‘CBD’ aims to bring Guyanese music to the international mainstream

Adopting the name, “CBD Da General” (Cool But Deadly), Alister Beckles has emerged as a formidable opponent to any established emcee.
With deep roots in the Caribbean hip hop artist known as CBD has successfully infused his reggae appeal and energy into hip hop music without smothering his powerful lyrics. On the released singles from his upcoming album, “Outside Da Box”, one can hear the emotional intensity of each note as CBD tackles the timeless and universal themes of love, friendship, strife, loss and determination.
CBD used his energy and brash analytical lyrics to enhance and spice up projects such as “Where The Tye”, by Boxxsir, released in 1995, “Neighbourhood Clic,” self titled, released in 1996 and “Gold Fe Sho” with his group OHC, released in 1997 on the California label Big House Records and “Secrete Indictment” by Boxxsir, released on Atlanta based label Strong Arm Entertainment.
After getting his feet wet by collaborating with other artists, CBD decided to step out on his own.
In 2009, CBD co-founded BosBec Entertainment LLC, an entertainment company has released four of his singles and will release a new album soon.
He has also performed for college and online-based radio stations, Georgia’s first annual Kite Festival in 2010 (sponsored by V-103 radio station) and the annual Guyana Association of Georgia Family Fun Day, (Peach Carnival, AKA, Atlanta Caribbean Carnival) in 2010 and 2011, which attracts over 5000 Caribbean nationals from all across the world.
Through heartfelt, intensely personal music and a steady stream of performances throughout Atlanta, Georgia, with sights set on touring the world, CBD has found his audience. An audience bored by the typical elementary flow, looking for music distinctly accented by superior lyrical skill.
CBD’s next tours are scheduled to be in Europe and the Caribbean later this year. In the mean time you can find CBD’s music on YouTube, iTunes and BosBec Entertainment.
He grew up in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown as one of seven children. He was a regular child and eventually attended Central High when it was on Durban Street, but his calling is for music which saw him singing in the South Nazarene Church.
At age 12, along with two siblings (Al and Keir) and his parents (Gaston and Regina) the family migrated to the USA where he gained his high school diploma at Victor Vally High before moving to Atlanta in 2000.
All along, music was his main focus, and 12 years later he’s running a company with his brother Sean Beckles and business partner Rawle Boston.
“Our aim is to create a fusion sound of Caribbean/ hip hop with intentions to take it to the international level,” he told this publication.
The 36-year-old, married father of seven has returned to his home soil after 23 years and has brought with him four tracks and a new video titled “Leh We Go”. The tracks are: “Pray For Me”, “Valentine’s Day” and “Body Fit”. The video was launched on First Look, Caribbean Music Box. An interview was done on NCN in Guyana and he was hooked up with Kross Kolor Records.
From the little feedback he’s got regarding the video, he says, “I feel encouraged that Guyanese are embracing their own… My people are enjoying the flavour”. Ultimately, his team is aiming to bring Guyanese music to the international mainstream and, as such, he’s taking the lead through the launch of the four tracks via distribution to all local radio deejays and television shows.