Website: http://www.koffeankreem.com/24943/265461/koffe-an-kreem/artiste-ij-chris

Christopher Alexander Smith (born March 2, 1974, Kingston, Jamaica), better known by his stage names Irie Jah Chris or IJ Chris, is a Jamaican singer and songwriter. Chris has distant relative links with Ernest Ranglin who completed the arrangement of, and played guitar on, the international hit “My Boy Lollipop” by singer Millie (Millicent Small).

Christopher "Irie Jah" Smith was born in the parish of Kingston, Jamaica. Growing up in the volatile community of East Kingston, Chris, as a toddler and having a strict and seldom quiet, single mother, had to learn to demonstrate the difference between right and wrong.

His aspiration of becoming a singer and having a proper education was not forthcoming, as at the age of fifteen Chris had to take on the role of manhood, assisting his mother in taking care of his younger brother. With attributes such as perseverance and willingness, Chris struggled, and hustled jobs to make ends meet in order to stay away from the negativities of the inner city while assisting his family. Despite the obstacles, and being the ambitious person he is, this did not deter him from being an honest individual.

Not forsaking his dreams, he however, became a father at the age of nineteen and realised that only with a strong conviction would he survive the hustle and bustle of being a taxi driver to provide for his son. Never losing sight of the prize of fulfilling his dream of being a singer, Chris would sing at every opportunity, and when he was depressed, it provided him comfort.

Chris' first songs made him realise that life was for everyone -- one just had to go and capture it. So, you'll find that his lyrics are based on his own life story, and the reality of living in today's world.

With love for people and society, the consciousness of his songs is forthcoming and educating to the listening ear. Chris hopes to touch the heart, and to make a difference to people's lives whilst shaping the way for his son.

Chris' music career had a false start, being hampered by a bad experience that caused him to give up for a while. But, he's back now, with more drive and determination than ever, and in some ways the break has been beneficial and allowed him to reflect and expand his lyric writing and ideas. Chris writes, directs and performs on all of his own material.