Red Rat

Born Wallace Wilson in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica on January 17, 1978, Red Rat is best-known for his upbeat dancehall style and his “Oh, no!” catchphrase. Born into a musical family – his father and two of his older brothers are professional musicians – Wallace Wilson began performing music at a young age. His talent impressed producer/musician Danny Browne, the CEO of Main Street Records. Browne signed and mentored Wilson, who worked with many of the label’s artists including Buccaneer, Lady G, Degree, and Papa San. A comment by labelmate Degree – saying Wilson’s complexion was red and he looked like a rat – inspired his stage name. His reputation grew and, once he graduated from high school, he began releasing a series of hit singles in the late 1990s. His debut album, Oh No… It’s Red Rat - featuring the hit "Tight Up Skirt" - was released On Greensleeves Records in 1997. It was followed by I’m a Big Kid Now in 2000. His third album, Monsters of Dancehall, was released in 2007. Red Rat collaborated with a variety of artists including Treach (Naughty by Nature), Groove Armada, and Canadian hip-hop artist Dan-e-o (his cousin). He then began working behind the scenes, becoming President of A&R at independent label Infinity Moguls, Inc. While mentoring young artists such as Pascalle, Red Rat has collaborated with other artists and released the occasional single.