Artist description Red Rat is one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Jamaica on the International Stage.

Music Style Dancehall Reggae Hip Hop

Musical Influences Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Pink and Eminem

Similar Artists none

Artist History Red Rat Biography "Yo you [skin] red and you look like a rat!" In 1996 Wallace Wilson was about to emerge on the International stage as one of Jamaica's most versatile and exciting performers, Wilson heeded then label mate General Degree's point-blank observation and Red Rat was born. Wallace Wilson AKA Red Rat was born January 17th into a musical family in the tourist area of St. Anns Bay, Jamaica. His father played guitar for both the Vagabonds in England and Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires, 3 of his brothers also entered the family business, a bassist for Jimmy Cliff and Diana King, a selector at Jimmy Buffet's Magaritaville and a drummer who is the leader of the Harddrive band. Incredibly, his first performance was at the age of four; "My brothers used to play cabaret shows in hotels. They called me up and I started singing. I think it was a Michael Jackson song, yeah 'ABC!'. The audience went wild and Red Rat was hooked. Red Rat's recording debut as a guest artist on the single "Can't Live Without You" by his brother's band KRU brought him to the attention of Danny Browne the producer/musician CEO of Main Street Records. Impressed by the young performer's musical abilities and natural stage charisma, Browne mentored Red Rat allowing him to nurture his talent and gain valuable experience alongside Main Street artists such as General Degree, Lady G, Buccaneer and Papa San. While still in school Red Rat recorded his first single "Itsy Bitsy" for Browne's Main Street Records, however on his father's insistence he decided to put his dream of becoming an International artist on hold until completing his education. In 1996 after graduating from Meadowbrook High Red Rat under the watchful eye of Browne moved full steam ahead releasing a string of hit singles including "Shelly-Ann" and "Dwayne" catapulting him to the top of Reggae charts Worldwide and showcasing his unmistakable voice, unique sense of humor and his unforgettable trademark "Oh-No!" In 1997 Red Rat released his debut album titled "Oh No....It's Red Rat!" It quickly became one of Greensleeves greatest selling albums to date yielding a succession of hits such as "Tight Up Skirt", "Wrigleys", "Cruise" (featured in the movie 'The Big Hit') and "Big Man Little Yute" with fellow Main Street artist Goofy. Propelled by the album's success and steady radio play demand for Red Rat's outrageous live performances took him to places all over the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Africa and beyond, including an unforgettable performance at the Notting Hill Carnival where he ripped up the Kiss 100 and Radio One Stages. Red Rat's musical diversity and mainstream popularity led to a series of collaborations outside of the dancehall arena including a guest appearance on British rapper Phoebe One's Top 25 hit "Doin' Our Thing", Curtis Lynch Jnr.'s "Thinking of You" also featuring MOBO Award-winning artist Kele Le Roc, "Oh No No" by the R&B group NEXT produced by Kay-Gee and also featuring Renee Nuefville and more recently with the British Icons Groove Armada. Especially close to Red Rat's heart was "And Still I love You" a love poem written by Tupac that Red Rat arranged and performed on a special Tupac tribute Album. "I'm a Big Kid Now" Red Rat's sophomore album followed in 1999 with yet more hits, critical acclaim and special guest appearances from a diverse set of artists and producers such as the mighty Treach of the platinum selling US Hip Hop group Naughty by Nature and Salaam Remi the founder of the Fugees however, in the midst of Red Rat's success Danny Browne suddenly decided to walk away from the music business for personal reasons. Surprised by the unexpected departure of his manager who had been instrumental in his success Red Rat decided to take a hiatus from recording. He would spend the time getting to know his daughter Taiye while working behind the scenes producing tracks for artists such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Spragga Benz, T.O.K. and many others under his label Brat Productions, but still continue performing for loyal fans Worldwide. The buzz surrounding the anticipation of a new album inspired Red Rat to return to the studio in 2002. Drawing on diverse musical influences such as Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Pink and Eminem Red Rat hit upon a winning formula, combining dancehall flavors with a more commercial sound. "I listen to all types of music because I don't want to limit myself." He is equally down-to-Earth when it comes to his image; "It's all about fun. It's not a put on, what you see is what you get." Red Rat and manager Delroy Escoffery of D'Empire Management formed Rat-A-Kastle Records signing Red Rat protégées the Brat Kamp featuring Psycho and Maddish, and QT, a cutting edge Jamaican quartet. Determined to spawn a musical hurricane on the airwaves and charts, Red Rat began recording new tracks in Holland, Germany, the U.K., Jamaica and the U.S. with chart-topping producers including Salaam Remi, Cool and Dre and Curtis Lynch Jnr. Red Rat has once again redefined his style with a new chic look, a crisp attitude, and a sizzling new website reddrat.com · GOD BLESS US ALL THANK GOD FOR LIFE.

Additional Info Red Rat is managed by Delroy Escoffery of D'Empire Management. US: 954-205-2241 | JAM Cell:876-771-4899 & Tel:876-905-2300 | Email:D_Empire@hotmail.com

Location North Lauderdale, FL - USA

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