How I Evolved into the Dancehall Gorilla

2006 Montego-Bay, Jamaica (Motherless, Fatherless and Foodless) - I bit my lip it bled. I wished to have a plate of food but all I had was paper, pen and a persistent dream to be the greatest Reggae-Dancehall act to have ever existed. A dream to be a musical legend like Bob Marley. I wrote until my middle finger became indented from the pressure of the pen against my skin and sang until my tonsils felt swollen. I worked each and every note, chewing at each and every line of lyrics, savoring each and every bite of the verses I wrote; swallowing the pain they stemmed from and digesting the cards that were dealt to me:

1. My mother moved to England when I was eight and left me in the care of whoever saw fit to take me in (A shattered sense of belonging)

2. Didn't know my father (No figure to look at in order to mold my life)

3. No food to readily eat (Beaten by poverty and held down by hunger)

I was hungry, yes. Yet, the hunger that I had (and still have) to fulfill my musical mission, far outweighed gas pains and the gripe of an empty stomach. Music filled every part of me and still does. I went days at a time without food but survived on the soul food of my music. As I sat there in the washroom (where I was put to stay and sleep on a small mattress on the ground), the smell of dirty laundry lingered in the air and the cold of concrete awakened every part of me, from my toes to my head. I was hoping for a miracle but only had my music.

I was angry, yes. Yet, the healing that I received from doing music (singing, songwriting and DJing aka rapping) soothed the many unanswered questions that I had. Why did my mother leave me behind? Why didn't I know my father? Why was I here in the washroom of my sister's house? Why was I suffering? Music mellowed the mess of it all. I channeled it all through my music and my music healed me as I heard myself sing. I was hoping for a way out but only had my music.

2007 Montego Bay, Jamaica (Entered Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall)

Before I became The Dancehall Gorilla I was a bee. Yes! A bumblebee to "bee" exact. You see, it was that time of the year when they were welcoming participants for the popular Jamaican star search show called Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall. I, the bee I was at the time, had hopes to pitch on and pollinate the Reggae-Dancehall music industry via this newfound opportunity. In preparation for the competition, I bought a black and yellow striped cardigan for close to nothing with the very little I had. However, it represented the "Bee Look" that I intended to go for. Since bees symbolize richness and wealth, I thought I could pull off the look. A stick wrapped with black and yellow tape finished off my forwardness in fashion. Competition here I come! I passed the first round to go to the live shows and "Fluffy Miss Kitty", one of the show's judges, laughed and told me that I would be more suitable for Disney World. It was a temporary defeat but the Gorilla within the bee would not give up.

January 7, 2011 Montego-Bay, Jamaica (The Death of Mr. Groove and the Unlocking of my Purpose)

Mr. Groove was my musical mentor. He was popularly known for his great performances and song-writing skills within the Western Jamaica area. I lived across from him in the Bigwell community. It was one of my good fortunes to have him help me fine-tune my musical skills. He did so for over a year.

During the deep of a night, as I slept, I heard multiple shots fired. I found out in the morning that it was Mr. Groove who was gunned down. How could this be? Mr. Grove killed? Like many others in the Bigwell community I was shocked and saddened. My one mentor was gone. The community mourned. I had nothing to give but my music and so I made a song called "Keep Your Composure" in honor of Mr. Grove.

That one song spread like wildfire throughout the community. It was a call for hope that many answered to. They dialed in to my song. Through my music, I bettered bitter Bigwell. It was then that I realized the purpose behind my passion - to help keep ablaze and strike a match to the dying or outed fire-of-hope in others. My music serves as medicine, healing the mind and hearts of others, as it does my own. Dose by dose, song by song, I use my gift to heal and heighten the masses.

