Stage Name: Mr Vegas.
Real Name: Clifford Smith.
Birth Date: September 29.
How did you get started in the business?
Vegas: My main start came from hanging out at Big Ship. After packing up my cook shop, I went to Big Ship in search of the ultimate dream of becoming a singer. When I was there, the engineer at the time, Germaine, had built a rhythm for Don Yute and I was just there vibing and started to sing Lauryn Hill's Killing Me Softly on the beat. He and Don Yute heard it and from there we recorded, and it started getting a lot of airplay.
Then, I recorded another song by the group Az Yet on the same rhythm. Then, sometime later, I had a setback with a broken jaw. At the time, Cobra and myself would call Jeremy (Harding) every week and ask him not to put out the Playground Rhythm yet and give me more time for my jaw to heal so I could record the song (Nike Air), but Beenie had a hot song on it at the time and the rhythm couldn't be put on hold any longer.
So I went and took out the wire out of my jaw because it had been wired shut. I should have had it in for a minimum of six weeks, depending on the progress, but I took it out sooner so I could record. That's why I wear braces now, because I never allowed the damage then to heal. Then Wee Pow also sent me to voice training and Danny Browne gave me the real big break with Heads High.
What has been your greatest challenge in the business?
Vegas: Keeping my mouth shut. (Laughing).
What have you been up to lately?
Vegas: I've been recording. I recently recorded a song I produced called Sweet Jamaica and a song called Cover Girl produced by Chrome, and the song also features a singer from New York called Monifa.
Do you look up to any specific artiste and why?
Vegas: I get a lot of inspiration from Barrington Levy because of his unique vocals and style of his singing. He is one of the first dancehall singers I heard with unique singing vocals and hardcore lyrics. Then, when I was just starting out, I also used to watch a lot of Beenie Man's performances. To me, he is one of the greatest entertainers to grace the dancehall stage. So I copied a lot of Beenie's charisma and trying to reach out to the audience and make them feel a part of the performance. So I might be sulky backstage, but once I'm onstage I come alive and just enjoy myself. So at the beginning, it was definitely those two.
Are you happy with the way things are going for your musical career right now?
Vegas: I think I'm more than happy. This is gonna be my 14th year in the business, so I can't complain. I'm still relevant and still working with some of the top producers. Last year, I had two big hits outside and in Jamaica and they are still getting heavy rotation. I just think I surround myself with good and honest people. So when I write these songs, the people around me keep it honest with me and tell me whether it's good or if I need to go back to the drawing board. Plus, I've been trying to help people who are less fortunate, and trying to create awareness for a number of charities and organisations like Mustard Seed.
Do you have any advice for young artistes coming up?
Vegas: I'd say, be yourself. When writing a song don't only write about you, write what people can relate to. Put yourself in the crowd and think if you would give a forward to the song you do.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Vegas: Maybe married. Being in the church, honestly. Sooner or later it will happen. But it's easier said than done. I have kids to feed and a family to take care of. But I always try to be the best me I can be, which is being truthful and not living my life trying to please mankind. I think God can give me a talent for a reason, and if I am not offending anyone with my lyrics and the message I put out there, then I am comfortable with that. I don't know what God has planned for my future, but I'm leaving everything to Him.
