Jamballaz

JamBallaz Biography words by John Public Humility and dedication have carried many of the world’s most beloved performers from modest beginnings to iconic levels of fame. And while success can often push those two intangibles aside, the great ones remember the struggle upwards, drawing on it to find balance. Having endured their share of hardships, the Jamaican-born members of JamBallaz understand that balance and are using it to bring an even greater message to the people: Think Big. ...

JamBallaz Biography words by John Public Humility and dedication have carried many of the world’s most beloved performers from modest beginnings to iconic levels of fame. And while success can often push those two intangibles aside, the great ones remember the struggle upwards, drawing on it to find balance. Having endured their share of hardships, the Jamaican-born members of JamBallaz understand that balance and are using it to bring an even greater message to the people: Think Big. Founding members Joel T and Ice met in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, while attending York Castle High School. The two teens found they had a common bond through hip-hop and developed their craft in local contests and ciphers, eventually gaining enough notoriety and inspiration to officially start a group. TY, another local emcee, was impressed with the duo’s abilities after seeing them perform in a battle; he actually stepped in on their behalf to settle a dispute after the contest. Upon learning of his vocal talents and seeing how he’d vouched for them, Joel T and Ice immediately welcomed TY as the third member of JamBallaz, completing their signature sound. Fate had brought them together, and the pursuit of a shared “Jamerican dream” was born. JamBallaz combine the soothing Caribbean rhythms of the late Bob Marley with the varied pop sensibilities of stars like Sean Paul and Akon. The trio was able to establish a significant following in Jamaica, helped by steady radio spins on the famed Irie FM. But after reaching a point where they felt they’d done all they could in their homeland, the group decided to make the move to America. JamBallaz left the island nation in the summer of 2005, settled in Paterson, NJ and immediately cut their first mixtape, “United Rudeboyz of America,” with Pyramid Sound Studios. The project became a runaway hit in Jamaica, but the buzz didn’t quite translate to the A&R’s and industry ears stateside. This just provided fuel for the fire. Over the next two years, the group continued to push forward, battling financial setbacks, bogus contracts and almost every other challenge an independent group could face. JamBallaz remained steadfast and continued to work, however, driven purely by their passion for music. They formed a new philosophy to “create music for everyone,” believing no one should be left out of enjoying their songs, and dedicated a second mixtape, “ExtraTerrestrial,” to that new ideal. They worked to perfect their process, as well, opting to formulate verses in their heads and then allowing their natural freestyle abilities to take over while recording. This “puzzle-piece” approach was a unique experience and positioned them for a new chapter in 2010. With confidence high and their buzz continuing to build in the streets, JamBallaz recently launched an Internet campaign and the mentality of the group is more focused than ever. They’ve always had an unwavering belief in themselves, and, combined with the lessons of their homeland and a raw, uncompromising dedication to music, have begun work on a third mixtape, “The Concrete Jungle.” They’ve developed a more up-tempo style of reggae for this release that’s light on its toes but speaks to the heart of the group’s struggle. Due out early this summer, the tape will play more like an album and consists of several original cuts, including new singles like the sexy “Her Bed” and the heartfelt “No Talk.” “All of us came to America to show that through hard work, you can accomplish a dream,” Ice said in a recent interview. “We know who JamBallaz are, we know where we came from. My brothers and I are more than what people see and hear; all of us are, and people should believe that! That’s the heart of our music. Everyone needs to dream in color, to see a larger picture. I’ve always said big men think big, and small men think small. We are not small men.”