Andrae Jay Sutherland, better known by his stage name Popcaan, is a Jamaican dancehall artist currently signed to Mixpak Records. Poppy was also born in Portmore, Jamaica, like his one-time boss and mentor Vybz Kartel. Popcaan rose to fame under the tutelage of Kartel in 2007. It wasn’t until 2010 that Popcaan made his break through collaborating with the Worl’ Boss on ‘Clarks’. His first solo hit was on the New Zealand produced ‘Lost Angel’ riddim with ‘Only Man She Wants’.
Since then Popcaan has stayed on the top of the JA charts with a huge catalogue of bashy dancehall bangers. In 2014 he released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Where We Dome From’ that immediately entered the Billboard reggae charts at #2. He has since fallen out with Vybz Kartel.
His version on the Devotion riddim ‘Only Jah Know’, sees him teaming up with once Portmore Empire, in-house producer NOTNICE again. A rather melancholy riddim, Poppy once again shows us his sensitive side with what seems to be an ode to a fallen friend, although there are rumours that it’s actually in reference to his dissolved friendship with Vybz.
As far as the riddim itself goes, it is a melodic slower tune, relying heavily on a piano and acoustic guitar, with a simple drum loop. Poppy goes deep on this, he utilises his ability to sing-jay to his advantage, something he has become well-known for and has extreme talent in. Once again Popcaan is the stand out vocalist on a riddim. Alongside him on this riddim are two heartfelt versions by the very talented Jahmeil and man of the moment Alkaline.
Popcaan continues to be a stand-out in the genre. In my personal opinion he is in the same league as current greats such as Vybz, Busy Signal, Mavado and Cham.
Danny Two Chains
