AFTER spending 15 years in prison, up-and-coming artiste Uption is resuming his career in music.

“Life has come a long way for me. I was shot, locked up for 15 years of my life, innocent for a next person’s wrongdoing. I did my time and when I came out, things were so hard as I was trying to start life all over. I got put out everywhere I went but I never stopped trying,” the singer, who is the father of a daughter, told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash.

He is still promoting his April release titled 3D. It was produced by Upright Rose Entertainment.

The entertainer did not specify what he was imprisoned for; however, he said his time behind bars taught him a serious lesson.

“I learnt to stay out of trouble and to be honest even when people think I’m not,” said Uption, whose given name is Ryan McLean.

Before he was convicted at age 17, he always had a knack for music. He describes his sound as a bridge between old school and new school and had high hopes for his career.

“It’s been a journey, slowly getting my work out to the public; it’s just hard but still working. The sky’s the limit for me, I’m seeing Billboard awards, Grammys, etcetera in my future,” he said.

Prior to 3D, the artiste released his Pain EP, a 10-track effort produced by Mavis Henry Records and featuring appearances from artistes R-Tykal, Jah Tee and Truballer. With past releases such as Jah Jah, Bloom, Ting A Shot, Black & Proud and Chicken Head, Uption is continuously working on his discography, with new music on the way.

“Right now, I’m just focused on getting some of my unreleased songs out. I’m also still trying to get my music out to the wider public so I’m just doing the groundwork,” the artiste shared.

— Kediesha Perry