China Black had no choice in deciding his name. Born on the Caribbean island of St. Croix, everyone ends up with a moniker. "Everybody knows me as China Black. The street gave me that name". Cruxian boys knew his father to be of Chinese descent, raised in Beijing, and his mother, an African-American from the mainland who was born in Harlem.
He started performing in second grade. He entertained his class at age 7; by singing a song he composed titled Get Up, Stand Up. Ironically, the title almost trademarks Bob Marleys wailing anthem of liberation and strength. Perhaps it was no coincidence that as a child he chose that title for his debut. China Black says he "feels reggae".
"I soaked up reggae and dancehall music. I was in a play that my grandmother was involved with and she made me portray a shepherd. I liked the feeling. It was like a circle of good vibes that I could see and feel."
After that, Chinas aim was to find himself, wherever he had to go to do so. He took the initiative by moving off the island and headed to Washington, D.C. where his grandfather resided. "I listened to Bob Marley, Midnite (a VI band), Sabatica, (local talent) Junior P, Steel Pulse, Luciano and anything I could listen to. There is a reason God gave me this gift. I know it."
About the music
China Black met David McPherson in 2005, after performing at the free Bull & Bread Festival;they talked about possibly working together. They were introduced by manager Donnie "Doc" Cross of JayStarr Entertainment. McPherson, an accomplished record executive with his own label (Dave Mac Records,) has discovered many artists of different genres such as Lyfe Jennings, B2K, JOE, and the Backstreet Boys. I love hip-hop, R&B, and other music too", offers China, "but I am all about truth. I sing about what I have been through. For me it is storytelling. I feel fortunate that David has understood my vision from day one."
"Everybody compares me to Sean Paul. But I dont think I sound like anybody but me. I love my own sound. I sound like me. I give thanks to the Almighty for how I sound. I want to be different. If I wanted to sound like anybody, it would be Steel Pulse. They put you in a zone. I grew up listening to them, and people like Shabba Ranks."
China Blacks compositions combine reggae with dancehall and spices it with hip-hop. Call it reggae-hip-hop; his collaborations include the flavorful R. Kelly intonations on I Like Love. With R. Kelly China connected with the r&b hybrid that diversifies him as an urban artist. "He is a singer I can relate to. I have great appreciation that I was able to work with someone of his caliber at this stage in my career", says China.
Dorian Moore who produced Nelly took China Black to St. Louis where he met some luminaries of the music industry. Ashanti stood out as a memorable meet. "Im looking forward to meeting Crazy Bone of Bone, Thugs & Harmony as well as other accomplished talents", adds China.
"I would like to get the respect of reggae artists" states China, "I would welcome constructive opinions from them. I do what I do, its not about competition. They come from a big family I would like to be a part of. And when it all comes down to it, theres a little bit of Bob Marley in all of us".
Dave Mac Records
