Imagine a human being who can replicate some of the hottest local and international rhythms ever created using their ‘magical’ vocal box. People who are able to do so are usually called beatboxers. You may have seen him at various parties and may have wondered just how he does it. For the art of beatboxing in Jamaica, one man stands alone, and his moniker is Mixing Lab.

TEENage caught up with Dervin Lee – his birth name – in an exclusive interview. We found out that his role model is Dougie Fresh, he is originally from Montego Bay, and has wone many awards. Take a look at Mixing Lab.

TEENage: What genre of art does your work fall under?

ML: Well, I waan tell you it name beatboxing still – that’s when you play riddim wid your mouth. Yeah man, I am a performer of this art.

TEENage: When did you discover your talent and how long have you been beatboxing?

ML: From I was seven ennuh. The first riddim dem mi play a Taxi Riddim and Natural Mystic by the legend Bob Marley. [Mixing Lab gives us a sample of both riddims]. A nuff years mi a do it man, mi gone pro now (laughs).

TEENage: Why did you start beatboxing and did you ever get any form of training?

ML: No man, it’s a God-given talent, a gift from Jah himself. Mi get up and start do it, no training, natural.

TEENage:Do you have any other talent?

ML: I am a promoter for dances and shows, me that. I am also a barber (laughs); who knows, me might try something different in the future. Yuh never know.

TEENage: What are some of your career objectives?

ML: Honestly, I just want to become a well-known performer, have a comfortable life as an entertainer and start my family. I want the love of the Jamaican people, to me that means a lot to any entertainer.

TEENage: What are some of the featured riddims that you perform?

ML: A nuff still, everything a hit (laughs) but I like: This Is Why I’m Hot by Mims featuring Junior Reid; Thriller by Michael Jackson; Natural Mystic by Bob Marley; an RDX medley; and Drop It Like It’s Hot by Snoop Dogg.

TEENage: Who are some of the artistes you have shared the stage with?

ML: Beenie Man, RDX, Ward 21, Alozade, Ninja Man, Chico, I-Octane, DMajor, Christopher Martin, Khago, Laden and nuff more.

TEENage: Where are some of the places you have performed?

ML: Locally, the 14 parishes. I performed in places outside of Jamaica like London, Manchester, Scotland and Trinidad and Tobago. I want to travel the world though.

TEENage: What are some of the shows you have performed on?

ML: Well, Reggae Sumfest, a series of school concerts, RE-TV & KLAS high school tours, Summer Sizzle, Asylum, Reggae Campfire, LIME road show, Mi Naah Laugh Comedy Show, Red Bull Soap-box Derby and many more shows. I have been on both CVM and TVJ morning programmes, Up & Live on Hype TV and RE-TV Live. I just trying get the thing out there.

TEENage: What are some of your achievements thus far in your career?

ML: I just thankful for the opportunities to go on stage to perform for the beautiful Jamaican people. But I have also been awarded Best Beatboxer of the Month in Scotland (2002); Best Talent for Sumfest (1999); Champion beatboxer in Leeds, England and also Best Jamaican beatboxer in Manchester, England, and overall Champion in Beatboxing locally. I never lose a clash yet, and mi clash nuff people all around the island. But in MoBay, mi nuh lose a mi yard.

TEENage: What has been the public’s general response to your talent and performances?

ML: Anybody weh ever listen me live can say they taught I was faking. People all drop down (laugh). Dem just can’t believe a me a play the riddim dem so good. A just crazy love and appreciation from the people. Most of them surprised.

TEENage: What is your advice to TEENs that have unique talents like yourself?

ML: If you have a talent, go out there with it, it’s God’s gift so show it to the world and believe in yourself.

Mixing Lab big-ups: Big up to my management Krushproof Muzik, respect to yowaz.com. Bless up DJ Sparks along with the Jah Rock Apparel, and special big up to all my supportive fans and friends.

Check out Mixing Lab at Myspace.com/mixinglab2dworld, Facebook: Mixing Lab. To see Mixing Lab in action check out YouTube or email: krushproofmuzik@gmail.com