Merkz Dominates Apple Music Jamaica with Debut EP ‘The Mad Life’

The rising dancehall artiste places all nine tracks from the project on Apple Music Jamaica’s Top Songs chart while the EP also climbs across regional Caribbean markets. “For me, the sky is the limit,” Merkz stated

Dancehall recording artiste Merkz

Dancehall artiste Merkz is making a strong impact on the Apple Music Jamaica charts with his debut EP The Mad Life, as all nine tracks from the project continue to gain traction across the platform.

Released on April 28 via Merkz Music, The Mad Life has already peaked at #1 on Apple Music Jamaica, while also charting internationally at #42 in Guyana, #54 in Turks and Caicos, #81 in the Cayman Islands, #87 in Antigua and Barbuda, #144 in Barbados, and #153 in Grenada.

On Apple Music Jamaica’s Top Songs chart, “11 AM in Ochi” currently sits at #2, “Rich MF” featuring Feloni19 at #4, “Retard” at #8, “Ching Chong” at #11, “Size Up Time” at #12, “Diamond” at #14, “Chris Gayle” featuring Xkappe at #20, “Blue Plate” at #22, and the title track “Mad Life” at #28.

Merkz, whose real name is Markel Leslie, expressed gratitude for the reception the EP and its songs have received so far. “This EP is about lifestyle and everyday living. Living life to the fullest because you only have one life to live. It’s a blessing to be able to share my life and experiences with the fans, and seeing the reaction on the charts is very humbling. Give thanks to everyone supporting the project,” he said.

Some of the songs featured on the EP were recorded over a two-year period, while others were completed more recently.

According to Merkz, collaborating with fellow artistes Feloni19 and Xkappe came naturally. “It was very easy to work with both Feloni19 and Xkappe. They are genuine people and have strong work ethics,” he shared.

For Merkz, music has been a part of his life from an early age. Growing up in a household surrounded by sound system culture, he developed a deep connection to the artform through his father, who owned a sound system long before he was born.

“Music started from a very young age for me. My father had a sound system before I was even born, so music was something that woke you up and put you to bed at night. I also started out selecting, but I always knew becoming a deejay was my goal,” said Merkz.

The Clarendon-born artiste, who attended Denbigh High School before later studying at Westchester Community College in New York, has been pursuing music professionally since 2019. He believes his strengths lie in his punchlines, deep vocal tone, versatility, and ability to switch flows effortlessly.

Citing dancehall icons Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, and Buju Banton among his musical influences, Merkz says he remains focused on growth and consistency. “For me, the sky is the limit. I’m just putting in the work and trusting the process that the fans will enjoy the music,” Merkz concluded.