Popcaan - Dancehall

If anybody knows how to stand out in the music business its high flying deejay Popcaan.

The youngster has steadily emerged as one of the top artistes leading a new generation in charge of dancehall music.The last three years have steadily brought Andrae ‘Popcaan’ Sutherland to the front of the industry since his breakthrough in 2010 with the mega hit collaboration ‘Clarks’ featuring Vybz Kartel and Gaza Slim. A slew of hits have followed that have further cemented his name and now has pushed him into the lead. Signed to Adidjaheim Records since 2008, Popcaan has also signed a lucrative booking deal with the legendary Shocking Vibes Productions in 2011.

The artiste has come a long way since his day’s deejaying at schools such as Bath Primary and Junior High in Seaforth and Happy Grove High School in St Thomas. His interest in music only increased when he moved to Portmore St Catherine where he began admiring acts such as Super Cat, Sizzla Kalonji and Vybz Kartel. On an International scale the lyrical prowess of Nas and Tupac also helped to influence his unique style. Continuously working on his craft and honing his skills, Popcaan never gave up on his dream of being a recording artiste. It was at a performance at an event called ‘My Scheme’ in Portmore that gave him the introduction he needed to Portmore Empire CEO Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer, who, immediately began to ask questions about the young talent and then took him under his wing. Soon after Popcaan began to build his musical catalogue and recorded his first single ‘Wine’ on the Gal Farm Riddim.

Other singles followed with ‘Dream’ and ‘Gangsta City’ which then saw Popcaan recording with top producers in the Jamaican industry including Leftside, TJ Records, Headconcussion Music, CR203 Records, Young Vibes Productions and more. His lyrical and musical ability soon developed and with it his witty word play and slangs that has made him stand out.

His single ‘Ravin’ on the Summertime rhythm was a definite summer anthem and contender for song of the year. ‘Ravin’ was only the tip of the iceberg as hits like ‘Only Man She Want’ on the Lost Angel Riddim, ‘clean’ on the Snapback rhythm, ‘Nuh Box Pan Jaw’ on the Nyphomaniac rhythm, ‘Head Bad’ on the V6, ‘Party Shot’ on the Smudge riddim and ‘Naughty Girl’ followed. with ‘Get Gal Easy’ for producers Dre Skull and more hits to come.