Born Clifford Smith in Kingston, Jamaica, he was given the nickname Mr. Vegas by his cousin for the neon pink shorts he wore on the football field; in addition to his athletic skills Mr. Vegas also demonstrated musical talents early on. However an unfortunate dispute over the ownership of a DAT resulted in Vegas being hit in the jaw with an iron pipe; after the assault Vegas' mouth was wired shut so he was forced to create a unique method of vocalizing through his teeth. That style was first heard on "Nike Air", the song that initially positioned Vegas on the dancehall charts. Characterized by uplifting lyrics aimed (especially) at young women, he followed "Nike Air" with another affirming and very appealing tune "Heads High" which reached number one in Jamaica, hit the British Top Ten and found its way onto several urban stations across America.
Vegas' 1997 debut album "Heads High" (Greensleeves Records) further displayed his captivating vocal capabilities on songs like "Jacket", "Sweet Pineapple" and "Everywhere I Go"; it also earned him a British Mobo Award as Best Reggae artist, while establishing his fan base beyond the Jamaican dancehall.
However Vegas demonstrated even greater versatility on his 2001 sophomore release "Damn Right" (Greensleeves) which featured a stronger R&B and hip-hop flavor on the hits "Girls Time" and "She's A Ho", sensitive singing on the roots rocking "Rise" and a sensational duet with Sean Paul "Hot Gal Today".
With his move to the Los Angeles based independent label Delicious Vinyl Vegas released his third CD "Pull Up". The title track was recorded on Scatta Burrell's wildly popular Coolie Dance riddim, entered the Billboard charts and took Vegas' music into previously uncharted territory. Another single from "Pull Up" "Tamale" also did well, particularly in Europe.
Vegas has just completed his fourth and finest CD so far "Constant Spring" which presents an amalgam of styles including reggaeton productions by the red hot duo Luny/Tunes on the tracks "Johnny" and "Papito" and Latin tinged duets with Don Omar ("Pobre Diablo") and El Medico ("Penicilin"). Another scorching combination "Burnin" features soca sensation Kevin Lyttle. Vegas' long time associate Jamaica's Richard "Shams" Browne produced several tracks including "Million Dollar Baby" and "Slow Wine" while veteran dancehall hit makers Steely and Clevie's Sleepy Dog riddim scampers under Vegas' current Jamaican chart topper, the CDs title track "Constant Spring". Another Jamaican hit that is currently finding popularity throughout Europe is Vegas' self-produced, uncharacteristically contemplative "More Love", his emotive singing lamenting Jamaica's upwardly spiraling crime rate but the song's lyrics are applicable to many troubled territories throughout the world:
"I walk these Kingston streets, everyday a bare a beat/I can't get no sleep all I hear is AKs when they speak/ I walk Spanish town all I hear is people get gunned down, when I look around all I see is bodies on the ground. My shadow's afraid to even walk beside me, my shadow's afraid to even walk this city gun dawg and his friend full the morgue in Kingston city/too many guns in town."
"Crime, violence, war, it affects everyone," Vegas says, "and there is nothing in that song that doesn't relate to what is going on everywhere, especially Kingston. We want this album to be versatile so a Latino person a hip hop person, urban kids or all nationalities will listen to it."
Reflecting the ongoing changes within the music industry, Vegas and his manager Leslie Cooney of the Los Angeles based company Addict Management will be taking a very different approach regarding the release of "Constant Spring": they will not be signing to just one label. "We have found that as an independent artist Vegas can better exploit his appeal in every territory without the expectations and limitations of being signed to one label," says Ms. Cooney. "Instead, we will directly supply his fans with music worldwide and will seek licenses with different labels in their respective territories. Whether by an actual record or digital distribution, if there is a demand for Vegas it can now be met without waiting for the record label machinery to spring into action. We are taking matters in our own hands and Vegas is planning his own future."
