Long before he began thinking about a career in music, Nicholas, son of Dancehall Queen Spice, was performing for an audience of his own. As he sang and danced for close relatives at home, the youngster earned the nickname Pappy Jackson as he mirrored the iconic Michael Jackson.

His performances would spill over into car rides as his mother exposed him to reggae legend Bob Marley.

He would sing along, prompting her to highlight his burgeoning talent.

“Mi son, you can sing,” she would tell him. Those words, and the happiness he saw in his mother’s face whenever he sang for her became part of the early encouragement that would eventually lead Nicholas towards music.

Today, that childhood fascination is developing into something more deliberate with the release of his debut EP, Three.

Now going back the moniker Matrix, the young artiste is taking steps towards establishing himself in an industry that is familiar territory, yet one in which he must also find his own footing.

He is quickly realizing that building a career of his own requires more than an appreciation for the craft.

He must discover his sound, understand his audience, and determine what he wants to contribute to a musical landscape in which his mother has already made her mark.

“We can’t deny that my mother has a large fan base, and so, naturally, people who know her will be interested to listen to my music.

But, at the end of the day, in order to remain consistent, my own material has to be good. Yes, having Spice as my mom is a plus, but I’m doing what it takes to make it in this business off my own merit,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “I have to work hard, create my own fan base, and do songs the people will like. That’s the only way my own career will grow.”

Having completed his first project, Matrix said he was deliberate about the kind of songs that made the final cut as he wanted his debut to show off his versatility.

“I want people to discover that I do three different genres. I do dancehall, R&B, and hip hop. That’s exactly why my EP… is called Three”. It explores three different sounds to showcase my versatility,” he

said. So far, he said songs such as Hussle Hard and Wifey have offered encouraging signs.

He shared that hearing radio personality Johnny Kool play Hussle Hard on the airwaves was one indication that the music was reaching beyond his immediate circle.

TikTok challenges associated with Wifey have also provided another measure of audience engagement and proof that another song with a different sound is having the same effect.

Well aware of the prominence and prestige his mother’s work occupies locally and internationally, the rising star says he is prepared to face heavy criticism. But instead of allowing negativity to stifle his career before it blossoms, Matrix says he’s going to use it to fuel his rise.

“Because of who my mother is I think people will give me a harder critique; however, I’m willing to take all the constructive criticism or feedback and grow from it,” he said. “I don’t really have anything to prove to anyone, and I genuinely just love music.

I literally grow up in it and it’s something I know I can grow into.”

It is an acknowledgement that developing as an artiste is a top priority for Matrix. His mother’s name may open doors, but he understands that keeping them open will depend on what he brings to the table.

Still, for now, he simply wants to make his mother proud.

“My biggest goal is to surpass the foundation that my mom has laid,” he said.

“I know that won’t be an easy walk, but I’m ready and willing to take the journey one day at a time.

What I want right now is to make her feel how she makes me feel — proud.”