These days, however, loyalists are getting the chance to follow the Kingston College and UWI Mona alum as he returns to his acting roots with a juicy role on the highly popular Jamaican soap opera Royal Palm Estate. But, don't worry; he has no intention of putting down the microphone anytime soon. In fact, he is hard at work on new music, which he hopes will woo listeners just as charmingly as his previous hit singles. He even has a new music video (with a cameo from Amelia 'Milk' Sewell) for his new single, Oh My Darling.

Splash recently sat down with the dreadlocked crooner to find out why he's 'stronger than ever', how he rose above the naysayers and why he would never go under the knife.

Splash: Congrats on your continued success and longevity in the biz. Are you enjoying the ride?
Lloyd: Definitely. The only reason I'm in this business is because I love what I do (Laughs). It's been a good couple years and it only seems to be getting better.

Splash: Royal Palm Estate means so much to the Jamaican community. How do you feel about being added to the cast for the new season?
Lloyd: It's a great feeling. Lennie [Little-White] had been asking me for a while but because I am a member of the Screen Actors' Guild of America, I had to get permission to be able to do the show. So I finally got the okay and I'm enjoying being on the show. I like the character a lot and a lot of my fans didn't know I could act so they are getting to see a different side of me. I am comfortable with how things are going so far.

Splash: How do you think your current projects measure up to your last?
Lloyd: For me, it has always been about working according to the vibe. I am satisfied with my accomplishments over the years both in acting and in music. Right now I have about 100 songs to be released and I always have new material that I'm working on.

Splash: Did you receive criticism that you're no longer shining in the music spotlight like you once were?
Lloyd: The last time I heard anything like that was about two years ago. But the opinions of other people do not matter to me. That doesn't concern me because you have to remember that people out there have their own agendas. And everybody has an opinion these days. I'm not into the hype.

Splash: Is your passion for music still as strong as it was back in the day?
Lloyd: It's probably stronger nowadays. I like that the control and the immediate response from the public is greater than ever. Music should make people feel good and that's what I'm about. My passion for music is stronger than ever.

Splash: Do you think you'll ever give up making music to pursue your love for acting more seriously?
Lloyd: No, I've done the acting thing, seen the world and experienced all the prejudices and even the cattle call process. Actors work when you give them a job, for singers there's a lot more certainty. As a singer-songwriter, musician and producer, I don't think I'll ever give up singing; it does too much for me. It's not about sales and awards. For me, it's about putting out good music.

Splash: So does your significant other ever share her opinions about your songs and acting roles?
Lloyd: No sah, she nuh have much interest in the music biz. She is more of a corporate person. I'm not even sure I would ever want to be with someone who is in the music biz as well. It may not work (Laughs).

Splash: Probably a smart move (Laughs). What are the biggest misconceptions your fans have about you?
Lloyd: That I'm "uptown". There are also a few people out there who think I'm not a true Rastafarian. They don't understand that 'Rasta' is a livity; it's about how you live your life day to day. I don't like negative energy around me. I've been in this business for about 15 years and even though you evolve and grow, some people's impression of you stay the same.

Splash: That is so true. What's the craziest rumour you have heard about yourself?
Lloyd: Mi hear seh mi did married to Leonie Forbes (Laughs). She's like a matriarchal figure to me. I mean, c'mon. Then I heard that I only like brown women. Mi jus love woman. I wasn't brought up any other way. I try to see the positive in people.

Splash: Are you a fan of plastic surgery? Would you ever consider going under the knife?
Lloyd: No, I am not interested in that at all. I like the way Jah make me. In an extreme case, like corrective surgery for an accident I would have to think about it. But otherwise that's not for me.

Splash: Most people assume that a lot of singers and actors lack a true spiritual foundation. How do you maintain your spiritual centre?
Lloyd: I just try to remain positive in every aspect of my life and try to see the good in others. I avoid negative people at all costs and always walk with my little Bible. Life without Jah is no life at all.

Splash: What is one thing you've learned about yourself throughout your career that you're most proud of?
Lloyd: I'm strong as an ox. Many times in the past I was told to give up but I just bounce right back. I know I have my weaknesses and I'm strong enough to admit that. Through my efforts and my example, I've been able to inspire other young 'Rastas' to see a positive way in life.

Splash: What do you make of the elder statesmen of the music industry like Alton Ellis, who criticise dancehall artistes for their violent and misogynistic lyrics and use of homosexual epithets?
Lloyd: Alton ah di daddy. He has the right, as an icon, to say what he wants to and I 'ovastand' what he's saying. At the same time, we, the positive artistes are not being aggressive enough in hitting out at the negativity in the industry. We need to.

Splash: Have any of your two kids expressed interest in a music career?
Lloyd: My elder daughter is a brilliant drummer but I hope they never say they want to enter the biz. Right now, I only have daughters. Hope to make some sons soon (Laughs).

Splash: Good luck with that (Laughs). Finally, as you embark on this new phase of your life and career, do you ever find yourself trying to compete with past accomplishments?
Lloyd: No. I believe in life you just have to live for today, plan for tomorrow and learn from the past. I'm just doing my thing. I'm happy with where I am and it's only getting better.