Deuce Califa raps at stardom's door

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

Music seems to run in the family, Deuce Califa's father sang under the moniker Garnett Silk.

Now, years after his father's death in 1994, Deuce Califa has his eyes set on musical stardom and aims to be as popular, if not even more so, as his father.

Califa started writing songs when he was about 12 years old and in first form at York Castle High.

"One day mi deh school and mi see two youth a battle (rapping) inna di schoolyard and from that mi start write lyrics," he said. When he was about 15 years old he started to battle too.

Califa's musical journey has been good thus far, but he is prepared for the bad times as he believes that music brings with it both positive and negative experiences.

"I've met some people who helping me right now; that's one of the best things about the business, having the right people around you," said Califa.

Among the songs to his name are Written In The Stars, Blu Campaign and My Life, a collaboration with Hard Eaz.

To his detractors who say he will only make it in the business because of his father's name, Califa says, "His name is a part of my life and my destiny, so is just a thing that's inevitable. It's a part of me, a part of my life. Mi caan deny that or shun that."

Mixtape complete

This year has been going well for Califa, as he recently completed his mixtape Stonez In Canaan. On the mixtape, Califa said, he remains loyal to the foundations of the black community while presenting different sides of himself and his musical abilities.

"It has many different sounds for the most part and it's introspective. Anybody can sit down and listen to it once you have the time to. It will make people think. Even if you don't like, it will definitely make you think," he said.

However, unlike his father's roots reggae output, Califa does mainly hip hop.

In years to come he hopes to make his name and effect a change in the youth through his music.

"Mi nuh too focus pon the hype thing but mi would love to make some positive changes and mi woulda love to achieve that and get the recognition with it," Deuce Califa said.