From Kingston Jamaica, Spragga Benz (born Carlton Grant) has been an icon of the local dancehall culture since the early 90s. In 91 he made his first appearance onto the scene as an assistant selector for Ricky Villa on the La Benz Sound System.
A young dj at the time named Buju Banton was a strong musical influence and with his encouragement It didn’t take long before Spragga put some of his own tunes on dubs for La Benz, first “Love Mi Gun” and then the lascivious single “Jack It Up” which also became the title of his first album. It was an instant underground classics and included tracks such as “Could A Deal”, “Girls Hooray”, “Fun Thing”, “Jump Up & Swear” and a number of other dancehall anthems. A subsequent album deal with Capitol Records brought “Uncommonly Smooth” with songs like A1 Lover, Body Good, Good Day and a remake of “Spanish Harlem” done with the legend Ben E King. His music was opening up to brand new audiences and after he parted from Capitol songs like She Nuh Ready Yet, We Nuh Like , No Way Remix still blaze the airwaves.
…Spragga debut as an actor playing as himself in a film titled “Brooklyn Babylon” alongside Black Thought of the Roots and then as ‘Wayne’ in the Jamerican story, “Shottas”. The film Shottas, co-starring Kymani Marley, Paul Campbell and Louie Rankin and Wyclef Jean,helped to propelled Spragga’s career to new heights.
Spragga Benz has collaborated with a host of talented local and international artists like Stephen Marley on his Grammy winning projects, with Nas, 2 Chains,Jazmine Sullivan, Swizz Beats,Kardinal Official, Marcia Griffiths on his own “Shotta Culture” album, with Kevin Lyttle on his Platinum album and single “Turn Me On” remix, with Foxy Brown on her Gold single “ Oh Yeah” and more. Spragga has become one of the biggest names in the dancehall and hip hop world.
Spragga Benz has always been a philanthropist at heart. His humanitarian ways have been noted from the very beginning of his career back in the 90’s when he started the “Stay In School” program , which provided help for underserved children in Jamaica. In 2008 with the untimely death of his first born son, Carlton “Carlyle” Grant, Jr., Spragga renamed the organization, “The Carlyle Foundation” and has provided scholarships and learning gear to excelling Jamaican students. He also works with other charity organizations like IDSS (Immigration Documentation Special Services) and is a founding member of the newly formed ARC (Association of Rastafari Creatives)
In September 2019 Spragga released the UK recorded “CHILIAGON“ album which debut #1 on the billboard reggae chart and spawned the #1 single “Differ”. It’s features included Rodney P, Sean Paul,General Levy, Harry Shotta,Illaman, and Agent Sasco. Spragga showcased his diversity with some of the best artists from UK genres like Pop funk, Garage, Drum n Bass, Grime, Jungle and Lovers Rock.
In September 2020 Spragga Benz with talented up-and-coming multi genre producer LMR PRO released The Journey Chosen album. That album blossomed from them making a memorial tribute for Carlyle titled “Never Leave” and became a joyful project containing features from Wayne Wonder, Kymani Marley, Konshens,Kranium and Jahaziel. Songs like’ Guide My Life,”, “J”, “At My Door” are sure to please. Currently singles and video releases like “Share And Care” and “Take A Look Again” continue to spread the message of love, compassion and positivity all along THE JOURNEY CHOSEN” coming.
In 2022 Spragga is getting ready to release a new movie titled “Second Chance” and his latest hit ‘Vaccinated” released Jan 18th is already creating quite a stir.
Full interview:
