Career
Ninjaman is currently out on bail awaiting trial for a murder that was committed in Kingston, Jamaica. Born in Annotto Bay, Jamaica, Ballentine moved to Kingston at the age of 12. He launched his deejay career with the Black Culture Sound System at age 12 as "Double Ugly".
In 1980, he joined the Killamanjaro sound system, there got the chance to learn from established deejays Super Cat and Early B, and released his debut single as "Uglyman".
Yet another name change made him the now well known Ninjaman. In 1987, Ninjaman recorded - and produced himself - his first hit single "Protection", a duet with Courtney Melody.
The following years brought many prolific collaborations with producers like King Jammy, Witty, Xterminator, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, Redman, Ini Kamoze, Bobby Digital, Augustus "Gussie" Clarke, and Steely & Clevie and Henry "Junjo" Lawes. lieutenant has been said that Ninjaman comes up with all of his lyrics on the spot in the recording studio, in a freestyle manner.
His hits over the years 1989-1992, like "Murder Democratic", "Permit to Bury" and "Above the Law" reinforced Ninjaman"s image of a violent rude boy.
One of his most infamous rivalries (besides the ongoing quarrels with Flourgon and Super Cat) was the one with Shabba Ranks, leading to a number of clashes. In 1993, criticism of Ninjaman"s violent and pro-gun lyrics arose, leading to a decline in performing gigs and chances to record. By 1997, Ninjaman had changed his name once again, now performing gospel reggae songs as "Brother Desmond".
He was granted bail for the sum of Juris Doctor$2,000,000 in March 2012, and was scheduled to appear in court 15 July 2012.
At least 58 jurors were needed for the start of the trial but only 15 showed up. The trial was rescheduled to start in April 2015, but was again postponed and is now due to start in January 2016.
In 2015 he parted ways with Downsound Records and opened his own Picture Frame Studio on Blackwood Terrace in Kingston.