Shaggy is a Jamaican reggae fusion artiste who emerged in the early ’90s with his first hit song, Oh Carolina.

Born Orville Richard Burrell, the Jamaican got his start as an MC in New York City’s growing dancehall scene, soon after moving to Brooklyn in his teens. 

Shaggy would gain further popularity with his hit song Boombastic from his album of the same name.

Over the years, the Boombastic singer honed his talent which landed him seven Grammy nominations.

The artiste won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album twice – with Boombastic in 1996 and his  44/876 collaboration with Sting in 2019.

In 2007, Shaggy was recognised for his contribution to the Jamaican music culture when he was awarded membership in the Jamaican Order of Distinction in the rank of commander. 

He is also celebrated for his involvement in philanthropy. In 2009 Shaggy established the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and organised the first of many Shaggy and Friends benefit concerts, which to date have raised millions for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Here are five things you may not have known about reggae artiste Shaggy.

1. Dr Burrell

Put some respect on his name! Shaggy is now Dr Burrell after receiving an honorary degree from Brown University at the Ivy League school’s commencement ceremony.

Earlier this year, the artiste received a honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree in recognition of his achievements in music, military service, and philanthropy.

During his presentation, in true Jamaican fashion, Shaggy hosted a mini jam session which garnered huge cheers from excited students and academic staff.

2. A man of many talents

Shaggy is not just a singer, but an actor as well. He made his film debut in the action-comedy film, Blast, where he played a supporting role. Years later, he appeared in another action-comedy movie, Game Over, Man! in a cameo role.

 The star also made a special guest appearance as himself in the popular American sitcom, The Hughleys.

That’s not all. His latest acting gig came in 2019 when played th role of Sebastian in a live production of The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live! 

Oh, and don’t his Super Bowl commercial!

3. On the Battlefield

Mr Boombastic is a former United States marine. Yes, Shaggy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988 and obtained the military occupational specialties (MOS) of 0811 (Field Artillery Cannon Crewman).

He served with a Field Artillery Battery in the 10th Marine Regiment during the Persian Gulf War. 

In total, he served four years in the US Marines, including two tours of duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Storm. The highest rank he achieved was lance corporal.

4. Shaggy the Astronaut?

The Grammy winner appeared on the popular America Television show The Masked Singer. As whom, you may ask?

Space Bunny flew in from outer space to join the Masked Singer fun; Shaggy delivered several performances as Space Bunny before his identity was revealed.

Dubbed the most entertaining contestant on Season 7, by MSN, Space Bunny delivered a bombastic performance in his first appearance on the April 20 episode with a cover of the Harry Belafonte classic, Jump in the Line.

4. His son is a rapper!

The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree as one of the entertainer’s children have followed in his musical footsteps.

Richard O’Neil Burrell, better known by his stage name Robb Bank$, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.

The rapper gained recognition with the Rider Klan movement in 2012 where he would debut his first mixtape, Calendars, and his follow-up mixtape, Tha City, in 2013.