2011 Montego-Bay, Jamaica (My Dad My Miracle)

One day during 2011, I received a call from a man that ascertained he was my father. I took it to be a joke initially. After all, I didn't know nor had ever seen my father. He explained to me that he in fact was. That call came at a moment when I felt like giving up. I didn't know if I would survive the pins of poverty or the experiences of crime and violence. When my father phoned me, it was the biggest sigh of relief that one could ever release. He started the process of positioning me to enter the United States where he resided. I knew then, that my music had fed me with faith and kept me alive for that very moment.

March 26, 2012 - "Wish I Could Save the World"

Just before I migrated, I released a song that shook the walls of Dancehall. So much so that I got the attention of the media. The Western Mirror, a highly circulated newspaper in Western Jamaica, did a feature on me. The highlighted single was called, "Wish I Could Save the World" - a song title inspired by the belief of so many that the world would end in 2012.

Looking back at the article now, I'm even more motivated to bring my message of hope to the world. It reminds me that my knack for doing theme songs has been a long-time gift. During high school, I did a theme song for a school's football (called soccer in the U.S.) team which was played at every game. It was a song that gave the players much drive and stamina to take home the wins.

Later on, I did two theme songs about HIV/STD while I served as a peer educator. All of which the article shines a light on. From back then till now, the aim of my music has always been to Educate, Empower and Enlighten. Those who take an ear to my melodies, flows and raps, do so for the motivation behind my jams.

2012 - Migration

When I hopped onto the plane which flew me to Florida, I felt as though I were leaving my music behind. I was saddened. After much retrospect at the time, I came to realize that one could never leave behind what lies within. My music is a part of me. She is at the very core of who I am. I take her with me everywhere I go. She lies beside me at night and is the first thing I encounter when I open my eyes first thing in the morning. She boarded that plane with me. She was with me when it landed. She was there when I met my father for the first time. She was there when he wasn't there. She fed me with words of wisdom, clothed me with warmth only a mother's hug could give and gave me a reason to stay alive. She took very good care of me - my sweet music.

September 2014, United States Florida (Painting While Singing at my Job Teleperformance)

I had to be brave, bold and confident in order to be the star that I was shooting for. One of my very first performances in the United States was at my job Teleperformance (wish I could say pun intended). My singing and painting skills joined forces to help me take over the beginning stages of the competition. With work weighing down on employees and the only hope of a break being days off, I decided to write and perform a song called "Somewhere". It served its purpose in "painting" a picture of what it would be like to vacation and relax. My co-workers found freedom in my song and solace in my lyrics. Word of my performance began to circulate my workplace. It was a start.

October 21, 2014 United States, Florida (My Wife My World. Having Two Wives and Two Loves)

No no, it's not what you think. I became married to my music before I became married to my wife and I became married to my wife because of my music. On October 21, 2014, I met the love of my life who is now my wife. We crossed paths at a nutritional center where I became a Health and Wellness Coach. I came across this nutritional center after entering that same music competition at my job. Intending to win, I promoted my music at every corner, entering storefront to storefront. This was in efforts of garnering votes.

Since I also had a goal to gain weight atop of gaining the win, I began to frequent that nutritional center where I soon became a Health and Wellness Coach. It was a place I would grow and flourish. It's the same place where I got my first taste of entrepreneurship which lead to my being a business owner. The people were vibrant, goal-driven, happy and welcoming. I found a place I could call home.

A few months down the line, I entered the nutritional center on a usual day after work. To my left was the most graceful girl I had ever laid my eyes on. I was introduced to her by one of my fellow wellness coaches. She later became my girlfriend and is now my wife. I may not have won the competition (though I was pretty close) but I won the most beautiful trophy - my wife. That was all a result of my love for music.

2015 - Cornwall College Dinner Dance

In Jamaica, I was fortunate to attend one of the most prestigious high schools of the country - Cornwall College. It is an all boys school which instilled every principle and discipline I now use to govern my musical endeavors. The early-morning-late-night work ethic that I apply to my craft is as a result of deep conditioning from a school which expected nothing short of my best.

I was happy to find out that in the United States, certain chapters are formed in order to create a sense of community amongst graduates who migrate abroad. The Cornwall College Alumni Association had an event that I bought tickets for. My wife (then girlfriend) and I attended. I had the honor of meeting the association's president, Phillip Wallace. In a candid conversation between us two, I expressed to him my love and passion for music. In so doing, I landed the opportunity to perform at one of their yearly conventions. To be able to represent my school through my art form in a song called "Red and Gold" - the school's colors - was truly the highlight of 2015 for me.

My wife and I took out our fanciest outfits. She wore the most beautiful shiny-grey gown which was her prom dress in high school and I got to sport a suit with my Cornwall College blazer which had been in my closet since 2006. We felt like teenagers again.

For her it was a whimsical fairytale, for me it was fire lit to my burning desire to make it in the music business. My music was able to afford us a night of wine and dine that we wouldn't be able to afford at the time. It was truly a moment for the memory books. One I'll never forget.

2017 - Interviewed by Flexx FM

Four years ago I did my very first interview for an EP called "Made in Jamaica". I was inspired to work on this project as a way to water my roots. My growth in the music world and my love for the reggae-dancehall genres stem from my birthplace, Jamaica. With so many things labeled "Made in China" or made elsewhere, I was happy to attach the "Made in Jamaica" label to my EP. Flexx FM spotlighted me in their studio where songs from the EP were played and analyzed. My EP granted me a chance to chisel away at any misconceptions anyone may have about Jamaica.

On the other hand, it has soul stirring songs like "Blood in Dem Eyes" that is a revelation to the sad situations many youths face. That poverty and crime are at an all time high on the Caribbean island, this is true. That it is full of smart, creative and cool individuals, this is also true. "Made in Jamaica" EP, with it's volume and vibe, seemed to wave the black, green and gold flag fearlessly. Music allowed me to paint a positive representation of a country simply lacking opportunity.

November 27, 2017 (Grey Sky and a Little Girl Named Phebe)

"If I...If I could turn your grey sky blue I would". Those are the beginning words of my single "Grey Sky". It's the very first song that I did an official music video for. After seeing the turmoil, damage and deaths caused by a massive mud slide in Sierra Leone, I felt compelled to compose another song of homage and hope for the African People.

The is why my lyrics go on to say, "Give hope to humanity." With an urge to reach more people, I drove to Vero Beach Florida to do the music video. Blaq Purl (his artiste name), a very talented videographer wanted to shoot the video for me, free of cost. He believed in my melody and the message of faith it propelled. During the shoot, at one of the scenes, I passed by this little girl sitting on a bench with her mother.

"Are you a star," she asked, "Can I take a picture with you?"

Then, I considered myself to be a rising star but now I know I am a star. Through my music, I bring light to the darkness others are facing. Phebe's mom mentioned that Phebe had recently gone through surgery and was in recovery. She wasn't feeling the best. I was pleased to bring a smile upon her face. That means my music served its purpose.

The release of the video was met and greeted with open arms and heartfelt remarks. The words of my song landed in the hearts and homes of so many of my supporters. "Grey Sky" gathered as much hope as it could and distributed it to a group of individuals hungry for hope.

To experience the upliftment of souls who encounter my music encourages me to keep producing great music. The feeling of filling that void in others is so vast and beyond myself. It is a wild emotion, a blast of energy that cannot be tamed or should be contained. Much like the Gorilla of the wild, it is the bang-bang on the chest which proclaims, "This is my territory, this is my mission, this is my musical calling - to catch others who seem to be falling, to help them not only cope but come up as survivors!"

2020 - "Vans" the Song and its Meaning to My Followers

When I entered the Vans (the shoe/clothing brand) competition for artists and musicians, it was with the aim to not only win but to get some exposure for my music as well. I didn't win the competition but I got the support of so many followers of my music who appreciated the overall "go-getter" theme of the song as well as my play on words. "From the sole of my feet," is how the song begins. It continues, "Advance in life" which implies that to "add Vans (the brand)" to your life is to "advance" in life. My followers flooded the comments showing massive support.

