Biography
Born in Lucea, Jamaica, in 1972, Alteen Campbell launched her musical path while still attending school. A request to sing at a concert there sparked strong audience enthusiasm for her DJ abilities, prompting her to pursue music professionally. Early appearances took her to various north-coast venues around Montego Bay. During one such show she encountered Ralston Barrett of B.I.G. Promotions, who agreed to handle her career. Under his guidance her first hit, the spiritual “I Believe I Can Fly,” appeared, followed by “Ti Amour,” the collaboration “Wicked Tonight” with Elephant Man, and the audacious chanting track “New Friends” with Black Rat. Despite rising recognition she stayed in education, earning multiple qualifications that culminated in an associate degree. Reggae journalists soon compared her trajectory to that of earlier child prodigies Freddie McGregor, Dennis Brown and Junior Tucker. Her urbane yet eerie delivery recalled the haunting approach of the underrated singer Ghost, earning her the nickname Lady Ghost. Serial Kid sustained visibility with performances at the Reggae Sumfest Festivals and later recorded for King Jammy, who issued “Little Shotta” and “Lexus.” Additional singles included the curious “Farmers Anthem,” the bizarre “Freaky Stuff,” the winsome “True Love,” and “Shy Guy Look,” a nod to her inspiration Diana King. Media figures in Jamaica criticized “Little Shotta” for appearing to glorify criminals; Campbell answered with “What Is A Shotta,” which she defined as someone hotter than hot rather than a gun man, petty thief or robber.