Jesse Royal is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer-songwriter from Saint James, Jamaica. Born Jesse David Leroi Grey in 1989, he spends his early years in Maroon Town and the District of Orange in St. James before moving with his mother and brother to Kingston in the late 1990s to live with his father.

At school, he forms a close friendship with Daniel “Bambaata” Marley, the son of Ziggy Marley, and the pair share an interest in music and football. Royal’s early work is shaped by his militant style and lyrical focus, which attract the attention of reggae producer Philip “Fatis” Burrell, known to him as “Father”. He describes Burrell as a major inspiration and an important influence on his development.

Royal begins releasing his first official songs in 2011. He works with Sly & Robbie, Donald Dennis, Earl “Chinna” Smith and Monty Savory, and records his debut album with producer Kareem Burrell of XTM.Nation. He also releases his debut mixtape, Misheni, a title that means “The Mission” in Swahili.