On the brink of a bright future, there was still trouble ahead for the “Gully God.” In March 2008, accusations from the Jamaican police force were plaguing him once again. Charges were dropped in July 2008, but in the meantime countries like Guyana, St Vincent and Grenadines had banned him from their countries due to his notorious reputation. Also British police shut down his show after receiving “a credible security threat,” one of his entourage members was critically injured at his show in Miami and then the United States denied him entry when he tried to set foot in New York City. With his visa problems still looming, he missed out on a series of shows including arguably one of his most important career opportunities - the chance to perform alongside with hip hop mogul Jay-Z at Madison Square Garden.

However despite controversial attention, there was no stopping Mavado. Just like clockwork the indomitable force kept on ticking to make sure he remained the topic of good conversation. Mavado continued to make generous donations to an organization that helped battered women and for his recently launched charity Connect Jamaica, which donated computers to underprivileged schools across Jamaica.

His music was also crossing new boundaries. The dancehall luminary landed his single “Real McKoy" as the theme song for the fourth Grand Theft Auto trailer entitled "Everyone's a Rat." The hit song was also used in the Grand Theft Auto IV in-game radio station, Massive B Sound system. For the U.S presidential campaign, Mavado cleverly flipped his popular “On The Rock” to “We Need Barack” for tycoon Russell Simmons and Green Lantern’s official Barack Obama mixtape. According to the UK’s Guardian, Mavado’s tune was “the most interesting of the compilation's contributors.” Mavado was also selected for a special Nike 2008 Olympics campaign, where Mavado made an exclusive track “On The Go (Faster Than Bullet)” for Olympic sprinter Asafa Powell’s Train for Speed, a 35-minute interval workout sold on I-Tunes which is coached by the track superstar over a reggae/dancehall soundtrack. Nike also created an exclusive custom sneaker for the dancehall star which represented his neighborhood Cassava Piece.

The newfound celebrity caught the attention of more mainstream media. Rolling Stone Magazine rated Mavado as the “Best Reggae Artist” in their Best of Rock April 2008 issue. Also Billboard Magazine noted the significance of his collaboration with hip hop mogul Jay-Z. “When Jay Z, who has never recorded on a reggae track, rhymed on a remix of singer Mavado's current hit, On The Rock, it became arguably the greatest endorsement ever given to any dancehall record,” Pat Meschino stated in the article.

Mavado made dancehall an on-screen production in October 2008 when he took home his first major award for Best New Reggae Artist at the prestigious MOBO (Music of Black Origin) ceremony held annually in London.

At the top of 2009, the rising superstar unveils the second chapter of his stirring street narrative Mr Brooks…A Better Tomorrow on VP Records. The talented singjay has crafted his strongest album yet — a bittersweet struggle over the dichotomies in his world — past vs. present, good vs. evil, hope vs. despair, and freedom from strife. It is a true reflection of who Mavado (David Brooks) is today.

This sophomore installment of his latest hits and daring exploits are built on apocalyptic synthesizer progressions to which Mavado chats and sings simplistic yet profound lyrics with strong conviction and ease. His contagious hook and clever outlaw antics from the album’s first single “So Special” (produced by Linton “TJ” White) has already turned this 1 Jamaican and U.K. smash in into a U.S. commercial radio hit remaining on Billboard’s Top 100 Hot R&B/Hip Hop Airplay and Song chart for over a month (peaking at 52).

The chart toppers do not end there, Mavado pours out his heart and soul on every track from his new diary. While his community is plagued by violence and corruption, Mavado unites the ghetto youth on rally cry anthems like “Overcome” (produced by Stephen McGregor) & “Don’t Worry” (produced by Daseca) and gives thanks to Jah for all his good fortunes on “So Blessed” (produced by Stephen McGregor). And a Mavado album would not be complete without a steamy track like “In Di Car Back” (produced by Stephen McGregor), where sexual escapades and desires run rampant on this spicy melody.

Mavado has gone from obscurity to ghetto super stardom with his enigmatic gangster façade. Part prophet, part superhero and part fugitive, Mavado is the voice of the streets and represents dancehall for the next generation.  

You must be logged in to become a Friend!