Likkle Briggie, also known as TJ, is the son of Brigadier Jerry and the nephew of Sister Nancy and Jeremiah, making his path as a Dee-Jay/MC seem almost predestined. Although he did not grow up with his father, Briggie inherited the musical talent that runs in the Russell family.
Raised in Barbican, Kingston, Jamaica, Briggie lived with family friends while both of his parents resided in the United States. He recalls the first encounter with his father at the age of seven during a Bass Odyssey Dance in Old Harbour. His guardian took him to the event, where Brigadier Jerry was performing. Brigadier lifted him onto his shoulders while continuing to Dee-jay, and after a while, he fell asleep. Notably, Brigadier ordered four crates of beer, emptied them, and made a bed for him under the control tower—a moment that solidified Briggie's calling to Dee-jay.
From a young age, Briggie began to refine his skills and establish his reputation. While attending Lannaman’s Prep School in Kingston, he frequently performed for classmates alongside Jam 2, the son of legendary producer King Jammy, who provided beats by drumming on desks.
His guardian played a significant role in fostering his talent by taking him to various dances and shows. As members of the 12 Tribes of Israel, a Rastafarian organization, they regularly attended events, where Briggie had the opportunity to perform on the “Jah Love Muzik” sound system alongside established Dee-Jays and artists including Jeremiah (his uncle), Culture Dan, and Rassy Hardknocks. Notable guest artists on the sound included Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales, Buju Banton, and Luciano.
Briggie's first studio experience came during high school, when the 12 Tribes of Israel’s Orthodox record label sought a young artist for a track called “Wise Father.” Sangie Davis was working on the project with Dan Hudson and The Seers and approached Briggie based on his growing reputation. Shortly thereafter, he was picked up from school and taken to Studio 2000, where producer Steely recorded his contribution to the track.
However, after being expelled from school, Briggie moved to England, where he settled in Manchester to be near family and friends connected to the 12 Tribes. He became a regular performer on the 12 Tribe Sound and participated in stage shows. Along with other young members of the organization, Briggie co-founded the sound system “Music Mafia.” This new UK-based collective introduced him to different musical styles, including UK Garage and Grime, which he adapted to by transposing his Reggae lyrics. Music Mafia collaborated closely with the Northampton-based sound system Jah Troopers, leading Briggie to relocate to Northampton and officially join the group.
After five years in the UK, Briggie returned to Jamaica in 2004. His musical activities were limited to occasional dubplates and small performances until he connected with Exile di Brave. At that time, Exile was known for his Hip Hop remixes and operated a small project studio in Papine, which became a gathering place for Briggie and fellow artists such as Michah Shemiah, Eesah Ackime, Hempress Sativa, Kazam Davis, and Rassy Hardknocks, where they collaborated on songs.
The first significant project from this collective was Micah Shemiah’s “Dread at Control,” featuring Hempress Sativa, TJ (Likkle Briggie), Eesah, and Infinite. The song was released on both 7” and 12” vinyl, and its music video was shot at the Kingston Dub Club in tribute to event organizer Gabre Selassie.
Up until this point, Briggie had primarily been a Sound System Dee-Jay, relying on freestyled lyrics. This experience encouraged him to begin writing his own songs, culminating in the recording of his debut EP, “The Rising of the Son.” One evening, while relaxing at the studio, a friend returning to Europe gifted them two turntables and a mixer. This prompted the group to set up for a live session, which marked the beginning of “Vinyl Thursdays,” a weekly event that gained international recognition, drawing university students, tourists, and veteran artists such as Lone Ranger, Eek a Mouse, Carl Dawkins, and Brigadier Jerry.
The collective formed the “King Harar Sound System,” recruiting DJ Natty, a record salesman from Chyna, as their selector. DJ Natty, who also produced music, later collaborated with Briggie on a track featuring Kumar from Raging Fire. Briggie has also worked with Lady G and, more recently, Italian reggae artist Giallo Man.
In addition to his music career, Briggie has appeared in TV commercials for the US Embassy, National Cream Crackers, and Juicy Patti. In 2018, his distinctive style caught the attention of Levi’s Clothing, leading to a photoshoot inspired by the classic 1978 film "Rockers."
Briggie has recently reconnected with Jah Troopers and is currently focused on creating new material.