His strong cultural roots from the Caribbean are evident in his music and many of his musical inspirations can be predicted such as Bob Marley, Alton Ellis and Gregory Isaacs. Yet his love for music is not limited to the dancehall genre, he considers himself to be inspired by artists of various music genres such as Ottis Reading, Micheal Jackson, and Celine Dion.
After leaving school Jacob's life took a detour, as a result of issues such as homelessness and general life problems, his music was no longer a primary concern. After tackling these issues Jacob started back in the heart of Harlesden to promote himself and his music. Throughout the years with the help of local sound selectors like Movie Star Jonny and Radio Stations such as Unique FM he decided to collaborate with uprising dancehall music group, Suncycle. This meant that his time was being spent in the studio, through which he began the learning process of studio engineering but later decided to expand his musical talent as a solo artist.
Being so diverse Gappy was able to collaborate with producers Kray Twinz, rapper Twista and MC Lethal B with the help of UK Producer Sticky. The new single What We Do Is out in all major record stores around the country and is receiving mass airplay on many mainstream radio stations. Some of his greatest musical achievements have been performing at Earl's Court for a crowd of 17,000 people and also performing live at the Kiss Awards, which was also televised worldwide. However, Gappy still feels strong about his community and regularly commits himself in to Live performances around the area and surrounding areas.
His current agenda is never ending with new projects on a regular basis with people such as Jazzwad, Jet Star Records, Sticky, Cory Johnson (LOS Defenders) Major, Sting Ray and has also been flying over to Jamaica for self promotion with the help of Jagwa, who is one of many artists collaborating with the likes of Bounty Killer. Gappy's forthcoming projects include his highly anticipated album that he is currently working on. Whether it is his love for his family or current events he uses music as a device to convey his message and personal beliefs.
Gappy's message to the public is more than what's currently happening on the streets, it's of the future. "Carry on reading, education is a good thing and will guide you through life... It's never too late to learn"
Could a Runaway
Gappy Ranks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking out mi life I've been through so much stuff
A million times mi could a runaway
Because mi know seh mi must make it one day
Nuff people playa hate
The devil and him friends dem a try test mi faith
And a million times mi could a runaway
Like a plane pon di runway
But on the road mi coulda turn mi never take it
It was so easy to be a drug dealer (Jah know)
Peer pressure coulda turn mi inna killer
Gappy dem fool nuh get you down
Mi stand up pon solid grund
As a ghetto youth from Kingston town
Words dem a fling out a road coulda break my bone
Mi know dem from in di first round
When push come to shove mi nuh sell out
Sometime mi feel like mi locked up and mi wan fi get di hell out
True badmind a gwan mi have some fake friend fell out
When problems arise dem a dip out
But true, me purer than the water dem a drink
I′m nothing false, I know when dem I?
And I go make dem never push me over the brink
For me foresee the things dem a think
I was born as a Ranks,
Like the great Delly Ranx so mi have fi give thanks
Mi a shine like a star dem see mi from a distance
Oo when badmind a chat mi, mi nuh response
I was born as a Ranks,
Raised as a Ranks
Shabba Ranks
Cutty Ranks
Badmind keep yuh distance
The hypocrite people they need no response
In "Could a Runaway," Gappy Ranks reflects on the difficult experiences he has had in his life, including being tempted to run away from his problems. He acknowledges that many people have attempted to bring him down, including those who spread negativity and those who have tested his faith. Despite this, he remains strong, standing on solid ground and refusing to sell out. He knows that he was born to be a Ranks, just like Delly Ranx, Shabba Ranks, and Cutty Ranks before him. He distances himself from those who would try to bring him down and refuses to respond to their negativity.
The lyrics of this song speak to the struggles of life and the importance of resilience and inner strength in the face of adversity. Through his music, Gappy Ranks sends a message of hope, urging listeners to persevere and hold on to their dreams, even in the toughest times.
Line by Line Meaning
Even though it's hard
Despite the difficulties that I face
Looking out mi life I've been through so much stuff
Reflecting on my life, I've overcome many obstacles
A million times mi could a runaway
I've had countless opportunities to give up
Because mi know seh mi must make it one day
But I know that I have to succeed eventually
Nuff people playa hate
Many people try to bring me down with their hate
The devil and him friends dem a try test mi faith
The devil and his followers try to challenge my beliefs
And a million times mi could a runaway
But I know that giving up is not an option
Like a plane pon di runway
Like a plane waiting to take off
They say I never make it
Some people doubt my abilities
But on the road mi coulda turn mi never take it
Despite the temptations, I never gave up on my journey
It was so easy to be a drug dealer (Jah know)
It was tempting to take the wrong path in life
Peer pressure coulda turn mi inna killer
Peer pressure could have led me down a violent path
Gappy dem fool nuh get you down
I refuse to let negativity bring me down
Mi stand up pon solid grund
I stand on a solid foundation
As a ghetto youth from Kingston town
Growing up in an impoverished area of Kingston, Jamaica
Words dem a fling out a road coulda break my bone
Words can be just as damaging as physical harm
Mi know dem from in di first round
I recognize those who have been against me from the beginning
When push come to shove mi nuh sell out
I remain true to my beliefs and values in difficult situations
Sometime mi feel like mi locked up and mi wan fi get di hell out
At times, I feel trapped and want to escape
True badmind a gwan mi have some fake friend fell out
Envy has caused some of my so-called friends to betray me
When problems arise dem a dip out
These same friends abandon me when I face challenges
But true, me purer than the water dem a drink
I am genuine and honest, unlike some of those around me
I'm nothing false, I know when dem I?
I am true to myself, and I know who my real friends are
And I go make dem never push me over the brink
I won't let them push me to my breaking point
For me foresee the things dem a think
I can anticipate the thoughts and intentions of others
I was born as a Ranks,
I was born into a legacy of greatness
Like the great Delly Ranx so mi have fi give thanks
Like the renowned Delly Ranx, I am grateful for my talents and opportunities
Mi a shine like a star dem see mi from a distance
I stand out and am noticed from afar
Oo when badmind a chat mi, mi nuh response
When people talk negatively about me, I choose not to engage
Raised as a Ranks
I was brought up in a family of successful individuals
Shabba Ranks
A reference to the legendary dancehall artist Shabba Ranks
Cutty Ranks
A nod to the influential dancehall artist Cutty Ranks
Badmind keep yuh distance
Jealous individuals should stay away from me
The hypocrite people they need no response
I choose not to waste my time on insincere and fake people
Writer(s): Jacob Williams, Daniel Fuller Grossman, Delroy Isaac Foster
Contributed by Audrey T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@knightknight5713
Streaming from Gambia, who is here in 2024, this song is so underrated
@ashantib5457
4rom Zimbabwe feeling it
@happyonpurpose
Teach Dem interview with Delly Ranks brought me here!!!
@mikedadon8037
Dis one yah Tuff..💥
@AqerOpS
Tune ...da one yah maaad
@AmzommgTV
Always here Gappy Ranks
@Simplemaxx
all a di ranks dem to di world!
@khaoticman3055
Definitely shot in Florida
@Mastersteef123
2022 still checking this from time to time <3
@oneidawolf776
Wha gwan mi lion!