Frisco Kid

b. Stephen Wray, Western Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Wray began to emulate leading DJs while still at school and was eventually given a chance on the microphone at smaller dances. While working in a garage in Kingston, a chance meeting with the owner of the Exodus Nuclear sound system led to his performing as the Paro Kid. He became the resident DJ for Exodus and subsequently went to King Jammy’s studio to record some specials, changing his name to Frisco Kid. As his career developed, he recorded ‘Dance Again’ at Donovan Germain’s Penthouse studio. Frisco Kid’s career prospects looked promising as a result of this release, but after the initial fervour died down, no further recordings surfaced. He returned to recording specials for the sound and it was at Black Scorpio in 1993 that his recording career took an upward turn. Confusion over studio time led Frisco Kid and DJ Terror Fabulous back to Penthouse, where he recorded ‘Big Speech’. His second break led to a number of hits, including ‘Wakey News’, ‘Yuh And Yuh Man’, ‘Tribulation’, ‘Yuh A Boom’, ‘Step Up In Life’ and ‘Gal A Di Clothes’. His notoriety led to an appearance at the 1995 Reggae Sunsplash festival where he captivated the crowds with an exceptional performance. His success led to an alliance with Patrick Roberts, who enrolled Frisco Kid as part of the Shocking Vibes crew. The crew embarked on an international tour featuring Little Kirk, Silver Cat, Tanto Metro, Snagga Puss and Beenie Man; the tour represented the debut performances in Europe for Silver Cat and Frisco Kid. The shows received rave receptions from both the critics and audiences alike. In 1996 Frisco Kid joined Buju Banton’s label, the newly formed Cell Block 321. The enterprise was designed to promote new talent and Frisco Kid’s career advanced with the release of the phenomenal ‘Video Light’. His success continued with ‘If Looks’ and the multi-combination hit ‘Matey Anthem’, alongside Mega Banton, Spragga Benz, Mad Cobra, General Degree, Gringo and Johnny P. Many of his hits were featured on the excellent debut album, Finally.