Emerging from Portland, Jamaica, artist Shxttah has been connected to music for as long as he can remember. Raised in a community where music was part of everyday life, he developed an early love for rhythm and began discovering his abilities as an artist at just six years old.
Growing up, music was everywhere. Whether it was playing through speaker boxes, in taxis, around town, or at home with family members singing together in the yard, it was a constant part of his upbringing. One of his earliest musical memories was playing drums with his grandfather, an experience that helped lay the foundation for his passion for rhythm. As he got older, he carried that same energy into school, making beats on tables with two pens before eventually stepping into rhyming and musical battles with his classmates.
Outside of music, one of the local spots he remembers spending time at as a kid was the game shop on Market Lane in Portland. These early experiences helped shape his connection to his community and the culture that continues to influence his artistry today.
As his interest in music grew, Shxttah drew inspiration from some of dancehall’s most recognizable names, including Jah Vinci, Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, and Aidonia. Their influence helped motivate him to pursue music while developing a style of his own.
At his core, Shxttah’s sound is rooted in dancehall, but he doesn’t limit himself to one lane. Blending melodic rap and R&B into his Jamaican foundation, he brings a versatile approach to his music. His delivery can be gritty and raw, while other moments call for melody and emotion. Whether he’s reflecting on pain or delivering records filled with confidence and energy, he aims to create music that captures different sides of his personality and experiences.
Living in Los Angeles has also introduced him to new sounds and influences, allowing him to expand his musical perspective while staying connected to his Jamaican roots.
Throughout his journey, collaboration has played an important role in his development. He connected with recording engineer Cole Dobyns through local artist Chino Tha P, who introduced them at the studio. Cole went on to record, mix, and master Shxttah’s first two singles, and the two have continued working together since then. As his experience has grown, Shxttah has also started taking a more hands-on approach to recording, booking studio sessions, tracking his own vocals, and sending his recordings to an engineer in Miami for the final touches.
His latest release, “Choppa Youth” featuring Marley Deuce, is the record he’s currently putting his focus behind as he prepares to deliver more music. With additional releases on the way, Shxttah is continuing to build his catalog and introduce listeners to his sound.
With the support of his mother, the 6GZ Recordz team, and collaborators like Cole Dobyns, Shxttah remains focused on his next steps.
For now, listeners can tap into “Choppa Youth” featuring Marley Deuce, available now, as Shxttah prepares for what’s next.
