HAVING performed and recorded on local soil, American R&B quartet Dru Hill say they feel quite at home in Jamaica.

The outfit last graced the island three years ago when they laid tracks at Geejam studio in rustic Portland.

“We know the ‘lay of the land’. We will be bringing that knowledge, plus what we do best to the stage in Montego Bay,” said Mark ‘Sisqó’ Andrews, the group’s showman, from their New York base. In addition to Sisqó, Dru Hill comprises Tamir ‘Nokio’ Ruffin, Larry ‘Jazz’ Anthony, and Antwuan ‘Tao’ Simpson. The act is one of the nine American acts booked for Soul in the Sun, set for the Aqueduct in Rose Hall, St James, from October 10-12.

“We always love Jamaica. Just everything about the country. Just the vibe. We really love it and can’t wait to get more of it,” said said Nokio.

Dru Hill gave an outstanding performance at the 1999 staging of Reggae Sumfest. Their hits Make a Promise, How Deep is Your Love, and In My Bed reasonated with their Jamaican fans.

“We’re gonna set the stage on fire. Call the fire department and bring lots of water cause it will be hot,” quipped Nokio.

Dru Hill’s self-titled debut album was certified gold in 1996. The group’s first single, Tell Me, was featured on the soundtrack to the Whoopi Goldberg film Eddie, and was a Top 5 R&B hit in the United States.

The album’s second single, In My Bed, was the group’s first Top 5 pop hit and first number 1 R&B hit. Jazz took the lead on the third single, Never Make a Promise, which became a second number 1 R&B hit.

“We are older and, in addition, we are a constant work in progress. We are evolving and always adapting our sound to fit the varied tastes of our audience.”

They say they’re open to recording with any Jamaican act who is willing to make great music.

“We have worked on shows with Beenie Man in the past, and we love his vibe and the way he works, but it’s pretty wide open at this time. We are looking to make the best music we can possibly do. So if the right Jamaican artiste comes our way, we would definitely do a collaboration,” said Sisqo.

Dru Hill’s albums include Enter the Dru (1998); Dru World Order (2002); and D.R.U. (2005) (Unreleased).