Bittersweet birthday for Popcaan - Remembers fallen friend, Drake among those wishing Unruly Boss well

Drake, Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel led a host of artistes and celebrities in wishing Popcaan happy birthday on Sunday, but for the 'Unruly Boss', the day was less than happy.

"It's a bittersweet moment right now. It's honestly not a happy birthday!!!" he posted to Instagram in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Popcaan's mood stemmed from the death, two Sundays ago, of his friend Duwayne 'Bookha' Mitchell, who was killed in a road accident in Retreat, St Thomas.

Reports are that Mitchell, who was the only motorcyclist travelling in a convoy of motor cars, collided in one of the cars and was thrown off his bike.

Mitchell reportedly received head injuries when he hit the side of a truck that was travelling in the opposite direction. He was taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The stunt rider, who was hailed for his skills, was a close associate of emerging dancehall artiste Quada and also Popcaan's Unruly camp. Quada was also seen in a video clip trying to revive Mitchell at the scene of the accident.

In paying tribute, Popcaan stated, "Legends never die. Rest up my bro, we going miss you family. Thanks for everything you teach us, and all the energy you gave to the Unruly camp. My condolences to the whole family. Prayers up," he wrote alongside a picture and video clip of Mitchell.

Popcaan, however, should have some consolation over the fact that he had name-checked Mitchell in one of his most recent singles, Friends Like These.

" Mi see Bookha help friend, and dem treat him unkind, Envious line di Unruly nah join" he deejays in the song.

Among the other entertainers hailing Popcaan on his special day were Jesse Royal, Chronic Law, Quada, Dre Island, Spice, Renee Six Thirty, and, his manager and sister, Unruly Squid.

Pocaan, given name Andre Sutherland, got his big break came when he was spotted by his idol Vybz Kartel at a talent contest in Portmore and was taken under his wing.

Popcaan made the most of a feature on Kartel's song Clarks and never looked back.

With his distinctive voice and melody, he quickly proved himself to be one of the island's most talented artistes and soon racked up international hits, from Only Man She Want to Ravin.