Silk Boss turns pain into ‘Category 5’ single

Dancehall artiste Silk Boss has once again proven that music is more than rhythm and rhyme, it's therapy, storytelling, and survival.

The Mankind deejay has channelled his pain and the devastation brought by Hurricane Melissa into his powerful new single, Category 5.

The song, produced by Abroad Records and Top Ice, was born from deep emotional turmoil after the Montego Bay, St James native lost his cousin in the storm that tore through western Jamaica,

"We grew up together in the community of Irwin," Silk Boss said.

"He was an entrepreneur and was a couple years older than me. He was like a protector of me back in high school. After the storm, I got a call that he drowned in Westmoreland. I don't know what he was doing there but that's the last thing I heard," he shared.

The Government has confirmed that the death toll from Melissa has risen to 45, with nine additional fatalities still under investigation. St Elizabeth has been the hardest hit by Melissa, recording 18 fatalities, followed by Westmoreland with 15. Six deaths occurred in St James, two each in Hanover and Trelawny, and one each in St Ann and Portland.

When asked what went into the creation of Category 5, Silk Boss said "emotions".

For the fast-rising artiste, Hurricane Melissa was not just another national crisis; it hit home, literally.

"Yes, a lot of them (family) are hurt -- no food, no light. I lost a cousin also, but I'm okay. Just hold strong, my family and friends in MoBay," he shared, his voice heavy with both grief and determination.

Despite now living in Kingston, where he has resided for the past two years and was therefore spared the storm's full force, Silk Boss said he could not turn away from the suffering in his hometown. The destruction he witnessed through videos, calls, and news coverage became the emotional compass that guided his creative process.

"Teamwork," he said when describing how Category 5 came to life.

"I was hurting and music is how I vent."

The single captures not only his personal loss but also the collective pain of Jamaica's western parishes, such as the flattened homes, flooded communities, and battered spirits. The imagery in the song mirrors the chaos of nature while calling for resilience and unity in rebuilding.

Beyond the music, Silk Boss has also joined the ongoing relief efforts.

"My team and I are assisting Santa Cruz [St Elizabeth] with anything we can provide -- first-aid, food, and water supplies. We're working to rebuild a stronger Jamaica," he said.