By: Jerry Greenberg - Mirage Music

Born and raised in Kingston Jamaica, Carlton Grant (a.k.a Spragga Benz) has attained and maintained a level of musical notoriety only dreamed of by other aspiring Jamaican Deejays (the reggae equivalent of a rapper).
Spragga Benz's musical journey to dancehall stardom began with his first touch of the microphone in 1992, on a dare issued by Island recording artist, Buju Banton. So overwhelmed was the public’s response to Spragga’s first track, he soon became the most sought after artist by sound systems & producers in Jamaica and abroad. He went on to record such hits as "Could Ah Deal", "Jack It Up", "Girls Hooray", and a string of dancehall classics which were included in his debut album entitled "Jack It Up" released on VP Records.
With his career taking off at the rate of a dragster, the Benz made stage appearances at huge shows as "Reggae Sunsplash, "Champions in Action" and "Reggae Ram Jam".

Bringing an estimated 35,000 patrons screaming to their feet during his performance at "Sting '93” caught the attention of Capitol Records executives.

Soon after, Spragga Benz made even greater strides by signing to Capitol in 1995 then releasing his sophomore album "Uncommonly Smooth". The album featured the R&B charting single, "A-1 Lover" which was a radio friendly duet with Chevelle Franklyn, and a remake of "Spanish Harlem" featuring R&B legend Ben E. King.

Between 1996 and 1999 Spragga virtually dominated the dancehall arena with a barrage of hits including "She Nuh Ready Yet", "Funny Guy Thing", and "Born Good Looking". Continuously, selling out major stage shows and club venues throughout the United States, Canada, Japan and Europe, Spragga’s fan base continued to grow strong outside the reggae community into the hip hop and crossover radio world.

During this time his name became frequented throughout the community and collaborations with such acts as R&B trio, “Brownstone”, “Lil Bow Wow”, “Wyclef Jean”, “Foxy Brown” and “Kymani Marley” hit the airwaves.

Whether you see him sharing a microphone with Busta Rhymes on New York’s Hot 97’ float or doing collaboration with Beenie Man on the VP Records caravan. Ever since 1995 over a hundred thousand fans every year come out to the “Brooklyn West Indian Day Carnival” to watch Spragga Benz’s driving force of energy.

Moving to more mainstream avenues in entertainment, Spragga made his acting debut appearing as himself in the Off Line Entertainment film "Brooklyn Babylon". Following this up, stepping into main screen film in "Shottas", Spragga was given the lead role. This film was recognized as the most sought after film at the “2002 Canadian Film Festival”, and will soon be out in major cities. The film also includes the likes of Wyclef Jean (Artist/Producer), Kymani Marley, and Paul Campbell. The soundtrack as well as the score will include several Spragga Benz releases.

Now in 2003, Spragga is currently in the studio finishing up the first single off the “Stevie Wonder Tribute Album” releasing on Motown. He is working hands on with Jerry Greenberg making some new crossover and eclectic hits. “WHY” featuring Carly Simon is a pop over smash. Currently being mixed in the studio is as a new updated version of “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Jerry is driving the benz into another lane of music, which includes a remix version by the Humble Brothers of famous “Linkin’ Park” camp.