EIGHT of Jamaica’s most reputable auto sound systems battled in a series of ‘tune-fortune’ competitions in the heart of Montego Bay, St James, on Sunday.

A bevy of supporters and music lovers cheered as local auto sound system Road Warrior outplayed its rivals to take top spot at Sound Ruption held at Scott’s Auto on Churchill Avenue in the second city.

“The competition was very exciting. I loved the vibes from the crowd and Innocent Sound was a worthy opponent. I really enjoyed this one. Glad I was able to pull off the win and I’m looking forward to bringing out some new tricks at the finals,” Robert Hines, said taxi operator and Road Warrior owner after defeating Innocent Sound in the ‘Dub-fi-Dub’ section.

Entrants competed in two categories with 45s and dub plates as their only ‘ammunition’, and were judged on their ability to keep the crowd entertained.

Arguably, the evening’s most heated battle was the ’45 showdown’ between the versatile Criss Cross and Lippo. Criss Cross, however, emerged victorious.

The three other auto sound systems to make it to the May 2013 final round are Kingston-based sounds Lippo, Criss Cross, and reigning clash champion Bad Influence from St Catherine.

“The performances by the sounds were just excellent. The crowd enjoyed it and I’m pleased that it went as well as it did. It was a fair enough turnout, though not exactly the best, but we’re expecting very good things for the next event in May,” said Kingsley Scott, event organiser.

As a precursor to the evening’s musical entertainment, crowds were drawn onto nearby streets as Montego Bay-based Rush Riders crew performed death-defying stunts.

Drifters Cleve ‘Cutta Hype’ Ottey, Jamar ‘Sckoolaz’ Kinkead, and Kingsley Scott also put on a show, cutting it close to nearby buildings at times with freestyle demonstrations.