Hey!
You do have a good eye from what I've seen from the many images on your site but these Jamaica pics in particular caught my attention as I am Jamaican. I understand what the young lady from Jamaica was trying to get across.
I hope that people on this site can understand that you did not capture "THE" essence of Jamaica but instead "a facet" of Jamaican life. In other words not everyone lives like that. Unfortunately those pictures did indeed dipict the reality of life for some Jamaicans. However I cannot relate to that reality. Saying that "this is Jamaica" would be like saying the 8th ward in New Orleans and Katrina victims are America and it's people ( that would be a serious misconception).
Yes many are poor but how different is that from the hoods in American cities... are there not welfare recipiants, dope dealers/users, gang bangers, food stamp recipiants, section 8 dwellers, homeless people etc. take a look at skid row, all I'm saying is poverty is poverty no matter where. I mean can you imagine if someone from a foreign country saw images of America's grimiest hood and thought I'm not going to the U.S. because it's all dirty and rundown. I've been in someplaces down south that looked straight out of the 1800's no municipal sewage system ( outhouses) and lacking other modern conveniences. ( Oprah did a show on the same thing a couple years ago). The difference that I see is that because the Jamaican government doesn't have a big enough budget to allocate the proper funds for social programs Jamaicans have to work to survive. So a market woman will sell her produce, and a a man will stop on the side of the road to sell his produce. Speaking of which in that pic with the van you can see houses in the hills not shacks as some seem to think are the norm. There are no real handouts in JA. There aren't strong government programs like welfare and housing subsidy, Medicare etc. I mean people get help but no where on the same scale.

Anyways I'm goin on and on.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a middle class family where I was a 3rd generation tertiary education student. I would love to know what modern conveniences Jamaicans don't have. I mean do people really think that folks would build great resorts like Half Moon and Round Hill/ Tryall and not have somewhere nice for themeselves to live. Ofcourse you're going to see a marked difference between the resorts and the slums. Jamaicans for the most parts live in communities hidden away from the hustle and bustle of tourist/urban centers. I wish more people could honestly experience what REAL Jamaican life is about ie. what it's like to be a MP(Minister of Parliament), an Officer, a doctor, or engineer, a store owner or teacher. D-NICE you want to see the real Jamaica from a Jamaicans perpective? Email me. As a matter of fact anyone who wants to see other pics can email me as well.

P.S. I wish there was a section on this site for visitors to post pics. I havn't explored the site fully as yet but if there is please ignore that statement.

Ciao,

Kim

D...thanks for sharing these unbelievable pics of a fantastic place...you have captured the essence of jamaica in your works...just as you have captured the essence of hip hop and NYC as well...Thanks for doing what you do.......

I just didnt know how BLESSED I was to be an American. To have a 3 bedroom 2 bath home 1795 sq ft.(paid for) and A 2006 Durango and my 16 year old a 2005 Neon. Im not bragging but when I went over there and walk the streets and seeing how other people lived , I then knew that I need to stop complaining of what I dont have in life and how broke I am and wish that I had this and that when people over there dont have anything. It was a real wake up calling for me.
Tonya from panama city fl
tonyawilliams67@hotmail.com

MY NAME IS ERICA AND I AM SENDING YOU THIS COMMENT FROM JAMAICA I AM NOT DENYING THAT THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE NOT BEAUTIFUL BUT YOU MAKE IT SEEMS AS IF EVERY JAMAICANS ARE POOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN SHACKS OBVIOUSLY YOU WERE IN MONTEGO BAY WHY DIDN'T YOU TOOK PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE WHEALTHY
COMMUNITY OF MO-BAY I AM OFFENDED BY THE FACT OF YOU SAYING THAT WE ARE LIVING ON THIS ISLAND AND CANNOT ESCAPE.WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR FACT THAT EVERY JAMAICANS WANT TO COME TO YOUR COUNTRY I AM SURE IF YOU HAVE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK YOU WOULD HAVE REALIZED THAT IS FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN JA PLEASE TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Yo D,

I googled onto your site after trying to read a little bit more on the Great Scott La Rock where a bio mentioned you were experiencing with photography. I was surprised to find your latest blog entry was from your vacation to Jamaica. I recently went there myself for the first time and fell even more deeply in love with the island. Your drive by shooting recaptured the same images I remember in my head and I hope to visit the island again soon.

