Hopeton Lewis Jr is on a musical mission. Son of the late rocksteady pioneer Hopeton Lewis, he has extended the family’s musical roots with the establishment of three labels aimed at promoting the careers of up-and-coming musical artistes.

He explained his affinity with music.

“I was born into music as far back as I can remember; as a child there was always music around me. Growing up with my father in Montego Bay, there were always some of the great ska, rocksteady, reggae musicians and entertainers around him doing music. Persons including Pat Kelly, Phyllis Dillon, Delroy Wilson and others. So I was able to just soak it all up as a child and I fell in love with music,” said Lewis.

Lewis said he is honoured to be able to carry on the work of his father who passed away in 2014.

“Well, the choice was obvious, I had to. My father would always say to me when I was growing up that when he passes on, it will be my job and duty to carry on. So that’s what I am doing right now and I am honoured and proud to do so”.

Born and raised in Montego Bay, Lewis has been in the United States for a while now. He resided in Houston, Texas before relocating to Bronx, New York following the death of his father.

With his production now up and running, and overseeing the progress of three labels — Team Lewis 876, WWM Records and LIP — he is getting ready to launch his roster of acts.

“Most of the artistes are family members. They include Flawless Snypa, Stassia, Jah Bless, Chrizzy, Troy Damion, Soundview Kony, and Dray Voyahj,” he said.

The latest projects include the songs Dilly Dally by Jah Bless and High Grade by Flawless Snypa which are featured on the Jaoni rhythm. There is also a collaborative project featuring Lewis and his father called Like Father, Like Son, which is to be released within the next few months.

The 40-year-old Lewis, who once worked in the field of transportation logistics, is optimistic about changing the face of the musical game.

“We are about to change the game in the music by showcasing Jamaican artistes in different genres of music,” he said.

The Team Lewis 876 imprint will focus on reggae and soca music, while WWM Records takes care of rap and rhythm and blues. LIP will zone in on gospel music.