Words by Kieran Meadows
Jamaican producer Krs. and the singer/songwriter/producer Mars Today have teamed up for a new track out today on Film Noir Sound, featuring vocals from the neo-soul singer Phabo.
The song, “Make It Right,” is a progressive and unique fusion of alt-R&B and lovers/dub reggae (reminiscent of the UK’s Hollie Cook), which effortlessly blends the two naturally smooth genres. Phabo is a relatively unknown vocalist, but has released music in the past via digital labels Feté and Team Supreme.
“‘Make It Right’ is one of the first songs that Phabo and I did together, and I think it really showcases his wide emotive range and smoky tone,” says Mars Today. “I felt like Krs. would be a great co-producer for the record and sent the stems off to Jamaica for him to do his thing. He brought in a local bass player, reworked the drums and really brought it to a whole new level. The goal was to make a timeless yet progressive chune, something that would function as well ten years ago as it would now.”
Krs., a cofounder of the label Film Noir, spends his time between Kingston, Toronto and L.A. He has become known for his flawless flips of dancehall and soca tracks — from the likes of Konshens, Vybz Kartel, Shenseea, J Capri (RIP), Kes the Band, Kerwin Dubois and Angela Hunte, among others — into his own signature style of vibe-y, trap-infused future beats. He recently made his first Boiler Room appearance in Toronto. Mars Today, an L.A.-based artist/producer and frequent Soulection collaborator, released his own soul-styled, understated yet stellar, Bits & Pieces EP this past summer.
The pair of producers worked together earlier this year on LargeUp favorites Los Rakas‘ album Raka Love 2. They have produced and written (either separately or together) for artists including Omarion, Popcaan, Chi Ching Ching, Collie Buddz, Jahkoy, Roy Woods, Ramriddlz and Kyle Dion. Expect a lot more from these two in the coming months.
Stream “Make It Right” below and let us know what you think.