If you think Tony "Mentally Ill" Matterhorn is only hyper at a session to ignite a crowd, then you are sadly mistaken. In a simple conversation it is almost exhausting to listen to him speak so passionately about music - a subject obviously close to his heart; his energy is infectious. He has traveled around the world several times, carrying dancehall to its four corners. Whether for the British Link Up during Easter, the slew of summer parties or for Delano's revenge, which kicks of the Christmas party season, Mr. Mentally Ill always returns to Miss Maggie. He even attributes his duller than expected performances to arguments he has with his now well-known mother. If for nothing else, Matterhorn never forgets his roots and he even admitted that he thought of returning to King Addies.

In a relatively short time and in an unusual setting - outside the Asylum Niteclub - Matterhorn covered everything from the 'war' with Firelinks, the talent of Wyclef Jean at Fully Loaded, Beenie Man's ingenuity, and, of course, the supposed lyrical slaughter of Bounty by Merciless at Sting. Matterhorn spoke of creating the war between himself and Firelinks and how this war played into maintaining Links' popularity. He did admit that Links got the better of him on a few occasions but still boasted of his superiority. Matterhorn also hoped that Links would be able to "maintain and manage the hype." As for Wyclef's performance at Fully Loaded, he acknowledged Jean's skill and use of dubs from a wide variety of persons but still asserted his superior talent for pleasing the people. He pointed out the hundreds (perhaps thousands) of faithful fans who remained in the rain just to listen to him play. Obviously, he noted, "Ah me own di beach."

As for losing World Clash two years running, Matterhorn simply acknowledged the skill of Mighty Crown and Killamanjaro.

Undoubtedly Matterhorn will be entering into this year's foray. His fans will be waiting to see - and hear - what happens.

Mental also spoke of the current disunity plaguing "the business." Some of the war between Dancehall artistes, for example between Beenie Man and Capleton, he attributed in part to Beenie man being "clever" since Capleton had actually done nothing to provoke Beenie Man. Beenie, according to Matterhorn, noticed that Capleton was riding high and simply jumped on his wave; the sparring is nothing more than clever business and nothing personal. He did lament the disunity that existed as a result of disagreements that did nothing to help the dancehall culture, for example between Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas. Concerning the future of dancehall, he pointed to Wayne Marshall as one of the brighter stars. Matterhorn also noted Elephant Man as an artiste who should go far as long as he was able to "maintain the hype."

The big story of the moment is Sting and the performances of Merciless, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa and Ninja Man. He cautioned that people should listen to the clash again on tape and judge for themselves. As for Merciless murdering Bounty, Mental remained a firm supporter of his DJ. Many people are looking out for future clashes between the two and perhaps also including Ninja Man as a way to revitalize the stage show aspect of dancehall. If this year's Sting is anything to go by then clashing is here to stay - at least for a little while. However, as far as Matterhorn is concerned, Bounty is and will always be his DJ.

There is a big push to take dancehall worldwide, a push seemingly spear-headed by Beenie Man, especially since he is now a Grammy? winner. Tony Matterhorn is certainly one of the best ambassadors Jamaica has to take Dancehall music to the niches of the world that have yet to experience it.