Busy Signal

After releasing a string of singles in the years 2003-2004, the intense dancehall singer known as Busy Signal shot up Jamaica's singles chart in 2005 with his aptly titled hit "Step Out." Born Reanno Gordon and raised all over the island of Jamaica, the always hustling, always busy singer earned the nickname Busy Signal from friends in West Kingston where he eventually settled. After releasing "Step Out" he became a favorite amongst dancehall fans thanks to his clever lyrics and some flamboyant performances including wearing a gas mask while performing at Jamaica's annual Reggae Sting showcase. "Step Out" became the title track for his debut album, released by the Greensleeves label in 2006. At the end of 2008, his single "Tic Toc" took hold in America, landing on the cable network BET's playlist along with urban radio. Rounding up "Tic Toc" and many other Jamaican singles, his 2008 album borrowed an idea from the Velvet Underground with the title Loaded, as in "loaded with hits." ~ David Jeffries