It confirmed to me then that those who listen to my music find it to be a source of inspiration to keep going and motivation to never give up. Making an impact with my music and transforming lives through my lyrics gives me so much joy and fulfillment.

2020 - The Jungle Album

One of my biggest musical projects to date is my 24-track "Jungle Album". In the midst of COVID-19, I created this masterpiece. The Jungle Album speaks of survival in the concrete jungle which we live. The world needed this album, especially at a time when all hope seemed lost. Much like living in the jungle, we must be on the hunt for greatness, we must attack our goals and we must apply The Gorilla Mindset. Each song lends a hand to those who aspire to be the best versions of themselves: mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, etc.

Creating the album was a success, however monetizing it has proven to be quite the task. So many artists like myself are often faced with the dilemma of investing so much money in our craft but seeing very little to nothing in return. When one has a passion for music, then it becomes a part of one's whole life. It's a passion that becomes an obsession. So much so that if one does not have a life vest of a job or other stream of income, it can lead to roadblocks. I would love to monetize this "obsession" of mine by creating a members-only subscription that allows my "Gorillas" to get one new song per month (heard by members-only) along with access to my weekly themed virtual live shows, discount on tickets to in-person shows and discount on merchandise.

My "Gorillas" would get a members-only welcome box following their subscription. This welcome box would include a book I'm working on called "Gorilla Mindset: How to Unleash the Beast Within You". They would also get a Gorilla T-shirt, a Gorilla pen and journal as well as a certificate of authenticity naming them "True Gorilla Fans".

As members of my music, my fans would get access to "Gorilla Boot Camp" where I would give daily tips, weekly mentorship, quarterly musical events, coaching and action plans to activate and sustain "The Gorilla Mindset". It would be a full Gorilla Experience. That brings me to the single on my album receiving raving reviews called, "Gorilla".

Present - Gorilla Single and the Mindset it Promotes

I sport a gorilla mask as the unmasking of the strength and vigor which many of us have but lay hidden. It is my untamed declaration of drive, determination and destiny. That we each have a wild and non-weary, whimsical and no-nonsense, willing and never-weakened part of ourselves, I'm sure. The Gorilla is an outside (physical) representation of what lies within - the beast. Many of us never discover or are afraid to know what it feels like and what it means to be beyond powerful. I'm here to reveal the beauty of the beast which lies within us all. It's time to go all in, go gorilla- mode or go home. G-mode is my default setting.

Through every song that I write, sing and perform, I'm able to introduce, initiate and instill this "Gorilla Setting" to the mindset of my fans. The "Gorilla" single has helped me to fulfill such a goal to a greater degree. Not only are my lyrics unrelenting but they promote the state of being unrelenting. Those who have grooved to "Gorilla", from workout enthusiasts to single moms to entrepreneurs and fellow artists alike, have hailed the tune for being a terrific, not-so-subtle reminder to go with full force for that which they desire.

The goal is to reach 1000 comments on my preview before I drop the official "Gorilla" video. My "Gorillas" are already serving up support in the comments. Buffet style! I reached over 250 comments in 2 days and that number has risen to close to 400 comments. The love shown is immense!

Connections, Collaborations and Friendships

I've had the pleasure of working with others who share the same passion as myself. I have shook the hands of those have reached close to the apex of their musical career. Most importantly, I have established true friendships that only come once in a lifestyle. All these I have received because of my commitment to my craft.

A True Friend From the Very Beginning

My first development of music was using a cassette tape recorder to capture my songs. My friend, who goes by the name "Xpression" did his part to ensure that I had a solid recording. It was because of him that I was able to record my very first song. My migration to the states caused us to go our separate ways yet, as fate, or should I say my music would have it, we would cross paths again and become masterminds in music. To this day, he has been helping me to facilitate my musical growth.

