Shaggy

(US/JAM)
dancehall reggae with R&B influence

The most relaxed and happy-go-lucky of all dancehall reggae artists, Shaggy is known for his massive hits Oh Carolina and Boombastic.

Young Orville Richard Burrell moved from Jamaica to Brooklyn, NY, with his family. Later he started his own studio in the city. His friends nicknamed him Shaggy early on, because his hairdo of the time reminded them of a cartoon character with the same name. As a marine in the US army he served in the Gulf War in the late 80’s. There he honed his swinging singjay style that is based on his earthy baritone voice, echoes of old Jamaican music and R&B, and lyrics that accentuate having a good time. He has collaborated with Janet Jackson, Rayvon and many others, while making so far eight albums. The latest is Intoxication (-07), while Boombastic (-95), Midnite Lover (-97) and Hot Shot (-00) are platinum sellers, the latter six times over.