Frisco Kid

Born Stephen Wray in Western Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, the future artist began copying the styles of prominent DJs during his school years and eventually secured opportunities to hold the microphone at minor dances. While employed at a garage in Kingston, an unplanned encounter with the proprietor of the Exodus Nuclear sound system resulted in performances under the name Paro Kid. He soon became Exodus’s resident DJ and later visited King Jammy’s studio to cut specials, at which point he adopted the stage name Frisco Kid. Career momentum appeared after he laid down “Dance Again” at Donovan Germain’s Penthouse studio, yet the initial excitement faded without additional releases. He resumed voicing specials for the sound system until a 1993 session at Black Scorpio unexpectedly revived his recording prospects. When studio scheduling created an opening, Frisco Kid and DJ Terror Fabulous returned to Penthouse and cut “Big Speech,” a track that triggered a string of successful singles including “Wakey News,” “Yuh And Yuh Man,” “Tribulation,” “Yuh A Boom,” “Step Up In Life,” and “Gal A Di Clothes.” That visibility earned him a slot at the 1995 Reggae Sunsplash festival, where his performance enthralled the audience. The breakthrough prompted an association with Patrick Roberts, who added Frisco Kid to the Shocking Vibes crew for an international tour alongside Little Kirk, Silver Cat, Tanto Metro, Snagga Puss, and Beenie Man—the first European appearances for both Silver Cat and Frisco Kid. Critics and fans alike praised the shows. In 1996 Frisco Kid signed with Buju Banton’s newly established Cell Block 321 label, an outlet created to champion emerging talent. His profile rose sharply with the release of the standout single “Video Light,” followed by “If Looks” and the multi-artist hit “Matey Anthem,” which also featured Mega Banton, Spragga Benz, Mad Cobra, General Degree, Gringo, and Johnny P. Several of these recordings appeared on his well-received debut album, Finally.