Xpression has been helping me to express my music by being a very active promoter and manager. In his constant search for opportunities, he has made connections that have brought me to the point of being an opener for REMA - a fast rising, trendsetting "Afrorave" recording artist - in his 2021 Ginger Me Tour. It's a connection I value.

Skibidi - My Signature Word and Sound

Whenever a fan asks me what "Skibidi" means, I tell them, "It's a a feel-good-feeling that can be found in my songs. It's the sudden jolt you make when injected with I-talix (The Dancehall Gorilla) Music. It's the taste of ice-cream on a Sunday morning or the air of cloud that elevates you when in love or making love. It's the giggle of a baby or smell of coffee in the morning." "Skibidi" is a single word of feel-good sensation dotted throughout a plethora of my songs. When greeted by friends who are also fans of my music, I hear, "Skibidi, what's going on?" They tell me of how they cannot get their kids to stop saying the word. My co-workers in the music field happily mimic the sound. That one word I coined a few years ago, brings so much light and joy to others. My "Skibidi" is heard and held on to by countless supporters. For this , I'm humbled.  

Supporters Love the Gorilla

Maybe it's for his charismatic look or his alluring appeal or maybe it's the momentary mystery of the man behind the mask that leaves fans so fascinated. Whatever is, wherever I go as the Gorilla, I'm always given a warm welcome by supporters.

I truly believe that this reception is from the recognition of a familiar face that stems not from the visual of "The Dancehall Gorilla" but the visualization of its representation. The Gorilla is a gesture of not only physical strength but mental muscle as well. My music is the verbal expression of the of the innate state of the mind - strength. I'm happy to provide a well-spring of words intertwined with instrumentals to out the doubt and water the drought (of hope) that so many face.

When I'm performing on stage, I get to be the grandest expression of who I am.

Music has always activated my purpose, for that reason, I pursue it passionately. On stage, all my pains, problems and worries are wished away. They evaporate into the atmosphere, converting to breaths of fresh air. I get to offer a part of myself that was only once reserved for my own survival.

Music has the power to change the state of mind of any human so that they can change the state of their circumstance. When my supporters search "I-talix Vevo Music" I want it to be as a solution to the stress and strains of life. I want it to be their antidote for anxiety, the extra push that they need, the reason for their smile and a constant reminder to never give up on themselves. This is also why I've attached the slogan "The Reminder" to many of my songs. I live to be a reminder to my listeners to keep hope forefront and center.

As I have transformed so has my music. As I have become stronger, so has my music. I can look back in time to see how I've grown through my craft and how my craft has magnified my mission.

I've transformed from a very feeble kid without a mother and father experiencing the pitfalls of poverty, to being the true representation of "The Gorilla Mindset". Music was my way out and now is my way in the hearts and minds of so many. My gift has gifted me with opportunities to be the greatest version of myself. Gorilla music (my music) sustained me in the ghetto when nothing nor no one else could. I was able to put up a fight until my late father rescued me. Even during mourning his death, it was (and is) my melodies that soothed my grief and the grief of family members. From my grief stemmed, "Heaven's Letter" - a rendition of an up-close look at losing a loved one.

This bountiful passion of mine connected me to my first mentor. Through the Bigwell community my melodies flowed like a healing river of water, disinfecting the wounds of bloodshed after that mentor was killed. Entrepreneurship maneuvered it's way into my life as a direct result of my promoting my craft. Many would say it was fate that caused me to meet my wife but I can truly say, not without the help of the my music. Now I have the love of my life and a beautiful daughter to call my family. "Dr. Music" grabbed her operational tools and was able to turn little Phebe's frown into a smile. "Vans" single tells fans to advance and "Gorilla" single is creating a global movement, one person at a time. The best part of receiving this God-given gift is that I get to give it away. I get to serve and be selfless while being self-fulfilled. I express not to impress but to impact lives the same way my own has been impacted.

My music saved my life and can save the lives of many others.