International rapper and producer Doug E Fresh says he is looking for a balanced exchange during his presentation as keynote speaker on ‘Staying in Demand’ at the 2025 Island Music Conference (IMC).

“It’s an honour to be a part of the Island Music Conference. I’ve watched it grow and I’ve always loved to be a part of anything that represents islands, and especially Jamaica. I’m looking forward to seeing the new talent; I’m looking forward to teach them and share with them my experiences, and also learn from them and get a new understanding of the mindsets of the new artistes,” the rapper told the Jamaica Observer.

IMC is slated for February 19-23 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

Endorsed and supported by the ministries of culture and tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, CHASE Fund, IMC 2025 will feature other speakers such as Brandon Bakshi on ‘Drugs & the Entertainment Industry’, sharing his own journey; and Chris Anakute’s one-on-one with Judith Bodley about his journey through Def Jam, Virgin, and now developing talent at The Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Producers (LAAMP).

The acclaimed artiste further said that he has managed to remain relevant through the adherence of a value system.

“I think the main ingredient to my success has been staying humble. I think humility increases your ability. I think what has happened with a lot of artistes along the way [is] they let their ego get the best of them, and ego stands for ‘easing God out’. So, I have learnt, through this journey, about being humble, and also listening and building strong relationships like I have with this organisation here. Sometimes when people are on top, they believe they’re going to be there forever, but that’s not how it works. The concept is that if everybody does a little, nobody has to do a lot,” he reasoned.

Born in Barbados, Doug E Fresh is known as the Human Beat Box. The pioneer of 20th-century American beatboxing, he is able to accurately imitate drum machines and various special effects. He is known for tracks such as Freaks, Come Again, and Keep It Poppin.

Meanwhile, the rapper and producer said he is eager to meet potential mentees at IMC.

“One of the things that I want to get from this conference is I want to be a student, and I want to be a person that’s a teacher. I want to be able to take some of these artistes and not make the same mistakes that I watched others and myself make. I want them to own their publishing, I want them to own masters, and I want them to be able to take care of their families… I want to be able to help to create the next big superstar,” Doug E Fresh told the Observer.