Born Andre Sutherland in Saint Thomas Parish and raised in Portmore, Jamaica, Popcaan enterned the dancehall circuit not as an heir to musical royalty, but as a relentless young talent dtermined to be heard. In 2007, he caugh the ear of Vybz Kartel at a local community showcase called “My Scheme”, earning an invitation to join Kartel’s high profile Portmore Empire (The Gaza Music Empire).

Under Kartel’s direct mentorship and direction of producer NotNice, Popcaan learned how to command Studio riddims and navigate crowd pyschology on massive stages like reggae Sumfest. His definining breakthrough arrived with 2010 global HIT “Clarks” alongside Kartel and Gaza Slim. The single sparked a worldwide revivial for British suede shoe and proved Popcaan possessed a conversational, high pitched vocal lilt that could transform simple slang into an international acceptance.