AARON ‘King Rebel’ Britton is intent on defying the odds.

The up-and-coming artist is determined to use music as the vehicle to find his way out of poverty.

KING REBEL… determined to use music as the vehicle to find his way out of poverty

“My story is like a typical Jamaican story. No father to support my mother and the siblings. No money to encourage me furthering my education. So I chose the next best thing… I chose music as the vehicle to elevate myself,” King Rebel told the Jamaica Observer.

Hailing from Georgia District in St Thomas, King Rebel jump-started his musical career at 17.

That same year, he released his first hit single Conservation — produced by Nelson Anderson — on the Versatile label.

Fast-forward 20 years later, the 37-year-old has proven himself on the road to success with the release of numerous singles including Top Ten Leader, Belly Yu Ketch, Have Mi Wondering, Time, Care Him and his most recent Confident. All, according to him, have been getting airplay on the international radio station Reggae for Us in England. Confident was released in March and was produced by Morland Williams on the Earth Storm Label.

The Robert Lightbourne High School graduate defines his songs as being the “voice of the people” and geared towards highlighting the plight of the less-fortunate.

“What has been happening now is that persons are diverting from bringing the message of the people. Dancehall artists are getting more into wealth and their personal lifestyle and so we are no longer focusing on the suffering of the people,” said Britton.

He cites his role models as Shabba Ranks and Terry Fabulous.

“In a few years, I hope to be an established act competing against music veterans. I’m expecting great things because I’m putting in the work,” he said.