From Jamaican Roots to “Ghetto Reggae”, Mr. Vegas Aims to Make a Mark
The singer’s ability to create compelling party anthems has allowed him to formulate an album that blends genres and influences to create something distinctly his
Reggae dancehall singer and performer Mr. Vegas has always felt music in his bones. As a young Jamaican boy, performing became a natural passion, during which time he would channel personal feelings into song. The personal evolution and his passion for music would follow the performer throughout the early stages of his life. Singing covers at local parties would lead to his first breakout hit, called Nike Air, and would launch the career that people know him for today. With his new album, Ghetto Reggae, Mr. Vegas blends his roots.
Childhood challenges and personal passions
As a child, Mr. Vegas faced many challenges. Growing up, he faced the trials of a harsh home life and found comfort around a local sound system, which is where his personal passion for music would truly take root. This passion would culminate over several years, and plant the seeds for not just the triumphs, but the struggles that would come after.
“Early on, I was even struck in the face with a crowbar during a fight over stolen master tapes,” the performer shares. “My jaw was wired shut for six weeks.” Despite this, Mr. Vegas states that he would go on to remove the wiring the moment he heard Beenie Man’s Who I Am so he could practice deejaying.
The result would leave a lasting effect on his speech, and additional struggles later on, such as vocal polyps that required surgery, would sideline him. Hospitalizations for heart inflammation and severe acid reflux would cause him to temporarily retire in 2008 to focus on his health and faith.
Adapting sounds and navigating a digital era
Mr. Vegas’ most distinct feature is his versatile vocal delivery. Known for blending rapid-fire toasting with melodic singing, as well as his stylistic range, he incorporates reggae, soca, R&B, gospel, and pop music influences into his work.
“In the digital era, adapting to the changing sound of dancehall and navigating social media controversies, like speaking out on political issues, has tested me,” Mr. Vegas says. “But each setback pushed me to grow stronger and stay committed to the music.”
The release of Ghetto Reggae
Mr. Vegas’ ability to create compelling party anthems has allowed him to formulate an album that blends genres and influences to create something distinctly his. His performance at Reggae Fest at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, introduced the world to Ghetto Reggae. He performed I Am Blessed, a song that had the crowd not only singing along, but waving flags.
With Ghetto Reggae, Mr. Vegas aims to showcase his capabilities as a song and hitmaker while calling upon classic reggae beats. Songs such as Take My Heart, Fade Away, and Land of My Birth, among the other 14-track titles, tell stories that not just aim to entertain, but hopefully, resonate with listeners.
You can delve into the world of Mr. Vegas and listen to his new album Ghetto Reggae on Spotify and other music outlets.
