This is what amazing grace looks like in a Jamaican dancehall - my interview with Mr. Vegas
This story was originally published on ThePalmBeachPost.com.
The grungy corner of a basement. No air conditioning. The floors are barely floors at all. Think soaked wood panels that are about to give in. The space is too small and the people, too many. And the sweat. Each body is dripping with sweat. No one’s trying to get out. In fact, they choose to stay. The House DJ is spinning a timeless mix: reggae hits like “Heads High” and “Hot Wuk.”
The dancing is provocative. The winding of hips requires real skill and endurance. The head twirling would make the average person dizzy and fall to the ground. It’s the Jamaican dance hall — an unforgettable cultural experience some people live every Thursday through Sunday in the birthplace of recording artist Mr. Vegas. Jamaica.
Because yes, even amazing grace — as in the kind that can save a wretch like you and me — can two-step inside a dirt-floored Jamaican dancehall. And that’s with no help needed from the outside forces of Beyonce, Drake or even Kanye.
Silly are those who think Drake is the originator of mainstream island vibes. Some of the tracks you find yourself moving your hips to on “Views” are sampled by legendary reggae artists such as Beenie Man and Popcaan in a way that Mr. Vegas sees as exploitation not celebration.
Island folk have been breaking their backs since the 90s to the melodies that originated in Mr. Vegas’s head of spinning thoughts on sleepless nights. His breakthrough was “Heads High” in ‘98. Some would call him lucky. He calls it blessed.
The track did numbers by reaching the young and old at kickbacks on the water in Kingston and at block parties in every borough in New York City. Yes, the song got women up from their seats to slow-wind on the wall or the closest man to them. But it also uplifted people.
Listen to the lyrics. “Heads High” has an empowering message. Don’t stoop low in your efforts to achieve greatness. Don’t have sex for money. Push through the temptations of life holding your head high.
So how hard was it to get in the studio and create a body of work about Christ?
“Not hard at all,” Mr. Vegas said calmly during a phone interview with The Palm Beach Post.
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Why? Because he’s been serving the gospel on a platter with a side of rice and peas for donkey years. This time, the body of work is just packaged different. He is packaged different.
Soul Therapy was released on Feb. 24, 2017, and it is a verbatim expression of God’s favor.
Because of this enlightened shift in his career, long-time fans — Christians even — have questioned his sincerity with God. Instead of doubtful speculation keeping him from sharing his beliefs and releasing a gospel album, Vegas says that the negative reaction from skeptical fans is a sign he’s doing something right.
“I’m here to elevate. Even though we’re living in a world where people [are attracted] to negativity more than they like good, it is my responsibility to inject as much positive energy as possible.”
Eventually, they’ll catch on and possibly become believers, too.
Mr. Vegas identifies with the Apostle Paul, the widely-known Bible character who questioned and persecuted followers of Jesus. After an intense, celestial experiences with the face and voice of Jesus, Paul became a believer. Naturally, other followers of Jesus who knew Paul doubted his so-called experience and did not believe he could convert to Christianity or that he was chosen by God.
“I know that I’m coming from hardcore dance hall but when you start following Christ, you’re supposed to have Christ-like teaching.”
Noah was once drunk, ya know. And Jacob was a liar, and Rahab was a prostitute.
No one knows Mr. Vegas’s true testimony or what demons he fought to get this far, but what’s evident is that, despite it all, he has come out on top and is in a good place.
“I’ve come from nothing and I let God do his work. Because of that, I’ve gotten more [in life] than I’ve ever asked for. I am so blessed right now.”