Just over a year ago, the three-member reggae collective Rockaz Elements, hailing from Spanish Town, dropped their third extended play (EP) *Sup’m Bout Reggae*, a project distributed by US-based label Berta Records. The four-track release, featuring standout cuts *My Pain*, *Twenty Dollars*, *Believe I*, and the Chino McGregor-assisted collaboration *Jamaica World*, earned steady airplay across local Jamaican FM radio stations, marking one of the group’s most successful runs to date.
Now, on the heels of that breakout momentum, founding core member I-T Rockaz is embarking on a new creative chapter: launching a solo career while remaining anchored to the collective he helped build. His debut solo offering, *Thankful*, is a soul-stirring reggae anthem rooted in themes of gratitude, personal resilience, and authentic lived experience. Far more than just a track, it serves as a gentle but powerful rallying cry for anyone navigating hardship, reassuring listeners that temporary struggles will eventually give way to better days.
What makes the single’s backstory even more compelling is its unexpected evolution. I-T Rockaz penned the track long before he survived a near-fatal motor vehicle crash. After walking away from the traumatic incident, he revisited the lyrics, and the song took on a deeper, more urgent meaning, transforming into a visceral reminder that life itself is a gift that deserves constant appreciation.
In a recent interview with the *Jamaica Observer*, the artist opened up about the core inspiration behind his solo debut. “Well, it really was an inspiration from life itself and me being a true soul of gratitude. It is totally relatable to me and from the feedback so far others can resonate as well as it encourages everyone to be thankful through good and bad days,” he explained.
One of the most common questions surrounding his new project has centered on his status with Rockaz Elements: is he leaving the group for good, or is this a side venture? I-T Rockaz made his position clear, emphasizing that his solo work is an expansion, not an exit. “I am forever Rockaz. I’ve been encouraged to step out and represent, so I’m a representation of Rockaz Elements. I’ve been a builder of the group over the years and I will always be. New music is still being released by the group as well. This is just more channels to showcase good music, but more from my personal view now,” he shared.
Music has been a constant through every stage of I-T Rockaz’s life, rooted in a upbringing surrounded by artistic family members. “I started out at a tender age just loving the music and growing up in a musical family. I journeyed out on my bicycle back in time and met U-B, one of the other members of Rockaz Elements, at Angels Grove while pursuing the craft and from there I’ve been into the music entirely,” he recalled.
Reflecting on his decades-long journey in the reggae industry, I-T Rockaz framed his career as a deliberate, growth-filled progression. “My musical journey can be defined as challenging, but successful through obstacles; a growing journey of greatness is what I’d call it as nothing great comes without hurdles,” he said. “I bring a soulful and truthful vibe to the table, I’m a happy creative soul, so I express that through my music, and I love playing instruments, so it’s a love for music in a person. The world needs good music to vibe to and so I’m here to give them good music to dance to and also to motivate others through music.”