Troublesum by Troublesum

With a mystic-like presence, similar to that of the late Bob Marley, He captivates the hearts and attention of audiences the minute he steps on the stage. With the mannerisms and stage presence of a natural born performer; expressing a supreme comfort with the stage, stimulating the audience as he creates an experience unmatched by anyone in his class.

Appearing on the scene in the summer of 2004 with the release and performance of his underground hit single "Nine Inch," Troublesum left females from all walks of life in suspense gossiping amongst themselves asking two questions; who is he and is it really nine inches? Although up until now you probably have never been blessed to have heard of Troublesum, be rest assured in knowing that he has been performing as a solo artist since April of 1998 after opening at the world-famous Q-Club for the renowned international Reggae super star Sanchez.

Troublesum, also known as Devon Smith, was born in the parish of Hanover, Jamaica W.I. He was inspired at a very early age by some of reggae music's greatest talents; Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailers to name a few. By the age of six, he was already singing some of the most popular songs being played on the local radio stations in Jamaica word verbatim. But life has never been easy for this young artist. It was in his times of greatest despair that music has become the essence and source of his inspiration. At the age of three, he was separated from his mother as she went to the United States hoping to provide a sound future for her children. Shortly after, at the age of 5, tragedy struck. His father was attacked and forced off the road in a near fatal motorcycle accident that left him in a coma, unconscious for nearly three months. Troublesum spent the next few years living with his grandmother coping with the separation between him and his parents.

In 1989, young Devon Smith migrated to the United States to reunite with his mother and siblings in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York. Being the new kid on the blocks of Brooklyn, trouble always seemed to find him, often feeling and accepting the "me against the world" mind set in a constant fight to prove himself to his piers. But his quests to prove himself eventually led to serious problems often affiliating himself with the wrong crowd and constantly being suspended from school with threats of being permanently expelled. As a result of his rebellious behavior, he was looked down upon as a troubled youth and given the nickname, "Trouble". The word "Sum" was later added to his name as an indication of value, future success, and high accolades.

At the age of twelve, Troublesum's older cousin Lloyd D. Stiff, a reggae artist signed with Legendary Records, decided to take the young artist under his wing in an attempt to keep him out of trouble and away from the streets. Lloyd had built a sound system in the basement of their home serving as the building ground for Troublesum by surrounding him with a multitude of talent. By him being the youngest, Troublesum was forced to write on a more advanced level. The basement also allowed him to listen to the records of many of the premiere reggae artist of that time. As a result, his writing style was inspired and heavily influenced by the works of talents such as: Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Shaggy, Capleton, and Sizzla.

Singing and writing music since age twelve, the Jamaican native is transcending the face of the music industry. With an amazing blend of Hip-Hop, Reggae, and Soulful R & B, Troublesum embodies the talents and diversity of the new millenniums New-age Artists. As a writer, he has the ability to capture the rugged inner city experiences in his words as which are clearly apparent in songs like, "Born in the Ghetto", while also showing his diversity and R&B/Hip-hop inspiration in songs like "Hott." The song is extremely sensual and sets the mood for a night of intense and passionate intimacy. Although most of his music does speak of sexual conquests, he is definitely not limited to this set style. His portfolio of music is one of the most diversified to be heard in the industry. His unique ability to paint vivid images through words makes him a remarkable and distinguished story teller as he displays in songs like, "I've Changed my Life", which speaks of many of his life experiences and how those experiences have led him to make a change; putting himself back on track with his own conscious decision to go to College.

In college, Troublesum and a few friends formed a talent based organization known as The Coalition. The organization is comprised of many different talents such as singers, dancers, rappers, poets, etc. The purpose of the organization is to spread unity through the use of music. He has since dominated the college circuit and grown a huge fan following as a result of his heart stopping performances at colleges such as Long Island University, St. John's University, Harvard University, and M.I.T, to name a few.

In May of 2003, Troublesum graduated from Stony Brook University with honors earning a BA in Economics and a BS in Business. Upon graduating, he went to work for J.P. Morgan Chase as an Operation Analyst. He sat back and watched as the effects of 9/11 devastated the lives of many coming to the conclustion that there was no security in working for someone else. He could no longer ignore his calling. Sitting in front of a computer was definitely not what he was destined to do. In September of 2004, he hooked up with D.J. Spider, a long time friend and colleague as they worked together diligently putting together his album.

An example for many other artists, Troublesum has realized and is working hard to maximize his potential by taking advantage of his God-given talents. He has stepped up and taken control of his career by producing and promoting his album independently. With an ambition and drive unparalleled by any artist on the market, his unique blend of performing, singing, business, and experiences adds up to one thing, Troublesum is destined to wreck havoc and cause trouble in the reggae industry for all those who are not willing to step up their game to make history.

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