INTERNATIONALLY recognised deejay Sean Paul has added the title producer to his list of musical accomplishments with the release of his rhythm, Blaze Fia.

According to a release from his publicists, Headline Entertainment, the Grammy award-winning Sean Paul had wanted to work behind the scenes as a producer since he began his career 16 years ago.

“It’s another part of my artistry,” the release quoted the multi-platinum-selling deejay who recently expanded his thirst for music by learning to play the guitar and drums.

Sean Paul had actually stepped out of the spotlight and behind the mixing board for his album Imperial Blaze which saw production work from Don Corleon, Coppershot, Craig ‘Leftside’ Parks, Jeremy Harding and Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor.

In fact, the single I Know You Like It from the set was produced by the deejay.

After that experience, he decided to work with other artistes, producing a number of rhythms from one-drop to hip-hop and countless fusions.

“For his first rhythm release, however, he decided to stick to his true love — dancehall,” Headline Entertainment said. “Blaze Fia is a hard-core, old school dancehall vibe which features 18 artistes from veteran in the business Bounty Killer to newcomers such as Chino, Liquid and more. According to Sean Paul, he realises that the rhythm is jam-packed with artistes, but he really wants to get his work out there.”

In addition to Sean Paul himself, Blaze Fia features Elephant Man, Mr Vegas, Busy Signal, Assassin aka Agent Sasco, Ce’Cile, Timberlee, Laden, Hallow Point, Suku (Ward 21), Wayne Marshall, Kip Rich, Future Fambo and Tarrus Riley.

Lugga Man and Chicken, original members of the Dutty Cup Crew, of which Sean Paul was a member, appear on the rhythm as well. This, the Headline news release said, brings Sean Paul full circle to his roots as he said, “I look back on the crew with a full heart”.

The artiste recently released the production to radio and sound systems, as well as to disc jockeys internationally and locally. Since then, it has been getting heavy spins on air.

The deejay has also received even more good news as his Gal A Bawl Out Fi More has been named by music critics as “one to watch for summer”.

Sean Paul, while recognising his status as a star, said he had his brother, Jigzagular’ Henriques, as well as Shaun Anderson — both of Coppershot Sound System — to thank for his success.

“Both listened to his original bathroom recordings nearly two decades ago when he practised his craft and now provide critical feedback for his productions,” the news release said, adding that songwriter/musician Nigel Staff offers technical expertise on the production as well.

“I can beat the groove, but the team give their technical expertise,” he said.

While Blaze Fia is just gaining traction on the airwaves Sean Paul has a new production well underway — his second rhythm, called Material.

That effort features Voicemail, Raine Seville, Nicky B, Leftside and Chi Ching Ching, Fambo, Trever off Key, Ce’Cile and Hallow Point, as well as a special collaboration with Sean Paul and Spragga Benz. Material is due out for release later this year.

In addition to producing other artistes, Sean Paul is now in the studio working on his next album. He’s worked with and continues to work with local producers, but for this album he has gone international to include tracks from Akon and the Europe-based Stargate Productions.

“There will be hip-hop influences, but the base remains dancehall,” he said.