Razz and Biggy

Razz & Biggy The Hummer of the Dancehall



By: Stephanie McLean



People say Razz and Biggy are two of the ruffest, tuffest selectors in the industry. Like a Hummer, the ultimate all terrain vehicle this dynamic duo has become the ultimate all terrain sound system. Razz and Biggy certainly cant be labeled or limited, there versatility and their ability to bring the vybz to any audience whether uptown, downtown, local or international is what sets them apart.



Music is deeply steeped and embedded in Jamaican culture. Our music has a mystical, captivating and alluring quality about it, that is able to transcend cultural and language barriers and find listener-ship globally. It certainly is not difficult to fathom how being involved in the music industry would be a fantasy for most young Jamaicans.



Sean Razz Cousley and Richard Biggy McGrath were certainly different from the average teenage dreamers. While others fantasized, Cousley and McGrath not only transformed their fantasy into a reality, their 9th grade hobby of collecting records metamorphosed into an enviable illustrious career as DJs. Cousely and McGrath have undeniably been successful, they have worked all over the Caribbean and the United States garnering fans every step along the way. Locally they are no longer just DJs, but icons in the entertainment industry.



Richard and Sean both attended Kingston College. They became friends in the 8th grade and by the 9th grade when Richard started collecting records, it was clear that this dynamic duo was going to be more than just your average high school friendship.



Like most success stories, it was a tumultuous journey to find the right formula. The dynamic duo had a third member in the foundation stages. Kaniel K9 Brown a close friend and a student at Kingston College who was integral in the formation of the first sound system which they called UPTEMPO. Brown eventually migrated to pursue studies abroad, however, he still maintained the friendship and musical connection. When another sound system emerged calling itself UPTEMPO, Cousley and McGrath joined Guardian Disco.



Cousley and McGrath had a distinct flavor and energy, they were able to get any crowd fired up and energized. Under the direction of their manager, Tarik Zawdie Kiddoe (CEO, Swell Arts & Entertainment) Cousely and McGrath determined they had the talent, energy and marketability to make it on their own.



And then there were two. The duo terminated their relationship with Guardian Sound. On December 15, 2000, they made their first appearance as a duo called, Razz & Biggy. Sean Cousley became Razz and Richard McGrath become Biggy.



In 2000, Richard began attending The University of the West Indies and Sean was attending The University of Technology in the faculty of Building and Land Management. The duo played frequently at both institutions. With access to a broader network, more equipment and other resources, they got significantly more exposure. It was here that their talents were really honed and their reputation as one of the best sound systems in the island was established.



5 years later, they have taken the music industry by a swift yet sustainable storm. While they may not be making the music, today, they play just as integral a role in the Jamaican musical landscape as the actual singers, they are carrying the music and the vybe to the people. The two possess that rare harmonious dynamic quality, in a nutshell they work excellently together.



Razz and Biggy have played at big sessions and stage shows like Jamaica Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, the launch of MTVs TEMPO Caribbean Rising, and the Red Stripe Community Link Up. They have played at smaller events like Rum Punch, Weddy Weddy 1st Anniversary, Outrage and After Champs Fete. Every venue that is hip and happening in Jamaica, you name it and they have played there, everywhere from Marguaritaville to the University of the West Indies. The duo played at all campus parties on both campuses, from the major dances to the smaller parties. They certainly have not confined themselves to the local market. Razz and Biggy have been spreading the musical energy and the unique party vybz all over the globe. They have gone to the United States, Antigua, St Lucia, Bahamas, St Vincent and the list goes on.



Razz & Biggy possess that dynamic and rare synergy that coupled with their willingness to work hard, seemingly endless energy and vivacious personalities, have taken them where they are today. The duo certainly cant be confined or labeled. They have carried their sound system from Jamaica to the world.



No one knows for sure what the future holds for Razz & Biggy, however, it is certain that the possibilities are endless. We can only expect bigger and better things in the future from the duo affectionately labeled the fat yute and the entertainer.



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