With yesterday's passing of selector, Kevin 'Squingy' Bennett, in Florida, many persons in the industry are calling for him to be remembered as a legend.

'Squingy', died yesterday 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 disc jock 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.

terminal illness

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."

important legacy

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.

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.