Over 15 years ago, the groundbreaking act Born Jamericans made their debut Kids from Foreign on Cali imprint Delicious Vinyl. Following this effort up with Yardcore, the group’s eclectic fusion of hip hop and dancehall was a bit before it’s time. But never-the-less, the duo made their mark on fans through out the world — for they brought elements of dancehall culture to the mainstream.
Edley Shine rose to fame as the larger-than-life DJ whose trademark bass heavy voice ripped through infinite hits like “Boom Shak a-Tack,” “Warning Sign,” “Cease and Seckle” and many others. It was his piercing microphone skills that indisputably wooed the ladies, motivated the gents and kept the vibes flowin’ from start to finish.
Although Born Jamericans weren’t able to weather the storm, one half of the former act Edley Shine has continued to rule his destiny. Of late, the DJ has been busy dropping bangers on the underground and mixtape circuits. As June came to a close, he was off to Chile, South America with Mad Lion to celebrate the release of his red hot new mixtape Edley Shine Foreign’s Finest, Street Mix Volume 1 (Bandulu Records and One Draww Sound).
Available at www.mediafire.com/?nztm1d20l3m, this mixtape boasts pure fire — including the smashes “Boned Love” and “Drop a Sleep.” Without a doubt, Edley Shine also puts it down on his latest singles “Bashment Girl” over the Lookgal riddim and “Try No Go Round It” on the Unfinished Business riddim.
Both July and August are destined to be chock-full for Edley Shine, as he is recording tracks for a back-to-school mixtape for the fall and prepping for monstrous birthday bashes to be celebrated in Washington D.C. (July 26 – Setting Night Club) and Los Angeles. There is no question that he will use these events to promote his new music.
As you read this, the DJ is negotiating a distribution deal to secure getting the hottest “riddims” distributed in America without a hitch. All the while, Edley remains humble about his vibrant past, viewing it as a true learning experience. When asked about the most important thing he learned over the years, without much thought he blurted, “Loyalty is everything. Everyone entering the business should know this.”
The sky is certainly the limit for Edley Shine as he gets in gear for forthcoming opportunities. In addition to releasing fiery music, it’s clear where else his passion lies. “In the next few years, I want to be the eyes and ears of the people dem – bridging the gap between Jamaica and America……… I think that I can provide dancehall artists in Jamaica with a great understanding of the American music business and vice versa,” says Edley Shine with sincerity. “My whole purpose is to entertain and educate all rising artists, from the gullies and trenches to the garrison. And of course, I want to sell a million records, who doesn’t?”
Impressively, Edley Shine has already started on his career quest by working with upcoming artists Carlissa Meeks and Bolo, who kills it on “Round of Applause”, a spicy counteraction to Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.”
Overall, Edley Shine is confident of a music-filled future. Each day, he wholeheartedly embraces his Jamerican background, a rich recipe of cultures that will inevitably continue to manifest in his music and walk.
To keep up with Edley Shine, visit: http://www.myspace.com/edleyshine.
Flair Lindsey
