CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Dancehall artiste Gage says he revamped his image because he was tired of growing his hair and wanted a new look.

According to the artiste, who is now covered in tattoos and has bleached his skin, persons assume that he is trying to look like his mentor Vybz Kartel, however, he is simply being himself, though he is definitely inspired by the incarcerated deejay.

"Mi just get tired of the hair and decide sey mi a guh whol 'a trim. Dem sey mi a di dead stamp a Worl' Boss, but mi nuh really business because Vybz Kartel is a great artiste suh to me nothing nuh wrong wid dat," he said.

The artiste said Tommy Lee Sparta and Alkaline are also influenced by Vybz Kartel, however, the latter refuses to admit.

"Some man just deny it, but whether some man want to deny it or believe it a Vybz Kartel a run di place and all a wi influenced by him. That is Vybz Kartel, give him his respect where respect is due," Gage said.

The Throat deejay is also looking to take part in his debut clash at Sting this year. He promised to battle any recording artiste brave enough to put up a challenge.

"I am ready for the clash, I don't care who dem send to clash mi at Sting, mi ready fi di war. Mi ready fi anyone a dem, tell Laing and Heavy D fi send dem come. Mi wi clash all Laing and Heavy if a dat dem want," he continued.

"When December 26 come, someone will be crying and I know it won't be Gage. Tell Alkaline, Tommy Lee, Rhyme Minista, mi ready fi dem and anybody else who want to clash mi. I am ready," he said.

The deejay, who recently performed in Guyana, released the video for Hot Chick, produced by Dutty Fridaze Promotion. The video, filmed during his recent tour of Canada, premieres tomorrow on local tv.

"I am heading to Costa Rica for a show Saturday (tomorrow.) I have to big up my hard working team for keeping my career on a high level. Big-up Dutty Fridaze Promotion and Platinum Camp," said Gage, who is to film the video for Rock To The Bar.