Acclaimed producer JonFX is back—making his way from behind the board onto the mic—with the release of his nostalgic new single “Rudeboy.” While it shares a title with Rihanna’s chart-topping hit, JonFX’s version takes a different route, diving deep into his Jamaican roots to deliver a one-drop revival that’s both authentic and fresh, steering clear of the typical lyrical tropes of violence or profanity.
“It’s a nostalgic record, a throwback to the ‘70s era of Jamaica,” he tells World Music Views in an exclusive interview. “Same drums, same analog effects—we did it authentic. I sound like a rudeboy, but without the violence. It’s the energy and attitude of that time.”
Known for crafting hits across reggae, hip-hop, and dancehall, the timing of FX’s new single aligns with a growing wave of global artists leaning into roots reggae. Pointing to Burna Boy’s use of one-drop on Sweet Love, released just one day before Rudeboy on YouTube, he says it’s a sign that the sound is ripe for resurgence.
“I had this track from 2023, and when I saw Burna dropping something in the one-drop lane, I felt inspired to release mine too. But it’s not about following—this is what I do. This is who I am.”
Though known today for his work with rising and legacy Jamaican stars, JonFX was appointed as a governor on the board of the Florida Grammy Chapter in 2018 and his catalog is decorated with several international successes. His production credits include:
XxxTentacion’s “Jocelyn Flores” – a multi-platinum hit Gyptian’s “I Can Feel Your Pain” and I Can Feel Your Pain album Sizzla’s “I’m Yours” – his highest-charting album, hitting No. 2 on Billboard Reggae albums chart. He provided XXXtentacion’s Royalty with Ky-Mani Marley, Stefflon Don and Vybz Kartel. “Royalty” peaked at No. 1 on the now defunct Billboard Reggae Singles chart. His other production and engineering credits are on tracks by Alaine, Jah Cure, and many others.
JonFX has high praise for both Vybz Kartel and the late XXXTentacion, calling them visionaries who knew exactly what they wanted.
“These talented artists, they have something in common, Kartel, Xxxtentacion and Sizzla, they are strong willed but I think I was blessed with the personality to morph into what you want me to do so I never had any kind of resistance with any of these artists. X was a young man but he knew exactly what he wanted. I just had to just be there and do exactly what he want so he was smooth to work with.”
Royalty which also features Ky-Mani Marley and Stefflon Don was recorded and released in 2019 when Kartel was incarcerated. “But his (Kartel’s) brilliance is undeniable,” Jon says. “And X was the same. Young, but laser-focused. He knew his purpose and didn’t waste time.”
Dancehall’s New Era
Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel pack arenas in the U.S., JonFX believes dancehall is primed for a full-scale resurgence—not just on stage, but on record.
“This is the easy part, normally we would have needed the record and the movement to start charging the shows, but the money is here and people paying the price. he says. “All we need now is the records to be able to compete and to do what it used to do because it’s the old records people are performing because they want to feel the same way. It’s happening, Reggae didn’t go anywhere. They are always comparing Afrobeats but now Burna(Boy) doing One Drop. All we had to do was keep the authentic sound.”
He notes that while California’s hybrid reggae scene (often dubbed “white reggae”) has kept the one-drop alive, Jamaica needs to reclaim its musical narrative.
“They have an issue because their sound needs some creativity because it’s easy to string up a live band and sing something on to of it but they you have a younger audience and people know what to look for with the one drop but sometimes you wanna catch the youngsters too. it takes creativity to do that because things are growing. The rudeboy culture is Jamaican to the core,” he says. “Other places borrowed it, renamed it, but we have the roots. It’s time to show the world what authentic sounds like.”
A Possible JonFX Tour?
While JonFX is known more as a behind-the-scenes mastermind, the possibility of a tour featuring his production hits—and surprise guest performances—may not be far off.
“I’ve been thinking about a JonFX Live showcase. Bring out the artists I’ve worked with—Sizzla, Kartel, Gyptian. Just like a DJ Khaled-style set but with real musicianship,” he teases. “May 31 is my birthday. I’m planning something for that. Will be launching in Miami and will be doing it in Jamaica too.”
JonFX also wants his latest track to be a blueprint for younger artists: stay in your range, respect the craft, and learn the roots.
“I can perform ‘Rudeboy’ live because it’s in my vocal range, it’s honest. I want to teach new and even big artists that if you do stuff in your range you can sing it live. it’s easy for me to do if I am called upon to perform it anywhere. I may bring some artists on tour that I worked with.”
Inspired by his upbringing in Portmore and Olympic Gardens, and shaped by sounds of the streets and the church, JonFX’s “Rudeboy” is a celebration of culture, resilience, and timeless rhythm.
“I lived in Portmore and went I church in Olympic Way so there was war and there was also dane and grew up watching rude-boys they like to dress sharp, but they don’t want the video light on them. That baseline made gangsters dance. That’s what I’m bringing back. This record the drum pattern is similar to Fade Away. I was also watching a movie called Rudeboy that Trojan released while I was making the track in my car.”
“Rudeboy” is now available on all streaming platforms. Stay locked to World Music Views for the official video drop, upcoming behind-the-scenes content, and details on JonFX’s next live event.
