| About SKINNEYY G | Born July 11, 1981 Kingston Jamaica Years Active :80’s 90’s 00’s •As one of Jamaica's most crucial DJs, Skinneyy G has had a recording career that stretches back to 1988, although it was in the sound, dub plate, and party scene where he made his mark. The witty toaster began his true ascent to stardom in the early '90s, and by 1994, his style and sound couldn't be beat. Then again, when you're a recording lyricist at age eight, one wonders just what took him so long. Every country has its child stars; just look at Shirley Temple, but few treat their prodigies with the respect of Jamaica. Talent competitions lead to radio and TV appearances, and even record contracts, but what's truly amazing is how many of these charming tots continue their career into adulthood. Elsewhere, early stardom inevitably leads to adolescent failure as they're a lot less cute at 18 than they were at eight. But not Jamaica, where they love them as toddlers, adore them as teens, and worship them as adults. Skinneyy G is just one stellar example. •Skinneyy G (aka JA baby) was born in the tough Duhany Park district of Kingston, Jamaica, on July 11, 1981. By the time he was ready for school, the toddler had already decided on a career as a DJ/Entertainer. He wasn't the first tot with dreams of the limelight, but Skinneyy actually had a true gift for gab. His shot at stardom came when he was only eight, when he took first prize at the school talent performance. This led to a meeting with producers from Irie Vision in Atlanta, who recorded the diminutive DJ's debut single, "Keep Your Head to the Sky.” Then, Gary from Exodus Nuclear studio with Willy Williams then took the boy under his wing and put him to work at his Unlimited Sound System, Exodus Nuclear. By 1993, the youngster found his music playing on one of Jamaica’s biggest radio stations, Irie FM, which features radio hosts like Ran Muchat in the morning and Digital Chris late night. The DJ’s first released single was entitled “Head Up,” which was recorded at Exodus recording studio and featured Dub Poet (Ras Sabour). The song was mixed at the Mixing Lab and produced by Irei visions. The invincible Skinneyy G, the 13 year old, DJ wonder was unstoppable. The name speaks for itself. He recorded songs from 1994 to1996, most were underground dup plates for sound systems from Germany to England and back to the island breeze. Skinneyy G would resurface on a number of live shows in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and other Caribbean islands. His recording career came virtually to a close, besides the occasional single, but the young DJ remained a sound system favorite, even as he now turned his attention to his schoolwork. •Skinneyy G’s older brother T’blanc, was keen to follow in his footsteps. A few years later the siblings hooked up with producer Barrington Green from (Greentree Promotion, Inc.) and formed Mystique GP and began recording a series of singles like “Bounce Around” and “Bet” with Mich from A.R.P. Then, the brothers teamed up with the phenomenal Willy Williams that made the #1 billboard track “Armageddon.” Along with Willy Williams, Mystique GP recorded their hit single, “Vanity” that quickly brought them into the international spotlight. Between 1998 and 2000, Skinneyy G appeared at reggae shows in Jamaica, such as the 2001 Gaminie Night Club in Ocho Rios, Hellsha Beach live show in Kingston, Dr Bird night club with guest acts like Spragga Benz (2005) Mirage night club with guest act Beenie Man, Ken Booth, and much more just to name a few. Skinneyy G and his big brother, T’Blanc, then left the islands and set their goals on bigger opportunities. Newly relocated to Miami, Florida, the group geared up for their first Green Tree Promotion, Inc. show on July 4, 2006, Independence Jam, where the response let the DJ feel ready to take the music scene by storm. Skinneyy G’s catch phrase, "JA baby," and “Smoking” got noticed. His lyrical delivery and live show crowd control got him recognition from fans and labels in 2007. Upon his return the next year to Jamaica, there was a public welcome for the DJ, which resulted in the new style and confidence that gave him an edge in the recording studio. He went onto market his singles by doing shows in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Georgia, and Florida. In 2009, the brothers of Mystique GP agreed to go their separate ways and pursue different projects individually. T’blanc did a remix track with China Doll on the ‘Pop Champaign’ riddim. Skinneyy G joined up with Wayneroy Randall and produced the hit “Express Yourself,” and much more |
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