And for Mr. Vegas the future appears to be shining even brighter than the flashing neon lights that abound in the Nevada city that is his namesake. www.mr-vegas.com
Jack It Up
Mr. Vegas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
La Flia
Hey, yeah
El Loco Cubano-Argentino
Aye, aye, aye, letβs go
Back it up, back it up, back it up, back it up
Back it up, back it up, back it up
You gettinβ money?
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
Lets gooooooo, bitch, Iβm on a roll
Told her back it up, tryna feel it in my soul
Iβm gettin bands, big bands, you in my plans, god damn
Tryna see you ride it with no hands, get them style points
We might have to take it to the whip, test suspension out
Throw it in a circle for me, treat it like a roundabout
Round about 2, Iβmma need that round 2
Baby come on letβs ride, feelinβ like Iβm Uncle Luke
Head, head, and more head
Cause them cakes will be the death of me
Almost left it in, almost blew it like a referee
Lookinβ back at me, swear it always gets the best of me
I can never pass, guess Iβm lucky she ainβt testinβ me
Back it up, back it up, back it up, back it up
Back it up, back it up, back it up
You gettinβ money?
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
Talk my shit back it up
Count that quick, bag it up
Ass on cloud, back it up
Make me proud, back it up
Ya hear that sound?
Back it up, back it up, back it up
You gettinβ money?
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
Where dem hoes at? hey!
Iβm lookinβ for a whole snack, hey!
Free returns, I give your ho back, hey!
Joe exotic, kill the whole cat, hey!
Ooo, short dress, booty peekinβ out
Ooo, keep a secret, never leak it out
Ooo, you let her swipe your credit card, full amount
Now your wife is wonderinβ βthe hell to your bank account, Richard?"
Back it up, back it up, back it up, back it up
Back it up, back it up, back it up
You gettinβ money?
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
Talk my shit back it up
Count that quick, bag it up
Ass on cloud, back it up
Make me proud, back it up
Ya hear that sound?
Back it up, back it up, back it up
You gettinβ money?
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
"Jack It Up" by Mr. Vegas is a party anthem that is all about letting loose and having a good time. The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of backing it up and bagging it up, as the singer is getting down and making money. The verse dives deeper into the description of the party, with the singer rapping about the people they see and the things they're doing. There's a clear theme of indulgence throughout the song, with references to sexual pleasure and spending money.
The line "Iβm gettin bands, big bands, you in my plans, god damn" illustrates the singer's successful pursuit of money, while also hinting at a partner or potential love interest being included in their plans. The repetition of "back it up" and "bag it up" in the chorus further emphasizes the importance of indulgence and self-gratification in the party atmosphere that the song is describing.
Beyond the lyrics, "Jack It Up" is a high-energy club track that mixes elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and EDM. Mr. Vegas is known for his dancehall music and has been a popular artist in Jamaica for over 20 years. The song was released in 2019 and has since become a popular track for clubs and parties. The song's catchy hook and upbeat tempo make it a perfect fit for those looking to dance and have a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, uh, aye, whoa, yeah, get it, get it, hey
Excited introduction to the song, urging listeners to get ready to party and have fun.
Back it up, back it up, back it up, back it up
Asking someone to move in reverse, either to show off their dancing skills or to make space for Mr. Vegas to get closer.
You gettinβ money?
Asking if the person heβs addressing has enough wealth to keep up with his lifestyle.
Bag it up, bag it up, bag it up, bag it up
Encouraging someone to save their money and not spend it all recklessly.
Lets gooooooo, bitch, Iβm on a roll
Expressing confidence and excitement about the situation, and perhaps bragging about his success.
Told her back it up, tryna feel it in my soul
Asking someone to back up so he can move closer and feel the vibe of the music in his soul.
We might have to take it to the whip, test suspension out
Suggesting that they should try dancing in a car to test the suspension and add some danger to the party vibes.
Throw it in a circle for me, treat it like a roundabout
Asking someone to dance in a circular motion around him, as if they were driving around a roundabout.
