JahmanSt. Thomas artiste Jahman climbs US Billboard Reggae chart
From Kevin Jackson
The presence of Caribbean nationals entering the Billboard Reggae Album chart continues. The latest is St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, reggae artiste Jahman, who makes his debut on the chart with his fifth studio effort “Altitude.”
The 14-track opus was released June 29 via Splatterhouse Records. Thirteen of the tracks were produced by John “Jon FX” Crawford while St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, native Dean Pond, who mixed the entire album, produced the track “One Day.”
Crawford, who has produced hits for the likes of Jamaican-American rapper Xxxtentacion, Gyptian and Sizzla among others, achieved Billboard success last year with his production of Sizzla’s “I’m Yours” album.
An elated Jahman is quite upbeat about his album making the Billboard chart. “I’m very excited to have earned my first Billboard charting album, yet I remain humbled,” he said. “I’m astonished and, to be truthful, words can’t explain how very happy and grateful I am at this point. It is truly a wonderful feeling.”
He spoke about the work put into the album in the last two years. “Extensive work went into the making of this album,” he said. “[We were] being very dedicated with consistency because it was over a two-year period, traveling back and forth from the Virgin Islands to where we were putting the music together. It was definitely a very strong commitment putting the album together from all parties.”
Jahman, whose real name is Jabari Carrington, has been performing for a while. However, “Altitude” seems to be the lucky charm in his career. He shared the inspiration behind the album. “To keep on creating good music that the whole world will enjoy and with a focus in making sure that the music that we create is not monotonous,” he said. “Making sure it’s vibrant, it’s sensual and definitely something for the ears that will stand the test of time – that is very important.”
“Altitude” is an organic blend of social and conscious songs mixed with matters of the heart. Among its tracks are “Call on Jah Mercy,” “Time to Show,” “Sometimes,” “This Girl,” “Unconquerable,” “Herbs,” “Scream and Shout,” “Control,” “One Day” and “Journey.” The title track features singer Ann Marie.
