Snow

Snow is the stage name of Darrin O’Brien, a Canadian reggae artist from North York, Canada, born in 1968. His music combines reggae and dancehall, with toasting and singjaying as part of his style.

Early life and name

As a teenager, Snow is introduced to reggae by a neighbouring Jamaican family, who also begin calling him “Snow” and “Snow White”. In 1988, Jamaican-born DJ Marvin Prince sees him deejaying at a party in Toronto, and the two become friends.

Recording career

Snow’s debut album, 12 Inches of Snow, appears in 1992. The album is produced mainly by MC Shan and Edmond Leary, who handles keyboards and writing, with one track produced by John Ficarrotta. It is completed shortly before Snow is imprisoned. After his release, he releases “Informer”, featuring MC Shan, which becomes a number one hit in the United States, Australia and much of Europe. His follow-up single, “Girl I’ve Been Hurt”, reaches the top 20 in the United States.

Later activity

Snow continues to release songs only sporadically after his wife dies of cancer in 2009.