Mr Vegas says his musical identity was largely formed in the 1990s, a period when rub-a-dub dominated dancehall and performers such as Shabba Ranks helped shape his taste.
That influence now guides him behind the mixing board. The deejay and producer has returned to that era’s energy on Open Land Riddim, a seven-track EP he co-produced with Kisko Hype for his MV Music imprint.
According to Mr Vegas, the project was built to reflect the period when major dancehall records were being crafted by producers including Steely and Clevie, Dave Kelly, Tony Kelly, Danny Browne and Main Street.
Mr Vegas appears twice on the release, delivering Another Blessing and Global Gallis. The remaining vocal cuts are Luv by Kisko Hype, God's Favorite by Konshens, Body Language by Nigy Boy, and Summer High by Mali Alii.
He said selecting artistes with a shared understanding of the music was central to the process. Mr Vegas explained that his aim remains producing genuine dancehall records strong enough to travel internationally, so he seeks voices that can handle a dancehall rhythm. He added that Kisko Hype brought a similar outlook, leading them to build the riddim together.
Best known for hits such as Heads High, I Am Blessed and Do You Know, Mr Vegas has spent more than three decades producing music. His first production was Pan Head’s One Up.
Syndicated from Jamaica Star · originally published .