IF You Love Reggae is the latest single from US-based deejay Red Fox. The single, produced by Musical Masquerade, was released yesterday to coincide with Reggae Month.

Red Fox shared the inspiration behind If You Love Reggae.

“The idea was brought to me by Musical Masquerade. Even though what I do is called dancehall, I would like to identify myself as a reggae artiste. I think we should market the word reggae more than the term dancehall, as dancehall is a place where people listen to reggae music. I also believe we should focus more on our culture which is what attracted people to the music in the first place. We must be able to stand out wherever we go.”

“On the song If You Love Reggae, the producer and myself wanted to show how much the world loves our music and culture. I have toured many countries throughout my career and reggae is the only music that I see bring together all people regardless of race, class or creed. We mostly sing about unity and love. Bob Marley’s One Love and Stand Up For You Rights are songs, which have affected people’s lives in a major way. I pray that we’ll keep the positive vibes going as this music is about life.”

Red Fox said reggae music has played an integral role in his life throughout the years.

“During a time of brainwash education, I was able to learn from the conscious artistes. They taught me about my black heritage, which has empowered me to move forward knowing the true value of myself,” Red Fox told the Jamaica Observer.

“I remember recently having a conversation with an Ethiopian girl. She came to a show I was doing in Minnesota. She told me when she was in the refugee camp it was my music that helped her. I also remember having another conversation with a fan from Chicago. He told me he remembered going through a tough time in his life which he listened to my first album, As A Matter of Fox, to help keep him going. Instances like these give meaning to my life.”

This is the third time Red Fox has worked with New York-based Musical Masquerade. They previously worked on No Other Like You (featuring Rayvon) and Muscle.

Red Fox (given name Gareth Shelton) was born in Kingston but grew up in Portmore, St Catherine. He attended St Catherine High. He migrated to New York as a teenager.

Among his better-known songs are Pose Off, Bashment Party, Down in Jamaica, Brooklyn Swing, and Dem a Murderer.