For hard-core dancehall fans in Atlanta, Blade Supnelse’s Tek Off and TWF were two of the hottest jam songs in late 2017 and last year. But the deejay wanted some street cred in Jamaica, so he stepped up his promotion there.

“Anybody will tell yuh, yuh could have the biggest song inna America, it need to solidify inna Jamaica. If the artiste don’t hot inna America, Jamaica not into it,” he said.

Tek Off and TWF were released two years ago, but Blade Supnelse credits consistent play at Jamaican hot spots, like Uptown Mondays and Day Rave Thursdays, for renewed interest in the songs. He considers them his strongest performers since he began his recording career eight years ago.

They earned him the Favourite Reggae Scene Artiste category at last Saturday’s Da Reggae Scene Awards in Atlanta.

In 2011, Blade Supnelse (real name: Chavanne Hyde) lived in New York City, home to one of the most active dancehall scenes. His first song, The Thirst is Real, was produced by LMR Productions, the label behind Kranium’s 2014 breakthrough hit, Nobody Has to Know.

Blade Supnelse is originally from the farming district of Lime Hall in St Ann. He migrated to the United States 10 years ago, and lay down roots in the Big Apple.

Though he was immersed in the competitive New York dancehall circuit, five years ago, he moved to Atlanta where he found an audience receptive to Jamaican music.

“It’s growing, there are a lot of clubs and parties. I think there’s a lot of hope for dancehall,” said Blade Supnelse.

Tek Off is produced by Offshore Productions, while TWF is co-produced by Offshore/3MP Productions. They bear the seal of Self-Employed Records, Blade Supnelse’s label.