Vanclive Parris and Kirk “Knatural” Brown bring different backgrounds to the music business. Parris was a cricketer who played at the youth level for Jamaica; Brown has been a producer for over 10 years.

They share a passion for edgy rhythms and recently teamed to co-produce the Phenomenon, a throwback beat that will be released in January.

Released by the Dutty Fridaze and Knatural Entertainment labels, it has already spawned a hit song in Beauty Shop by singjay Tyrical.

Norris Man, Turbulence and Kiprich also have songs on the Phenomenon, which has a distinct sound from the contemporary dancehall rhythm.

“Everything live…everybody gone computer, but it can’t beat live,” said Brown. “When the thing live, it bring out the authenticity of the artiste an’ the production.”

Brown, who hails from the Fagan Avenue area of St Andrew, has been around music since the 1990s when he was part of Fagan Fraternity, a small label that produced early songs by Mavado.

Parris is the younger brother of singer Jackie Parris (of The Sensations) and older brother of cricketer Chris Gayle. A former off-spinner with Lucas and Kensington in the Senior Cup, he ventured into entertainment 15 years ago.

Promoter of the Dutty Fridaze show in Clarendon and Manchester, Parris and Gayle are co-owners of Parisville, a club in Manchester.

The Dutty Fridaze label has released several rhythms, including the Culu Culu which drove cricketer Dwayne Bravo’s hit song Champion.

Though not officially released, Beauty Shop has got some traction on social media. That augurs well for the Phenomenon going into the new year.

“It set things up beautifully fi di riddim. Di people want di one drop feel an’ wi sure all di songs will do well,” he said.

— Howard Campbell