Gappy Ranks

Jacob Lee Williams (born c.1983), better known as Gappy Ranks, is an English dancehall musician of Jamaican and Dominican descent, from Harlesden, London.

Career

Born in Harlesden to a Jamaican father and Dominican mother, he dealt with numerous problems; including homelessness after leaving school. Once he overcame these issues, he joined up with childhood friend and fellow artist Redmann (UK), and was enlisted into the UK dancehall collective Suncycle, along with local artists such as Cash Money, Lady Chann and Naff Skrilla. Their first album titled Suncyle included Ranks' homage to his hometown, "Harlesden". Their second album I Am Somebody was released on the UK label Jamdown Records. Ranks left the group in 2004 and embarked on a solo career.

Nicknamed "Gappy" due to the gap between his front teeth, he initially worked under the name "Daddy Gappy", before opting for the Cutty Ranks-influenced "Gappy Ranks". In 2005, Gappy Ranks was featured on the Vice law entertainment mixtapes. That same year, he won the 'Best Song' award at London's Silk Awards for "Little Understanding", released by UK reggae record label Stingray Records. Also in 2005, Ranks contributed to the single...

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