Ghetto Youths International crew has been at it again. They recently released the much anticipated EP’s from two Jamaican artists of distinctively different styles and origins. Christopher Ellis “Better Than Love” on Nov. 19 and Wayne Marshall’s “Tru Colors” on Nov. 26.
Reggae and dancehall singer, Wayne Marshall’s original version of “Go Hard” a dancehall banger, featured killer verses from Damian Marley, Bounty Killer, Assassin, Vybz Kartel, Aidonia and I-Octane is now back with a new twist of his 2012 hit “Go Hard” on his EP “Tru Colors” (full album will be available January 2014). The track produced by certified hit-maker Damian Marley, came up with the idea to do a hip-hop version of the song. “We figured the song was doing quite well in the dancehall circuit, why not create a track that’s hard hitting and has an urban underground mixtape feel to it,” said Marshall.
“Damian came up with the beat and the idea for the remix. Through connections we managed to get the track to down South’s hottest rappers, Ace Hood (known for hit songs like Bugatti which features Rick Ross & future) and Waka Flocka (known for the single “No Hands,” which features Roscoe Dash and Wale), along with Jamaica’s dancehall, crooner Baby Cham. Once they heard it, they loved it and that was history,” added Marshall.
Another song on the Tru Color EP, “Stupid Money” features guest vocals from Assassin (he was featured on Kanye West’s Yeezus album on a track called I’m In It) and a children’s chorus over hip-hop production from Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. It is a catchy song with definite cross over to commercial radio.
Christopher Ellis, the son of “The Godfather of Jamaican Rocksteady,” Alton Ellis, is in a class by himself. Although there is audible similarities to his dad, he has managed to blend the old with the new creating a unique sound that is soulful, fresh and alive. His debut EP “Better Than Love” which was produced by Damian Marley and all tracks written my Chris (with a couple of suggestions from labelmates), is a story that’s told from beginning to end. Starting with the emotional roller coaster plagued love stories (Roller Coaster) taking a leap of faith with love (Left Unsaid) it manages to show a modern take on classic rocksteady energy with groovy R&B sounds.
Although both artists are distinctively different in their style of music, it will be worth your while to wait for the full length albums, dropping early next year.
