The deejay, born Omar Henry, also said he's encouraged by the current pace of his career after waiting for almost a decade to get any kind of recognition.

Since 2005, when dancehall crooner Mavado got his breakthrough with Real McKoy, Flexxx admitted that he and other members of the then Mafidi crew (Terro Kid and Rackilla) had been inspired and developed a sense of urgency in pursuit of their musical ambitions.

But it wasn't as if he was wasting time. Flexxx had previously written songs for other established artistes, and recorded his first single, Just To Impress in 1997 on Dave Kelly's Woman A Trail Wi rhythm, but never got the recognition needed to enhance his music career.

However, he knew he had to master the art of patience even when the critics were increasing rapidly.

"Nuff people seh wi stop deejay ... . Dem always a seh bad things. Most times di critics and di criticisms are from people who yuh close to," he added.

been influential

However, like many other artistes under the mentorship of veteran deejay Bounty Killer, Flexxx credits most of his current success to the 'Warlord', who also piloted the growth of Mavado.

"Bounty Killer teach mi a lot about di music business. From 1995 mi deh 'round a learn from him. Mi cyah stop talk 'bout Bounty Killer. Him give mi di strength weh nobody else do," said the deejay, who co-owns @#$an Fraternity, a recording studio which was established in 2005.

Mavado has also been influential in Flexxx's career, the shout-out of "Flexxx" at the start of Weh Dem A Do easily recalled. He said that he's not intimidated by the expectations that people have, but instead wants to build on the foundation set by Mavado.

"I'm not concerned about weh people seh. People will always look out for di best, it nuh matter where yuh a come from. What I'm doing is from my heart so I know they (the public) will love it," he said.

The deejay got his first major recognition in 2006 for the song No Gal Can Force Badman, which he recorded for Irie FM's DJ Wayne. Since then, he has been getting favourable responses for the singles Go Getter, Gully Side College and Walk Wid Dem Casket.

Flexxx also recalls the days when people doubted that he would become a recognised artiste. He also recall the times when he and his friends would sit and relish the day when they would show the world their musical talents.

"Mi memba di days when mi and 'Vado, Terro and Rackilla just siddung wid wi tape and a listen rhythms. From dem time deh wi always tell wi self seh wi ago mek it big," he said.