KINGSTON, Jamaica –Deejay Jay-A has scored a breakthrough hit with Pain, a collaboration with Mavado and Dexta Daps.

Pain was released on Friday along with a video, which was directed by Deus Beni. On Monday, the video ranked number three on the local YouTube Trending chart, racking up more than 300,000 views.

An upbeat Jay-A is excited about the reception to the collaboration, which he sees as a breakthrough with his musical brothers.

“The song is just about real life. I grew up poor and it was rough and if you’re from the ghetto, you can relate to this song,” said Jay-A.

Pain is a co-production between Sponge Music and Mansions Records.

“What I enjoyed most about this song is that I got to do my first major hit with two of my real friends – more like brothers – and they are also two of my favourite artistes inna real life, so it’s a joy.”

He explained how the collaboration with Mavado and Dexta Daps came about.

“Well, it was a single that I recorded with Sponge Music, and it was about to drop. Mavado took me on the road to a show in Barbados and while I was there I was playing the song for Jahshii who was also there. And Mavado heard it and said ‘this bad, bad.I’m gonna send this a road.'”

“After we went back to Florida, we went to the studio where he did the verse. Dexta is like a brother to me so Gully Gad (Mavado) suggested he should be on the song while we were in the studio. The next morning Dexta came to see me and that’s when he heard the demo with me and Mavado. And I said, bro, you should be on the song, and he didn’t hesitate not even for a second. He was like, ‘this is your big break and I want this for you, bro.’”

Jay-A spoke about the overwhelming response to the track.

“It has been tremendous, everybody love the song and the video,” he said.

Jay-A was destined for a career in music, as his father Peter St Patrick did the live music circuit as an entertainer in his heyday.

Since he embarked on his musical journey, Jay-A has experienced disappointments and he has also faced several struggles which have made him stronger and he remains resolute in pursuing his passion.

Born Tarik Morris, Jay-A is originally from Montego Bay, St James. For a time, he resided in Vineyard Town in East Kingston. He now resides in Fort Lauderdale.

Asked what he brings to the table musically, he said “All I’m gonna say is, music speaks for itself. But I am just hoping that everyone can relate and be inspired.”

Among the songs that Jay-A has released are Hundred Dollar Bill Friend featuring Mavado, Nuttin at All and Pray for Me.