Xyclone From Waterford to Billboard — The Rise of Dancehall’s Independent “Billboard Kid”
Born and raised in Waterford, St. Catherine, Xyclone’s journey is rooted in everyday Portmore life — school, sports, discipline, and raw talent recognised long before fame. A standout student at Waterford Primary and Bridgeport High School, excelling in both track and field and education, music initially lived on the classroom desk as rhythm and instinct. Encouraged by classmates who saw his potential early, what began as a hobby slowly transformed into a calling.
Today, Xyclone stands as one of dancehall’s most consistent independent success stories. From breaking Billboard history as the first independent dancehall artist to hit #1 from the U.S., to earning the title “The Billboard Kid,” his rise has been fuelled by fan connection, relentless work, and patience learned under the mentorship of Spragga Benz at Red Square. In this Worlmag exclusive, Xyclone reflects on his rise, his mindset, his chart dominance, and his mission to find the one song that will define his next chapter.
Can you take us to the start, to Waterford, St. Catherine — what was life like growing up there, and how did it shape the artist you became?
As a Portmore yute that went to Waterford primary and Bridgeport high school life was like any regular teenager. Excellent in track and field and education. But my classmates at Bridgeport told me I was talented and I should do music officially. Fast forward to the present, here I am
What first inspired you to step into music instead of pursuing a more traditional career path, like finance, which you studied?
I always use to beat pon desk at school and my classmates said I should take it seriously. So thoughout the years I did it as a hobby until I started to gain real traction and success
You came up through Red Square camp and Spragga Benz’s mentorship — what are the biggest lessons you took from that experience?
Being aligned with a great like Spragga you learn patience. Nuttin nuh happen before the time and live the situation your delt.
Your album From the Basement to the Big Leagues hit #1 on Billboard — what did that moment mean to you as an independent artist?
I broke history, first independent dancehall artist releasing music from America to go number 1. It’s never been done before and it hasn’t been done since, history deh pon mi name
What do you think separates your sound or strategy from other dancehall artists who haven’t reached Billboard success?
I make music that’s appealing . That your child, grandma and parents can listen to. Yes I have the slack songs too but my music is listener friendly
How did you manage to build and sustain your fan base across Jamaica, the U.S., and beyond without a major label push?
I became populate keeping dancehall parties. Built up a huge fan base and in return that fan base supported my artist career
You’re known as the “Billboard Kid,” with multiple charting projects — which project felt like your biggest artistic evolution and why?
The year of the wolves was my biggest. I streamed millions has songs like meck it clap remix featuring konshens produced by Epik jones and it’s you that I need which was playlists on hot 97 in NYC produceed by Bobby Konders
Flawless Victory knocked Bob Marley’s Legend off the iTunes Reggae chart — how did that feel, given Marley’s legendary status?
All my albums knock Bob off the top spot lol I have 10 straight number 1 albums on iTunes …. But it’s always for a few days. Bob is the greatest to have ever done this out of Jamaica but it’s always nice to rub shoulders with the greats
How do you balance making music for the charts versus creating from pure inspiration or message?
I don’t make music to chart. I release my stuff promote and people support. I’m grateful for my fanbase. A dem keep mi charting.
You’ve consistently blended reggae, dancehall, and international sounds — how intentional is that fusion?
My music represents what I’m exposed to. I’m exposed to music from Jamaica America Uk South America Africa etc. I always try to please everyone with my work
As an independent artist, what’s been your hardest lesson or lowest moment in the business?
Lowest hmmmm mi nuh really pree lowest. Mi just continue work?
You’ve spoken about limited recognition in Jamaica compared to overseas — why do you think that’s the case, and how do you feel about it?
I don’t live in Jamaica, so I always have to work 10 times harder to Break that barrier
What mindset keeps you pushing forward when the industry seems to move on quickly?
I LOVE MUSIC, though I’m successful in my own right I do it for the love. Sink or swim
What’s next for Xyclone — musically, personally, and entrepreneurially?
Next step is to find ONE of those songs. The one that’s gonna change my life forever . All it takes is ONE! I just dropped gasolina featuring tifa . Produced by Bobby Konders of Massive B. I really think this is the one
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for the next generation of dancehall and reggae artists?
IM THE BILLBOARD KID. The legacy already set.
Xyclone’s story isn’t built on industry shortcuts or overnight hype — it’s built on consistency, fan loyalty, and belief in the process. From keeping dancehall parties and building a grassroots following, to charting album after album without chasing numbers, his journey proves that independence can still rewrite the rules.
With ten iTunes number-one albums, Billboard history in his name, and a deep love for music that keeps him moving regardless of obstacles, Xyclone isn’t waiting for validation — he’s already secured his place. As he continues the search for that one life-changing song, one thing remains undeniable: the Billboard Kid legacy is already written — and the story is far from over.
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