Orville Shaggy, a Jamaican musician, singer, and DJ who has won a Grammy Award is the stage name of Richard Burrell. Also, he was a former American Marine who participated in the Persian Gulf War. After receiving his military discharge, he started a musical career. Oh Carolina, a version of the Folkes Brothers’ 1958 song, became his first big hit. His debut album, “Pure Pleasure,” was released in 1993 and featured the smash singles “Nice and Beautiful” and “Big Up.” With the release of the song “Boombastic” from his self-titled album, he increased in popularity. In the years that followed, he made a name for himself as one of the best reggae artists in the US. He made his cinematic debut in the action comedy movie “Blast,” where he played a supporting role, propelled by the success of his musical career. Years later, he made a brief cameo appearance in the action comedy “Game Over, Man!” He is recognized for his commitment to charitable endeavors.
Early Childhood & Life
Shaggy was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on October 22, 1968. As a young lad, he realized his love and ability for music and began taking singing lessons. When he was 18 years old, he moved to New York. His debut single, “Man A Mi Yard,” was followed by other hits like “Bullet Proof Friend.”
Due to his terrible poverty, his career was abruptly interrupted when he had to enlist in the US Marines. He ended up in Iraq as a result, where the Gulf War was still raging. After attaining the rank of Lance Corporal, he left the military after a period of time.
Shaggy’s Performing Career
Shaggy picked up singing again when he was discharged from the military. He became well-known for his song “Oh Carolina,” a version of a John Folkes tune from 1958 that was made popular by the Folkes Brothers. The track was also made into the lead single for his 1993 debut album, “Pure Pleasure.” ‘Nice and Beautiful,’ another big single from the album, peaked at number 10 on the New Zealand Music Chart.
In 1994, his second album, “Original Doberman,” was made available. Not much of a success, really. However, his third album, “Boombastic,” was a tremendous hit and peaked at number 34 on the US Billboard 200.
Boombastic, a song, peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Later, the song appeared in the movies “Barnyard” and “Mr. Bean’s Vacation.” In addition to earning the Grammy for Best Reggae Album, it sold more than a million copies in the US. Midnite Lover, his fourth album, was not a commercial success in 1997. It featured songs like “My Dream” and “Tender Love.” The former was also given a Razzie Award nomination for “Worst Song.”
In 2000, he released his fifth album, “Hot Shot,” and found new success. It held the top spot on both the US Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. Several nations, including Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and Canada, also made the charts.
The following albums by Shaggy were “Lucky Day” (2002 release) and “Clothes Drop” (2005 release). The latter was nominated for a Grammy in the category of “Best Reggae Album.” Over the following several years, he issued a number of albums, including “Intoxication” (2007), “Shaggy & Friends” (2011), “Summer in Kingston” (2011), “Rise” (2012), and “Out of Many, One Music” (2013).
Career in Acting
He made his screen debut in Anthony Hickox’s action comedy “Blast,” in which he starred in. Eddie Griffin, Vivica A. Fox, Breckin Meyer, and Joel Pollak were among the performers who starred in it. He made a cameo appearance in the action comedy movie “Game Over, Man!” some years later in 2018.
Shaggy’s third studio album, “Boombastic,” is one of his most significant and popular works. In the US, it sold over a million copies, while in the UK, it sold over 300,000 copies. On the US Billboard 200, the album rose to the third spot. Another popular song, “Boombastic,” peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100. In the category of “Best Reggae Album,” the album received a Grammy Award.
Shaggy’s fifth album, “Hot Shot,” is his most commercially successful to date. In Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, it was at the top of the charts. Several nations’ charts, including those in Australia, Denmark, France, Finland, and Switzerland, also included it. Almost 10 million copies have been sold worldwide.
Shaggy’s Individual Life
Since 2014, Shaggy has been wed to Rebecca Parker.
Shaggy and Friendz is a project he founded, through which he donates to charitable organizations. Via the effort, he has given the Jamaican Bustamante Children’s Hospital more than $1 million. He also provided hospital supplies and machinery.
Estimated Net Worth
Shaggy, a Jamaican-American artist, and DJ, is also known as Orville Burrell CD OJ. His estimated net worth is $14 million. Shaggy is a well-known reggae musician who has recorded more than a dozen studio albums, including “Summer in Kingston,” “Hot Shot,” and the 6x Platinum “Boombastic” (1995). (2011).
Trivia
He was given the moniker Shaggy in honor of the beloved Scooby Doo television character.