Following a coup of one of dancehall music’s most promising acts, Specialist following his departure from Downsound Records, 3R40 Records believes 2015 will be the year their label will make a profound impact on the genre as they promote their soon-to-be-released Hope Zoo Riddim.
The Denham Town-based recording label was originally founded by Akeem ‘Guru’ Greensword, Odean ‘Acka’ Watson and Jason ‘Legen’ Rennick in 2010 after Rennick taught them the basics of production and engineering. After honing their skills, the trio gained confidence in their hit making abilities and are ready to step to the forefront as a result.
3R40 Records made headlines in early January after reports surfaced that Specialist, known for hits such as Hustle, Do For Love (feat. Ishawna) and Dweet (feat. Ninja Man) was joining the label after his contract ended with the Josef Bogdanovich-led Downsound label.
Rennick says when he and his label mates met the deejay, they clicked instantly.
“We met Specialist through a community DJ ,Chris, after hearing one of our projects, No Boots by Raymie Rich on the Hope Zoo Riddim,” he recalls. “He loved what he heard and he sought us out and found us. After vybing in the studio, he liked our passion and work ethic towards the music. We started discussing further work and music with the DJ.”
With Specialist’s endorsement of their 3R40’s talents and structure, Rennick is confident this joint venture will not only boost the label’s profile, but his also.
“I think working with Specialist at 3R40 Records, we can produce good, even great music,” he insists. “We just need the street to play their part by the selectors playing the music and the disc jockeys as well. We are not as wealthy as his former label, but we are dedicated, hard-working individuals towards the music; willing to put out the extra hours to get it right, so we are looking for the support from Jamaica and fans worldwide.”
3R40’s roster also features a number of upstarts looking to make instant splashes on the dancehall scene, such as G-Garrison, DJ Labba and the aforementioned Raymie Rich, among others. All, as well as Specialist, and A Yah So Nice singer, Potential Kidd as well as Zahyah are featured on the Hope Zoo Riddim, which Rennick is sure will bring a very positive, hard-hitting vibe to the music.
“We are set to release Hope Zoo Riddim, which features Specialist with Money Mi a Pree, Potential Kidd – No Fraid a No Man, Raymie Rich with the most popular song at the moment, No Boots, G Garrison, DJ Labba, Mario Marz with Badman a Badman and others,” he explained.
The Hope Zoo Riddim is scheduled for release across all digital platforms on January 27.
Other upcoming projects from 3R40 Records include the West Kingston Riddim and Positive Story Riddim, featuring singles from Specialist such as A Duppy Dem and Memba Weh Mi a Come From on those respective projects.
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