Brooks was raised in an area known as "Cuban", a micro ghetto within the heart of Kingston, Jamaica's Cassava Piece community. His grandmother gave him his first musical experience at a young age, bringing him to church to sing. He also cites the music of Bounty Killer as an early influence.
The boyhood idol became his mentor when at the age of 15, Bounty took him under his wing to show him the ropes of the music industry. He decided to name himself "Mavado" after the Swiss watch company Movado, altering the spelling.
His debut single, "Real McKoy" on the Anger Management riddim in 2004, provided him instant success.He further established himself with the follow-up record “Weh Dem a Do”, on the Red Bull & Guinness riddim. After a string of hits in 2005 and 2006, Mavado released the album ''Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks'' July 10, 2007 on VP Records. "Weh Dem A Do" and "Dying", two singles from the album, were featured heavily on R&B/hip-hop radio in New York.
That same year brought Mavado off-stage controversy, as he was arrested and booked by Jamaican police on what was later revealed to be gun charges. While in police custody, the singer claims he was thrown into a glass window, losing three fingers in the process, which were reattached at a local hospital. Police claimed Mavado escaped from custody while at the hospital. The incident caused him to be refused entry into the United States a short time later. He was again arrested and charged with shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm in relation to an event occurring July 27, 2007. He was later freed of all charges.
In March 2008, Mavado was featured performing a rendition of his song "Real McKoy" for Grand Theft Auto IV] Trailer #4 "Everyone's a Rat". "Real McKoy", along with "Last Night" (both from the album ''Gangsta for Life''), were also featured in the game on the radio station "Massive B Radio".
In November 2009, Mavado lost out to Sean Paul for the Best Reggae Artist award at Soul Train Music Awards. He won the 2010 EME award for Male Singjay of the Year.
In 2008 Mavado was given the prestigious UK MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act.
In April 2010, Mavado starred as a gangster in Drake's song Find Your Love for Drake's album Thank Me Later
Mavado formed his own label, Mansion Records, in 2011, debuting with the single "Delilah".
Along with Bounty Killer, he has cited 2Pac as a childhood idol, comparing the late rapper's life to his own.
In 2011, Mavado recorded with U.K. Grime artist Chipmunk on the track "Every Gyal"
On 1 September 2011, Mavado appeared on the Angie Martinez show on New York's Hot 97 radio station to announce that he had signed a deal with DJ Khaled's record label We the Best Music Group. Mavado released two singles "Emergency" featuring Ace Hood and "Survivor" featuring Akon on We the Best Music Group.
Mavado has confirmed the first song on his next album. It is called "For Jamaica, for the world" part 2 Featuring DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Birdman.
Money Changer
Mavado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Money don't change we,
Wi ah money changa,
If you dis wi ah danga,
Wi work hard fi wi paper,
'Cause wi wan big van,
An' wi wan skyscrapa,
(Ghetto yute!!)
Don't bow don't fuck nuh batty eh,
Trust inna Father God an' wuk,
An' you know yu will happy.
Nuh sell you soul fi change yu jelopy,
In Mavado's song Money Changer, the artist highlights the importance of making money without bowing one's self-respect or morals for it. The song underscores how people can change once they acquire wealth, but he emphasizes that it will not change him or his principles. The song's title, 'Money Changer,' refers to those who make money and are financially successful. Mavado states that he and his people are money changers and have worked hard for their money. He emphasizes how he desires to have a luxurious lifestyle, including a big van and skyscraper, without selling his soul for it. He encourages people to trust in God and work hard while maintaining their integrity and not selling their soul to change their car.
The lyrics convey a message that it is essential to maintain one's principles and not engage in unethical practices to make money. These lyrics could be relevant in various contexts. For instance, one could interpret this message to refer to the corruption and illegal activities that are often associated with gaining financial success. Alternatively, it could refer to the changes in one's identity that often occur once someone accumulates a large sum of money. Overall, the song encourages people to work hard and earn money in a respectable manner and avoid compromising their integrity or values.
Line by Line Meaning
Make Money, Make Money, (ahh) but don't bow fi it
Focus on making money but never compromise your values for it.
Money don't change we,
We remain true to ourselves regardless of how much money we have.
Wi ah money changa,
We are entrepreneurs who earn money through legitimate means.
If you dis wi ah danga,
If you disrespect us, we will retaliate.
Wi work hard fi wi paper,
We work hard to earn our money.
'Cause wi wan big van,
We want to have nice things but we won't compromise our values to get them.
An' wi wan skyscrapa,
We aspire to achieve great success in life.
(Ghetto yute!!)
Calling out to fellow young people from the ghetto.
Don't bow don't fuck nuh batty eh,
Don't compromise yourself or engage in immoral behavior for money.
Trust inna Father God an' wuk,
Trust in God and work hard.
An' you know yu will happy.
If you work hard and stay true to yourself, you will find happiness.
Nuh sell you soul fi change yu jelopy,
Don't sell your soul or do anything immoral for material possessions.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHANE CONNERY BROWN, COLLIN DEMARCO EDWARDS, DAVID BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind