2017 Entertainment Highlights: PASSAGE – Cleon “Corey Mineral Boss” Jones
The Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk continues its daily year in review of people who made an impact during 2017.
Cleon “Corey Mineral Boss” Jones
Producer/deejay Cleon “Corey Mineral Boss” Jones was slain in his Caymanas Bay, St Catherine home on December 12.
According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), residents heard explosions at 9:30 am and called the police. Jones, 37, was found with multiple gunshot wounds; his female companion was also shot and injured. Jones was pronounced dead, but the woman survived.
Jones released his seven-track EP entitled Vision on August 14, which features songs like Fear No One, Dweet and Breakthrough featuring I-Octane.
Speaking with the Jamaica Observer in August, Jones said he was pleased with feedback on the self-produced project.
“It is gratifying to get so much positive feedback from people I respect in the industry. I put a lot of work into this project, I poured my heart into it,” he said.
Jones founded Mineral Boss Records 12 years ago and produced a plethora of songs, including Mavado’s 2016 hit Progress. The single made American producer DJ Khaled’s Grammy-nominated Major Key album.
He also worked with a number of artistes including I-Octane, Jahmiel, Konshens, Richie Spice, and Anthony Cruz. The last reflected on the friendship he shared with Jones on the day of tragedy.
“Mi know dem yute deh from Fifth Element (Records) days. Mi always a try show him righteousness and we always go river and pray. I always encourage him in music. It is so sad; one day you’re here and the other day you’re gone,” said Cruz, whose single, Little Country Boy, was released on Mineral Boss Records.
Jones was the fourth music fraternity member murdered in less than three months.
Deejay Maxwell “Gaza Maxwell” Lawson was stabbed on September 25 while at a recording studio in Springfield, St Thomas. Producer Ralston “Tru Blue” Wellington was shot and killed on October 27 in the Maxfield Avenue area of Kingston. Two weeks later, Donovan “Unicorn” McMurray suffered a similar fate in the Crescent Road area of Kingston 11.
— Sade Gardner