RealMRCarty
For this week’s Hot Seat, Out N About interviewed RealMRCarty, a hip hop artiste right here on St. Maarten/St. Martin. He tells us all about his career, experiences, philosophies and what he loves about the island.
1: Please introduce yourself.
I am a musical artiste, and I go by the name RealMRCarty, but I was born Jonathan Carty on the beautiful island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. I am a contemporary hip-hop artiste now based in the Netherlands. I relocated in 2009, and have been recognised for my unique blend of Caribbean influences and modern hip-hop, delivering emotionally resonant lyrics and versatile soundscapes. My music reflects our rich cultural heritage, drawing from genres like reggae, into my primary hip-hop style. I love everything about St. Maarten/St. Martin since it is my home, where I was born and raised.
2: How would you describe your music style?
As an independent artiste, producer, and creative who uses music as a way to express my real-life experiences, emotions, and cultural identity, my style is a fusion of Caribbean rhythms and modern hip-hop. I like to describe it as conscious, melodic, and raw – like something that speaks from the soul, but still hits with rhythm and bounce. I draw a lot from genres like reggae, dancehall, soca and pop, blending those sounds with trap, boom bap, and contemporary hip-hop. It’s music with a message, but it’s also music you can move to. My goal is to inspire, uplift, and reflect the life I live and the people I represent.
3: Can you tell us about growing up on the island and how that developed you as a diverse and soulful individual?
Growing up on the island exposed me to a rich mix of Caribbean, European, and international influences that continue to shape who I am today, both personally and musically. I attended Hillside Christian School in St. Peters. I speak English fluently. I also speak Spanish (because my mother is from Santo Domingo), Dutch (from school), and Papiamentu (through my grandfather and family connections). I understand some French as well (from the French side of the island), thanks to my family there. Coming from the island, I learned that knowing many languages is very useful, so I am always interested in keeping an open mind to learn more!
4: How did you get started in the music industry?
My journey into music started early, I would say that during my school days, we used to freestyle by the water cooler at Hillside for break. Growing up, my big brother and other family members were into music that was just a natural part of my everyday life. From a young age, I was surrounded by diverse genres, from reggae to pop. All this exposure inspired me to explore my own sound.
I began writing and recording my own music as a teenager, using whatever resources I had – from simple home setups from phones, to tablets. Over time, I honed my craft and started sharing my work online, which gradually helped to build my audience. Moving to the Netherlands in 2009 expanded my opportunities and exposure, allowing me to connect with a broader music community and other professional collaborators. It’s been a combination of passion, persistence, and learning that got me where I am today, and I’m still growing every day.
5: Why did you choose to have a career in music?
Music kind of chose me, as I never set out to be a rapper – and even now, I don’t necessarily see myself as one. At first, writing was a way for me to clear my mind, to put everything on paper and make sense of my thoughts. I was around studios and the music scene, but I never thought seriously about making it my career. Then one day, I just woke up and realised I could do this, I could share my life and my story from my own perspective. That’s when it clicked for me, and I decided to put myself out there. It’s been a natural progression from there.
6: What do you love about working in the music industry?
I’m really proud to work with so many talented artistes connected to the island and beyond – from family like my cousin Simpletune in St. Maarten and Rawmny Wildcat, in Canada, who is originally from Ethiopia, to artistes like BG Status, Thabosster21, and J Ecnore from Suriname, and Saah from St. Maarten. I’ve also collaborated with Chano D, another cousin from St. Maarten, as well as Latiyah Artist, Freddie, a well-known producer in Philipsburg with Ignite Records and Shawn Haddocks from St. Peters.
Other great talents I’ve worked with include Jizy Jones, Oneness with their big hit “Family Over Friends,” Sigma Defence, S-J(y, Menelik Arnell, from the French side of the island, Leo Da Reaper, Dvnzo also from the French side, Kewis, Alexandra Heem from the French side, we’ve got two big bangers together PULL UP, GONE! And Out the Soil. Also, G.O.D. AL MIGHTY from St. Maarten has a banger called “Buh How” on his Album St. Maarten Rap Vol.1 that’s making waves.
7: Would you like to mention any other milestones in your career?
Over the past two years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of talented artistes and organisations, both locally and internationally. One significant milestone was performing (at the renowned New Skool Rules festival in Rotterdam, where I joined a global line-up of urban artistes and industry professionals. This experience not only broadened my network but also deepened my understanding of the international music scene. I had the honour of participating in a freestyle session organised by VijfVier in Den Haag. VijfVier is a prominent hip-hop platform known for showcasing emerging talent and fostering community engagement through events like “It’s Just Begun.”
