Singer TAI-C was just a toddler when his father, singjay VC, topped the charts with the inescapable hit By His Deeds. He has decided to carry on the musical legacy with the release of the song Levelling Up.

Levelling Up was released on June 10 and was produced by VC. The rhythm track was built by Jon Delapenha.

“I draw inspiration for my music from what’s going on in my life and the world around me, especially the struggles that many young people go through just trying to find their place in this crazy world. My musical style is a fusion of reggae, dancehall, Afro beats, and rhythm and blues that I like to call Jambluesy,” said TAI-C.

The 21-year-old musical artiste and performer — who says he brings a combination of personal, conscious, and thought-provoking lyrics and a wide variety of musical styles to create his own unique sound — made his debut last year with I am Here, produced by Rupert Bent III of Third World.

“Rupert Bent III is a good friend of my dad, and somebody I call uncle. He produced my first single I Am Here and has been helping me hone my craft, especially in the studio. Having said that, though, I have been busy finding my own network of young producers to work with,” said TAI-C.

Asked what was the best advice that his father gave him regarding music, he said, “I can remember when my voice was changing due to puberty, and me sounding really bad at that time, to the point where I wanted to stop singing. My dad told me to just keep singing, and that I would come through it with a better voice. He was right. He also told me to stay true to myself and to be a musical leader, not a follower.”

A former student at Jamaica College and the Brit School in London, TAI-C shared his musical journey.

“My musical journey actually started with dance from a very early age. I even went away to London to be trained as a professional dancer. But by the time I turned 16, I definitely knew I had things I wanted to express through singing. My dad encouraged me to write and sing, and the more I did it, the more I fell in love with it.”

Born Joshua Craigie, TAI-C who resides in Liguanea, has plans to make a statement on the international music scene.

“My goal is to make a huge, positive impact on the international music scene and to highlight the diversity that exists in Jamaican artistes and the music that we produce,” he said.

— Kevin Jackson