Last week I caught up with the man behind reggae’s smash hit songs “Heads High“, “Man A Gallis“, and “Bruk It Down“, Mr. Vegas . Mr.Vegas was in town to perform for the Red Bull concert series in promotion of his newly released album “Bruk It Down 2.0′ . Mr. Vegas gained huge popularity in the late 90’s with his music and went on to feature on tracks with caribbean top artist, Shaggy, Beenie Man, and fellow soca artist Machel Montano.
However, In 2008, Mr. Vegas lost his desire for music and decided to take a hiatus from the music industry and put his focus towards his children and his relationship with God. The rumors suggested that Mr. Vegas ill-health was the primary cause after Vegas was diagnosed with an acute case of pericarditis and gastro-esophageal reflux also known as G.E.R.D,.a disease in which the pericardium tissue [that surrounds the heart] is inflamed causing chest pain and other symptoms. In turn, the acid that develops in your body is then pushed upward from the stomach causing serious harm because the acid will burn the tissues that line in the walls of the esophagus [stomach area].
Mr. Vegas was cured of his health and later resurfaced back into the music industry in 2012 giving the world more musical hits such as ‘Sweet Jamaica‘, ‘Bruk It Down‘, ‘Party Tun Up‘ . Last month Mr. Vegas, released his new album ‘Bruk It Down 2.0‘and is also gearing up to release a new reality show.
Take a read at our brief interview below:
On The New Album:
” My album is called ‘Bruk It Down 2.0’ and you can get it online right now. It’s fun, feel good music, and it’s for the people. They have requested it and, we finally have a completed album so I’m happy about it. “
On His New Projects:
” We’re working on a ton load of stiff at the moment. We’re getting ready to shoot a reality tv entitled ‘Bruk It Down’ and showcase some dance hall queens to the world. We will be filming in Miami. I’ll be living with some girls and bringing audiences to the world of dance hall music. The whole world likes to dance and alot of these girls like [Beyonce Nicki Minaj] do dance hall moves so what we’re doing with the reality show is we’re highlighting some of the girls who are dance hall queens in their own right . So I’ll be mentoring the girls and pushing that exposure for them but I’m also showcasing what goes on behind the scenes. “
On Featuring On Beyonce’s Standing In The Sun Record:
” It was a honor to work with Beyonce and do reggae and r&b collaboration. As an artist is always good when we can come together and do great music. “
On The Politics & Recent Decline Of Caribbean Music In The States:
“We have alot of good artists out there. Everything goes through transition. Right now, we’re happy with the artist that’s out there and working hard [Myself, Konshens, Christopher Martin, Beenie Man] We have to highlight that music so we have to pick the percentage of the music that’s good and promote the music. “
Mr. Vegas new album ‘Bruk It Down‘ 2.0 is available now on itunes. Download today! Be sure to follow Mr Vegas @mrvegasmusic for all music updates and upcoming show.