If you've tuned into the radio lately, you'll no doubt recognize the name "Shaggy" and the chart-topping album "Hot Shot."
Born Orville Richard Burrell on Oct. 22, 1968, in Kingston, Jamaica, he was nicknamed "Shaggy" by his friends -- after the cartoon dog from "Scooby Doo." While growing up, Shaggy was a fan not only of reggae but also ska, dancehall and rhythm and blues.
Shaggy left Jamaica for the United States when he turned 18, joining his mother in Brooklyn. As soon as he arrived in New York, he began actively pursuing a music career. He found success quickly. Two singles, "Mampie" and "Big Up," hit No. 1 on the New York reggae charts.
After spending a tough year attempting to find work, Shaggy joined the Marine Corps in 1988. Two years later, he found himself in the Gulf War. The experience sobered him, and Shaggy decided to commit himself even more fully to his music.
In 1993, he released his debut album "Pure Pleasure," and the single "Oh Carolina" became one of the biggest hit singles in UK history. Shaggy shows no sign of letting up, as his new album, "Hot Shot," reached No. 1 in the Billboard Top 100.
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