Born to Jamaican parents in South London, Tippa Irie gained experience as a hard-hitting dancehall toaster on his father's Mobile Reggae Disco Sound system while still in high school. After graduating, he worked on Saxon International, Britain's best sound system. After a series of 12-inch singles on the Greensleeves label, he released his first album, Is It Really Happening to Me? Thanks to the single, "Hello Darling," the album launched his career. Mad Professor produced his next album, Rebel on the Roots Corner, for Ras Records. It took him almost four years to follow it up, but Mr. Versatile was highly regarded and kept him visible in the reggae scene. Three years later, the critically-lauded I Miss appeared on Resin Music. He has also performed with Pato Banton at the Reggae Sunsplash Festival in Jamaica. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide