was not prominent on the dancehall scene in recent years, he was unquestionably one of the most significant figures in the industry, particularly during the heights of the ‘clash’ era. For those who might not recall his importance to dancehall, here is just some of what you might need to know.

Who is Merciless?

Merciless is a dancehall veteran whose rise to fame started in 1994 after he caught the eyes of Stone Love boss Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell while performing his hit song Len out Mi Mercy at the House of Leo nightclub in Kingston.

He was born to the name Leonard Bartley on July 1, 1971 and is a Clarendon native hailing from Chapelton.

After his hit single Len out Mi Mercy was released in 1994, he then released an album entitled Mr. Merciless in 1995 that was a massive hit in Jamaica.

He also recorded Ole Gallis, Whaddup, Mama Cookin, Gizzada, Let Dem Have It, and God Alone with Little Hero and Action Fire.

In the past, Merciless collaborated with several significant international artistes including Lil John, Aaron Hall, C-Murder, and Tall Pree.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s he delivered historic clashes, particulary one in 2000 where he faced off against rival dancehall veterans Ninjaman, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.

Merciless single-handedly annihilated the combined forces of the trio who tried to ambush him in a lyrical face off at the Jamworld Entertainment Complex in Portmore, St Catherine.

Following his triumph, he decided to also go by the name ‘Warhead’.

Bounty Killer has said in a past interview that Merciless had a powerful voice and delivery and suggested he had the potential to be one of his greatest rivals, had he remained more consistent.

The dancehall legend was to release a new album this year after making the announcement in June.