Dancehall artiste Squash is dominating the local chart, with songs from his newly released EP Hate Being Famous claiming three places on YouTube’s trending music chart. The 8-track EP dropped on May 16 and has since been gaining momentum.
The project comprises an intro, which is over 2 minutes long, and songs Burn, Dark Street, Journey, Dry Cry, and Leaf of Life featuring Malie Donn, Byron Messia, Too Much, and No Emotions. The songs that broke into the chart on their first week of being released are Burn at No. 1 with over 647,000 views, Leaf of Life at No. 2 with more than 429,000 views, and Dry Cry at No. 6 with more than 181,000 views.
Burn explores Squash’s personal journey, reflecting on his upbringing and the path he took to achieve success. He emphasises the importance of providing for his family, who depend on him, while also addressing the pain of betrayal by fake friends and being falsely accused.
Leaf of Life, featuring Malie Donn and Byron Messia, shifts the focus to ambition and resilience. The track highlights themes of making money, enjoying life, and dealing with envy from those who hope to see him fail. It also references illicit activities, including scamming and violence.
Dry Cry continues the gritty, street-centred narrative with vivid depictions of gun violence and a desire for revenge. The song delves deeper into emotional trauma, expressing the artist’s pain over the loss of loved ones and the weight of his experiences.
Squash, legally named Andrae Maurice Whittaker, is currently entangled in a legal battle in Florida following his arrest on gun-related charges. He was taken into custody after a traffic stop on February 24, during which police reportedly discovered multiple firearms and ammunition in the vehicle he was travelling in.
Squash, who was in the passenger seat, was formally charged with illegal possession of a modified firearm and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. His associate, Zidanne George Prescott, who was driving at the time, was arrested on separate charges. The 33-year-old deejay pleaded not guilty on April 2 and has since requested a jury trial. He remains in the custody of U.S. immigration authorities and has made several court appearances.