Andrae Hugh Sutherland (born 19 July 1988), known professionally as Popcaan, is a Jamaican deejay, singer and songwriter from the parish of Saint Thomas. 　　In 2008, Andrae joined Vybz Kartel's Gaza Music Empire. In 2010, he released his breakthrough international hit "Clarks" with Kartel, an ode to the popular shoe brand. 　　In 2014, Popcaan signed with Mixpak Records and released his debut studio album, Where We Come From. Popcaans international singles include "Only Man She Want" (2011), "Everything Nice" (2014), "Ova Dweet" (2016), "El Chapo" (2017), and "Family" (2017). 　　Popcaan has collaborated with a number of international artists, most notably Drake, Jamie xx, Pusha T, Giggs, Matoma, Wale and Gorillaz. 　　His second album for Mixpak Records, entitled Forever, was released on 20 July 2018. 　　Early life 　　Born in Saint Thomas Parish, Jamaica, Sutherland grew up in Portmore, Saint Catherine Parish. 　　Career 　　2007 – 2010: Career beginnings 　　In 2007, Popcaan approached Vybz Kartel at a local jam called 'My Scheme' where Kartel recruited the young deejay to his Portmore Empire, becoming both a producer and mentor. Besides showing Popcaan the ropes of the music game, Kartel took him on major shows like Sting and Reggae Sumfest. 　　Popcaan began making music for Adidjaheim Productions with then in-house producer NotNice, the first person to voice him professionally. He got off to a strong start with "Gal Wine" on the Gal Farm riddim, following up with hits including "It Nuh Work So," "Jah Jah Protect Me," “Gangsta City," "Dream," "Gangsta City Part Second," and "Hot Grabba." 　　2010 – 2013: Growing popularity 　　Popcaan's breakthrough came in 2010 with "Clarks," a collaboration with Kartel. The song achieved international success, causing a worldwide spike in sales of the British shoe. In 2011, Popcaan received the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Award for 'Best New Artist', and 'Collaboration of the Year' for "Clarks," which also won 'Song of the Year – Dancehall'. 　　At the end January 2012 Popcaan released a new mixtape, Chromatic presents Yiy Change—the follow-up to his 2010 mixtape Hot Skull, Fry Yiy, Boil Brainz. In March "Only Man She Want" gave Popcaan his first Billboard entry at No. 89 on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop Charts. The song was later officially remixed by rapper Busta Rhymes. 　　Popcaan was also featured in The New York Times speaking on the growing impact of "Only Man She Want." 　　At the Youth View Awards, Popcaan stepped away with three awards: ‘Favourite Summer Song’ and ‘Local Chart topping song of the year’ for "Ravin", and of course, ‘Young, Hot and Hype Male.’ 　　Popcaan has been touring extensively since, in Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean and South American region. While in Canada, Popcaan connected with Canadian rapper Drake, who has publicly expressed his admiration. In 2013, Popcaan released the video for "Unruly Rave," which was shot in Toronto and directed by October's Very Own label head Niko. 　　In 2012, Popcaan was featured on Pusha T's song "Blocka." His voice was then sampled by Kanye West on Yeezus in 2013. 　　2014 – Present: Debut album 　　In 2014, Popcaan signed to Mixpak Records for a multi-album deal. His debut album, Where We Come From, was released on Mixpak on 10 June 2014. The project was executive-produced by Dre Skull. The first single from the album, "Everything Nice", was produced by Dubbel Dutch and released on 1 October 2013.It entered the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart at number 2, and the video crossed 5 million views on YouTube. 　　In June 2014, Popcaan first appeared on the cover of The Fader in its 92nd issue.He featured on Melissa Steel's "Kisses for Breakfast" single, which was a top ten hit in the UK in August 2014. 　　In September 2014 he was nominated for a MOBO Award in the Best Reggae Act category, his fourth consecutive nomination.In 2015 he won the MOBO Award. 　　In May 2015, Popcaan was featured on Jamie xx's "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)" with American rapper Young Thug. 　　In January 2016, Popcaan was featured on English electronic duo AlunaGeorge's single "I'm in Control". On 29 March 2016, a song entitled "Controlla" by Drake was leaked, with Popcaan being featured on it; a version without Popcaan was later featured on Drake's fourth studio album Views. 　　On 28 April, Popcaan released the single "Ova Dweet" which gained popularity both in Jamaica and abroad. 　　On 2 May 2016, Popcaan was reportedly held by police after a performance in Antigua involving an altercation with an officer on stage. 　　In June 2016 Popcaan made his first UK appearance alongside Mixpak for the annual Red Bull Culture Clash, and won the clash over Wiz Khalifa/Taylor Gang, Eskimo Dance and UKG. 　　In March 2017, Popcaan performed guest vocals for the Gorillaz track "Saturnz Barz" off of the album Humanz. The track reached number five on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart. He also spent time in Europe as the opening act on Drake's Boy Meets World tour. 　　Popcaan announced his second album Forever on 11 May 2018. It was preceded by the singles "Body So Good", "Wine For Me", and "Firm and Strong". The album was released on 20 July, premiered on a live stream hosted by Boiler Room. Popcaan headlined Reggae Sumfest the following day. Forever entered the Billboard Reggae Albums chart at number 2. 　　On 23 December, Drake announced that Popcaan will be signed to OVOsound.