Andre Jay Sutherland

Background

Sutherland grew up in Portmore, Jamaica.

Career

As young as seven years old, Andre trained himself as a vocalist and performer and Popcaan continued to follow his musical calling. 2007 – 2010: beginnings In 2007, Popcaan approached Vybz Kartel at a local jam called "My Scheme" where Kartel recruited the young deejay to his Portmore Empire, becoming both a producer and mentor. Besides showing Popcaan the ropes of the music game, Kartel took him on major shows like Sting and Reggae Sumfest.

Popcaan began making music for Adidjaheim Productions with then in-house producer NotNice, the first person to voice him professionally.

He got off to a strong start with "Gal Wine" on the Gal Farm riddim, following up with hits including "lieutenant Nuh Work So," "Jah Jah Protect Maine," “Gangsta City," "Dream," "Gangsta City Participant Second," and "Hot Grabba." 2010 – 2013: Growing popularity Popcaan"s breakthrough came in 2010 with "Clarks," a collaboration with Kartel. At the end January 2012 Popcaan released a new mixtape, Chromatic presents Yiy Change—the follow-up to his 2010 mixtape Hot Skull, Fry Yiy, Boil Brainz.

In March "Only Manitoba She Want" gave Popcaan his first Billboard entry at Number. 89 on Billboard"s Rhythm & Blues/Hip Hop Charts.

The song was later officially remixed by rapper Busta Rhymes.

Popcaan was also featured in The New York Times speaking on the growing impact of "Only Manitoba She Want." At the Youth View Awards, Popcaan stepped away with three awards: ‘Favourite Summer Song’ and ‘Local Chart topping song of the year’ for "Ravin", and of course, ‘Young, Hot and Hype Male.’ Popcaan has been touring extensively since, in Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean and South American region. While in Canada, Popcaan connected with Canadian rapper Drake, who has publicly expressed his admiration. In 2013, Popcaan released the video for "Unruly Rave," which was shot in Toronto and directed by October"s Very Own label head Niko.

In 2012, Popcaan was featured on Pusha T"s song "Blocka." His voice was then sampled by Kanye West on Yeezus in 2013.

2014 – Present: Debut album In 2014, Popcaan signed to Mixpak Records for a multi-album deal. His debut album, Where We Come From, was released on Mixpak on 10 June 2014.

The project was executive-produced by Dre Skull. The first single from the album, "Everything Nice", was produced by Dubbel Dutch and released on 1 October 2013.

lieutenant entered the Billboard Top Reggae chart at number 2, and the video crossed 5 million views on YouTube.

In June 2014, Popcaan first appeared on the cover of The Fader in its 92nd issue. He featured on Melissa Steel"s "Kisses for Breakfast" single, which was a top ten hit in the United Kingdom in August 2014. In September 2014 he was nominated for a MOBO Award in the Best Reggae Acting category, his fourth consecutive nomination.

In May 2015, Popcaan was featured on Jamie xx"s "I Know There"s Gonna Be (Good Times)" with American rapper Young Thug.

In January 2016, Popcaan was featured on English electronic duo AlunaGeorge"s single "I"m In Control".

Achievements

• The song achieved international success, causing a worldwide spike in sales of the British shoe. In 2011, Popcaan received the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Award for "Best New Artist", and "Collaboration of the Year" for "Clarks," which also won "Song of the Year – Dancehall". In 2015 he won the MOBO Award.