Gyptian

During his teens, Jamaican reggae vocalist Gyptian was mentored by promoter Ravin Wong (I Wayne) and guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith (Bob Marley). ∙ The socially conscious singer broke through when he won a talent contest, earning a slot at Sting 2004, the longest-running stage show in Jamaica. ∙ The video for 2005’s “Serious Times,” Gyptian’s soulful debut single, has more than 4 million views. ∙ Nicki Minaj guested on a hip-hop remix of his 2010’s hit, “Hold You (Hold Yuh)”—a track later remixed by both Diplo and Major Lazer. ∙ In 2010, he received the Soul Train Music Award for Best Reggae Artist. ∙ Featuring contributions from R&B stars Melanie Fiona and Estelle, Gyptian’s fourth LP, 2013’s Sex, Love & Reggae, topped Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart.