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.
So Blessed
Mavado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thank you Jah for everything
Ah you gi mi di health
An' di strength ah mek mi sing
When di enemies ah pree
An ah bun back fire
Mi tek everything to Jah in prayer
Long time dem nah like mi
Di tings dem transpire but Jah is my everything
An' I'm mek mi higher
Mi hear deceiving dem wan kill mi wen mi sleeping
But askell 45 stay alive
Now dem mek dem sleeking
Mi hear deceiving dem gwan wid dem freaking
Live bear dutty life but ah strive mi ah strive
Righteousness mi seeking
I will survive, I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I will survive, I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I'm so blessed dem want mi stress
When di enemies ah pree
An ah bun back fire
Mi tek everything to Jah in prayer
Long time dem nah like mi
Di tings dem transpire but Jah is my everything
An' I'm mek mi higher
Righteousness mi ah cherish
Pagans fi get perish, mi persistent like neris
Mi sing like Beres, mi nuh rap pun di terrace
Fi mek mumma embarrass, nuh move like novice
Some move like Gladys, dey can go di youth ah fi bag it
Damn dirty habit have di youth like a rabbit
Police deal wid dem crabby
I will survive, I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I will survive, righteousness, I'm so blessed
I'm so blessed dem want mi stress
When di enemies ah pree
An ah bun back fire
Mi tek everything to Jah in prayer
Long time dem nah like mi
Di tings dem transpire but Jah is my everything
An' I'm mek mi higher
In Mavado's song "So Blessed," the artist expresses gratitude towards God for his blessings in life. He acknowledges that God has given him good health and strength, which enables him to sing and create music. Despite facing adversity from his enemies who wish to harm him, Mavado takes comfort in turning to prayer and relying on God for guidance and protection. Mavado speaks of how he has persevered through difficult times and that his success is a result of his faith in Jah. He also touches upon the importance of righteousness and staying true to one's values.
Overall, "So Blessed" is a song that speaks to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It acknowledges the existence of adversity but encourages listeners to remain steadfast in the face of it. It reminds us that there is a higher power that we can turn to in times of need and that with faith, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.
Line by Line Meaning
Yea, man Selassi, umh, Jah, yea
Acknowledging the divine, giving thanks to Jah
Thank you Jah for everything
Ah you gi mi di health
An' di strength ah mek mi sing
Gratitude to Jah for good health and strength to sing
When di enemies ah pree
An ah bun back fire
Mi tek everything to Jah in prayer
When enemies attack, Mavado turns to prayer and trust in Jah
Long time dem nah like mi
Di tings dem transpire but Jah is my everything
An' I'm mek mi higher
Mavado has faced opposition over time but he relies on Jah to elevate him
Mi hear deceiving dem wan kill mi wen mi sleeping
But askell 45 stay alive
Now dem mek dem sleeking
Mavado has been threatened but he remains vigilant and it has made his enemies afraid
Mi hear deceiving dem gwan wid dem freaking
Live bear dutty life but ah strive mi ah strive
Righteousness mi seeking
Mavado knows his enemies are living wickedly but he is focused on living righteously
I will survive, I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I will survive, I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed
I'm so blessed dem want mi stress
Mavado is blessed and will not let his enemies stress him out
Righteousness mi ah cherish
Pagans fi get perish, mi persistent like neris
Mi sing like Beres, mi nuh rap pun di terrace
Fi mek mumma embarrass, nuh move like novice
Mavado upholds righteousness, believes wrongdoers will perish, and will persist in his path
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID BROOKS, STEPHEN MCGREGOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind