Fifth Element Records brings back the one drop

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

Fifth Element Records has over the years, been known to consistently churn out hit songs. It is also known for producing and bringing to the forefront of reggae music, some of Jamaica's best reggae artistes.

Think of mega-hits such as Chuck Fenda's I Swear, Richie Spice's Marijuana, Anthony Cruz's Mama's Blessing, and Etana's Wrong Address.

That's just a small portion of the work that Fifth Element Records is responsible for.

Now, in an attempt to bring back the vibe of yesteryear, the producers at Fifth Element Records have decided to remake the popular, long-time rhythm, Two Year Old.

The original rhythm was done over 20 years ago by veteran producers at Jah Life Records, Hyman Wright and Percy Chin. It then featured songs such as I-Roy's Two Year Old A Solid Gold, King Kong with Can't Stand Me and Peter Metro's Obeah In America.

Devon Wheatley, CEO of Fifth Element Records explained to The Gleaner the reason for the remake saying, "We wanted to bring back a one-drop vibe but with a sound that the people are already familiar with."

He continued, saying the producer Dretex came up with the idea, but that everybody in the organisation loved it and agreed to do it.

moving major units

The rhythm was released late last year and since its release it has been moving major units on iTunes.

The difference in this version of the rhythm Wheatley said, is the variation in sound.

"Well we've tried to give it a more modern sound. And while doing so we tried not to lose the old flavour, but give a newer feel to it. We're just trying to get the young people moving to the one-drop rhythms again," he said.

Several artistes are featured on the rhythm. Among them include, Natural Black, Khristopher, Macka Diamond, Chris Howell, Tony Curtis and Lex.

Doing well

According to Wheatley, the rhythm has been doing extremely well since its release.

"The reception has been great, I'm not gonna tell no lie. People have been responding to it very well. Everywhere mi go, mi hear it a play."

It came as no surprise to him as his expectations of the remake was nothing less.

Meanwhile, Fifth Element Records has been busy putting together an album, which is due for release soon.

Natural Black's album, Revolution, is also being completed and a release date has been set for this summer.

The work never stops for Fifth Element Records, said Wheatley.

"We just want the people know that we're still around, live and in living colours. We're still here making our contribution to the reggae music industry."

The new kid on the block for Fifth Element Records is 21-year-old Jamaican-born rapper, Duce Califa, who brings a hip-hop sound to his music.

His debut album, Stones In Canaan is being completed, and the first single from the album, My Life, will be released later this month.

Right now the main focus of the group is to get the 2011 ball rolling with their flagship artiste Natural Black, and to make known to the world, younger artistes such as Chris Howell, Khristopher, Duce Califa, Hard Dayz and Garnet Jr.