b. Colin Levy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Iley Dread pursued a career in music primarily as a songwriter, although his initial accomplishment was as a performer. His recording debut, ‘Flower In My Garden’, surfaced on Bullseye Records owned by Iley Dread’s guiding mentor and producer, Belvin Jackson. He remained with Jackson until the producer’s demise in 1995 having released four locally successful singles during their partnership. In the same year Iley Dread set up his own Kings Of Kings label and began producing hits with other performers including notable Jamaicans such as Mykal Rose, Spanner Banner, Norris Man and Dennis Brown. Iley Dread’s own label issued a 14-track various artists compilation Every Little Thing, which demonstrated both his songwriting skills and vocal talent. He maintained a high profile in Canada through to 2000 when he released ‘A Friend For Life’, that introduced the singer to a wider audience. He recorded the follow-up, ‘Mama’, in direct response to the slack DJ tunes that he considered derogatory to women. By 2001 Iley Dread had toured Europe alongside Christini, Bushman, Fred Locks and Judy Mowatt. While developing his profile as a performer Iley Dread produced the ‘Front Row’ rhythm that dominated the reggae charts in the spring of 2001. The tune featured artists such as Cecile (‘Changez’), Sizzla (‘Give It To Them’), Elephant Man (‘New Application’), and Beenie Man (‘Counteract’).