SINGER TruVice released his latest EP, Soaring, on June 15. The seven-song project is executive produced by Marcia Fearon, released on the Audiotraxx Production label and distributed by Zojak Worldwide.

Soaring is a mix of ballads and social commentary. “The songs on the EP are relatable and we wanted to reach a wide cross section of persons who appreciate good music,” TruVice told Splash.

Songs on the EP are Soul Rebel, Africa’s Call, Soaring High (featuring Prablem), One Step, Life, Love is Real and Run and Be Free.

TruVice (real name Adrian Williams) decided to pursue music professionally in 2012 while working in Trinidad and Tobago. Some of his earlier songs were produced by Kemar “Di-Kemys” Whittingham and Lamar Thompson.

“While I was working as a security guard, one of my co-workers played a dancehall rhythm and asked me to freestyle on it. Initially, I was not sure of what to say, but I made up something and everyone liked what they heard. At that moment I began to formulate rhymes and I decided to follow my passion,” he said.

Sun Shade sees the light in NY

Don’t You Be, title song of singer Sun Shade’s EP, is number 19 on the New York Reggae and South Florida Reggae charts.

The song entered the charts just over one month since the mini set was released by Tuff Gong International. It is a joint production between DubbStarr Studio and Sun Shade’s company, Jeanne Music.

Having lived in South Florida and New York before moving to the midwest, making two of reggae’s most influential charts is a shot in the arm for Sun Shade.

“It’s a very good feeling because I know how hard it is to accomplish anything in New York City, especially getting airplay. I am just thankful and feel blessed about that,” he said.

Sun Shade was born Melville Malcolm in Montego Bay. He has maintained a steady recording profile in the last five years with songs like Honey, Jah Love and a cover of Smoking Gun, originally done by American blues guitarist Robert Cray.

Challenger ‘Nah Bother With Dem’

For nearly 10 years, he was a member of New York reggae band Royalty. Now solo, singer Challenger is ready for big things with his latest single Nah Bodder Wit Dem.

Produced by Scrappy Da Rydhim God for Otis Riddim Records, it tackles youth delinquency.

“The song is a voice for the people who are crying out for a change in the communities that they reside in. It is an anti-violence song with that electrifying dancehall flavour to reach the masses with the hope of promoting positivity and upliftment,” Challenger explained.

Originally from Dominica, he relocated to Brooklyn, New York during his teens. Nah Bodder Wit Dem’s theme is consistent with his previous songs.

“I have always aspired to bring to the forefront the issues and problems of this world through my voice. So far, I am pleased with the reception to my work and I hope to continue on this path,” he said.

Nah Bodder Wit Dem has got some radio attention in Jamaica, especially from disc jockeys DJ Smurf and GT Taylor. ‘Street promoter’ Stampede Lammie has spearheaded the local promotion.

Even though he is from the Eastern Caribbean, Challenger (real name Floyd Challenger) was strongly influenced by reggae. In 2015, he released an EP titled Man is Just A Man which included the song Jah Walk With Me.

He is currently working on his solo debut album with producers such as Obanga Productionz, S D R G, Dirty Frequency, Otis Riddim Records, Andrew Robinson A.R.W.M Swiss/Jam Records and Izrah Music.