Biography
Born in Linstead, St. Catherine, Jamaica, West Indies in 1981 as Rohan Wilson, the future artist relocated in 1991 to New York, USA, joining his family while still nurturing ambitions of a music career. Around the time he turned twelve, he started delivering songs in public and composing poetry, activities that soon transitioned into crafting original material. In 1995 he appeared under the name Rally Bopp at West Indian clubs throughout Queens, New York, an experience that crystallized his identity as a DJ. Once established on the dancehall circuit by 1997, he entered recording sessions with multiple producers, issuing the debut single “She’s Like An Angel” and the follow-up “Love Me.” Although neither track achieved widespread success, Mo Music producer Flabba Malcolm took notice, and their subsequent alliance yielded three major US hits—“Bashy Bashy,” “Gwaan Michelle,” and “W-ich Gyall.” Feeling that early acclaim was interfering with his artistic goals, Rally Bopp stepped away from the industry in 1998. After more than a year’s absence he returned in the winter of 1999, reconnecting with Lenky to cut “Who She,” which became a radio favorite on specialist programs both domestically and overseas. That collaboration paved the way for combination tracks with Lexxus, recording as Mr. Lex, namely “John Up” and “The Marathon” on the Bionic rhythm. Positive critical response to a high-profile performance shared with Elephant Man further elevated his standing, prompting sessions in 2001 for a debut album built on the strength of his prior releases. Momentum faltered, however, after the appearance of “Bun Batty Bwoy,” an effort that failed to generate the same cultural impact achieved by earlier figures such as Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks.
Albums
Singles
