Submitted by Joseph Patterson
Marvin Sparks speaks to Jamaican artist Popcaan for The Wrap Up about his troubled upbringing in the ‘Gangsta City,’ avoiding temptation to enter a life of crime and tells us what makes Clarks an essential purchase for the summer... and the winter!

Born Andre Sutherland in St. Thomas and raised in a rough district of Portmore in St. Catherine, Jamaica, from the age of 7, Popcaan's began as a performer at his high school concerts. He never took his music career seriously until being scouted by leading dancehall artist, Vybz Kartel to join Kartel-led group, Portmore Empire in 2007 after spotting his talent at a local party. Kartel signed the youngster to his record label, Addijaheim soon thereafter. The 22-year-old counts reggae legend Sizzla Kalonji as his biggest musical inspiration alongside Vybz Kartel. Popcaan’s appearance on Vybz Kartel’s 2010 dancehall anthem ‘Clarks’ is currently taking dance floors by storm...
The Wrap Up: Where did the name Popcaan come from?
Popcaan: Me and you can reason about that name at a different location one day [laughs], but it was from a friend who passed on.
TWU: How would you describe yourself?
Popcaan: Hot skull, fry yiy [eye], boil brainz! [laughs]. Where my families concerned, I'm a loving person, where the ladies are concerned I'm a very loving person and I'm full of hype.
TWU: What have you learnt from being around Vybz Kartel?
Popcaan: I've learnt countless things from Kartel. You see di Teacha, he is the real teacher. He's taught me loads of things outside of music too, so he's a teacher in every way.
TWU: Most people will know you from your intro on Vybz Kartel's hit song ‘Clarks’. How did your feature come about?
Popcaan: Clarks are shoes we've worn from school days. Everybody wants Clarks. For a while me and di Teacha have only worn Clarks. One day a girl saw him and said, 'Them Clarks are bad you know!' He went home, called me and said, 'Yo Poppy, you know we need to do a tune about Clarks.’ He couldn't find a better person to record the song with, because we only wear Clarks!
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