KINGSTON, Jamaica – Though only 17 years-old in 1998, Houtea Horino Bailey was acquainted with the dynamics of the music business at a grassroots level.

Growing up in King Western, rural St Andrew, Houte (as he is known) was immersed in the area’s sound system scene as a deejay and selector. Then, he got a visit from his mother’s younger brother who encouraged the teenager to come to Kingston and work for him.

His uncle was none other than Buju Banton, who recruited Houte to work at the Gargamel Music Camp in Kingston 15 years ago.

His time at Buju’s studio prepared him for the challenges of the music business when he started Natty Power Records in Miami six years ago.

Houte has lived in South Florida for the past 10 years. His label has released a number of songs on catchy ‘riddims’ like the Raspberry, the Place and Thirteen Scroll.

The latter, Natty Power’s latest production, has songs such as Old Time Love by Twiggi and Determine’s A Child Is Born.

One of the lessons he learned in his eight years at Gargamel has become a hallmark of Natty Dread releases.

“We’re not in no rush to produce something that not well put together,” he said.

Rhinestone Cowboy, singer Ian Sweetness’ cover of Glen Campbell’s 1975 country hit, is Natty Power Records’ biggest success to date.

Released in 2013, Rhinestone Cowboy was popular throughout South Florida. Given the region’s laid-back nature, Houte admits it is difficult breaking songs there, compared to hip New York City.

“It is kind of slow, because not everyone is familiar with reggae music and dancehall in South Florida.”

Chyna Nicole’s His Majesty Completes Me, Cross My Heart by Ian Sweetness and Ed Robinson’s Retaliation, are some of the other songs on the Thirteen Scroll.

Howard Campbell