Frankie Sly Says Bounty Killer Helped Put Tony Matterhorn on the Fully Loaded Rhythm

Frankie Sly credits Bounty Killer with helping Tony Matterhorn secure the opportunity that launched a major moment in the selector’s career. Recalling the story, Frankie said the Warlord persuaded producer Dave Kelly to give Matterhorn a dub package for the Fully Loaded rhythm, paving the way for a memorable juggling session. Frankie said he also played a behind-the-scenes role, helping arrange for the dubplates to be cut late the night before the session. He suggested that the people who contribute to someone’s breakthrough are not always remembered. At the time, he said, Matterhorn was not an obvious choice, and Frankie himself knew little about him. Dave Kelly had not settled on who would debut the rhythm, Frankie recalled. Dr. Dre of Renaissance was frequently around the studio, and Kelly had reportedly considered giving him the rhythm as an individual rather than under the Renaissance name. Stone Love also appeared to be a possible destination. That changed when Bounty Killer made his case for Matterhorn, who was not present. Frankie said Kelly agreed, and Killer phoned Matterhorn, who was abroad, to ask when he would be returning to Jamaica. The pair then arranged the dubs. Frankie recalled that Bounty Killer may have voiced one, possibly “Showtime,” while Shabba Ranks and Frankie also recorded for the package. After Matterhorn arrived, he called Killer and was sent to the studio to collect the dubs. Frankie said he drove him to a dub-cutting operation, even though its owner had been preparing to close for the night. He persuaded the owner to stay, stressing the importance of the Fully Loaded session scheduled for the following day. Frankie recalled that Kelly provided money for six dubplates, but the cutting cost less than expected. The balance helped cover fuel for the trip. He said he did not ask Matterhorn for payment, and added that he drove him onward after the records were ready. Frankie’s account presents the breakthrough as a team effort, with Bounty Killer’s advocacy and late-night preparation both part of the story.