On another note, I just wanted to let you know I was and still am a big fan of yours and even though I have to work in the morning I couldn't help but to keep reading entry after entry and looking at the great photos you have of some of my greatest hero's in hip-hop. I used to hang all of their pictures on my wall when I was in Jr. High (It was all a dream/I used to read Word Up magazine/Salt'n'Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine/Hangin' pictures on my wall/Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, _________) and I now relive my dreams of being a DJ now that I have my first set of turntables and Serato Scratch Live. Just like your story about runnin' into Moc-Fu of the Fu Schnickens I also run into the dillema of what choices I need to make for DJ Lex and what decisions I need to make for Luther Jones. None-the-less your site is an inspiration to myself and I'm sure it has touched the lives of many others. Like Cassey Casem used to say....Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.

Thanks for the blast down memory lane and keep taking out the suckers!!!

your choice track 2
http://www.myspace.com/lisaart

I really enjoyed that. It brought back great memories of JA. Thanks D!...and BTW...you have a magnificent eye man!

D,

you branching out boy... a car wash. in Jamacia at that. do your thing. keep shooting

Derrick

Yo I'm in the United States Navy and traveled around the World people don't know how good they got it and how fast they can get out of it if they put there heart,mind and soul. Hot shots!!!!!

These were truly amazing, Jamaica is one of many islands I would love to visit in the near future and your pictures shed light on images that wheren't real, these shots made them real for me.

Your the best.
Love
Wanda

Yo Dee I know you bugged out when you saw that car wash? but overall nice pics, I've been to Jamica me and my wife we went to nigril and it was beautiful but we took a ride and seen the hood, it was very different indeed thats why we need to thank god for everything that we have thanks for the great pics again peace and stay up tashien

The car wash is hysterical! The pictures are outstanding. Makes you appreciate all the luxuries we acquire when and where someone else may be in need!

D THE PHOTOS WERE HOT

Big Up! For being in motion, these shots are quite nice! I hate to see what you could do standing still. Oh yeah, I've seen your work on shoots-- FABULOUS! I've been to JA three times-- Kingston during elections (bananas!), Negril for spring break while in college (equally bananas but for different reasons!;) and just recently for a wedding in MoBay which was exquisite.

beautiful pics. such a spiritual beautiful place.

Quite impressive!! Very good eye you have there "D"...

Cheers

Rich

WONDERFUL!!! I keep asking you, when are you coming to Vegas for a visit? We could use your skills in the city that never sleeps. Keep up the excellent work!

D....... U R A GIFTED PHOTOGRAPHER! PEACE AND BLESSINGS BRO. TAKING OUT THESE SUCKAS AND YOU DONT KNOW HOW I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great photos. You should consider visiting Haiti - now that would be an adventure.

Cathleen

D, whattup boy? vacation? you're supposed to be working! lol! -and what was up with the "D-NICE CAR WASH?" lol!

D...
u were in a place called HOPEWELL...that is where my daddy was born..PORTLAND is the most beautiful parish isnt it.WELCOME to the home of my ancestors! my roots..my foundation.
:)

renee from Zhane...

Nice Pix D.What amazes me is that everyone has big speakers in front of there shop or home.Music is a must to Jamaica's culture.
One Love

Wow, it looks like you were only able to experience Kingston vs. the additonal great & scenic tourist areas of Jamaica. But, as always, your great eye for detail made it ALL beautiful! I love your music and your photos. You are indeed a talented bro! Keep up the good work! I was in "JAMRoc" in June. I'll share my pics with you shortly. Hope we get to visit again soon. Jamaica's so nice you've got to do it TWICE! Take care and thanks for sharing!

