General B was born Dave Parkes in Kingston, Jamaica 28 years ago and grew up in the areas of Seaview, Waterhouse, Rose Lane and Waltham Park. He used to par with a number of DJs in Seaview including General Trees. This is where he took the name 'General' and added the 'B' representing him being the baby of the crew.Around 6 years ago General B joined forces with fellow artists Ghost and Roundhead and they are collectively known as one of the most popular DJ/singer crews in Jamaica, the Monster Shack Crew. The name was given to them because, "we nuh gangster we are monster, we are bigger than gangster you know". They have won a number of awards in Jamaica for the 'Best Crew ' and for being the 'Best Dressed'.
When asking where he got his inspiration to become a DJ his response was simple, " Me just love music because me born and cry out like Bob Marley". General B used to listen to DJs Professor Nuts and Papa San and up until today he considers them, "my DJ them".
General B writes all his own lyrics and has managed to stay at the forefront of the music with tunes like 'Nicky', 'Bad Inna Your New Clothes', 'Mr Boasty & Friends' and his current hit 'The Business' alongside Patchy on Shocking Vibes' Joker rhythm. His musical talents don't stop with writing he is multi-talented and he gets involved in producing and promoting music. He said it is the "Music Business" and you that you have to deal with both sides.
The Monster Shack Crew released their debut album, 'Monster Party' in 1998 and they are currently working on a follow up. If you were wondering why General B has been a little quieter than usual over the past 6 months in terms of output of tunes it's because he's in the process of working on his solo album but he assured us that "General B, back inna them skin like blood".
General B He has worked with practically all the Jamaican producers over the years, namely Colin Fatta, Steely & Cleevie, Jammys and True Blue, to name a few. The exception to this rule is that he hasn't worked with Dave Kelly. He released a Hip-Hop tune entitled 'If Me Did Know' with a New York based producer and 'Tell Him Fe Go' and 'True Lover' with Roundhead for the UB40 owned Oracabessa Records. He says there are just too many Jamaican artists to mention when he has to list the amount that he has worked with.
General B believes that it he has a duty to be a positive role model and he endeavours to do this because, "nah tek no coke and me nah do nothing against God's will. So me feel that me positive to be a role model for anybody righta now". He also likes to get involved with community-based projects and stay in school campaigns.
He disagrees with the Jamaican Government's announcement that they want to clamp down on Reggae's slack lyrical content. He says the Government does not get involved in supporting the music and he believes that there are people who benefit from slack tunes. General B also thinks that the Reggae industry needs to clean up its act, " Cause artist a DJ a song and call all a DJ name and DJ a bex and want to all war. You have artist inna the business right now that bad mind 'B' me can tell you that and me a DJ. The business is a corrupted ting. Seen"!
General B can't even begin to grasp the idea of a career devoid of music. He has managed to reach his current status through sheer hard work and perseverance and he says this is the key to success and whatever he does he always works hard at it. He advises young artists to do the same and to consider the suggestions of their elders and take it seriously because as he put it, " No artist inna the world at all can sing for himself you have to listen to other peoples opinions".
For the future I'm sure you'll be in for a musical treat in the form of a solo album from General B and another album offering from the Monster Shack Crew. "Nyeah"!
If you can't wait that long and want to see General B live then make a link with his booking agent in Jamaica on 876-978-2859