8: Tell us a bit more about your experience in this creative profession.
My experience in music has been a journey of discovery, growth, and connection. From writing my first lyrics as a way to clear my mind, to collaborating with a wide range of artistes across different countries, it’s been about constantly evolving. At the core, this profession is about sharing my truth and connecting with people through music, and that’s what drives me every day.
9: What are your other interests outside of music?
Outside of music, I’m really active and love diving into lots of creative and physical activities. I enjoy painting, drawing, reading and writing – anything that lets me express ideas and explore new perspectives. I’m also into biking and working out to keep my energy up and my mind sharp. I have a passion for photography and videography, which ties into my music projects, as well as designing clothes and crafting belts. Cooking and trying different foods is another way I connect with culture and creativity. I believe that if you put your mind to something and focus, you can make it happen.
10: Have you released any albums recently?
Yes, my latest album, I’m Good, was released in 2025. This project is a culmination of two years of hard work, featuring 35 tracks that showcase my growth and experiences. While I had initially planned to release it in 2024, certain setbacks made the delay worthwhile, allowing me to refine the project to its fullest potential. “I’m Good” is available on various streaming platforms, offering listeners a deep dive into my musical journey and the diverse influences that have shaped my sound.
11: What is your favourite place for a meal or a night out in St. Maarten/St. Martin and would you recommend it to someone visiting the island?
Nothing beats a good BBQ and some fresh Johnny cake, especially across GEBE – y’all know the family; he puts a lot of love in the food. Then there’s the strip by Simpson Bay – so many spots packed with flavour and great vibes. And you can’t forget those burgers in St. Peters – perfect when you just want to chill and not leave the neighbourhood. Fish is everywhere; and every part of the island has its own hidden gems.
I always tell tourists to explore the local spots, not just the big hotels and fancy restaurants. Some of the best flavours in the world are right here, passed down through generations – some even before some of the schools existed! It’s that authentic taste and culture that really makes St. Maarten special.
12: What makes St. Maarten magical to you?
St. Maarten is my home, where I was born, where my roots are, where my family and school shaped who I am. No matter how far I travel or how long I’m gone, I always come back. It’s more than just a place – it’s the soil that nourishes me. Even though I’ve been away for years – I know I’m not the only one who feels this way – St. Maarten is where I have to give back, to honour what people have built, and to protect it so it’s never taken away. That connection, that responsibility, makes this island truly magical to me.
13: What travel plans or exciting projects do you have in store for this year?
God spare life, 2025 is already looking promising. Me and Simpletune are in talks about Ch*sing 2, a follow-up project where we plan to bring in new talent from St. Maarten and really push that hot island sound to the world. It’s something truly epic in the works, and we want it to represent not just us, but the next generation of artistes coming up.
14: Was there ever a moment in your career where everything went wrong, but it still turned out right?
Honestly? Every breakup I ever thought was “the one”. At the time, it felt like my world flipped, but each one gave me the space to grow and create; some of my best music came from those moments. So I have learned the biggest lesson: “that life goes on.”
15: If your music had a flavour or a dish, what would it be and why?
It would be like a soup that is rich, full of different ingredients, flavours, and surprises. I make so much music in so many styles, you can’t box me in. And now I'm starting to tap deeper into my Spanish roots too. I got the DNA for this; it’s all in the mix.
16: What’s the wildest or most unforgettable thing a fan has ever said or done?
Man, where do I start? I’ve had fans say I sound like Tupac ENERGY … people screenshot their album purchases the same day it drops, call me the GOAT, a living legend, the only one to do it from where we’re from. Some still show love since my very first show, SpeakersOnFire, which I hosted myself. The turnout shocked me.
17: When you’re not being “RealMRCarty,” who are you?
To some, I’m Jona. To others, I’m JC. Overseas, from when I was young, people call me by those names. People from back in the day – my real ones – they call me by my last name, Carty. Only a few even call me Jonathan. But the truth is I never switched up. No matter where I go or what I do, I’ve always stayed me.
18: What does your latest album, I’m Good, represent for you?
“I’m Good” is more than just an album, it’s the result of two years of blood, sweat, and creativity. With 35 songs, it’s a deep dive into my life, my roots, and my growth as an artiste. The album is packed with collaborations from some of the biggest names connected to me and my island. I’m proud of every beat, every verse, and every voice that helped bring “I’m Good” to life.
Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to make waves in the music industry with his music Streaming & Discovery Spotify.
