‘I felt like a criminal’ - KipRich shares emotional journey after court case dropped

Dancehall artiste KipRich says his arrest earlier this year left a painful mark, shaking his trust in the justice system and weighing heavily on his family.

Prosecutors yesterday dropped the case against the Telephone Ting deejay in the St Catherine Parish Court, ending months of stress and uncertainty. He had been charged over a recording police claimed promoted gang activity and praised One Order Gang leader Othniel 'Thickman' Lobban, who was killed by lawmen in January.

The allegation thrust the seasoned deejay into an unwanted spotlight and took an emotional toll he said he never anticipated.

"I've been a law-abiding citizen from I've known myself, so when I saw the system dragging my name through the mud, I was really hurt about it," he shared.

"I felt like a real criminal -- it brought tears to my eyes when my mother called me and cried," he added.

He said the ordeal was especially difficult because of how it affected his loved ones.

"The hardest part of this whole thing for me was when my mother and daughter got worried about my safety, because a lot of negative talks were floating around," he said.

The entertainer, known for his clever clash bars and comedic songs, said the experience was unlike anything he had ever confronted. Still, he clung to faith, believing the situation would eventually resolve.

"I had no doubt, because I know I got God with me," he said. "Even though I would get frustrated at times, because I had to be putting off other engagements to be at court dates, and it cost me lawyer fees and plane fares too."

For someone who has always taken pride in following the law, the accusation struck at the core of who he is.

"At no time I questioned my career choice. I just know that life is a journey and I will have hurdles to overcome, so I keep faith and keep fighting," he said.

He stressed that while he is versatile, his artistic expression should not be misinterpreted as promoting violence.

"I do a lot of fun music, drama music, a few hardcore songs, too, for clashing and dubplates. I know I am versatile enough to bring across my point without saying certain things that the law is against," he explained.

The entertainer was charged with use of audio and audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. The authorities claim that KipRich's song, widely circulated across media platforms, glorifies gang violence and pays tribute to the notorious One Order Gang. However, KipRich, who was represented by attorney-at-law Patrick Peterkin, denied the allegations.

"When I heard I was wanted by the police, that wasn't a good feeling," he told THE STAR.

"When I turned myself in with my lawyer and heard the charge was for an alleged dubplate that they say was inciting violence against the State and police, I was really shocked."

Throughout the saga, he said the prayers and encouragement from loved ones helped him stay grounded.

"My family, fans, and friends were always praying for me throughout this journey, and I appreciate and love them," he said.

Now that the case has been dismissed, KipRich is turning his attention back to his craft.

"I have to just put this behind and move forward with my career and life -- thanks to the Almighty," he declared.