Johnson was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and first began to deejay while still a student at Vauxhall Comprehensive High School.[1] He released his first single ("Dimbo Bucket") in 1984 and worked on sound systems such as Black Stone.[1] He recorded "Madda Mampie" for Tuff Gong Records, and through Tuff Gong producer Tony Kelly he met Dave Kelly, who produced much of his later work, including several Jamaican hit singles.[1][2] Screw also toured as part of Kelly's 'Mad House Crew'