Celebrating 33 years with the iconic Stone Love sound system, Esran “Billy Slaughter” Phillips has not only carved a place for himself in Jamaica’s dancehall scene but has also become a global ambassador for sound system culture.

At nearly 58 years old, he was recently honoured with the Guinness Sounds of Greatness (GSOG) Belt for his hard-core delivery and dominance in sound clashes. Yet, there’s more to this titan than meets the ear — a journey shaped by sports, school singing competitions, and his tight-knit family.

Growing up as the youngest of seven brothers in the Red Hills community of Burnside Valley, Phillips always aspired to be something great. Sports dominated his early years with an unexpected turn into music.

“My childhood was filled with sports. I played cricket, and I loved football and table tennis, but it was a teacher of mine who always pushed me to attend music classes that led me to discover singing as a second passion. I won school singing competitions for two years straight, and that experience opened the door to my musical journey,” Phillips shared.

After completing his time at Red Hills All-Age School his love for music never faded. He pivoted towards DJing, following in the footsteps of his cousin. However, the competitive — and sometimes hostile — nature of the DJing scene drove him to new ventures.

By 1991 he joined Stone Love, one of Jamaica’s most renowned sound systems.

Many might wonder where he got his moniker. Phillips said the name “Billy Slaughter” came from Winston “Weepow” Powell, founder of Stone Love Sound System, after an impressive victory over two rival sound systems, Exodus and Silver Hawk, at the Beachline Sunday event in Hellshire.

Embracing this new title, Phillips dived head-first into the art of selecting music and quickly made a name for himself.

Phillips’s success, like many icons, didn’t come without sacrifice. His life revolved around music, and preparing for clashes demanded intense focus and relentless hours of work.

“For months leading up to a clash, I would focus solely on music… I was just into music. For 20 hours a day it was all about calling DJs, writing lyrics, and transforming regular ‘45’ songs into dub plates,” he recalled.

This unwavering dedication paid off. There were unforgettable moments, such as his legendary clash with Kilimanjaro at Half-Way-Tree, and his electrifying performance at England’s Culture Clash, at which he faced off using multiple genres before a crowd of approximately 20,000.

Billy Slaughter credits selectors like Rory Gilligan and Glamour Wayne for shaping his early career. However, the student has now become the master, “I idolised them, I watched and learned. Now, I can go up against any of them and know I’ll win,” he said confidently.

Billy Slaughter’s legacy in the music industry continues to grow.

“I’ve travelled the world — almost every continent except Australia,” he shared, acknowledging the international recognition he’s garnered. His trophies and plaques earned in countries such as the US and Germany stand as testament to his impact on the global stage.

His latest accolade, the GSOG Belt, adds to his legacy.

“It feels great to be honoured. I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and… it’s really gratifying to see Guinness recognise my work… I’m elated,” expressed Phillips.

This honorary award, presented to an outstanding sound system emcee, selector, or veteran, celebrates significant contributions to Jamaica’s sound clash culture. Each year the GSOG selection team evaluates candidates based on their influence, legacy, and dedication to the sound system community.

For aspiring selectors, his advice is simple but profound, “Study the business. Learn when to play what songs in a dance. Don’t just rush to play the top 10 songs. It’s about making the patrons feel comfortable, letting them groove and feel the vibe,” he shared.

The husband and father of five said the road to success has been paved with both competition and community. He thrives in the heat of the moment, always pushing himself to be the best.