Yard Hip Hop artist Edley Shine, one half of the 1990s hit making duo “Born Jamericans” has released a solo single “Billi.” The new single by Shine who was the DJ-toaster of the group with a raspy baritone seems to be inspired by dancehall newcomer Valiant as the chorus talks about “Kotch E Hat” and follows his last solo effort “Active.”
“Being a global artiste, I think the song has the potential to bridge the gap between my era and young Jamaica. My core fan base listens to Hip Hop, 90’s Dancehall and traditional Reggae. I have always been a combination of those elements, so this is just me channeling the younger sound of Dancehall to my audience,” Edley said in a statement to WMV.
The Roe Summerz produced track “Billi” is released by Shinealous Records and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
Among Edley’s past successes as a member of the group are their two albums Kids From Foreign (1994) and Yardcore (1997) which at charted No. 2 on the Billboard Reggae albums chart as well as the U.S. R&B albums charts. Kids From Foreign peaked at No. 188 on the Billboard 200.
“Send You My Love,” their biggest single, peaked at No. 72 on the U.S. Hot 100 chart.
Although Edley doesn’t live in Jamaica, he says he stays close to his Jamaicans roots.
“I always want my song to reach as many listeners as possible. It starts with Jamaica, but I don’t live on the island,so it’s important I hire a Jamaican team just to build awareness that my song is out there. It’s my way of staying connected and contributing,” he stated.
The bass-heavy deejay, who can flip Dancehall and Hip Hop styles at any given time, is currently globetrotting on his “Classic Meets Current Tour,” with sold out shows in Colombia, Dominican Republic and Ecuador.
“I have to create my own highlight reels in this business of music. I realize my image makes people think I have it all, but it’s just hard work and determination that really drives me to continue on this musical journey. I’m blessed after all these years of being an older artiste to still be a part of the music and able to do so independent of the mainstream music industry,” he stated.
