FOR a time, Kasanova was content to be a behind-the-scenes player, writing hit songs for Alkaline including 1,2,3, Gone Away and Things Mi Love.

Last October, he launched his career as an artiste and has so far released the underground hits, Kings and Queens, Dallaz, andOne Last Time.

Kasanova’s mix tape Chrysalis Streets: Dont Fit In Stand Out, has also contributed to his popularity.

He is not a novice. While attending Ardenne High School with Alkaline, they formed a duo called Alka-Line which continued after they graduated.

Kasanova said he and the controversial deejay split due to creative and personal differences.

“He was too arrogant, full of pride, didn’t possess a teachable spirit and his lifestyle was hypocritical and against the original path and plan that the team had set out upon,” Kasanova told Splash.

Born Aeriel McIntosh, 22-year-old Kasanova is originally from Marverly in Kingston, but grew up in nearby Duhaney Park and later Spanish Town.

While at Ardenne, he performed in several Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival competitions.

Kasanova made his recording debut four years ago with the song Tonight for producer Vrai Brilliance. Since then, he has worked with producers Alex McIntosh and Jay Bad of Touchah Gold Records.

“I bring palatable music, a balanced combination of dark-sided hardcore lyrics for the streets, and a softer, more soothing international sound for the masses,” he said.

But even as he tries to distance himself from Alkaline, Kasanova cannot escape talk about their similar styles.

He is unfazed by the comparison.

“I handle them pretty well. Being compared to a sorry excuse for an artiste is bad enough, but I m unperturbed by trivial comments.”