Adam Gross Warns Jamaican Artists Face Risks Of Being “Added To A List” for Speaking Out on U.S. Politics

During a recent interview on The Fix Podcast, Adam Gross, president of Ineffable Records suggested that artists who criticize U.S. policies, may find themselves added to unofficial watch lists. “Right now, it’s really hard for Jamaican artists if they want to speak out against things that are happening in U.S. politics,” Gross said. “You’re added to a list.”

His comments follow the recent staging of the Lost In Time Festival, headlined by Chronixx and Protoje, where there was notably little mention of the ongoing atrocities unfolding globally, particularly in Cuba, Venezuela, and the Middle East.

Recently U.S. congressman, Carlos Giménez, criticized Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness after Holness expressed solidarity with Cuba during the CARICOM leaders’ meeting, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and energy shortages facing the island. Giménez accused Jamaica’s ruling party of supporting the Cuban government and warned that Jamaica would “face the consequences.”

Holness had said the crisis in Cuba could affect migration, security, and economic stability across the Caribbean and called for regional leaders to address the issue openly while standing in solidarity with the Cuban people.

At the same time Giménez praised Trinidad and Tobago’s prime minister for maintaining strong ties with the United States and suggested other Caribbean nations follow that approach.

During The Fix interview, Gross also touched on the situation involving Jamaican dancehall artist Chronic Law, who has faced immigration challenges in the United States. According to Gross, the artist’s case reflects a broader issue within the immigration system.

“The last I heard is that he doesn’t have a court date,” Gross said. “What’s happening is they’re holding people forever and not giving them a court date, hoping that you’ll just say, ‘Okay, I’ll self-deport.’”

Chronic Law was detained on January 12 and has been held in Florida’s detention facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” He has not been charged nor given a court date since by ICE.

For Jamaican artists whose careers depend heavily on touring and business relationships in the United States, the stakes can be particularly high. Speaking out on political issues may carry reputational weight within their communities but could also bring unintended professional consequences.