11 months ago
85
Tristen Escoffery, better known as 450, entered the dancehall scene in 2019 with his début track, Bines A Fly, a track which he recorded for Yong X Ray Entertainment. Not only was the song reasonably well received, 450 credits this single with opening important musical doors which he would boldly step through.
Born to musician parents, his passion for music began early, giving him the opportunity to refine his talents before entering the mainstream. Splitting time between Kingston and Clarendon, he prioritised completing his education before fully committing to music. After finishing school, he relocated permanently to Kingston to focus entirely on his musical career.
Within two years of his début, 450 – whose moniker is coined from his April 5, 2000 birth date – caught the eye of music producer Jahvel ‘Jahvy Ambassador’ Morrison, owner of Tru Ambassador Entertainment, who signed him to the label. Under the guidance of the Billboard charting producer, and with the release of singles like Imperfection and Journey, 450 swiftly gained acclaim among music industry insiders and dancehall enthusiasts alike.
By 2023, 450 had established himself as a prominent figure in dancehall, with a fan base primarily composed of women. His dedication to producing high-quality music led to a dominant presence in 2023, which led to a comprehensive tour throughout the first half of 2024. He also hosted his inaugural and much-talked-about live performance, ‘450 Live in Kingston’, this past June .
Looking ahead, the 24-year-old, whose star is in the ascendancy, aims to achieve the pinnacle of success, envisioning himself as a multi Grammy Award winner and hitting the number one slot on charts globally.
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Although 450 is in preparation mode to join his colleagues Aidonia, Tommy Lee, Teejay, Mr Vegas, and Jada Kingdom, on the Dream Weekend stage, he took the time to join us for this week’s 5 Questions With ... feature. He is set to perform at Wet ‘N Wild on August 4.
1 You have successfully created a niche in the dancehall space in a relatively short space of time. Tell us a little about how you tapped into this audience.
Over the years, I have dedicated myself ... alongside my hardworking team ... to creating music that resonates with both my loyal fans and a broader audience, crafting songs that not only entertain but also resonate deeply with listeners. This commitment has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey within the music industry, guiding me toward continued growth and connection with my audience.
2 You have an upcoming performance at Dream Weekend, how do you prepare for an event of this magnitude?
This is my first time performing at Dream Weekend and I am truly looking forward to delivering a memorable performance so my fans can fully enjoy themselves. [When] preparing for events like this, it is imperative that I stay focused. This is integral to my identity and ensures that I consistently deliver exceptional performances for my fans.
3 What can fans expect from you?
My goal is always to provide performances that leave my fans feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Being on stage isn’t just about singing songs; it’s about forging a connection with the audience so that the performance resonates deeply. Fans can anticipate nothing short of greatness from my upcoming performance at Dream Weekend.
4 In addition to music, what other passions or interests do you have?
I wouldn’t say I have many other interests. When I do find some free time, I like hanging out with my friends and playing PS5 games. Music isn’t just a significant part of my life; it defines who I am, making it my ultimate passion. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to live and breathe music every day.
5 What’s next for you after Dream Weekend?
I’ve been on tour for most of the year, and I’m blessed to have an amazing team behind me. After Dream Weekend, I’ll be heading to Toronto for the continuation of my 450 Live [series]. Fans and supporters can stay tuned to my social media page to keep up with the journey.
English (US) ·