GREAT SHOTS LOOKS LIKE YOU A HAD A SPEED STAY LOL.
HOLLA AT YA 212-CHA-RLIE

Hello, D-Nice!! I don't know much about you as a person but I've been a follower of your music and just learned of your Photography! I want to personally thank for sharing your experience with me and many others. I have friends that are from France and they tell me all the time about not having air conditioning. It really helps you to appreciate the little things here in the USA. Again, Thank You and keep up the good works!!!!

Nice, nice!

Hey D:
I must say I agree with you whole heartedly..I have been going to Jamaica since I was 18 and recently turned 30 this past May *12th*. I have been numerous times already this year and plan to go again for Christmas. It didn't matter how poor or rich the individual, they all shared the trait of being humble and having strong faith. I love it there!!! I can share some pics with you as well...Thanks for sharing and you have such a great eye for shooting! Peace and blessings always...

D,
Thank you for bringing out the beautiful, vivid images of Jamaica. I too have never been there, but this definitely helps me to get closer...thank you brotha! And the D-Nice car wash??!!...Classic!
When we gonna work together and make history, yo? Keep It Up!

D!!!

I am in JA often and everytime I pass the "D-Nice" car wash in Mo'Bay I think about you. I hope you are well. Blessings

Kristi

When I went in the 80s I was shocked and disappointed to find that everything wasn't "Irie" for the natives. I didn't want to "Come back to Jamaica." I tried to forget the harsh conditions. Now that I think back, I remember the greetings and punch when we arrived. The armed guards at the gates of my hotel. I'm wondering were they there to keep me from leaving. A subliminal message. I did leave to see the island. People washing in the ocean, and living in shacks. Children running the streets unsupervised. I felt thankful when I returned, for a while. You brought me back and made me thankful again for the little things. You have grown. You should hang out in our cities and capture the hidden wrongs of our nation. I'm sure you will agree, we are possibly heading in the same direction. It's funny but we can't see the wrongs that are right in front of us unless a Young Original Dynamic Artist opens our eyes, and that is not what's up. Hotep

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord....

Chad Pacience
www.savataj.com
950 WOODYCREST HOMEY
BRONX NEW YIDDY

The Photos are great. When I visited Kingston I had the same feelings. Americans just don't understand what many blessings we have at our fingertips.
The D-Nice car wash is a winner!

Thank you, D-nice for your honest perspectives, visually, as well as, your statement that we take much for granted here in the land that our ancestors built. I've been to MoBay & Negril several times - loving the beauty of the land and the people; disheartened by the poverty and "rape" of such beauty. There is much work to be done (and continued )in all of our communities. Thanks again for bringing your light to the world.

Please check out my blog if you ever get a chance. I touch on the history of our people - maybe it will interest you:-).

D-Nice,
It's nice to see you are seeing the world and sharing it with us from your point of view. You remind me of a modern day hip/hop Gordon Parks which is a high compliment. I would like to recommend you pick up a few of his books namely "A Hungry Heart" if you have not already done so. I think you will find it relative to your life as well as inspiring. Keep up the Good work brother......... and keep sharing.
Wendell Haskins

In deed, you have managed to capture the island just as I remembered it. Your eye is uncanny and uncompromised. It is a wonder how we spend thousands to get to this little impoverished country, yet many of us that visit never see the poverty and suffering going on there daily. The resorts do their best to keep us in the resort so we don't see what is really going on. I'm glad that you decided to do this. Now, everyone can see what is really going on throught the eyes of Derrick Jones.

i absolutely love your eyes interpretation of the island of Jamaica. I must go and soon. Thank you for the inviation to view your lovely pics. They are refreshing.
KIMMI

I visted Montego Bay about 4 years ago. And your photographic eye captured the essence of what I felt on my visit. Yes, Jamaica is beautiful...the turquois waters and the people...but life is different then how some of us live in the States. The visit did make me more aware of the ammenities that I am privy to in the States. But it also makes you think...how the less you have, you can take the time to enjoy the simpler things in life. You think?

