With the release of his sophomore album ‘Mr. Brooks…A Better Tomorrow’ (March 3rd -VP Records) just a week away, here are some things that you should know about the dancehall superstar with his gangster persona, hypnotic raspy-toned vocals and undeniable hooks.
1. Mavado will make his first nationally televised musical performance on March 2nd at 9pm (ET/PT) for BET’s Rip The Runway fashion show. He will be the first reggae artist to ever perform on the show. Also be sure to watch the “The Diary of Dancehall NYC’s: Tammy Ft. Mavado” the exclusive feature will run on www.bet.com/onblast on March 2nd.
2. Born in 1981, the proclaimed “Gully God” grew up in Kingston, Jamaica inside a micro-ghetto named Cassava Piece – considered one of the most notorious slums in the world.
3. His official album release party will be held in NYC next Tuesday at SOBs hosted by HOT 97. Tickets $15. Doors open at 7:30PM w/ Special Surprise Guests!
4. Mavado is the most sought after reggae artist in the hip hop community. Jay-Z jumped on Mavado’s remix for “On The Rock”, “arguably the greatest endorsement ever given to any dancehall record,” according to Billboard Magazine. Other collaborations include G-Unit, Foxy Brown, Wyclef Jean, Lil Kim and Busta Rhymes, etc.
5. The infamous scar under Mavado’s left eye is a result of an accident during his favorite past time- riding motorcycles. Mavado has been riding since a young age.
6. Grand Theft Auto IV chose his single “Real McKoy” as their theme song for their official trailer and also used two of his songs in its in-game radio station on Massive B Sound.
7. Mavado love the kids. He founded the charity organization ‘Connect Jamaica’ in 2007 which donates computers to underprivileged schools around the Caribbean.
8. He won “BEST NEW REGGAE ARTIST” at the 2008 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards, which is broadcasted in Europe.
9. “So Special” the first single of the new album has remained on Billboard’s Top 100 Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart for over two months now. The new video directed by Ras Kassa is currently receiving rotation on BET, MTV and VH1 networks.
10. His debut album Gangster For Life: The Symphony of David Brooks remains on the Top 25 Billboard Reggae sales chart since its debut in July 2007.
(PHOTO TAKEN FROM AOL BLACK VOICES Blog)