Spragga Benz was born in Kingston, Jamaica
By: Cerone White
On this day in Caribbean history, May 30, 1969, Carlton Errington Grant aka Spragga Benz, a Jamaican Dancehall artist was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Beginning his musical career in 1991, he was known as “Spaghetti” because he was tall and slim but after about a year, he became known as Spragga Benz.
Throughout Benz career, he has released seven albums with his first being released in 1994 titled “Jack It Up” and his latest “Shotta Culture” which was released in 2010. Benz is a well-respected artist who has worked with many notable and well-established artist including Julian Marley, Tanya Stephens, Kelis, Lil Bow Wow, and Alison Hinds.
Benz has not only performed on many stages helping spread the Jamaican Dancehall sound all over the world, but he has also acted in several movies playing alongside Stephen Marley aka Biggs in “Shottas”. Years later in 1999, Benz he played himself in “Brooklyn Babylon.”
Benz lost Carlton “Carlisle” Grant Jr., his 17-year-old son, who was shot and killed by local police in Kingston, Jamaica, on 23 August 2008. After the loss of his son Benz founded the Carlisle Foundation, with the aim of helping local youths. Benz also has a daughter who recently graduated from Villanova University.
