Reggae-dancehall recording artiste Wesrok is intent on becoming one of the most dominant forces in the industry. That is why he has teamed up with Masicka, one of the leading dancehall figures for a single, Try To Hold Me that has sent dancehall tongues wagging.
The single was released on the Troyton Music and 360 Global Entertainment music labels on October 15th via all digital download online platforms.
“The response to the single has been great so far, from radio disc jockeys and the fans. This song has surprised people because of the content and the delivery. I am teaming up with one of the heavy hitters of dancehall to revolutionise the game, I want to send a special big up to producer Troyton who brought everything together,” Wesrok said.
Earlier this year, Wesrok launched his 7-track album, Look At Me Now, on April 23 which he said streamed well. One of the tracks, Poor Country Boy, has more than 150,000 streams on Spotify. Another single, Left Out in the Dark, has generated over 100,000 streams.
“Masicka’s addition on the track gives the song international appeal similar to the big hit, ‘Over and Over’ with rapper Nelly and Tim McGraw. We’re looking at doing the video next month given the great feedback,” he said.
Masicka is a super talent in his own right. This track shows a new depth to his music that may permeate the upcoming album, which Masicka has dubbed ‘4.3.8’.
Producer Troyton Hinds brought the project together.
“Wesrok had approached me to produce a track for him but based on his direction, I thought a collaboration with a dancehall youngster would shed light on his sound and the direction he is going in. Who had that solid dancehall background who can deejay, and we reached out to Masicka,” producer Troyton Hinds said.
“We went into the studio and created the beat. Wesrok laid down the vocals and we created the beat around it, country-dancehall , with a country guitar to identify that part, and when Masicka comes in, we brought in the dancehall drums and percussion. Masicka loved Wesrok’s vocals, so he jumped in and the rest is history. We’re planning a video, we know it is going to be huge,” Hinds said.
Troyton was awarded Song of the Year for “7Eleven” and Riddim of the Year in 2015 by 21st Hapilos. In 2016, Troyton dominated dancehall with hit singles “Trigger Work It” by Aidonia, “Run Een” by Mavado and “Top Rank” by Masicka & Bounty Killer.
Despite his foray into dancehall, Wesrok has not abandoned his ‘country reggae aspirations’. Wesrok still intends to use his record label, 360 Global Entertainment to create a platform for young artistes who want to experiment with the ‘country reggae’ artform.
“360 Global intends to sign talented young artistes who want to experiment with different genres and tap into the global marketplace. I need anyone who can sing songs that might not fit in with the platforms available in Jamaica,” Wesrok said.
Wesrok (given name Percival Buddan) hails from Swamp Lane in Bog Walk, St Catherine. He’s a past student of Dinthill High School.