In the seven years that he has been doing music professionally dancehall artiste Merkz recently released first body of work, a nine-song EP titled The Mad Life.

The project, which was released via Merkz Music, recently occupied the #1 spot on Apple Music Jamaica for multiple days.

Additionally, all nine songs from the EP have charted on Apple Music Jamaica’s Top Songs chart.

“A lot of work went into creating this body of work and I am absolutely taken aback by the reception from the fans. This just shows that hard work definitely pays off,” Merkz told the Jamaica Observer recently.

The Mad Life has so far peaked at #1 on Apple Music Jamaica, #42 in Guyana, #54 in Turks and Caicos, #81 in Cayman Islands, #87 in Antigua and Barbuda, #144 in Barbados, and #153 in Grenada.

The tracks have held various positions on Apple Music Jamaica’s Top Songs chart.

Merkz, real name Markel Leslie, who was born in the United States to Jamaican parents but raised in Jamaica. For a time, he grew up in Clarendon and attended Denbigh High and later on Westchester Community College in New York.

He said the songs on the EP reflect his lifestyle.

“This EP is about lifestyle and everyday living. Living life to the most because you only have one life to live. It’s just a blessing to be able to share my life and experiences with the fans, and seeing the reaction on the charts is very humbling. Give thanks to all who have been supporting the project,” said Merkz.

He said he enjoyed working with both Feloni19 and Xkappe.

“They are genuine people and have good work ethics,” he acknowledged.

A career in music wasn’t far from Merkz’s interest while growing up. His father owned a sound system, and he was often surrounded by music within his household.

“Music began from a young age of growing up in music. My father had a sound from before I was even born, so music was like ‘what’. It woke you up and put you to bed at night. I also started selecting, but I always knew that being a deejay was my goal,” said Merkz.