Visualize a crowd of sweat-soaked bodies scanting to pounding rhythms that reverberate through over-sized speakers. Simultaneously the dancers raise 2 fingers high in the air voicing the sound of gun fire as an expression of their admiration of the music. Poison Dart International, Florida’s premier sound system is no stranger to an animated crowd, in fact, their electrifying music and sensational delivery frequently incites this scene in dancehalls world-wide.
The ever-popular sound’s ability to rally the crowd and sustain such an ecstatic response can be attributed to its versatility and the djs’ proficiency to read the crowd. Poison Dart, established 1994, boasts some of the most talented djs and selectors in the business. Together Kirky-C (owner), Mad Ras, Chris Rock, Shotta Hype, Moonie, Senata P, and DJ Juice have over 40 years experience. This team of ‘supermen’ is equipped with an arsenal of talents including production, engineering, remixing, MCing, and skillful selecting.
They’ve traveled various parts of the world including England, Canada, Germany, and the Cayman Islands, captivating crowds with their infectious rhythms and seamlessly holding down their position as hometown favorites, rocking hot spots like PRANA (Ybor City), The Shark Bar, and Fuel Channel Side (both in Metropolitan Downtown Tampa). Poison Dart is easily regarded as one of the top sounds in the world, ‘clashing’ and performing long side other top rated sounds like Black Kat, Mighty Crown, Sound Trooper, and Bass Odyssey.
Poison Dart djs know the business is very fickle, as such they adamantly stick to a foundational principle – “One One Coco, full basket.” Being innovative in the craft and persistent over time, you will reach your goal. This belief has kept them in the business for over a decade. “Poison Dart is not just a sound, says Kirky-C, It’s a multimedia organization. “We will continue to raise the bar for others to follow!”.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck this dynamic team and the entire sound system community in May 2008 when Antone " Tony Montana" Neely, 29, Michael "Chris Rock" Rattigan, 35, and an associate dj, Kevin Webster, 29, of Deltona, were shot and killed at a bar in Aubrurndale. The industry continues to miss them.
Despite the shocking and devastating event, Poison Dart has managed to continue to bring joy and entertainment to their many fans across the world, whether it be in the dancehall or the class arena.
For more information on Poison Dart log on to www.poisondartsound.com.
Poison Dart (Tampa)