Rising star Jelani Simmons is creating somewhat of a stir wherever he goes.The 16-year-old rap phenomenon has been called the Island’s answer to superstar Justin Bieber, after leaving a wake of screaming fans at some of the Island’s middle schools during a recent mini-tour.The hip hop artist will take to the stage for the King of Paradise show this Saturday at Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.Named after his latest album, the concert will feature 16 of his hits, including ‘Blue Skies’, ‘Bad Side’ and ‘We Made It’.Local artists Buzby, Fyah B and Krazed Ego will also take to the stage. There will also be a preview of Jelani’s newly launched clothing line, Palm Tree Living.Jelani believes people of all ages can relate to his music.“If you like hip hop then it’s for you, pretty much. I want people to experience a good show [on Saturday] and just experience the performances because all the artists should be on point.“It should be a well organised show and good for all ages to watch.”He maintains he’s always been passionate about hip-hop. He got his professional start four years ago while interning with Glenn Blakeney’s Just Platinum studios.The pandemonium started to reach new levels when he dropped his first mix-tape ‘Life’s A Gamble’ in 2010.His song ‘Blue Skies’ has received more than 58,000 views on social media site YouTube and has been played on popular Caribbean music station Tempo.“That pretty much started me off and that is when I realised music is what I want to do and that hip hop is what I love. That is when I first started getting a following around two years ago,” he said.Jelani now writes his own music, which include songs about day-to-day issues from school and girls to his dreams of making it big.He said he didn’t mind being compared to other teenage pop stars like Justin Bieber.“I believe you are going to get compared to people whatever you do. I appreciate getting compared to other artists, especially if they are doing something big because it makes me feel I can do something big also.”The rapper, who attends Lighthouse Christian Academy, wants to ultimately take his career to the world stage.“I want to take it to the moon and just take it where no one else has been and try to be the best at it. I dream of making it globally, not just even making it in hip hop, but also having clothing lines.”After school most days he can be found in the Near Future Records studio working with beat maker Donald (Detrimental) Robinson and sound-engineer Shane Woodley.Mr Woodley, co-president of music label Near Future, commended Jelani on his dedication and work ethic.Having worked with Jay-Z’s Rockafella label and song writer, Ne-Yo, Mr Woodley said the teenager has what it takes to break into the international market.“I think he is like a student of the game. He listens to all different types of music and he is constantly trying to perfect his craft.“Most people are into it but not so into it. He is completely consumed by the music; he is constantly trying to perfect his craft,” Mr Woodley said.He described Jalani as a “fast worker”, and said the team can often write a song, create the music and record the tune in close to four hours.Mr Woodley promised Saturday night’s event would be “something totally different” as it is headlined by locals and will be an “all around good time”.The event will start at 8.30pm.Tickets, $35 to $75, include a free copy of ‘King of Paradise’ and can be bought at Caesar’s Pharmacy, Fabulous Fashions in Heron Bay Plaza or at Ruth Seaton James.www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkPlUYTnswA