VP Records and Ranch Entertainment release new tracks from Shaggy featuring Olaf Blackwood and Junior Cat, merging modern sounds with nostalgic vibes; Spice set to join the project in September
Renowned label VP Records and Shaggy’s Ranch Entertainment drop three new singles as part of the upcoming “Badman” riddim project, on Friday, August 22. Produced by Shaggy and Shane Hoosong, the first two tracks feature Olaf Blackwood, Shaggy, and Junior Cat, offering a fresh take on the iconic "Gunman" riddim originally crafted by Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes. These tracks blend nostalgia with a modern twist for Dancehall fans. The third track, featuring the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, is set to release on September 12.
Junjo’s brass-heavy "Gunman" riddim, known for its role in Michael Prophet's iconic "Gunman," became a sound system staple and a defining track of early ‘80s Dancehall. The upcoming “Badman” riddim series will follow the “juggling” tradition, featuring multiple artists each bringing their unique take to the same instrumental.
The first single, “Selector Pull It,” by Grammy-nominated artist Olaf Blackwood featuring diamond-selling artist Shaggy, celebrates Dancehall’s vibrant culture. The track captures the lively, carefree spirit of dancehall parties, urging the DJ to keep the energy high by replaying the crowd’s favorite tunes. this is first single from Olaf Blackwood’s upcoming album.
Shaggy, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, debuted the song during a live performance on On the Radar Radio in late July. “As a youngster finding my voice, the ‘Gunman’ riddim was one of my go-tos for stage shows, so seeing it come full circle is nothing short of amazing,” said Olaf Blackwood. “Though I cowrote the song with Shaggy, the concept was his idea. He said, ‘We need a song that captures the essence of a ‘dance’—a song that paints a picture of what it was like to be there during those times when songs played to the end.’”
Shaggy added, “Junjo Lawes has always been the producer I associate with sound system music. His heavy drum and bass from the Roots Radics band were synonymous with the sound system movement throughout the ‘80s and early ‘90s. His music isn’t overlooked, but I feel people don’t always identify him with some of those iconic rhythms as much as they should. I've always been a fan of his style, so I wanted to recreate that vibe as a hybrid, adding some new ideas.”
The music video for “Selector Pull It,” directed by Jay Will, immerses viewers in an authentic Kingston dancehall scene, showcasing a lively party set in Jamaica's capital. The video also includes cameos from dancehall legends like Bounty Killer, Gyptian, Boom Boom, and others.
Queen of dancehall Spice, set to join the project soon (Photo: Jamar Cleary)
The second single, “Rude Bwoy Sumthin” by Junior Cat, is aldo drop on August 22. Known as “The Wild Indian” and a veteran of the sound system scene, Junior Cat delivers a track that pays tribute to the original gangster persona in dancehall culture. His lyrics, rich with themes of street credibility and resilience, showcase his distinctive style, bringing vivid storytelling and raw energy to the series.
This partnership between VP Records and Ranch Entertainment follows the success of Shaggy’s previous releases, including the 2023 soca-inspired EP In The Mood.
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