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Up close with Mr Easy

Mr Easy - FILE

Stage Name: Mr. Easy

Real name: Ian Dyer

How did you get started in the business: "I used to go to the James Madison High School (Brooklyn) and there were only a few Jamaicans there at the time and we used to gravitate toward each other and sing the dancehall songs. I used to listen to a lot of Danny Hathaway and that sort of thing, and combine the R&B with a reggae flavour. So that's how I got the name Mr. Easy. Before 1996 I was always coming back and forth to Jamaica, and in 1997 I did Strange Things Are Happening with Baby Cham and also worked with Dave and Tony Kelly for that album."

What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet : "It was during the time when Jamaicans weren't hearing a lot from me. I was still recording but it's about your songs getting, played...But that doesn't really bother me. You need Jamaica, but you also need abroad because that's where you get most of the work."

What is your greatest hit : "I would have to say that it is Drive Me Crazy in 2001. It propelled my career to another level and gave me a wider notoriety, just this one particular song. Every performer in the business would want to have one under his belt."

What have you been up to lately: "I recently did Break His Heart on the 'Military riddim' and Fallen on the 'Seasons riddim'."

Are you happy with the way things are going for your musical career right now: "Yes definitely. I can't complain, you know."

What is your future plan : "To continue recording and right now, I'm promoting the new single (Fallen)."

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