Tommy Lee Sparta
Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica as Leroy Russell he first gathered inspiration to become a musician at an early age. While a student at Anchovy High school he performed at many gatherings there, as well as in his community, Flankers. He was strongly motivated by his home crowd to pursue a career as a professional in music. He took their advice and proceeded to record his first song, Spartan Story at Snipa studios in Flankers. He became a staple at the studio recording several tracks, Sparta Out At Night, Mama Mi Love You, Father Save Them Soul, Still Live On and his break out hit, Warn Dem. The songs became well known and subsequently he became a household name in his local environs and was a prominent performer on stage shows throughout Western Jamaica.
Popular deejay Vybz Kartel noticed his talent during a performance in Montego Bay. Impressed by the budding star, it didn’t take long for him to initiate Tommy Lee a few months later. In March 2010 he became an official member of the Portmore Empire (Gaza). He then recorded his first tunes under the teacher’s guidance: Holding Out The Pressure on the Gangsta City Riddim, Gypsy on the Teeza riddim and Money make Friends. His first major performance was at Reggae Sumfest 2011 alongside headliner, Vybz Kartel and other Gaza members.