Stephen McGregor creating his own niche

Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor has, over the past decade, built an enviable career for himself, which has seen him working on projects with some of music's biggest celebrities.

Shakira, Ne-Yo, Estelle, Drake and French Montana are just a few of the entertainers on that list. Most recently, it was revealed that McGregor produced two tracks on John Legend's latest album, Bigger Love.

But while McGregor has undoubtedly worked hard to establish himself as one of the best in his field, he acknowledges that as the son of reggae crooner Freddie McGregor, his accomplishments will always be seen by some as 'hand-me-down success'.

Father's legacy

The entertainer told THE WEEKEND STAR that he does not run away from his last name and his father's legacy. He sees it as an honour being born into musical royalty and embraces that birthright wholeheartedly.

"It's an opportunity of a lifetime to be born into the situation that I was born in, and I think it would be a disservice to my father if I tried to downplay it, because he put in a lot of work to be in the position he was in, so that I could start out the way I did," he said. "I can't go into a room with an international artiste and say who my father is and expect that is going to make me get on the project. The work still have to be put in and I still have to perform. In fact, having that kind of name and representing for someone like my father, it comes with great pressure. If you are the offspring of somebody great, then you are expected to perform on the same level or higher."

McGregor added that he knew from the get-go that if he were going to get into music, he would have to carve out a niche for himself, hence why he decided to get into producing.

He expressed that contrary to popular belief, when he just started out in music, many were unaware he was McGregor's son.

"When I started out in music, I came out with a completely different sound and I was working with people like Mavado, Aidonia and a number of other dancehall artistes, so I was in a different lane," he said. "I am proud of my background, I don't shy away from it, but I have built a name for myself by producing quality work."