Tommy Lee Sparta
Leroy Russell Junior, born 4 November 1987 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a DJ, lyricist, and dancehall artist. He became well-known under Vybz Kartel’s mentorship when he joined Portmore Crew and signed under Adidjaheim Records which is also Vybz’s label. Many people have tried to understand Russell’s style which seems gothic and carries dark world energy. His 1st single was done at Snipa Studios in late 2008 titled “Spartan Story.” At the time, he did a lot of local shows and opening acts for artists like Vybz who in turn invited him to join his empire due to the positive reaction the audience displayed but he refused because he wasn’t comfortable leaving his family. At Vybz’s birthday party on 7 January 2010, Russell then realized he had a shot at pushing music as a career and joined the Portmore Crew. Snipa Studios producer at the time, Da Wiz did Russell’s 1st recognized single titled “Warn Dem” in November 2010. A music video was done for the song and it was also a debut for Russell. The hit that made proper way for Russell in the industry “Some Bwoy” which was released in 2011 and done on So Bad riddim. The music video was only done after Vybz Kartel was incarcerated but under Junior Fraser. The single was top in Jamaican charts and made its way right across the Caribbean. Many singles followed in 2012 like “Buss A Blank” and “Psycho” and Russell performed at Sting and Reggae Sumfest in 2012. Adidjahiem Records was closed down in 2012, due to lawful issues of Vybz Kartel and the absence of capacity to sustain artists working under the label, however, PG13 was Russell’s label which he then started. In that same year, Bounty Killer and Sparta had a feud which got resolved eventually. He has done a lot of work over the years including EPs like Big Bike and Rebirth in 2015The superstar’s latest work, in addition to other projects, is 2 albums released 2018 and 2019, New Creator and Reincarnation respectively. His name is growing still.