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
Sucky Ducky
Mr. Vegas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just tell dem sey mi nah sucky ducky
Fi wear nuh name brand
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
We affi work hard fi di money weh wi spend
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
Den all of a sudden mi have one bag a friend
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
Coulda wah do dem coulda weh do dem dem dem
Just true dem si mi go buy mi new car
Everyday dem come bout dem want come par
Bout seh mi and dem a come from far
We h dem did deh when mi a foot it pon di tar
I got a lot of family to feed
And mi have two new gal a breed
Dem a come wid all dem hand full a weed
Mi nuh smoke dat is not my speed
CHORUS
Nuff a dem worser than a loe jezebel
Intimidate mi put mi under spell
Itch up a mi car window wid dem green smell
Tink a heaven but mi living in hell
But mi haffi put a ting inna mi community
Keep a charity fi di likkle pickney
Caan tek some bwoy weh hitch on like flee
Mama Lucille pon a spending spree
CHORUS
In Mr. Vegas's song, "Sucky Ducky," the artist addresses individuals who judge him for not wearing name brand clothes or accessories. He asserts that his work ethic and the effort he puts into earning his money are more important than material possessions. The chorus repeats throughout the song, with Mr. Vegas refusing to associate with individuals who only want to be around him because of his money. He points out that despite their sudden interest in spending time with him, they won't be around when he has no money left. Mr. Vegas also discusses the importance of giving back to the community, specifically by helping children, and calls out individuals who try to belittle or control him.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the shallow attitudes of some people towards material possessions and the importance of prioritizing hard work and kindness. Mr. Vegas's use of Jamaican patois adds to the song's authenticity and gives it a unique sound. Overall, "Sucky Ducky" is an uplifting and empowering anthem that encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and prioritize what really matters in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Just tell dem sey mi nah sucky ducky
I refuse to compromise my dignity or self-respect.
Fi wear nuh name brand
I don't need to wear expensive or popular brands to feel good about myself.
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
What is wrong with them, what are they doing with themselves?
We affi work hard fi di money weh wi spend
We work hard to earn the money that we spend.
Den all of a sudden mi have one bag a friend
Suddenly, I have a lot of friends who only want to be around me because I have money.
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
What is wrong with them, what are they doing with themselves?
But when mi money done mi nah go see dem again
When my money runs out, those friends will disappear.
Coulda wah do dem coulda weh do dem dem dem
What is wrong with them, what are they doing with themselves?
Just true dem si mi go buy mi new car
Just because they see me with a new car,
Everyday dem come bout dem want come par
they come around every day, wanting to party.
Bout seh mi and dem a come from far
Claiming that we have a long history together.
We h dem did deh when mi a foot it pon di tar
Where were they when I had nothing and was struggling?
I got a lot of family to feed
I have a large family that depends on me.
And mi have two new gal a breed
And I have two new children to provide for.
Dem a come wid all dem hand full a weed
But these friends only come with drugs and bad influence.
Mi nuh smoke dat is not my speed
I choose not to partake in those activities.
Nuff a dem worser than a loe jezebel
Many of them are worse than prostitutes.
Intimidate mi put mi under spell
They try to intimidate me and control me.
Itch up a mi car window wid dem green smell
And they even try to smoke in my car without asking.
Tink a heaven but mi living in hell
Thinking they are in heaven, but they are living in a bad situation.
But mi haffi put a ting inna mi community
But I have to give back to my community.
Keep a charity fi di likkle pickney
I organize a charity event for the children in need.
Caan tek some bwoy weh hitch on like flee
I can't tolerate people who cling to me like parasites.
Mama Lucille pon a spending spree
And I happily spend money to help Mama Lucille.
Just tell dem sey mi nah sucky ducky
I refuse to compromise my dignity or self-respect.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CLIFFORD RAY SMITH, ANTHONY KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@blackvaginafinda2706
Just tell dem sey mi nah sucky ducky
Fi wear nuh name brand
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
We affi work hard fi di money weh wi spend
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
Den all of a sudden mi have one bag a friend
A wah do dem a weh do dem dem dem
But when mi money done mi nah go see dem again
Coulda wah do dem coulda weh do dem dem dem
Just true dem si mi go buy mi new car
Everyday dem come bout dem want come par
Bout seh mi and dem a come from far
We h dem did deh when mi a foot it pon di tar
I got a lot of family to feed
And mi have two new gal a breed
Dem a come wid all dem hand full a weed
Mi nuh smoke dat is not my speed
Nuff a dem worser than a loe jezebel
Intimidate mi put mi under spell
Itch up a mi car window wid dem green smell
Tink a heaven but mi living in hell
But mi haffi put a ting inna mi community
Keep a charity fi di likkle pickney
Caan tek some bwoy weh hitch on like flee
Mama Lucille pon a spending spree
@NJVic908
2023 and still HITTING 🔥🔥
@Carib6855
Mr. Vegas low-key one of dancehall's greatest.
@xamine6959
He apart of dancehall upbringing. He planted his seed and didn't even know he did cause him nah hype Just love do music. He is definitely one of dancehall greatness
@truthseeker8265
High key
@watchuon
Not low key
@jdoes1991
HIGH KEY and I’ve been saying this for time. Unfortunately due to the fight he has gotten due to a mixture of other people and a lil bit of his own doing he would more be regarded as One of dancehalls Greatest hit makers.
@PeterBagjuice
Tremendous hit maker, more while him chat too much though, we all have our deficiencies.
The bredda deserve him flowers though for sure.
@denisesheriff3655
Whose still here in 2019 until infinity 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪🏽 deh chune ya bad lawd
@tredinyamoore3716
U ALLllll Ready 🔥
@dolemizz
2020! 💪