Aidonia hints at another imminent project, Valiant’s debut mixtape expected soon, Teejay aims for major collaborations while Kraff, I-Octane & more all in EP mode. We reviewed a few
F-L: Aidonia, Kraff, Valiant & Pablo YG, working on their craft (Kyro Smoke, Tejano Taylor)
We are now in July and the summer is already here, it seems that quite a few intriguing projects are about to be released into the musical space. If this year was seemingly quiet in terms of compilations, we can safely say that’s about to change.
With Popcaan releasing his ‘GIHE’ album in January, followed by Yaksta with his debut project, '22' in February, there are a number of Albums, EPs & mixtapes to follow suit. Here are some of the more noteworthy mentions.
Aidonia, 'Don't Regular' (300KJa)
Aidonia – ‘Occupied Mind’
Aidonia has been consistently releasing singles recently and continues to tease his upcoming project, titled, 'Occupied Mind'. Along with his record label, Banga House Music Group, the veteran Deejay demonstrates his lyrical skills, wordplay and delivery on several singles that cover a variety of relevant topics. From his latest set of releases; 'Gadly' and 'We Doh Regular' which are both slated to be included on the project, it is still unclear if the singles ‘Faith’, ‘Big Red Boot’, ‘Woie’ and 'Fresh Drop' are included on the project. The ‘4th Genna’ deejay is currently working on the highly anticipated product.
Teejay – ‘I Am Chippy’
In a post on his Instagram page on April 5th, Teejay announced the release of his debut project, 'I Am Chippy'. The ‘Uptop Boss’ is relatively keeping a veil of secrecy when it comes to the EP, however, he has revealed in a recent interview that it will be an 8-track project including a major collaboration with one of dancehall’s more recent artistes to cross over into the US market, Skillibeng. The project, which is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2023, will also offer the smash hit 'Drift' with the artiste also promising an uncompromising climb in his lyrical game, more diversity and international appeal. Will the anticipated remix of ‘Drift’ be included? Only time will tell.
Valiant – ‘4:14’
The fast-rising dancehall artiste who made an incredible surge in the industry in the last leg of 2022, continues to soar and has now officially launched his debut project at a star-studded event in Kingston. The mixtape, '4:14’ by the ‘Diplomats' artiste features major collaborations, as already revealed on the track 'Real Estate' with Skillibeng & Kraff. Valiant has also hinted at a collaboration with British-Jamaican superstar, Stefflon Don. The project which was described by a source close to the artiste as "the best outta Jamaica" is about to be released on July 7, and includes the trending single 'Muhammad'.
Kraff – ‘We Are Budu’
Another fast-rising dancehall artiste Kraff, who continues to maintain the moniker of darkness launched his debut EP, '11:11' last year, will follow up with a new project under the name, 'We Are Budu'. Kraff, who has publicly stated that he is dedicating this project to his fans, has also hinted at some big collaborations on the project, one of which is expected to be with dancehall heavyweight, Tommy Lee Sparta.
Kraff, working mode (Tejano Taylor)
I-Octane – ‘Dancehall Gift’
Following the release of the album, ‘I Am Great’ last year, dancehall artiste, I-Octane is back with his sixth studio album entitled, ‘Dancehall Gift’. Octane once again teams up with the renowned producer, Seanizzle, hoping to 'Speed Up The Process', one of the singles that will appear on the 10-track album. The artiste is currently promoting the single, ‘Keep It Coming’ from the Pied Piper riddim by ZJ Liquid of H2O Productions with the album’s also scheduled release date being July 7th.
Pablo YG – ‘Bad Juvi'
One of the rising names in the local industry, Pablo YG, is set to release his debut project under the name, 'Bad Juvi', also the nickname he gained since gaining popularity. The 14-Track mixtape features some interesting collaborations including the likes of Skillibeng, Bayka, the dancehall diva, Moyann, and 450 who is paired on his recent release 'Gyal Magnet'. His top songs, ‘Fada Fada’, as well as the collaboration, ‘King Of The Coast’ with fellow north coast artistes, Jahvillani and Kraff, released earlier this year will also appear on the project.
Biggs Don – ‘D^D’
For the dancehall newcomer, Biggs Don, the story is a bit more complicated. After his impactful smash hit single, "Bwoii Affi', which earned him a short slot in Shenseea’s Reggae Sumfest set last year, he seemingly went off the grid for a while and is now back, returning more mature and with a debut project. The new single 'Don Dem', already released should be included in the Mandeville-based artiste’s project.
Tatik – ‘Powaful’
The talented and highly promising singer, Tatik also hinted at his debut EP titled 'Powaful' slated to be released closer to the end of the year. The Kingston-based rising talent has impressed in his first-ever show in Germany at the renowned ‘Summer Jam’ festival and is about to transition to EP mode when he returns to the island. His leading single, 'Strongest Soldier List' is approaching the landmark of a million views on YouTube and will feature on the track list alongside 'Leggo Me Ears' featuring Valiant & the unreleased single, 'Ambition', according to sources close to Kaboom Magazine.
We are at the advanced stage of the year with only a few months left until the end of 2022, and dancehall heavyweights, Bounty Killer, Spice and Masicka are all also working on new albums. Stay tuned for the updates on these and much more.
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