Happy Birthday, Popcaan!
Popcaan is the man right now when it comes to dancehall crossing over to the U.S. and beyond. The man born Andrae Jay Sutherland turns 26 years old today (July 15).
You can argue that Popcaan is inhabiting the space Vybz Kartel left when he got put away for life for murder. That's debatable, but the story of Popcaan's stardom does start at Kartel. He approached the "Benz Punani" artist in 2007, and got signed as his deejay to his Portmore Empire.
The solo success came in 2010, when Popcaan teamed up with Kartel for the single "Clarks." He really blew up in January of 2012 with the earworm "Only Man She Want." It was a playlist mainstay throughout the summer, proving again that you're never really too early to score a summer smash. It was the summer of ratchetness (thanks 2 Chainz and Juicy J), G.O.O.D. Music and Popcaan.
He didn't top that single's success yet, but he did release a solid debut in Where We Come From. Plus, he earned another career highlight when Jamie xx recruited him and Young Thug for the 2015 standout "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)." The latter gave the track its personality, while Popcaan gave it its warmth. "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)" increased the hype for In Colour, while putting many on to the joys of Popcaan.
Listen to Jamie xx's "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)" Feat. Popcaan & Young Thug
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