REGGAE’S “ORIGINAL’ PAP BIGGY
Courtney Anthony Porteous A.K.A “Papa Biggy” was born December 10, 1964 in Western Kingston on the island of Jamaica where he lived until his parents migrated in the mid seventies to the US, he then went to live with his grandmother in St Ann and attended Trench Town Primary school, St Georges All Age and Ferncourt High School respectively. It was while attending Ferncourt, which he got involved musically and became a member of the school's choir and also found out that he had the ability to write songs. Hence came his first composition 'Falkland Crisis' which earned him the title National DJ champion in 1982; a gold award and a scholarship in music and rhythm at the Jamaica School of Music sponsored by the J.C.D.C. Immediately his musical career began to grow working with several top sound systems performing all over the island. He  then went on to record for producers such as Henry 'Junjo' Laws of Volcano  label, Sly & Robbie from the Taxi label, Techniques, Steelie & Clevie, Jammys and Black Scorpio labels respectively. These unions, produced a number of hits such as 'Stop Dem', 'Under the Plane Wing', 'Times of Trouble' Love Boat and “Freedom to Mandela” During that time he began performing on shows both locally and overseas. He performed to sell out audiences at New York's most famous night clubs including Madison Square Gardens, the Ritz Theatre, the Lincoln Center and the Town Hall. He has performed at prestigious affairs and award events. He has also been to Canada, Costa Rica, Bermuda, Grand Cayman and Trinidad and Tobago. Locally he has graced the stages of most major reggae events such as Sting and Reggae Sunsplash. The already successful Reggae DJ went on to do a short stint with the fame band, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.   Papa Biggy team with popular artist management team, The Spec Shang Limited (fame for Shabba Ranks popularity). Papa Biggy is presently a music producer/artist and producer of an independent label, “218th Street”.  The 218th Street label has released such gospel type hit as “Hidden Voices”.   The label’s inspirational songs, has been tapped as the theme songs for World Peace Day: “Consciousness” and “Living in Peace”.  Biggy has lent his talent to extensive charity in Jamaica. In 2001, Papa Biggy migrated to the U.S.A. it was at this time he decided he would take time-out from the business for his family. The music bug renewed it self and Biggy went back to producing music with the emergence of “Life-force Production Studio”. Partnering with long time friend and business associate Richie Flex of Nocturnal Records and Ras David of Earthforce Music. The union produced the famous “Fire Ball Riddim” featuring various artists such as Luciano, Sizzla, Yami Bolo, Ras David, Natti King, Darrio Danejah, Moses I, and others. Also the created “DNA Riddim” featuring Ras David and Darrio Danejah proved to be equally successful. Papa Biggy is positioning himself and his business, to take the world by storm.  His new cd is available and titled, “Return To the Front Line”.  It features gifted musicians such as Attorney, Johna Hex, Ras David, K-Swizz, Chris Christie, Dane Edwards, and gifted veteran guitarist Famma Roots.  It was a big splash for the return of Papa Biggy to the stage and the wait was worth it for the sold out venue in Baltimore.  The veteran roots/culture Brigadier Jerry and Papa Biggy rocked the house with precision performance. The audience commented included: “refreshing”, “very entertaining”, “exciting”, “spiritual”, and “educating”.  The place was on “Fire” (musically) throughout the entire performance. The promoter, Raw Deal Production, is now gearing up for a part two. With a new album and more experienced, Biggy believes that “the sky is the limit”.  Since the Baltimore sold out and rave review show, Biggy is receiving major positive media attention; The Jamaica Observer, The Jamaica Star News paper, Outa Road .com , Yard Flex.com, One876entertainment.com, Chat magazine, and the Jamaica Xnews. He is also being featured on www.coolanddeadlyreggae.com (24 hour reggae radio).   Papa Biggy current project is titled “SET HIM FREE”, a tribute to the imprisoned reggae superstar Buju Banton. The song is in heavy rotation on many music programs and is receiving rave reviews.  Biggy can be found on my space.com/Pappabiggy and his labels official web site www.Lifeforceproductionsllc.com.  Veteran in the reggae industry have a common agreement, that “the original” Papa Biggy sounds strong and has the vibes to strengthen the state of reggae music.

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