Rik Rok

b. Ricardo Ducent, 1974, Manchester, Jamaica, West Indies. Rik Rok initially pursued a career as a songwriter at the same time as graduating at the University of the West Indies. While he attained a degree in natural science he maintained a love of music. In 1995 although he was still a student at university he concurrently performed as a backing vocalist for Patra. On completing his studies his first attempt as a performer was when he was recruited as part of the L.U.S.T. line-up following the departure of Lukie D. The venture was short-lived although a reunion with Nigel Kent of Ruff Kutt led to an introduction with Mikey Bennett. While rehearsing in Bennett’s studio Shaggy heard Rik Rok perform and was suitably impressed. Shaggy invited Rik Rok to join the Big Yard crew alongside artists such as Rayvon, Brian And Tony Gold and Marsha. In 2000 Rik Rok recorded ‘It Wasn’t Me’ with Shaggy. The combination of Rik Rok singing, ‘She saw the marks on my shoulder - heard the words that I told her - even caught us on camera - heard the screams gettin’ louder’ with Shaggy chanting ‘It wasn’t me’ between the lines proved an assured hit, and the track topped the pop charts throughout Europe and the USA. In December 2001 Shaggy’s new album was remixed with bonus tracks including another Rik Rok combination, ‘Special Request’.