Mr Vegas

Clifford Smith, widely known as Mr. Vegas, was born in Kingston in 1974. His career began to rise in 1998 with popular tracks like “Yu Sure,” “Jack It Up,” and “Latest News.” A significant turning point came with his version of the “Playground” Riddim, named “Nike Air,” which achieved considerable success in Jamaica. This was quickly followed by “Heads High,” a single that resonated with audiences in the UK and reached No. 69 on the U.S. R&B chart. The acclaim led to increased demand for his collaborations with other artists, including Sean Paul. His debut album, also titled “Heads High,” was released in 1998 and peaked at No. 5 on the US Reggae chart. The album earned him a MOBO Award for Best Reggae Artist, solidifying his presence in the international music scene.

In 2001, Mr. Vegas released “Damn Right,” featuring artists such as Shaggy and Big Yard, which climbed to No. 2 on the US Reggae chart. The single “Hot Gal Today” from this period also made a minor impact, reaching No. 66 on the U.S. R&B chart. His 2004 album, “Pull Up” on Delicious Vinyl Records, saw the title track briefly appear on the Hot 100 at No. 98 and on the R&B chart at No. 68. He collaborated with soca artist Machel Montano on “Dance with You” in 2006 for Montano’s album, “B.O.D.Y.”. His 2007 album, “Hot It Up,” featured successful Jamaican hits including “Hot Wuk,” “Taxi Fare,” and “Tek Weh Yuhself.”

After announcing a temporary retirement from music in 2008 to focus on family and personal life, citing a desire to be “closer to God Almighty,” Mr. Vegas returned with new music in 2009 and 2010. He officially returned to recording in 2011, culminating in the release of “Sweet Jamaica” in 2012 under his own label, MV Music. This album, which celebrated Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary, notably featured an all-star remix, “The Voices of Sweet Jamaica,” with artists like Shaggy, U-Roy, and Marcia Griffiths, with proceeds supporting Mustard Seed Communities in Kingston. “Sweet Jamaica” garnered a MOBO Award nomination, was recognized by Google Music as a ‘Top 50 album of 2012,’ and debuted at number 7 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. His “Reggae Euphoria” album followed in 2014, and he contributed to a remixed version of Beyoncé’s “Standing on the Sun” for her self-titled album’s ‘Platinum Edition’. In 2019, he diversified his collaborations by releasing “Wobble Ma Head” with Indian artists Akade and PABLO. Mr. Vegas has also pursued academic achievements, earning an Associate’s degree in Mass Communication in 2021 and a Bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in Hospitality Management in December 2022.