The late Oneil Edwards.

Since the passing of Voicemail's Oneil Edwards, Cordel 'Skatta' Burrell has released Lukie D's You Raise Me Up as a tribute to the deceased artiste.

Burrell, who produced the song, said it was done before Edwards was shot at his home in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, in May. But he explained, there were many bad things happening at the time the song was recorded and he did not feel the urge to release the song at the time.

After Edwards' death on May 26, Burrell said it was only fitting to release Lukie D's rendition of the popular gospel song with a dancehall twist to it.

"We really need to get in touch with our emotional side. That song is loved by any lover of music. Is a song weh come with a lot of emotions. Oneil was a good yute and a good musician and artiste," Burrell told THE STAR.

"What better way to carry that message than in music. So, big up Oneil. Mi just a show my appreciation fi know seh mi know the bredren. It sad fi see him go but a my contribution that."

Meanwhile, the singer of the song Lukie D said: "He wasn't a bad yute. Everybody is doing their part, so I am just doing mine."

He also noted that he did the song at the vigil that was held for Edwards in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, when he was still in the hospital. With the funeral taking place on Saturday at Church on the Rock, Lukie D says he hopes to get the opportunity to sing the song there as well.

Due to Edwards' death, Cobra being shot and injured, the unrest, and the many deaths in parts of the Corporate Area and St Catherine recently, Burrell said: "We need to build a better J amaica and da song deh seh everything."

Meanwhile, Burrell said: "Mi nah look no glorification off it," but instead, he said he would be very happy if a charity is set up in Edwards' name and the proceeds from the song donated to it.

Vigil for Oneil