Serocee is a hip-hop/reggae artist who was born in Small Heath, Birmingham UK. Both Serocee’s mother and father were sound system DJs and selectors during the British reggae movement of the 70s, with his father most notably being in the national champion ‘Cosmic’ sound.
As a child, Serocee was sent to his family home town of Kingston, Jamaica where he was schooled. Due to a strict Christian upbringing reggae music was not allowed in the home, but it could be heard almost everywhere else. It was from this point on, his lasting love affair with music was born and he began free-styling on street corners with many big reggae artists in their younger years. He penned his first melody at the age of eight.
As a teenager Serocee returned to Birmingham and found the transition a difficult one. By the age of 14 he and long-time friend DLT created a rap group called ‘Crossfire’ and they achieved local success working with British reggae Icons such as Pato Banton.
Being part of the Birmingham rap scene during the ‘Golden Years’ of rap meant there were many battles going on in clubs, on sound systems or on street corners. Serocee became widely renowned as one of the best and most versatile freestyle rappers in Birmingham and it was from this point on that he also became known for his ability to switch between reggae and rap with ease.
Serocee is also an accomplished selector, with his major musical influences spanning across a number of musical genres ranging from reggae to jazz. The most notable artists that influence his music range from the likes of Bob Marley and Ninjaman to Nas, Redman, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.
Serocee’s debut single ‘Life’ was released in 2006 and received critical acclaim and he has since released further singles and worked with the likes of Basement Jaxx, MJ Cole, Zed Bias, and Toddla T, reggae heavy hitters such as Shaggy, collaborators Brian and Tony Gold, General Levy, South Rakkas Crew and Lloyd Brown not to mention British hip-hop veterans Karl Hinds, Seanie T, Roots Manuva and super group Moorish Delta. He also tours as a solo artist and with crews.
In December 2008 Serocee founded the ‘WINDRUSHPICKNEY’ brand and he is currently polishing his debut solo album and preparing for his imminent global tour.
Nuff respect to Serocee for his Top Ten tunes that impacted on him most upon first hearing.
1. Supercat – Boops
2. Cutty Ranks – Hand Grenade
3. Buju Banton – Till Shiloh
4. Bounty Killer – In The Ghetto
5. Barrington Levy – Prison Oval Rock
6. Dennis Brown – The Half (45 Mix)
7. Wayne Wonder – You Me and She
8. Admiral Bailey – Old Time Something
9. Ken Parker – Guilty
10. Slim Smith – Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
