Carrying a title in dancehall comes with great responsibilities, it speaks many things about the character, some consider themselves as "Poor People Governor", "King of the Dancehall", "Don Gorgon" and even the moniker of "Uncle Demon". But when you consider yourself as the "Greatest Unknown", speaks volume as to how talented underground artistes are silenced and eluded by the vicious politics system that’s affecting the music industry. And when the desire for stardom reaches a state of desperation we’re now seeing young artistes risking their lives and health to gain recognition. Tattoo the eyeballs, climb a radio tower, payola, death threats and beatings may seem ludicrous but it exposes a serious problem that needs urgent attention.

Stylz-it had the chance to hold to Stylz it up with upcoming dancehall artiste Cee Gee who recently released the SMCR Mix Tape, a compilation of lyrical compositions that tells different stories of his journey. It’s the Martian one on one like never before.

Stylz-it: What does Cee Gee have musically that is lacking in dancehall right now?

Cee Gee : I don't think I can say I have anything to offer dancehall that it is lacking. But, I have my own unique style and approach to add to dancehall.

Stylz-it: In this business we are seeing more and more artistes coming out week after week but the big names are still relevant. Do you think upcoming artist are taking a wrong approach?

Cee Gee : No, I don't think it has anything to do with the approach. Every artiste use different methods to try and make a mark in the music but because it's a political and corrupt industry it is hard for an individual who would be short of the necessary links, funds etc. to really create an impact without facing certain challenges irrespective of how talented the artiste might be.

Stylz-it: I read in your bio where you had a natural talent for football and chose music instead. But why would you give up a skill which would have probably given you contracts after contracts in international major leagues for music which does not have a pension plan?

Cee Gee : Music does have a pension plan. An artiste "pension" is the royalties from his/her work.

With regards to choosing music over football, I can count on one hand the amount of Jamaican footballers that can say they made it to where they earned a decent living from the sport. Personally, I don't think I was a good enough player to even join that handful of individuals. The next and probably most important reason is that, I love music a gazillion times more than football so it was a pretty easy decision.

Stylz-it: In your songs "Greatest Unknown" and "Fight" which are receiving heavy rotation on Stylz FM, you speak about the obstacles you have to face as an upcoming artist. Do you think that talented artistes such as your self are not given that fair share of support from the media?

Cee Gee: Yes, but not just in the media. The playing field isn't level all around, names are preferred and not talent but then again, it's a business so that's how the media houses and other parties look at it.

Stylz-it: You have a new mixtape called SMCR (Show My Crew Respect) how different is this mix-tape from your previous releases in terms of content?

Cee Gee: The SMCR MIXTAPE is a compilation of work done over the last four years, and I think the main thing in terms of difference between prior materials that can be identified is growth. Might sound cliché but it's true. I am far more experienced and ear-trained now.

Stylz-it: Are there any upcoming projects we can expect from you in the near future?

Cee Gee: Yes, I have some singles to be released soon for various producers as well as upcoming shows. I might also commence work on another mix-tape as a follow-up to the SMCR compilation.

Stylz-it: In the last few years, reggae has been in more demand on an international level than dancehall. How do you plan to contribute to the resurgence of dancehall internationally?

Cee Gee:

Reggae has always been more in demand than dancehall internationally especially in Europe. Believe it or not dancehall is fast catching up and in certain places like Africa and Japan is in greater demand than reggae, not to mention the United States where dancehall is a lot more popular than its parent genre. What I can do to continue dancehall's growth as an individual is to put out the best possible material and try reaching as many fans as possible.

Download the official SMCR Mixtape here