Over the past year, a number of entertainers from rural Jamaica have made inroads on the music scene. They include Rygin King, Teejay and Squash. Chronic Law is about join that elite group.

The St Thomas-based dancehall artiste is one of the most talked about acts since the start of the year. He currently has three songs bubbling on the radio and in the dancehall. They are Government, Hilltop Badness and Hillside.

Chronic Law shared challenging it was for him to get a foothold in the industry.

“For an artiste like me, based in St Thomas, the only difficulty has been the distance to travel to and from Kingston to get things done. Nothing comes easy, and any parish you’re in you just have to work hard and smart with faith and believe in yourself,” he told Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

St Thomas, located in the eastern end of the island, has seen a number of acts emerge from that parish. They include singer Stevie Face and dancehall’s latest poster boy Popcaan.

The parish has also seen the demise of the Goodyear factory. Residents have often claimed the parish is neglected, but Chronic Law does not share that view.

“I don’t think the parish is neglected. The parish has its natural resources such as the Reggae Falls, beaches and the Bath Fountain. A lot can be done to advertise what the parish has. We just need more businesses, more job opportunities and better roads,” he said.

Last December, Popcaan promoted his Unruly Fest stage show in the parish. The deejay Law said the event has done a lot for the area.

“I think it was great exposure for the small man and vendors from the area, at least for one night. Vendors enjoyed good sales, so that helped a lot of people who wouldn’t usually be earning at that time,” said Chronic Law.

Born Ackeme Campbell, the 25-year-old burly entertainer attended Morant Bay High. He said sports was not on his agenda during high school.

“I wasn’t much of a sports person back in high school; it was always music. I tried playing cricket once but I never made the team,” he said.

Musically, his journey has not been an easy one.

“I would say the journey for me musically has been bittersweet. Several obstacles came in the way, but it only made me stronger and wiser.”

Given the fact that he has experienced difficulties breaking into the business, he had some advice for the gatekeepers who refuse to allow new artistes to showcase their talent.

“I would like to see more opportunities for up- and-coming artistes. People’s eyes and ears are now open to the underground talents like never before and these include selectors, promoters, producers, everybody,” he added.

His forthcoming projects include Like Virus (produced by Biggz Million Entertainment), Money Machine (ShabDon Records), Flourish (Papi Don Music and Flydie Wise Production).