If you keep up on the latest hip-hop, you’ve probably already heard the True Emotions riddim from Jamaica’s Troyton Music. The instrumental turns up on DJ Khaled’s new album Grateful, in the form of Mavado’s “Unchanging Love.” (It’s one of two songs featuring dancehall artists on the LP — the other being the opening track with Sizzla)
Troyton, whose previous dancehall productions include Dexta Daps’ “7 Eleven” and Christopher Martin’s “I’m a Big Deal,” (both on 2014’s Intoxxicated riddim) has assembled a heavyweight cast of reggae all-stars for True Emotions, a release that’s three years in the making.
The marquee name at the top of the riddim’s roster is Beres Hammond, with “Can’t Say.” It’s been a while since we’ve heard new music from the King of Jamaican Lovers Rock — at least a few years — making his appearance all the more welcome. “Beres Hammond is selective with who he works with, he is familiar with my previous productions and showed a respect for my work,” Troyton Music says. “Over time we built a friendship discussing music and some of my values and goals. It was chemistry.
Moving down the lineup, we also find tracks from Jah Cure, Mavado, Tarrus Riley, Christopher Martin, I-Octane, Alaine, Lutan Fyah, Charly Blacks, Jahmiel, Bugle and Ikaya. Also featured are rising star Deep Jahi, who’s set to perform at next month’s Reggae Sumfest, and newcomer Theron.
“I always have at least one young talent on each production,” Troyton says. “When you have a young artist that has a breakout song on your project, it helps to make the project even bigger. People will get excited and begin talking about the new artist, their style, the song. I will always be a believer in young talent. To break a young artist into the industry and to let the world know him for ‘the song’ is a feeling beyond compare.”
“Deep Jahi has a buzz in the streets but has not had the big break he is destined for as yet and Theron who is also my cousin has a track that I wrote which makes it even more special to me. Family.”
Get a first listen to the riddim, available for iTunes pre-sale this Friday and officially dropping July 14th, right here in the form of a mega-mix from DJ Kurt Riley.