As an aspiring artist in Jamaica, Jah Niceness recalls listening to ‘Trapped’, a song written by Jimmy Cliff and made famous by Bruce Springsteen. He recently covered it as ‘Trap’ for Open Doors Records.

His version is on that label’s Overcast Riddim. Jah Niceness knew the time was right to finally cover ‘Trapped’ once he heard the beat.

“My approach to the song was positive from the get-go. ‘Trap’ is such a powerful song, I knew I had to deliver good on this one.  I  put my own vibe on it and added a little twist on the chorus and the outcome was awesome,” he said.

Jah Niceness, who is from Clarendon parish in central Jamaica, cannot recall the first time he heard ‘Trapped’, but said he was unaware Cliff first recorded the song. Released by Island Records in 1972 when Cliff’s star was rising, the original did little but Springsteen’s live version a decade later made ‘Trapped’ an anthem.

‘Trap’ is the latest project between the singer and Open Doors Records, which is operated by fellow Jamaican Jason Bromfield. The company released ‘Nuh Diss Nuh Man’, his only album.

Like Bromfield, Jah Niceness is based in Orlando, Florida.

Written By Howard Campbell