I-T Rockaz steps out solo with new reggae single 'Thankful'

Spanish Town reggae artiste I-T Rockaz, a longstanding member of the trio Rockaz Elements, has branched out on his own with the release of his début solo single, 'Thankful'.

The new track is a soulful reggae offering built around themes of gratitude, perseverance and lessons drawn from personal experience. According to the singer, the song is meant to lift up listeners who are weathering rough patches, reassuring them that hardship is temporary and brighter days are coming.

'Thankful' was originally penned before I-T Rockaz was involved in a serious crash. He returned to the song after surviving the ordeal, and said the brush with tragedy deepened the meaning of the lyrics and underlined how precious life truly is.

In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, the artiste opened up about what drove the song. “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,” said I-T Rockaz.

He was quick to clarify that the solo move does not signal an exit from Rockaz Elements. “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 disclosed.

The move follows a productive stretch for the trio, which last year put out its third EP, 'Sup’m Bout Reggae', through US-based Berta Records. The four-track project featured 'My Pain', 'Twenty Dollars', 'Believe I' and 'Jamaica World', the latter a collaboration with Chino McGregor that picked up spins on local FM radio.

I-T Rockaz traces his love of music back to childhood, having grown up in a musical household. He recalled riding his bicycle as a youngster to Angels Grove, where he linked up with fellow Rockaz Elements member U-B and committed himself fully to the craft.

“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,” shared I-T Rockaz.