Gappy Ranks

Jacob Lee Williams (born c. 1983), known professionally as Gappy Ranks, is an English dancehall artist of Jamaican and Dominican heritage from Harlesden, London. Raised in challenging circumstances that included periods of homelessness after leaving school, he eventually found stability through music. He began his career as part of the UK dancehall collective Suncycle, alongside artists such as Redmann, Lady Chann, and Naff Skrilla, before leaving the group in 2004 to pursue a solo career. Adopting the name Gappy Ranks—originally performing as Daddy Gappy—he began gaining recognition in the mid-2000s through mixtape appearances, award wins, and high-profile collaborations. In 2005, he won Best Song at the Silk Awards for “Little Understanding” and featured on the UK-charting single “What We Do” by Kray Twinz. His profile continued to rise with major live performances, studio work at Jet Star Records, and his debut appearance at Jamaica’s prestigious Sting event in 2009. In 2010, he signed with Greensleeves Records and released his debut album Put the Stereo On, earning a MOBO Award nomination for Best Reggae Act. From 2011 onward, Gappy Ranks expanded his global reach with extensive international touring and releases on his own Hot Coffee Music label, including the album Thanks & Praise. He performed at major festivals and iconic venues worldwide, appeared on Later… with Jools Holland, and responded to global events with socially conscious music such as the tribute track “I Was There” following the 2011 Japan earthquake. Alongside his recording career, he became an active producer, supporting numerous reggae and dancehall artists, and continued to release new projects and collaborations, solidifying his reputation as one of the UK’s leading contemporary dancehall figures.