Chronixx

Biography

Jamar Rolando McNaughton, professionally known as Chronixx, was born on October 10, 1992, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, into a musically rich family. His stage name evolved from "Little Chronicle," a nickname given to him as the junior to his father, the dancehall artist Chronicle. From an early age, Chronixx demonstrated exceptional musical talent, writing his first song "Rice Grain" at just five years old and becoming a choir director and worship leader by age 11. He was formally introduced to professional recording at 11 years old when he worked with producer Danny Browne on a gospel track. Throughout his teenage years at St. Catherine High School, Chronixx harmonized for gospel artists like Jermaine Edwards and reggae artist Lutan Fyah, while simultaneously beginning production work, composing riddims for artists such as Konshens, Munga Honorable, and Popcaan.

Chronixx's career trajectory accelerated significantly following personal tragedies that deepened his artistic commitment. After his brother's death in 2009, he met Romaine "Teflon" Arnett of ZincFence Recordz, a collaboration that catalyzed his emergence as a solo artist with a distinctive voice and conscious lyrical approach. In 2010, producer Alty "J.O.E" Nunes became instrumental in shaping his career, leading to the formation of the Jah Ova Evil collective. Following J.O.E's passing in February 2011, Chronixx channeled his grief into his music, releasing impactful singles including "Behind Curtain," "African Heritage," "Wall Street," and "Warrior." His breakthrough came in 2012 when he gained significant airplay in Jamaica and performed at major festivals including Reggae Sumfest, with his popularity further amplified by a feature on Major Lazer's 2013 mixtape "Start A Fyah."

By 2014, Chronixx had established himself as a leading figure in Jamaica's reggae revival movement, alongside artists like Protoje, Jah9, and Kabaka Pyramid. His 2014 EP "Dread and Terrible" charted on Billboard's top reggae albums, and his debut album "Chronology" (released July 7, 2015) showcased his versatility and deep roots knowledge, featuring collaborations including a track with his father. His lyrical content centers on themes of anti-war messaging, romantic declarations, and resilience, all delivered through a conscious Rastafari perspective. Chronixx has maintained his humble ethos and commitment to reggae's spiritual and social mission despite achieving global recognition, including multiple appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, establishing himself as one of Jamaica's most promising contemporary reggae artists.

Fun Facts

  • Chronixx wrote his first song 'Rice Grain' at just five years old, demonstrating precocious musical talent
  • At age 14, he was already producing and composing riddims for established artists like Popcaan and Konshens, working behind the scenes before his solo breakthrough
  • Despite his musical calling, Chronixx initially planned to attend Edna Manley College for Visual Arts but chose to pursue music full-time following J.O.E's death in 2011
  • Usain Bolt attended one of Chronixx's performances at the Tracks and Records nightclub restaurant in Kingston in December 2012, highlighting his growing prominence in Jamaica

Associated Acts

  • Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption
  • SAULT - original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Chronicle (father) - Father and primary musical mentor who nurtured his talents from early childhood, sharing experiences and encouraging artistic growth beyond each performance (Collaboration on 'Big Bad Sound' from Chronology album) [1992-present]
  • Danny Browne - Producer who coached Chronixx and recorded his first professional song (First recording session (gospel track)) [2003]
  • Romaine 'Teflon' Arnett (ZincFence Recordz) - Producer and mentor whose synergy with Chronixx catalyzed his emergence as a solo artist with a unique voice and militant approach to reggae (Early solo recordings and artistic direction) [2009-2011]
  • Alty 'J.O.E' Nunes - Impactful mentor and collaborator who worked with Chronixx as part of the Jah Ova Evil collective, significantly influencing his career trajectory (Jah Ova Evil singles including 'Behind Curtain', 'African Heritage', 'Wall Street', 'Warrior') [2010-2011]

Key Collaborators

  • Chronicle (father) - Frequent collaborator and co-artist on reggae tracks ('Big Bad Sound' from Chronology album) [2015-present]
  • Major Lazer - Featured Chronixx on curated mixtape, providing major platform for international exposure ('Start A Fyah' on Major Lazer mixtape) [2013]
  • Jah Ova Evil collective members (Aijah & Jahnoi) - Band members and collaborators in the Jah Ova Evil project (Collective singles and early career releases) [2010-2011]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Peace Is The Mission : Extended 2015-11-27 Album
Chronology 2017-07-07 Album
Peace Is The Mission (Extended) 2019-03-05 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Eternal Light (Free Nationals)
  2. Who Knows (Ancient Future)
  3. Here Comes Trouble
  4. Skankin' Sweet (Chronology)
  5. Jam (feat. Wizkid) (SoundMan Vol. 1)
  6. Who Knows (Ancient Future)
  7. Bye Bye Bye (feat. Chronixx) - S.P.Y Remix
  8. Smile Jamaica (Chronology)
  9. Spanish Town Rockin' (Chronology)
  10. Trouble

Tags: #reggae

Heard on WWOZ

Chronixx has been played 6 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Feb 14, 202617:10she loves mefrom life is eazi, vol. 2 - lagos to londonWorld Journeyw/ Logan
Dec 28, 202522:20Resilientfrom ExileWhat's Neww/ Duane Williams
Nov 30, 202522:17Genesisfrom ExileWhat's Neww/ Duane Williams
Nov 9, 202520:36Keep On Risingfrom ExileSpirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno
Nov 9, 202520:36Hurricanefrom ExileSpirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno
Oct 13, 202522:16Eternal LightKitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman