Singer Tarrus Riley has updated Heartbreak Anniversary, a 2020 release by American R&B singer Giveon.

“I loved the song and wanted to hear it in reggae style. As a songwriter myself, I know a great song when I hear it,” Riley explained in an interview with Observer Online.

He continued, “I honestly did this Heartbreak Anniversary song for fun and long to hear a reggae one drop tune. Covid vibes has set my pen on fire writing, recording and releasing lots of music.”

Heartbreak Anniversary was released on July 1. It was produced by Kareem Burrell and Dean Fraser for XTM Nation and Cannon Productions. The song’s accompanying video which was shot in Kingston, was directed by African Kydd. It is set for release today (July 2).

“It’s always an incredible experience working with Tarrus Riley as well as working collaboratively with Dean Fraser.  This production just came from Singy casually saying “Reems’ that tune ya bad, we coulda lovers rock it easily,” said Burrell.

Giveon’s original version of Heartbreak Anniversary was released in February 2020 and it became a sleeper hit, cracking charts in Asia, Europe and North America this year.

The song has so far peaked at number one in Singapore and Malaysia, number 35 in the United Kingdom, number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number 25 in Canada.

It has so far been certified gold in Australia, and platinum in the United States and New Zealand.

Last December, Giveon and girlfriend, singer and actress Justine Skye spent the Christmas holidays in Ocho Rios. Skye is of Jamaican parentage. 

Kevin Jackson