Long time collaborators and friends Blvk H3ro and Wayne J have teamed up once again for the ‘New Millennium’ (EP). The project was inspired by H3ro’s tour with renowned reggae artist Bunny Wailer and his experience of seeing how well dancehall music was received on an international scale. He describes the project as one done in such a way that it translates the rawness and authenticity of the genre for all audiences.
“This project is a modern take on Dancehall,” H3ro says. “This is two yutes paying homage and showing what the foundation of reggae and dancehall can do.”
Released on October 9, ‘New Millennium’ chronicles Blvk H3ro and Wayne J’s journey within the music industry. The work contains seven masterful tracks that cover various themes, including previous singles ‘Original’ and ‘Young Boss’. ‘Original’ kick-starts the storyline with a flashback. It is shown from the perspective of H3ro and Wayne J’s childhood, where they attend an old-school stage show that becomes an important influence on the music they currently create – a true homage to the genre’s roots before introducing their spin on things.
‘Original’ is followed by ‘Young Boss’, a representation of the artists’ rise in the sphere, formatted as a pseudo-flash-forward to highlight where their careers currently stand. ‘Ghetto Queen’ honors women who were instrumental in their lives. ‘#TopTeam’ is reminiscent of the phrase “no man is an island” and is a celebration of the team that has been working with them since the beginning of their musical journey – an ode to unity and togetherness within the industry.
Of course, it would be remiss of the pair to exclude the ‘Most High’ from a body of work. ‘The Ruler’ and ‘Prayer’ offer a more spiritual and meditative tone to the EP. Finally, the climax of the project comes in the form of ‘Young Boss’ Remix, a collaboration with one of dancehall’s current front-runners, Skillibeng.
“The whole thing with the project; from the sound to the artwork to the wording… I want it to really represent where the youth and where the dancehall space is right now,” H3ro says. “Where it can go and how clean it can be and still be riveting and fulla punchlines, and melodies, and musicalities.”
‘New Millennium’ is being released by LA-based label Delicious Vinyl Records, notorious for driving Caribbean talent since its inception. Through their commitment to pushing the reggae and dancehall genres forward, they have supported Blvk H3ro and Wayne J, among numerous Caribbean artists. The project was produced by Top Team, Greatest Records/Bob Riddim, and Kraiggibadart, with executive producer Blvk H3ro. ‘New Millennium’ is available now on all digital streaming platforms.
