Biography
read full storyRagga Bear, A/K/A J. Boyd, has undoubtedly redefined the music industry with his innovative, dynamic and empowering abilities to deliver music through the power of words and infectious melodies. With his clever blending of various genres of music accompanied by the intricate use of words and melodies, it is without question that after 300 million records sold worldwide, he is a musical force to be reckoned with.
Ragga Bear states that his decision to enter the reggae genre as a performer is based on “my overwhelming passion and love for both reggae music and its culture, which come from my West Indian roots. I have had the pleasure of living in Jamaica and experiencing its customs and culture. I have had the unique opportunity to write for Jah Cure, Junior Gong, Mavado, and Shaggy. I am a true reggae head.” With his debut reggae album Purple Rock scheduled to be released in September this year, Ragga Bear collaborates with reggae icons such as Capleton, Junior Gong, Shaggy, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Popcaan, and Mad Cobra, along with up-and-coming rising star Chronixx. His debut reggae musical journey explores the subjects of love, pain, struggle, ganja, freedom and personal triumph. As a tribute to his love for the music he performs with his signature one-of-a-kind 24 Karat gold trumpet on two of the tracks. Ragga Bear pays homage to reggae superstar Bob Marley with a medley comprised of three of Bob’s biggest hits.
Boyd humbly accredits his influences to the illustrious Stevie Wonder and reggae superstar, Jimmy Cliff, while continuing to evolve in his journey to transcend the ever-changing world of music. The progression began after the first reported tornado in his home state’s history left his family homeless. With gracious donations and fundraising provided by the neighborhood church, Boyd’s family eventually re-located to Atlanta, Georgia.
Unbeknownst to Boyd, at the age of 14 and while still living in Atlanta, he was about to co-write his first hit single for Platinum selling R&B group 112 titled, “Anywhere.” This began his unprecedented catalog of songs written for a multitude of artists including: The Rolling Stones; Whitney Houston; Chris Boyd; Sinead O’Connor; Pink; Kelly Price; Faith Evans; Carl Thomas; Ludacris; Jagged Edge; Glen Lewis; Patti LaBelle; Dr. Dre; Big Sean; Lupe Fiasco; DJ Khaled; Drake; and Rick Ross, just to name a few. His discography of over 200 commercially released songs is attached hereto as an exhibit.
Between 2005 and 2008 Boyd, then universally known throughout the industry as Poo Bear, collaborated with acclaimed producer, Scott Storch. He co-produced and wrote over 100 tracks including the top-charted hit “Make It Rain” by Fat Joe & Lil Wayne, as well as hits for Kelly Rowland, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Big Boi, Brooke Hogan, Bun B, Yo Gotti, Eve, Kelis and Ruben Studdard. Often times, to attain depth and quality, several artists used Ragga Bear’s background vocals.
With chart-topping records and artists wanting to reap the benefits of Boyd's masterful vocal production, Ragga Bear was about to embark on the biggest selling album of the millennium. He co-wrote multiple tracks on Usher Raymond’s, “Confessions” album, including the hit single “Caught Up” which awarded him two Grammys and an accolade of other awards. He also earned a Grammy for his contributions to Jill Scott’s album “Words and Sounds: Volume 1”. His fourth Grammy was for Best R&B Soul for Chris Brown's album “FAME.” He was also honored with his seventh ASCAP Award for “She Ain’t You” recorded by Chris Brown. His reputation for being a consummate professional and guaranteed crowd pleaser has awarded him the opportunity to perform live abroad with legendary musicians such as, Jah Cure, Mavado, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and iconic DJ Paul Oakenfold.
After nearly 2 decades of being behind the scenes and imprinting the world of music with his dynamic skills, Ragga Bear's journey has now led him to the reggae stage. His debut single “Still Mine” from his debut reggae album “PURPLE ROCK” preserves the integrity of his music and has warranted acclaim from renowned artists and publications around the world. He has justifiably earned his place amongst the league of platinum selling writers and producers worldwide, and the time has come for Ragga Bear's artistry to shine.
With his distinct voice, immense style, mad swag, and superb writing talent, J. “Ragga Bear” Boyd is spearheading a new revolution in music …
“WELCOME TO PURPLE ROCK.”