Biography
Born Trevor Keith Williams in Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies, the future DJ began crafting lyrics as a boy in Mandeville parish under the influence of Johnny Ringo. The top selector at Gemini Hi Power urged him onto the sound-system circuit, prompting the adoption of the T.K. stage name. Early sessions came first with the rural outfit Wisdom and later with Lightning High Power out of Spanish Town. Strong local support translated into a debut single, “Nah Money Nah Run,” issued in 1986 under the guidance of Dennis and Junie Star. Additional successes arrived through King Jammy and Bobby Digital, architects of the signature Waterhouse style. Although already prominent across Jamaica, broader international notice arrived only in 1992, after two well-received Canadian tours. The decisive opportunity arose when Captain Sinbad released “Fanciness,” voiced on the then-current “Heart Attack” rhythm, itself a reinterpretation of Burning Spear’s “He Prayed.” General T.K.’s distinctive gravelly tone and abrasive lyricism recalled Dirtsman, a frequent dancehall adversary. Further hits followed, among them “God Alone,” “Main Point,” “Poisonous Dettol,” and “I Spy,” the latter an answer record to Simpleton’s “Eye Nah See.” While Simpleton’s original relied on explicit innuendo, Williams’ version evolved into a lasting dancehall anthem. In 1993 he recut “I Spy” for newcomer Adrian Genus; the refreshed take again proved popular and led to his first album, which included the caustic “Screwface,” the socially conscious “Preach The Gospel,” and “Matie A Mad,” a track previously voiced with E.J. Robinson. Separate collaborations with Johnny Osbourne produced “Street Knowledge,” “Coke And Crack,” “Money Is A Thing,” and “Coop A Broke Down.” Ongoing work with Captain Sinbad encompassed a spot on Ragga Clash Volume Two and further singles for Henry “Junjo” Lawes, notably the humorous “Donkey Meat,” a bawdy cut inspired by Major Mackerel.