SINGER/songwriter Duane Stephenson is slated to release his 15-track album, Dangerously Roots, on September 23.

This is Stephenson’s third album. He released his debut August Town in 2007 followed by Black Gold in 2010.

He spoke about Dangerously Roots in an interview with the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

“The content is similar (to his previous sets) as I sing about the same topics. However, it is more hardcore in terms of the rhythm as more drum and bass are added to the roots-reggae beat,” he said.

Among the tracks on Dangerously Roots are a cover of Bunny Wailer’s Cool Runnings; Rastafari and Sorry Babylon.

The set also has collaborations with Tarrus Riley Ghetto Religion, Lutan Fyah House of Lies and I-Octane Julene.

Stephenson scored several hits from August Town including the title track, Ghetto Pain, Heaven Will Rise Up and Cottage in Negril, a cover of the Tyrone Taylor’ hit.

He says hits are never on his mind when recording.

“I always try never to get ahead of myself, I can never know where the songs will end up. One just cannot know which song(s) will be a favourite of the fans or be a chart-topper. All I can do is hope for the best,” Stephenson told the Observer.

Dangerously Roots has songs produced by Clive Hunt, Donovan Germain, Christopher Birch, Wynter James and Dean Fraser.

Stephenson is scheduled to perform on the Live in the City concert series this evening at CRU Bar and Kitchen in St Andrew.