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
Let the Music Play
Mr. Vegas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's make love in the middle of the music store
I can't forget that look in your eyesYou grabbed my sould and gave it a rideYou gave me everything I could ask forI want to be the good things you are to meGive you all you want and needI love you so much, please let me love you more
Let's make love in the middle of the music store
Baby, you amaze meRock me in front of all these fools
The lyrics of Mr. Vegas's song "Let the Music Play" convey a passionate and exhilarating love story set within the backdrop of a music store. The song portrays a deep connection between two individuals who share a love for music and each other. The lyrics suggest a sense of readiness and vulnerability as the singer's heartbeat quickens and they express their adoration for their partner.
The mention of the "demo section" implies a willingness to share one's talents and emotions openly, as they offer to sing a question in the form of a song. The lyrics express a desire to make love in the middle of the music store, symbolizing a passionate and spontaneous expression of love and desire within a place that represents their shared passion for music.
The second verse emphasizes the depth of the connection between the two individuals. The singer describes the profound impact their partner has had on them, stating that their soul was grabbed and taken for a joyous ride. The lyrics also illustrate a strong sense of devotion, as the singer expresses their willingness to be everything their partner desires and needs.
The chorus repeats the idea of making love in the middle of the music store, suggesting that their love knows no boundaries and they are unafraid to express their affection publicly. The final line of the chorus, "Rock me in front of all these fools," highlights the singer's disregard for the opinions and judgments of others, showcasing the strength and confidence in their connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I try to keep my heartbeat steady
I strive to remain calm and composed
You ask if I'm ready
You inquire about my readiness or willingness
You thrill me down to my core
You excite and stir my deepest emotions
Lay down in the demo section
Let's find a comfortable spot in the area where music samples are played
I will sing you my question
I will express my inquiry through a song
Don't you know that you're the one I adore?
Do you realize that you are the person I deeply love and admire?
Let's make love in the middle of the music store
Let's engage in romantic intimacy amidst the bustling environment of the music store
I can't forget that look in your eyes
The expression in your eyes is unforgettable to me
You grabbed my soul and gave it a ride
You captured my essence and provided it with an exhilarating experience
You gave me everything I could ask for
You provided me with all that I desired or needed
I want to be the good things you are to me
I aspire to embody the positive qualities you bring into my life
Give you all you want and need
Provide you with everything you desire and require
I love you so much, please let me love you more
I have intense love for you, and I request the opportunity to love you further
Baby, you amaze me
Darling, you astonish or impress me greatly
Rock me in front of all these fools
Embrace me passionately in front of all these onlookers or observers
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Taylor Vega
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind