Born Jacob Williams In Harlesden To A Jamaican Father And Dominican Mother, He Dealt With Numerous Obstacles Including Homelessness After Leaving School. Once He Overcame These Issues He Joined Up With Childhood Friend And Fellwo Artist Reddman (UK), And Was Enlisted Into The UK Dancehall Collective Suncycle, Along With Local Artists Such As Cash Money, Lady Chann And Naff Skrilla. Their First Album Titled Suncycle Included Ranks' Homage To His Hometown "Harlseden". Their Second Album I Am Somebody Was Released On The UK Label Jamdown Records. Ranks Left The Group In 2004 And Began His Solo Career.
Nicknamed 'Gappy' Due To The Gap Between His Front Teeth, He Initially Worked Under The Name 'Daddy Gappy', Before Opting For The Cutting Ranks-Influenced 'Gappy Ranks'.