Don Yute reflects on uptown dancehall barriers and US crossover success

Don Yute is looking back on a career he says helped push an uptown voice into dancehall before that lane became more accepted, even as his later work in the United States took him into crossover markets.

The deejay, who emerged in the 1990s and was once signed to Capitol Records, said he never left music, although Jamaican audiences may not have seen him as often in recent years. He pointed to collaborations and connections involving Akon, Pitbull, Trick Daddy and Trina, and said he had recently been working in Miami on a movie project with Safaree.

Don Yute said his early path was difficult because of how he was perceived. He recalled being chased from studios because he was considered uptown, before finding New Name Studio, where he associated the period with artistes and industry figures such as Luciano, Lady Saw and engineer Derrick Barnett. He said he eventually learnt that he could not rely only on producing himself and had to voice for different producers.

Among the songs he highlighted were “Excess Amount of Loving” with Wayne Wonder, “Hardcore” for Steelie and Clevie, “She Gone” and “Remember the Days” with Bushman. He said some deejays embraced him, while others judged him by complexion, class and style.

A trip to Atlanta became a turning point. Don Yute said Little Jon heard his song “Poody Cat” on V-103 and, through Paul Lewis, he was linked to So So Def Bass All-Stars. He said his work on the all-star project connected to the hit “My Boo” and earned him a gold record, changing how he viewed the value of crossover features.

He also reflected on helping others navigate the business, including Mr. Vegas and Sean Paul. Don Yute said Sean Paul was introduced at Sting through arrangements he helped handle, including bookings and travel paperwork. He rejected the idea that later success by artistes he influenced caused resentment, saying a teacher should want students to win.

Looking back, Don Yute said his example helped make the industry feel possible for others from similar backgrounds, including Sean Paul, Tami Chynn and Tessanne Chin.