While attending primary school Garrett Whitelock would often accompany his mother on the streets of Westmoreland, where she sold a variety of items to help the family.

“I was hustling with my mother when I was around eight or nine. She sold broom, panty, shoes, and at Christmas we sold mats and other items, but we had to ensure that they were sold off. I achieved a lot out of her and I am grateful for the experience,” Whitelock who now goes by the name Rymey Gad.

Now 23 years old, Rymey Gad is currently one of the hot new acts out of Westmoreland and his songs have been trending on YouTube in recent months.

Songs like Mercedez Benz (produced by Countree Hype Entertainment), which currently sits at #15 on YouTube Trending For Music chart, and Brain Freeze (Don Money Records) have also been popular on social media platform TikTok.

Late last year he collaborated with dancehall artiste Kraff on the track Nuh Obeah, which has so far racked up more than 673,000 views.

But how has Rymey Gad been handing his new-found success?

“I been wanting this for a long time. My biggest challenge was money, but now we conquer that. The only thing I find challenging is my stage performance, and that is something that I am working towards improving,” Rymey Gad told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

The artiste attended Green Island High School in Hanover (he resided between Hanover and Westmoreland), but he dropped out of school due to financial reasons.

“I didn’t get to finish high school because of financial difficulties. At the time I was living with my grandmother,” Rymey Gad shared.

While he excelled in athletics and academics, Rymey Gad also participated in dance competitions.

“I had the school work locked, I was a dancer in high school and athletics was my thing. But mi did just follow bad company,” he said.

He said he first discovered his talent for music as a youngster.

“From a long as mi know meself music was my thing… from grade six. I used to deejay songs by Vybz Kartel and clashed musically with other students in school,” he shared.

He lists Jah Vinci, Vybz Kartel and I-Wayne among his musical influences.

Rymey Gad credits dancehall artiste Kraff for giving him the exposure that he needed.

“What him do, him never haffi do nuttin more. I am grateful for the collaboration that we did, because it gave me a push-start with my career,” said Rymey Gad.