Cause them cakes will be the death of me
Admitting that he has a weakness for a womanβs curves and may be easily seduced by them.
Almost left it in, almost blew it like a referee
Comparing almost climaxing to a referee blowing his whistle to end a game or penalty.
Lookinβ back at me, swear it always gets the best of me
Admitting that the sight of a beautiful woman always distracts him and gets the best of him.
I can never pass, guess Iβm lucky she ainβt testinβ me
Acknowledging that he can never say no to a beautiful woman, but is fortunate that he hasnβt been put to the test by temptation.
Talk my shit back it up
Boasting about his accomplishments and skills, and inviting others to hear him out while backing up.
Count that quick, bag it up
Urging someone to count their money quickly and save it in a safe or wallet to avoid losing it.
Ass on cloud, back it up
Complimenting someoneβs butt and asking them to show off their moves by backing up.
Make me proud, back it up
Encouraging someone to dance well and make him proud with their moves.
Ya hear that sound?
Asking if the person heβs addressing can hear the music and feel the party vibes.
Where dem hoes at? hey!
Looking for women to party with and flirt with, using a derogatory term.
Iβm lookinβ for a whole snack, hey!
Clarifying that heβs looking for a woman who is both attractive and wealthy, or βsnackβ.
Free returns, I give your ho back, hey!
Promising that he will return someone elseβs woman, whom he refers to as βhoβ, as he isnβt interested in a committed relationship.
Joe exotic, kill the whole cat, hey!
Referencing the Netflix series βTiger Kingβ and implying that Mr. Vegas is willing to go to any lengths to impress and seduce women.
Ooo, short dress, booty peekinβ out
Noticing a womanβs suggestive attire and admiring her curves that are barely visible.
Keep a secret, never leak it out
Asking someone to keep their interactions private, suggesting they may not be appropriate or accepted by society.
You let her swipe your credit card, full amount
Implying that someone is allowing a woman to spend their money recklessly, and may be in trouble financially because of it.
Now your wife is wonderinβ βthe hell to your bank account, Richard?
Pointing out that someoneβs spouse may be suspicious about their spending habits, and asking them how they can afford it all.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Fernando Vega, Julien York, Nicholas Martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Flatbush21rst
Intro]
Chiggy day
Hey!
Wha' do da long time big man deh?
Tell him fi gweh
Tell di bwoy say...
"Him fi gweh, gweh, gweh"
"Him fi gweh, gweh, gweh"
[Chorus]
So!
Jack it up, fling it up like you don't care
Make them know a pure niceness this year
Move your waistline and make your Ex draw near
Model, make him see you inna expensive gear
Again
Jack it up, fling it up like you don't care
Make them know a pure niceness this year
Move your waistline and make your Ex draw near
Model, make him see you inna expensive gear
[Verse 1]
Mi waan you collar him
Make him see the props weh him a miss
A nuff hours a work him see weh him cyan resist
Gyal, bother him
Make him take time out fi reminisce
You're sweeter than the machine weh shine and glist'
Entice him!
So him can remember the preface
Wear something tight and make him see the emphasis
Gyal, spoil him!
And make sure him eye them twist
A you name Miss Fantasy...
@DaInfamousShotta
bookshelf riddim one of my favorite riddims of all time
@virgoladi
Jah Blacks Yes Lawd! Freshman year of college days...
@trackuniverse9121
It's my favorite of all time
@jaydinyearwood9181
Diwali riddim was good too
And mad indian riddim
@gracesegirinya8052
THIS GUY WAS THE BEST IN CHORUS
@byronhall391
Still is.
@sickathanyouraverage4404
Beenie took bookshelf riddim though
@cynthiamckenzie7262
real dancehall days, legend
@duglawz
old old tune!! it brings good memories till now!
@AKFortySeven
miss di old times! Bookshelf Riddim is a Masterpiece! Big Up Vegas!