Ricky Palmer, better known as Ricky Platinum, has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and high-energy DJs representing dancehall in the United States. From humble beginnings in a music-loving Jamaican household to sharing stages with icons like Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer, Ricky’s story is one of cultural preservation, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the sound system tradition.
A Musical Foundation Rooted in Family
“I grew up around it,” says Platinum. “Every Saturday after cleaning, my father would play music, and it became tradition. My twin sister and I would mimic my parents dancing. That’s where the joy started.”
Years later, at age 17, Ricky got his first formal break through his uncle “Blakka Platinum” who introduced him to a sound called Black Zone. From there, his journey took off—not as a singer or a hype man first, but as a selector who “had a good ear for music” and knew how to move the crowd. Over time, he added mic skills to his arsenal, evolving into a full-fledged DJ and MC.
From 90s Soul to 2000s Swag
Although his career kicked off in the 2000s, Ricky holds deep respect for the 90s dancehall era. “That’s what I learned to play music with,” he says. “So even though I came up during the 2000s, I have an old soul.” His sets are now a blend of generational classics and modern anthems, keeping both eras alive on dancefloors.
Ricky’s view on what qualifies as “old school” is also evolving. “A song like ‘Baby Father’ used to feel new—but now, that’s almost 20 years old. Time’s flying, and the 2000s are starting to feel like the new 90s.”
Opening for Vybz Kartel: A Defining Moment
One of Ricky’s standout performances this year was opening for Vybz Kartel’s first U.S. appearance at the Barclays Center in New York—a milestone event that unified generations of fans. “It was my first time working with CJ Milan, and that crowd was special—young, old, first-time Kartel watchers, and lifelong Gaza fans all in one space. The energy was unmatched.”
He’s also set to open for Bounty Killer’s upcoming U.S. performance on July 5, and he expects it to draw an even wider range of dancehall lovers. “Bounty is an icon,” Ricky says. “People who haven’t been to a dance in six years are coming out for this.”
The Platinum Vibe
A standout trait of Ricky Platinum’s style is his intentional sobriety and focus. “I don’t drink or smoke. I walk around the energy before I go on stage. I study the crowd and see where the level can be elevated.” That mental clarity and crowd awareness define his performances, which he describes as “vibe-driven and purposefully energetic.”
“You can’t ask people to dance and jump if you’re not doing it yourself,” he says. “I lead with joy.”
Although born in Brooklyn and raised in Maryland, Ricky’s roots are firmly Jamaican—his family hails from Clarendon. “I grew up in the DMV, but always around culture. That’s what shaped me. I represent that Jamaican-American experience fully.”
Now, as his career continues to rise, he’s focused on bringing authentic dancehall to new audiences while honoring its legacy. “People are finally recognizing what I bring. And I just want to do it in a special way—for the culture.”
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Ricky Platinum is not just a DJ—he’s a conductor of energy, a student of sound system culture, and a bridge between generations of dancehall lovers.
