ELEPHANT MAN'S POPULARITY in the United States soared just a bit higher recently.
The golden-haired deejay has propped himself again in a favourable way on the Billboard charts, American network television and on key American stage shows.
The deejay's latest tune, Jook Gal a combination with rappers Twista and Young Bloodz, has leaped to number 61 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles and Tracks chart after only one week on the chart.
Meanwhile, the video accompanying the tune has settled comfortably at number 6 on BET's 106 & Park countdown show, and is included on the playlist of MTV 2.
The deejay told THE STAR yesterday that he was elated that the U.S. was seeing dancehall differently now. "We glad fi see how they start accept the reggae thing so much now," he explained. "Mi feel good fi know seh mi put in some hard work help put Jamaica pon the map. The more we see those things the more I feel good for my country."
Since 2000, Elephant Man has managed to maintain some degree of presence on the U.S. record charts. His image has also been displayed in numerous magazines such as Billboard and Vibe, and his videos have been rotated on the major television networks. The 'secret' to achieving this Elephant Man said, is not really a secret at all. "Love God and live, and it is not a secret anymore cause mi tell yu."
Another aspect of his music that many feel has helped him, is his reluctance to publicly get involved in what is termed 'passa passa' in the music business.
"I am not into the passa passa thing right now," he declared. "I am about bringing love into the business for my artiste friend dem. This a the time we need the unification more than any other time, so that we can tek the music to another level."
"Yu see Usain Bolt taking the running thing to another level, the Reggae Boyz doing their thing, a so we need fi take the music thing to another level just like them."
Elephant Man's next major show is 'Reggae Springfest' scheduled for Montego Bay this weekend.