Nuff respect D. For capturing the true essence of Yard (Ja)and not projecting the typical tourist perspective, which does no justice to the real people of the land.

One love brethren,
Macki McK

hey did you get a chance to check out the night club,s while you was on vacation

Shanty town...drive by steeze...in full effect! Love the concept. Love the images. Took me back to the time I visited. I travel like you travel. I like to go where the locals are to get a true depiction of what it is and not the glossy, flossy, tourism spots we see on TV. Hope you had time for a coconut/pineapple/mango juice under a palm tree!
Hugs,
Yazvia

p.s. Ashmama? How cute...

Bless up every time! Dope bruh. I've been over a few times (1st time being Hot Night Jamaica 1995 or so). Most recently I've stayed in the city, not resorts. A whole different thang duke! I'll send you a pic of my car accident. Almost ain' come back! Another story though. Dope pics again dawg.

great!! love it!! pictures...uhhh.. like your style....

Very Nice D. The car wash is a winner - bet you caught a grin when you saw that one. Take care.

platurn

Those pics are great. They show how Jamaica really is...not the frou frou tourist-y stuff. Kudos.

-Nik

I love the red cart. Great pics -- you truly captured the essence of Jamaica. Thanks for sharing.

You are so talented. These pictures beautifully capture these images from a realistic viewpoint. It's really a trip how an area that has become such a beautiful tourist attraction houses so many impoverished people. Reminds me of the living conditions in Cancun. Thanks for sharing. :)

I love the concept "Drive By Shooting..." you did a wonderful job capturing the essence of the people! REALLY DOPE STUFF!

It's funny how as black folks, we really are the same no matter where you go. the pictures remind me of back home in Nigeria. if you said you was on the continent and not JA. i would have believed you.

thanks for taking me on a journey this afternoon!

Thanks much. Nice to see the other side of things. over there.

oh, and i didn't realize you had your own car wash down there, you really are multi-faceted in your business enterprises:)

It has been 11 years since I've been there; however your pictures still show what I was privy too back then. Thanks for sharing your trip.

Very nice shots! It definately shows Jamaica... I hope you had a nice trip! I was there in 2001 (right after 9/11) and besides the bats vocalizing at night.. it was a very serene place, and at night it looked like Brooklyn. your pictures did bring me back! Very nice! Keep up the nice work!

Great flicks. My daughter is Jamaican on her papa's side and I don't know when we will get a chance to visit there so this is the next best thing. I will show her these pictures...saves us a bundle on airfare and all the travel expenses! Appreciate it, D!

These pics are dope! there's so much life in them...great work my friend!

Wow, thanks for sharing! I've never been to Jamaica myself and this is a great pictorial of island life. A lot of it reminds me of down south. The island landscape is luscious though. Hope you enjoyed your trip.

I was just in Negril in June for my birthday and it was absolutely beautiful,serene, scenic and memorable. You just brought it all back for me.
Good Lookin on the Memory,
KimmySu

Great job of capturing that shanty town-esque setting.

I was there 2 years ago and these pics brought back memories of my trip. Its amazing what you see over there. I flew in to MoBay (Montego Bay) and had a Taxi-Van take me and wifey to Negril. We drove through Lucea and that was a sight to see. Somewhat similiar to what your pics showed. Once I got To Negril it was beautiful but then again we stayed at a resort. There was times we left on our own and just walked the streets and that was an experience because the locals would just come and either try to sell you something or just have a chat. Either way I loved it. I went to this club called Jungle Friday night and what I learned that was tourist club night so we headed back on Saturday night and that was with the locals. That night was off the hook. I'm just rambling on and on and on. The pics are dope and it broke me back to 2 years ago.

Great representation my friend.

hey dad your pictures are hot i love them there really really neat

love,
Ashmama